Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100172409 | LOW-COMPLEXITY TRANSFORMS FOR DATA COMPRESSION AND DECOMPRESSION - This disclosure describes the use of non-dyadic discrete cosine transform (DCT) sizes for performing a DCT. Similarly, this disclosure describes the use of non-dyadic inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) sizes for performing an IDCT. Using non-dyadic transform sizes may be less computationally expensive compared to using conventional dyadic transform sizes. Aspects of this disclosure may be useful in any device or system that performs a DCT or IDCT. | 07-08-2010 |
20100315696 | ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage. | 12-16-2010 |
20110096508 | LIGHT-BASED SEALING AND DEVICE PACKAGING - Systems and methods for manufacturing and packaging electronic devices with light absorptive thin film stacks are provided. In one embodiment, a light is applied to a light absorptive thin film stack disposed between a substrate and a backplate to seal the substrate to the backplate. In another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack includes a plurality of thin film layers. In yet another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack includes a spacer layer over a reflective layer and an absorber layer over the spacer layer. In still another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack is less than 200 nanometers thick. In yet a further embodiment, a light absorptive thin film stack is used to seal a substrate having glass, plastic, metal, or silicon to a backplate having glass, plastic, metal, or silicon. Thus, the light absorptive thin film stack is used to seal similar or dissimilar materials through a bonding process. | 04-28-2011 |
20110255143 | ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage. | 10-20-2011 |
20120044237 | ACTUATION AND CALIBRATION OF CHARGE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for actuating, charging and calibrating the charge on a movable electrode in electromechanical systems (EMS) devices. The electromechanical systems device can include a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap, a complementary electrode, at least one electrical contact, and a movable third electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. In one implementation, a method of calibrating charge on the movable electrode of the EMS device includes electrically connecting a complementary electrode to the first electrode to form a compound electrode and applying a calibration voltage across the compound electrode and the second electrode to produce a uniform electric field in the gap. Under the electric field the third electrode moves towards the first electrode until it connects with the at least one electrical contact. Once in contact with the electrical contact, an electrical charge on the third electrode can be changed and calibrated when the third electrode is in a second position. When a mechanical restorative force on the third electrode exceeds the electric force of the uniform electric field on the third electrode, the third electrode then moves to a third position. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044562 | ACTUATION AND CALIBRATION OF CHARGE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for actuating, charging and calibrating the charge on a movable electrode in electronic devices. The electronic device can include a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap, at least one electrical contact, and an electrically neutral movable third electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The third electrode can be charged by applying a charging actuation voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode to produce an electric field in the gap. Under the electric field, the electrically neutral third electrode can move towards the first electrode from a first position to a second position where it connects with the electrical contact. Once in contact with the electrical contact, an electric charge on the third electrode can be changed when the third electrode is in the second position. When a mechanical restorative force on the third electrode exceeds the force of the electric field on the third electrode, the third electrode moves to a third position. | 02-23-2012 |
20120162732 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR A HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAY WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATED MIRROR DISPLAY - The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for producing holographic displays using an electromechanical systems device. In one aspect, the method can be implemented to allow for simultaneous modulation of phase and amplitude of light in a display device composed of a plurality of pixels. A light source can provide sufficiently coherent light to a light guide, which can direct the light to a plurality of reflective members. The reflective members can reflect the light to a pinhole-lenslet array. The combination of the pinhole-lenslet array and the reflective members can act as a spatial light modulator, modulating the phase and amplitude of the light reflected by the reflective members. The lenslet can focus the light to a plane at the opening of the pinhole, wherein the light can exit the pinhole to be viewed in combination with light from additional pixels, and can be viewed as a holographic image. | 06-28-2012 |
20120170047 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A DISTANCE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for measuring a distance. In one aspect, the method includes actuating or releasing an interferometric modulator having a first surface and a second surface and measuring a distance between the first and second surfaces at a plurality of times during the actuation or release. In another aspect, the method includes illuminating, with a first laser beam having a first wavelength and with a second laser beam having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, an interferometric modulator having a distance between a first surface which is at least partially reflective and a second surface which is at least partially absorptive, measuring a first intensity of the first laser beam modulated by the interferometric modulator and a second intensity of the second laser beam modulated by the interferometric modulator, and determining the distance based on the measured intensities. | 07-05-2012 |
20120263388 | ROBUST FEATURE MATCHING FOR VISUAL SEARCH - Techniques are disclosed for performing robust feature matching for visual search. An apparatus comprising an interface and a feature matching unit may implement these techniques. The interface receives a query feature descriptor. The feature matching unit then computes a distance between a query feature descriptor and reference feature descriptors and determines a first group of the computed distances and a second group of the computed distances in accordance with a clustering algorithm, where this second group of computed distances comprises two or more of the computed distances. The feature matching unit then determines whether the query feature descriptor matches one of the reference feature descriptors associated with a smallest one of the computed distances based on the determined first group and second group of the computed distances. | 10-18-2012 |
20120281270 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ACHIEVING NON-CONTACTING WHITE STATE IN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing white light color output from an electromechanical systems (EMS) device with reduced likelihood of stiction. In one aspect, interferometric modulators are configured to provide a white color output while having a non-zero modulator gap dimension. Such a feature can reduce problems associated with zero modulator gap dimensions such as stiction. Various methodologies can be used to yield such a non-zero modulator gap and a white color output. In some implementations, for example, an optical element that introduced wavelength dependent phase shift is used. In some implementations this wavelength dependent phase shifting optical element includes a stack of color filters, a hologram, a diffraction grating, or layers of material having specific thicknesses and wavelength dependent indices of refraction. | 11-08-2012 |
20130039566 | CODING OF FEATURE LOCATION INFORMATION - Methods and devices for coding of feature locations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of coding feature location information of an image includes generating a hexagonal grid, where the hexagonal grid includes a plurality of hexagonal cells, quantizing feature locations of an image using the hexagonal grid, generating a histogram to record occurrences of feature locations in each hexagonal cell, and encoding the histogram in accordance with the occurrences of feature locations in each hexagonal cell. The method of encoding the histogram includes applying context information of neighboring hexagonal cells to encode information of a subsequent hexagonal cell to be encoded in the histogram, where the context information includes context information from first order neighbors and context information from second order neighbors of the subsequent hexagonal cell to be encoded. | 02-14-2013 |
20130135319 | INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR WITH DUAL ABSORBING LAYERS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to an electromechanical display device. In one aspect, an analog interferometric modulator includes a reflective display pixel having a reflector, and a movable first absorbing layer positionable at a distance d | 05-30-2013 |
20130135324 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DRIVING AN ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator. In one aspect, an electrode of a movable layer of the analog interferometric modulator may include a part for receiving a drive voltage, and an electrically isolated part. A voltage may be sensed from the electrically isolated part, and used to determine the position of the movable layer and/or provide feedback to the drive voltage. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135705 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DRIVING AN ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for accurately positioning a movable conductive layer of a reflective display element. In one aspect, an initial position of the movable conductive layer with respect to at least one or more fixed conductive layers is sensed. A charging voltage may be determined based at least in part on the initial position. The charging voltage may be applied to the movable conductive layer. | 05-30-2013 |
20130194653 | ANALOG IMOD HAVING A COLOR NOTCH FILTER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to an electromechanical display device. In one aspect, an analog interferometric modulator (AIMOD) includes a reflective display pixel having a movable reflective layer and a stationary absorber layer, the reflective layer and absorber layer defining a cavity therebetween. A color notch filter may be employed to produce an improved white state. In some implementations, the color notch filter is positioned on a side of the substrate opposite the absorber layer. In some other implementations, the color notch filter is positioned between the substrate and the movable reflective layer. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197793 | CALIBRATED HARDWARE SENSORS FOR ESTIMATING REAL-WORLD DISTANCES - In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for assisting a user in determining a real-world distance. Hardware-based sensors (e.g., present in a mobile electronic device) may allow for a fast low-power determination of distances. In one embodiment, one or more telemetry-related sensors may be incorporated into a device. For example, data detected by a frequently-calibrated integrated accelerometer may be used to determine a tilt of the device. A device height may be estimated based on empirical data or based on a time difference between a signal (e.g., a sonar signal) emitted towards the ground and a corresponding detected signal. A triangulation technique may use the estimated tilt and height to estimate other real-world distances (e.g., from the device to an endpoint or between endpoints). | 08-01-2013 |
20130201210 | VIRTUAL RULER - In some embodiments, first information indicative of an image of a scene is accessed. One or more reference features are detected, the reference features being associated with a reference object in the image. A transformation between an image space and a real-world space is determined based on the first information. Second information indicative of input from a user is accessed, the second information identifying an image-space distance in the image space corresponding to a real-world distance of interest in the real-world space. The real-world distance of interest is then estimated based on the second information and the determined transformation. | 08-08-2013 |
20130293523 | VOLTAGE BIASED PULL ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR WITH CHARGE INJECTION CONTROL - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for driving three-terminal electromechanical systems (EMS) devices. The driving systems and methods described herein include a switched capacitor charge injection circuit that is configured to isolate a single EMS device and transfer a desired amount of charge to the isolated device such that the device can be actuated to produce a desired optical, electrical or mechanical effect. The charge injection circuit can include an operational amplifier and can be connected such that the EMS device is placed in the feedback path of the operational amplifier. | 11-07-2013 |
20130293556 | APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR BASED ON PROGRAMMABLE MECHANICAL FORCES - Interferometric modulators may include a movable layer including both permanently anchored and programmable hinges. Unactuated programmable hinges may exert little or no force on the movable layer. When actuated, programmable hinges may exert a mechanical force on the movable layer in a direction approximately opposite to the direction of force exerted by the permanently anchored hinges. By increasing a voltage between the programmable hinges and an electrode, a progressive number of programmable hinges may be engaged. The mechanical force exerted on the movable layer by these hinges may change the relative position of the movable layer within an IMOD device. | 11-07-2013 |
20140009816 | ANNULUS SCATTERING DIFFUSER FOR REFLECTIVE DISPLAY - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for enhancing the brightness and/or contrast ratio of display devices. In one aspect, the display devices can include an annular diffuser that is configured to scatter light into a ring shaped region. The annular diffuser can include a plurality of axicon lenses or holographic features. The reflective display can include an annular diffuser to shift the direction along which most of the modulated light is scattered away from the direction along which light is specularly reflected by the display devices to reduce specular glare and enhance brightness and/or contrast ratio. | 01-09-2014 |
20140028405 | LOW POWER MICROFABRICATED ATOMIC CLOCK - A low power microfabricated atomic clock generates a Coherent Population Trapping resonance. An absorption cell is disposed within a resonator cavity of a Fabry-Perot (FP) resonator or an optical ring resonator to enhance a modulation term of a transmittance. A modulated laser source, external to the resonator, is configured to excite the resonator and the absorption cell with a laser beam passing therethrough. A detector then determines a frequency associated with the CPT resonance of laser light exiting the resonator, and a frequency controller is coupled to the detector to adjust the modulated laser source based on the determined frequency. First and second quarter wave plates are positioned adjacent to respective first and second sides of the resonator. | 01-30-2014 |
20140036343 | INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR WITH IMPROVED PRIMARY COLORS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to an electromechanical display device. In one aspect, an analog interferometric modulator includes a display pixel having a movable reflector, and a movable absorbing layer. The movable absorbing layer is positionable at a variable first distance from an electrode that is substantially transparent over a visible wavelength spectrum. The movable reflector is positionable at a variable second distance from the movable absorbing layer. Changing the first distance and the second distance changes a characteristic of light reflected from the display element. | 02-06-2014 |
20140071516 | ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage. | 03-13-2014 |
20140118360 | THINFILM STACKS FOR LIGHT MODULATING DISPLAYS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for absorption film stacks. In one aspect, the absorption film stack is an interferometric absorption film stack that, for a selected wavelength of light, reduces light reflected from a surface of the stack by setting up a standing wave within the stack of materials. In some implementations, an absorbing layer may be placed at the peak of the standing wave interference pattern. The absorbing layer can be implemented to absorb selected wavelengths of light and substantially reduce the amount of unwanted reflections. In some other implementations, a reflective surface may be formed on the surface of the stack opposite the absorbing layer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118829 | SEE THROUGH NEAR-EYE DISPLAY - The various embodiments include a near-eye display having a transmissive display and a diffractive micro-lens array. The transmissive display may be positioned relative to the diffractive micro-lens array so that the distance between the transmissive display and the diffractive micro-lens array is be approximately equal to focal length of the diffractive micro-lens array. The transmissive display may also be positioned relative to the diffractive micro-lens array so that a percentage of light emitted from the transmissive display is diffracted by the micro-lens array and collimated into focus on a retina of a human eye. The transmissive display may be further positioned relative to the diffractive micro-lens array so that light from a real world scene passes through transparent portions of the transmissive display and is diffracted by the micro-lens array out of focus of the human eye. | 05-01-2014 |
20140198128 | DYNAMIC ZONE PLATE AUGMENTED VISION EYEGLASSES - A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for modulating optics in a display are provided. An apparatus forms a plurality of zone plates in a liquid crystal using electric fields. Each zone plate has a center, and the centers are aligned along a first axis of the display. The apparatus moves the plurality of zone plates in a first direction along a second axis of the display different from the first axis of the display, while maintaining alignment of the centers of the plurality of zone plates along the first axis. Such movement is provided through repositioning of electric fields through the liquid crystal. | 07-17-2014 |
20140218786 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ACHIEVING NON-CONTACTING WHITE STATE IN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing white light color output from an electromechanical systems (EMS) device with reduced likelihood of stiction. In one aspect, interferometric modulators are configured to provide a white color output while having a non-zero modulator gap dimension. Such a feature can reduce problems associated with zero modulator gap dimensions such as stiction. Various methodologies can be used to yield such a non-zero modulator gap and a white color output. In some implementations, for example, an optical element that introduced wavelength dependent phase shift is used. In some implementations this wavelength dependent phase shifting optical element includes a stack of color filters, a hologram, a diffraction grating, or layers of material having specific thicknesses and wavelength dependent indices of refraction. | 08-07-2014 |
20140240072 | VERTICAL-COUPLING TRANSFORMER WITH AN AIR-GAP STRUCTURE - In a particular embodiment, a device includes a low-loss substrate, a first inductor structure, and an air-gap. The first inductor structure is between the low-loss substrate and a second inductor structure. The first inductor structure is aligned with the second inductor structure to form a transformer. The air-gap is between the first inductor structure and the second inductor structure. | 08-28-2014 |
20140251947 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIGHT INDUCED ETCHING OF GLASS SUBSTRATES IN THE FABRICATION OF ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS - A method of etching a glass substrate using an etchant that is reversibly activated to etch only in precise locations in which such etching is desired and is deactivated when outside of these locations. The method involves exposing a first side of the glass substrate to a mixture of chemical substances that includes a neutralized etchant that is photosensitive. The neutralized etchant is formed by reacting a neutralizer with an etchant. The method also includes transmitting light from a direction of a second side of the glass into the mixture of chemical substances. In response to exposure to this light, the etchant is reversibly released from a bond to the neutralizer to form the etchant on predetermined areas of the first side of the glass, wherein the predetermined areas are defined by the dimension of the light. | 09-11-2014 |
20140266494 | INTEGRATION OF A REPLICA CIRCUIT AND A TRANSFORMER ABOVE A DIELECTRIC SUBSTRATE - A particular device includes a replica circuit disposed above a dielectric substrate. The replica circuit includes a thin film transistor (TFT) configured to function as a variable capacitor or a variable resistor. The device further includes a transformer disposed above the dielectric substrate and coupled to the replica circuit. The transformer is configured facilitate an impedance match between the replica circuit and an antenna. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267443 | ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICE WITH SEGMENTED ELECTRODES - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for increasing a range of stable travel positions of a movable layer within electromechanical systems (EMS) devices. In one aspect, an electrically isolated floating electrode can be disposed between a driving electrode within a movable layer and a fixed electrode in order to increase a stable travel range of the movable layer. By segmenting the electrically isolated floating electrode into multiple isolated electrode segments, unbalanced charge accumulation in response to tilting of the movable layer can be constrained to further increase the stable travel range of the movable layer. | 09-18-2014 |
20150022876 | MULTI-STATE INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR WITH COLOR ATTENUATOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for multi-state interferometric modulator (MS-IMOD) implementations with an improved white-state color by incorporating an attenuator. The attenuator may be part of a mirror stack or part of an absorber stack. The attenuator may be capable of reducing the amount of green light reflected when the MS-IMOD is in a white state. The attenuator may include an absorber and/or a notch filter. In some implementations, the white color that is reflected when the MS-IMOD is in the white state may be substantially similar to that of CIE Standard Illuminant D65. | 01-22-2015 |
20150066427 | CALIBRATED HARDWARE SENSORS FOR ESTIMATING REAL-WORLD DISTANCES - In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for assisting a user in determining a real-world distance. Hardware-based sensors (e.g., present in a mobile electronic device) may allow for a fast low-power determination of distances. In one embodiment, one or more telemetry-related sensors may be incorporated into a device. For example, data detected by a frequently-calibrated integrated accelerometer may be used to determine a tilt of the device. A device height may be estimated based on empirical data or based on a time difference between a signal (e.g., a sonar signal) emitted towards the ground and a corresponding detected signal. A triangulation technique may use the estimated tilt and height to estimate other real-world distances (e.g., from the device to an endpoint or between endpoints). | 03-05-2015 |
20150070750 | OPTICAL FIBER ARRAY FOR ACHIEVING CONSTANT COLOR OFF-AXIS VIEWING - Some implementations described herein involve defining a viewing angle range, also referred to herein as a viewing cone. The viewing cone may be produced by an array of optical fibers on a display. The optical fiber array may include tapered optical fibers that are capable of increasing the amount of light transmitted through the optical fiber array. The optical fiber array may be a graded index optical fiber array, wherein the refractive index of the optical fiber cores varies along the axis of the optical fibers. | 03-12-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130114121 | MATCHING LAYER THIN-FILMS FOR AN ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS REFLECTIVE DISPLAY DEVICE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an electromechanical systems reflective display device. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems display device includes a reflective layer and an absorber layer. The absorber layer is spaced apart from the reflective layer to define a cavity between the absorber layer and the reflective layer. The absorber layer is capable of transmitting light into the cavity, absorbing light, and reflecting light, and includes a metal layer. A plurality of matching layers are on a surface of the absorber layer facing away from the cavity, the plurality of matching layers including a first matching layer disposed on the absorber layer and a second matching layer disposed on the first matching layer. | 05-09-2013 |
20130127694 | AMORPHOUS OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR THIN FILM TRANSISTOR FABRICATION METHOD - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for fabricating thin film transistor (TFT) devices. In one aspect, a substrate having a source area, a drain area, and a channel area is provided. Metal cations are implanted in the oxide semiconductor layer overlying the source area and the drain area of the substrate. The metal cation implantation forms a doped n-type oxide semiconductor in the oxide semiconductor layer overlying the source area and the drain area of the substrate. | 05-23-2013 |
20130158420 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYSIS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF VARIABLE PULSE-WIDTH SIGNALS WITH FINITE-RATES-OF-INNOVATION - Systems and methods are described herein for defining and parameterizing signals or system responses containing pulses of varying width. The parameters may define the signal and therefore can be equated to a compressed version of the original signal. Storage of the parameters as a compressed version of the signal requires less storage space, making storage of signals more memory efficient | 06-20-2013 |
20130265216 | MULTI-STATE IMOD WITH RGB ABSORBERS - A display apparatus may include a multi-state IMOD, such as an analog IMOD (AIMOD), a 3-state IMOD (such as having a white state, a black state and one colored state) or a 5-state IMOD (such as having a white state, a black state and three colored states). The multi-state IMOD may include a movable reflective layer and an absorber stack. The absorber stack may include a first absorber layer having a first absorption coefficient and a first absorption peak at a first wavelength, a second absorber layer having a second absorption coefficient and a second absorption peak at a second wavelength, and a third absorber layer having a third absorption coefficient and a third absorption peak at a third wavelength. The first, second and third absorption layers may have absorption levels that drop to nearly zero at the center of each neighboring absorber layer's absorption peak. | 10-10-2013 |
20130293519 | GREY SCALE ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DISPLAY DEVICE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an electromechanical systems display device. In one aspect, a grey scale electromechanical systems display device may include a reflector assembly disposed on a support dielectric layer, a substrate, and an absorber assembly. The absorber assembly may include a metal layer. The absorber assembly may be configured to move to a first position defining a first cavity between the absorber assembly and the substrate such that the device reflects a white light. The absorber assembly also may be configured to move to a second position defining a second cavity between the absorber assembly and the reflector assembly such that the device substantially does not reflect light. | 11-07-2013 |
20130308852 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROBUST ESTIMATION OF COLOR DEPENDENT MEASUREMENTS - Methods, devices, and computer program products for robust estimation of color-dependent measurements are described herein. In one aspect, a method for generating a reference color grid that may be placed beside a color-dependent measuring device is disclosed. The reference color grid may contain a number of colors which enable a mapping from the color space of a testing device to a reference color space. This mapping may allow a function that is able to determine an estimate of a color-dependent measurement based on a color in the reference color space to be used. In another aspect, a method for robust estimation of color-dependent measurement using a reference color guide is disclosed. | 11-21-2013 |
20140027758 | MULTI-GATE THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR - This disclosure provides implementations of multi-gate transistors, structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a device includes a thin-film semiconducting layer arranged over a substrate. A drain and source are coupled to the semiconducting layer. The device also includes first, second and third gates all arranged adjacent the semiconducting layer and configured to receive first, second, and third control signals, respectively. Dielectric layers insulate the gates from the semiconducting layer and from one another. In a first mode, the first, second, and third gates are configured such that charge is stored in a potential well in a region of the semiconducting layer adjacent the second gate. In a second mode, the first, second and third gate electrodes are configured such that the stored charge is transferred through the region of the semiconducting layer adjacent the third gate electrode and through the source to a load. | 01-30-2014 |
20140036340 | THIN FILM STACK WITH SURFACE-CONDITIONING BUFFER LAYERS AND RELATED METHODS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a thin film stack with surface-conditioning buffer layers. In one aspect, the thin film stack includes a plurality of thin film layers each having a thickness greater than about 10 nm and a plurality of surface-conditioning buffer layers each having a thickness between about 1 nm and about 10 nm. The surface-conditioning buffer layers are alternatingly disposed between the thin film layers. Each of the surface-conditioning buffer layers are formed with the same or substantially the same thickness and composition. In some implementations, the surface-conditioning buffer layers are formed by atomic layer deposition. | 02-06-2014 |
20140114616 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARAMETERIZING SIGNALS WITH FINITE-RATES-OF-INNOVATION - Systems and methods are described herein for defining and parameterizing signals or system responses with finite rate of innovation (FRI) signal processing. A delta-sigma modulator is used at a low sampling rate to digitize an analog signal for FRI processing. This allows for reduced or eliminated analog pre-filtering while still utilizing low sample rates for an overall reduction in circuit size and power dissipation over conventional FRI signal acquisition techniques. | 04-24-2014 |
20140118428 | ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DISPLAY DEVICE INCLUDING A MOVABLE ABSORBER AND A MOVABLE REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for an analog or multistate electromechanical systems display devices including movable absorber together with a movable reflective layers. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems display device may include a movable reflector assembly and a movable absorber assembly. The absorber assembly may be disposed between the reflector assembly and a substrate. The absorber assembly may be configured to move to an absorber white state position proximate the reflector assembly and defining a first gap when the reflector assembly is in a reflector white/black position. The absorber assembly may be configured to move to a closed position closer to the substrate, defining a second gap, when the reflector assembly is in the reflector white/black position. The reflector assembly may be configured to move from the reflector white/black position to increase a height of the second gap when the absorber assembly is in the closed position. | 05-01-2014 |
20140125707 | COLOR PERFORMANCE AND IMAGE QUALITY USING FIELD SEQUENTIAL COLOR (FSC) TOGETHER WITH SINGLE-MIRROR IMODS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for applying field-sequential color (FSC) methods to displays that include single-mirror interferometric modulators (IMODs), which may be multi-state IMODs or analog IMODs. In one aspect, grayscale levels may be provided by varying a mirror/absorber gap height between black and white states. In other implementations, grayscale levels may be obtained by varying the gap height between the black state and second-order color peaks. | 05-08-2014 |
20140132756 | REAL-TIME COMPENSATION FOR BLUE SHIFT OF ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DISPLAY DEVICES - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to electromechanical systems display devices. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a display assembly, a sensor, and a processor. The display assembly may include an array of electromechanical systems display devices. The sensor may be configured to provide a signal indicative of an illumination angle, a viewing angle, or both, with respect to a line perpendicular to the display assembly. The processor may be configured to receive the signal from the sensor, to determine the illumination angle and/or viewing angle, and to process image data to compensate for the determined illumination angle and/or viewing angle. In one implementation, the image data is processed to compensate for a shift in a wavelength of light reflected from at least one of the electromechanical systems display devices that would have occurred as a result of a non-normal illumination and/or viewing angle. | 05-15-2014 |
20140210835 | METAL OXIDE LAYER COMPOSITION CONTROL BY ATOMIC LAYER DEPOSITION FOR THIN FILM TRANSISTOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a thin film transistor (TFT) device on a substrate. In one aspect, the TFT device includes a gate electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer, and a gate insulator between the gate electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer. The oxide semiconductor layer includes at least two metal oxides, with the two metal oxides having a varying concentration relative to one another between a lower surface and an upper surface of the oxide semiconductor layer. The TFT device also includes a source metal adjacent to a portion of the oxide semiconductor layer and a drain metal adjacent to another portion of the oxide semiconductor layer. The composition of the oxide semiconductor layer can be precisely controlled by a sequential deposition technique using atomic layer deposition (ALD). | 07-31-2014 |
20140218784 | MATCHING LAYER THIN-FILMS FOR AN ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS REFLECTIVE DISPLAY DEVICE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an electromechanical systems reflective display device. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems display device includes a reflective layer and an absorber layer. The absorber layer is spaced apart from the reflective layer to define a cavity between the absorber layer and the reflective layer. The absorber layer is capable of transmitting light into the cavity, absorbing light, and reflecting light, and includes a metal layer. A plurality of matching layers are on a surface of the absorber layer facing away from the cavity, the plurality of matching layers including a first matching layer disposed on the absorber layer and a second matching layer disposed on the first matching layer. | 08-07-2014 |
20140240813 | ANNULUS SCATTERING DIFFUSER FOR DISPLAY WITH REFLECTIVE SURFACE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for enhancing the brightness and/or contrast ratio of display devices. In one aspect, the display devices can include an annular diffuser that is configured to scatter light into a ring shaped region. The annular diffuser can include a plurality of axicon lenses or holographic features. The reflective display can include an annular diffuser to shift the direction along which most of the modulated light is scattered away from the direction along which light is specularly reflected by the display devices to reduce specular glare and enhance brightness and/or contrast ratio. | 08-28-2014 |
20140267197 | COLOR PERFORMANCE OF IMODS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and controlling single-mirror interferometric modulators (IMODs), which may be multi-state IMODs or analog IMODs. In one aspect, a movable reflector stack or an absorber stack of an IMOD may include at least one protrusion that is configured to cause the movable reflector stack to be tilted relative to the absorber layer when the movable reflector stack is moved close to the absorber stack. The protrusion may be configured to cause color averaging when the IMOD is in a white state. The absorber stack may include an absorber layer having a lower extinction coefficient value at a red wavelength and a higher extinction coefficient value at a blue wavelength. | 09-18-2014 |
20140300946 | ANALOG IMOD HAVING A COLOR NOTCH FILTER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to an electromechanical display device. In one aspect, an analog interferometric modulator (AIMOD) includes a reflective display pixel having a movable reflective layer and a stationary absorber layer, the reflective layer and absorber layer defining a cavity therebetween. A color notch filter may be employed to produce an improved white state. In some implementations, the color notch filter is positioned on a side of the substrate opposite the absorber layer. In some other implementations, the color notch filter is positioned between the substrate and the movable reflective layer. | 10-09-2014 |
20140354655 | REDUCING FLOATING NODE LEAKAGE CURRENT WITH A FEEDBACK TRANSISTOR - This disclosure provides circuits and methods for reducing sub-threshold leakage currents discharging floating nodes. In one aspect, feedback from a floating node is provided to a feedback transistor configured to bias other nodes such that leakage through turned-off transistors is reduced. Additionally, leakage contributing to static power consumption may also be reduced. | 12-04-2014 |
20150070320 | PHOTOCONDUCTIVE OPTICAL TOUCH - An optical touch sensor may include traces of photoconductive material formed on a substantially transparent substrate. Each photoconductive trace may be capable of responding to an incident light intensity increase on a portion of the photoconductive trace by increasing the number of charged carriers, thereby raising the electrical conductivity of that portion of the photoconductive trace. An incident light intensity decrease on a portion of the photoconductive trace will lower the electrical conductivity of that portion of the photoconductive trace. The corresponding changes in voltage may be measured by circuits that include conductive traces formed substantially perpendicular to, and configured for electrical connection with, the traces of photoconductive material. A diode (such as a Schottky diode) may be formed at the electrical connections between the conductive traces and the photoconductive traces. | 03-12-2015 |
20150070323 | DISPLAY-TO-DISPLAY DATA TRANSMISSION - A display device may include a display, an optical touch system proximate the display and a control system. The control system may be capable of receiving input for initiating a peer-to-peer data transfer and of performing an authentication process for the peer-to-peer data transfer. The authentication process may involve obtaining fingerprint images via the optical touch system. The display device may provide a prompt to position the display device proximate a second device, e.g., with the display adjacent to a display of the second device. The display may display data transfer parameters for the peer-to-peer data transfer. The optical touch system may receive a confirmation that the second device received the data transfer parameters. The peer-to-peer data transfer may be performed, at least in part, by an array of optical transceivers. | 03-12-2015 |
20150071648 | DISPLAY-TO-DISPLAY DATA TRANSMISSION - A display device may include a display, an optical touch system proximate the display and a control system. The control system may be capable of receiving input for initiating a peer-to-peer data transfer and of performing an authentication process for the peer-to-peer data transfer. The authentication process may involve obtaining fingerprint images via the optical touch system. The display device may provide a prompt to position the display device proximate a second device, e.g., with the display adjacent to a display of the second device. The display may display data transfer parameters for the peer-to-peer data transfer. The optical touch system may receive a confirmation that the second device received the data transfer parameters. The peer-to-peer data transfer may be performed, at least in part, by an array of optical transceivers. | 03-12-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130066341 | INDEPENDENT GRIPPER - The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues. | 03-14-2013 |
20130066342 | GRIPPER PUSHER MECHANISM FOR TISSUE APPOSITION SYSTEMS - The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues. | 03-14-2013 |
20140207161 | GRIPPER PUSHER MECHANISM FOR TISSUE APPOSITION SYSTEMS - The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues. | 07-24-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110249889 | STEREOSCOPIC IMAGE PAIR ALIGNMENT APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein operate to produce an image alignment shift vector used to shift left and right image portions of a stereoscopic image with respect to each other in order to reduce or eliminate undesirable horizontal and vertical disparity components. Vertical and horizontal projections of luminance value aggregations from selected left and right image pixel blocks are correlated to derive vertical and horizontal components of a disparity vector corresponding to each left/right pixel block pair. Disparity vectors corresponding to multiple image blocks are algebraically combined to yield the image alignment shift vector. The left and/or right images are then shifted in proportion to the magnitude of the image alignment shift vector at an angle corresponding to that of the image alignment shift vector. | 10-13-2011 |
20110279651 | Method and Apparatus for Auto-Convergence Based on Auto-Focus Point for Stereoscopic Frame - A method and apparatus for performing auto-convergence on a frame of a stereoscopic image or video based on at least one auto-focus point. The method includes retrieving a location of focus points from the image, estimating the disparity of focus points in the image, determining the disparity of the frame for the stereoscopic image or video, and shifting the frame to automatically adjust the convergence of the fame for the stereoscopic image or video. | 11-17-2011 |
20120007819 | Automatic Convergence Based on Touchscreen Input for Stereoscopic Imaging - A method is provided that includes receiving coordinates of a touch point on a touchscreen, wherein the touch point indicates a user-selected convergence point, and converging a stereoscopic image at the user-selected convergence point based on the touch point coordinates. | 01-12-2012 |
20120008856 | Automatic Convergence Based on Face Detection for Stereoscopic Imaging - A method for automatic convergence of stereoscopic images is provided that includes receiving a stereoscopic image, selecting a face detected in the stereoscopic image, and shifting at least one of a left image in the stereoscopic image and a right image in the stereoscopic image horizontally, wherein horizontal disparity between the selected face in the left image and the selected face in the right image before the shifting is reduced. In some embodiments, the horizontal disparity is reduced to zero | 01-12-2012 |
20120063669 | Automatic Convergence of Stereoscopic Images Based on Disparity Maps - A method for automatic convergence of stereoscopic images is provided that includes receiving a stereoscopic image, generating a disparity map comprising a plurality of blocks for the stereoscopic image, clustering the plurality of blocks into a plurality of clusters based on disparities of the blocks, selecting a cluster of the plurality of clusters with a smallest disparity as a foreground cluster, determining a first shift amount and a first shift direction and a second shift amount and a second shift direction based on the smallest disparity, and shifting a left image in the stereoscopic image in the first shift direction by the first shift amount and a right image in the stereoscopic image in the second shift direction by the second shift amount, wherein the smallest disparity is reduced. | 03-15-2012 |
20130009949 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR RE-CONVERGENCE OF A STEREOSCOPIC IMAGE - First and second views of a stereoscopic image are received. A first portion of the stereoscopic image is located at a first coordinate that is equal within the first and second views. For displaying enlarged versions of the first and second views, at least one of the first and second views is shifted, so that a second portion of the stereoscopic image is located at a second coordinate that is equal within the enlarged versions. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010055 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CODING A SEREOSCOPIC NETWORK - In response to a stereoscopic image of first and second views, a maximum positive disparity is computed between the first and second views, and a minimum negative disparity is computed between the first and second views. Within a bit stream, at least the stereoscopic image, the maximum positive disparity, and the minimum negative disparity are encoded. | 01-10-2013 |
20130010069 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR WIRELESSLY CONNECTING A DEVICE TO A NETWORK - From a bit stream, at least the following are decoded: a stereoscopic image of first and second views; a maximum positive disparity between the first and second views; and a minimum negative disparity between the first and second views. In response to the maximum positive disparity violating a limit on positive disparity, a convergence plane of the stereoscopic image is adjusted to comply with the limit on positive disparity. In response to the minimum negative disparity violating a limit on negative disparity, the convergence plane is adjusted to comply with the limit on negative disparity. | 01-10-2013 |
20130028582 | Stereoscopic Auto-Focus Based on Coordinated Lens Positions - Methods for automatic focus in a stereographic imaging device that includes two imaging sensor systems are provided. Focus searches are executed on both imaging sensor systems to determine optimal focused lens positions for each. The focus searches may be executed currently or sequentially, and may be at differing lens position granularities. Focal scores and spatial locations, i.e., the locations of focus regions, may be shared between the imaging sensor systems to coordinate the focus searches. Touchscreen coordinates may also be used to coordinate the focus searches. | 01-31-2013 |
20130114895 | Joint Color Channel Image Noise Filtering and Edge Enhancement in the Bayer Domain - A method for image noise filtering is provided that includes receiving a Bayer domain image with four color channels, generating a hierarchical representation of the four color channels comprising a set of coefficient arrays at each level of the hierarchical representation, modifying the coefficient arrays of the color channels jointly to remove noise, and generating a noise filtered and edge enhanced Bayer domain image based on the jointly modified coefficient arrays. | 05-09-2013 |
20130278779 | AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION - An automatic calibration method for a projector-camera system including a semi-transparent screen is disclosed herein. An image sequence is caused to be captured from the semi-transparent screen and through the semi-transparent screen while a calibration pattern having features is displayed and not displayed in an alternating succession on the semi-transparent screen. A temporal correlation image is created from the image sequence and a discrete binary signal. Peaks are identified in a spatial cross correlation image generated from the temporal correlation image, where a pattern of the identified peaks corresponds to a pattern of the features in the calibration pattern. The peaks are transformed to coordinates of corrected feature points. A comparison of the corrected feature points and a ground truth set of coordinates for the features is used to determine whether the projector-camera system is calibrated. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278844 | DISPLAY-CAMERA SYSTEMS - A display-camera system includes a liquid crystal panel having a screen side and a back side that is opposed to the screen side. A visible light camera is positioned a first spaced distance from the back side such that a field of view of the camera encompasses all or a fraction of an area of the liquid crystal panel. A visible light source is positioned a second spaced distance from the back side and outside of the field of view of the camera. A diffuser is positioned between the visible light source and the back side. | 10-24-2013 |
20130321686 | DISPLAY-CAMERA SYSTEM WITH SWITCHABLE DIFFUSER - A display-camera system includes a liquid crystal display panel, a camera, a switchable diffuser disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the camera, a light source, and a control unit to switch the liquid crystal display panel and the switchable diffuser to transparent, to switch the light source to off, and to cause the camera to capture an image through the liquid crystal display panel and the switchable diffuser while the liquid crystal display panel and the switchable diffuser are transparent and the light source is off. | 12-05-2013 |
20140169666 | Creating a blended image - Methods and systems are disclosed for creating a blended image by receiving an overlay image frame in a device ( | 06-19-2014 |
20140211035 | DETERMINING A DEVICE IDENTIFIER FROM A LIGHT SIGNAL EMITTED BY A DEVICE - A method performed by a processing system includes determining device identifier corresponding to a device from a series of captured images that include a light signal emitted by the device. | 07-31-2014 |
20150035820 | 3D MODELING MOTION PARAMETERS - According to an example, 3D modeling motion parameters may be simultaneously determined for video frames according to different first and second motion estimation techniques. In response to detecting a failure of the first motion estimation technique, the 3D modeling motion parameters determined according to the second motion estimation technique may be used to re-determine the 3D modeling motion parameters according to the first motion estimation technique. | 02-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130013806 | EFFICIENT RENDEZVOUS FOR DISTRIBUTED MESSAGES IN FREQUENCY-HOPPING COMMUNICATION NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a rendezvous request message is generated (e.g., by a sender) that specifies a channel C and a rendezvous time T for which a distributed message is to be transmitted in a frequency-hopping computer network. The rendezvous request message is then transmitted on one or more channels used in the computer network based on reaching a plurality of intended recipients of the distributed message with the rendezvous request message prior to rendezvous time T. Accordingly, the distributed message is then transmitted on channel C at rendezvous time T. In another embodiment, a device receives a rendezvous request message, and in response to determining to honor the rendezvous request message, listens for the distributed message on channel C at rendezvous time T. | 01-10-2013 |
20130016757 | TIMING RE-SYNCHRONIZATION WITH REDUCED COMMUNICATION ENERGY IN FREQUENCY HOPPING COMMUNICATION NETWORKSAANM Hui; Jonathan W.AACI Foster CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hui; Jonathan W. Foster City CA USAANM Woo; Lik Chuen AlecAACI Union CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Woo; Lik Chuen Alec Union City CA USAANM Hong; WeiAACI BerkeleyAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hong; Wei Berkeley CA US - In one embodiment, a battery-operated communication device “quick-samples” a frequency hopping sequence at a periodic rate corresponding to a substantially low duty cycle, and is discovered by (e.g., attached to) a main-powered communication device. During a scheduled sample, the main-powered communication device transmits a control packet to be received by the battery-operated communication device, the control packet containing timing information and transmitted to account for worst-case clock drift error between the two devices. The battery-operated communication device responds to the control packet with a link-layer acknowledgment containing timing information from the battery-operated communication device. Accordingly, the two devices may re-synchronize their timing based on the timing information in the control packet and acknowledgment, respectively. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016758 | OVERLAYING INDEPENDENT UNICAST FREQUENCY HOPPING SCHEDULES WITH A COMMON BROADCAST SCHEDULEAANM Hui; Jonathan W.AACI Foster CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hui; Jonathan W. Foster City CA USAANM Hong; WeiAACI BerkeleyAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hong; Wei Berkeley CA USAANM Woo; Lik Chuen AlecAACI Union CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Woo; Lik Chuen Alec Union City CA US - In one embodiment, each device in a frequency hopping communication network independently determines its own local unicast listening schedule, and discovers a neighbor unicast listening schedule for each of its neighbors. The devices also synchronize to a common broadcast schedule for the network that simultaneously overlays a configured portion of all unicast listening schedules in the network. Accordingly, the device operate in a receive mode according to their local unicast listening schedule and the common broadcast schedule during the overlaid configured portion, and in a transmit mode according to each neighbor unicast listening schedule and the common broadcast schedule during the overlaid configured portion depending upon a destination of transmitted traffic. | 01-17-2013 |
20130016759 | POWER CONSERVATION AND LATENCY MINIMIZATION IN FREQUENCY HOPPING COMMUNICATION NETWORKSAANM Hui; Jonathan W.AACI Foster CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hui; Jonathan W. Foster City CA USAANM Hong; WeiAACI BerkeleyAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hong; Wei Berkeley CA USAANM Woo; Lik Chuen AlecAACI Union CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Woo; Lik Chuen Alec Union City CA US - In one embodiment, a communication device samples a particular frequency hopping sequence during only a particular specified sub-timeslot of a timeslot. If a transmission energy is not detected during the specified sub-timeslot, the device turns off its receiver for a remainder of the timeslot. Otherwise, it continues to sample the particular frequency hopping sequence for at least one or more additional sub-timeslots of the remainder of the timeslot. In another embodiment, a communication device determines whether a neighboring communication device is operating in a first mode or a second mode. If in the second mode, it transmits a transmission to the neighboring communication device starting at any sub-timeslot of the plurality of sub-timeslots. If in the first mode, it transmits the transmission to the neighboring communication device while ensuring that the transmission is actively energized during a particular specified sub-timeslot. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018993 | EFFICIENT USE OF DYNAMIC HOST CONFIGURATION PROTOCOL IN LOW POWER AND LOSSY NETWORKSAANM Hui; Jonathan W.AACI Foster CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hui; Jonathan W. Foster City CA USAANM Woo; Lik Chuen AlecAACI Union CityAAST CAAACO USAAGP Woo; Lik Chuen Alec Union City CA USAANM Hong; WeiAACI BerkeleyAAST CAAACO USAAGP Hong; Wei Berkeley CA US - In one embodiment, each of a plurality of devices in a computer network is configured to i) transmit a unicasted dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) solicit message to a neighbor device having a route to a border router as an assumed DHCP relay without regard to location of a DHCP server, and ii) operate as a DHCP relay to receive unicasted DHCP solicit messages and relay the solicit message to the border router of the network without regard to location of the DHCP server, and to relay a DHCP reply to a corresponding requestor device. | 01-17-2013 |
20130028103 | LINK RELIABILITY METRICS IN COMMUNICATION NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a transmitter in a communication network receives an indication of active transmission times of a receiver to which the transmitter attempts to reach with first transmissions, the active transmission times indicating respective times of second transmissions initiated by the receiver. Based on determining when the first transmissions occur, the transmitter may then compute a link reliability metric for a link from the transmitter to the receiver by excluding one or more of the first transmissions from the indicated active transmission times of the second transmissions. In one embodiment, the active transmission times are in the past and the reliability metric excludes any first transmissions in the past during those times, while in another embodiment the active transmission times are scheduled in the future and the reliability metric does not include any first transmissions since the first transmissions may be scheduled to avoid the active transmission times. | 01-31-2013 |
20130028295 | COLLECTING POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS IN A FREQUENCY HOPPING COMMUNICATION NETWORK - In one embodiment, a device in a frequency hopping communication network operate in a first mode according to a common broadcast schedule for the network that simultaneously overlays a first configured portion of all independently determined unicast listening schedules in the network. In response to determining a power outage condition, the device switches to operation in a power outage mode where the common broadcast schedule for the network in the power outage mode simultaneously overlays a second configured portion of all independently determined unicast listening schedules in the network, the second configured portion greater than the first configured portion. In one embodiment, the device broadcasts one or more power outage notifications (PONs) in response to determining the power outage condition as a reduction of a main power supply at the device. In another embodiment, the device receives a PON while powered as the power outage condition. | 01-31-2013 |
20130036305 | Group Key Management and Authentication Schemes for Mesh Networks - According to one embodiment, techniques are provided to enable secure communication among devices in a mesh network using a group temporal key. An authenticator device associated with a mesh network stores a pairwise master key for each of a plurality of devices in a mesh network upon authentication of the respective devices. Using the pairwise master key, the authenticator device initiates a handshake procedure with a particular device in the mesh network to mutually derive a pairwise temporal key from the pairwise master key. The authenticator device encrypts and signs a group temporal key using the pairwise temporal key for the particular device and sends the group temporal key encrypted and signed with the pairwise temporal key to the particular device. | 02-07-2013 |
20130042301 | Authentication Control In Low-Power Lossy Networks - Techniques are provided for the controlled scheduling of the authentication of devices in a lossy network, such as a mesh network. An authenticator device that is configured to authenticate devices in a lossy network receives an authentication start message from a particular device to be authenticated. The authenticator device determines a schedule for engaging in an authentication procedure for the particular device based on an indication of current network utilization. | 02-14-2013 |
20130094536 | EFFICIENT NETWORK DISCOVERY IN FREQUENCY HOPPING NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a device in a frequency hopping communication network transmits responsive beacon messages based on adaptive types of responsive beacon message transmission based on a number of received beacon requests within a given time period: the number below a threshold results in synchronized unicast messages; the number above the threshold results in unsynchronized broadcast messages. In another embodiment, the device suppresses unsolicited beacon message transmission based on a density-aware redundancy count of other unsolicited beacon message transmissions from neighboring devices. In another embodiment, the device may transmit unsolicited beacon messages according to an adaptive interval based on stability of the network. In another embodiment, the device may suppress transmission of a beacon request to join the communication network based on a density-aware redundancy count of other beacon requests from neighboring devices, and transmits beacon requests at an adaptive interval that increases in response to each unanswered beacon request. | 04-18-2013 |
20130250866 | FULL-DUPLEX CAPACITY ALLOCATION FOR OFDM-BASED COMMUNICATION - In one embodiment, device determines a quantity of subcarriers available for data frame transmission and data frame receipt based on information included in an acknowledgement data frame. The device transmits a first data frame over at least one of the subcarriers and includes information associated with one or more additional data frames pending transmission. The device then receives a second data frame, subsequent to transmission of the first data frame, and determines a quantity of subcarriers available for transmission of the one or more additional data frames pending transmission based on the information included in the second data frame. | 09-26-2013 |
20130250953 | ALLOWING A SINGLE TRANSMITTER TO TRANSMIT MULTIPLE DATA FRAMES IN OFDM COMMUNICATION NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a transmitting device may determine a first data frame to a first destination and a second data frame to a second destination, and may assign subcarriers in a non-overlapping arrangement to the first and second data frames. Once assigned, the transmitting device may augment a transmission physical (PHY) header with a destination and tone map tuple for each of the first and second destinations, and transmits the transmission with the first and second data frames simultaneously on the assigned subcarriers. | 09-26-2013 |
20130250969 | OPTIMIZING THROUGHPUT OF DATA FRAMES IN ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISION MULTIPLEXING (OFDM) COMMUNICATION NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a device maintains a predetermined number of high-priority subcarriers for use in communicating high-priority data frames and a predetermined number of low-priority subcarriers for use in communicating low-priority data frames. A data frame is received and a data frame priority is determined for the data frame. If the data frame is determined to be a low-priority data frame, a minimum number of subcarriers, from the low-priority subcarriers, required for communication of the data frame is determined and the data frame is communicated using the minimum number of subcarriers. If the data frame is determined to be a high-priority data frame, a maximum number of subcarriers available, including the high-priority subcarriers and the low-priority subcarriers, is determined and the data frame is communicated using the maximum number of subcarriers. | 09-26-2013 |
20130251053 | REDUCING THE IMPACT OF SUBCARRIER QUALITY EVALUATION - In one embodiment, a device may select, based on an optimal tone map, a particular subcarrier for use when transmitting a data frame, the data frame to serve as a tone map request (TMREQ). The device may then populate one or more unused quality subcarriers of the TMREQ data frame other than the particular subcarrier with a well-known bit sequence, and transmits the TMREQ data frame to a receiving device to cause the receiving device to evaluate transmission quality of the one or more unused quality subcarriers based on the well-known bit sequence. | 09-26-2013 |
20130251054 | DYNAMIC SUBCARRIER UTILIZATION AND INTELLIGENT TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING - In one embodiment, a transmitting device monitors transmission activity of each of a plurality of subcarriers in a communication network, and determines a set of unutilized subcarriers of the plurality of subcarriers. As such, the transmitting device may then transmit a data frame on one or more of the unutilized subcarriers to a receiving device while transmission activity is present on one or more utilized subcarriers within the network. In another embodiment, the transmitting device may also determine timing information associated with the transmission activity, and may correspondingly schedule the transmitting to optimize network performance based on the timing information. | 09-26-2013 |
20130279365 | DISTRIBUTED NODE MIGRATION BETWEEN ROUTING DOMAINS - In one embodiment, a device connected to a network receives at a network interface a first network size indicator for a first network and a second network size indicator for a second network. A difference between the first network size indicator and the second network size indicator is determined and a switching probability is calculated if the difference between the network size indicators is greater than a predetermined network size difference threshold. The device may then migrate from the first network to the second network based on the switching probability. | 10-24-2013 |
20130279540 | ON-DEMAND PAIR-WISE FREQUENCY-HOPPING SYNCHRONIZATION - In one embodiment, a device receives and stores a broadcast schedule, and may determine whether a neighbor unicast listening schedule is available for a neighboring device. If so, the device may transmit a data frame to the neighboring device pursuant to the neighbor unicast listening schedule. If a neighbor unicast listening schedule is not available, the device may transmit the data frame to the neighboring device pursuant to a broadcast schedule. Once the data frame is received by the neighboring device, pursuant to the neighbor unicast listening schedule or the broadcast schedule, an acknowledgement may be received from the neighboring device, which may include an updated neighbor unicast listening schedule for that neighboring device. | 10-24-2013 |
20130283347 | SCALABLE REPLAY COUNTERS FOR NETWORK SECURITY - In one embodiment, an authenticator in a communication network maintains a persistent authenticator epoch value that increments each time the authenticator restarts. The authenticator also maintains a persistent per-supplicant value for each supplicant of the authenticator, each per-supplicant value set to a current value of the authenticator epoch value each time the corresponding supplicant establishes a new security association with the authenticator. To communicate messages from the authenticator to a particular supplicant, each message uses a per-supplicant replay counter having a security association epoch counter and a message counter specific to the particular supplicant. In particular, the security association epoch counter for each message is set as a difference between the authenticator epoch value and the per-supplicant value for the particular supplicant when the message is communicated, while the message counter is incremented for each message communicated. | 10-24-2013 |
20130283360 | DISTRIBUTED GROUP TEMPORAL KEY (GTK) STATE MANAGEMENT - In one embodiment, each security protocol supplicant in a computer network determines its group temporal key (GTK) state, and exchanges the GTK state with one or more neighbor supplicants in the computer network. Based on the exchange, a supplicant may determine whether any inconsistencies exist in its GTK state, and in response to any inconsistencies in the GTK state, may perform a GTK state synchronization with a security protocol authenticator by indicating to the authenticator what is needed to resolve the inconsistent GTK state at the particular supplicant. In another embodiment, the authenticator, which is configured to not store per-supplicant GTK state, may transmit beacons containing GTK identifiers (IDs) of GTKs currently enabled on the authenticator, and also responds to supplicants having inconsistent GTK states with one or more needed GTKs as indicated by the supplicants. | 10-24-2013 |
20140036908 | RECORDING PACKET ROUTES USING BLOOM FILTERS - In one embodiment, a Bloom filter is provided in a data packet signal functional to preferably encode the identifier of each nodal device and record the nodal hop count the signal traverses across in a computer network. The Bloom filter provided in a data packet signal has one or more fields. The recorded nodal path may updated en-route as the data packet traverses a nodal path in the computer network and/or the order of nodes traversed by the data packet in the computer network are encoded in the bloom filter. | 02-06-2014 |
20140036912 | MULTICAST GROUP ASSIGNMENT USING PROBABILISTIC APPROXIMATIONS - In one embodiment, a source node (e.g., responsible node) determines a plurality of destination nodes of a message, and generates a probabilistic data structure that encodes each of the plurality of destination nodes without any false negatives and with zero or more false positives. The source node may then transmit the message with the probabilistic data structure toward the plurality of destination nodes, wherein nodes receiving the message interpret the probabilistic data structure to determine whether the receiving node is probabilistically one of the intended plurality of destination nodes. | 02-06-2014 |
20140036925 | COMPRESSING DATA PACKET ROUTING INFORMATION USING BLOOM FILTERS - In one embodiment, a Transit Information Bloom Filter (TIBF) signal component is generated for use with a routing protocol control message, the TIBF signal component identifying at least one parent node for a corresponding routing topology. The TIBF signal component is encoded in a generated Bloom filter. The parameters of the generated Bloom filter are based at least on one parent node to be encoded and a desired false positive rate for the Bloom filter. The address for each parent node is also encoded in the Bloom filter. | 02-06-2014 |
20140064172 | TIMING RE-SYNCHRONIZATION WITH REDUCED COMMUNICATION ENERGY IN FREQUENCY HOPPING COMMUNICATION NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a battery-operated communication device “quick-samples” a frequency hopping sequence at a periodic rate corresponding to a substantially low duty cycle, and is discovered by (e.g., attached to) a main-powered communication device. During a scheduled sample, the main-powered communication device transmits a control packet to be received by the battery-operated communication device, the control packet containing timing information and transmitted to account for worst-case clock drift error between the two devices. The battery-operated communication device responds to the control packet with a link-layer acknowledgment containing timing information from the battery-operated communication device. Accordingly, the two devices may re-synchronize their timing based on the timing information in the control packet and acknowledgment, respectively. | 03-06-2014 |
20140092752 | DENSITY-BASED POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATION TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING IN FREQUENCY-HOPPING NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a node may discover the density of neighboring nodes in a frequency-hopping communication network. In response to identifying a power outage condition, the node may also dynamically determine an initial power outage notification (PON) transmission protocol based on the density of neighboring nodes. The node may then communicate a first PON to a plurality of neighboring nodes according to the initial PON transmission protocol. | 04-03-2014 |
20140092905 | ROUTING MESSAGES IN A COMPUTER NETWORK USING DETERMINISTIC AND PROBABILISTIC SOURCE ROUTES - In one embodiment, a data packet message is provided which includes a routing header configured to accommodate both a deterministic source route and a probabilistic source route for encoding a nodal source route. The nodal source route is selectively encoded with one or both of a deterministic source route and a probabilistic source route based upon one or more predetermined criteria. | 04-03-2014 |
20140105015 | NETWORK TRAFFIC SHAPING FOR LOW POWER AND LOSSY NETWORKS - In one embodiment, data packet messages are received in a Field Area Router (FAR) sent from one or more sources toward one or more destination devices in a Low-Power Lossy Network (LLN). An LLN routing topology for the data packet messages is interpolated in the FAR. An expected time for the data packet messages to reach a destination device in the LLN is determined based upon the routing topology interpolation. Traffic shaping is applied by thse FAR for the data packet messages based upon the determined expected time for the data packet messages to reach destination devices in the LLN. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105211 | ELIMINATING IPV6 NEIGHBOR SOLICITATIONS IN CONSTRAINED COMPUTER NETWORKS - In one embodiment, the techniques herein provide that a node may receive a packet from a neighboring node in a low power and lossy network (LLN). The node may then extract, from the packet, a link-layer source address from a link layer header and an internet protocol (IP) source address from an IP header. The node may then determine whether the neighboring node originated the packet and, based on that determination, the node may correlate the link-layer source address with the IP source address to provide neighbor discovery. | 04-17-2014 |
20140108643 | MAINTAINING AND COMMUNICATING NODAL NEIGHBORING INFORMATION - In one embodiment, a nodal device receives information from each of its neighboring nodes in a network. The information identifies a link quality between the nodal device and each of its neighboring nodes. The link quality information is stored in one or more bloom filters in the nodal device such that a table having a compressed format is provided in the bloom filter. The table includes probabilistic identifiers to identify link quality between the nodal device and each of its neighboring nodes. | 04-17-2014 |
20140126354 | SEAMLESS MULTIPATH RETRANSMISSION USING SOURCE-ROUTED TUNNELS - In one embodiment, a device receives a destination unreachable message originated by a particular node along a first source route, the message carrying an encapsulated packet as received by the particular node. In response, the device may determine a failed link along the first source route based on a tunnel header and the particular node. Once determining an alternate source route without the failed link, the device may re-encapsulate and re-transmit the original packet on an alternate source route with a new tunnel header indicating the alternate source route (e.g., and a new hop limit count for the tunnel header and an adjusted hop limit count in the original packet). | 05-08-2014 |
20140126431 | INTERFACING WITH LOW-POWER AND LOSSY NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a client device determines when it is coupled to an IoT/LLN device to establish and enable an IP link between a headset interface on the client device and a signal interface on the IoT/LLN device. Once the IP link is established, a duplex data signal is transmitted between the client device and the IoT/LLN device, via the IP link. | 05-08-2014 |
20140126610 | FAST FREQUENCY-HOPPING SCHEDULE RECOVERY - In one embodiment, a device determines a need to resynchronize a broadcast and unicast frequency-hopping schedules on its network interface. In response to the need, the device may solicit the broadcast schedule from one or more neighbor devices having the synchronized broadcast schedule, and then establishes the unicast schedule for the network interface using communication during the synchronized broadcast schedule. | 05-08-2014 |
20140269413 | CYCLE-FREE MULTI-TOPOLOGY ROUTING - In one embodiment, a node in a shared-media communication network may determine a first directed acyclic graph (DAG) topology, wherein the first DAG topology has a particular direction. The node may determine a second DAG topology in the shared-media communication network based on the first DAG topology. The second DAG topology may share the particular direction of the first DAG topology, to prevent loops between the first and the second DAG topologies. | 09-18-2014 |
20140314096 | CONTROLLING ROUTING DURING SCHEDULED NODE DOWNTIME - In one embodiment, a first node in a shared-media communication network may receive a message indicated a scheduled downtime of a second node located between the first node and a destination. The first node may determine whether to perform a search for an alternate route toward the destination. In response to determining to perform the search, the first node may perform the search for an alternate route toward the destination for use at least during the scheduled downtime. | 10-23-2014 |
20140330947 | EFFICIENT USE OF DYNAMIC HOST CONFIGURATION PROTOCOL IN LOW POWER AND LOSSY NETWORKS - In one embodiment, each of a plurality of devices in a computer network is configured to i) transmit a unicasted dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) solicit message to a neighbor device having a route to a border router as an assumed DHCP relay without regard to location of a DHCP server, and ii) operate as a DHCP relay to receive unicasted DHCP solicit messages and relay the solicit message to the border router of the network without regard to location of the DHCP server, and to relay a DHCP reply to a corresponding requestor device. | 11-06-2014 |
20140372577 | DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING NETWORK PARAMETERS USING WEATHER FORECASTS - In one embodiment, network parameters are dynamically adjusted using weather forecasts. The embodiments include determining a weather forecast that predicts a weather condition proximate to a network. Network parameters are then selected for adjustment based on the predicted weather condition. The selected network parameters are adjusted to improve performance of the network in response to the predicted weather condition. | 12-18-2014 |
20140372585 | RELIABLE BULK DATA DISSEMINATION USING RATELESS CODES - In one embodiment, an aggregating node receives feedback messages from one or more destination nodes in the network. The destination nodes are designated to receive data as packets from a source node using rateless coding. Further, the feedback messages indicate whether packets are needed at a corresponding destination node to complete the data. Then, the feedback messages are aggregated into a single aggregated message, and the aggregated message is transmitted toward the source node. | 12-18-2014 |
20140376361 | FAST REROUTE USING DIFFERENT FREQUENCY-HOPPING SCHEDULES - In one embodiment, a primary node in a shared-media communication network is selected by a node toward a destination. In response to determining the primary node, the node determines a frequency-hopping schedule of the primary node. One or more backup nodes for the primary nodes are then determined based on a frequency-hopping schedule diversity between the primary node and the one or more backup nodes. | 12-25-2014 |
20140376567 | OVERLAYING RECEIVE SCHEDULES FOR ENERGY-CONSTRAINED DEVICES IN CHANNEL-HOPPING NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a time at which a first device in a frequency-hopping communication network is expected to transmit a data message is determined. A first schedule is then generated based on the determined time, and the first schedule is overlaid on a frequency-hopping schedule for a second device in the network. The first schedule defines a first timeslot during which the second device listens for the data message, while the frequency-hopping schedule defines second timeslots during which the second device listens for data messages from other devices in the network. Notably, a duration of the first timeslot is greater than respective durations of the second timeslots. | 12-25-2014 |
20150023363 | OBTAINING DATA RECEPTION PARAMETERS ON-DEMAND IN A MULTIPLE INTERFACE NETWORK - In a multi-PHY, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a sender determines that a dwell time threshold limit for transmission of data will be exceeded by transmission of the data over a first network interface or that the recipient is unknown. The sender determines transmission parameters for the transmission of the data over the first network interface and transmits the transmission parameters to a receiver device over a second network interface that is different than the first network interface. The sender determines a channel on the first network interface for transmission of the data and transmits the determined channel with the transmission parameters to the receiver, or the receiver determines the channel on the first network interface for transmission of the data and transmits an indication of the determined channel to the sender in response to receiving the transmission parameters. | 01-22-2015 |
20150023369 | OBTAINING DATA RECEPTION PARAMETERS IN A MULTIPLE INTERFACE NETWORK - In a multi-PHY, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a sender determines that a dwell time threshold limit for transmission of data will be exceeded by transmission of the data over a first network interface or that the recipient is unknown. The sender determines transmission parameters for the transmission of the data over the first network interface and transmits the transmission parameters to a receiver device over a second network interface that is different than the first network interface. The sender determines a channel on the first network interface for transmission of the data and transmits the determined channel with the transmission parameters to the receiver, or the receiver determines the channel on the first network interface for transmission of the data and transmits an indication of the determined channel to the sender in response to receiving the transmission parameters. | 01-22-2015 |
20150026268 | UTILIZING MULTIPLE INTERFACES WHEN SENDING DATA AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PACKETS - Utilizing multiple network interfaces when sending data and acknowledgement packages comprises, in a low power and lossy network (LLN) or other network, a sender device comprises two or more network interfaces for communicating with one or more recipient devices. The sender device assesses the transmission capabilities of the network interfaces to determine data rates available for each interface. The sender device specifies which network interface will be used to transfer data and which network interface will be used to receive an acknowledgement from the recipient device. The sender device selects the network interface with the larger data capacity for transmitting a data packet and the network interface with the smaller data capacity for receiving an acknowledgement. The data transmission and the acknowledgement transmission may be transmitted simultaneously. The recipient device uses transmission parameters received from the sender device to determine the data rate with which to transmit the acknowledgement. | 01-22-2015 |
20150043384 | MULTIPLE TOPOLOGY ROUTING ARCHITECTURE IN COMPUTER NETWORKS - In a multiple interface, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a low transmission power and medium transmission power topology are defined for the network and a channel-hopping schedule is defined for the devices operating in each topology. A sender determines that data is capable of being transmitted via a link on the low transmission power topology. The sender determines the transmission parameters for the transmission of the data over the link on the low transmission power topology and determines a low transmission power channel for transmission of the data. The sender transmits the determined channel and the transmission parameters to the receiver. The sender transmits the data via the determined channel in the low transmission power topology. | 02-12-2015 |
20150043519 | INTERLEAVING LOW TRANSMISSION POWER AND MEDIUM TRANSMISSION POWER CHANNELS IN COMPUTER NETWORKS - In a multiple interface, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a low transmission power and medium transmission power topology are defined for the network and a channel-hopping schedule is defined for the devices operating in each topology. A sender determines that data is capable of being transmitted via a link on the low transmission power topology. The sender determines the transmission parameters for the transmission of the data over the link on the low transmission power topology and determines a low transmission power channel for transmission of the data. The sender transmits the determined channel and the transmission parameters to the receiver. The sender transmits the data via the determined channel in the low transmission power topology. | 02-12-2015 |
20150063365 | DYNAMIC FRAME SELECTION WHEN REQUESTING TONE MAP PARAMETERS IN MESH NETWORKS - In a multiple interface, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a sender node dynamically selects a data packet for setting a transmission parameter request in response to determining that an age value for a set of transmission parameters associated with a recipient device has expired or is expiring. The sender node selects an desired data packet for sending a transmission parameter request and transmits the selected data packet to the recipient device. The sender node receives a transmission parameter response from the recipient node comprising updated transmission parameters for that recipient node and then updates the current transmission parameters associated with the recipient node accordingly. | 03-05-2015 |
20150071295 | ON-DEMAND MEDIUM TO LOW TRANSMISSION POWER CHANNEL SWITCHING IN COMPUTER NETWORKS - In a multiple interface, low power and lossy network comprising a plurality of nodes, a low transmission power and medium transmission power topology are defined for the network and a channel-hopping schedule is defined for the devices operating in each topology. A sender determines that data is capable of being transmitted via a link on the low transmission power topology. The sender determines the transmission parameters for the transmission of the data over the link on the low transmission power topology and determines a low transmission power channel for transmission of the data. The sender transmits the determined channel and the transmission parameters to the receiver. The sender transmits the data via the determined channel in the low transmission power topology. | 03-12-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130034947 | ATOMIC LAYER DEPOSITION OF METAL OXIDES FOR MEMORY APPLICATIONS - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to nonvolatile memory devices and methods for manufacturing such memory devices. The methods for forming improved memory devices, such as a ReRAM cells, provide optimized, atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for forming a metal oxide film stack which contains at least one hard metal oxide film (e.g., metal is completely oxidized or substantially oxidized) and at least one soft metal oxide film (e.g., metal is less oxidized than hard metal oxide). The soft metal oxide film is less electrically resistive than the hard metal oxide film since the soft metal oxide film is less oxidized or more metallic than the hard metal oxide film. In one example, the hard metal oxide film is formed by an ALD process utilizing ozone as the oxidizing agent while the soft metal oxide film is formed by another ALD process utilizing water vapor as the oxidizing agent. | 02-07-2013 |
20130130414 | HIGH PRODUCTIVITY COMBINATORIAL WORKFLOW FOR PHOTORESIST STRIP APPLICATIONS - Electrical testing of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) high-k capacitor structures is used to evaluate photoresist strip or cleaning chemicals using a combinatorial workflow. The electrical testing can be able to identify the damages on the high-k dielectrics, permitting a selection of photoresist strip chemicals to optimize the process conditions in the fabrication of semiconductor devices. The high productivity combinatorial technique can provide a compatibility evaluation of photoresist strip chemicals with high-k devices. | 05-23-2013 |
20130167773 | Combinatorial Processing Using High Deposition Rate Sputtering - Apparatuses and methods for high-deposition-rate sputtering for depositing layers onto a substrate are disclosed. The apparatuses generally comprise a process chamber; one or more sputtering sources disposed within the process chamber, wherein each sputtering source comprises a sputtering target; a substrate support disposed within the process chamber; a shield positioned between the sputtering sources and the substrate, the shield comprising an aperture positioned under each sputtering source; and a transport system connected to the substrate support capable of positioning the substrate such that one of a plurality of site-isolated regions on the substrate can be exposed to sputtered material through the aperture positioned under each of the sputtering sources; wherein the spacing between the sputtering target and the substrate is less than 100 mm. The apparatus enables high deposition rate sputtering onto site-isolated regions on the substrate. | 07-04-2013 |
20130316472 | HIGH PRODUCTIVITY COMBINATORIAL OXIDE TERRACING AND PVD/ALD METAL DEPOSITION COMBINED WITH LITHOGRAPHY FOR GATE WORK FUNCTION EXTRACTION - Metal gate high-k capacitor structures with lithography patterning are used to extract gate work function using a combinatorial workflow. Oxide terracing, together with high productivity combinatorial process flow for metal deposition can provide optimum high-k gate dielectric and metal gate solutions for high performance logic transistors. The high productivity combinatorial technique can provide an evaluation of effective work function for given high-k dielectric metal gate stacks for PMOS and NMOS transistors, which is critical in identifying and selecting the right materials. | 11-28-2013 |
20140055152 | CIRCULAR TRANSMISSION LINE METHODS COMPATIBLE WITH COMBINATORIAL PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTORS - Methods and structures are described for determining contact resistivities and Schottky barrier heights for conductors deposited on semiconductor wafers that can be combined with combinatorial processing, allowing thereby numerous processing conditions and materials to be tested concurrently. Methods for using multi-ring as well as single-ring CTLM structures to cancel parasitic resistance are also described, as well as structures and processes for inline monitoring of properties. | 02-27-2014 |
20140363920 | Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxides for Memory Applications - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to nonvolatile memory devices and methods for manufacturing such memory devices. The methods for forming improved memory devices, such as a ReRAM cells, provide optimized, atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for forming a metal oxide film stack which contains at least one hard metal oxide film (e.g., metal is completely oxidized or substantially oxidized) and at least one soft metal oxide film (e.g., metal is less oxidized than hard metal oxide). The soft metal oxide film is less electrically resistive than the hard metal oxide film since the soft metal oxide film is less oxidized or more metallic than the hard metal oxide film. In one example, the hard metal oxide film is formed by an ALD process utilizing ozone as the oxidizing agent while the soft metal oxide film is formed by another ALD process utilizing water vapor as the oxidizing agent. | 12-11-2014 |
20140363942 | Method for forming a low resistivity tungsten silicide layer for metal gate stack applications - Tungsten silicide layers can be used in CMOS transistors in which the work function of the tungsten silicide layers can be tuned for use in PMOS and NMOS devices. A co-sputtering approach can be used in which silicon and tungsten are deposited on a high dielectric constant gate dielectric layer. The tungsten silicide layer can be annealed at or above a critical temperature to optimize the resistivity of the tungsten silicide layer. In some embodiments, the concentration of as-deposited tungsten silicide can be between 50 at % silicon to 80 at % silicon. The critical temperatures can be lower at higher silicon concentration, such as 700 C. at 63 at % silicon to 600 C. at 74 at % silicon. | 12-11-2014 |
20150025670 | Substrate Processing Including Correction for Deposition Location - Substrate processing including correction for deposition location is described, including a combinatorial processing chamber that incorporates the correction. The combinatorial processing chamber can be used to process multiple regions of a substrate using different processing parameters on different regions. For example, one region can have one material deposited on it and another region can have a different material deposited on it, although other combinations and variations are possible. The combinatorial processing chamber uses a rotating and revolving substrate pedestal to be able to deposit on all locations or positions on a substrate. The combinatorial processing chamber uses a correction factor that accounts for variations in alignment and/or configuration of the processing chamber so that the actual location of deposition of a region is approximately the same as a desired location of deposition. | 01-22-2015 |
20150061027 | METHODS OF FORMING GATE STRUCTURES FOR TRANSISTOR DEVICES FOR CMOS APPLICATIONS AND THE RESULTING PRODUCTS - One method for forming replacement gate structures for NMOS and PMOS transistors includes performing an etching process to remove a sacrificial gate structure for the NMOS and PMOS transistors to thereby define NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, depositing a gate insulation layer in the gate cavities, depositing a first metal layer on the gate insulation layer in the gate cavities, performing at least one process operation to form (1) an NMOS metal silicide material above the first metal layer within the NMOS gate cavity, the NMOS metal silicide material having a first amount of atomic silicon, and (2) a PMOS metal silicide material above the first metal layer within the PMOS gate cavity, the PMOS metal silicide material having a second amount of atomic silicon, and wherein the first and second amounts of atomic silicon are different, and forming gate cap layers within the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities. | 03-05-2015 |