Showing papers by "Agilent Technologies published in 1997"

Lancet cartridge for sampling blood

Abstract: A cartridge for sampling and analyzing blood from the skin of a patient. The cartridge has a cartridge case, a lancet, and associated with the cartridge case an analytical region for analyzing the property of blood. The lancet has a tip for lancing the skin and is housed in the cartridge case. The lancet is operatively connected to the cartridge case such that the lancet can be pushed to extend its tip outside the cartridge case for lancing the skin to yield blood. The blood from the lancing wound is transferred to the analytical region and be analyzed.

Noninvasive blood chemistry measurement method and system

Abstract: A noninvasive blood chemistry measurement method and system isolate measurement contributions due to a patient's blood to accurately measure blood chemistry. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention a noninvasive blood chemistry measurement method decreases the blood volume within a patient's body part relative to the normal blood volume in the body part and performs a baseline measurement. Blood volume is then increased and a second measurement is performed. Comparison of the second measurement to the baseline measurement isolates the measurement attributes of the patient's blood. In accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention a noninvasive blood chemistry measurement system decreases blood volume by applying mechanical pressure to a body part. In accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, blood volume in the body part is decreased using a pressure cuff. In a fourth embodiment, a noninvasive probe accurately measures blood chemistry and uses a suction cup to increase blood volume at the blood chemistry measurement site.

Method and system for managing data service systems

Abstract: A scheme is described for a data service system having a number of modules. Some of the modules are interdependent. To measure the status of an individual module, the scheme first collects measurements from a number of measurement routes that involve the module. Then the scheme analyzes the interdependencies of the measurements to determine the status of the individual module. The scheme may also determine status of the data service system with a minimal number of measurement routes. This is done by determining (1) all possible measurement routes, (2) determining the dependency between the modules and the measurement routes, and (3) analyzing the dependency to select minimal number of the measurement routes. The scheme can diagnose whether a module is a problematic module or not by analyzing a number of measurements that involve the module. If one of the measurements is good, the module is identified as non-problematic. The data service system may also include a test target coupled to a networking module of the data service system to allow service test signals to be measured through the network module.

Inkjet printhead and fabrication method for integrating an actuator and firing chamber

Abstract: An inkjet printhead and fabrication method include integrating actuators and ink firing chambers on a single substrate, such as a semiconductor substrate. The integration process utilizes semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) techniques in the preferred embodiment. Actuators are formed on one surface of the substrate, typically a silicon substrate, and firing chambers are aligned with the actuators. Electrical switching devices, such as transistors, are formed along the surface and are utilized to individually address the actuators. After the integrated structure is formed, a supply manifold may be attached to the structure for replenishing fluid ink following a firing operation. Optionally, a flow control mechanism, such as a valve, may be incorporated between the manifold and the firing chamber.

Loaded-board, guided-probe test fixture

Abstract: A guided-probe test fixture is disclosed for connecting circuit cards having electronic components to a board test system. The test fixture utilizes long, leaning or vertical test probes, guide plates (516) and limited probe tip travel in order to achieve high-accuracy, fine-pitch probing of limited -access, no-clean test targets (520). The guided-probe test fixture of the present invention also utilizes spring probes, probe-mounting plates (524), personality pins (528) and an alignment plate (534) in order to couple test targets (520) with multiplexed tester resources (500). The guided-probe test fixture of the present invention may also utilize a universal interface plate (852) with double-headed spring probes (854) and/or a wireless interface printed circuit board (502) to facilitate the electrical coupling of test targets (520) to tester resources (500). Accordingly, the guided-probe test fixture of the present invention is capable of sophisticated in-circuit and functional testing of a loaded-printed circuit board (518) containing both standard-access and limited-access, no-clean test targets (520). The present invention is also capable of improved probing accuracy, improved no-clean testability and improved fine-pitch probing of limited-access test targets (520), while at the same time capable of probing standard-access test targets (520).

Web interfacing device

Abstract: Web access functionality is embedded in a device (10) comprising a web server (14) providing access to the user interface functions for the device (10) through a device web page (18), and a network interface (12) in the device (10) enabling access to the web page (18) by a web browser (40) such that a user of the web browser (40) accesses the user interface functions for the device (10) through the web page (18).

Memory system and device

Abstract: This disclosure provides a memory system and device for synchronizing response across multiple memory devices (105), whether arranged serially upon a single data bus, in parallel across multiple data busses (107), or both. A memory controller (103) periodically configures the system (101) by separately placing each memory chip (105) into a configuration mode. While in this mode, the chip (105) is polled by the controller (103) along the corresponding data bus (107), and the chip (105) responds with a reply. The controller (103) uses this reply to compute elapsed time between polling and the reply. Using all of the chips (105), the controller (103) determines the maximum response time, in termes of elapsed clock cycles. Based on this maximum time, and the individual response times for each chip, the controller (103) then programs each chip (105) with a number which defines chip-based delay (149) for responses to data read operations. In this manner, successive data reads can be performed on successive clock cycles without awaiting prior completion of earlier data reads. In addition, in a multiple data bus system, the controller (103) is not delayed by having to wait for all simultaneous data reads across a wide bus.

Code generating system for imporved pattern matching in a protocol analyzer

Abstract: A machine code generating system for improved pattern matching in a protocol analyzer. The code generating system includes a pattern relationship analysis phase and a pattern matching code generation phase. The pattern relationship analysis phase includes evaluating pairs of test patterns to determine the relationship that exists between each pair such as superset, subset, independent, external, and identical. The pattern matching code generation phase includes generating general pattern matching code in addition to generating specialized comparison code that is specific to the types of relationships that exist among a given set of patterns. The machine code that is generated, organizes the patterns into groups to minimize the number of pattern matching comparisons required to a minimum defined in the average case as the sum of the number of patterns and the maximum number of words per pattern. The machine code generated by the code generating system is ready to execute at the completion of the code generating system operation.

Integrated or intrapackage capability for testing electrical continuity between an integrated circuit and other circuitry

Abstract: An electromagnetic probe is integrated within an integrated circuit or mounted within an IC package to provide a capability for testing continuity between the integrated circuit and a substrate to which the integrated circuit is mounted. In a first embodiment, capacitive test probes are integrated within the integrated circuit, underneath bonding pads. In a second embodiment, Hall-effect devices are integrated within the integrated circuit underneath bonding pads. In a third embodiment, an inductive loop is integrated within the integrated circuit underneath bonding pads. In a fourth embodiment, an IC package assembly includes an internal capacitive test probe for electrical continuity testing. An internal shield may also be used as a capacitive test probe. In a fifth embodiment, an IC package assembly includes an inductive loop within the package for electrical continuity testing. The integrated or intrapackage test probes provide electromagnetic coupling to bonding pads or to a lead frame and to bonding wires (if present), to detect whether there is electrical continuity between an integrated circuit bonding pad or lead frame and conductors on an external substrate. The integrated or intrapackage test probes enable continuity testing for direct-bonding with no package, or for a package assembly even if the package assembly includes grounded shielding or a grounded heat sink.

Communications framework for supporting multiple simultaneous communications protocols in a distributed object environment

Abstract: A communication framework supporting multiple communications protocols. The communications framework having a remote procedure call class providing an interface for an apply method, the apply method referencing a remote object, an operation to be performed, and an argument list. The communications framework also having at least one remote procedure call transport deriving from the remote procedure call class, each remote procedure call transport providing an implementation for the apply method whose interface is provided by the remote procedure call class. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

State machine for collecting information on use of a packet network

Abstract: A protocol analyzer includes an input buffer, a lookup table and a counter memory. The input buffer includes a frame header buffer and the lookup table comprises a state machine including a CAM and a RAM. A frame is stored in the frame header buffer while the CAM and RAM analyze predetermined portions of it. If a portion is eight bits or less, it is input into the RAM and the RAM outputs instructions stored at the location indicated by the data portion. If the portion is greater than eight bits, it is input into the CAM, which outputs a RAM address at which corresponding instructions are stored. The instructions can include an instruction to increment a count in a predetermined register of the counter memory; an instruction to add a new count register in the counter memory; an instruction to generate a snapshot trigger to cause a capture RAM to store a specific data segment traveling on the packet network; and an instruction to further analyze the data portion. The instruction to further analyze the data portion includes an address offset to indicate the location of the next data segment to be analyzed. The protocol analyzer does not include a processor, and is not operated by software; it can analyze all data frames on a packet network, even at gigabit transfer rates.

Apparatus and method for scanning a chemical array

Abstract: A technique for analyzing analytes in a chemical array having a plurality of pixels is provided. The apparatus of the technique contains a light source for irradiating a light beam at the pixels individually, a controller for controlling the relative position of the light source to the array, and a detector for detecting fluorescence resulting from irradiation. The controller controls the light beam generated by the light source to irradiate a first number of pixels sequentially in the array and repeating one or more times the sequential irradiation before irradiating a second number of pixels, the pixels of which are different from those of the first number of pixels. The first number of pixels includes more than one pixel but less than the total number of pixels in the array.

Analysis of neighbouring cells in cellular telecommunications systems

Abstract: A method is disclosed of analyzing lists of neighboring cells in a cellular telecommunications system comprising a plurality of active mobile stations and a static network, the static network having a first cell and a plurality of cells neighboring the first cell, each of the cells having a base station. The method is applicable to GSM and GSM-like systems. In the case of a GSM system, the analyzing method may comprise the steps of: extracting from the static network the GSM MEAS RES produced by the mobile stations in said first cell and producing a reporting list including, for each position in the GSM BA(SACCH) list, the number of times that any of the base station identifiers has been reported for that position; extracting from the static network GSM HANDO CMD messages for handovers from said first cell, and producing a handover list of the GSM BCCHs and corresponding GSM BSICs in the extracted handover messages; correlating the reporting list and the handover list with respect to the BCCHs; and analyzing the correlated lists to determine whether any of the control channels is affected by bad frequency planning.

Image acquisition system for machine vision applications

Abstract: An image acquisition system is provided that allows different lighting techniques to be applied to a scene containing an object of interest concurrently. Within a single position, multiple images which are illuminated by different lighting techniques can be acquired by selecting specific wavelength bands for acquiring each of the images. In a typical application, both back lighting and front lighting can be simultaneously used to illuminate an object, and different image analysis methods may be applied to the images.

Electrically conductive thermal interface

Abstract: A thermal interface 26 between a heat source (e.g., an IC die) 24 and a heat sink 28 comprises a metallic mesh (26a) filled with a thermally conductive semi-liquid substance (26b). The thermally conductive semi-liquid substance may comprise, e.g., silicone grease or paraffin. The wire mesh may comprise silver, copper and/or gold cloth.

Adjustable gain active pixel sensor

Abstract: An active pixel sensor. The active pixel sensor includes a photo-diode. The photo-diode conducting charge as a function of the intensity of light received by the photo-diode. The photo-diode includes a diode capacitance which collects charge conducted by the photo-diode which generates a photo-diode voltage. A switched capacitor is connected in parallel with the photo-diode when the photo-diode voltage drops below a pre-determined voltage potential. A capacitance of the switched capacitor adds to the diode capacitance when the switched capacitor is connected. The switched capacitor can be a gate capacitor. The active pixel sensor further includes electronic circuitry to allow a controller to sample the photo-diode voltage.

Graphical system and method for invoking measurements in a signal measurement system

Abstract: A system and methodology for use in a signal measurement system having a graphical user interface. The measurement invocation system is configured to provide graphical control elements on the graphical user interface such that the selection of a control element invokes a measurement operation on a selected displayed waveform. The measurement invocation system automatically performs a waveform measurement function when graphically associated by a user with a waveform displayed in a waveform display region of a graphical user interface is disclosed. The measurement invocation system includes a measurement toolbar manager configured to display on the graphical user interface one or more measurement icons. Each of the icons corresponds to a waveform measurement function. The toolbar manager identifies which of the one or more measurement icons has been selected by the user. A waveform identifier enables the user to graphically associate the selected measurement icon with a source waveform and determines a point of measurement invocation on the source waveform. The invocation system also includes a measurement controller that invokes the selected measurement function on a measurement extent of the source waveform when the association of the selected measurement and the source waveform is a valid association. Preferably, the measurement icons are arranged within a measurement toolbar region proximate to the waveform display region of the graphical user interface.

Electroluminescent device and fabrication method for a light detection system

Abstract: A device (12; 48; and 122) for a light detection system (10) includes an electroluminescent layer stack (22; 86 and 88) on a transparent member (32; 52; 92; and 120), such as a glass substrate, with at least one layer of the layer stack being patterned to define first and second electroluminescent regions (22; 68 and 70; 82 and 84; 104 and 106) spaced apart by a transparent light collection path (34; 66; 96; and 108) for passage of backreflected light. The layer stack includes first and second electrode layers (28 and 30; 56 and 62) on opposed sides of one or more active layers. In one embodiment, the second electrode layer is the only layer that is patterned to define the light collection path. In this embodiment, the other layers extend continuously across the light collection path. In another embodiment, all of the layers are patterned to form a gap between the first and second electroluminescent regions. The layer stack is hermetically sealed to protect the active layer or layers from atmosphere-induced degradation. An illumination collector (16; 78; 100; and 128) is aligned with the light collection path to receive light that is backreflected from a surface of interest through the light collection path. The illumination collector may be an optical arrangement, a photodetector, or both. In the preferred embodiment, the electroluminescent layer stack is an organic light-emitting source.

Method and apparatus for mixing a thin film of fluid

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for mixing thin films of fluid, particularly thin films of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing reactions. The invention employs a mixing mechanism which induces mixing within the fluid chamber by moving the inner face of at least one surface of the fluid chamber relative to the inner face of another surface of the fluid chamber, thus enhancing the sensitivity or specificity of the reaction, rate of reaction, extent of reaction, homogeneity, or percentage yield. The invention is particularly useful in enhancing the results of chemical and biological assays.

Multimode communications systems

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the operational bandwidth of a multimode optical fibre communications system is provided The method comprises launching optical radiation into the core of the multimode fibre away from the centre of the core so as to strongly excite mid order modes of the multimode fibre, but to only weakly excite low order and high order modes of the multimode fibre The mid order modes excited are predominately within a small number of mode groups and thus have similar propagation constants This leads to a reduction in modal dispersion and thus to a significant increase in bandwidth compared to an overfilled launch The offset launch of the invention is tolerant both to the launch conditions and to any imperfections in the fibre refractive index profile Modal noise performance is also enhanced Embodiments of the invention employ a singlemode fibre, a multimode fibre or a lens to illuminate an end face of a multimode fibre with a small spot offset from the optical axis of the fibre

Use of boron-containing polynucleotides as diagnostic agents

Abstract: Modified nucleotides and polynucleotides which are useful in hybridization assays for the detection of target genes are provided. The modified polynucleotides contain at least one boronic acid moiety which is attached to a nucleotide base in a position which does not interfere with the hydrogen bonding capabilities of that base during duplex formation. The modified polynucleotides are typically formed from naturally occurring nucleotides and one or more modified nucleotides.

Optical power meter for detecting loss factors in fiber optic communications

Abstract: An optical power meter for a fiber optic link includes a photodetector that generates a current proportional to the energy of the light transmission in the fiber optic, a current-to-voltage converter that converts the current to a proportional voltage, and a voltage-to-frequency converter that converts the voltage to a digital pulse train proportional to the amplitude of the voltage. The digital pulse train increments a counter, which is read periodically by a microprocessor. The value read by the microprocessor corresponds to the average power in the light transmission. This digital value is converted to a power value in dBm and stored on a mass storage device and displayed on a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display shows the power level over time so that losses due to intrinsic and extrinsic loss factors can be quickly and easily identified. The power meter also includes software executed by the microprocessor that allows the user to input a range within which the power can fluctuate. If the measured power falls outside of that range, however, the power meter sets off an audible or visual warning signal to indicate a perturbation to the fiber optic link such as a mechanical stress, connector misalignment, or a security breach.

Measurement and inspection of leads on integrated circuit packages

Abstract: A system of optics, cameras and image processor arrangement capable of capturing images of lead tips of object fields resulting in accurate 3 dimensional positions of all the leads on a Integrated Circuit such as a Quad Flat Package (QFP). The system comprises of a telecentric lens attached to a camera working with an arrangement of mirrors and lighting. The telecentric lens and mirror optical layout splits the acquired image into 2 orthogonal viewing fields of the same lead tips of the QFP. The QFP is placed flat on a pedestal, and for any given side of the QFP, the first field views the lead tips from the front. The second field views the lead tips from the bottom of the IC package. Enhanced lead tip images are acquired by a lighting arrangement that casts illumination on the lead tips only. Electronic processing techniques are used to compute the geometry of the laeds such as global coplanarity, lead standoff and inspection of other lead defects.

Electronic camera for selectively photographing a subject illuminated by an artificial light source

Abstract: An electronic camera that can take pictures in which the subject desired by the photographer appears alone, in which the subject is emphasized relative to the background, and in which a desired hue characteristic of the subject can be emphasized or diminished without requiring the use of complex image processing performed by a computer. The effects of backlight are also eliminated or reduced, and the subject is correctly exposed under backlighting or dark background conditions. The electronic camera comprises a light source arranged to illuminate a subject, an image sensor having a reversible detection sense, a lens arranged to focus light from the subject on the image sensor, and a control system. The control system modulates the light source to generate amplitude-modulated light. The control system also reverses the detection sense of the image sensor in phase with the modulation of the amplitude-modulated light.

Graphical system and method for automatically scaling waveforms in a signal measurement system

Abstract: A signal scaling system and methodology for use in a signal measurement system such as a digital or analog oscilloscope, logic analyzer, network analyzer, spectrum analyzer or waveform generator that has a graphical user interface which controls a waveform display region on a display device. The signal scaling system determines one or more displayed waveform scaling parameters to cause portions of selected displayed waveforms appearing within a rescaling rectangle to occupy a predetermined portion of the waveform display region other than the rescaling rectangle. For each of the selected displayed waveforms, the scaling parameters may include horizontal scaling, horizontal offset, vertical scaling and vertical offset. Preferably, the predetermined portion of the waveform display region comprises the entire waveform display region and the selected displayed waveforms include all waveforms at least partially within the rescaling rectangle. The displayed waveforms may include signal waveforms, function waveforms, and memory waveforms and the signal measurement system is preferably a digital oscilloscope. The signal scaling system includes an rescaling rectangle specification unit for outlining an rescaling rectangle on the waveform display region between user-specified start and end points. A scaling computation unit calculates the displayed waveform scaling parameters based upon specifications of the rescaling rectangle generated by the rescaling rectangle specification unit and current scaling parameters generated by the signal measurement system.

Constructing applications in distributed control systems using components having built-in behaviors

Abstract: A distributed control system including self-organizing components which are preselected on the basis of built in behaviors which are needed to perform a particular application. The built in behaviors enable the components to automatically self-organize and perform the application once coupled to the network.

Method and apparatus for determining IDDQ

Abstract: IDDQ of an integrated circuit is rapidly measured with system test equipment providing sampled pass/fail outputs. A switch couples the power supply to the integrated circuit and another switch returns a sense signal input to the integrated circuit such that the power may be interrupted to measure the decay of the voltage across the integrated circuit. A monitor signal output is coupled to the integrated circuit to enable monitoring of the voltage decay. At least one processor, which periodically samples the voltage signal, compares the magnitude of the voltage signal at the time of each said periodic sample to a predetermined reference signal, indicates a voltage signal less than the reference signal and calculates the IDDQ based upon the number of periodic samples from the time power is removed from the integrated circuit and the voltage of the reference signal.

Electroluminescent display and method for making the same

Abstract: A method for constructing an electroluminescent display and a novel display constructed thereby. In the method of the present invention, a bottom electrode having a planar sheet of conducting material is first deposited on a substrate. A mask is then deposited on the bottom electrode to define wells. For at least first and second ones of the wells defined by the mask, an electroluminescent material is dispensed into the wells. The electroluminescent material dispensed into the first well emits a different spectrum of light from the electroluminescent material dispensed into the second well. In one embodiment of the invention, an isolation layer is deposited over the electroluminescent material after the electroluminescent material has dried. A top electrode is then deposited over the isolation layer. In a display according to the present invention, a plurality of pixels are deposited on a bottom electrode and then a top electrode is provided for energizing the pixels. The plurality of pixels includes first and second pixels, the first pixel having a first mixture of at least two electroluminescent dyes and the second pixel having a second mixture of the electroluminescent dyes. The first mixture differs in the ratios of the electroluminescent dyes from the second mixture.

Automated calibrant system for use in a liquid separation/mass spectrometry apparatus

Abstract: An automated calibrant system is provided for use in a liquid separation/mass spectrometry (LS/MS) apparatus. The calibrant system is pneumatically pressurized to forcibly move a reference liquid from the calibrant system to an ion source. The ion source is in fluid communication with a switching valve and with a mass spectrometer. The switching valve communicates effluent from a liquid separation system to the source when the switching valve is in a first position, and communicates one or more reference liquids from the calibrant system to the source when the switching valve is in a second position. The switching valve, and liquid handling valves in the calibrant system, can be individually activated manually or by automated means to alternate between analytical and calibration modes of operation in the LS/MS apparatus. A method is also provided for calibrating a mass spectrometer in a LS/MS apparatus during processing of a liquid sample by the liquid separation system.

Report stream data rate regulation

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus is provided for monitoring an on-going input to detect and report events of a predetermined type as defined by a set of criteria stored by the apparatus. Detected events are reported in a report stream the data rate of which increases with the number of such events. The data rate of the report stream is regulated to lie within upper and lower bounds by changing the selectivity of the set of event-selection criteria. This changing of the selectivity of the critera is effected in such a manner that the events detected with more selective criteria constitute a subset of the events that would have been detected with a less selective criteria. In a preferred embodiment, changing the criteria selectivity is done by changing the length of a bit mask.