Showing papers by "Samsung published in 2004"

Emotion recognition system using short-term monitoring of physiological signals.

Abstract: A physiological signal-based emotion recognition system is reported. The system was developed to operate as a user-independent system, based on physiological signal databases obtained from multiple subjects. The input signals were electrocardiogram, skin temperature variation and electrodermal activity, all of which were acquired without much discomfort from the body surface, and can reflect the influence of emotion on the autonomic nervous system. The system consisted of preprocessing, feature extraction and pattern classification stages. Preprocessing and feature extraction methods were devised so that emotion-specific characteristics could be extracted from short-segment signals. Although the features were carefully extracted, their distribution formed a classification problem, with large overlap among clusters and large variance within clusters. A support vector machine was adopted as a pattern classifier to resolve this difficulty. Correct-classification ratios for 50 subjects were 78.4% and 61.8%, for the recognition of three and four categories, respectively.

Highly scalable nonvolatile resistive memory using simple binary oxide driven by asymmetric unipolar voltage pulses

Abstract: Simple binary-TMO (transition metal oxide) resistive random access memory named as OxRRAM has been fully integrated with 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS technology, and its device as well as cell properties are reported for the first time. We confirmed that OxRRAM is highly compatible with the conventional CMOS process such that no other dedicated facility or process is necessary. Filamentary current paths, which are switched on or off by asymmetric unipolar voltage pulses, made the cell properties insensitive to cell or contact size promising high scalability. Also, OxRRAM showed excellent high temperature performance, even working at 300/spl deg/C without any significant degradation. With optimized TMO material and electrodes, OxRRAM operated successfully under 3V bias voltage and 2mA switching current at a TMO cell size smaller than 0.2/spl mu/m/sup 2/.

Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device

Abstract: A method and corresponding article of manufacture are provided for manufacturing a semiconductor device with contact holes of the same step formed by two photolithography processes, where the manufacture includes forming a photoresist pattern by a first photolithography process on an insulating interlayer in which a first contact hole is formed, the photoresist pattern covering the first contact hole, etching the insulating interlayer to form a second contact hole by using the photoresist pattern as an etching mask, partially removing the photoresist pattern to remove an etch by-product from the second contact hole, and performing a process on the second contact hole by using the photoresist pattern residue as a mask to thereby decrease the number of photo processes and simplify the manufacturing process

Enrichment of microbial community generating electricity using a fuel-cell-type electrochemical cell

Abstract: A fuel cell was used to enrich a microbial consortium generating electricity, using organic wastewater as the fuel. Within 30 days of enrichment the maximum current of 0.2 mA was generated with a resistance of 1 kΩ. Current generation was coupled to a fall in chemical oxygen demand from over 1,700 mg l−1 down to 50 mg l−1. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis showed a different microbial population in the enriched electrode from that in the sludge used as the inoculum. Electron microscopic observation showed a biofilm on the electrode surface and microbial clumps. Nanobacteria-like particles were present on the biofilm surface. Metabolic inhibitors and electron acceptors inhibited the current generation. 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis showed a diverse bacterial population in the enrichment culture. These findings demonstrate that an electricity-generating microbial consortium can be enriched using a fuel cell and that the electrochemical activity is a form of anaerobic electron transfer.

Chip stack package and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract: A chip stack package is manufactured at a wafer level by forming connection vias in the scribe lanes adjacent the chips and connecting the device chip pads to the connection vias using rerouting lines. A lower chip is then attached and connected to a substrate, which may be a test wafer, and an upper chip is attached and connected to the lower chip, the electrical connections being achieved through their respective connection vias. In addition to the connection vias, the chip stack package may include connection bumps formed between vertically adjacent chips and/or the lower chip and the substrate. The preferred substrate is a test wafer that allows the attached chips to be tested, and replaced if faulty, thereby ensuring that each layer of stacked chips includes only “known-good die” before the next layer of chips is attached thereby increasing the production rate and improving the yield.

Dielectric layer for semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a silicate interface layer and a high-k dielectric layer overlying the silicate interface layer. The high-k dielectric layer comprises metal alloy oxides.

The smart house for older persons and persons with physical disabilities: structure, technology arrangements, and perspectives

Abstract: Smart houses are considered a good alternative for the independent life of older persons and persons with disabilities. Numerous intelligent devices, embedded into the home environment, can provide the resident with both movement assistance and 24-h health monitoring. Modern home-installed systems tend to be not only physically versatile in functionality but also emotionally human-friendly, i.e., they may be able to perform their functions without disturbing the user and without causing him/her any pain, inconvenience, or movement restriction, instead possibly providing him/her with comfort and pleasure. Through an extensive survey, this paper analyzes the building blocks of smart houses, with particular attention paid to the health monitoring subsystem as an important component, by addressing the basic requirements of various sensors implemented from both research and clinical perspectives. The paper will then discuss some important issues of the future development of an intelligent residential space with a human-friendly health monitoring functional system.

Solitary pulmonary nodules: dynamic enhanced multi-detector row CT study and comparison with vascular endothelial growth factor and microvessel density.

Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate enhancement dynamics of solitary pulmonary nodules at multi–detector row computed tomography (CT) and to correlate results with extent of tumor angiogenesis in pathologic specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-one patients with solitary pulmonary nodules underwent unenhanced thin-section CT, followed by dynamic helical CT (throughout the nodule for 30 mm along the z-axis [13 images] and at 20-second intervals for 3 minutes [130 images total]) after intravenous injection of 120 mL of contrast medium. Diagnosis of malignancy or benignancy was assigned in 109 patients, and follow-up imaging suggested benignancy in the remaining 22. CT findings were analyzed for peak attenuation, net enhancement, and enhancement dynamics. In 54 patients with surgical diagnoses, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to correlate enhancement pattern with extent of microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining. RESULTS: With 30 HU or more of net enhancement as a ...

CPW-fed planar ultra wideband antenna having a frequency band notch function

Abstract: A CPW-fed planar ultra-wideband antenna with hexagonal radiating elements is presented. The antenna also has a frequency band notch characteristic. By inserting a V-shaped thin slot on the hexagonal radiating element, the narrow frequency band notch has been created very close to the desired frequency.

Quantum confinement effect of silicon nanocrystals in situ grown in silicon nitride films

Abstract: Silicon nanocrystals were in situ grown in a silicon nitride film by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The size and structure of silicon nanocrystals were confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Depending on the size, the photoluminescence of silicon nanocrystals can be tuned from the near infrared (1.38eV) to the ultraviolet (3.02eV). The fitted photoluminescence peak energy as E(eV)=1.16+11.8∕d2 is evidence for the quantum confinement effect in silicon nanocrystals. The results demonstrate that the band gap of silicon nanocrystals embedded in silicon nitride matrix was more effectively controlled for a wide range of luminescent wavelengths.

Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a control method thereof. The control method effectively transmits high-concentration wash liquid to laundry, while minimizing the amount of water used, through washing using bubbles, and maximizes the increase in volume of the wash liquid rubbed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum using the generation of bubbles and the rotation of the drum to raise the water level of the wash liquid without additional water.

Highly manufacturable high density phase change memory of 64Mb and beyond

Abstract: Highly manufacturable 64Mbit PRAM has been successfully fabricated using N-doped Ge/sub 2/Sb/sub 2/Te/sub 5/ (GST) and optimal GST etching process. Using those technologies, it was possible to achieve the low writing current of 0.6 mA and clear separation between SET and RESET resistance distributions. The 64Mb PRAM was designed to support commercial NOR flash memory compatible interfaces. Therefore, the fabricated chip was tested under the mobile application platform and its functionality and reliability has been evaluated by operation temperature dependency, disturbance, endurance, and retention. Finally, it was clearly demonstrated that high density PRAM can be fabricated in the product level with strong reliability to produce new nonvolatile memory markets.

Phylogeography and genetic ancestry of tigers (Panthera tigris).

Abstract: Eight traditional subspecies of tiger (Panthera tigris), of which three recently became extinct, are commonly recognized on the basis of geographic isolation and morphological characteristics. To investigate the species' evolutionary history and to establish objective methods for subspecies recognition, voucher specimens of blood, skin, hair, and/or skin biopsies from 134 tigers with verified geographic origins or heritage across the whole distribution range were examined for three molecular markers: (1) 4.0 kb of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence; (2) allele variation in the nuclear major histocompatibility complex class II DRB gene; and (3) composite nuclear microsatellite genotypes based on 30 loci. Relatively low genetic variation with mtDNA, DRB, and microsatellite loci was found, but significant population subdivision was nonetheless apparent among five living subspecies. In addition, a distinct partition of the Indochinese subspecies P. t. corbetti into northern Indochinese and Malayan Peninsula populations was discovered. Population genetic structure would suggest recognition of six taxonomic units or subspecies: (1) Amur tiger P. t. altaica; (2) northern Indochinese tiger P. t. corbetti; (3) South China tiger P. t. amoyensis; (4) Malayan tiger P. t. jacksoni, named for the tiger conservationist Peter Jackson; (5) Sumatran tiger P. t. sumatrae; and (6) Bengal tiger P. t. tigris. The proposed South China tiger lineage is tentative due to limited sampling. The age of the most recent common ancestor for tiger mtDNA was estimated to be 72,000–108,000 y, relatively younger than some other Panthera species. A combination of population expansions, reduced gene flow, and genetic drift following the last genetic diminution, and the recent anthropogenic range contraction, have led to the distinct genetic partitions. These results provide an explicit basis for subspecies recognition and will lead to the improved management and conservation of these recently isolated but distinct geographic populations of tigers.

Apparatus and method performing audio-video sensor fusion for object localization, tracking, and separation

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking and identifying objects includes an audio likelihood module which determines corresponding audio likelihoods for each of a plurality of sounds received from corresponding different directions, each audio likelihood indicating a likelihood a sound is an object to be tracked; a video likelihood module which receives a video and determines video likelihoods for each of a plurality of images disposed in corresponding different directions in the video, each video likelihood indicating a likelihood that the image is an object to be tracked; and an identification and tracking module which determines correspondences between the audio likelihoods and the video likelihoods, if a correspondence is determined to exist between one of the audio likelihoods and one of the video likelihoods, identifies and tracks a corresponding one of the objects using each determined pair of audio and video likelihoods.

Ear type apparatus for measuring a bio signal and measuring method therefor

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a bio signal including a bio signal measurement unit, which is insertable into an ear to be in close contact with an internal surface of the ear, the bio signal measurement unit having a photo plethysmography (PPG) measurement module for radiating light of different wavelengths onto the internal surface of the ear, detecting light transmitted through the ear, and outputting a PPG signal including bio information, a control unit having a PPG signal processor for generating the bio information using the PPG signal measured by the PPG measurement module, and an output unit for displaying the bio information generated from the control unit.

Organic electroluminescent display device

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device includes first and second substrates attached by a seal pattern, array elements including a plurality of thin film transistors formed on the first substrate, a first electrode formed on a rear surface of the second substrate, a plurality of electrode separators formed on the rear surface of the first electrode, wherein the plurality of electrode separators is made of an insulating material defining sub-pixel regions that correspond to each thin film transistor, an organic electroluminescent layer formed on a rear surface of the first electrode in each of the sub-pixel regions, a second electrode formed on a rear surface of the organic electroluminescent layer in each of sub-pixel regions, a conductive connector formed between the first and second substrates in each sub-pixel region for connecting to the second electrode of a sub-pixel region.

Phase-change memory devices with a self-heater structure

Abstract: Phase change memory devices include a phase-change memory layer on a semiconductor substrate. The phase-change memory layer has a major axis that is substantially parallel to a major axis of the semiconductor substrate and has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface that are substantially parallel to the major axis of the phase-change memory layer. A first electrode is provided on the semiconductor substrate that is electrically connected to the first surface of the phase-change memory layer in a first contact region of the phase-change memory layer. A second electrode is provided on the semiconductor substrate that is electrically connected to the phase-change memory layer in a second contact region of the phase-change memory layer. The second contact region is space apart from the first contact region.

Magnetic memory element utilizing spin transfer switching and storing multiple bits

Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic element capable of storing multiple bits is disclosed. The method and system include providing first pinned layer, a first nonmagnetic layer, a first free layer, a connecting layer, a second pinned layer, a second nonmagetic layer and a second free layer. The first pinned layer is ferromagnetic and has a first pinned layer magnetization pinned in a first direction. The first nonmagnetic layer resides between the first pinned layer and the first free layer. The first free layer being ferromagnetic and has a first free layer magnetization. The second pinned layer is ferromagnetic and has a second pinned layer magnetization pinned in a second direction. The connecting layer resides between the second pinned layer and the first free layer. The second nonmagnetic layer resides between the second pinned layer and the second free layer. The second free layer being ferromagnetic and having a second free layer magnetization. The magnetic element is configured to allow the first free layer magnetization and the second free layer magnetization to change direction due to spin transfer when a write current is passed through the magnetic element.

Novel subpixel layouts and arrangements for high brightness displays

Abstract: High brightness displays comprising subpixel repeating groups having at least white with a number of colored subpixels are disclosed. Colored subpixels may comprise: red, blue, green, cyan or magenta in these various embodiments.

Using RFID for Accurate Positioning

Abstract: In Korea, telematics is regarded as the technology to enhance and make everyday-driving experience more comfortable and safer. An essential part of the telematics is navigation and it is mainly based on GPS as the choice of positioning technology. The accuracy of GPS, however, is approximately ten to twenty meters. Combining with map-matching technologies, most navigation systems guide drivers with a best effort manner. In addition to telematics, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an old but newly emerged technology. In this paper, we incorporate RFID technology into a navigation system to improve the accuracy. The skeleton of the idea is as follows: install RFID tags on roads in a certain way, store very accurate location information along with other necessary information in the tags, add an RFID reader module to the navigation system, and use this new location information along with GPS and a gyroscope to produce highly accurate location information. With this scheme, the accuracy of positioning can be dramatically improved, especially in tunnels and in downtown areas. Preliminary results show that this idea is feasible.

Cell reselection method for receiving packet data in a mobile communication system supporting MBMS

Abstract: A method for selecting a cell by a user equipment (UE) to receive a Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) service in a mobile communication system which supports the MBMS service with different frequency allocations (FAs) in the same area. In the method, a radio network controller (RNC) transmits information on an MBMS cell to the UE, and the MBMS cell information includes an MBMS offset for guaranteeing priority for cell reselection to the MBMS cell. The UE performs cell reselection using the MBMS cell information and receives the MBMS service from the reselected cell.

Method for cell reselection in an MBMS mobile communication system

Abstract: A cell reselection method by a user equipment (UE) receiving an MBMS service in a serving cell of a mobile communication system. The UE receives control data of the serving cell, including configuration information necessary for accessing MBMS control channels (MCCHs) of neighbor cells and control information necessary for accessing an MBMS data transport channel (MTCH) of the serving cell, over an MCCH of the serving cell, and stores the received control data, while the MBMS service is provided in the serving cell. If cell reselection to a target cell, which is one of the neighbor cells is determined, the UE moves to the target cell by utilizing configuration information stored for the target cell.

Method and apparatus for recognizing language input mode and method and apparatus for automatically switching language input modes using the same

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically switching language input modes including a first unit, to determine whether to turn on an automatic language input mode switching function; a second unit to bypass a current keystroke input via a predetermined input device when the control signal is an off signal, the second unit either bypasses the current keystroke or deletes previous keystrokes and converts the previous keystroke(s) and the current keystroke into their respective language counterparts according to recognizing a language input mode of a scan code of the current keystroke when the control signal is an on signal; and a third unit to recognize the language input mode of the scan code of the current keystroke by referring to language dictionaries and provide a current language input mode, the recognized language input mode of the current keystroke, keystroke deletion range information, and keystroke conversion range information to the second unit.

Method and apparatus for image-based photorealistic 3D face modeling

Abstract: An apparatus and method for image-based 3D photorealistic head modeling are provided. The method for creating a 3D photorealistic head model includes: detecting frontal and profile features in input frontal and profile images; generating a 3D head model by fitting a 3D genetic model using the detected facial features; generating a realistic texture from the input frontal and profile images; and mapping the texture onto the 3D head model. In the apparatus and method, data obtained using a relatively cheap device, such as a digital camera, can be processed in an automated manner, and satisfactory results can be obtained even from imperfect input data. In other words, facial features can be extracted in an automated manner, and a robust “human-quality” face analysis algorithm is used.

Proactive user interface including emotional agent

Abstract: A proactive user interface, installed in (or otherwise control and/or be associated with) any type of computational device. The proactive user interface actively makes suggestions to the user, based upon prior experience with a particular user and/or various preprogrammed patterns from which the computational device could select, depending upon user behavior. These suggestions could be made by altering the appearance of at least a portion of the display, for example by changing a menu or a portion thereof; providing different menus for display; and/or altering touch screen functionality. The suggestions could also be made audibly.

Wireless communication system and method using multiple antennas

Abstract: A wireless communication system, and method using multiple antennas, includes a base station that applies predetermined weight vectors to multi-user signals and transmits the multi-user signals through a plurality of transmission antennas, and a plurality of mobile stations that receive and process the multi-user signals, wherein each mobile station includes a signal reception unit that processes the multi-user signals, and a feedback signal generation unit that estimates channel characteristics, over which the multi-user signals have been transmitted, from the multi-user signals, classifies a plurality of weight vectors to be applied to the estimated channel characteristics into a plurality of sets such that vectors orthogonal to one another are classified into a single set, selects a set maximizing a transmission capacity from among the classified sets, and feeds back weight indexes of weight vectors included in the selected set and weighted channel information to the base station.

method and apparatus for converting from a source color space to a target color space

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to effect conversion of a three color primary image data set to a multiple color primary set in which one of the primaries is white. One method converts a three-color image data set comprising C1, C2, and C3 colors into a four-color image data set comprising C1, C2, C3 and W colors.

Phase change memory devices including memory elements having variable cross-sectional areas

Abstract: A phase-change memory device may include first and second spaced apart conductive electrodes, and a phase-change memory element coupled between the first and second conductive electrodes. More particularly, a first portion of the phase-change memory element may have a first cross-sectional area along a current path between the first and second conductive electrodes, and a second portion of the phase-change memory element may have a second cross-sectional area along the current path between the first and second conductive electrodes. Moreover, the first and second cross-sectional areas may be different.