Abstract:
An Electronic Mirror is described that can capture and display, using a digital/video camera or cameras, the image of a subject as they look when viewing themselves in a mirror. The captured image is displayed on a video monitor or TV set. A widescreen flat panel monitor is utilized, having the ability to physically rotate 90°. In portrait mode the monitor functions as an Electronic Mirror, and in landscape mode is capable of functioning as a conventional TV set or video monitor. Rotation is either manual or motorized. Captured images of a subject may be split such that a portion reflecting one type of outfit may be combined with a portion reflecting a different outfit, thus electronically creating a combination of clothing that may never have been actually worn. Video capture may also be supported enabling a subject to capture and display a 360 degree view as they turn around.
Abstract:
An Application-Specific Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device or fabric is described for use in applications requiring fast reconfigurability of devices in the field, enabling multiple personalities for re-using silicon resources (like arrays of large multipliers in DSP applications) from moment-to-moment for implementing different hardware algorithms. In a general purpose FPGA device or fabric, this fast reconfigurability is normally implemented by special reconfiguration support circuitry and/or additional configuration memory. Unfortunately, this flexibility requires a large amount of programmable routing resource and silicon area—limiting the viability in volume production applications. This invention describes how multi-program FPGA functionalities may be migrated to smaller die by constructing hybrid FPGA/ASIC implementations that retain the multi-program capability. Also described is a multi-program FPGA fabric architecture that uses a hybrid FPGA/ASIC interconnect structure, resulting in a much smaller silicon area when customized for a particular user application.
Abstract:
In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.
Abstract:
A customizable ASIC routing architecture is provided. The architecture utilizes the uppermost metal layers of an ASIC composed of an array of function blocks for routing among function blocks while lower layers are used for local interconnections within the function blocks. The second-to-uppermost metal layer is fixed and generally includes a plurality of parallel segmented conductors extending in a first direction. The uppermost metal layer is customizable in a predesignated manner. Metal in the uppermost metal layer is selectively placed in tracks, which are substantially perpendicular to the segmented conductors in the layer below. Vias are provided between the two uppermost layers. One embodiment of the invention permits one-mask customization of an ASIC. Other embodiments allow a determination to be made of the ideal number of custom mask steps, taking into consideration performance, cost, time, and routability.
Abstract:
On a wafer that includes multiple distinct designs in each die region, a memory is included in each die region. The memory stores information specific to the design implemented in the same die region. Such stored information may include a circuit design identifier or a proprietary technology identifier. Such identifiers minimize IC confusion and aid in tracking usage of proprietary technology.
Abstract:
The invention uses a programmable interconnect substrate having a plurality of conductive and interconnectable vias located on one or both surfaces thereof. A customized pattern of bonding pads is then formed over the one or both surfaces of the substrate which correspond to the terminal footprints of specific surface mounted packages intended to be mounted on the substrate. A generalized pattern of bonding pads may also be formed on the surfaces of the substrate for electrically connecting terminals of bare dice thereto by means of thin wire. All bonding pads are electrically connected to one or more vias by direct electrical contact or by a conductive trace extending from the bonding pad to a nearby via.
Abstract:
The invention provides a multi-stage architecture where the first stage is extremely wide and fast, but has a shallow depth which greatly reduces cost. A second stage provides a more conventional variable width/depth memory. Between the two stages is a programmable cross point switch matrix which determines which channels, of the many channels from the first stage, is to be connected as inputs to the second stage. Trigger comparisons may be performed in either or both stages.
Abstract:
A multi-mode and/or multi-ammunition type weapon is described, whereupon being removed from a stored position is always initially in a default mode that fires one form of ammunition type, and can be quickly placed by a user into a different mode that fires a second, and different, form of ammunition type. When returned to the stored position, an integral ammunition type selector is automatically placed into an initial position enabling the weapon to fire one of the multiple ammunition types as selected by an integral ammunition sequence selector. The ammunition sequence selector enables selection of either the first or second form of ammunition type as the default ammunition type when the weapon is placed into the stored position. A shot sequence recorder is optionally included for recording sequences of ammunition types fired, providing an un-alterable record of firing events.
Abstract:
Electro-mechanical and electronically controlled access devices are described for automatically controlling passage between two areas, and where a plurality of such access control devices may be ganged or clustered to provided additional throughput and directional control, including stacking a plurality of access control devices side by side within a cluster. Each access control device contains multiple rotatable and moveable door panels. The door panels are controlled by various drive mechanisms to enable passage through the device, while ensuring by the use of sensors that door panels avoid touching subjects as they traverse the device. The direction of flow through a device according to these embodiments is electronically controlled and may be changed from time to time. At any instant in time while being traversed, the flow through each device is unidirectional. Multiple devices within a cluster can be directionally controlled according to traffic, demand, time of day, or other factors.
Abstract:
Internet searches sometimes provide search results referencing webpages that do not contain all search term elements submitted by a user. The user may then click on such Internet search results where referenced webpages, and/or their descendants, do not contain important search term elements. Also, advertisements are sometimes placed on search results webpages that relate to the user's search term elements, even though some of those search terms are missing in referenced and/or descendant webpages. The present invention is directed to: annotating Internet search results to indicate missing search term elements on referenced and descendant webpages; optionally filtering out search results referencing webpages with missing terms; and showing advertisements related to search term elements. When shown, annotations warn the user to avoid clicking on an Internet search result where the user's search term elements are not present on referenced and/or descendant webpages, thereby preventing wasted time and speeding the search process.