Patent Application
20070260406
The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure and that process or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In order to avoid obscuring the present invention, some well-known system configurations, and process steps are not disclosed in detail. Likewise, the drawings showing embodiments of the invention are semi-diagrammatic and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawing FIGS. In addition, where multiple embodiments are disclosed and described having some features in common, for clarity and ease of illustration, description, and comprehension thereof, similar and like features one to another will ordinarily be described with like reference numerals.
The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of a receptacle, regardless of its orientation. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms, such as “on”, “above”, “below”, “bottom”, “top”, “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher”, “lower”, “upper”, “left”, “right”, “over”, and “under”, are defined with respect to the horizontal plane. The terms “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any aspect or embodiment described herein as an “example” or “exemplary” are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.
Generally, the automated location system of the present invention relates to the determination of a feature location within a system. The purpose of determining a feature location is to establish a correlation between the location of the feature and a common point of reference, wherein an element of the system may utilize this information.
More specifically, the automated location system of the present invention can be used to map features (i.e.—tray pocket locations) within the boundaries of a receptacle, such as a JEDEC tray. Commonly, these receptacles are placed within an automated placement machine or within an automated programming system, thereby allowing transport of components to and from the receptacle features for further processing.
Typically, these receptacles may contain a number of features, such as cavities or pockets, each capable of containing a component therein. The physical dimensions for each cavity are generally similar and the cavities are usually arranged in a uniform configuration. By way of example, the receptacle employed by the present invention may include a uniform configuration with an array of columns and rows defining the cavity locations, wherein the columns are substantially centered between the left and right edges of the receptacle and the rows are substantially centered between the top and bottom edges of the receptacle. Per this invention, columns substantially centered between the left and right edges of the receptacle means that the distance from the left edge of the receptacle to the center of the first column is substantially similar to the distance from the right edge to the center of the last column and rows substantially centered between the top and bottom edges of the receptacle means that the distance from the top of the tray to the first row is substantially similar to the distance from the bottom edge to the center of last row.
By employing receptacles with substantially similar cavity physical dimensions and substantially centered columns and rows, the present inventors have discovered a system that makes it possible to calculate the relative spatial coordinates (i.e.—location) of each of the components contained within these cavities with respect to a common point of reference. After determining the coordinate positions of each of the components, an automated placement machine or an automated programming system, for example, may be programmed to successively move to each coordinate position, corresponding to the location of the components, in order to retrieve each of the components from its respective cavity for further processing.
Generally, the receptacles employed by the present invention should also have openings centered within the cavities or pockets and there should also be at least two cavities or pockets located side-by-side, wherein the side-by-side cavities or pockets contain openings.
Referring now to
The frame 102 is the main housing that holds all the elements together and provides structural support. The stand 104 can provide support for the monitor 106. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the monitor 106 may include a touch screen user interface system that provides visual feedback to an operator.
The cover 108 is also mounted to the frame 102 and covers the working envelope of the machine. The cover 108 offers protection to the input module 110, the output module 112, and the programming modules 114 from dust and debris within the working environment. Additionally, the cover 108 protects an operator from unintended operational hazards.
Devices, media and/or components may enter and exit the automated programming system 100 via removable modules, such as the input module 110 or the output module 112. By way of example, the input module 110 and the output module 112 may be configured to accommodate trays, receptacles or other carriers, which may conform to Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standards. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to such configurations. In accordance with the present invention the input module 110 and the output module 112 may accommodate any device tray, receptacle or carrier.
The programming modules 114 provide the core processing interface for the automated programming system 100. The programming modules 114 include one or more removable modules that interface with the automated programming system 100. Each of the programming modules 114 may also be configured to accommodate trays or carriers, which may conform to JEDEC standards. These trays or carriers may contain a socket adapter(s) 204, of
Additionally, each of the programming modules 114 possesses the module control 116. The module control 116 allows an operator to initiate system configuration setup, such as the identification of the module, the configuration of the module, the geometry of the module and the location of the module within the system, by manually engaging the module control 116.
The control electronics 118 are also mounted on the frame 102. The control electronics 118 provide an electrical interface for the automated programming system 100. For example, the control electronics 118 may possess a power ON/OFF switch and/or digital air boards.
Notably, the automated programming system 100 does not rely on an external vacuum system, which greatly enhances the portability of the machine. The automated programming system 100 possesses an on-board vacuum system that is powered by electrical current, therefore, the automated programming system 100 is a self-sufficient system that only requires an electrical current for operation. Additionally, the back of the automated programming system 100 may possess additional power modules.
The status indicator 120 is also mounted on the frame 102. The status indicator 120 provides visual feedback, via a non-text error message, to the user about operation status. As an exemplary illustration, the status indicator 120 may use a multi-color scheme employing more than one light combination. The particular combination can be done in such a way that a green light indicates that everything is operation normal, a yellow light indicates that attention may be needed soon and a red light indicates that there is a problem or error, and operations should or will be stopped. According to this illustration, a red light requires immediate operator attention. However, it is to be understood that any color scheme may be used to convey the notions of operations normal, attention may be needed soon, and operation error.
For purposes of illustration, the following color coded combinations may occur:
Referring now to
The robotics system 200, and more generally the automated programming system 100, can be controlled by a user interface system, such as a graphical non-text user interface system. In accordance with the scope of the present invention, a non-text user interface system uses only numbers and symbols to communicate information to an operator and not written words. The user interface system can provide feedback to an operator via visual or auditory stimulus.
The user interface system, displayed by the monitor 106, provides a real time image of the working envelope (i.e.—the system configuration). The working envelope includes the input module 110, the output module 112, the programming modules 114, the input device receptacle area 202, the socket adapters 204, the actuators 206, the output device receptacle area 208, and the reject bin 210.
By modeling the real time configuration of the working envelope, the monitor 106 helps to eliminate operator mistakes during set up of the automated programming system 100. Additionally, the real time image on the monitor 106 can increase operator productivity due to its accurate representation of the working envelope.
Not only does the user interface system display a real time image of the working envelope, but it may also provide programming setup and status information. In general, the user interface system of the present invention includes the following categories to control a programming system: job selection, programming, device and hardware detection, and statistical job feedback. These categories are controlled via a plethora of functions, such as job status inquires, job control, job tools, socket use, job selection, receptacle map, and measure receptacle. These functions provide a workable user interface for the automated programming system 100 that do not require textual representation, and therefore allow global application of the user interface.
Additionally, the user interface system can be configured for remote operation, as well as, remote diagnostics access.
During operation, the robotics system 200, which includes a pick-and-place system (e.g.—the head system 218), retrieves one or more devices (not shown) from the input device receptacle area 202, located over the input module 110. The robotics system 200 then transports the device(s) to the programming modules 114 which possess the socket adapters 204 and the actuators 206. Once the socket adapters 204 engage the devices, programming may commence. Once programming is complete, the robotics system 200 then transports the good devices to the output device receptacle area 208, located over the output module 112, and transports the bad devices to the reject bin 210. By way of example, the input device receptacle area 202 and the output device receptacle area 208 may be designed to accommodate device trays or carriers with one or more pockets.
The robotics system 200 is attached to an L-shaped base, which is part of the frame 102. The L-shaped base provides a rigid, lightweight, cast, platform for the robotics system 200. Additionally, the L-shaped base allows easy access to the working envelope of the automated programming system 100. The L-shaped base may contain a smart interface system for interfacing with intelligent modules.
The robotics system 200 includes the gantry 212, the track 214, the arm 216, the head system 218, the nozzles 220, and the optics system 222. The gantry 212 supports the arm 216, the head system 218, the nozzles 220 and the optics system 222. The gantry 212 slides back and forth (e.g.—in the X direction) across the track 214. The head system 218, the nozzles 220, and the optics system 222 slide back and forth (e.g.—in the Y direction) across the arm 216 supported by the gantry 212. The head system 218 may additionally move up and down (i.e.—in the Z direction) and rotate (i.e.—in the theta direction).
The head system 218, may include by way of example and not by way of limitation, a pick-and-place head system, which can employ multiple design configurations, such as a multi-probe design. The head system 218 is a small sized, lightweight system to facilitate fast and accurate movements. Imprecise movements of the head system 218 are accommodated for by a built-in compliance mechanism. The built-in compliance mechanism can be based upon mechanical principles, such as a spring, or upon electrical principles, for example.
In further attempts to reduce the size and weight of the head system 218, particular aspects of the invention may employ limited theta or rotational movement for each up and down or Z position.
The head system 218 may be powered by an electrical stimulus, a pneumatic stimulus or any stimulus that produces the desired result of moving the head system 218. Uniquely, the nozzles 220 of the head system 218 do not rely on an external air supply. If pneumatics is used to operate the nozzles 220, they are provided via an on-board vacuum system. Therefore, the automated programming system 100 can be designed to only require electrical power for operation. By not requiring each potential operations facility to possess a clean and special external air supply, the automated programming system 100 becomes universally portable and employable.
Furthermore, adjacent to the head system 218 is the optics system 222 that is displaceable due to its attachment to the head system 218. The optics system 222 enables the automated programming system 100 to automatically map the physical characteristics and geometry of a receptacle 304, of
These automatic measurements will provide information about the exact coordinates (e.g.—X, Y, Z and/or theta directions) for each feature or opening within the working envelope of the automated programming system 100. The present invention may employ a one, two, three, or four dimensional coordinate system.
The optics system 222 employs optical methods based upon reflectivity and specifically designed algorithms to calculate the exact coordinates for each feature or opening. This system is designed in such a way that the operator no longer has to manually determine the exact coordinates of each feature or opening, which saves the operator time and prevents operator input error.
Referring now to
During operation, the optics system 222 scans back and forth across the substrate 302 and the receptacle 304 detecting changes in reflectivity. For example, the substrate 302 can be a reflective surface and the receptacle 304 can be a non-reflective surface or vice-versa. The substrate 302 is formed under the receptacle 304 and each of the cavity 306 are formed within the receptacle 304.
Per this embodiment, the receptacle 304 is depicted as rectangular in shape; however, this is not to be construed as limiting. In accordance with the present invention, the receptacle 304 may include any design, shape or configuration that permits mapping of the receptacle 304 by the automated location system 300. The receptacle 304 may include one or more of the cavity 306 for holding device, media and/or components. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the cavity 306 may include any design, shape or configuration that permits containment of device, media and/or components.
As the optics system 222 scans the substrate 302 and the receptacle 304, the optic path 308 may experience transitions that can be registered by the optics system 222. These transitions in the optic path 308 register as a change in reflectivity through a sensor within the optics system 222. By way of example, the transitions may register in digital format, wherein the optics system 222 reads low when energy is reflected back from the substrate 302 and high when there is no reflection from the receptacle 304. A signal representing this change in reflectivity is then sent to the motor encoder/controller 310. The motor encoder/controller 310 tracks the movements of the optics system 222 and assigns a value to this signal. By way of example, the change in reflectivity/signal may represent the location of one of the cavity 306. The motor encoder/controller 310 then sends this value to the processing unit 312, such as a computer, for example. The processing unit 312 processes this value (i.e.—the location of the change in reflectivity) and assigns a coordinate position for later use.
As an exemplary illustration, the motor encoder/controller 310 may gauge the distance traveled by the optics system 222 by counting the motor pulses of the motor encoder/controller 310 or units of measurement, such as millimeters. For example, the pulses of the motor encoder/controller 310 may be a specified number of rotations of a sprocket, a drive wheel, or any other type of mechanism that has a relatively constant magnitude of motion with respect to the distance traveled by the optics system 222. These motor pulses are then fed to the processing unit 312, wherein a program or software stored and executed within the processing unit 312 can track the position or location of the optics system 222. The program or software of the processing unit 312 converts the motor pulses of the motor encoder/controller 310 into X, Y, Z and/or theta directions corresponding to the number of motor pulses in the X, Y, Z and/or theta directions.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the shift associated with the perceived location of the teaching targets can be minimized by tightly coupling the optics system 222 with the motor encoder/controller 310.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the bottom of the cavity 306 may or may not be formed by the substrate 302.
Referring now to
The present embodiment depicts the receptacle 304 as possessing eight (8) columns demarcated X1 through X8 and ten (10) rows demarcated Y1 through Y10 for a total of eighty (80) of the cavity 306; however, this is not to be construed as limiting. In accordance with the scope of the present invention the receptacle 304 may include any M×N array of more than one of the cavity 306; wherein, M and N are whole integers, either of M or N is greater than one (1), and the number of the cavity 306 is equal to or less than the product of M times N. For example, the receptacle 304 may include five rows and five columns, but need only possess twenty-five (25) or fewer of the cavity 306.
Each of the cavity 306 is assigned a unique coordinate number based on its Y-axis and X-axis coordinates with respect to a reference point 400. The reference point 400 is the common point of reference for all locations within the working envelope of the automated programming system 100, of
Per this embodiment, the reference point 400 is defined by teaching targets formed in a first direction and in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are in different directions, such as orthogonal to each other. For example, the teaching targets may include a first reference 402, formed in the first direction, and a second reference 404 formed in the second direction. The teaching targets can be easily created by placing a non-reflective marking against a reflective surface or vice-versa. In this particular embodiment, the first reference 402 and the second reference 404 are non-reflective markings placed against a reflective background.
Once the reference point 400 is determined, features, such as the cavity 306, can be mapped out (i.e.—their X, Y1 Z, and theta locations determined) with respect to the reference point 400. The location of the cavity 306 can be determined with respect to the reference point 400. For example, after employing the automated location system 300, of
The values assigned to the X-list and the Y-list are relative to the location of the reference point 400 and each of the cavity 306 can be found for any location within the receptacle 304 as long as the reference point 400 is known. For example, if the reference point 400 is defined by coordinates (Xa, Ya), then the absolute location for X1Y1 can be defined as (Xa+10, Ya+15), using the values 10 and 15 from the example directly above.
After mapping the coordinates for each of the cavity 306, the robotics system 200, of
Although the present embodiment creates two lists (X and Y) for the location of each of the cavity 306, it is to be understood that the present invention may employ any number of spatial coordinates X, Y1 Z, and theta locations to create lists of two, three, or four values that map the location of each of the cavity 306.
The following steps and FIGs.,
Generally, the method of the present invention includes a system in which features, openings, or pockets are located, not by calculating dimensions of a tray, but by creating lists of feature locations (e.g.—the cavity 306, of
Features, openings, or pockets can be located using the following general sequence of operations.
Step One: Operator Supplies Number of Columns and Rows
The operator supplies the number of columns and rows by manually counting the number of columns and rows of the receptacle 304, of
Step Two: The Automated Location System 300 Locates One of the Cavity 306 Along a First Axis
Referring now to
If the optics system 222 fails to detect an opening, feature or pocket, such as the cavity 306, the optics system 222 can continue until it recognizes that it has gone off the receptacle 304 (e.g.—detects a change in reflectivity due to its position over the substrate 302, of
Nonetheless, once the optics system 222 recognizes that it has traveled its required distance without detecting one of the cavity 306, the optics system 222 stops and then makes a small incremental step in the X-direction and begins traveling in an opposite direction (i.e.—changes direction). For example, if the optics system 222 initially began traveling in a minus Y-direction along the first axis, then the optics system 222 will travel in a plus Y-direction after it makes its small incremental step in the X-direction. Once again, as the optics system 222 traverses the receptacle 304, sensors within the optics system 222 detect optic transitions or changes in reflectivity emitted by the receptacle 304.
This process is repeated until one or more of the cavity 306 is located during a pass of the optics system 222 over the receptacle 304. Once the automated location system 300, of
Referring now to
Step Three: Scan Across a Second Axis
Referring now to
The present embodiment depicts a scan that detected seven (7) openings/features/pockets or seven of the cavity 306 along the second axis of the receptacle 304. The seven openings correspond to locations described by a first opening 700, a second opening 702, a fourth opening 704, a fourth prime opening 706, a fifth opening 708, a seventh opening 710, an eighth opening 712. The scan also shows two missing openings corresponding to a third opening 714 (shown in phantom outline) and a sixth opening 716 (shown in phantom outline), as well as, two false openings depicted by a false signal 718 and a false signal 720. Per this embodiment, it is to be understood that the third opening 714 and the sixth opening 716 are not depicted by the scan, and are being provided in phantom outline merely for purposes of clarity. Angular irregularities associated with the construction of the receptacle 304 may cause the optics system 222 to register perceived changes in reflectivity, thereby creating “false openings”, such as the fourth prime opening 706, the false signal 718 and the false signal 720, that can be of variable widths.
The two missing openings (i.e.—the third opening 714 and the sixth opening 716) can be pockets within the receptacle 304 without holes. By way of example, pockets without holes may include pockets with a solid bottom such that energy cannot be seen reflected from the substrate 302, of
Additionally, the scan of the present embodiment detected a hole (i.e.—the fourth prime opening 706) between the fourth opening 704 and the fifth opening 708. The fourth prime opening 706 appears to be a hole not contained within a pocket of the receptacle 304.
The signal lows as plotted against the vertical axis (i.e.—changes in reflectivity) can be associated with the reflective surface of the substrate 302. For example, each of the seven openings (i.e.—the first opening 700, the second opening 702, the fourth opening 704, the fourth prime opening 706, the fifth opening 708, the seventh opening 710, and the eighth opening 712), a signal start trace 722 and a signal stop trace 724 are at comparatively low levels indicating that the optics system 222 is over the reflective surface of the substrate 302.
Step Four: Determine Width of the Receptacle 304
Referring now to
Step Five: Remove False Signals
Referring now to
Step Six: Determine List of Pitches
Referring now to
Per this invention, pitch is defined to mean the distance from the center of one opening (e.g.—the cavity 306, of
Although the present embodiment depicts an illustration wherein some of the openings appear to have a substantially equal pitch, this is not always the case. Commonly, there exist small variations in pitch readings along the length of the scan. For example, measured distances from one opening to the next may appear as a first pitch list. The following is as exemplary first pitch list:
The above distances can be measured in units of any type, but for purposes of discussion and for clarity, the above distances will be referred to as encoder count units; however, this is not to be construed as limiting.
Step Seven: Determine Similar Pitches
After analyzing the first pitch list measured in step six, it becomes apparent that some values are close enough to be considered substantially the same. Similar pitches can be detected by determining that if two values are within a predetermined distance, then they are deemed substantially equivalent. For example, if two or more pitch values are within two hundred (200) encoder count units of each other, they will be averaged and considered the same. For example, the first pitch 1000 (101234 encoder counts) can be added to the sixth pitch 1010 (101189 encoder counts) and averaged to produce an encoder count value of 101212. After performing this process, a second pitch list can be formed. The following is as exemplary second pitch list:
Now, the list of pitches can be reduced to three (3) values and a third pitch list can be formed. The following is as exemplary third pitch list:
Step Eight: Determine Correct Pitch
Now that the width of the receptacle 304, of
Minimum receptacle width=(N1−1)×Pn;
Using the values of the third pitch list from step seven, the following values are yielded:
Receptacle minimum width one=(8−1)×P1=(7×101212)=708484
Receptacle minimum width two=(8−1)×P2=(7×202327)=1416289
Receptacle minimum width three=(8−1)×P3=(7×869)=6083
For example, if the measured width of the receptacle 304, as determined in step four, is 950908 encoder units, then receptacle minimum width two can be automatically ruled out as that value exceeds the measured value of the tray. The correct pitch is receptacle minimum width one as it has the maximum value while still remaining within the confines of the measured tray width. Consequently, pitch one (P1) from the third pitch list, is determined to be the correct pitch value.
Step Nine: Determine Openings Based Upon Pitch
Referring now to FIG. I 1, therein is shown the structure of
The automated location system 300, of
This method allows the automated location system 300 to employ any of the openings (e.g.—the first opening 700, the second opening 702, the fourth opening 704, the fifth opening 708, the seventh opening 710, and the eighth opening 712) plotted by the scan of step five. Additionally, if the automated location system 300 chooses the fourth prime opening 706 as the “anchor” opening to calculate from, the automated location system 300 can readily identify that none of the other openings align with the fourth prime opening 706 when adding and/or subtracting multiples of the correct pitch from this “anchor” opening coordinate position. If this event transpires, the automated location system 300 will automatically designate another one of the openings as the “anchor” opening and re-calculate.
The following example will calculate the location of each opening with respect to the first opening 700 designated as the “anchor” opening. This example is given merely for purposes of illustration and is not to be construed as limiting.
the second opening 702 location=the first opening 700 location+(1×P1)
the fourth opening 704 location=the first opening 700 location+(3×P1)
the fifth opening 708 location=the first opening 700 location+(4×P1)
the seventh opening 710 location=the first opening 700 location+(6×P1)
the eighth opening 712 location=the second opening 702 location+(6×P1)
By employing the correct pitch (e.g.—pitch one (P1)), the automated location system 300 is able to determine that the fourth prime opening 706 does not reside within the cavity 306, of
Step Ten: Fill in Missing Openings
Referring now to
For example, by adding the correct pitch (e.g.—pitch one (P1)) to the location of the first opening 700, the presence of the second opening 702 can be verified. If the automated location system 300 then adds the correct pitch (e.g.—pitch one (P1)) to the location of the second opening 702, it can be determined that no feature, opening, or pocket exists. Upon this discovery, the automated location system 300 then creates an opening for the third opening 714 by adding the correct pitch (e.g.—pitch one (P1)) to the location of the second opening 702. This process is repeated until the correct number of openings is obtained.
Step Eleven: Create a List of Opening Locations Along the Second Axis (e.g.—a Row)
Feature, opening, or pocket locations are determined for each of the cavity 306, of
Since the scan performed by the optics system 222, of
Step Twelve: Determine List of Opening Locations Along the First Axis (e.g.—a Column)
Referring now to
Feature, opening, or pocket locations positioned along the first axis (e.g.—a Y-axis) can be determined by repeating steps three through eleven for a scan taken along the first axis. The first axis or column to be scanned can be located by using one of the X-values found in step eleven for the scan of the second axis. The result of performing steps three through eleven for a first axis or column scan can yield the following Y-list (e.g.—a Y values list) for the receptacle 304, of
Feature, Opening or Pocket Coordinates
During execution of a job, the robotics system 200, of
The two lists (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8) and (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y7, Y10 ) make up the tray map for the receptacle 304 and these values can be applied to any transport system contained anywhere within the working envelope of a handling robot.
Referring now to
From the above it will be understood that the present invention is applicable to what can be described as “devices”, “media” or “components”. Devices, media and/or components include a broad range of electronic and mechanical devices. The best mode describes programming of devices, media and/or components, which include, but are not limited to, Flash memories (Flash), electrically erasable programmable read only memories (EEPROM), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and microcontrollers. However, the present invention encompasses programming for all electronic, mechanical, hybrid, and other devices, media and/or components, which require testing, measurement of device characteristics, calibration, and other programming operations. For example, these types of devices, media and/or components would include, but not be limited to, microprocessors, integrated circuits (ICs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), micro mechanical machines, micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) devices, micro modules, and fluidic systems.
It has been discovered that the present invention thus has numerous aspects. One such aspect is the ability of the automated location system to determine the number and location of cavities, automatically, after an operator merely enters the number of rows and columns of a receptacle.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is that it valuably supports and services the historical trend of reducing costs, simplifying systems, and increasing performance.
These and other valuable aspects of the present invention consequently further the state of the technology to at least the next level.
Thus, it has been discovered that the automated location system of the present invention furnishes important and heretofore unknown and unavailable solutions, capabilities, and functional aspects that do not require a high level of operator interaction to locate features. The resulting processes and configurations are straightforward, cost-effective, uncomplicated, highly versatile and effective, can be implemented by adapting known technologies, and are thus readily suited for efficiently and economically manufacturing integrated circuit package devices.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the a foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations, which fall within the scope of the included claims. All matters hitherto fore set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/746,362 filed May 3, 2006. The present application contains subject matter related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,532. The related application is assigned to Data I/O Corporation.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60746362 | May 2006 | US |
