Time-saving Factor Research Articles

Improving Time-Efficiency of Fault-Coverage Simulation for MOS Analog Circuit

In analog fault simulation, the number one challenge is that simulation time could grow rapidly and become prohibitive as the circuit size becomes large. This paper proposes a systematic method to significantly improve the time efficiency in estimating the fault coverage for analog fault simulation. In the proposed method, a circuit under test (CUT) is first partitioned into independent sub-circuits. This is accomplished through mapping the circuit into a graph, decomposing the graph into strongly connected components (SCCs), and generating a sub-circuit for each SCC. The impacts of potential faults directly entering a sub-circuit are then simulated and recorded using the sub-circuits, which is expected to be much more time efficient than fault simulation using the whole circuit, which is much larger in size. Finally, the fault detectability at the given test points is evaluated based on the fault impacts and sensitivity among different sub-circuits. As a first step toward quick estimation of fault coverage, this paper focuses on dc tests. Simulation results show that the fault coverage of dc tests can be estimated sufficiently accurately with simulation time being reduced by 10X for the benchmark circuit, or by approximately the number of SCCs. For a much larger circuit, the number of SCCs is expected to be much larger and the time-saving factor will be much larger.

Untangling the condensation network of organosiloxanes on nanoparticles using 2D (29)Si-(29)Si solid-state NMR enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization.

Silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were functionalized by silanization to produce a surface covered with organosiloxanes. Information about the surface coverage and the nature, if any, of organosiloxane polymerization, whether parallel or perpendicular to the surface, is highly desired. To this extent, two-dimensional homonuclear (29)Si solid-state NMR could be employed. However, owing to the sensitivity limitations associated with the low natural abundance (4.7%) of (29)Si and the difficulty and expense of isotopic labeling here, this technique would usually be deemed impracticable. Nevertheless, we show that recent developments in the field of dynamic nuclear polarization under magic angle spinning (MAS-DNP) could be used to dramatically increase the sensitivity of the NMR experiments, resulting in a timesaving factor of ∼625 compared to conventional solid-state NMR. This allowed the acquisition of previously infeasible data. Using both through-space and through-bond 2D (29)Si-(29)Si correlation experiments, it is shown that the required reaction conditions favor lateral polymerization and domain growth. Moreover, the natural abundance correlation experiments permitted the estimation of (2)J(Si-O-Si)-couplings (13.8 ± 1.4 Hz for surface silica) and interatomic distances (3.04 ± 0.08 Å for surface silica) since complications associated with many-spin systems and also sensitivity were avoided. The work detailed herein not only demonstrates the possibility of using MAS-DNP to greatly facilitate the acquisition of 2D (29)Si-(29)Si correlation spectra but also shows that this technique can be used in a routine fashion to characterize surface grafting networks and gain structural constraints, which can be related to a system's chemical and physical properties.

Novel Intermode Prediction Algorithm for High Efficiency Video Coding Encoder

The joint collaborative team on video coding (JCT-VC) is developing the next-generation video coding standard which is called high efficiency video coding (HEVC). In the HEVC, there are three units in block structure: coding unit (CU), prediction unit (PU), and transform unit (TU). The CU is the basic unit of region splitting like macroblock (MB). Each CU performs recursive splitting into four blocks with equal size, starting from the tree block. In this paper, we propose a fast CU depth decision algorithm for HEVC technology to reduce its computational complexity. In2N×2N PU, the proposed method compares the rate-distortion (RD) cost and determines the depth using the compared information. Moreover, in order to speed up the encoding time, the efficient merge SKIP detection method is developed additionally based on the contextual mode information of neighboring CUs. Experimental result shows that the proposed algorithm achieves the average time-saving factor of 44.84% in the random access (RA) at Main profile configuration with the HEVC test model (HM) 10.0 reference software. Compared to HM 10.0 encoder, a small BD-bitrate loss of 0.17% is also observed without significant loss of image quality.

HEVC 인코더 고속화를 위한 병합 검색 조기 종료 결정 알고리즘

본 논문에서는 High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) 부호화 속도 향상을 위하여 주변 CU들의 정보를 활용한 고속 병합모드 결정 방법을 제안한다. 표준화가 완료된 HEVC에서는 병합 후보 리스트(Merge Candidate List)에서 생성되는 동일한 후보 모드를 가진다. <TEX>$2N{\times}2N$</TEX>에 대하여 병합 모드와 병합 SKIP 모드(Merge SKIP mode)가 후보들을 공유하며 모드 검색을 수행한다. 이러한 병합과정은 후보 모드만큼 수행 후 병합 SKIP 모드 또한 필요에 따라 후보만큼 수행하는 검색과정은 반복 연산으로 복잡도를 가중시키고 있다. 이러한 부호화 복잡도를 감소시키기 위하여 제안된 방법에서는 이미 부호화된 시공간적 주변 블록들 및 상위 부호화 깊이 블록의 병합 (Merge) 정보를 활용하여 현재 부호화 블록의 모드를 조기에 결정한다. 주변 블록 정보가 모두 병합 SKIP 모드일 경우 조기에 병합 SKIP 모드만을 검색하도록 하고, 그렇지 않은 경우에는 기존의 병합 과정을 수행하도록 설계하였다. 실험을 통해 제안한 방법이 기존의 HEVC의 부호화 시간보다 21.25%가 감소시킬 수 있으며, 화질 열화는 매우 적음을 보인다. In this paper, an early termination algorithm for merge process is proposed to reduce the computational complexity in High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) encoder. In the HEVC, the same candidate modes from merge candidate list (MCL) are shared to predict a merge or merge SKIP mode. This search process is performed by the number of the obtained candidates for the both of the merge and SKIP modes. This may cause some redundant search operations. To reduce this redundant search operation, we employ the neighboring blocks which have been encoded in prior, to check on the contextual information. In this study, the spatial, temporal and depth neighboring blocks have been considered to compute a correlation information. With this correlation information, an early termination algorithm for merge process is suggested. When all modes of neighboring blocks are SKIP modes, then the merge process performs only SKIP mode. Otherwise, usual merge process of HEVC is performed Through experimental results, the proposed method achieves a time-saving factor of about 21.25% on average with small loss of BD-rate, when comparing to the original HM 10.0 encoder.

電子的遠隔SDV (RSDV) についての成果と課題

Electronic remote source data verification (RSDV) allows on-site SDV to be performed in a remote place. To use the telecommunication system for such purpose, it is necessary to solve various problems such as personal information protection, data security, operating labor, and cost. In the present study, clinical trial sponsors cooperated in a pilot study of RSDV, which clarified the benefits and identified new problems. We also conducted a questionnaire to investigate the sponsor's satisfaction with the labor involved and the performance for full-scale implementation of RSDV. RSDV was performed using PDF and special code software (FinalCode®) to investigate the performance and problems. The SDV implementation time per SDV in the medical institution (on-site SDV; OSDV) decreased definitely. However, RSDV had little impact on decreasing the number of times of OSDV, a benefit that was greatly anticipated. From the viewpoint of work density, the quantity of verification data for one OSDV was doubled by the introduction of RSDV. The questionnaire survey showed that, in general, introduction of RSDV increased the convenience of SDV per se. Because all monitors perceived convenience, especially in full support, the survey indicated that convenience outweighs the labor and cost of RSDV. Although this pilot study showed a tendency of decrease in number of SDV, a substantial reduction was not observed. However, the on-site function of re-verifying data that had been confirmed beforehand was well developed, showing a behavioral pattern toward improving the quality of SDV over the time-saving factor. More efforts to improve the efficacy of RSDV would become a driving force to activate clinical trials. (Jpn J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2013; 44(2): 71-76)

Fast multidimensional localized parallel NMR spectroscopy for the analysis of samples

A parallel localized spectroscopy (PALSY) method is presented to speed up the acquisition of multidimensional NMR (nD) spectra. The sample is virtually divided into a discrete number of nonoverlapping slices that relax independently during consecutive scans of the experiment, affording a substantial reduction in the interscan relaxation delay and the total experiment time. PALSY was tested for the acquisition of three experiments 2D COSY, 2D DQF-COSY and 2D TQF-COSY in parallel, affording a time-saving factor of 3-4. Some unique advantages are that the achievable resolution in any dimension is not compromised in any way: it uses conventional NMR data processing, it is not prone to generate spectral artifacts, and once calibrated, it can be used routinely with these and other combinations of NMR spectra.

A comparison of two different treatments with navigated extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for calcifying tendinitis – a randomized controlled trial

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy is recommended for calcifying tendinitis, and navigated low-energy therapy has given better results than biofeedback localization. This investigation was planned to analyze whether the outcome of navigated low-energy shock-wave therapy can be improved by raising energy flux density to middle-energy levels. The clinical and radiological differences in outcome between three sessions of low-energy navigated shock-wave therapy and two sessions of middle-energy therapy were therefore compared. A prospective, randomized, observer-blind study was carried out in 50 patients whose mean age was 51 years. The population was randomized into two groups. Pain refractory to therapy was evident for more than six months in all patients. Radiographs and clinical examinations, including the Constant and Murley score, and the visual analog scale for pain assessment were performed before therapy and then after 12 weeks. Both groups of patients received navigated and X-ray-assisted, focused shock-wave treatment at weekly intervals. Group I underwent three sessions of constant low-energy treatment (0.08 mJ/mm(2); 1000 impulses) without local anesthesia; Group II received two middle-energy treatments (0.2 mJ/mm(2); 2000 impulses) with subacromial anesthesia. Forty-four patients (21 in Group I, 23 in Group II) completed the study protocol. Clinically, both groups improved significantly (P<0.0001) in the Constant and Murley score and the visual analog scale. The statistics within the groups were not significantly different. Overall, nine calcium deposits disappeared and 12 changed massively in shape and radiological density. Navigated shock-wave therapy significantly improves pain and shoulder function. Patients obtained nearly equal results after three low-energy or two middle-energy sessions of shock-wave treatment. We therefore recommend two sessions of middle-energy shock-wave therapy, as performed in Group II, because of the time-saving factor.

Simoloyer® CM100s:Semi-Continuous Mechanical Alloying on a Production Scale part II

The production of large quantities of powders for industrial applications, e.g., in paints or soldering materials, especially Cu and Ag particles with a special geometry (flakes) are of high interest. Based on milling experiments resolved by the High Energy (ball) Mill, the Simoloyer CM01–1/2 l, with a grinding unit capacity of 0.5 l for laboratory purpose, a new grinding device, the Simoloyer CMl00sl (capacity 100 liters), has been developed under the same principle. The new device is suitable for a semi-continuous production of mechanically alloyed and mechanically deformed powders (1-3), which is described in part I of this work. Part II focuses on testing and industrial application of the processing equipment as well as on principles regarding productivity. The testing regarding semi-continuous operation using depression has been performed and is discussed in the present paper. The production capability has been determined at 10 kg per 3 minutes. The challenge of the semi-continuous procedure is to get access to this batch-result without additional serving-times. From the present point of view, the route using compression has the highest potential which will be considered in part III of this work. The main processing parameters will lead to a continuous capability of about 4 tons of flake-powder per day (10 hours), which relates to a time-saving factor of approximately 1000 compared to conventional ball-milling and stamping technique. The determination of the energy consumption (energy balance) by use of the special control-software will also be discussed.

Planning accelerated life tests for selecting the most reliable product

At the research and development stage, a decision maker may wish to select the most reliable design from among several competing product designs. This paper proposes a systematic approach to the selection problem for highly reliable products which posses a Weibull distribution whose characteristic life is a log-linear function of stress. First, optimum test plans for both type-I and type-II censoring are derived by minimizing the asymptotic variance of estimated quantiles at the design stress. Next, an intuitively appealing selection rule is proposed. The sample size and censoring time (or number of failures) needed by this selection rule are computed with a predetermined time-saving factor and a minimum probability of correct selection (CS). An example demonstrating the selection procedure is given. Finally, a cost criterion is used to compare these two censoring plans. Although type-II censoring needs slightly larger sample sizes than type-I censoring, it has a shorter expected life-testing time.

Time-saving in biological dosimetry by using the automatic metaphase finder Metafer2

The amount of time-saving by using the Metafer2 metaphase finder for routine analysis of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations (biological dosimetry) was determined. Metaphases were prepared by standard methods from cultures of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and stained either with Giemsa or with the FPG method. The metaphase finder was used for detecting metaphases on the microscope slides and for automatically processing the evaluation data. In our laboratory, standardized analysis of 1000 metaphases requires at least 3 working days for cell culturing and slide preparation and 51.5 working hours for cytogenetic analysis. When using the metaphase finder the time required for cytogenic analysis is reduced to 17.3 working hours (time-saving factor: 51.5 17.3 h = 3.0 ). In our prolonged method, including more than one scoring of each slide and karyotyping of metaphases with chromosome aberrations, the analysis times for 1000 cells are 132 and 70 working hours, respectively (time saving factor: 132 70 h = 1.9 ).

Selecting the most reliable design under type-II censoring

Abstract In product reliability R & D stage, the decision maker usually faces the problem of selecting the most reliable design among k available designs. To save the life-testing time, it is reasonable to test n items from each design until there are r ( r ≤ n ) failures from each. Under this kind of censoring (type-II censoring) plan and when the life distribution of the underlying design follows the Weibull distribution, this paper proposes a natural selection rule to achieve the goal. The sample size, the censoring size and the critical value, which are needed by this rule, are computed with the protection of probability of correct selection and the achievement of a specified time-saving factor by the experimenter.

A Semiautomated Six Port for Measuring Millimeter-Wave Power and Complex Reflection Coefficient

A six-port system has been developed and applied to the precision measurement of power and complex reflection coefficient in WR-15 (50-75 GHz) waveguide. The system is automated except for frequency and switching control for the signal source. This system provides a timesaving factor of at least five as compared to a tuned reflectometer with little, if any, degradation in accuracy.