Document Document Title
US07945468B1 Notification of employees via pass code accessed web pages
Disclosed is an Internet-based database system and method (ASP), that enables school districts and temporary employment agencies to automate the dispatching (24/7) of pre-qualified substitute/temporary personnel to specified school/work site locations for specific absent employees/job openings. The system includes a profile database of permanent and substitute (temporary) employees, positions, skills, working dates/shifts, rates of pay, work sites, lesson plans/comments, reasons for absence and corresponding budget codes. Approved substitute/temporary employees may access the database using a multi-level access and secure logon code through their Internet-based browser device. The software filters job/position information to match specific job openings to the skills, qualifications (certification), preferences and availability of the substitute/temporary employee/s. As job openings (absences) are entered into the system by employees, the school district or employment agency, job details are immediately available through Internet “distributed technology” to all appropriate substitute/temporary employees through their web browser device.
US07945465B2 Method and apparatus for managing workflow
A workflow process management application (WPMA) for a specific organization is created via a web application that can be implemented using a web server front end and a database back end. An administrator user operates the application by using a built-in administrative function to create objects such as users, groups, departments, locations, acuities, activities, and skills. The administrator or another suitable user can then use a built-in defining function to finalize objects and create instances of the objects corresponding to the organization. Appropriate users can use the plan function to allocate specific users to specific departments to ensure that all activities are assigned an appropriate amount of workers having the appropriate skills. When (or after) the work is performed the actual workflow data can be electronically gathered (if possible), or manually entered. Reports can then be generated to show differences between the planned workflow and the actual workflow.
US07945463B2 Apparatus and methods for providing queue messaging over a network
Systems and methods are described for processing queue data and for providing queue messaging over a network. An illustrative queuing system includes a first queue configured to hold resource requests from a plurality of users, and program code stored in computer readable memory configured to determine or estimate whether a resource requested by a first resource request submitted by a first requester will be available when the first resource request will be serviced, and to transmit a message over a network to the first requester indicating that the requested resource will not be available when the queued request is serviced if it is estimated or determined that the requested resource will not be available when the first request is serviced.
US07945460B2 Compensated electronic consults
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing health care information to health care providers and for obtaining information pertaining to the practice of a health care provider by providing incentives for provision of such information.
US07945452B2 User interface improvements for medical devices
A method and apparatus is disclosed for operating a medical device with a screen having an improved graphical user interface, which selectively reallocates screen display for both single and multi-channel pumps. Channel indicators associate operation information with a specific delivery channel. Patient or drug order verification is facilitated with a rendering of the patient or the entire drug order/label on the screen. Decimal numbers are presented in vertically offset decimal format. A dual function button cancels the current operation and, after a delay, clears entered parameters. An area sensitive scrollbar cycles through information at various speeds. Screen brightness is adjusted based on an ambient light detector. A screen saver mode activates based on several operating conditions. The screen is incorporated in a removable user interface.
US07945450B2 Method for monitoring radiology machines, operators and examinations
The method of creating at least one standard protocol or pattern about the operator, the patient, the examination and/or the machine being used. Monitoring, creating and recording data about at least one of them during the actual performance of the examination. Next, compare this data to a standard protocol to produce certain results or findings about either the revenues and expenses surrounding the exam, the operators performance and skill levels during the exam, the productivity of the machine and operator, etc. Networking the data from more then one machine to a central computer and performing various analyzes, computations and/or calculations on the data from the various machines. The results will provide individual as well as combined totals for all of the machines in a department that download data to the computer.
US07945448B2 Perception-aware low-power audio decoder for portable devices
A method of decoding audio data representing an audio clip, said method comprising the steps of selecting one of a predetermined number of frequency bands; decoding a portion of the audio data representing said audio clip according to the selected frequency band, wherein a remaining portion of the audio data representing said audio clip is discarded; and converting the decoded portion of audio data into sample data representing the decoded audio data.
US07945446B2 Sound processing apparatus and method, and program therefor
Spectrum envelope of an input sound is detected. In the meantime, a converting spectrum is acquired which is a frequency spectrum of a converting sound comprising a plurality of sounds, such as unison sounds. Output spectrum is generated by imparting the detected spectrum envelope of the input sound to the acquired converting spectrum. Sound signal is synthesized on the basis of the generated output spectrum. Further, a pitch of the input sound may be detected, and frequencies of peaks in the acquired converting spectrum may be varied in accordance with the detected pitch of the input sound. In this manner, the output spectrum can have the pitch and spectrum envelope of the input sound and spectrum frequency components of the converting sound comprising a plurality of sounds, and thus, unison sounds can be readily generated with simple arrangements.
US07945436B2 Pass-through and emulation in a virtual machine environment
A virtual device emulated in software and included in a virtual machine is provided in a virtualized computer system. The virtual device includes an emulation mode and a pass through mode. The emulation mode is used for a first plurality of device operations. The pass through mode is used for a second plurality of device operations. The virtual device is configured to communicate with a physical device and each of the second plurality of device operations are configured to be handled by the physical device. The virtual device also includes a switching logic to switch between the emulation mode and the pass through mode based on a device operation to be performed by the virtual machine of the virtual device.
US07945434B2 Non-intrusive event capturing for event processing analysis
A system and a method for capturing, storing and replaying data describing application of an event-based process to an event are described. As an event processing engine processes an input event, specified data is captured by a store monitor included in the event processing engine. Hence, while the event processing engine processes an input event, data describing the event processing is contemporaneously captured without affecting processing of the input event. The captured data is then stored for later access and can be used later simulate or analyze the event processing. In one embodiment, the stored data is also classified or grouped based on one or more grouping criteria (e.g., event type, timestamp) to simplify later access to the data.
US07945433B2 Hardware simulation accelerator design and method that exploits a parallel structure of user models to support a larger user model size
A system and method for design verification and, more particularly, a hardware simulation accelerator design and method that exploits a parallel structure of user models to support a large user model size. The method includes a computer including N number of logic evaluation units (LEUs) that share a common pool of instruction memory (IM). The computer infrastructure is operable to: partition a number of parallel operations in a netlist; and send a same instruction stream of the partitioned number of parallel operations to N number of LEUs from a single IM. The system is a hardware simulation accelerator having a computer infrastructure operable to provide a stream of instructions to multiple LEUs from a single IM. The multiple LEUs are clustered together with multiple IMs such that each LEU is configured to use instructions from any of the multiple IMs thereby allowing a same instruction stream to drive the multiple LEUs.
US07945428B2 Multi-gain adaptive linear processing and gated digital system for use in flow cytometry
Disclosed is an electronic processing system for a flow cytometer that uses a processing chip that processes data in a parallel architecture on a sample by sample basis and provides for high throughput of data. In addition, multi-gain linear amplifiers are used which are matched using feedback circuits to provide accurate data and high resolution data having high dynamic range.
US07945425B2 In-flight detection of wing flap free wheeling skew
A method for detecting freewheeling skew failures in the wing flaps of an aircraft includes measuring the outputs of flap skew sensors when the aircraft is in flight (IF) and the flaps are extended to a selected position, and when the aircraft is next on the ground (OG) and the flaps are extended to the selected position. The respective differences between the IF and OG outputs of symmetrical pairs of the flap skew sensors are computed, and then the respective difference between the computed IF output difference and the computed OG output difference of each symmetrical pair of the sensors is computed. The computed IF and OG difference of each symmetrical pair of the sensors is then compared with each of predetermined maximum and minimum threshold value to determine whether a freewheeling skew failure exists in any of the flaps of the aircraft.
US07945424B2 Disk drive emulator and method of use thereof
A disk drive emulator for testing a test slot of a disk drive testing system includes an emulator housing, a testing circuit housed in the emulator housing, and an interface connector disposed on the emulator housing and in electrical communication with the testing circuit. The disk drive emulator includes at least one sensor in electrical communication with the testing circuit. The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, and a humidity sensor. The testing circuit is configured to test power delivery of the test slot to the disk drive emulator, monitor the at least one sensor, and monitor connector resistance between the test slot and the disk drive emulator.
US07945423B2 Method and system for evaluating the efficiency of an air conditioning apparatus
The applicant describes a system and methods of calculating the overall operating efficiency of an air conditioning chiller that evaluates efficiency of the component parts of the chiller and generates an overall efficiency based on these component efficiency values. If the overall chiller efficiency is less than the maximum attainable chiller efficiency, the cost of the inefficiency is calculated and presented to the user. Recommendations for corrective action to restore maximum chiller efficiency are identified and presented to the user. The system also adjusts the efficiency calculations as appropriate to account for actual compressor current load conditions.
US07945421B2 Method of detecting a reference zone arranged on the periphery of a toothed disk fastened to a rotary component, with a view to determining the angular position of said rotary component
A method of detecting a reference zone formed on the periphery of a toothed disk integral with a rotary part, for determining the angular position of the rotary part. According to this detection method, when a reference zone is expected and at the time of the detection of a tooth (n) at a time tn, there is defined a time window [tmin, tmax] of duration depending on the time period Tn separating the detection of the tooth (n) and the detection of the preceding tooth (n−1), and the reference zone is considered present in the absence of detection of a tooth (n+1) during the time window [tmin, tmax]. Moreover, the duration of each time window [tmin, tmax], calculated from a measured time period Tn, is adjusted by modulating that duration by a correction parameter equal to ΔT=Tn−Tn−1.
US07945420B2 Absolute position measurement apparatus
An absolute position measurement apparatus includes an output unit, a phase computing unit, a regression computing unit, a phase difference computing unit, an origin position computing unit, and an absolute position calculating unit. The output unit outputs first signals and superimposed signals formed by superimposing second signals on the first signals. The first signals relate to a position of an object to be measured and the first and second signals have a different cycle. The phase computing unit calculates the phase of the first and second signals. The regression computing unit calculates a regression coefficient of the phase of the first signals. The phase difference computing unit calculates a phase difference between phases of the first and second signals. The origin position computing unit determines an origin position of the object to be measured. The absolute position calculating unit calculates an absolute position of the object to be measured.
US07945419B2 Electronic measurement of off-center run-out and reel-hub mismatch
In a method of electronically measuring reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch, tape speed data related to a tape coupled with an operating drive reel is electronically measured. The tape speed data is correlated with drive reel rotation angles. The correlated tape speed data is translated to drive reel hub radii variations with respect to the drive reel rotation angles. The drive reel hub radii variations comprise an operational measure of reel off-center run-out and reel hub mismatch of the drive reel.
US07945418B2 Stream based stimulus definition and delivery via interworking
An approach is provided to manage test transactors that interface with components of a hardware design. A first set of transactors is launched with the first set of transactors sending stimuli to various components that correspond to the first set of transactors. A manager receives signals when transactors of the first set have completed at which point a second set of transactors is identified that are dependent upon the first set transactors that completed. The second set of transactors is launched by the manager. The manager further facilitates transmission of data used by the various transactors. Transactors generate and provide stimuli to various components included in a hardware design, such as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). Results from the hardware design are passed to the transactors which, in turn, pass the results back to the manager. In this manner, results from one transactor may be made available as input to another transactor.
US07945417B2 Method of digital extraction for accurate failure diagnosis
A method for testing VLSI circuits comprises a two-pass diagnostic method for testing a circuit wherein a first pass comprises a conventional test flow wherein an ATPG tool generates a set of test patterns and identifies possible faulty nets within the circuit. A second pass focuses on a designated critical subset of the circuit extracted using a method for extracting a subset for failure diagnosis of the tested circuit. A second pass utilizes an extraction algorithm which extracts one or more critical subsets of the circuit in order to obtain more accurate failure diagnosis.
US07945413B2 Voltage-sensed system and method for anti-islanding protection of grid-connected inverters
A method is provided for preventing islanding of a power source connected to an electric AC grid via an interface. The method senses an output voltage waveform of the interface, controls an output current waveform of the interface to track a reference current waveform having a mathematical relationship with the sensed output voltage waveform, and discontinues the output current waveform when the output voltage waveform is sensed to be outside a predetermined waveform range.
US07945404B2 Clock jitter measurement circuit and integrated circuit having the same
Provided is a measurement circuit for measuring a jitter of a clock signal. Delay elements delay the clock signal into delayed clock signal. Latches latch the delayed clock signals to indicate whether transition edges of the clock signal is within a window value which is corresponding to delays of the delay elements. Based on the latch result from the latches, a finite state machine generates control signals for controlling the delay elements. If the latch result indicates that the transition edges of the clock signal is not within the window value, the control signals adjust the delays of the delay elements and the window value. The jitter of the clock signal is measured based on the delays of the delay elements and the window value.
US07945398B2 Reflow process evaluation device and reflow process evaluation method
A reflow process evaluation device includes, a stress calculation part for calculating an average principal stress acting on a joint portion, wherein a principal stress occurs when a chip and a substrate are joined by solder with a reflow method and a rupture occurrence ratio computation part for computing an occurrence ratio at which the joint portion ruptures based on a relational expression between the occurrence ratio and the average principal stress acting on the joint portion and the average principal stress calculated by the stress calculation part.
US07945394B2 Detecting incomplete fill of biosensors
A method of detecting incomplete filling of an electrochemical biosensor by collecting a series of electrical current values when a constant electrical potential is applied across the working and counter electrodes during a preliminary burn period. The slope of a line determined by linear regression based on the series of current values is used to determine whether or not the biosensor is incompletely filled. If the line has a positive slope, the biosensor is reported to be under filled. If the slope is not positive, the correlation coefficient of the current values is used as a supplemental test to indicate whether or not the biosensor is incompletely filled.
US07945386B2 Rerouting in vehicle navigation systems
A navigation device includes a processor, a map information storage medium storing map information, a position determining module configured to determine a current location, a velocity and direction of travel of a vehicle, and determine whether the current position indicates a deviation from an original route to a final destination. Further included is a routing module configured to determine an original route from a starting position to a destination, and at least one reroute from the current location to the destination, wherein the reroute includes a restoration route from the current location to at least one intermediate point on the original route and then continuing to the destination. Based upon an estimated cost of the restoration route plus a predetermined actual cost of the route from the intermediate point to the final destination, the routing module is further configured to estimate a reroute cost, and select a reroute based upon the estimated reroute cost.
US07945384B2 Navigation apparatus and position detection method
A navigation apparatus includes: a main unit to be attached to a mobile object through a base section, the main unit detecting a current position of the mobile object based on positioning information; a section that calculates acceleration applied to the mobile object based on the mobile object's speed; an acceleration sensor that observes acceleration applied to the main unit; a section that calculates an attachment inclination of the acceleration sensor with respect to the mobile object; a section that estimates, while the positioning information is not being supplied, a speed and position of the mobile object; a section that detects whether the main unit is mounted on the base section; and a section that forces the above section to stop estimating the speed when the main unit is not mounted on the base section.
US07945383B2 Route determination method and apparatus for navigation system
A navigation system is able to find an optimum route to a destination even when a large non-digitized area exists between a starting point to the destination. The navigation system produces processing points based on a particular shape and size of the large non-digitized area and determines whether such processing points should be used for route search operations. When it is determined that the route search operation is effective, the navigation system performs A* algorithm search operations with respect to the start point, processing points and the destination and detects an optimum route to detour the large non-digitized area.
US07945382B2 Navigation apparatus and method
A navigation apparatus and method increase the upper limit for the number of times map data may be written into a portable storage medium. A CPU reads an initial radius and an additional radius increment from a ROM and repeatedly adds the additional radius increment to the initial radius to obtain, with each addition, a new calculated radius centered on coordinates of a central geographic point of a map data extracting-region. The map data for each secondary grid unit within the map data extracting-region is sequentially read out from a CD-ROM. Then, when the map data within the incrementally enlarged map data extracting-region exceeds the maximum storage capacity of the SD memory card, the CPU deducts the last added increment of radius from the calculated radius to obtain a map region to be stored. The CPU sequentially reads out from the CD-ROM the map data for each grid unit within the map region to be stored and sequentially writes the grid units of map data into the SD memory card.
US07945374B2 Method and apparatus for characterizing fuel injector performance to reduce variability in fuel injection
A method for equalizing fuel injector flows among a plurality of fuel injectors in an internal combustion engine including the steps of a) characterizing the electrical and/or mechanical performance of each fuel injector; b) imprinting characterization data on each fuel injector; c) reading the imprinted data into a control computer, preferably at the time of engine assembly or sub-assembly; and d) using the characterization data in an algorithm to adjust at least one electrical parameter such as hold current, peak current, and boost time for each fuel injector in an assembled engine during each fuel injection cycle.
US07945370B2 Configuring an engine control module
Method and systems are provided for configuring operations of an engine control module. In one implementation, a method is provided. According to the method, configuration parameters defining an operational range of an engine are received. Furthermore, data specifying performance requirements of the engine is received from the engine control module. The method determines whether the configuration parameters meet the performance requirements.
US07945369B2 Adaptive cruise control system
An adaptive cruise control system and a method for controlling the velocity of a host motor vehicle. An object detecting device is capable of simultaneously detecting several target objects. A separate control order is generated for each detected target object for influencing engine controls and brake controls of the host vehicle to control the velocity of the host vehicle. Control orders generated for several simultaneously detected target objects are then compared and the most restrictive control order among these is selected. At least one control signal based on the selected control order is then sent to at least one of the engine controls and the brake controls of the host vehicle to control the velocity of the host vehicle in accordance with the selected control order.
US07945368B2 Method of adjusting an automatic parking brake
A method of actuating an automatic parking brake for a vehicle, comprising a spring device, designed to absorb the actuating forces, situated in the actuating mechanism of a brake device. This method comprises at least the following steps: application of a preload to the spring device to a value situated in part IV of the operating characteristic, and adjustment of this preload to a level corresponding at least to a minimum braking force required for the vehicle.
US07945366B2 Motor vehicle transmission control for operating a motor vehicle transmission
In a control for a motor vehicle transmission having a clutch and means for establishing and/or releasing an engagement of a toothing or of jaws of the motor vehicle transmission including a control unit for actuating the clutch for transmitting a torque to a first component of the toothing, the control unit being adapted, for the purpose of releasing a tooth-on-tooth position of the toothing, to briefly provide a control signal for adjusting the clutch to a desired clutch position (KS) in order to generate a torque pulse, the control unit determining a reaction of the motor vehicle transmission in response to the control signal from the control unit and adapting the desired clutch position (KS) as a function of the reaction.
US07945364B2 Service for improving haulage efficiency
A process of enabling and providing a service for improving haulage efficiency in a haulage system includes identifying a customer who may benefit from the service. Haulage vehicles of a fleet of haulage vehicles are equipped with a system for monitoring haulage parameters of the haulage vehicles. Equipment for gathering data on the monitored haulage parameters and for gathering information on haulage vehicle location along haul roads is provided. Target haulage parameters which result in desired haulage system performance are determined. The data is analyzed and deviations of actual haulage system performance from desired haulage system performance are determined.
US07945360B2 Cost reduction system and method for flight data recording
A method and system for acquiring aircraft parameters that includes sampling an aircraft parameter during a first sampling period, recording the full value of the aircraft parameter sampled during the first sampling period, then sampling the aircraft parameter during a fixed number of subsequent consecutive sampling periods, and recording the change between the value of the aircraft parameter sampled in the subsequent sampling periods and the value of the aircraft parameter sampled in the prior sampling period. A method and system for constructing a data stream that includes merging a voluntary data stream and the mandatory parameters and storing the merged data stream in a flight data recorder while maintaining the certification of the flight data recorder.
US07945359B2 Telematics based vehicle maintenance client notification
The present invention provides a method for providing vehicle maintenance client notification within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle that includes monitoring the mobile vehicle for vehicle system maintenance information, determining an oil-life value based on the vehicle system maintenance information, determining when the oil-life value exceeds at least one oil-life threshold level, sending the vehicle system maintenance information to a call center responsive to the oil-life threshold level determination, and generating a service reminder, at the call center, based on the received vehicle system maintenance information. The step of determining when the oil-life value exceeds the oil-life threshold level may include comparing the determined oil-life value with the at least one oil-life threshold level, determining at least one oil-life threshold level that is exceeded by the oil-life value, and initiating a vehicle data upload based on the at least one exceeded oil-life threshold level.
US07945350B2 Wind turbine acoustic emission control system and method
A system and method for controlling noise generated from a wind turbine is disclosed. The method includes selectively adjusting the angle of pitch of the blade in response to an amount of noise generated being above a predetermined amount and maintaining the amount of noise generated at or below the predetermined amount of noise.
US07945349B2 Method and a system for facilitating calibration of an off-line programmed robot cell
The present invention relates to a method and a system for facilitating calibration of a robot cell including one or more objects (8) and an industrial robot (1,2,3) performing work in connection to the objects, wherein the robot cell is programmed by means of an off-line programming tool including a graphical component for generating 2D or 3D graphics based on graphical models of the objects. The system comprises a computer unit (10) located at the off-line programming site and configured to store a sequence of calibration points for each of the objects, and to generate a sequence of images (4) including graphical representations of the objects to be calibrated and the calibration points in relation to the objects, and to transfer the images to the robot, and that the robot is configured to display said sequence of images to a robot operator during calibration of the robot cell so that for each calibration point a view including the present calibration point and the object to be calibrated is displayed to the robot operator.
US07945346B2 Module identification method and system for path connectivity in modular systems
A configurable self-identifying workpiece transport system is described for moving an associated workpiece relative to a plurality of associated workpiece functional units selectively performing operations on the associated workpiece. The transport system includes a plurality of transport modules and a control unit. The plurality of transport modules are disposed in selected positions relative to the associated workpiece functional units, and each of the plurality of transport modules stores identification data and functionality data specific to the transport module. The control unit includes an automatic identification system in communication with each of the plurality of transport modules for retrieving the identification data and the functionality data from each of the plurality of transport modules and generating an itinerary for moving the associated workpiece relative to the workpiece functional units. Each of the plurality of transport modules includes a local communication circuit adapted to selectively communicate with adjacent transport modules. In one embodiment, the control unit is distributed among the plurality of transport modules and in another embodiment, a global system bus is provided by a central control unit for communicating with each of the plurality of transport modules through the global bus. The local communication circuit includes photo optic devices and the global system bus uses a two wire interface.
US07945345B2 Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a first program on a controller and a second program on an interface board between the controller and controlled devices. Both of the programs update their own counters and exchange their counter values with each other, serving as bi-directional software watchdog timers (WDT). If a counter value of the first program on the controller sent to the second program on the interface board is determined to be abnormal by the second program, the second program on the interface board sends commands to the controlled devices to terminate output so that the apparatus is navigated to a safe mode. The first program similarly monitors the counter values of the second program for anomalies. This bi-directional software WDT can be implemented as add-on to software programs that already exist in the controller and the interface board, therefore, this implementation does not incur extra cost of hardware of the apparatus.
US07945343B2 Method of making an article of footwear
A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address.
US07945342B2 Audio processing apparatus for automatic gain control
The present invention provides an audio processing apparatus for automatically controlling gain. The audio processing apparatus includes an audio signal source and a sound reproduction device. The sound reproduction device attaches to the audio signal source, which includes a storage unit for storing a default gain value and a gain index table. The gain index table lists genre types with a genre gain value of each of the genre types. After receiving a play command signal, the audio signal source fetches an audio file to be played, reads a genre type of the audio file from a tag thereof, and processing the audio file to generate audio signals. The audio signal source further reads a genre gain value of the genre type from the gain index table, amplifies the audio signals by the genre gain value, and sends the amplified audio signals to the sound reproduction device to reproduce corresponding sounds.
US07945339B2 Non-periodic control communications in wireless and other process control systems
Disclosed is a controller having a processor and a control module adapted for periodic execution by the processor and configured to be responsive to a process variable to generate a control signal for a process. An iteration of the periodic execution of the control module involves implementation of a routine configured to generate a representation of a process response to the control signal. The routine is further configured to maintain the representation over multiple iterations of the periodic execution of the control module and until an update of the process variable is available. In some cases, the update of the process variable is made available via wireless transmission of the process signal. In those and other cases, the controller may be included within a process control system having a field device to transmit the process signal indicative of the process variable non-periodically based on whether the process variable has changed by more than a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the field device also transmits the process signal if a refresh time has been exceeded since a last transmission.
US07945338B2 Automation human machine interface having virtual graphic controls
Within an industrial automation environment, a human-machine interface (HMI) is provided comprising a HMI computer, a display electrically coupled with the computer, and a controller wirelessly coupled with the computer. The controller is configured to detect motion of the controller, and wirelessly transmit motion data related to the motion of the controller to the HMI computer. The HMI computer is configured to receive industrial automation data, wirelessly receive motion data from the controller, process the motion data into control data, and select a first set of industrial automation data for display in response to the control data.
US07945337B2 High impedance and low polarization electrode
An insulative housing formed about a distal end of a medical electrical lead body includes a cavity and a port; an ionically conductive medium fills the cavity and is in intimate contact with an electrode surface contained within the cavity. When a current is delivered to the electrode surface contained within the cavity, a first current density generated at the electrode surface is smaller than a second current density generated out from the port of the insulative housing; thus, the port forms a high impedance and low polarization tissue-stimulating electrode.
US07945336B2 Probe with multiple arms and system for deep electrical neurostimulation comprising such a probe
Probe (1) for deep electrical neurostimulation, and more specifically for deep brain electrostimulation, comprising: a tubular body (10) of biocompatible material with a lateral wall (11) defining a lumen (12) and a closed anterior end (13), said tubular body (11) can be introduced for at least a part of its length inside a patient's body for reaching a region to be stimulated; wherein it also comprises: a plurality of electrically insulating arms (32) each bearing at least one electrode (40) and being able to pass from a first position in which they are housed inside of said tubular body (11) to a second position in which they project radially from this latter and inversely; and means (20 and 50) for making said arms (32) pass from said first position to said second position and inversely.
US07945335B2 Remotely RF powered conformable thermal applicators
Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to apparatus and methodology of thermal applicators in cancer therapy. In particular, the present embodiments are directed to a technique called “nanoparticle ferromagnetic resonance heating,” where ferromagnetic resonance heating in addition to an RF hyperthermia treatment is used to cause cell apoptosis and necrosis. An apparatus for carrying out a ferromagnetic resonance heating treatment of a tumor, comprises a volume concentration of super paramagnetic particles contained within the interior of the tumor, the concentration ranging from about 0.1 to about 1 percent; a magnetic field source configured to deliver a gradient DC magnetic field to the region of the tumor; and an energy source configured to deliver to the tumor an RF field at a frequency ranging from about 100 to 200 MHz. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the super paramagnetic particles are selected from the group consisting of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) based compounds, and yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12) based compounds.
US07945333B2 Programmer for biostimulator system
A biostimulator system comprises one or more implantable devices and an external programmer configured for communicating with the implantable device or devices via bidirectional communication pathways comprising a receiving pathway that decodes information encoded on stimulation pulses generated by ones of the implantable device or devices and conducted through body tissue to the external programmer.
US07945329B2 Multi-channel connector for brain stimulation system
An implantable connector used with a neurological device and a lead extension includes a male connector having a plurality of electrical contacts axially arranged along the connector, insulated from each other. The connector also includes a female connector having one or more channels axially disposed therein and a plurality of conductors axially arranged on the female connector. The plurality of conductors are electrically insulated from each other, and at least one indexing element is disposed adjacent one or more of the channels. The indexing element allows the male connector to be received into the one or more channels in a defined orientation relative to the channel, thereby forming at least two electrical connections along two or more axial positions. Often the neurological device is a brain stimulating and recording lead. The male and female connectors are often fastened together with a screw or by twist-locking the two members together.
US07945327B2 Systems and methods for monitoring and managing power consumption of an implantable medical device
In one embodiment, an external programming device is operable to determine and graphically display power consumption of an implantable medical device (“IMD”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the external programming device includes a graphical user interface display and a communication interface operable to receive information from an IMD. In this embodiment, the external programming device is operable to receive IMD parameter settings and/or battery parameter values from the IMD, calculate a power consumption rate for the IMD, and then display the power consumption on the graphical user interface display using a graphical visual indicator.
US07945326B1 Tissue characterization using intracardiac impedances with an implantable lead system
An implantable system acquires intracardiac impedance with an implantable lead system. In one implementation, the system generates frequency-rich, low energy, multi-phasic waveforms that provide a net-zero charge and a net-zero voltage. When applied to bodily tissues, current pulses or voltage pulses having the multi-phasic waveform provide increased specificity and sensitivity in probing tissue. The effects of the applied pulses are sensed as a corresponding waveform. The waveforms of the applied and sensed pulses can be integrated to obtain corresponding area values that represent the current and voltage across a spectrum of frequencies. These areas can be compared to obtain a reliable impedance value for the tissue. Frequency response, phase delay, and response to modulated pulse width can also be measured to determine a relative capacitance of the tissue, indicative of infarcted tissue, blood to tissue ratio, degree of edema, and other physiological parameters.
US07945322B2 Tank filters placed in series with the lead wires or circuits of active medical devices to enhance MRI compatibility
A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device.
US07945310B2 Surgical instrument path computation and display for endoluminal surgery
An endoscopic surgical navigation system comprises a path correlation module that can compute the path taken by an endoscope scope or other medical instrument during an endoscopic medical procedure and various related attributes and parameters, and can compute and display a correlation between two paths.
US07945306B2 Method for generating an image exposure of the heart requiring a preparation
A method for generation of an image exposure of the heart of an examination subject with an imaging medical examination apparatus in particular a magnetic resonance apparatus, the image exposure requiring preparation includes the steps of: preparation of the heart in a heart position that is relevant for the image acquisition and determination of the associated heart position, determination of at least one current heart position in the further course of the heart cycle, comparison of the determined current heart position with the heart position relevant for the image acquisition, and given correlation of the current heart position and the heart position relevant for the image acquisition, starting the image acquisition through a control device of the imaging medical examination apparatus.
US07945305B2 Adaptive acquisition and reconstruction of dynamic MR images
A method for acquiring MR data from a beating heart during subject respiration includes a prescan phase in which a respiratory compensation table and a k-space sampling schedule are produced. The k-space sampling table is produced using a spatio-temporal model of the beating heart and time sequential sampling theory. During the subsequent scan an imaging pulse sequence which is prospectively compensated for respiratory motion is used to acquire k-space data from the subject. The imaging pulse sequence is repeated to play out the phase encodings in the order listed in the k-space sampling schedule.
US07945299B2 Multiple torsion spring and semi-automatic sliding device using the same
Disclosed are a multiple torsion spring employed in a sliding-type portable communication terminal and a semi-automatic sliding device employing the same. The multiple torsion spring is a spring employed in a semi-automatic sliding device for a sliding-type portable communication terminal, wherein the spring comprises opposite ends and at least two coil spring sections. The spring is formed in a zigzag shape.
US07945298B2 Wireless terminal
A wireless terminal able to suppress deterioration of antenna characteristics due to opening/closing of the terminal, that is, a wireless terminal comprising a first housing and a second housing having inside them circuit boards on which ground conductive layers are formed, a connection member for connecting ends of the first housing and second housing with each other so that they can be open or closed, a built-in antenna arranged in one housing between the first housing and second housing and at the end on an opposite side to the connection member, and a ground conductive member for electrically connecting ground conductive layers of the circuit boards arranged in the first housing and second housing to each other, constituted so that a portion of the connection member includes a conductive member, and the ground conductive member is brought into contact with the conductive member.
US07945297B2 Headsets and headset power management
The invention relates to an energy saving headset that comprises a power management unit operable to reduce the power consumption of the headset when a user is not present. The power management unit uses capacitive sensing to detect the presence of the user. Capacitive sensing is advantageous since it provides a flexible and reliable sensor that can accurately detect the presence or absence of a user either by detecting user proximity or user contact. Moreover, in various embodiments, the sensitivity of a capacitive sensor may be adjusted to account for user movement or changes in environmental conditions, such as, for example, the presence of water, or sweat, on the headset to further improve sensing reliability. The invention further relates to headsets using user presence signals based on capacitive sensing to control other functions of the headset or to control external devices to which the headset is connected, either wirelessly or by wires.
US07945294B2 Apparatus and method for providing hands-free operation of a device
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providing hands-free operation of a device. A hands-free adapter is provided that communicates with a device and a headset. The hands-free adapter allows a user to use voice commands so that the user does not have to handle the device. The hands-free adapter receives voice commands from the headset and translates the voice commands to commands recognized by the device. The hands-free adapter also monitors the device to detect device events and provides notice of the events to the user via the headset.
US07945291B2 Computer system providing selective wireless network enablement
A computer system is provided with an antenna which disables inappropriate wireless communications when a communication controller is inconsistently connected with the antenna. The computer having a diversity antenna connected to a detachable wireless LAN card containing a controller for providing wireless communication is mounted in a mini PCI slot, comprising a switch device for recognizing the identification information (ID) of the wireless LAN card to be mounted by BIOS executed on a CPU, in which the connection between the diversity antenna and the wireless LAN card is maintained in an off state (default) as an initial state in which the wireless LAN card is mounted, and the connection is enabled based on the identification information recognized by the BIOS.
US07945290B2 Distributed architecure wireless RF modem
The present invention provides for a wireless radio frequency (“RF”) modem that plugs into a host computer and shares a central processing unit and memory with the host computer, wherein principal modem functions are distributed between the modem and the host computer. In one embodiment, the modem performs RF conversion, and the host computer performs baseband processing and protocol stack control. In another embodiment, the modem performs RF conversion and baseband processing, and the host computer performs protocol stack control.
US07945282B2 Preamble transmission method for wireless communication system
A preamble transmission method for a wireless communication system is provided for improving the probability of successful transmission and reducing unnecessary retransmission power consumption. The preamble transmission method of the present invention calculates an initial transmission power; transmits a preamble with the initial transmission power through a random access channel; if an acknowledgement is received in response to the preamble, starts transmission of data; and if no acknowledgement is received in response to the preamble—calculates a retransmission power, and retransmits the preamble with the retransmission power.
US07945278B2 Communication method, communication system, and communication terminal
A one-to-multitude group communication method and group communication system enabling a user of each communication terminal to predict transmission permission and a communication terminal used in this one-to-multitude group communication system, where when a communication terminal requests the transmission permission from a communication management system, the information concerning communication terminals waiting for transmission permission in the communication system is provided from the communication management system to all communication terminals and this information is displayed on a display part of each communication terminal. Due to this, each communication terminal can determine communication terminals waiting for the transmission permission in the communication system, therefore, even if transmission is not permitted at a point of time when it issues the request, it can predict how long it must wait for obtaining the transmission permission.
US07945277B2 Use of media timestamp to indicate delays in push-to-talk over cellular group calls
A method to indicate delays in a push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) group call may include offsetting a timestamp in a data stream being transmitted to a late listener to indicate a delay from when the data stream was transmitted to a first listener. The data stream includes data convertible to speech. The method may also include transmitting the data stream including the offset timestamp to the late listener.
US07945275B2 Sessions in a communication system
A method in a communications system for handling responses to messages includes a step of sending a message from a first party to a second party. A response to the message is sent, with the response including at least one parameter in breach of a policy for a communication between the first party and the second party. A network controller detects that the response includes at least one parameter breaching the policy. The at least one parameter is modified to be consistent with the policy.
US07945270B2 Estimating a location of a mobile device
The approximate location of a directed cell of a cellular network is calculated based on locations in the vicinity of which mobile devices were able to detect the directed cell. A mobile device is able to estimate its own location from the approximate locations of one or more directed cells that it can identify. This estimated location of the mobile device may be used to seed its GPS receiver.
US07945262B2 Global location registers in roaming cellular telephony
A global location register (GLR) provides a proxy for visitor location registers to the home location registers to avoid updating of the external network with location update notifications upon transfer of a roaming user between visitor location registers. The standard GLR is extended by being configured with multiple addresses, has a soft shutdown procedure, has a blacklist mechanism, a searching facility for finding lost roaming users, and has a mechanism for overcoming ambiguities in local identification numbers assigned by visitor location registers.
US07945261B1 Systems and methods for provisioning and synchronizing wireless subscriber data
Systems and methods for provisioning and synchronizing subscriber data are provided. Subscriber data is provisioned in two home location registers, each located in a different wireless network. When the subscriber registers in one of the wireless networks, the subscriber data is obtained from the local home location register. One of the two home location registers is designated as the owning home location register. Updates of subscriber data are performed with the owning home location register, which then updates the other home location register.
US07945256B1 Communication device
A communication device, such as a mobile phone, which implements a voice communication mode, a digital mirror mode, and a remote controlling mode, wherein the image retrieved from the camera is displayed in an inverted manner when the digital mirror mode is implemented, and a specific device, which is a device different from the communication device, is remotely controlled by the communication device in a wireless fashion when the remote controlling mode is implemented.
US07945248B2 Mobile communications device employing multiple data storage locations for electronic messages
A computer readable medium encoded with computer executable instructions thereon for execution by a processor of a mobile communication device (116) comprises a code segment (216) for message processing, which may include a code segment for rule comparison, a code segment for message routing and a code segment for default message handling. The message processing code segment (216) processes an incoming message received via a data service network (400). The message processing code segment (216) subsequently compares a portion of each incoming message to at least one criterion contained in at least one message routing rule having a message database object (418, 420) associated with it, stores each incoming message meeting each criterion for a message routing rule in the message database object (418, 420) associated with that message routing rule, and stores all messages not routed to a message database object (418, 420) according to a message routing rule into a default message database object (422).
US07945243B2 Mobile communication terminal for protecting private contents and method for controlling the same
A mobile terminal for use in a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) system. A mobile equipment (ME) for use in the GSM system includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card and a Mobile Terminal (MT). The SIM card stores International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) information used for subscriber authentication and private information. The MT stores the IMSI and private information of a user, and contains a controller, which reads IMSI information from the SIM card when the SIM card is inserted into the MT, and denies access to the stored private information when the read IMSI information of the inserted SIM card is different from the stored IMSI information.
US07945241B2 Charging for roaming users in IMS networks
Communication networks and methods are disclosed for sharing charging information between a home IMS network and a visited IMS network. If a signaling message for a session is received in the visited IMS network, the visited IMS network assigns a visited charging identifier (e.g., ICID), and shares the visited charging identifier with the home IMS network through signaling messages. Similarly, the home IMS network assigns a home charging identifier, and shares the home charging identifier with the visited IMS network through signaling messages. When CDRs are generated in the home IMS network and the visited IMS network, the networks include the home charging identifier and the visited charging identifier in the CDRs so that billing systems may more easily correlate the CDRs from the different IMS networks.
US07945235B2 Network-based subscriber calling restrictions
Methods and systems are provided that enable communication with a wireless device. In one such method, a communication event that is intended for a wireless device is detected and a user account associated with the wireless device is identified. Information associated with the user account is identified and a determination is made as to whether the information permits the communication event to occur. If the determination is that the information does not permit the communication event to occur, the communication event is terminated. If the determination is that the information permits the communication event to occur, the communication event is enabled.
US07945234B2 Low duty cycle half-duplex mode operation with communication device
Operating a communication device in a half-duplex mode using only overhead channels; and substantially free running a timing reference obtained during reception to allow a timing reference value to drift during transmission.
US07945231B2 Semiconductor device for an ultra wideband standard for ultra-high-frequency communication, and method for producing the same
A semiconductor device for an ultra-wideband standard for ultra-high-frequency communication includes an ultra-wideband semiconductor chip and a multilayer circuit substrate with at least one lower metal layer and one upper metal layer, in which an ultra-wideband circuit with passive devices is arranged. The lower metal layer has external contact pads on which external contacts are arranged, via which the semiconductor device can be surface-mounted on a circuit board. In addition, the semiconductor device has an antenna which is operatively coupled to the ultra-wideband semiconductor chip via the circuit on the circuit substrate and is arranged above the semiconductor chip and the circuit substrate.
US07945219B2 Frequency modulation circuit, transmitter, and communication apparatus
A bandpass type delta sigma modulation section 15 performs delta sigma modulation on an inputted modulation signal such that quantization noise is reduced in a frequency band which requires low noise. An LPF 16 removes a noise component in a high frequency region from the signal on which the delta sigma modulation has been performed. A frequency modulation circuit 1 reduces noise in the frequency band which requires low noise with the bandpass type delta sigma modulation section 15 and the LPF 16, and reduces noise in the vicinity of a direct current component DC with a feedback comparison section 11 and a loop filter 12.
US07945217B2 Multi-mode baseband-IF converter
A configurable frequency conversion device includes an up-converter, which is arranged to convert an input transmit signal to an interim transmit signal at an intermediate transmit frequency and to convert the interim transmit signal to an output transmit signal at an output frequency. A down-converter is arranged to convert an input receive signal at an input frequency to an interim receive signal at an intermediate receive frequency and to convert the interim receive signal to an output receive signal. Local Oscillator (LO) generation circuitry is arranged to generate multiple LO signals having respective LO frequencies and is coupled to drive the up- and down-converter with the LO signals, and is externally configurable to modify one or more of the LO frequencies so as to modify any of the output frequency, the input frequency, and a separation between the output and input frequencies without changing the intermediate receive and transmit frequencies.
US07945216B2 Single chip wireless transceiver operable to perform voice, data and radio frequency (RF) processing
A single chip wireless transceiver operable to perform voice, data and radio frequency (RF) processing is provided. This processing may be divided between various processing modules. This single chip includes a processing module having an ARM microprocessor and a digital signal processor (DSP), an RF section, and an interface module. The processing module converts an outbound voice signal into an outbound voice symbol stream, converts an inbound voice symbol stream into an inbound voice signal, converts outbound data into an outbound data symbol stream, and converts an inbound data symbol stream into inbound data. These functions may be divided between the ARM microprocessor and DSP, where the DSP supports physically layer type applications and the ARM microprocessor supports higher layer applications. Further bifurcation may be based on voice applications, data applications, and/or RF control. The RF section converts an inbound RF voice signal into the inbound voice symbol stream, converts the outbound voice symbol stream into an outbound RF voice signal, converts an inbound RF data signal into the inbound data symbol stream, and converts the outbound data symbol stream into an outbound RF data signal. The interface module provides coupling between the processing module, the RF section, and with off-chip circuits.
US07945213B2 Transient RF detector and recorder
A portable device for detecting a radio frequency transmission of electromagnetic radiation includes a housing; a controller situated within the housing; memory communicatively connected to the controller; an antenna connected to the controller and configured to receive the radio frequency transmission; and an audio-generating component connected to the controller. The radio frequency transmission of the electromagnetic radiation is harmful to an electrical device and is from a transient electromagnetic device (TED) threat source. The controller is operative for sensing magnitude, duration, and/or repetition of the radio frequency transmission; identifying a class of the radio frequency transmission based on one of the magnitude, duration, and repetition associated with the radio frequency transmission; and causing the audio-generating component to output tones to provide aural discrimination of an identified class of the radio frequency transmission received by the portable device. The identified class is a transient electromagnetic pulse signal from the TED source.
US07945209B2 Blocking of communication channels
A system may include a scanning module that is arranged and configured to scan communication channels for channel interference, a channel assessor module that is arranged and configured to determine a type of channel interference present on one or more of the communication channels, and a blocking module that is arranged and configured to selectively block one or more of the communication channels based on the type of channel interference.
US07945208B2 Radio frequency integrated circuit
Embodiments of an RFIC and methods for same and mobile terminals can internally reduce an input voltage to provide a prescribed voltage to a radio frequency transceiver. Embodiments of an RFIC can have a high efficiency and/or a low noise. In one embodiment, a device can include a PMIC and an RFIC. The RFIC can include an RF transceiver to carry out an RF transmission and an RF reception, a DC-DC converter to lower a voltage provided by the PMIC, and an LDO regulator to regulate the lowered voltage to a fixed voltage used by the RF transceiver.
US07945206B2 Data packet transmission scheduling in a mobile communication system
A communication device has a first transceiver that operates in a first communication system in the presence of a second transceiver that operates in a second communication system that is unrelated to the first communication system. A scheduler of packets for transmission by the first transceiver uses information about when the second communication system will be transmitting a signal that will interfere with reception by the first transceiver, and schedules data for which re-transmission is not essential in those time slots in which an implicit NACK is expected due to the second transceiver's operation.
US07945200B2 Systems and methods for remanufacturing imaging components
Systems and methods of remanufacturing an imaging cartridge include providing the imaging cartridge comprising a developer material supplying roller, a developer roller, a developer blade which regulates a layer of thickness of the developer material on the outer surface of the developer roller, the developer blade held in a first position to exert a first pressure on the outer surface of the developer roller, providing a replacement developer material having a set of characteristics, and adjusting the position of the developer blade to a second position to exert a second pressure on the outer surface of the developer roller, the second position of the developer blade selected to function with the replacement developer material having the set of characteristics.
US07945198B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus comprising same
In a fixing device in which fixing defects can be suppressed and which can be reduced in size, and an image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device, setting is performed such that the surface temperature of an outer peripheral belt surface serving as a non-heated belt surface of a fixing belt is substantially equal at a heating region inlet at the upstream end of a heating region and a heating region outlet at the downstream end of the heating region such that the temperature difference between the surface temperature of the outer peripheral belt surface at the heating region inlet and the surface temperature of the outer peripheral belt surface at the heating region outlet is no more than 5 [° C.].
US07945197B2 Image forming apparatus with cushioning to mitigate internal impact
The image forming apparatus has: a unit including a transfer medium that circularly moves; an image forming section provided along a circulation direction of the transfer medium; a movement mechanism that moves the unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of the transfer medium, and enables the unit to move in a first direction so as to bring the unit into contact with the image forming apparatus and in a second direction so as to move the unit apart from the image forming apparatus; and a cushioning component for applying a load in directions opposite to moving directions of the unit when the unit is moved in the first and second directions, respectively, thereby to relax impact caused by motion of the unit.
US07945195B2 Developing device having developer regulating member, and image forming apparatus using developing device
A developer regulating member capable of stably regulating the thickness of a developer even when used for a long time, while preventing the increase in the production cost, a developing device having the developer regulating member, an image forming apparatus having the developing device, a process cartridge, and a method of producing the developer regulating member. The average crystal particle diameter D [μm] of a plate-like member provided in a layer-thinning blade which functions as the developer regulating member and which abuts against a developing roller functioning as a developer carrier, and the curvature radius R [μm] of a bent portion satisfy the relationship of D≦60.53×R×10−3−12.61.
US07945191B2 Image forming apparatus having external-additive removal unit that includes a conductive blade
An image forming apparatus includes: an image holder; a charging unit that charges the image holder; a latent image forming unit; a developing unit that forms a toner image; a transfer unit that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image holder onto a recording medium; a toner-particle removal unit that removes toner particles remaining on the surface of the image holder after the transfer of the toner image by the transfer unit; and an external-additive removal unit that includes a conductive blade disposed to contact the surface of the image holder and removes, after the transfer of the toner image by the transfer unit, external additive remaining on the surface of the image holder using the conductive blade while applying a voltage to the surface of the image holder via the conductive blade.
US07945190B2 Cleanerless image forming apparatus
A cleanerless image forming apparatus removes and collects transfer residual toner for reuse by performing cleaning simultaneously with developing. The image forming apparatus includes first and second toner charging members configured to apply an electrical charge having the same polarity as a toner normal charging polarity to the transfer residual toner, and a discharging member that is configured to discharge a drum and is disposed between the first and second toner charging members.
US07945189B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus and an image forming method are provided that realize both the use of a decolorizing toner and a non-decolorizing toner and miniaturization of the apparatus. An image forming apparatus employing an intermediate transfer system includes: a primary transfer belt that carries a transferred toner image; a decolorizing toner process unit that is a process unit configured to form a toner image with a decolorizing toner and transfer the decolorizing toner image to the primary transfer belt; a non-decolorizing toner process unit that is a process unit arranged downstream from the decolorizing toner process unit in a traveling direction of the toner image on the primary transfer belt and configured to form a toner image with a non-decolorizing toner and transfer the non-decolorizing toner image to the primary transfer belt; and a secondary transfer roller that is arranged downstream from the non-decolorizing toner process unit in the traveling direction of the toner image on the primary transfer belt and transfers the toner image on the primary transfer belt to a sheet.
US07945188B2 Image forming apparatus with a cleaning operation to improve image quality
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charging member, a toner image forming device for forming an image on the image bearing member, and an intermediary transfer member for carrying a toner image. A cleaning member removes toner remaining on the image bearing member, a speed switching device selectively set a speed of the recording material, and an intermediary transfer member speed switching device switches a rotational speed of the intermediary transfer member after the toner image is transferred. A charging control device render off a DC voltage applied to the charging member after transfer of the toner image and while the intermediary transfer member is carrying the toner image. A charging member cleaning control devices permits, when a signal for starting image formation is inputted, a cleaning operation for discharging toner deposited on the charging member to the image bearing member before starting the image formation.
US07945184B2 Process cartridge with member for electrical connection to image-forming device
A cartridge is detachably mountable in an image-forming device, the image-forming device having a power supply supplying a bias. The cartridge includes: a bias-receiving member; a casing; and a terminal member. The bias-receiving member is configured to receive a bias supplied from a power supply provided in the image-forming device. The casing is configured to accommodate the bias-receiving member. The casing has an opening formed therein. The terminal member is detachably mounted in the opening formed in the casing and exposed outside the casing via the opening to electrically connect the power supply to the bias-receiving member. The terminal member includes: a return-restricting part restricting the terminal member from returning into the casing; a projection-restricting part that restricts the terminal member from further protruding out of the casing; and a contact part that is positioned outside the casing and that is electrically connected to the power supply.
US07945182B2 Systems and methods for controlling cleaning devices in image forming apparatus
Systems and methods are provided for controlling cleaning devices in image forming apparatus electrostatic image forming apparatus. Such systems may include a charge receptor, movable in a process direction, defining a main surface. A toner application device applies toner to the charge receptor, and is configured to place a lubrication stripe including the toner on a portion of the main surface of the charge receptor at a selected time. An influence of a pre-clean corotron on the charge receptor is modified, during the designated rotations of the charge receptor, while the portion of the surface on which the lubrication stripe is formed, or will be formed, is passing the pre-clean corotron. The lubrication stripe is delivered to a secondary cleaning device including a blade engaging with the photoreceptor surface to lubricate the blade.
US07945179B2 Driving method for light-emitting elements
A light-emitting device includes: a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light in response to driving signals; a control unit that adjusts the timings at which the driving signals are supplied to a plurality of blocks each composed of one or more light-emitting elements to generate control signals for indicating the timings at which the driving signals are supplied for every block; and a plurality of driving units that are provided for the blocks and supply the driving signals to the light-emitting elements belonging to the corresponding blocks on the basis of the control signals.
US07945171B2 Optical pulse time spreader and optical code division multiplexing transmission device
A phase control arrangement has a structure in which a Superstructured fiber Bragg Grating (SSFBG) 40 has fifteen unit Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) arranged in series in a waveguide direction. The SSFBG 40 is fixed to the core of an optical fiber 36 that includes a core 34 and cladding 32. The difference Δn between the maximum and minimum of the effective refractive index of the optical fiber is 6.2×10−5. The phase difference of Bragg reflected light from two unit diffraction gratings that adjoin one another from front to back and provide equal code values is given by 2πM+(π/2), where M is an integer. Further, the phase difference of the Bragg reflected light from two unit diffraction gratings that adjoin one another from front to back and provide different code values is given by 2πM+(2N+1)π+(π/2) where M and N are integers. The ratio P/W between the peak value P and the subpeak value W of the autocorrelation waveform, and the ratio P/C between the peak value P of the autocorrelation waveform and the maximum peak value C of the cross correlation waveform are both large.
US07945165B2 Optical signal synchronizer
One embodiment of the invention provides an optical signal synchronizer having a plurality of optical channel synchronizers. Each optical channel synchronizer receives a respective input wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) signal and processes it to produce a corresponding output WDM signal, in which optical data packets corresponding to different carrier wavelengths are synchronized to each other regardless of the presence or absence of such synchronization in the input WDM signal. The optical signal synchronizer further has an optical multiplex synchronizer that receives the output WDM signals from the optical channel synchronizers and synchronizes them to each other and to an external reference clock without demultiplexing any of them into individual WDM components.
US07945163B2 Station-side apparatus of wavelength multiplexing PON system, wavelength and network address allotting method and program thereof
To achieve a station-side apparatus of a wavelength multiplexing PON system, which is capable of saving the wavelength resource through automatically carrying out allotment of the wavelength and the network address to reduce the complicated work for the setting, and through dynamically allotting the wavelength without fixing it in advance. It is a station-side apparatus (OLT) of a wavelength multiplexing PON system that comprises a plurality of in-home apparatuses (ONUs). The station-side apparatus is connected to the in-home apparatuses via transmission paths including an optical multiplexing distributor, and executes allotment of the wavelength in response to wavelength allotment requests from the in-home apparatuses. The station-side apparatus comprises a wavelength/network address allotting device that is provided with a DHCP server in advance, which dynamically allots wavelength and network address to the in-home apparatus in response to the wavelength allotment request from the in-home apparatus.
US07945160B2 Method and system of monitoring a data transmission link, particularly an optical, bidirectional data transmission link
Systems and methods for monitoring a data transmission link, especially an optical, bidirectional data transmission link, in which a digital transmit signal is transmitted on a first transmission path from a local end of the data transmission link toward a remote end of the data transmission link. A portion of the power of the transmit signal sent at the local end is transmitted, delayed by a non-zero delay time on a second transmission path as a control signal toward the remote end of the data transmission link. Both signals are received at the remote end and are tested for the presence of events of a predetermined type. A conclusion can be reached on the quality of the transmission link as a function of a time correlation and frequency of the appearance of events in the received transmit signal and in the received control signal.
US07945159B2 Diagnostic method and diagnostic chip for determining the bandwidth of optical fibers
The present invention provides a method for determining the bandwidths of optical fibers, wherein the method provides the coupling of light with a first optical power and a first modulation frequency into an optical fiber, as well as measuring a first signal level as a function of the optical power of the light of the first modulation frequency, coupling light with the second optical power and a second modulation frequency into the optical fiber, measuring a second signal level as a function of the optical power of the light of the second modulation frequency, and determining the bandwidths of the optical fibers as a function of the first and second coupled optical [power and/or] the measured first and second signal levels while using a predetermined specification that describes the frequency-dependent attenuation response of the optical fiber, wherein the first and the second modulation frequencies have essentially the same value.
US07945151B2 Focus control method and unit determining in-focus lens position based on read times of the autofocus areas and focus lens position and time
A focus control method is provided that performs focus control by sensing a plurality of images of an object while moving a position of a focusing lens and determining in-focus positions in auto focusing areas located at a plurality of positions. The focus control method calculates an in-focus position of the focusing lens based on the focusing lens position at the time of reading an image signal of each of the auto focusing areas and a degree of focused state of each of the auto focusing area that is based on the image signal of each of the auto focusing areas.
US07945147B2 Image pick up unit
An image pick up unit includes an optical member, a holding member holding the optical member and movable in an axial direction of an optical axis of the optical member, a driving member rotatable about the optical axis, a cam mechanism configured to convert rotation of the driving member about the optical axis to movement of the holding member in the axial direction of the optical axis, a coil provided in the driving member and movable together with the driving member, and a magnetic field generation portion provided along a rotating direction of the coil and configured to generate a magnetic field to interact with a current flowing in the coil to drive the coil in the rotating direction.
US07945136B2 Mounting of fiber optic cable assemblies within fiber optic shelf assemblies
Fiber optic shelf assemblies and furcation mounting structures for securing a plurality of furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assembles within the fiber optic shelf are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic shelf has a one-to-one correspondence between a plurality of respective modules and the respective fiber optic cable assemblies. Additionally, the fiber optic shelf assemblies and furcation mounting structures disclosed advantageously allow the mounting of a relatively large number of furcation bodies within the fiber optic shelf assembly for supporting relatively large fiber optic connections per 1U rack space.
US07945132B2 Laser and photodetector coupled by planar waveguides
An optical apparatus comprises: a waveguide substrate; three planar optical waveguides formed on the substrate, each comprising a transmission core and cladding; a laser positioned to launch its optical output to propagate along the first waveguide; a photodetector positioned to receive an optical signal propagating along the second waveguide; and a lateral splitter core formed on the substrate for (i) transferring a first fraction of laser optical output propagating along the first waveguide to the second waveguide, and (ii) transferring a second fraction of the laser optical output propagating along the first waveguide to the third waveguide.
US07945131B1 System having optical amplifier incorporated into stacked optical devices
An optical system includes optical devices that each has functional sides between lateral sides. The functional sides include a top side and a bottom side. A first one of the devices has an optical amplifier, a first waveguide, and a first port. A second one of the devices has a second port optically aligned with a second waveguide. The second device is positioned over one of the functional sides of the first device. The optical amplifier is optically positioned between the first waveguide and the first port such that a light signal from the first waveguide enters the amplifier and travels through the amplifier. The first port is configured to receive the light signal from the optical amplifier and change the direction that the light signal is traveling such that the light signal exits the first device traveling in a direction that is toward the second device. The second port is configured to receive the light signal after the light signal exits the first device and to change a direction that the light signal is traveling such that the light signal enters the second waveguide.
US07945130B2 Mode scrambling apparatus for multimode fiber
Apparatus and methods for scrambling optical modes in multimode fibers to achieve uniform light distribution in guided multi-mode light for various applications.
US07945129B2 Hybrid optical switch apparatus
The invention relates to a hybrid optical switch, which is composed of a silicon micro-mirror-array and a mini-actuator array mainly. The invention which combines microelectromechanical systems technology and traditional precision machining technology, possesses the advantages of low cost, high accuracy, high fabrication yield, low actuation voltage, low power consumption, self-aligned micro-mirrors, and easy fiber alignment.
US07945124B2 Information storage medium storing graphic data and apparatus and method of processing the graphic data
An information storage medium including graphic data and presentation information, and an apparatus and method of processing the graphic data are provided. The information storage medium includes the graphic data, page composition information which defines page composition of the graphic data, and the presentation information indicating when graphic screen data, which is composed with reference to the page composition information of the graphic data, is output to a display screen. Therefore, a graphic object is reusable in graphic data processing, and accordingly, a time taken to process the graphic data is reducible and memory area may be saved.
US07945122B2 Method, system, and program product for processing an electronic document
The invention provides a method, system, and program product for processing an electronic document. In one embodiment, the invention includes determining a procedure applicable to the electronic document; defining at least one step of the procedure; in the case that the at least one step includes a plurality of steps, determining an order of the plurality of steps; determining whether the at least one step applies to the electronic document; applying an algorithm for carrying out the at least one step; applying a completion algorithm; determining whether the procedure includes an additional step for which an algorithm has not been applied; and in the case that the procedure includes an additional step for which an algorithm has not been applied: determining whether the additional step applies to the electronic document; applying an algorithm for carrying out the additional step; and applying a completion algorithm.
US07945117B2 Methods and systems for registration of images
A method for registering images, for example medical images, includes acquiring a first image. A second image is acquired. A deformation field for registering the second image to the first image is calculated. The deformation field includes a sum of a plurality of weighted distortion vectors each of which has a substantially Gaussian distribution. The calculated deformation field is applied to the second image to register it to the first image.
US07945116B2 Computer-assisted image cropping for book scans
Methods and systems for cropping images of book pages are disclosed according to one embodiment of the invention. A method may include identifying reference images and receiving cropping rectangles for the reference images. These cropping rectangles associated with reference images may then be used to generate cropping rectangles for images of book pages between the reference images. The cropping rectangles may be generated based on a linear interpolation of the cropping rectangles associated with the reference images and the number of pages between images. The method may also display one or more images of book pages with the associated one or more cropping rectangles superimposed thereon. A user may then have the opportunity to make adjustments to the position and/or size of the cropping rectangles.
US07945114B2 Image transform method for obtaining expanded image data, image processing apparatus and image display device therefore
It is an object of the present invention to output a clear, expanded image wherein step-shapes or chain-shapes of oblique lines are reduced, distortion is eliminated and no constituent lines of fonts or graphics are missing. An image transform method, for transforming original input image data into image data expanded by a ratio represented by a rational number or an integer, comprises: a vertical and horizontal interpolation unit, for reducing correlation in the vertical and horizontal directions of interpolated image data linearly expanded from an original image data input unit, and for generating first expanded image data; an oblique interpolation unit, for performing linear interpolation, based on correlation with a target pixel constituting the original image data and neighboring pixels arranged in oblique directions, using the neighboring pixels to generate second expanded image data; and a final result generator for employing the first expanded image data and the second expanded image data to generate a final image.
US07945113B2 Enhancement of image data based on plural image parameters
A technology is provided whereby correction may be carried out appropriately for both a person's face and other portions of an image, when performing color correction for image data of a photographic image in which a person appears. A process such as the following is carried out during color correction of image data of a photographic image. First, the image data of the photographic image is analyzed, and a first region which is part of the photographic image and in which a person's face is present is determined. Then, on the basis of the portion corresponding to the first region of the image data, a first parameter relating to color is calculated. On the basis of part of the image data corresponding to a second region which is part of the photographic image but different from the first region, a second parameter relating to color is calculated. The color tone of the data is then corrected on the basis of the first and second parameters.
US07945109B2 Image processing based on object information
A CPU divides an image into plural regions and for each of the regions, generates a histogram and calculates an average brightness Y ave. The CPU determines a focus location on the image by using focus location information, sets a region at the determined location as an emphasis region, and sets the average brightness Y ave of the emphasis region as a brightness criterion Y std. The CPU uses the brightness criterion Y std to determine non-usable regions. By using the regions not excluded as non-usable regions, the CPU calculates an image quality adjustment average brightness Y′ ave, i.e. the average brightness of the entire image, with a weighting W in accordance with the locations of the regions reflected thereto, and executes a bright value correction by using the calculated image quality adjustment average brightness Y′ ave.
US07945107B2 System and method for providing gradient preservation for image processing
The present invention provides gradient preservation of an input image. A method of providing gradient preservation of an input image, comprises the steps of: computing gradient fields of the input image; computing gradient fields of a remapped image, wherein the remapped image is the input image remapped; comparing a gradient of the remapped image to a predefined range of acceptable values, wherein the acceptable values depend on the input gradient; changing values of the gradient of the remapped image if the values of the gradient of the remapped image are not within the predefined range of acceptable values depending on the input gradient, resulting in x and y components of a modified gradient; and reconstructing the input image using the x and y components of the modified gradient.
US07945104B2 System and method for encoding and decoding using texture replacement
The invention provides devices and methods that process images. The invention processes a received signal representing information of texture and information of an image, which has the texture removed from at least one region. The image information is encoded to obtain encoded information of the image. An output signal is generated representing the texture information and the encoded image information. In another embodiment, the invention synthesizes texture based on the received texture information, decodes received image information, which is encoded, to obtain a decoded image, and then maps the synthesized texture onto the decoded image.
US07945103B2 Method and apparatus for decoding compressed and encoded digital images
Presented is a method for decoding-decompressing a compressed-encoded digital data sequence relating to at least one initial digital image. The method includes receiving the digital data sequence having compressed-encoded data groups separated from one another by at least one restart marker and each one including a respective set of encoded data structures. The method calculates a representative value of the number of encoded data structures being between a first restart marker and a subsequent second restart marker signaling, respectively, the start of a first data group to be decoded and the start of a second data group. The method then extracts from the first data group the encoded data structures, and detects the presence of at least one error, if the number of the encoded data structures extracted is different from the calculated value.
US07945096B2 Apparatus for discriminating the types of recording material and an apparatus for forming image
The present invention provides an apparatus for discriminating the type of recording material. The apparatus comprises a component irradiating a piece of recording material with light, a sensor picking up an image of the recording material surface by receiving light reflecting off the recording material, a component converting the picked-up image into image data having a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined direction and a calculation component integrating the respective density difference values between a first pixel and a second pixel of the plurality of pixels. The apparatus discriminates the type of recording material based on the integrated value of the density values calculated by the calculation component. Furthermore, the present invention provides an apparatus for setting image formation requirements of an image formation component based on the integrated value of the respective density difference values between a first pixel and a second pixel of pixels.
US07945095B2 Line segment detector and line segment detecting method
A line segment detector comprises a vertical line detecting part, a horizontal line detecting part, a left-to-right downward slanting line detecting part, a left-to-right upward slanting line detecting part, and a line-segment detecting/synthesizing section that calculates OR operation of output values from the vertical line detecting part, the horizontal line detecting part, the left-to-right downward slanting line detecting part, and the left-to-right upward slanting line detecting part. The line segment detector further comprises a re-determining unit comprising a second line-segment detecting part that sets a window to the detection result near the target pixel, counts the number of pixels whose detection result is determined as the line segment in the set window, determines, when the counted value is not smaller than a predetermined threshold value, that the pixel is a line segment.
US07945094B2 Method for chromatic adaptation of images
A method for a chromatic adaptation transformation of images using temperature and tint space comprises the steps of: acquiring a red, green, blue (RGB) image using a camera (11); providing neutral RGB values for camera specific, and at least one of a selected highlight and shadow values, to produce a 3D lookup transformation table (21); calibrating the RGB image by applying the 3D lookup transformation table to produce a calibrated RGB image (22); calculating a Von Kries transform from specific temperature and tint values (14); and applying a chromatic adaptation to the calibrated RGB image using the Von Kries transform to produce a modified RGB image chromatically adapted (15), while maintaining neutral RGB values for highlight and shadow regions.
US07945091B2 Image processor correcting color misregistration, image processing program, image processing method, and electronic camera
An image processor captures image data which include at least correction object color components and reference color components and has one kind of color component per pixel. The image processor acquires or detects information about positional shifts of the correction object color components and corrects positional shifts of correction object color components. In this correction, image structures lost from correction object color components are compensated for by image structures extracted from reference color components.
US07945090B2 Colour detection
Monochrome images are detecting by analysing the skew of the statistical distribution of color difference values of pixels. A skew parameter is derived from an upper percentile, a lower percentile and a median value of the statistical distribution of color difference values and color is detected when the said skew parameter exceeds a threshold.
US07945086B2 Tungsten plug deposition quality evaluation method by EBACE technology
A first embodiment of the invention relates to a method for evaluating the quality of structures on an integrated circuit wafer. Test structures formed on either on the integrated or on a test wafer are exposed to an electron beam and an electron-beam activated chemical etch. The electron-beam activated etching gas or vapor etches the test structures, which are analyzed after etching to determine a measure of quality of the test structures. The measure of quality may be used in a statistical process control to adjust the parameters used to form device structures on the integrated circuit wafer. The test structures are formed on an integrated circuit wafer having two or more die. Each die has one or more integrated circuit structures. The test structures are formed on scribe lines between two or more adjacent die. Each test structure may correspond in dimensions and/or composition to one or more of the integrated circuit structures.
US07945079B2 Motion correction of PET images using navigator data acquired with an MRI system
A method for correcting subject motion in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging includes acquiring navigator signals from the subject with a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. The navigator signals are used to determine subject motion during a PET scan relative to a reference position and corrective values therefrom. Sinogram data acquired during the PET scan can then be corrected using the corrective values. PET images are then reconstructed from the corrected sinogram data.
US07945077B2 Hyperspectral microscope for in vivo imaging of microstructures and cells in tissues
An optical hyperspectral/multimodal imaging method and apparatus is utilized to provide high signal sensitivity for implementation of various optical imaging approaches. Such a system utilizes long working distance microscope objectives so as to enable off-axis illumination of predetermined tissue thereby allowing for excitation at any optical wavelength, simplifies design, reduces required optical elements, significantly reduces spectral noise from the optical elements and allows for fast image acquisition enabling high quality imaging in-vivo. Such a technology provides a means of detecting disease at the single cell level such as cancer, precancer, ischemic, traumatic or other type of injury, infection, or other diseases or conditions causing alterations in cells and tissue micro structures.
US07945074B2 System for iris detection tracking and recognition at a distance
A stand-off range or at-a-distance iris detection and tracking for iris recognition having a head/face/eye locator, a zoom-in iris capture mechanism and an iris recognition module. The system may obtain iris information of a subject with or without his or her knowledge or cooperation. This information may be sufficient for identification of the subject, verification of identity and/or storage in a database.
US07945065B2 Method for deploying hearing instrument fitting software, and hearing instrument adapted therefor
A method for deploying hearing instrument fitting software wherein the fitting software comprises executable fitting program code (13) configured to process fitting program data (12,14) on a programmable data processor (11), comprises the steps of reading fitting program definition data (3) from data storage means provided in the hearing instrument (1), determining, from the fitting program definition data (3), at least part of least one of the fitting program data (12,14) and the fitting program code (13). The hearing instrument itself comprises the information defining the fitting software —be it the complete fitting software or an update or change to a fitting software residing in an external device.
US07945064B2 Intrabody communication with ultrasound
A hearing system has a first device and a second device. The first device acoustically couples to skin of a user of the hearing system and includes a sensor to detect acoustic signals. The second device includes a hearing stimulator arrangement to stimulate hearing of the user in response to the acoustic signals detected with the first device. The first device and second device are each operable to bidirectionally communicate through an ultrasonic communication link comprising at least a portion of the body of the user.
US07945060B2 Parameter display method and program therefor, and parameter setting apparatus
Once an automatic setting instruction, such as a scene recall instruction, is given for instructing that a parameter to be set via an operator member should be automatically set to a given target value, automatic setting processing, such as scene recall processing, is performed to cause the current value of the parameter, to be set via the operator member, to gradually vary toward the given target value. During that time, the given target value and the current value of the parameter to be set via the operator member are displayed on a display device simultaneously or alternately. During the automatic setting processing, the target value can be changed as desired by a user, and, as the target value is changed, the changed or new target value is displayed on the displayed device.
US07945058B2 Noise reduction system
A noise reduction system is used in a BTSC system to reduce noise of an audio signal. The noise reduction system has an audio spectral compressing unit that has a filter and a memory in the approach of the digital processing. The filter is arranged to filter an input signal according to a transfer function, a variable d, and several parameters b0/a0, a0/b0, b1/b0 and a1/a0. The memory is arranged to store the parameters.
US07945057B2 Procedure and device for linearizing the characteristic curve of a vibration signal transducer such as a microphone
A procedure and device for linearizing the characteristic curve of a vibration signal transducer such as a microphone that includes collecting signals, transmitting the signals, extracting information from the signals, dephasing such information by 180 degrees compared to the initial signals and taking the algebraic sum of the initial signals and dephased information.
US07945055B2 Filter smoothing in multi-channel audio encoding and/or decoding
A first signal representation of one or more of the multiple channels is encoded in a first encoding process, and a second signal representation of one or more of the multiple channels is encoded in a second, filter-based encoding process. Filter smoothing can be used to reduce the effects of coding artifacts. However, conventional filter smoothing generally leads to a rather large performance reduction and is therefore not widely used. It has been recognized that coding artifacts are perceived as more annoying than temporary reduction in stereo width, and that they are especially annoying when the coding filter provides a poor estimate of the target signal; the poorer the estimate, the more disturbing artifacts. Therefore, signal-adaptive filter smoothing is introduced in the second encoding process or a corresponding decoding process.
US07945054B2 Method and apparatus to reproduce wide mono sound
A wide mono sound reproducing method and apparatus to widen mono sound by using 2 channel speakers. The method include separating an input mono sound signal into a plurality of decorrelated signals, generating virtual sound sources by localizing each of the separated signals at virtual locations asymmetrical about a center of a front side of a listening point by applying different head related transfer functions to the separated signals, and canceling crosstalk of the generated virtual sound sources.
US07945053B2 Methods and apparatus for a keying mechanism for end-to-end service control protection
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for a keying mechanism for end-to-end service control protection within wireless networks. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US07945049B2 Stream cipher using multiplication over a finite field of even characteristic
A first bit sequence is generated using a first pseudorandom bit source. A second bit sequence is generated using a second pseudorandom bit source. A third bit sequence is generated by multiplying the first bit sequence with the second bit sequence over a finite field of even characteristic, modulo a fixed primitive polynomial. A message is received. The third bit sequence is commingled with the message to conceal contents of the message.
US07945040B2 Integrated disparate intelligent peripherals
Integrating services provided by intelligent peripherals in a communications network, includes interacting, by a first intelligent peripheral of a first type, with a second intelligent peripheral of a second type which interacts with the first intelligent peripheral of the first type according to a script based on information received from a remote requesting party. The remote requesting party interacts, over the communications network, with the second intelligent peripheral of the second type according to the script. The first intelligent peripheral of the first type and the second intelligent peripheral of the second type are different from each other.
US07945036B1 Provisioning a phone without involving an administrator
A phone is provisioned automatically when a user couples the phone to a network, with minimal (or preferably zero) involvement on part of an administrator to activate the phone. In several embodiments of the invention, when the user couples the phone to a network, a computer associated with the network automatically checks to see if the phone was previously provisioned. If not previously provisioned, the computer automatically records the existence of the phone in a memory of a telephone exchange that is to thereafter provide service to the phone. At this stage a phone number is not yet associated with the phone. In some embodiments, the just-described acts, namely checking and recording of existence are performed without any involvement on part of the administrator. The telephone exchange provides basic service to the new phone as soon as it detects existence of the phone (in its memory). Thereafter, in certain embodiments, the user uses that particular phone to identify himself/herself (and/or an extension number) and in response the computer stores the extension number in the telephone exchange's memory, thereby to enable the phone to receive calls at that extension number. Such automatic provisioning eliminates the need for an administrator to provision the phone.
US07945026B2 Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) E911 metro street address guide (MSAG) validation
An overlay list of MSAG-valid addresses is created for use in lieu of (or in addition to) the lat/lon or postal address which otherwise would go with an E911 VoIP 911 call. This overlays the nation with a series of MSAG-addressed polygons, with center points identified in those polygons, and MSAG-valid addresses provided to the PSAPs for those centers, preferably along with the original latitude/longitude coordinates.
US07945024B2 Method for reducing X-ray tube power de-rating during dynamic focal spot deflection
Methods are provided through which X-ray tube power de-rating can be reduced during dynamic focal spot deflection. In one embodiment, a method comprising generating an electron beam, focusing the electron beam to a first position on an anode, defocusing the electron beam on the anode and refocusing the electron beam at a second position on the anode. In another embodiment, a method comprising generating an electron beam, focusing the electron beam to a first position on an anode, inhibiting the electron beam and refocusing the electron beam at a second position on the anode. In another embodiment, a method comprising generating an electron beam, focusing the electron beam to a first position on an anode, steering the electron beam away from a nominal focal spot radius on the anode and refocusing the electron beam at a second position on the anode.
US07945021B2 Multi-mode cone beam CT radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine with a flat panel imager
A multi-mode cone beam computed tomography radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine is disclosed. The radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine both include a rotatable gantry on which is positioned a cone-beam radiation source and a flat panel imager. The flat panel imager captures x-ray image data to generate cone-beam CT volumetric images used to generate a therapy patient position setup and a treatment plan.
US07945015B2 X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a multi X-ray generating unit in which multiple X-ray foci are disposed in two-dimensional form at a predetermined pitch in a first direction, and a slit unit having multiple slit members each disposed opposite to its respective X-ray focus. Each slit member has multiple slits arranged in the first direction, and each of the slits forms a slice-formed X-ray beam whose lengthwise direction is a second direction that is different from the first direction. The two-dimensional detection unit detects the X-ray intensity of the formed X-ray beams at the detection surface. The X-ray imaging apparatus executes X-ray imaging at multiple positions while moving the multi X-ray generating unit and the slit unit in the first direction by the amount of the predetermined pitch, while keeping the relative positional relationship therebetween, and reconstructs an X-ray image based on the obtained X-ray intensity.
US07945014B2 X-ray system and method for tomosynthetic scanning
In an x-ray system and a method for tomosynthetic scanning of a subject, x-ray radiation is emitted from two x-ray sources that are panned along a line relative to the subject during a tomosynthetic scan. The two x-ray sources are located next to each other along the line, and each emit an x-ray beam. X-rays from the two parallel beams attenuated by the subject are detected by a two-dimensional x-ray detector, that is substantially stationary during the tomosynthetic scan.
US07945013B2 X-ray CT apparatus
An X-ray CT apparatus acquires a scanogram of an object to be examined, generates an ellipse model having an X-ray attenuation coefficient equivalent to that of water and approximated to a tomographic image of the obtained imaged portion from the feature quantity of the projection value profile, determines whether or not the generated elliptic model is adequate as a model of the imaged portion from another feature quantity with respect to the projection value profile, generates a corrected elliptic model according to yet another feature quantity with respect to the projection value profile if the elliptic model is determined to be inadequate, and controls the modulation of the tube current in an X-ray source so that a predetermined target SD value is maintained in any scanning position when a tomographic image is reconstructed according to X-rays transmitted through the object by using the elliptic model or the corrected elliptic model.
US07945011B2 Enhanced steam dump (bypass) control system
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a nuclear reactor during a transient period. The method includes actuating the steam dump system in response to a temperature error signal and a power mismatch signal.
US07945004B2 Method and apparatus for detecting a frequency band and mode of operation
A method and apparatus for detecting a frequency band and mode of operation using recursive sampling and narrowing down is disclosed. The method comprises sampling (215) by a multi-mode wireless communication device, a broad operational frequency spectrum at a first sampling rate to produce a first set of discrete signal samples. Then, the wireless communication device compares (230, 240) at least one of the energy graphs of the first set of discrete signal samples with at least one protocol-specific signature to confirm (245), if an approximate match is found. When one or more approximate matches are found, the wireless communication device narrows down (250) the broad frequency spectrum to a reduced set of frequency band(s) that correspond to the matched protocol-specific signature(s). Then the steps of sampling (215), comparing (230, 240), confirming (245), and narrowing down (250) are recursively followed till a frequency band and mode of operation is confirmed.
US07945001B2 Apparatus and method for receiving data in a wireless communication system using bit interleaving, symbol interleaving and symbol mapping
An apparatus and method are provided for receiving data generated by sequentially performing bit interleaving, symbol interleaving and symbol mapping in a wireless communication system. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) processor receives in-phase/quadrature phase (I/Q) data of a radio channel generated by sequentially performing bit interleaving, symbol interleaving and symbol mapping, and performs an FFT process for the I/Q data. A symbol deinterleaver performs a process for symbol deinterleaving the FFT I/Q data and reference values to be used for symbol demapping of the I/Q data and outputs the symbol-deinterleaved I/Q data and reference values. A symbol demapper performs a process for symbol demapping the symbol-deinterleaved I/Q data according to the reference values. A bit deinterleaver performs a process for bit deinterleaving the symbol-demapped data. A demultiplexer demultiplexes the bit-deinterleaved data.
US07944995B2 Variable bandwidth receiver
A variable bandwidth receiver uses allocated bandwidth more efficiently and ensures that blocking signals do not overload receiver components. The receiver includes multiple branches for receiving a first bandwidth signal. Each receiver branch has a filter for passing signals in a frequency band corresponding to a second bandwidth less that the first bandwidth and an analog-to-digital converter for converting the baseband signal into a digital signal. A controller digitally combines the digital signals from two or more of the receiver branches to produce a received signal having a bandwidth substantially wider than the first bandwidth. Because combining is done after analog-to-digital conversion in the digital domain, the controller can combine the digital signals from two or more of the receiver branches having adjacent corresponding frequency bands without the normal guard band separating them.
US07944991B2 Constrained clipping for peak-to-average power ratio (crest factor) reduction in multicarrier transmission systems
Disclosed is a constrained clipping technique for reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) or crest factor of a multicarrier communications signal. This is a transmitter-side processing technique that does not impose any modification at the receiver. Constrained clipping achieves PAR reduction while simultaneously satisfying spectral mask and error vector magnitude (EVM) constraints that are specified by most modern communications standards. The constrained clipping technique includes two independent processing units, one to satisfy an in-band EVM constraint and the other to satisfy an out-of-band spectral constraint. Achievable PAR reduction results vary depending on a particular standard's requirements, but by using constrained clipping on a QPSK WiMax signal with 256 subcarriers, for example, a 4.5 dB PAR reduction at the 10−2 complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) level can be obtained.
US07944985B2 MIMO transmitter and receiver for supporting downlink communication of single channel codewords
The downlink (DL) communication of single channel codewords is supported by providing a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmitter and receiver. The transmitter includes NT transmit antennas for transmitting spatial streams to a receiver having NR receive antennas, a precoder and a space-time or space-frequency matrix construction unit in communication with the precoder and the transmit antennas. The space-time or space-frequency matrix construction unit constructs a matrix that defines a threaded algebraic space-time (TAST) codeword based on a number of virtual antennas, NV, and the number of transmit antennas, NT. The transmitter operates in an open loop mode when no feedback information from the receiver is available, a semi-open loop mode when channel rank information is available, and a closed loop mode when channel state information (CSI) is available. The receiver is configured to provide feedback to the transmitter on a per received spatial stream basis
US07944984B1 I/Q calibration in the presence of phase offset
An I/Q calibration system for a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) mode transceiver includes a signal generator that generates reference in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals. An I/Q mismatch compensation module generates compensated I and Q signals based on the reference I and Q signals and amplitude and phase correction signals. An I/Q mismatch calibration module generates the amplitude and phase correction signals. A phase stepper module varies a phase of the reference I and Q signals based on the amplitude and phase correction signals.
US07944981B2 Data transmission in a frequency division multiple access communication system
When a UE (102) determines that non-control data needs to be transmitted, the UE will receive a grant that comprises information identifying a resource block (RB) for transmissions by the UE. If the UE determines that the RB is also used for transmitting control data, it will know to transmit only over the portion of the RB used for non-control data transmissions. Rate matching will then be performed on the non-control data that needs to be transmitted and the non-control data will be transmitted only over a portion of the RB. The second portion of the RB will be used for normal control data transmissions by other UEs.
US07944980B2 Apparatus, and associated method, for communicating a data block in a multi carrier modulation communication scheme
Apparatus, and an associated method, for sending a data block in an OFDM, or other MCM, communication system with reduced PAPR is provided. The data block is combined with a random scrambling sequence. An IDFT operation is performed upon the combined sequence, and its PAPR, peak-to-average power ratio, is calculated. The PAPR is compared against a threshold. If the PAPR is smaller than a threshold, the transformed, combination sequence is transmitted. Otherwise, a different scrambling sequence, if available, is used to form a new combination sequence, and the process iterates until either a PAPR smaller than the threshold is obtained, or a pre-defined maximum number of iterations is reached. If the maximum number of iterations is reached and no combination sequence is created that leads to an acceptable PAPR, then the transformed, combination sequence that exhibits the smallest PAPR level is selected for transmission.
US07944978B2 High bandwidth data transport system
Preparing data for transmission includes determining bit loading per frequency bin based on channel estimation data to create a data symbol, performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the interleaved data symbol array, mapping FFT data output sub-channel to a frequency bin to provide frequency mapped data, and performing an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) on the frequency mapped data to provide IFFT frequency mapped data suitable for transmission using one-dimensional amplitude modulated ultra wideband impulses representing the IFFT frequency mapped data. To recover the data a reverse process is used.
US07944975B2 Inter-frame prediction method in video coding, video encoder, video decoding method, and video decoder
An inter-frame prediction method in video coding, a video encoder using the same, a bitstream structure, a video decoding method, and a video decoder are provided. The inter-frame prediction method in video encoding includes estimating a motion vector between a current block in an input frame and a reference block in a reference frame corresponding to the current block and a filtering mode defining a spatial effect to be applied to at least one of the current block and the reference block, and interceding the input frame according to the estimated motion vector and the filtering mode.
US07944974B2 Processing or compressing n-dimensional signals with warped wavelet packets and bandelets
A method and apparatus for processing or compressing an n-dimensional digital signal by constructing a sparse representation which takes advantage of the signal geometrical regularity. The invention comprises a warped wavelet packet transform which performs a cascade of warped subband filtering along warping grids of sampling points adapted to the signal geometry. It also comprises a bandeletisation which decorrelates the warped wavelet packet coefficients to produce a sparse representation. An inverse warped wavelet packet transform and an inverse bandeletisation reconstruct a signal from its bandelet representation. The invention comprises a compression system which quantizes and codes the bandelet representation, a decompression system, a restoration system which enhances a signal by filtering its bandelet representation, and a feature vector extraction system for pattern recognition applications of a bandelet representation.
US07944971B1 Encoding video
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for encoding a video signal that is formed by a series of successive images. Each image includes several sections, and each section has a set of image values. To encode a particular section of a particular image, the method initially partitions the particular section into several sub-sections. For each of at least two particular sub-sections, the method then computes a statistical parameter regarding the image values of the particular sub-section. The method compares the computed statistical parameters, and based on the comparison, selects an encoding technique from a set of encoding techniques to encode the particular section. In some embodiments, the set of encoding schemes includes a first scheme that encodes the selected section without reference to any other section of any other image, and a second scheme that encodes the selected section by reference to at least one other section.
US07944968B2 Method for specification of quantized coefficient limit
An apparatus including a transformation circuit and a scaling/quantization circuit. The transformation circuit may be configured to generate one or more transform coefficients in response to a video stream and one or more first control signals. The transformation circuit may be further configured to limit transform coefficients for residual 4×4 blocks to a 16-bit value when the video stream comprises 8-bit video data. The scaling/quantization circuit may be configured to generate one or more quantization coefficients in response to the one or more transform coefficients and one or more second control signals.
US07944967B2 Technique for addressing frame loss in a video stream
A technique for addressing frame loss in a video system includes a number of steps. Initially, a first video stream and a second video stream are received. The first and second video streams each include related video information having a plurality of video frames. At least one of the first and second video streams is buffered and lost or corrupted video frames associated with the first video stream are replaced with uncorrupted video frames from the second video stream.
US07944966B2 Video decoding method and corresponding decoder
The invention relates to a method of decoding a video bitstream including base layer and enhancement layer coded video signals, the method comprising the steps of decoding the base layer and enhancement layer coded video signals to produce decoded base layer frames and decoded enhancement layer frames, and displaying the decoded base layer frames either alone or with the decoded enhancement layer frames. According to the invention, each poor quality frame of the base layer to be displayed is replaced by an frame obtained either by means of an interpolation between the two frames of the enhancement layer preceding and following the poor quality frame of the base layer or by only one of these two frames, for example the temporally closest one.
US07944965B2 Transform domain based distortion cost estimation
Transform based distortion cost estimation, which may be used to calculate a rate distortion cost associated with a mode for encoding a macroblock, is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a distortion value for a particular mode is estimated within the transform domain, which allows for the elimination of both inverse transformation and inverse motion functions in this calculation. A spatial domain residual of an encoding mode is estimated by identifying a difference, within the transform domain, between a motion compensated prediction residual of a macroblock and its corresponding reconstructed signal. The estimated spatial domain residual may then be used in distortion matrix computations to estimate a distortion level, within the transform domain, for an encoding mode.
US07944963B2 Method and apparatus for jitter compensation in receiver circuits using nonlinear dynamic phase shifting technique based on bit history pattern
The present invention provides a simple, easy to implement method and apparatus to reduce jitter in a channel and expand the eye width and eye height of the eye pattern of the signal. The method and apparatus of the present invention reduces jitter specific to a channel in a high speed interface. The present invention utilizes a phasing shifting mechanism based on history of the incoming bits at the receiver. The input bits from the channel are shifted in time before getting to the receiver. This approach significantly reduces Intersymbol Interference (ISI) and deterministic jitter, thus opening up the eye width and eye height for a given interface.
US07944952B2 Asynchronous data pipe for automatically managing asynchronous data transfers between an application and a bus structure
An asynchronous data pipe (ADP) automatically generates transactions necessary to complete asynchronous data transfer operations for an application over a bus structure. The ADP includes a register file which is programmed and initiated by the application. The register file includes the bus speed, transaction label, transaction code, destination node identifier, destination offset address, length of each data packet, packet counter, packet counter bump field, control field and a status field. During a data transfer operation, the ADP generates the transactions necessary to complete the operation over the appropriate range of addresses, using the information in the register file as a template. The ADP increments the value in the destination offset address field for each transaction according to the length of each data packet, unless the incrementing feature has been disabled and the transactions are to take place at a fixed address. The packet counter represents the number of transactions remaining to be generated. The packet counter value is decremented after each packet of data is transferred. The application can increment the packet counter value by writing to the packet counter bump field. A multiplexer is included within a system having multiple ADPs for multiplexing the information from the ADPs onto the bus structure. A demultiplexer is included within a system having multiple ADPs for routing information from the bus structure to the appropriate ADP.
US07944951B2 Broadbrand switched multiplexer
A broadband switched multiplexer comprising an input broadband demultiplexer (2) comprising a broadband input port (4) for receiving an input broadband signal and at least one output port (5) having a passband; an output broadband multiplexer (3) comprising at least two input ports (6) and a broadband output port (7), each input port having a different passband, each input port passband overlapping a different portion of the demultiplexer output port passband; the demultiplexer output port being in electrical communication with the multiplexer input ports by signal paths (8), each signal path having a switch (13) for opening and closing the path therein.
US07944950B2 Mobile communication system, communication control method, and base station and mobile station to be employed in the same
In the communication system performing transmission with generating the vacant period in the slotted mode during data transmission in order to perform various process, such as different frequency carrier quality measurement or so forth, the control signal for maintaining a communication quality is inserted even in the vacant period. Therefor, a link quality may not be degraded even if the vacant period is long. Namely, when the pilot signal is used as the control signal, even in the vacant period, measurement of the link quality of the forward link with the pilot signal is performed in the mobile station to report the result of measurement to the base station. Therefore, transmission power control of the forward link can be performed according to the report in the base station. Therefore, degradation of the forward link can be eliminated.
US07944947B2 Providing address information for reaching a wireless terminal
The invention relates to a method of providing address information for reaching a wireless terminal, the wireless terminal being connected to a first wireless communication network, a varying public address being dynamically allocated to the wireless terminal, and the wireless terminal being reachable from outside of the first wireless communication network by means of the varying public address. The method comprises dynamically notifying substantially directly at least one other communicating party of a current public address of the wireless terminal.
US07944944B2 Abnormal case handling for acknowledged mode transmission and unacknowledged mode transmission
Whenever the Receiver of this invention receives an AMD PDU or a UMD PDU with its “Length Indicator” having an invalid or a reserved value, the Receiver discards such a PDU and treats it as never received. The Receiver may report its receiving status accordingly if a report is required. This invention avoids invoking unnecessary RLC reset procedures and reduces the chance of losing HFN synchronization during AM or UM data transmissions.
US07944931B2 Balanced bandwidth utilization
A memory subsystem includes Data Store 0 and Data Store 1. Each data store is partitioned into N buffers, N>1. An increment of memory is formed by a buffer pair, with each buffer of the buffer pair being in a different data store. Two buffer pair formats are used in forming memory increments. A first format selects a first buffer from Data Store 0 and a second buffer from Data Store 1, while a second format selects a first buffer from Data Store 1 and a second buffer from Data Store 0. A controller selects a buffer pair for storing data based upon the configuration of data in a delivery mechanism, such as switch cell.
US07944923B2 Method and system for classifying network traffic
A system includes a physical NIC associated with the computer and including receive rings for storing network traffic addressed to the VNIC, where the receive rings include a local receive ring for storing local traffic and a forwarding receive ring for storing forwarding traffic. The physical NIC further includes a hardware classifier configured to register a local Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the VNIC in a lookup table, receive a packet including a destination IP address, classify the packet as local traffic or forwarding traffic using the lookup table, and store the packet in the local receive ring or the forwarding receive ring based on the type. The VNIC is configured to retrieve the packet from the receive ring, and process the packet in a type-specific manner based on the receive ring where the packet was stored, where the type-specific manner is different for local traffic and forwarding traffic.
US07944922B2 Media distribution in a wireless network
In a network environment such as a wireless packet network, a source node transmits a data stream, e.g., a stream of media packets to a plurality of sink nodes, including the source node transmitting a first data stream of unicast packets addressed to at least a first one of the sink nodes, while other ones of said sink nodes receive while in promiscuous mode traffic on the network including the data stream. Individual ones of the other sink nodes, upon ascertaining that there are packets of the stream that were not received, transmit a re-transmission request to the source node so that the source node can take corrective action, and so all the sink nodes can receive the data stream, even though sent as unicast addressed to fewer than all the sink nodes.
US07944918B2 Dynamic building of VLAN interfaces based on subscriber information strings
Techniques are described that allow a network device, such as a router, to dynamically build VLAN interfaces based on subscriber information strings included within packets. In particular, the network device comprises an interface controller and a forwarding controller, where the forwarding controller receives the packet over an Ethernet port and forwards the received packet to the interface controller. The packet includes both Ethernet tagging information and a subscriber information string. The interface controller comprises an Ethernet module that dynamically builds a primary virtual local area network (VLAN) sub-interface (PVS) based on the Ethernet tagging information. The Ethernet module also dynamically builds a subscriber VLAN sub-interface (SVS) based on the subscriber information string. The SVS allows the network device to distinguish between subscribers residing on the same VLAN, and, therefore, to provide subscriber specific services.
US07944917B2 Host device interfacing with a point of deployment (POD) and a method of processing broadcast data
A host device interfacing with a point of deployment (POD) and a method of processing a broadcasting data are disclosed. An IP physical interface unit receives a frame including an internet protocol (IP) packet carrying broadcast data through a network modem. A Routing Engine transforms the frame to an IP packet and routs the IP packet based on a destination information included in the frame. And a Multiplexer generates an IP MPEG packet by appending a Packet Header carrying identification information to the IP packet, multiplexes the IP MPEG packet and forwards the multiplexed IP packet to the POD.
US07944912B2 IP telephone system and calling method
An IP telephone number query system includes a terminal, a Web server, and an ENUM server. The terminal displays a call recipient profile hypertext markup language (html) that is assigned a HTML document file name. The Web server includes a phonebook searcher that has a plurality of call recipient profile htmls, and returns a selected call recipient profile html in response to a request from the terminal. The ENUM server has a database, a query issuer and a reversed query issuer. The database stores a plurality of NAPTR resource records in association with an ENUM domain name, each NAPTR resource record containing a URI that at least includes a telephone number and a HTML document file name. The query issuer searches the database in response to a query by an ENUM domain name and returns a NAPTR resource record corresponding to the ENUM domain name. The reversed query issuer searches the database in response to a query by a URI of a HTML document file name and returns a URI of a telephone number corresponding to the ENUM domain name having the URI of the HTML document file name.
US07944911B2 Network device
A first telephone, which is connected to a network device, can be prevented from becoming communicable with a second telephone, which is connected to the network device over a public network, when the second telephone and a third telephone, which is an Internet telephone, are communicable with each other and a device operating voltage for operating the network device is no longer supplied.
US07944910B2 Ink cartridges and systems having such ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes a case, an ink supply portion, an air intake portion, and at least one resilient member. The ink supply portion is positioned at a front face of the case, and the ink supply portion is configured to dispense ink from an interior of an ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber. The air intake portion is configured to draw air into the ink chamber. The at least one resilient member has a first portion positioned at the front face of the case and a second portion which is positioned a predetermined distance away from the front face of the case in a predetermined direction away from the ink chamber. The resilient member extends from the front face of the case further than the ink supply portion in the predetermined direction.
US07944909B2 System, method and apparatus for supporting E911 emergency services in a data communications network
A system, method and apparatus for supporting enhanced 911 (E911) emergency services, in a data communications network that includes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephones. A network system includes a host network communicatively coupled to an E911 database management system, a network access device, and a VoIP telephone communicatively coupled to an input port of the network access device. The network access device is adapted to assign a physical location identifier to an input port, to authenticate the VoIP telephone, wherein the authentication includes receiving a unique device identifier from the VoIP telephone, and to transmit the location identifier and the unique device identifier to the E911 database management system. The E911 database management system is permitted to store the physical location identifier in association with the unique device identifier.
US07944908B2 Method for setting output bit rate for video data transmission in a WiBro system
A method for setting an output bit rate for video data transmission in a WiBro system in which an uplink state value for a predetermined unit time is calculated to determine an uplink network state of the predetermined unit time. An average of uplink state values for a predetermined number of unit times is calculated, and a video encoding bit rate is increased if the average of the uplink state values is larger than a predetermined first threshold. However, the video encoding bit rate is decreased if the average of the uplink state values is less than a predetermined second threshold.
US07944902B2 End-point aware resource reservation protocol proxy
A method performed by a first network device may include receiving a request for a resource from an end-point device and acknowledging the request for the resource to the end-point device. The method may also include receiving a resource coordination message from a second network device and transmitting a return resource coordination message to the second network device.
US07944900B2 Base station modulator/demodulator and send/receive method
A base station, in a mobile communication network, includes a receive component to receive, from a higher rank station in the network, a particular data unit that includes multiple data units multiplexed together; a master processor to determine that the first portion of the particular data unit is destined for the base station and that the second portion of the particular data unit is not destined for the base station, and discard the second portion of the particular data unit; and a slave processor to determine that the second portion of the particular data unit is destined for the other base station and that the first portion of the particular data unit is not destined for the other base station, and send the second portion of the particular data unit to the other base station.
US07944897B2 Method and system for addressing channel access unfairness in IEEE 802.11n wireless networks
A method and system for communication in an IEEE 802.11n WLAN including L-stations and HT-stations, wherein a signaling field such as a small legacy format frame is appended at the end of a L-SIG TXOP Protection sequence in order to terminate the EIFS procedure at L-stations. This increases the probability for L-stations to obtain access to a shared communication channel relative to HT-stations.
US07944896B1 Method to identify voice over packet device capability and use it to make appropriate calls with other client devices
A system provides push-to-talk (PTT) or similar communication service via a radio access network providing wireless mobile packet data communications for mobile stations. A server distributes packets of digitized audio received from a broadcasting mobile station to one or more client devices of other parties. The called client device(s), however, may not all have the same communications capabilities as the broadcasting mobile station. Signaling procedures are adapted to inform the broadcasting station of the capabilities of the other client device(s). This enables the broadcasting mobile station to configure its transmissions of digitized audio through the network for compatibility with the capabilities of the other client device(s). Proper configuration avoids loss of data at the destination, particularly at the start of a PTT transmission, due to transmission in a form or configuration that may be incompatible with one or more of the receiving stations.
US07944892B2 Time coordinated base station and antenna array for integer cycle and impulse modulation systems
An improved antenna and coordination arrangement for use at a base station that will eliminate over the air collisions while doubling the effective data rate of each base station in a network is disclosed. The result will be large area networks which all share exactly the same radio spectrum without mutual interference and little effort required to expand a single base station system to a grid of cooperative base stations forming a coverage area of ubiquitous coverage and multiplied data capacity. Specifically, this disclosure describes an improved antenna arrangement and synchronization system for use when multiple radio base stations, each using a deterministic over the air MAC layer, are located within overlapping coverage areas.
US07944879B2 Resource allocating apparatus and method in multihop relay wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for mitigating interference of a neighbor cell in a multihop relay wireless communication system are provided. The method includes constituting a subframe for a link affected by interference of a neighbor cell over a first frequency band of the frame, and constituting a subframe for a link causing interference to a neighbor cell over a second frequency band of the frame. Therefore, the interference between the neighbor cells can be reduced and the amount of the resources allocated to the links can be freely adjusted.
US07944878B2 Filtering in bandwidth sharing ad hoc networks
Systems and methods for filtering in bandwidth sharing ad hoc networks. A method includes maintaining at least one filtering parameter associated with formation of a bandwidth sharing ad hoc network. The method further includes preventing data transfer across the bandwidth sharing ad hoc network when a parameter of a request to establish the bandwidth sharing ad hoc network corresponds to the at least one filtering parameter.
US07944876B2 Time slot interchange switch with bit error rate testing
In accordance with the invention, time slot interchange switches (“TSIS”) with bit error rate testing are described. The bit error rate testing includes creating a channel of data appropriate for bit error rate testing and monitoring the bit error rate testing on that channel.
US07944869B2 Resource allocation and outage control for renewable energy WLAN infrastructure mesh node
A mesh node of an infrastructure wireless local area network ‘WLAN’ is coupled to a battery which is coupled to a device that is able to harness energy from a source of renewable energy. Energy management of the mesh node includes conducting simulations of a system comprising the mesh node, the device, and the battery in its current state of charge, determining an admissible load for the mesh node from the simulations, and withholding communication services by the mesh node for one or more periods of time a cumulative duration of which is related to power consumption of the mesh node when handling the admissible load. The simulations involve meteorological data related to the source of renewable energy in the vicinity of the mesh node.
US07944868B2 Method and system for dynamic power management in wireless local area networks
A method and system for improving spatial reuse in a wireless local area network (WLAN) by per-client dynamic power management. Each access point of the WLAN associates each of its clients with a minimum power level. A central controller of the WLAN generates a schedule for transmission at different power levels, and each access point varies its transmission power level based on the schedule. An access point transmits data packets, at the scheduled transmission power level, to clients associated with a minimum power level that is less than the scheduled power level.
US07944867B2 Communication device and communication method
A control unit controls setting of an operating mode. A timer determines a transmission period of a beacon for notifying presence of a network. A beacon transmitting unit transmits a beacon based on the transmission period. When the control unit instructs to switch from a normal operation mode to a power-saving operation mode, the timer sets a transmission period of the beacon to be longer than a transmission period in the normal operation mode.
US07944866B2 Method and apparatus for offsetting a packet format table
A wireless communication infrastructure entity transmits an offset to a packet format table to a wireless terminal. The wireless terminal uses the received offset to determine the transmission characteristics for packets received from the wireless communication infrastructure entity.
US07944860B2 Preventing loss of network traffic due to inconsistent configurations within the network
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a processor at a node, notification of an error in a VLAN to topology mapping at the node, receiving a multi-destination packet from the VLAN in the VLAN to topology mapping, the multi-destination packet including a tree identifier associated with one of the topologies, and transmitting the multi-destination packet to all forwarding ports at the node in an unpruned tree corresponding to the tree identifier contained in the multi-destination packet. An apparatus is also disclosed.
US07944851B2 Method for packet communication using training packets
Messages transmitted between a receiver and a transmitter are used to maximize a communication data rate. In particular, a multicarrier modulation system uses messages that are sent from the receiver to the transmitter to exchange one or more sets of optimized communication parameters. The transmitter then stores these communication parameters and when transmitting to that particular receiver, the transmitter utilizes the stored parameters in an effort to maximize the data rate to that receiver. Likewise, when the receiver receives packets from that particular transmitter, the receiver can utilize the stored communication parameters for reception.
US07944849B2 Transmission path quality measuring device, communication system, quality measurement method, and quality measuring program
A communication quality measuring device includes: a quality measuring unit that measures the communication quality of a transmission path, based on data being transmitted through the transmission path; an observation time calculating unit that calculates a time interval for securing an observation time for the quality measuring unit; and a measurement triggering unit that causes the quality measuring unit to start measurement at the time interval calculated by the observation time calculating unit. The observation time is the time required for maintaining predetermined measurement accuracy in the communication quality measured by the quality measuring unit.
US07944847B2 Voting comparator method, apparatus, and system using a limited number of digital signal processor modules to process a larger number of analog audio streams without affecting the quality of the voted audio stream
A method and apparatus for selecting a preferred signal from homogenous streams of a subscriber call in an analog or mixed mode wireless communication network. The method and apparatus have particular significance to un-decoded analog radio packets which require digital signal processing to decode at least their signaling information. The method allocates at least one stream with the best signal qualities to real-time full-decoding in a DSP, and allocates lower quality streams to non-real time burst decoding in the same or another DSP. As signaling quality changes in the homogenous streams, the full-decoding can be re-allocated to a now higher quality stream. Burst decoding lower quality streams allows for more efficient use of DSP processing power and allows more streams to be processed without significant affect on audio content or quality.
US07944846B1 DVMRP border router for reverse path forwarding validation with external sources
Described is a method for statically or dynamically enabling a DVMRP router in a DVMRP domain to perform a reverse path forwarding check for an external source. A route report is generated for each known external source and injected into the DVMRP domain. Each route report includes routing information for a respective one of the known external sources. In one embodiment, the route report is generated for each network listed in a unicast routing table maintained on a DVMRP multicast border router and each route report includes unicast routing information for each of the networks and an indicator designating that the routing information is derived from unicast routing information. In another embodiment, if it is determined that routing information for an external source of multicast traffic received at a DVMRP border router is not available, the route report is generated at that time and includes a predetermined metric value.
US07944844B2 Methods and apparatus to monitor network layer functionalities
Example methods and apparatus to monitor network layer functionalities are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a first probe packet at an input of a first server, the first probe packet being received from a router, the first probe packet being generated and transmitted from a second server that is one-hop away from the first server in a network, determining if the first server is a final destination of the first probe packet, and if the first server is not the final destination of the first probe packet, generating a second probe packet and transmitting the second probe packet to the router for transmission toward the final destination.
US07944833B2 End-to-end QoS interoperation apparatus and method in heterogeneous network environment
An end-to-end quality-of-service (QoS) interoperation apparatus and method in a heterogeneous network environment are provided. A Next Steps In Signaling (NSIS) Application Programming Interface (NAPI) block handles an NSIS API at the request of an upper layer. An NSIS entity handles an NSIS protocol stack at the request of the NAPI block. An Internet Protocol Bearer Service (IP BS) manager manages an IP BS. A translation block translates parameters of a 3GPP_CLASS object and a UMTS QoS class predefined in an NSIS message according to a predetermined mapping configuration. A memory stores a software application including a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Bearer Service (UMTS BS) manager for managing a UMTS BS. A processor combined with the memory, controls the software application.
US07944827B2 Content-aware dynamic network resource allocation
Network resources allocated for particular application traffic are aware of the characteristics of L4+ content to be transmitted. One embodiment of the invention realizes network resource allocation in terms of three intelligent modules, gateway, provisioning and classification. A gateway module exerts network control functions in response to application requests for network resources. The network control functions include traffic path setup, bandwidth allocation and so on. Characteristics of the content are also specified in the received application network resource requests. Under request of the gateway module, a provisioning module allocates network resources such as bandwidth in optical networks and edge devices as well. An optical network resource allocation leads to a provisioning optical route. Under request of the gateway module, a classification module differentiates applications traffic according to content specifications, and thus creates and applies content-aware rule data for edge devices to forward content-specified traffic towards respective provisioning optical routes.
US07944826B2 Method and system for service application and service application control agent
A service application method and system, and a service application control agent (SACA) for reducing the delay of service application are provided. The method includes the following steps. An SACA receives service application information sent from a customer premises equipment (CPE). The SACA queries for Quality of Service (QoS) parameters corresponding to the service according to the service application information. Resource authorization and reservation request information containing the QoS parameters is sent to a resource and admission control unit. The resource and admission control unit verifies the request information to be authorized and admitted, and delivers a control strategy to a transport unit after the verification is passed. A service application system and an SACA are also provided correspondingly.
US07944822B1 System and method for identifying network applications
Embodiments of the invention provide a framework for traffic classification that bridges the gap between the packet content inspection and the flow-based behavioral analysis techniques. In particular, IP packets and/or IP flows are used as an input, network nodes are associated to specific network applications by leveraging information gathered from the web, and packet-level and/or flow-level signatures are extracted in an off-line fashion using clustering and signature extraction algorithms. The signatures learned are systematically exported to a traffic classifier that uses the newly available signatures to classify applications on-the-fly.
US07944819B2 System and method for transmission and acknowledgment of blocks of data frames in distributed wireless networks
The present application describes a system and method for transmitting and acknowledging a block of frames in a wireless network. According to an embodiment, a source device sends multiple frames in a block to a recipient device and requests the recipient device to send a single block acknowledgement frame. After receiving multiple frames, the recipient device sends a single block acknowledgement frame to the source device indicating which frames were received and which frames need to be retransmitted, as well as how much payload and how many frames may be transmitted in the next block by the source device.
US07944814B2 Switching between secured media devices
A system, method and apparatus for communication is provided which includes maintaining a primary and a secondary network media devices at substantially similar encryption state, wherein the secondary network media device is a redundant network media device. Similar encryption state may be maintained by copying reception and transmission switchover parameters from the primary network media device to the redundant network media device, at least once per 2X packets, and preferably every 213 packets that are either transmitted by, or received at, the primary network media device. The redundant network media device may receive packets by utilizing copied reception switchover parameters and transmit packets by estimating transmission switchover parameters based on copied transmission switchover parameters. The reception and transmission switchover parameters may be associated with Secure Real-time Transport Protocol or with PacketCable protocol. A communication system is also provided, which utilizes the communication method. The communication system may include several primary network media devices and a central network device to which switchover parameters may be copied from each primary network media device, and from which switchover parameters associated with a failing primary network media device may be copied to the redundant network media device.
US07944813B1 Method and system for establishing a connection between network elements
A method and system for establishing or handling a connection between a first and a second network element connected to different networks such as GPRS/UMTS and IP-based networks. The connection is established by at least one third network element such as a SGSN or GGSN arranged in one of the networks. The third network element is adapted to send, when receiving information on an establishment of a connection, a request to a fourth network element which may be a Call State Control Function (CSCF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), or a Call Processing Server (CPS). The request requests permission for establishing a requested type of connection, or requests a check of a connection parameter, and specifies the first and/or second network element and/or the connection or connection type to be established. The fourth network element returns a response specifying a permission for establishing a connection or connection type, or specifying a connection parameter.
US07944807B2 System and method for implementing a single-wire serial protocol
Methods and apparatus for a single-wire serial communication system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes defining a predetermined short pulse as data to be transmitted and a predetermined long pulse as a data separator for the data to provide serial communication for a data stream.
US07944803B2 Tone arm assembly
A tone arm assembly for use with a rotatable turntable. The tone arm assembly includes a tone arm body supported adjacent to the rotating turntable being horizontally pivotable about a vertically extending axis. A tone arm tube is provided having a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end, the first end extending within and being supported by the tone arm body and the second end terminating at a shell for releaseably supporting a pick up cartridge. A counterweight is included which is translatable along a horizontal path parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tone arm tube between a first position and a second position, the first position being closest to the shell and a second position being farthest from the shell to adjust contact pressure between a stylus maintained by the pick up cartridge and a record supported by the rotatable turntable. At least a portion of the counterweight is capable of extending fore and aft of the vertically extending axis when the counterweight is positioned on its horizontal path between its first and second positions.
US07944802B2 Super-resolution optical recording medium and method for recording information on super-resolution optical recording medium
A super-resolution optical recording medium has at least a recording layer and a super resolution layer on a substrate. In the recording layer, a minimum recording mark is formed with spaces within a beam spot of a laser beam in recording. The minimum recording mark has a size of a resolution limit of a reproduction optical system or less, and can be reproduced by the reproduction optical system due to the existence of the super solution layer. The minimum recording mark in an AFM image takes the shape of a convex arc on a leading edge thereof and the shape of a concave arc on a trailing edge thereof (the AFM image is a plan view which can be observed on a surface when the light transmission layer is removed), and spaces have the similar shape to these.
US07944801B2 Information recording and/or reproducing apparatus having two photodetectors to control the light intensity of two light sources with different wavelengths
An apparatus for effecting at least one of recording and reproducing information. A first light source has a light intensity and emits a light beam having an emission wavelength. A second light source has another light intensity and emits a light beam having an emission wavelength different from that of the first light source. An optical system guides a light beam emitted from the first light source to a recording medium and guides a light beam reflected from the recording medium to a first photodetector, which generates an output. Another optical system guides a light beam emitted from the second light source to the recording medium and guides another light beam reflected from the recording medium to the second photodetector. A separating optical element guides the light beam emitted from the first light source to the second photodetector, which generates an output. A control circuit receives the output generated by the second photodetector, and controls the light intensity of the first light source based on the output of the second photodetector.
US07944800B2 Optical recording head, optical recording head manufacturing method and recording/reproducing device
Provided is a highly reliable optical recording head which has a small fluctuation of a quantity of light applied on a recording medium due to temperature. The optical recording head is provided with a light guide section for guiding light applied from a light source, a slider relatively moving to the recording medium, and a light transmitting section, which is arranged on the slider, transmits the light outputted from the light guide section and outputs the light toward the recording medium. The optical recording head is further provided with an adhesive layer, which is sandwiched between the light transmitting section and the light guide section and fixes the positions of the light transmitting section and the light guide section, and an elastic cohesive layer, which is sandwiched between the portions other than the light transmitting section of the slider and the light guide section.
US07944799B2 Optical information apparatus with gap control system
An optical information apparatus according to the present invention includes: an optical system that includes a solid immersion lens (SIL) 11 and that produces near-field light to be incident on an optical disc 10; a first actuator for displacing the SIL 11; a second actuator 29 for varying the distance between the optical disc 10 and the first actuator 12 by moving the first actuator 12; a gap detecting section 18 for outputting a gap signal 19 representing the magnitude of the gap 17 between the SIL 11 and the optical disc 10; and a gap control system for controlling the first actuator 12 in response to the gap signal 19 such that the gap is maintained at a predetermined setting. The gap control system works so as to control the second actuator 29 in accordance with a signal representing the magnitude of displacement of the SIL 11 caused by the first actuator 12.
US07944798B2 Objective lens unit, optical pickup, and optical information device having ultraviolet-transmissive lens holder
An objective lens unit according to the present invention includes a first objective lens 41; and a first lens holder 2 for supporting the first objective lens 41. The first lens holder 2 is formed of a material which transmits ultraviolet. Preferably, the first lens holder 2 includes a through-hole, having first and second openings 2a and 2b, through which light incident on the first objective lens 41 passes, and an opening limiting section 3 provided along a circumferential direction of the through-hole and projecting toward a central axis of the through-hole. The first objective lens 41 is supported so as to block the first opening 2b. The opening limiting section 3 guides light incident thereon from the second opening 2a in a direction away from an optical axis of the first objective lens.
US07944795B2 Holographic recording medium and encoding/decoding method thereof
A holographic recoding medium is provided, having holographic pages. Each page has reference mark (RM) placement areas at fixed locations for placing RM patterns. The reference marks are used to calibrate data images of data areas each of which is enclosed by at least three RM regions. Hidden information of the medium is stored by an specific encoded pattern based on existence, types and arrangements of the RM marks.
US07944794B2 Optical disc apparatus, information recording method, and information reproduction method
An optical disc apparatus that records recording marks in a plurality of mark layers by irradiating predetermined light onto a disc-like volume type recording medium on the basis of information to be recorded is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first focus position adjusting means for adjusting the position of a focus on which a first light beam focuses within the volume type recording medium, in the direction of an optical axis of the first light beam; a second focus position adjusting means for adjusting the position of a focus on which a second light beam focuses within the volume type recording medium, in the direction of an optical axis of the second light beam; a focus control means for controlling the first focus position adjusting means and the second focus position adjusting means; and a recording control means for forming the recording marks at the positions of respective focuses.
US07944792B2 Information recording medium, data structure, and recording apparatus
A video object (26) contains a cell (31) which can be appropriately read and reproduced and a dummy cell (32) which cannot be appropriately read or reproduced. Video title set information (21) contains a plurality of program chains (40) containing a real program chain not specifying the dummy cell (32) and a virtual program chain specifying the dummy cell (32).
US07944789B2 Recording medium playback device and method thereof
When playback of a recording medium, which stores content data that is only allowed to be played back for a limited number of times, is forcibly terminated due to a scratch on the recording medium, the playback of the content data residing at a subsequent location that follows a location having the scratch is performed without the number of playbacks being counted, and without a particular operation such as skip. Upon the playback after the forced termination, an address of an optical disk at which the playback was performed at the time of the forced termination is stored in a RAM unit. The address stored in the RAM unit is read out, and the content data residing at a subsequent address that follows the read address in terms of a predetermined number of addresses is played back. When data residing at the subsequent address that follows the read address cannot be read, the playback is repeated for a predetermined number of times for other addresses that follow the previous address at intervals in terms of the predetermined number of the addresses.
US07944785B2 Optical disc recording/reproducing apparatus and focus-servo method thereof
A focus-servo control method of an optical disc recording/reproducing apparatus, for recording or reproducing information onto/from an optical disc having a track with a land and a groove, which are formed in a spiral manner on an information recording surface thereof, the optical disc recording/reproducing apparatus including an objective lens, the method comprising steps of: moving an optical spot from the land to the groove or from the groove to the land through a L/G exchange portion therebetween and moving a position of the objective lens from a land position to a groove position by gradually changing a focus offset value for the land to a focus offset value for the groove from a position located before the L/G exchange portion, when the optical spot moves from the land to the groove.
US07944784B2 Land/groove track and pickup head movement direction detection
A detector is scanned across an optical storage medium having groove tracks and land tracks, each track having a wobble structure, to detect light reflected from the optical storage medium. A wobble signal and a tracking error signal are generated based on an output of the detector, and the wobble signal is sampled according to the tracking error signal. A determination about whether the detector is at the groove track or the land track is made based on the tracking error signal and a comparison of sampled values of the wobble signal.
US07944782B2 90°-bent metallic waveguide having tapered c-shaped aperture, method of fabricating the waveguide, light delivery module including the waveguide, and heat assisted magnetic recording head having the waveguide
A metallic wave guide and a light delivery module are provided. The metallic waveguide includes a metal body formed of a conductive metal and having an aperture formed therethrough, the aperture having input and output ends. The aperture has a bent portion for changing a light traveling direction between the input and output ends, and a tapered portion between the bent portion and the output end. The tapered portion has a width that is gradually reduced toward the output end, and the aperture is formed in a C-shape by a ridge formed on an inner surface of the metal body.
US07944781B2 Flexible waveguide with adjustable index of refraction
A flexible waveguide with an adjustable index of refraction. The core layer and/or the cladding layer of a flexible waveguide may include a plurality of nanoparticles having a different index of refraction than the core layer and/or cladding layer. The plurality of nanoparticles may have an index of refraction that is greater than or less than an index of refraction of either the core layer or the cladding layer in order that the overall effective index of refraction of either the core layer or the cladding layer can be adjusted.
US07944779B2 Multifunction time display device
A multifunction time display device includes a main body, a first element, a second element, and an indication element. The main body includes a casing, and the casing possesses a transparent portion. The first element moves inside the casing as time goes by. The second element is removably attached to any position of the transparent portion of the casing. The indication element is triggered when the first element moves to overlap the second element.
US07944776B2 Engine and technique for generating an acoustic signal
An embodiment of a device for generating an acoustic signal in a fluid includes an engine operable to repeat a thermodynamic process to vibrate a membrane of the engine to generate an acoustic signal having more than one period. The thermodynamic process includes heating mass inside a chamber of an engine to generate pressure inside the chamber; in response to generating the pressure, moving in a first direction a portion of a membrane of the engine; removing mass from inside the chamber to decrease the pressure inside the chamber; and in response to decreasing the pressure inside the chamber, moving the membrane portion in a second direction. Because the engine repeats the thermodynamic process, the engine may generate and sustain an acoustic signal for a significant amount of time.
US07944775B2 Adaptive array control device, method and program, and adaptive array processing device, method and program
[Object] By enabling accurate coefficient update, a high-quality array processing output which is less influenced by frequency characteristics and incoming directions of input signals control can be acquired, irrespective of the frequency characteristics and incoming direction of the input signals. [Achieving Means] Identification information of a target signal and interference by amplitude is corrected according to identification information of the target signal and the interference by phase, and with use of the correction result, identification of the target signal and the interference is performed. More specifically, an identification information generation section according to phase, a correction signal generation section, and a correction section are provided.
US07944769B1 System for power-on detection
A system for detecting power-on of a circuit block within an integrated circuit (IC). The system can include a latch including a latch output and an inverted latch output. The latch can be coupled to, and powered by, a power supply providing power to the circuit block within the IC. The system further can include an exclusive OR circuit. The exclusive OR circuit can include an input stage coupled to the latch output and the inverted latch output. The exclusive OR circuit generates an output signal indicating whether the circuit block is in a power-on state.
US07944767B2 Semiconductor device and data processing system
Control information needed for executing data transmission/reception through a data terminal is received via its own control terminal in a first operation mode, and the control information is received by using the own control terminal and also a control terminal of at least one of the other ports in a second operation mode.
US07944762B2 Non-volatile memory control
Methods and apparatus for use in a memory system having a non-volatile memory and a controller for limiting the number of non-volatile memory arrays from a plurality of available arrays accessed at one time are useful in the control of concurrent access of memory arrays. One method includes implementing a pipelining sequence for transferring data to and from the non-volatile memory arrays and limiting the number of active arrays operating at one time. The controller is configured to wait for the at least one of the arrays to complete before initiating a transfer to and from a further array.
US07944759B2 Semiconductor memory device including floating body transistor
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells having a transistor with a floating body, a source line driver configured to control the source lines to select the memory cells in response to an address signal, a source line voltage generation unit configured to generate a source line target voltage, receive an source line output voltage from the source line driver, compare the level of the source line output voltage with the level of the source line target voltage, generate a source line voltage of which the level is adaptively varied according to a temperature, and a sense amplifier configured to sense a difference in current flowing through the bit lines in response to data read from a selected memory cell, amplify the difference to a level having high output driving capability and output the amplified current.
US07944753B2 Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) cell and methods for forming and reading the same
In a method of reading data in an EEPROM cell, a bit line voltage for reading is applied to the EEPROM cell including a memory transistor and a selection transistor. A first voltage is applied to a sense line of the memory transistor. A second voltage greater than the first voltage is applied to a word line of the selection transistor. A current passing through the EEPROM cell is compared with a predetermined reference current to read the data stored in the EEPROM cell. An on-cell current of the EEPROM cell may be increased in an erased state and the data in the cell may be readily discriminated.
US07944752B2 Method for programming a flash memory device
A method for programming a flash memory device includes applying a program bias to a memory cell of a plurality of memory cells within a memory cell string. Each memory cell string comprises a source select line, a plurality of memory cells and a drain select line. A first pass bias is applied to at least one of the memory cells in a source select line direction relative to the memory cell to which the program bias has been applied. A second pass bias is applied to the memory cells in a drain select line direction relative the memory cell(s) to which the first pass bias has been applied.
US07944749B2 Method of low voltage programming of non-volatile memory cells
A low voltage method of programming a selected non-volatile memory cell in a memory array having a gate node coupled to a wordline WL(n) and a drain node connected to a selected bitline by injecting hot carriers from a drain region of an injecting memory cell having a gate node coupled to a next neighbor wordline WL(n−1) into a floating gate of the selected non-volatile memory cell on the wordline WL(n).
US07944747B2 Flash memory device and method for programming flash memory device having leakage bit lines
Provided is a method for programming a flash memory device. The method includes receiving writing data, detecting leakage bit lines of the flash memory device, and updating the received writing data in order for data corresponding to the leakage bit lines to be modified as program-inhibit data. A programming operation is performed on the flash memory device after updating the writing data.
US07944744B2 Estimating values related to discharge of charge-storing memory cells
One or more groups of charge-storing memory cells are selected from a plurality of regular charge-storing memory cells of a storage device. The selected memory cells are initialized with initial binary data, by charging them with corresponding amounts of electric charge, or the selected memory cells are simply used as is containing user data. Then, while the selected memory cells undergo a self discharge process, collective changes in the binary states of the selected memory cells are used to estimate discharge-determining conditions such as elapsed time, wear rate or wear level of the memory cells. The adverse effects of the erratic behavior of individual charge-storing memory cells on such estimations is mitigated by using a large group of charge-storing memory cells, and the effect of temperature on the aforesaid estimations is reduced by using two or more large groups of charge-storing memory cells.
US07944743B2 Methods of making a semiconductor memory device
One-transistor (1T) capacitor-less DRAM cells each include a MOS transistor having a bias gate layer that separates a floating body region from a base substrate. The MOS transistor functions as a storage device, eliminating the need of the storage capacitor. Logic “1” is written to and stored in the storage device by causing majority carriers (holes in an NMOS transistor) to accumulate and be held in the floating body region next to the bias gate layer, and is erased by removing the majority carriers from where they are held.
US07944730B2 Write method with voltage line tuning
A method of writing to a resistive sense memory unit includes applying a first voltage across a resistive sense memory cell and a semiconductor transistor to write a first data state to the resistive sense memory cell. The first voltage forms a first write current for a first time duration through the resistive sense memory cell in a first direction. Then the method includes applying a second voltage across the resistive sense memory cell and the transistor to write a second data state to the resistive sense memory cell. The second voltage forms a second write current for a second duration through the resistive sense memory cell in a second direction. The second direction opposes the first direction, the first voltage has a different value than the second voltage, and the first duration is substantially the same as the second duration.
US07944729B2 Simultaneously writing multiple addressable blocks of user data to a resistive sense memory cell array
Method and apparatus are disclosed for storing data to non-volatile resistive sense memory (RSM) memory cells of a semiconductor memory array, including but not limited to resistive random access memory (RRAM) and spin-torque transfer random access memory (STTRAM or STRAM) cells. In accordance with various embodiments, a plurality of addressable data blocks from a host device are stored in a buffer. At least a portion of each of the addressable data blocks are serially transferred to a separate register of a plurality of registers. The transferred portions of said addressable data blocks are thereafter simultaneously transferred from the registers to selected RSM cells of the array.
US07944727B2 Mask programmable anti-fuse architecture
A memory array having both mask programmable and one-time programmable memory cells connected to the wordlines and the bitlines. All memory cells of the memory array are configured as one-time programmable memory cells. Any number of these one-time programmable memory cells are convertible into mask programmable memory cells through mask programming, such as diffusion mask programming or contact/via mask programming. Manufacturing of such a hybrid memory array is simplified because both types of memory cells are constructed of the same materials, therefore only one common set of manufacturing process steps is required. Inadvertent user programming of the mask programmable memory cells is inhibited by a programming lock circuit.
US07944719B2 Voltage multiplier with improved power efficiency and apparatus provided with such voltage multiplier
A voltage multiplier comprising a chain of multiplier stages, each multiplier stage (STGj) comprising first and second inputs (IPIj, IP2j) and first and second outputs (OPIj, 0P2j), which first and second outputs of a multiplier stage is coupled to respective first and second inputs of another multiplier stage, each multiplier stage (STGj) comprising a series diode arrangement of two diodes (DIj, D2j) coupled, in the same current conducting direction, between the first input (IPIj) and the first output (OPIj). Each multiplier stage (STGj) further comprises a first capacitor (CIj) coupled between the first input (IPIj) and the first output (OPIj), and a second capacitor (C2j) coupled between the second input (IP2j) and the second output (0P2j). Each multiplier stage (STGj) further comprises equalizing means (VLSj; C2j, C3j, C4j), preferably capacitors (Csj), for equalizing the current distributions, as a function of time, of the currents (Ij) through the diodes (DIj, D2j).
US07944717B2 Power converter apparatus and power converter apparatus control method
A converter section converts a three-phase ac input voltage into a dc voltage, and an inverter section converts the dc voltage converted by the converter section into a prescribed three-phase ac output voltage. The converter section converts the three-phase ac input voltage into the dc voltage on the basis of trapezoidal waveform voltage instruction signals from a trapezoidal waveform voltage instruction signal generating part and a carrier signal from a carrier signal generating part. The inverter section converts the dc voltage converted by the converter section 1 into a prescribed three-phase ac output voltage on the basis of an inverter section instruction signal corrected by an instruction signal correcting part. The trapezoidal waveform voltage instruction signal generating part generates sloped regions of the trapezoidal waveform voltage instruction signals by using a prescribed table.
US07944716B2 Control of a resonant converter
The invention deals with the control of a resonant LLC converter by use of control parameters. The primary current flowing in the resonant tank and a voltage at a predetermined point in the resonant tank are monitored and control parameters are set for a high side conduction interval and control parameters are set for a low side conduction interval, the control parameters for the two conduction intervals being: a peak current of the interval and a predetermined voltage of the interval. The resonant converter comprises series-arranged controllable switches to be connected to the supply source. The resonant converter is operated by setting up criteria for turning off a switch in accordance with criteria including the four control parameters.
US07944715B2 Controller for use in a resonant direct current/direct current converter
A controller is adapted for controlling a switch of a resonant direct current/direct current converter, and includes: a pulse width modulation controlling unit for detecting an output voltage of the resonant direct current/direct current converter, and for generating a pulse width modulation signal according to the output voltage detected thereby; a fixed frequency signal generating unit for generating a fixed frequency signal; and a logic synthesizing unit for synthesizing the pulse width modulation signal and the fixed frequency signal so as to generate a driving signal that is adapted to drive the switch of the resonant direct current/direct current converter.
US07944710B2 Termination apparatus and method for planar components on printed circuit boards
The disclosure involves the efficient termination of a winding PCB of a planar inductive component to a main PCB, using relatively little space and providing a low-resistance connection. The disclosed methods are especially suitable for planar structures where several winding PCBs, and/or winding PCBs and a main PCB, are all enclosed by the magnetic path components. The methods allow for a winding PCB to simply rest on the main PCB, or other winding PCBs, without any clearance. The disclosure employs mating sets of conductive annular rings with an optional interlocking terminal pin that allows two PCBs to be fixedly coupled together, while preserving a minimum distance between the solder-mask layers of the two PCBs in order to prevent the formation of unwanted electrical connections between the two PCBs. Solder is used to ensure effective coupling in each assembly of mating annular rings and optional terminal pin.
US07944704B2 Terminal module with integrated functions
The invention relates to a terminal module (1) with integrated functions, comprising a housing (2), at least one terminal strip (14-16) for connecting wire strands, and at least one circuit board (20) which is disposed in the housing (2) and on which functional elements are arranged that are electrically placed between contacts of the terminal strip or strips (14-16). Switching elements (21), by means of which conductor paths between the contacts can be modified, are positioned on the circuit board (20).
US07944699B2 Server rack blanking panel and system
The present invention provides a system that allows for a single panel of the invention to be easily modified, preferably without the use of tools, to fit on a server rack, where the single panel is so modified as to cover the desired amount of open space on a server rack as a single piece, where the panel is preferably fire-rated, and where the modified panel may be easily installed onto the server rack to as to cover any open space thereon, and prevents the circular flow of warm air output from entering the cooler air input of the servers housed on the server rack.
US07944698B2 Mounting a heat sink in thermal contact with an electronic component
A heat transfer apparatus comprises a load frame having load springs and an open region that exposes an electronic component. The load frame is mounted to a printed circuit board on which the electronic component is mounted. A heat sink assembly is disposed on the load frame and has a main body in thermal contact with the electronic component through a thermally conductive material. The heat sink assembly has load arms for engaging the load springs. A load plate extends between the load arms and has an actuation element operative to displace the main body relative to the load plate and thereby resiliently deform the load springs and produce a load force that compresses the thermally conductive material to achieve a desired thermal interface gap between the main body and the electronic component. Non-influencing fasteners secure the heat sink to the load frame and maintain the desired thermal interface gap.
US07944688B2 Heat dissipating structure including a position-adjusting unit
A heat dissipating structure for a heat source includes a position-adjusting unit, a first heat dissipating element, a second heat dissipating element and a first heat conducting element. The position-adjusting unit has an elastic element. The first heat dissipating element is connected with the position-adjusting unit. The second heat dissipating element contacts with the heat source. One end of the first heat conducting element contacts with the first heat dissipating element, and the other end of the first heat conducting element contacts with the second heat dissipating element. The position-adjusting unit adjusts the position of the first heat dissipating element relative to the second heat dissipating element by the elastic element.
US07944686B2 Disk device
In a disk device, a case includes a base frame and a top panel, which are made of thin metal plates. In the top panel, a corrugated section is formed to increase its rigidity. The corrugated section has peaks and valleys that are alternately arranged. The peaks and valleys extend in a direction orthogonal to a disk loading direction to the vicinity of both side ends of the top panel.
US07944684B2 Notebook computer with document holding function
A notebook computer that has a document holding function includes an upper cover and a base. The upper cover includes a screen and an image pickup device. The base includes a keyboard and a touchpad. A touchpad chassis is disposed under the touchpad and connected with a bottom surface of the touchpad. A fixing recess is formed in an edge surface of the touchpad chassis for holding the document. A rotatable frame is disposed under the touchpad for overturning the touchpad chassis. As such, a shooting angle is defined between the image pickup device and the document held in the fixing recess.
US07944680B2 High-voltage switchgear
A metal-encapsulated, gas-insulated high-voltage switchgear assembly includes a three-phase encapsulated busbar housing, at least one busbar disposed in the housing, and at least three single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers disposed horizontally. The assembly further includes a busbar splitting module having at least one three-phase connecting flange configured to connect to the busbar housing and at least three single-phase connecting flanges pointing downward configured to connect to the at least three single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers and an outgoer splitting module having at least one three-phase flange and at least three single-phase flanges pointing downward and configured to connect the at least three single-phase-encapsulated circuit breakers to a three-phase-encapsulated outgoer housing.
US07944677B2 Electrostatic chuck
An electrostatic chuck includes a dielectric board having an upper surface on which a plurality of projections for supporting a substrate on top surfaces and recesses surrounding the projections are formed, an electrode formed inside the dielectric board, and an external power supply which applies a voltage to the electrode. The dielectric board includes a conductor film formed on at least the top surface of each projection, and has a three-dimensional structure which causes the conductor film to generate a Johnson-Rahbeck force between the substrate and conductor film when a voltage is applied to the electrode.
US07944676B2 Systems and methods for collecting use of force information
An apparatus records a use of force. The apparatus includes a weapon that initiates application of the force against a target, being a person or animal, to stop undesired behavior by the target. The apparatus further includes a processing circuit that provides, after an operation of the weapon, indicia of a prompt. The prompt elicits a spoken reply from an operator of the apparatus. The reply describes the use of force, and records indicia of the reply received from a provided input device. A method of operation of an electronic weapon includes applying a force wherein applying comprises passing a current through tissue of a target to produce contractions in skeletal muscles of the target to impede locomotion by the target; and recording a description of the application, the description in accordance with operator input.
US07944674B2 Barrier piercing electrode
An electrode is provided that is adapted to both pierce a barrier and providing an over-air discharge of electrical energy. In this regard, an over air discharge of electrical energy may be provided to an opposing side of a barrier. In one arrangement, the electrode includes a tapered point, which may be a hardened material, to facilitate piercing a barrier. In a further arrangement, the electrode incorporates an insulative shaft. In this arrangement, the insulative shaft electrically isolates a conductor of the electrode from a conductive barrier. Accordingly, the electrode may be utilized to pierce metallic enclosures and provide an electrical discharge for the purpose of altering the operation of electronic device within such enclosures.
US07944670B2 Surge protection circuit for passing DC and RF signals
A surge protection circuit may include a tuned circuit board with traces designed to provide a surge protected and RF isolated DC path while propagating RF signals through the PCB dielectric with microstrip lines. The surge protection circuit utilizes high impedance RF decoupling devices such as quarterwave traces or inductors which isolate the multistage DC protection scheme which may include a gas discharge tube, serial surge impeding devices such as inductors and/or resistors, a decoupled air/spark gap device and a Zener diode junction.
US07944669B2 Electric fence energizer lightning protection
A lightning protection circuit for electric fence energizers used with electric fencing systems is provided. The circuit includes a protective combination having at least two electrical components connected in series. The protective combination allows induced voltage from lightning strikes to be effectively spread across a first of the electrical components and a switch of the fence energizer, so as to limit peak levels of current drawn to a second of the electrical components.
US07944663B2 Over-current protection circuit
An over-current protection circuit for use with a constant voltage circuit that converts an input voltage to a predetermined output voltage and that outputs the predetermined output voltage. The over-current protection circuit includes an output current detecting circuit configured to output an output current detecting voltage proportional to an output current outputted from the constant voltage circuit; an output current control circuit configured to control the output current outputted from the constant voltage circuit according to the output current detecting voltage outputted from the output current detecting circuit; an output voltage detecting circuit configured to output at least an output voltage detecting voltage according to the output voltage of the constant voltage circuit; and a conversion rate altering circuit configured to alter a conversion rate of the output current to the output current detecting voltage of the output current detecting circuit according to the output voltage detecting voltage outputted from the output voltage detecting circuit.
US07944661B2 Protection circuit, flat display device using the same, and method for driving flat display device using the same
A protection circuit which is capable of preventing a faulty operation resulting from an abnormal control signal a method for operating the same, a flat display device using the same, and a method for driving the flat display device using the same are disclosed. The protection circuit includes a reference voltage output circuit for outputting a first reference voltage corresponding to a minimum allowable voltage of a control signal and a second reference voltage corresponding to a maximum allowable voltage of the control signal, and a comparison circuit, comparing a level of the control signal with the first reference voltage and second reference voltage and supplying a output control voltage corresponding to the control signal representing the a high-logic state to the controller when the level of the control signal has a value between the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage.
US07944659B2 ESD protection circuit for high speed signaling including a switch
An ESD protection circuit for a switch coupled to high-speed signaling pins of an integrated circuit includes a first string of clamping elements and a second string of clamping elements. The first string of clamping elements has a collective capacitance less than the capacitance of a single clamping element. The first string of clamping elements is operably coupled to the drain and source of the transistor and conducts when a first polarity ESD voltage is applied to the high-speed pins. The second string of clamping elements has a collective capacitance less than the capacitance of one clamping element. The second string of clamping elements is operably coupled to the drain and source of the transistor and conducts when a second polarity ESD voltage is applied to the high speed signaling pins.
US07944658B2 Integrated circuit and assembly therewith
An integrated circuit suitable for use at high frequencies and comprising a first capacitor having an input and an output, as well as a ground connection, wherein the capacitor is ESD-protected through an resistor between the capacitor output and the ground connection, which resistor has a resistance value that is sufficiently high so as to prevent any substantial influence on RF performance of the ground connection.
US07944657B2 Electrostatic discharge protection circuit
An electrostatic protection circuit includes a first impurity region, a second impurity region, a first electrode, a third impurity region, a fourth impurity region, a second electrode, a fifth impurity region, a sixth impurity region, a third electrode, a gate insulating film, and a fourth electrode.
US07944656B2 Level conversion circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit device employing the level conversion circuit
In a level conversion circuit mounted in an integrated circuit device using a plurality of high- and low-voltage power supplies, the input to the differential inputs are provided. In a level-down circuit, MOS transistors that are not supplied with 3.3 V between the gate and drain and between the gate and source use a thin oxide layer. In a level-up circuit, a logic operation function is provided.
US07944655B2 Electrostatic discharge protection circuit employing a micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure
An ESD protection circuit for protecting a host circuit coupled to a signal pad from an ESD event occurring at the signal pad includes at least one MEMS switch which is electrically connected to the signal pad. The MEMS switch includes a first contact structure adapted for connection to the signal pad, and a second contact structure adapted for connection to a voltage supply source. The first and second contact structures are coupled together during the ESD event for shunting an ESD current from the signal pad to the voltage supply source. The first and second contact structures are electrically isolated from one another in the absence of the ESD event. At least one of the first and second contact structures includes a passivation layer for reducing contact adhesion between the first and second contact structures.
US07944651B2 CPP-type magnetoresistive effect head and method of manufacturing the same
Embodiments of the present invention help to prevent a reduction in the bias magnetic field of a current perpendicular to the plane-type (CPP-type) magnetoresistive effect head, thus suppressing a reduction in read output. According to one embodiment, a CPP-type magnetoresistive effect film is formed on top of a lower magnetic shield. A refill insulation film and a magnetic domain control layer are formed on both sides of an intermediate layer and a free layer of the CPP-type magnetoresistive effect film. A side wall protection film is formed on a side wall of the refill insulation film and on top of the free layer so as to define the height of the magnetic domain control layer. To increase the film thickness of the magnetic domain control layer, the magnetic domain control layer and the refill insulation film are higher than the top surface of the free layer. A magnetic shield underlayer film is formed on the top surfaces of the free layer, the magnetic domain control layer and the refill insulation film and an upper magnetic shield layer is formed on the magnetic shield underlayer film.
US07944649B2 Magnetically preloaded anti-rotation guide for a transducer
A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.
US07944648B2 Head slider and storage medium driving device
According to one embodiment, a head slider, includes: a slider body; an insulating nonmagnetic film configured to be laminated on an air outflow side end face of the slider body; a magnetoresistive effect film configured to be buried in the nonmagnetic film; first and second wiring patterns configured to be buried in the nonmagnetic film and connected to the magnetoresistive effect film; a third wiring pattern configured to be buried in the nonmagnetic film and connected to the first and second wiring pattern in parallel to the magnetoresistive effect film; and a switch element configured to be buried in the nonmagnetic film and change conductivity of the third wiring pattern between conduction and non-conduction.
US07944646B2 Magnetic disk drive
In a patterned perpendicular magnetic recording medium, embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic head in which magnetic field to be applied to adjacent tracks can be suppressed and a recording device equipped with the magnetic head. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sum of a width Pw of a main pole of a magnetic head and distances between right and left magnetic substances on a width-directional side of tracks and the main pole, so-called widths of side gap lengths s_g1—1 and s_g1—2 is, in a magnetic recording medium having a soft-magnetic underlayer, made to be not more than a sum of a width w_land of a convexity or land of the soft-magnetic underlayer and widths w_groove—1 and w_groove—2 of concavities or grooves adjacent to the land on both its sides.
US07944645B2 Lubricated limiter for fluid dynamic bearing motor
A component for restricting relative movement of a rotor and a shaft is disclosed. A motor may include a shaft and a rotor, where the rotor is disposed for relative rotation with respect to said shaft. A component is operable to restrict relative movement of the rotor and the shaft, where the component includes a first surface operable to receive a fluid.
US07944642B2 Hard disk drive protection system and method
A hard disk drive protection system comprises a sensor configured to detect an impending shock event and a hard drive protection module configured to determine whether to issue a fast park command for a hard disk drive in response to detecting the impending shock event based on a permissible quantity of fast park cycles for the hard disk drive.
US07944641B2 Overshoot duration range selection in a hard disk drive
A hard disk drive that stores data on a disk. An overshoot duration is used to write data onto the disk. The value of the overshoot duration is a function of the data rate, which can vary for different areas of the disk. For example, the data rate can be higher at an outer diameter of the disk than at an inner disk diameter. The overshoot duration can therefore be different when writing data at the outer diameter than the duration used to write data at the inner diameter. The data rate can be determined by analyzing a preamble of the data written onto the disk.
US07944640B2 Bulk eraser including at least three magnets configured for erasing recorded information
A bulk eraser for erasing recorded information on a magnetic-recording disk. The bulk eraser includes at least three magnets and a structure magnetically coupled with the at least three magnets to produce magnetic-flux density in a gap. The gap has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, such that a first magnet and a second magnet are disposed with opposing end poles across the first portion. The at least three magnets and the structure are configured to produce a magnetic-flux density in the second portion sufficient to erase recorded information from a portion of at least one magnetic-recording disk in a disk-stack when a hard-disk drive is inserted into the second portion. In addition, the at least three magnets and the structure are configured to direct the magnetic-flux density in a substantially radial direction of the portion of the magnetic-recording disk in the second portion.
US07944638B1 Method and apparatus for scheduling spiral interrupts for self-servo write
A method for dynamic spiral ISR scheduling determines a dynamic delay with spiral to spiral spacing information of a disk, so as to ensure that the sum of a primary ISR time and a secondary ISR time does not exceed the wedge to wedge time. The ISR time may be scheduled to start after a delay for the sum of a static delay and the dynamic delay from an edge. A system for dynamic spiral ISR scheduling uses a dynamic delay determining unit to determine a dynamic delay, and an ISR scheduling unit to schedule the start of a secondary spiral set ISR based on a sum of the dynamic delay and a static delay.
US07944635B2 Lens barrel and image pickup apparatus
A lens barrel includes a shooting optical system contained in a barrel and operable to lead a subject image to an image sensor, a back focus adjustment lens group constituting a part of the shooting optical system and operable to be fixed immovably after the position of the back focus adjustment lens group is adjusted in an optical axis direction of the shooting optical system, and a back focus adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the position of the back focus adjustment lens group in the optical axis direction.
US07944634B2 Support structure for light quantity control unit of lens barrel
A support structure for a light quantity control unit of a lens barrel includes a holding frame which holds a light quantity control member; front and rear support members positioned in front and behind the holding frame, respectively; a front guide pin and a front pin support hole formed on one and the other of the holding frame and the front support member, the front guide pin being slidably inserted into the front pin support hole; and a rear guide pin and a rear pin support hole formed on one and the other of the holding frame and the rear support member, the rear guide pin being slidably inserted into the rear pin support hole. The holding frame is supported by the front and rear guide pins and the front and rear pin support holes to be movable between the front and rear support members.
US07944632B2 Lens module and camera module having same
An exemplary lens module includes a barrel and a plurality of deformable lenses received in the barrel. The barrel includes an inner wall. The inner wall has a plurality of circular retaining portions. The plurality of deformable lenses is deformed and retained in the plurality of circular retaining portions. Diameters of the lenses are greater than an inner diameter of the barrel. The lenses each has a curved surface.
US07944628B2 Optical element unit
An optical element unit is provided comprising an optical element group for projecting light along an optical axis of the optical element group and a housing having an inner housing part partly defining a first space and a light passageway between the inner housing part and a second space. The inner housing part receives the optical element group. The optical element group comprises an ultimate optical element located in the region of the light passageway. A load-relieving device is provided adjacent to the ultimate optical element, the load relieving device partly defining the first space and the second space and at least partly relieving the ultimate optical element from loads resulting from pressure differences between the first space.
US07944626B2 Wide angle lens module and vehicle vision system
A wide angle lens module includes a first lens and a second lens with negative refracting power, a third lens and a fourth lens with positive refracting power, a fifth lens with negative refracting power, a sixth lens with positive refracting power, and a seventh lens with negative refracting power. The first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, the fifth lens, the sixth lens, and the seventh lens are assembled in order from an object side to an image side.
US07944622B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus equipped with same
A zoom lens is composed, in order from the object side thereof, of a front side lens unit having a negative refracting power at the wide angle end and a rear side lens unit having a positive refracting power at the wide angle end. The front side lens unit includes a first lens unit located closest to the object side and having a positive refracting power and a second lens unit located on the image side of the first lens unit and having a negative refracting power. The distance between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is larger at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end. The rear side lens unit includes a third lens unit located closer to the object side at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end and having a positive refracting power, the distance between the third lens unit and the second lens unit being smaller at the telephoto end than at the wide angle end. The third lens unit satisfies the following condition: 0.01
US07944621B2 Zoom lens system and a projector with the zoom lens system
A zoom lens system comprising, arranged sequentially from the enlarging side to the reducing side, a first lens group having a negative refractive power as a whole, a second lens group having a positive refractive power as a whole and a third lens group having a positive refractive power as a whole. The third group is fixed during the zooming. The first lens group moves along an optical axis from the enlarging side to the reducing side during zooming from the wide angle end to the intermediate area. The first lens group also moves along the optical axis from the reducing side to the enlarging side during zooming from the intermediate area to the telephoto end. The second lens group moves along the optical axis from the reducing side to the enlarging side during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end. Thus, the zooming operation of the whole lens system is achieved.
US07944613B2 Optical module having three or more optically transparent layers
A light dispersion filter is composed of three or more optically transparent layers each having a value equal to the value of the product of the refractive index and thickness of the optically transparent layer and transmitted light, and a plurality of partially reflective layers arranged alternately with the optically transparent layers and having predetermined reflectivities. Alternatively, a light dispersion filter has a plurality of etalon resonators which are arranged in series such that the value of the product of the refractive index of air and the interval of the etalon resonators is equal to the value of the product of the refractive index and thickness of the optically transparent layers.
US07944612B2 Illumination systems
Described are illumination systems whereby light spectra from multiple LEDs of various colors can be combined and polarized with minimal components, while substantially reducing the losses for the combining and polarizing. The described systems and methods use polarizing beam splitters (PBSs) with retarder stack filters to combine color and split polarization for mixed light beams in one step, and to ultimately align the polarizations of the several colored light beams.
US07944611B1 High zoom ratio optical sighting device
An optical sighting device having a compound zoom system preferably includes two or more lens erector assemblies that are each adjustable to modify the optical power of the optical sighting device. A prism erector assembly may also be included. An odd number of erector assemblies preferably creates a viewable image that has the same orientation as the real object being viewed through the optical sighting device.
US07944609B2 3-D optical microscope
A 3-D optical microscope, a method of turning a conventional optical microscope into a 3-D optical microscope, and a method of creating a 3-D image on an optical microscope are described. The 3-D optical microscope includes a processor, at least one objective lens, an optical sensor capable of acquiring an image of a sample, a mechanism for adjusting focus position of the sample relative to the objective lens, and a mechanism for illuminating the sample and for projecting a pattern onto and removing the pattern from the focal plane of the objective lens. The 3-D image creation method includes taking two sets of images, one with and another without the presence of the projected pattern, and using a software algorithm to analyze the two image sets to generating a 3-D image of the sample. The 3-D image creation method enables reliable and accurate 3-D imaging on almost any sample regardless of its image contrast.
US07944605B2 Color display apparatus
A color display apparatus includes a color changeover unit for changing over colors of an illumination light or a projection light, and a control circuit for applying a video signal for generating a control signal for controlling a spatial light modulator, wherein the control circuit further applying the video signal for generating a control signal during a transition period when the illumination and/or the projection light are projected with a first color coexisting with a second color as the color changeover unit changing over the colors of the illumination light or projection light from the first color to the second color.
US07944603B2 Microelectromechanical device and method utilizing a porous surface
A microelectromechanical device (MEMS) utilizing a porous electrode surface for reducing stiction is disclosed. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical device is an interferometric modulator that includes a transparent electrode having a first surface; and a movable reflective electrode with a second surface facing the first surface. The movable reflective electrode is movable between a relaxed and actuated (collapsed) position. An aluminum layer is provided on either the first or second surface. The aluminum layer is then anodized to provide an aluminum oxide layer which has a porous surface. The porous surface, in the actuated position, decreases contact area between the electrodes, thus reducing stiction.
US07944602B2 Systems and methods using interferometric optical modulators and diffusers
Various embodiments include interferometric optical modulators comprising a substrate layer having a thickness between about 0.1 mm to about 0.45 mm thick and a method for manufacturing the same. The interferometric modulator can be integrated together with a diffuser in a display device. The thin substrate permits use of a thicker diffuser. The thinner substrate may increase resolution and reduce overall thickness of the interferometric modulator. The thicker diffuser may provide increased diffusion and durability.
US07944600B2 Mirror device with an anti-stiction layer
A micromirror device includes an elastic hinge for supporting a mirror on a substrate, and an address electrode for deflecting the mirror. The device further includes a protective layer and an oriented monolayer laid to cover a stopper also functioning as an address electrode provided below the mirror and between the mirror and the substrate.
US07944599B2 Electromechanical device with optical function separated from mechanical and electrical function
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a substrate, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode above the movable element. The movable element includes a deformable layer and a reflective element. The deformable layer is spaced from the reflective element.
US07944598B2 Speckle mitigation in laser scanner projector systems
Laser scanner projection systems that reduce the appearance of speckle in a scanned laser image are provided. The laser projection system includes a visible light source having at least one laser, a scanning element and a system controller. The system controller is programmed to generate a scanned laser image. The system further includes a first lens that focuses a scanned output beam onto an intermediate image and a second lens that projects the intermediate image onto a projection surface. A periodic phase mask having a period that is approximately equal to or greater than the beam waist diameter of the scanned output beam is positioned at the intermediate laser image. The period of the periodic phase mask is such that the projection of the scanned output beam jumps progressively from pixel to pixel, thereby reducing speckle contrast in the scanned laser image.
US07944597B2 Electrochromic materials and electrochromic devices using the same
Disclosed herein are novel electrochromic materials. The electrochromic materials are viologens into which an imidazole derivative is asymmetrically introduced. The electrochromic materials can be used in a variety of electrochromic displays, including electrochromic windows and smart windows. Also disclosed herein are electrochromic devices that use the electrochromic materials.
US07944595B2 Color processing method and apparatus
The dark part of the gamut includes switching regions from light color materials to dark color materials, thus preferable results of colors of these regions cannot be obtained by color prediction based on interpolation. Hence, patches of grid points for dividing an input color space are printed on a medium, and the colorimetry results of the patches are obtained. Patches of some of the grid points and an additional point between these grid points are printed on a medium of the same type as the medium, and the colorimetry results of the patches are obtained. The colorimetric value of the additional point is interpolated based on those of grid points around the additional point in the first colorimetry using, as weights, the distances on the color space between the colorimetric value of the additional point and those of the grid points around the additional point in the second colorimetry.
US07944594B2 Image processing device and an image processing method for curbing the amount of color material consumed and suppressing a deterioration in image quality
An image forming device that carries out color reproduction using plural of color materials having: a setting unit setting a color material curbing mode that curbs an amount of color material; and a color information inputting unit that inputs input color information. The image forming device further has a converting unit that, when the color material curbing mode is set by the setting unit, converts the input color information inputted by the color information inputting unit into output color information in a color material curbing region, on the basis of correspondence relationships that are set in advance such that a region that is color-reproducible by the image forming device is kept within the color material curbing region that is narrowed such that an amount of the color material is curbed.
US07944593B2 Method and apparatus for efficient processing of color conversion
The management of color presented at end point devices such as a display or printer is based on the implementation of a Color Management Resource (herein also CMR). A CMR is an architected resource stored accessibly to a print server or other processor that is used to carry all of the color management information required to render a print file, document, page, or data object. The invention here described is particularly focused on a color conversion type of CMR and defines a new type here called a Link Color Conversion CMR. In particular, a unique descriptor is tied to each input and output color conversion rule. A linked color conversion rule, created by combining the input and output color conversion, is created. The linked color conversion structure contains three parts—the descriptor of the input color conversion rule, the descriptor of the output color conversion rule, and the combined color conversion rule. By comparing the descriptors, it is possible to very rapidly identify a previously-existing linked color conversion that combines the input and output conversions.
US07944590B2 Box for image reading apparatus, image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
A box for an image reading apparatus, the box comprising a box body and a reinforcing member, the box body comprising a rectangular frame and a base plate fixed to the rectangular frame, and the reinforcing member being attached to the box body. The reinforcing member has a downwardly drawn area, upwardly drawn areas which are adjacent to the downwardly drawn area on front side and rear side for placing a reading block without interfering with the movement of an original document scanning unit and a cutout portion for disposing at least an image processing unit formed from the downwardly drawn area to end-of-scan side in the subscanning direction of the box body. An image reading apparatus having reduced thickness is provided by employing this box. An image forming apparatus in which height position of the image reading apparatus is set to such a height position that allows easy operation is provided.
US07944588B2 Image correction processing apparatus, image correction processing method, program, and storage medium
An image correction process that suppresses image deterioration in a printed image is provided. An image correction processing apparatus includes an area setting unit which sets an area comprising a plurality of pixels including an interest pixel, a first correction strength setting unit which adaptively sets a first correction strength for at least the interest pixel in the area based on the number of changes and the changing amount, a first correction unit which executes image correction for a pixel, for which the first correction strength is set, by the first correction strength, a second correction strength setting unit which adaptively sets a second correction strength for at least the interest pixel in the area based on the number of changes and the changing amount, and a second correction unit which executes image correction for a pixel, for which the first correction strength is set, by the second correction strength.
US07944585B2 Color information encoding in monochrome printing
An image processing system including a processor configured to analyze a color image to determine a set of target colors and a database including factor profiles associated with a set of stored colors. The image processing system further includes a printer controller that assigns the factor profiles to the target colors according to a color space proximity of the target colors with the stored colors. The factor profiles represent a combination of factors including a gray level and a screen angle.
US07944580B2 Handheld printer
A handheld printer that provides an appropriate application of ink to a print medium without a bulky and complex mechanical system for positioning a print head with respect to the print medium. A handheld printer according to the present teachings includes a navigation subsystem that tracks a motion of the handheld printer with respect to a printing surface and a print head controller that causes a print head to fire ink drops onto the printing surface in response to the motion and in response to an image contained in an image buffer.
US07944578B2 Album provision system and method
An album provision system is provided to prevent an album from being copied before it has not been charged for creating the album when the album is provided to a user. The album provision system includes: an image acquiring section for acquiring an image; an album creating section for creating an album by the acquired image; a film applying section for applying a viewing protection film to prevent the image from being viewed on the image laid out in the album; a film presence determining section for determining whether the viewing protection film is still applied on the image laid out in the album returned from the user when the album on which the viewing protection film is applied is provided to the user and then the album is returned from the user; and a charging section for charging the user when the film presence determining section determines that the viewing protection film is not applied on the image.
US07944577B2 Output controller for mobile and pervasive digital content output
Pervasive output capability is provided so that an information apparatus can pervasively output digital content to an output device regardless of the processing power, display screen size and memory space of the information apparatus. This allows small mobile devices with limited display, processing power, and memory to be able to output a digital document (e.g., PDF, HTML, PowerPoint etc) in its full original richness, without resorting to downsizing, truncating, reducing, clipping or otherwise altering the original document. A data output service method for rendering at an output device output content managed from an information apparatus may include obtaining by wireless communication from the information apparatus at least part of a document object relating to the output content, obtaining at least part of an output device object with one or more attributes relating to the output device, and providing the document object and the output device object to a server application operated on a server that is distinct from the information apparatus and the output device, and generating with the server application output data relating to the output device. The output data may then be provided to the output device for rendering the output content as the data output service.
US07944573B2 Methods and apparatus for authenticating facsimile transmissions to electronic storage destinations
A method transmitting a facsimile or scanned image to an electronic destination address includes receiving the facsimile or scanned image including a digitized instruction page including an optical representation of the electronic destination address, wherein the digitized instruction page is encoded in a first format, determining the electronic destination address from the optical representation of the electronic destination address, wherein the electronic destination address need not be known prior to receiving the facsimile or scanned image, converting the digitized instruction page to a second format, determining additional service provider data, and transmitting the additional service provider data and the digitized representation of the instruction page encoded in the second format to the electronic destination address.
US07944572B2 Protocol allowing a document management system to communicate inter-attribute constraints to its clients
A system facilitates communication between a control component and a plurality of processing components. One or more processing components performs one or more tasks, each processing component has at least one attribute associated therewith. One or more attribute banks are associated with each of the one or more processing components, wherein each attribute bank stores the at least one attribute. A control component initiates the one or more tasks for each processing component. A universal driver facilitates communication between the one or more processing components and the control component. The driver includes an interrogation component that queries the one or more processing components to receive the at least one attribute associated with each processing component. A constraint evaluator determines combinations of attributes that are supported and unsupported for each of the one or more processing components. An attribute filter categorizes each attribute combination based at least in part on whether it is supported or unsupported.
US07944559B2 Airborne hyperspectral imaging system
A hyperspectral imaging system has fore-optics including primary, secondary and tertiary fore-optics mirrors, and an imaging spectrometer including primary, secondary and tertiary spectrometer mirrors. Light from a distant object is collected by the primary fore-optics mirror, and the tertiary fore-optics mirror forms an intermediate object image at an entrance side of a spectrometer slit. The spectrometer mirrors are configured so that light from an exit side of the slit is diffracted by a grating on the secondary mirror, and an image representing spectral and spatial components of the object is formed by the tertiary spectrometer mirror on a focal plane array. The surface of each mirror of the fore-optics and the spectrometer has an associated axis of symmetry. The mirrors are aligned so that their associated axes coincide to define a common system axis, thus making the imaging system easier to assemble and align in relation to prior systems.
US07944557B2 Method and apparatus for radiation encoding an analysis
Method and apparatus for analyzing radiation using analyzers and encoders employing the spatial modulation of radiation dispersed by wavelength or imaged along a line.
US07944551B2 Systems and methods for a wavelet transform viewer
Techniques for the display of a signal with a wavelet transform of that signal in a wavelet transform viewer are disclosed, according to embodiments. According to embodiments, the wavelet transform viewer can display a plot of physiological signals such as a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal. A portion of the plot of the signal can be selected. A wavelet transform the selected portion of the signal can be calculated and a wavelet plot of the tranformed signal can be displayed simultaneously with that signal. A plot of the selected portion of the signal can also be simultaneously displayed with both the plot of the signal and the wavelet plot.
US07944549B2 Optical screen, systems and methods for producing and operating same
There is provided a system for forming an optical screen, including a continuous wave or pulsed laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength and forming a planar or curved surface to be traversed by a moving object, at least one receiver including an array of detectors for receiving reflected or scattered beam radiation from the object and directing it towards the detectors for producing a signal, and a detection logic receiving the signal and determining parameters selected from the group of spatial position, velocity and direction of propulsion of them moving object. A method for detecting a moving object is also provided.
US07944544B2 Liquid crystal device having a diffraction function layer that includes a flat portion and a non-flat portion with a grid disposed in the non-flat portion
An optical element includes a diffraction function layer for diffracting at least a part of incident light and a grid disposed on a first surface of the diffraction function layer and including a plurality of wires. The first surface includes a plurality of first areas and a plurality of second areas. The first areas and the second areas are different from each other in a height from a second surface of the diffraction function layer as a surface opposite to the first surface. Steps are provided on boundaries between the first areas and the second areas.
US07944541B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
In accordance with a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device including, in a picture element, a first sub-picture-element region where a threshold voltage of the transmittance-applied voltage characteristic is Vth1 and a second sub-picture-element region where a threshold voltage of the transmittance-applied voltage characteristic is Vth2, liquid crystal, which polymerizable components are added to, is filled into the space between a first and a second substrates; thereafter, a voltage V1 slightly higher than the threshold voltage Vth1 is applied to a liquid crystal layer, and is held for a certain length of time; subsequently, a voltage V2 slightly higher than the threshold voltage Vth2 is applied to the liquid crystal layer, and is held for a certain length of time; additionally, a voltage V3 higher than a white-displaying voltage which is applied while the liquid crystal display device is in actual use is applied to the liquid crystal layer, and is held for a certain length of time; then, the polymerizable components are polymerized by irradiation of ultraviolet light; and thus polymers are formed in the liquid crystal layer.
US07944539B2 Liquid crystal display device
An LCD device provides enhanced display quality. An insulating layer is formed on a first substrate. The insulating layer covers the contact portion of a switching device in which the switching device is electrically connected to a transparent electrode and has an opening for exposing a portion of the transparent electrode. A reflection electrode is electrically connected to the transparent electrode through the opening. The insulation layer covers a first portion of a driving circuit formed on the first substrate. A sealant is interposed between the first and second substrate to engage the first and second substrate and to cover a second portion of the driving circuit. Therefore, the driver circuit may operate normally, and the distortion of the signal outputted from the driver circuit may be prevented.
US07944533B2 Multi-domain liquid crystal display
The present invention achieves the multi-domain configuration by providing an insulation film region at least one location in each pixel on one substrate of a pair of substrates of an active matrix multi-domain vertically aligned liquid crystal display for differentiating electrical potential to be applied to a certain zone of the liquid crystal from that to the liquid crystal at the other area when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal, thereby causing different electrical potential gradients in at least two directions.
US07944524B2 Display apparatus with particular light control and light reflecting
The present invention is directed to the provision of a high-contrast display apparatus. The display apparatus of the present invention includes a light source, a display section having an electro-optical conversion device for transmitting or scattering light introduced from the light source, light control means for reflecting the light introduced from the light source at a prescribed reflection angle, and a light reflecting member for causing the light reflected by the light control means and transmitted through the electro-optical conversion device to be reflected outside the field of view of a viewer who is viewing the display section straight on.
US07944519B2 Liquid crystal display module
A liquid crystal display (LCD) module includes a bottom case; a reflector on the bottom case; a plurality of lamps on the reflector; a driving voltage supply portion supplying driving voltages to the lamps and coupled with the bottom case using a screw; a side supporter crossing and covering one end portions of the lamps and including a protrusion facing a head of the screw, wherein a distance between the protrusion and the screw is less than a height of the screw; a plurality of optical sheets on the side supporter; a liquid crystal panel on the optical sheets; a main supporter surrounding the optical sheets and the liquid crystal panel; and a top case covering a peripheral region of the liquid crystal panel.
US07944517B2 Computer having liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel having a display area, a light source joined with the liquid crystal panel, a first frame coupled to a surface of the light unit and sides of the liquid crystal panel, a second frame coupled to edges of the liquid crystal panel and sides of the first support frame, an outer casing, and a fastening part joining together the first support frame, the second support frame, and the outer casing through the sides of the first support frame, the second support frame, and the outer casing.
US07944514B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention allows decreasing the uneven image quality in a liquid crystal display device. The display device in accordance with the present invention includes plural scan signal lines, plural video signal lines, plural TFTs placed in a matrix structure, and plural pixel electrodes, when the width of the scan signal line in a region to place one TFT is different from the width of the scan signal line in a region to place another TFT which is different from the one TFT, the channel width and the channel length of the one TFT is almost equal to the channel width and the channel length of the another TFT, and the surface area of the region overlapping the source electrode with the scan signal line of the one TFT when viewing in plan view is almost equal to the surface area of the region overlapping the source electrode with the scan signal line of the another TFT when viewing in plan view.
US07944511B2 Front-end module and television set
A front-end module for receiving analog and digital broadcast signals is provided. The front-end module includes frequency conversion means, digital satellite demodulation means, intermediate frequency conversion means, analog demodulation means, digital terrestrial demodulation means, filtering means, and a grounding arrangement common to a digital and an analog circuit sections.
US07944507B2 Video processing apparatus and video processing method
A video processing apparatus includes: a reception module configured to selectively receive signals; a signal processing module configured to perform signal processing on a signal received by the reception module; a video processor configured to process the signal performed with the signal processing to output a video signal for displaying an image contained in the signal; and a control module configured to control the reception module, the signal processing module, and the video processor, wherein the control module includes: a storing module configured to store pieces of video size information being set for respective categories; and a video size switching module configured to switch the video size based on the pieces of video size information stored in the storing module.
US07944506B2 Caption presentation method and apparatus using same
A caption presentation method and an apparatus using the method, by which caption and information related to the caption can be provided together in a broadcast receiver or in an image reproducer that displays the caption in a closed caption method. The method includes detecting subject information from a caption signal; obtaining visual information with respect to the caption, based on the detected caption subject information; and displaying the visual information and the caption signal together.
US07944503B1 Interlaced-to-progressive video processing
An edge direction vector determination, which can be used for video interlaced-to-progressive conversion by motion-adaptive interpolation, has a coarse edge vector determination over a large search window followed by a fine edge vector determination over a small window plus confidence level assessment for field interpolation.
US07944502B2 Pipelining techniques for deinterlacing video information
Pipelining techniques to deinterlace video information are described. An apparatus may comprise deinterlacing logic to convert interlaced video data into deinterlaced video data using multiple processing pipelines. Each pipeline may process the interlaced video data in macroblocks. Each macroblock may comprise a set of working pixels from a current macroblock and supplemental pixels from a previous macroblock. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07944501B2 Image sensing apparatus and image sensing apparatus control method
An image sensing apparatus has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix-like layout and containing photoelectric conversion devices reads signals in units of one line or a plurality of lines and is provide with an image sensing device 14 adapted to read a signal from a given block area. The apparatus has a flash read mode that, during flash operation, adjusts parameters relating to the readout of the image sensing device 14 so as to produce the same exposure period for all the plurality of lines that comprise a predetermined block area of the image sensing device 14, thus enabling accurate quantity of light detection even when performing strobe photography at high shutter speeds.
US07944499B2 Single lens reflex type electronic imaging apparatus
There is disclosed an electronic imaging apparatus capable of selecting a first observation mode in which a subject image is observed using an optical finder and a second observation mode in which the subject image is acquired as image data from an image pickup device and is displayed in a monitor. In this electronic imaging apparatus, subject information (e.g., a person position) recognized based on the image data from the image pickup device in the second observation mode is succeeded even in the first observation mode, and shooting conditions can be set based on the subject information even in the first observation mode.
US07944495B2 Solid-state image pickup element including a thinning method to discharge unnecessary image data
In a case where a thinning operation is implemented at the point when signal charges are read out from each of pixels to thin out pixel information by lines (row), the thinning may be performed only in the vertical direction, but not in the horizontal direction. In an all-pixel-read-out type CCD image pickup element, a discharge controlling section is provided in each of VH transfer stage sections transferring signal charges from vertical CCDs to a horizontal CCD, and where a thinning mode is selected, among those signal charges transferred from a plurality of the vertical CCDs, those of a given set of columns are stopped and discharged at the respective discharge controlling sections, and those of the rest of columns are transferred to the horizontal CCD, and at the same time, those of a given set of lines (rows) are stopped and discharged for all columns, thereby performing the thinning operation over the pixel information in both the vertical and horizontal directions at the VH transfer stage.
US07944494B2 Solid-state image pickup apparatus driven at a frequency adaptive to photographic sensitivity
A digital camera feeds information input on an operation panel to a system controller. The system controller generates a control signal in accordance with optical sensitivity selected and feeds it to a timing signal generator. The timing signal generator includes a signal generator, which generates a timing signal whose frequency matches with the control signal. While a solid-image image sensor is driven by the timing signal, the frequency of a horizontal transfer signal is made lower than the usual frequency in accordance with the sensitivity selected. This prevents the number of electrons from noticeably decreasing during horizontal transfer to thereby enhance transfer efficiency for a single stage of transfer.
US07944484B2 Self-contained wireless camera device, wireless camera system and method
A self-contained wireless camera (10) and a wireless camera system (25) having such a device and a base station (20). Video processing circuitry (200, 210) of the camera device receives video signals from a camera (130) and provides processed video signals. A radio receiver (101) receives processed video signals from the base station or another camera device. Images from the camera or the base station are displayed in a selected manner on a display or monitor (140). The base station device (20) receives processed video signals, stores them and retransmits them. A command signal is received by the radio receiver to modify operation in such a manner as to control bandwidth usage. Wireless camera devices can adjust their operation to accommodate other wireless camera devices. Different transport protocol modules 230 and 240 can be selected according to the application that the user selects for operation.
US07944483B2 Apparatus, method and program for photography
A plurality of images are obtained in photography according to a plurality of photography methods, and photography result scores are calculated for the respective images. Judgment is made as to whether a highest score among the scores calculated for the respective images is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value. If a result of the judgment is affirmative, the image having the highest score is recorded in a recording medium. If the result of the judgment is negative, the images are displayed on display means to receive selection of a desired one of the images. The selected image is recorded in the recording medium.
US07944480B2 Method for the transfer of data flow of digital images and digital detection unit
A data stream of full digital images having a first predetermined number of picture elements is transferred via an interface to an image recording unit. The image recording unit stores digital images with a second number of picture elements, which is lower than a first. The full digital images generated with the first number of picture elements are divided into two part digital images, each having a number of picture elements used for storing image information. The image information stored in the two part images together contains the total information content of the original full image. A part image of a full digital image is associated with a first data stream and another part image is associated with a second data stream. The data streams are transferred via the interface to the image recording unit and are stored separately from one another.
US07944477B1 Using a portion of differential signal line to provide an embedded common mode filter
In order to provide filtering of clock noise from an integrated circuit at least one differential signal line connected to the integrated circuit is provided with an embedded common mode filter. The common mode filter can be provided in the form of a hollowed out portion of an impedance reference plane.
US07944476B2 Image processing device, image processing system, computer control method, and information storage medium
To enable a prompt switching operation by a user. An image processing device connected to an image capturing section has a process execution section for executing any of a plurality of processes, obtains area specification data for specifying an area where the user is shown in the image, based on a difference between the images sequentially captured by the image capturing section images, and switches a process to be carried out by the process execution section, depending on the position of an edge of the area specified by the area specification data obtained.
US07944475B2 Image processing system using motion vectors and predetermined ratio
An image processing apparatus and method is disclosed that is applied for image stabilization. The method comprises the following steps of: At least two images are captured by the image capture module. A sharpest image and a sharper image are selected from the at least two images. At least a motion vector is generated between the sharpest image and the sharper image. The sharpest image is combined with the sharper image based on the motion vector and a combination ratio so as to generate a combined image.
US07944469B2 System and method for using self-learning rules to enable adaptive security monitoring
Rules “learn” what is typical or expected for a certain attribute of device data for a given location, premises, time period, etc. Using a rule for a standard deviation the variance between newly collected data and the data stored in a fact table is either ignored or an alert (or some action) is generated. Data in the fact table is sampled for a specific time, or time period. Newly collected data may be used to update the fact table or discarded.
US07944463B2 Light scanning apparatus, image forming apparatus equipped with such light scanning apparatus, and control method or image forming method for such image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, includes: a latent image carrier whose surface includes an effective image region spanning across a predetermined width in a main scanning direction and is driven in a sub scanning direction approximately orthogonal to the main scanning direction; a latent image former which has a light source and a deflection mirror oscillating, and deflects a light beam from the light source using the deflection mirror so as to scan the effective image region with the deflected light beam; and a scanning mode controller which switches selectively between a single-side scanning mode and a double-side scanning mode, the single-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned only in a first direction included in the main scanning direction, the double-side scanning mode being a mode in which the light beam is scanned in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein a condition to form latent images on the latent image carrier in the single-side scanning mode is different from a condition to form latent images on the latent image carrier in the double-side scanning mode.
US07944461B2 Heating device, erasing device, information recording and erasing device, and transfer device
A heating device capable of evenly heating a thermal recording medium without increasing the cost of the device is disclosed. The heating device evenly heats the recording surface of a thermally-reversible recording card by conducting the heat energy transferred from a heat generating member by way of a heating member, made of aluminum having high heat conductivity and high heat capacity characteristics. By this feature, it becomes possible to accurately erase the information recorded on the recording card and to use an inexpensive heat generating member as the heat generating member.
US07944460B2 Device and method for marking a cassette for laboratory samples
A device (1) suitable for marking a laboratory sample cassette (2) has a platen (6) with an aperture (7) and a cassette (2) is positioned so that a marking surface (3) of the cassette is aligned with the aperture (7). The device (1) also has a plurality of wires (9) with each wire (9) connected to a solenoid (11). An end (10) of each of the wires (9) is heated by a ceramic guide (12a) and selected ones of the heated wires (9) are oscillated once in a first direction (25) by their respective solenoids (11) to and from the aperture (7) to mark the marking surface (3). All the wires are then moved in a second direction transversely relative to the first direction (25) and selected wires are then oscillated once to mark the marking surface (3). This process is repeated until the required marking of the cassette marking surface (3) is completed.
US07944458B2 Digital-analog converter, data driver, and flat panel display device using the same
A digital-analog converter (DAC) including: a gray scale generator for generating gray scale voltages corresponding to digital data input through charge sharing between a plurality of data lines and a plurality of dummy data lines; a switching signal generator for providing operation control signals for a plurality of switches of the gray scale generator; and a reference voltage generator for generating reference voltages and for providing the reference voltages to the gray scale generator. According to the present invention, the digital-analog converter uses capacitance components existing in the respective data lines and the dummy data lines as a sampling capacitor and a holding capacitor to generate desired gray scale voltages through charge sharing between the data lines and the dummy data lines, thereby reducing area and power consumption over an existing R-string type of DAC.
US07944457B2 Image display method
An image display method adapted for a digital display apparatus is provided. The image display method includes the steps of: first, detecting a maximum average picture level of each picture displayed by the digital display apparatus; judging whether the maximum average picture level is larger than a reference value; determining a displaying mode of each picture according to the judgment. The image display method is adapted for improving the displaying quality of a digital display apparatus.
US07944454B2 System and method for user monitoring interface of 3-D video streams from multiple cameras
Embodiments of the present invention introduce a user navigation interface that allows a user to monitor/navigate video streams captured from multiple cameras. It integrates video streams from multiple cameras with the semantic layout into a 3-D immersive environment and renders the video streams in multiple displays on a user navigation interface. It conveys the spatial distribution of the cameras as well as their fields of view and allows a user to navigate freely or switch among preset views. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
US07944451B2 Providing pixels from an update buffer
A method comprises storing pixel data in a frame buffer, retrieving the pixel data from the frame buffer and processing at least one pixel value of the pixel data to generate an output pixel bit stream. The method further comprises storing pixel values in a first update buffer. The pixel values are derived from the output pixel bit stream. The method also comprises providing the pixel values from the first update buffer across a network to a remote graphics system.
US07944450B2 Computing system having a hybrid CPU/GPU fusion-type graphics processing pipeline (GPPL) architecture
A computing system capable of parallelizing the operation of multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) supported on a hybrid CPU/GPU fusion-architecture chip and/or on an external graphics card, and employing a multi-mode parallel graphics rendering subsystem having software and hardware implemented components. The computing system includes (i) CPU memory space for storing one or more graphics-based applications, (ii) one or more CPUs for executing the graphics-based applications, (iii) a multi-mode parallel graphics rendering subsystem supporting multiple modes of parallel operation, (iv) a plurality of graphic processing pipelines (GPPLs), implemented using the GPUs, and (vi) an automatic mode control module. During the run-time of the graphics-based application, the automatic mode control module automatically controls the mode of parallel operation of the multi-mode parallel graphics rendering subsystem so that the GPUs are driven in a parallelized manner.
US07944442B2 Graphics system employing shape buffer
The system includes a shape buffer manager configured to store coverage data in the shape buffer. The coverage data indicates whether each mask pixel is a covered pixel or an uncovered pixel. A mask pixel is a covered pixel when a shape to be rendered on a screen covers the mask pixel such that one or more coverage criteria is satisfied and is an uncovered pixel when the shape does not cover the mask pixel such that the one or more coverage criteria are satisfied. A bounds primitive rasterizer is configured to rasterize a bounds primitive that bounds the shape. The bounds primitive is rasterized into primitive pixels that each corresponds to one of the mask pixels. A pixel screener is configured to employ the coverage data from the shape buffer to screen the primitive pixels into retained pixels and discarded pixels. The retained pixels each corresponds to a mask pixel that the coverage data indicates is a covered pixel and the discarded pixels each correspond to a mask pixels that the coverage data indicates is an uncovered pixel. The system also includes an attribute generator configured to generate pixel attributes for the retained primitive pixels and also configured not to generate pixel attributes for the discarded primitive pixels.
US07944437B2 Information processing apparatus and touch pad control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a main body, a touch pad which is provided on the main body, a determination unit which determines whether an external pointing device is connected to the main body, and a control unit which controls the touch pad in one of a first mode for making the touch pad function as a pointing device and a second mode in which in response to tapping of one of a plurality of virtual buttons disposed on a surface of the touch pad, a function which is assigned to the tapped virtual button is activated, the control unit controlling the touch pad in the second mode if the external pointing device is connected to the main body.
US07944436B2 Protective layer for use in computing devices with touch-sensitive surfaces
A computing device is disclosed comprising a touch-sensitive surface, a housing structure, and a protective layer. The touch-sensitive surface receives touch as input, and a housing structure has a tip segment that overlays the touch-sensitive surface. This tip segment of the housing structure is positioned to form a gap over the touch-sensitive surface. The protective layer is positioned to contact the tip segment of the housing structure and the touch-sensitive surface so as to form an obstruction in the gap against intrusions, such as debris buildup, for example.
US07944426B2 Display device and driving circuit for capacitance load thereof
A driving circuit and display device reducing waste of a bias current of an amplifier and conserving power. The driving circuit includes a driving signal supply mechanism, an amplifier mechanism and a control mechanism. The supply mechanism supplies a driving signal having a target voltage represented during periodic update. The amplifier mechanism has an amplifier part, a current-adjustable constant current source and a switch part. The driving signal is input to the amplifier part, which generates an output to a capacitance load according to the driving signal. The current source supplies and regulates a passing rate of the bias current to the amplifier part. The switch part performs ON/OFF control to the current output to the current source. The control mechanism detects a difference between the previous and present values of the target voltage to change a current value of the current source.
US07944425B2 Liquid crystal display element and method of driving the element
The invention relates to a liquid crystal display element displaying an image using a liquid crystal layer having memory characteristics and a method of driving the element. A liquid crystal display element capable of suppressing the generation of an afterimage attributable to image sticking is provided along with a method of driving the same. The liquid crystal display element includes a display section having memory characteristics including a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and displaying an image when a voltage is applied to the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the section being capable of keeping the image displayed without electric power, a driving condition storing section for storing a plurality of different driving conditions including a voltage and an application period of the voltage, and a control section determining a display period for which a presently displayed image has been displayed on the display section when the displayed image is rewritten into a new image, acquiring a driving condition according to the display period from the driving condition storing section, and causing the display section to display the new image based on the acquired driving condition.
US07944422B2 Liquid crystal display meter apparatus
The present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display (LCD) meter apparatus having a small influence of a residual image of a pointer. The LCD meter apparatus for displaying a dial plate and a pointer includes a moving-speed calculating device for calculating the moving-speed of the pointer; and an image density changing device for reducing the image density of the pointer responding to the moving-speed of the pointer calculated with the moving-speed calculating device. The image density of the pointer becomes thinner as the moving speed of the pointer becomes faster so that an erasing time of the image becomes shorter or a residual image remains shorter. Both residual and latest images are displayed thinly, the plurality of the images including the residual images do not give a noticeable appearance so that the LCD meter apparatus provides a clear view.
US07944420B2 Light emitting diode driver providing current and power control
As apparatus for controlling operating parameters for a light emitting diode (LED). A driver receives an input voltage from a voltage source and a control signal. The driver provides a driver output current to the LED based on the control signal. The LED has an LED voltage as a function of the driver output current and has an LED power as a function of said LED voltage and said driver output current. A controller determines the LED voltage and produces the control signal provided to the driver as a function of the LED voltage. The control signal corresponds to a constant driver output current when the LED voltage is less than a predetermined voltage value. The control signal corresponds to a varying driver output current for substantially maintaining the LED power at a constant predetermined power value web the LED voltage is greater than the predetermined voltage value.
US07944418B2 Data driving circuits capable of displaying images with uniform brightness and driving methods of organic light emitting displays using the same
A data driving circuit for a light emitting display may include a gamma voltage generator that generates gradation voltages, a current sink that receives a predetermined current from a pixel via a data line during a first partial period of one complete period for driving the pixel, a voltage generator that generates an incrementally increasing compare voltage during the first partial period, a comparator that compares a compensation voltage generated based on the predetermined current with the compare voltage and generates a logic signal based on a result of the compare, an adjusting unit that generates compensation data based on the logic signal, and a digital-analog converter that generates a composite data using the compensation data and externally supplied data and selects, as a data signal for the pixel, one of the plurality of gradation voltages based on a bit value of the composite data.
US07944417B2 Display device and method of displaying image
A display device includes a controller detecting a black line, in which all light emitting diodes in one line are non-luminescence, counting a number of times (S) that display data indicating the black line is sent to the display panel in serial, halting a scanning operation to the display data indicating the black line, applying the time period for halting the scanning operation to another time period for displaying display data, which are next to the display data indicating the black line and which is not the display data indicating the black line, whereby the another time period for displaying display data is set to “S+1” times longer than a stipulated time period, and sending a control signal to a column driver, which controls the column driver to set a drive current or voltage applied from a power source to a 1/(S+1) of the stipulated value for the “S+1” time period.
US07944416B2 Image display apparatus and method for driving the same
An image display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a light emitting device; a drive transistor that has a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. One of the source and drain electrodes are electrically connected to one end of the light emitting device. Each pixel also includes a first switching transistor that electrically connects the gate electrode and the one electrode according to a scan signal, and a capacitor that has first and second electrodes. The first electrode is electrically connected to the gate electrode. The apparatus also includes a data line connected to the second electrode; a data line drive circuit that supplies a brightness potential and a reference potential for the brightness potential to the data line.
US07944413B2 Organic EL display
An organic EL display includes plural pixels, each including a drive control element, an organic EL element and an output control switch. The drive control element includes a control terminal, a first terminal connected to a first power supply terminal, and a second terminal outputting a current with a magnitude corresponding to a voltage between the control terminal and the first terminal. The organic EL element includes a first electrode, a second electrode connected to a second power supply terminal, and an active layer interposed between the first and second electrodes. The output control switch is connected between the second terminal and the first electrode. In a part of the pixels, a conductive path electrically connecting the first electrode to the first power supply terminal is broken at a portion which connects the output control switch to the first electrode.
US07944410B2 Multi-line addressing methods and apparatus
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for driving electroluminescent, in particular organic light emitting diodes (OLED) displays using multi-line addressing (MLA) techniques. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suitable for use with so-called passive matrix OLED displays. A current generator for an electroluminescent display driver, the current generator including; a first, reference current input to receive a reference current; a second, ratioed current input to receive a ratioed current; a first ratio control input to receive a first control signal input; a controllable current mirror having a control input coupled to the first ratio control input, a current input coupled to the reference current input, and an output coupled to the ratioed current input; the current generator being configured such that a signal and the control input controls a ratio of the ratioed current to the reference current.
US07944409B2 Plasma display apparatus and method of driving the same
A plasma display apparatus and a method of driving the same are disclosed. The plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel in which a plurality of scan electrodes, sustain electrodes, and address electrodes are formed on substrates to form a discharge cell and electrode driving parts for driving the scan electrodes, the sustain electrodes, and the address electrodes. The plurality of scan electrodes are divided into a plurality of scan electrode groups and the driving parts are controlled such that a voltage different from a scan bias voltage is applied for a predetermined time in the address period of one or more scan electrode groups among the plurality of scan electrode groups.
US07944402B2 Dipole antenna capable of supporting multi-band communications
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dipole antenna capable of supporting multi-band communications, includes a first portion of the antenna in a folded structure, a second portion of the antenna that includes a first coupling pad and a second coupling pad physically separated by a distance, and a current path along the first portion of the antenna and the second portion of the antenna, wherein a first portion of the current path that includes the first coupling pad and the second coupling pad is configured to introduce a slow wave effect if electric current flows through the first portion of the current path.
US07944398B2 Integrated circuit having a low efficiency antenna
An integrated circuit (IC) includes an RF transceiver, a die, a package substrate, an antenna element, and a transmission line circuit. The die supports the RF transceiver and the package substrate supports the die. The antenna element has a length less than approximately one-tenth of a wavelength or greater than one-and-one-half times the wavelength for a frequency band of approximately 55 GHz to 64 GHz. The transmission line circuit coupling the RF transceiver to the antenna element.
US07944387B2 ADC with low-power sampling
An apparatus for analog-to-digital conversion using successive approximation is provided, which is adapted to be supplied with a single ended supply voltage. The device includes: a first analog-to-digital conversion stage including a first set of capacitors coupled with a side at a common node and adapted to sample an input voltage and to be coupled to either a first reference voltage level or a second reference voltage level, at least one capacitor of the first set of capacitors being adapted to be left floating, a control stage being adapted to connect the at least one floating capacitor to the first reference voltage level or the second reference voltage level in response to an analog-to-digital conversion decision made by a second analog-to-digital conversion stage. The first analog-to-digital conversion stage is operable to couple the common node to a supply voltage level, in particular ground, during analog-to-digital conversion.
US07944380B2 Wireless local area network device supporting enhanced call functions
A wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiving integrated circuit services voice communications in a WLAN with at least one other wireless device and includes a WLAN interface, a transcoder, and a switch box. The WLAN interface wirelessly communicates with at least one wireless device to receive inbound packetized audio data from the at least one wireless device and to transmit outbound packetized audio data to the at least one wireless device. The transcoder receives the inbound packetized audio data and converts the inbound packetized audio data to inbound Pulse Code Modulated (PCM) WLAN audio data. The WLAN interface also receives outbound PCM WLAN audio data and converts the outbound PCM WLAN audio data to the outbound packetized audio data. The switch box operably couples between the transcoder and a PCM bus, to which an audio COder/DECoder (CODEC) couples. A speaker and a microphone coupled to the audio CODEC. The switch box enables the wireless transceiving integrated circuit to perform call conferencing operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call muting operations, and call waiting operations.
US07944374B1 Pseudo-orthogonal code generator
A pseudo-orthogonal code generator is provided. The pseudo-orthogonal code generator simplifies overall configuration and provides a more efficient operating speed by implementing a pseudo-orthogonal code generator using combined circuits instead of using a read only memory (ROM) circuit. The pseudo-orthogonal code generator reduces its overall size by reducing gate area.
US07944365B2 Systems, methods, and apparatuses for stray voltage detection
Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be provided for stray voltage detection. The systems, methods and apparatuses may include providing a first antenna at a first location relative to a monitored equipment or structure, where the first antenna may be operative to detect a first electric field strength at the first location, providing a second antenna at a second location relative to the monitored equipment or structure, where the second antenna may be operative to detect a second electric field strength at the second location, and detecting a stray voltage based at least in part upon the detected first electric field strength and the second electric field strength.
US07944362B2 Method of detecting a visibility interference phenomenon for a vehicle
A method of detecting a visibility interference phenomenon for a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps of: determining a region of interest (ROI) in an acquired image (I) of the environment (E) of the vehicle (V); determining a grey-level curve (CL) from the region of interest (ROI); calculating at least one tangent (TG) from at least one point of interest (PT) in the grey-level curve (CL); and determining a directing coefficient (CF) from the tangent (TG).
US07944359B2 Method and apparatus for a wireless tether system
Users are located to determine if the user is within, or has departed from, at least one bounded area established about a geographic location. The bounded area may be defined by setting one or more distance boundaries from the geographic location. A base station may monitor the location of a mobile device in proximity of the user. If the mobile device departs from a bounded area, a message containing information configured to be understandable and convey meaning to the user and/or a third-party is sent to the mobile device and/or the third-party. For example, the message may be configured to communicate to the user and/or third-party information pertaining to the departure from the bounded area, location information, navigation directions, instructions, etc. The message sent may include text and/or other symbols.
US07944357B2 Method and system for a grass roots intelligence program
A system for gathering and assessing intelligence information comprises a credibility filter configured to assign a credibility value to intelligence information sent from a user. A data warehouse is coupled to the credibility filter and the data warehouse is configured to store intelligence information from the user. A predictive query engine is coupled to the data warehouse. The predictive query engine is configured to query the data warehouse to determine potential threat data. The predictive query engine is also configured to store the potential threat data in the data warehouse. An alert poller is also coupled to the data warehouse. The alert poller is configured to receive the potential threat data and compare the potential threat data to one or more comparison factors pre-selected by the user.
US07944355B2 Security techniques in the RFID framework
The subject invention provides a system and/or a method that facilitates employing a security technique to an RFID network. An interface can receive role-based authorization data related to an operating system. A security component can enhance security to at least one of a manipulation of a process and a utilization of a device within the RFID network based at least in part upon role-based authorization data.
US07944354B2 System and method for shopping cart security
A system for securing purchased items, includes: an enclosure for holding items selected by a user; a personal shopping system (PSS) further comprised of an input/output device, a scanner, software, and security features for securing the items selected by the user and placed in the enclosure; wherein the PSS is in electrical signal communication with a server; wherein the PSS is mechanically attached to the enclosure; wherein the user identifies themselves to the PSS; wherein the security features activate one of a series of visual indicators and alarms in response to various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user; and wherein the intensity, level, and duration of the series of visual indicators and alarms varies in response to the various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user.
US07944352B2 Remote sensing and communication system
A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.
US07944350B2 Method and system for providing tracking services to locate an asset
The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset. The geographic tracking data is then communicated to an associated security agency so as to allow for viewing of an image generated in accordance with the display data and at least one of tracking and interception of the selected asset.
US07944344B2 Unified control device for bicycle accessory
A control device, either installed on a bicycle or carried by a user, communicates with the accessories via radio signals. The control device radiates control signals via its radio transceiver and the control signals are received by the radio transceivers of the accessories. Each accessory has a unique identification code which is encapsulated in the radio control signals so that the individual lamp or lock could be turned on and off or locked and unlocked. On the other hand, accessories such as speed sensor and body sensor could radiates their collected information to the control device which in turn calculates and displays readings such as the speed of the bicycle and the heart beat rate of the rider, etc.
US07944343B2 System and method for providing information in a vehicle
A system for providing information to a vehicle occupant includes a haptic control element which is provided in the vehicle and is configured to generate a haptic signal. An electronic control unit is operatively connected to the haptic control element and activates the haptic control element in order to indicate with a haptic signal that information is available for retrieval.
US07944338B2 RFID tag, RFID reader/writer, RFID system, and processing method of RFID system
In an RFID system including RFID tags each incorporating a sensor, accuracy of measurement by the sensor can be improved. For example, when measurements are performed several times by using RFID tags each incorporating a sensor unit, generation of a carrier directed from an RFID reader/writer to the RFID tags is stopped for a predetermined period every time when a measurement ends. By this means, the chip temperature of the RFID tag increased due to power consumption in each measurement can be reduced to, for example, ambient temperature every time when a measurement ends. Therefore, an error in measurement by the sensor unit can be reduced, thereby achieving accurate measurement.
US07944334B2 Tamper-resistant alarm switch assembly
Tamper-resistant alarm switch assemblies (22, 100, 124, 148) are provided which include a first movement-sensing switch (24) and a second tamper-sensing switch assembly (25) including a switchable component (26) and an actuating component (74, 136, 166), mounted on a member (30) and each being switchable between respective first and second movement-sensing and tamper-sensing switch states in response to relative movement between first and second members (30, 32), and relative shifting between the switch (26) and actuating component (74, 136, 166). Mounting structure (28, 106, 138) is provided to attach the first switch (24) and second switch assembly (25) to the member (30) in a normal operating position wherein the first switch (24) will sense relative movement between the first and second members (30, 32), with relative shifting between the switchable component (26) and the actuating component (74, 136, 166) in the event of an attempted detachment of at least one of the components (26, 74, 136, 166) of the tamper switch assembly (25), or the first switch (24), or both thereof, from the member (30).
US07944329B2 Acoustic wave filter device with branched ground wiring sandwiching the IDT area
An acoustic wave filter device has a balance-unbalance conversion function and has an increased out-of-band attenuation. The acoustic wave filter device includes a 5-IDT-type longitudinally coupled resonator-type acoustic wave filter unit including IDTs that are connected between an unbalanced terminal and first and second balanced terminals, and the IDTs and are connected to the first and second balanced terminals, respectively, that is arranged between the unbalanced terminal and the first and second balanced terminals. A second ground wiring that connects the end portions of the unbalanced-side IDT on the side connected to the ground potential to a ground terminal is separated from a first ground wiring. The second ground wiring includes first and second branched wiring portions, and the first and second branched wiring portions are arranged so as to sandwich an area in which the IDTs are provided.
US07944321B2 Harmonic suppressing circuit
There are included an LPF (3) and an HPF (4) that are connected in parallel to the output of a pre-emphasis circuit (2). There is also included a gain adjusting circuit (6) that performs a gain adjustment of low-pass filter with respect to the frequency band to be passed through the HPF (4). The low frequency components of the frequency band of baseband signals outputted from the pre-emphasis circuit (2) pass through the LPF (3), while the high frequency components pass through the HPF (4). As to the outputs from the HPF (4), the gain of especially the higher part of the frequency band components to be passed through the HPF (4) is suppressed by the gain adjusting circuit (6), whereby the amplitudes of the baseband signals can be limited only for the high frequency range without using a limiter and further the peak values of the baseband signals can be inhibited from exceeding the maximum frequency deviation.
US07944318B2 Voltage controlled oscillator, and PLL circuit and radio communication device each including the same
A voltage controlled oscillator includes an inductor circuit, C-coupling type variable capacitance circuits, a direct-coupling type variable capacitance circuit, and a negative resistance circuit, which are connected in parallel, and a reference voltage generating section that generates two reference voltages. A control voltage for feedback control of an oscillation frequency is applied to back gate terminals of variable capacitance elements of the variable capacitance circuits. The reference voltages are applied to gate terminals of the variable capacitance elements of the C-coupling type variable capacitance circuits, respectively.
US07944317B2 Cold atom micro primary standard
An atomic clock having a physics package that includes a vacuum chamber cavity that holds atoms of Rb-87 under high vacuum conditions, an optical bench having a single laser light source, a local oscillator, a plurality of magnetic field coils, an antenna, at least one photo-detector and integrated control electronics. The single laser light source has a fold-retro-reflected design to create three retro-reflected optical beams that cross at 90° angles relative to one another in the vacuum chamber cavity. This design allows the single laser light source to make the required six trapping beams needed to trap and cool the atoms of Rb-87. The foregoing design makes possible atomic clocks having reduced size and power consumption and capable of maintaining an ultra-high vacuum without active pumping.
US07944314B2 Low frequency oscillator for burst-mode dimming control for CCFL driver system
Oscillator system and method thereof. The oscillator system includes a first voltage-to-current converter configured to receive a first voltage and generate a first current based on at least information associated with the first voltage, and a second voltage-to-current converter configured to receive a second voltage and generate a second current based on at least information associated with the second voltage. Additionally, the oscillator system further includes a current-mode N-bit digital-to-analog converter configured to receive at least the second current and a first clock signal and to generate a third current based on at least information associated with the second current and the first clock signal. N is a first integer. The first clock signal is associated with a first clock frequency corresponding to a first clock period. Moreover, the oscillator system further includes a current comparator coupled to the first voltage-to-current converter and the current-mode N-bit digital-to-analog converter.
US07944313B1 Calibrating control loops
Systems and techniques to calibrate a control loop include, in at least one implementation, a system including the control loop configured to generate a clock signal and lock the clock signal to timing marks detected on a machine readable medium, a repetitive error correction module configured to receive a predicted phase and a corrected phase error for the clock signal, generate a predicted repetitive phase disturbance using the predicted phase and the corrected phase error for the clock signal, and calibrate a phase error to compensate for variations in repetitive phase errors in the clock signal using the predicted repetitive phase disturbance; and a servo track generator configured to generate servo tracks using the clock signal.
US07944311B1 Feedback biasing for cascode amplifiers
A system for a power transmitter may be provided. The system may include a first amplifier stage having at least a first transistor and a second transistor that are connected in a first cascode configuration; a second amplifier stage having at least a third transistor and a fourth transistor that are connected in a second cascode configuration, where the first transistor receives a system input of the power transmitter, where the second transistor is connected to the third transistor, and where the fourth transistor provides a system output of the power transmitter; and a feedback network that connects a first gate or base of the fourth transistor with a second gate or base of the second transistor.
US07944309B2 Transconductance bias circuit, amplifier and method
Methods, circuits and apparatus for biasing an amplifier to maintain consistent operational characteristics over variations in fabrication processes and operational temperature conditions are disclosed. A bias is determined by first comparing output voltages of replica circuits of the amplifier during an offset canceling phase. The output voltages are differently driven by an offset induced by a first reference current and the offset is canceled in response to the first comparing step. The output voltages are secondly compared during a calibration phase and a calibration bias current is adjusted in response to the second comparing step. The amplifier bias is determined based on the calibration bias current. The process is periodically repeated in response to operational variations.
US07944304B1 High efficiency millimeter wave field-effect transistor (FET) amplifier with coupled line matching network
The present invention is a system for providing an optimal power match to an output of an amplifier using a matching network. The system may include a Field-Effect Transistor (FET) amplifier and a load. The system may further include a coupled line matching network connected to and between the FET amplifier and the load. The coupled line matching network may be configured for providing an optimal power match to the FET amplifier in the K band of operation.
US07944302B2 Method and apparatus for biasing an amplifier
An apparatus and method for biasing each amplifier of an amplification stage provides that the voltage across each current sensing element of each amplifier of the amplification stage is measured. For each pair of voltage measurements taken, a sum and difference is calculated, where the sum is processed to determine minima peaks and the difference is averaged. A portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term are summed to yield the individual bias current conducted by a first amplifier of the amplification stage. The difference between a portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term is calculated to yield the individual bias current conducted by the second amplifier of the amplification stage. The bias current conducted by the first and second amplifiers may then be individually modified manually, or conversely, may be modified automatically based upon the bias current measurements taken.
US07944301B1 Method and apparatus for an amplifier
An amplifier including complementary push and pull components, a bias component and a quiescent current balancer. The complementary push and pull components are serially coupled to one another between an electrical source and sink to generate an output signal at a common output terminal responsive to the input signal source. The bias component is coupled between the input signal source and the complementary push-pull components to bias the input signal to the push component and the input signal to the pull component by discrete amounts which reduce cross-over clipping exhibited in the output signal. The quiescent current balancer is coupled to the output terminal to balance quiescent currents in the push and the pull component at discrete levels which equilibrate amplification levels of the input signal generated by the push component and the pull component in the output signal at the output terminal.
US07944297B2 Class D amplifier
A class D amplifier including a PWM circuit, a buffer amplifying circuit, a low-pass filter, and two current sources is provided. The PWM circuit transfers an analog signal into a PWM signal. The buffer amplifying circuit amplifies the PWM signal and generates an amplified signal. The low-pass filter will filter high frequency components out from the amplified signal and then transmit the filtered signal to a loading of the class D amplifier. The two current sources provide currents flowing into and out from a feedback node in the PWM circuit, respectively. The charging and discharging provided by the two current sources can generate a triangular signal for the PWM circuit.
US07944296B1 Low power mode amplification with a transformer output matching and a virtual ground
A power amplifier system in accordance with an example embodiment can utilize a transformer having a primary winding inductively coupled to a secondary winding, where the primary winding includes a center tap between a first port and a second port, where the secondary winding includes a third port and a fourth port, where the primary winding receives a first output from a first amplifier, where the center tap receives a second output from a second amplifier. The system can also include a first capacitor connected to the center tap and the first port; a second capacitor connected to the center tap and the second port; a first switch in electrical connection with the center tap, where the first switch can connect the center tap to a ground port; a second switch connected to the fourth port, where the second switch can connect the fourth port to a common node in electrical connection with the center tap; and a third capacitor connected between the common node and an output node connected to the third port from a system output can be obtained.
US07944289B2 Minimum pulse generation in a class-D amplifier
For minimum pulse generation in a class-D amplifier, a trapezoid switching waveform shape is used to replace the tradition triangle type to generate PWM pulses. Two voltages are compared with a sawtooth wave signal to generate the trapezoid waveform signal and a constant pulse width signal. An audio input signal is compared with the trapezoid waveform signal to generate a pulse width modulation signal, and either the pulse width modulation signal or the constant pulse width signal is used for driving a load at an output of the class-D amplifier. Flexible minimum pulse width could be obtained by offsetting one of the two voltages in generation of the constant pulse width signal.
US07944288B2 Switched-capacitor amplifier arrangement having a low input current
An SC amplifier arrangement and a method for measuring an input voltage are described.
US07944286B2 Systems and methods for filter tuning using binary search algorithm
A filter tuning system for quickly compensating a time constant using a binary search algorithm is disclosed. The filter tuning system includes a time constant detector, a comparator and a calibration unit. The time constant detector detects a time constant of a filter based on an integral value of a reference input signal using an integrator when the time constant of the filter changes according to a variation of a manufacturing process or a temperature. The integrator includes a capacitor changing according to a variation of the time constant of the filter. The comparator compares the detected time constant with a reference value. The calibration unit compensates the time constant of the filter using the binary search algorithm based on the comparison result until an error between the time constant and the reference value is reduced within an acceptable range.
US07944285B1 Method and apparatus to detect manufacturing faults in power switches
An integrated circuit is provided that comprises a power switch that includes a control terminal and that is coupled between a power source node and a power sink node; first data storage circuit includes a data storage input and a data storage output, wherein the data storage output is coupled to the power switch control terminal; and a second data storage circuit includes a data storage input and a data storage output, wherein the data storage input is coupled to the power sink node.
US07944282B2 Voltage generation circuit and semiconductor memory using the same
The voltage generation circuit having a standard voltage generation circuit, a reference voltage, a minimum voltage setting circuit, and a voltage setting circuit that gradually sets voltage by switching a plurality of the gate transistors to switch a combination of resistive elements. The voltage generation circuit includes a differential amplifier that has one input terminal connected to the reference voltage generated by the standard voltage generation circuit and another input terminal connected to the minimum voltage setting circuit. The differential amplifier has an output node showing the result of a difference voltage of the inputs. The voltage generation circuit includes a pump control circuit that outputs a control signal controlling a charge-pump motion, based on the differential voltage, and a charge pump circuit that sets up and outputs the voltage by the control signal.
US07944281B2 Constant reference cell current generator for non-volatile memories
A reference current generation circuit generates a first branch current that varies by a first percentage in response to variations in a first supply voltage and variations in transistor threshold voltage. The first branch current is mirrored to create a corresponding second branch current. A first portion (sub-current) of the second branch current is supplied through a first transistor, which exhibits the transistor threshold voltage wherein the first sub-current varies by a second percentage in response to the variations in the first supply voltage and variations in transistor threshold voltage, wherein the second percentage is greater than the first percentage. A second portion (sub-current) of the second branch current is supplied through a second transistor. The second portion of the second branch current is mirrored to create a reference current (IREF).
US07944276B2 Charge pump circuit and electronic apparatus provided with the same
A pumping circuit includes: a pumping capacitance; a first drive transistor connected between an input node for receiving an input voltage and one terminal of the pumping capacitance; and a second drive transistor connected between an output node for outputting an output voltage and the one terminal of the pumping capacitance. In a charge storing mode, the first drive transistor is turned ON to store charge in the pumping capacitance, while in a charge transfer mode, the second drive transistor is turned ON to transfer the charge stored in the pumping capacitance to the output node. The protection circuit puts at least one of the first and second drive transistors in a high-resistance state in which the resistance value is higher than when the transistor is ON, based on whether the output voltage is higher or lower than a predetermined judgment voltage.
US07944274B2 Semiconductor switch
A challenge in outputting a voltage near the midpoint potential in a semiconductor switch which operates based on a low voltage power supply is to avoid a decrease in operation speed and a deterioration in accuracy of the output voltage which would be caused due to an increase in ON-resistance or occurrence of current leakage. Thus, a structure including a gray level generation circuit, an analog switch circuit and a backgate voltage control circuit is provided wherein the backgate voltage of each of an N-channel MOS transistor and a P-channel MOS transistor of the analog switch circuit to which the voltage of the gray level generation circuit is input is supplied from the backgate voltage control circuit which has an equal structure as that of the gray level generation circuit.
US07944272B2 Constant current circuit
A constant-current circuit comprising: a temperature-compensation circuit to output a temperature-compensated first current; and a current-supply circuit to supply a second current to the temperature-compensation circuit, the temperature-compensation circuit including a voltage-multiplication circuit including a first transistor to generate a base-collector voltage obtained by multiplying a base-emitter voltage by a predetermined ratio, a second transistor identical in conductivity type and substantially equal in base-emitter voltage to the first transistor, a first resistor having two ends connected to a first-transistor collector and second-transistor base, respectively, and a second resistor having two ends connected to first and second-transistor emitters, respectively, the first current being output according to a second-transistor collector current, the second current being supplied to a connection point between a second-transistor base and the first resistor, to generate between both ends of the first resistor a voltage varying substantially in proportion to temperature.
US07944270B2 Arrangement and method for temperature compensation for resistance
An arrangement and a method for temperature compensation for a resistance (1). A resistance (1) with a controllable resistance value is compared with a reference resistance (2) which is in the form of a switched capacitor. A comparator (3) compares the two resistance values with one another. The comparator (3) takes an error signal as a basis for actuating the controllable resistance (1). This produces a thermally stable resistance. The principle can preferably be applied in transimpedance amplifiers.
US07944268B2 Switch circuit, variable capacitor circuit and IC of the same
A first terminal T1 is connected to the drain (or the source) of a MOS-FET (Q11), whose back gate is separated, through a capacitor C11. The MOS-FET (Q11) is connected at the source (or the drain) thereof to a second terminal T2. The back gate is connected to the source (or the drain). A control voltage VG is supplied to the gate of the MOS-FET (Q11), and a voltage having a polarity reversed from that of this control voltage VG is supplied to the drain through a resistance element R12.
US07944265B2 Clock generator, method for generating clock signal and fractional phase lock loop thereof
A clock generator includes a delta sigma modulator, a counter and a first phase lock loop. The delta sigma modulator sequentially generates a plurality of variable parameters according to a predetermined value and a first input clock signal. The counter, which is connected to the delta sigma modulator, is used to generate an output clock signal in accordance with a counting value and a second input clock signal. The counting value is relevant to the variable parameters. The first phase lock loop, which is connected to the output of the counter, is used to generate an objective clock signal in accordance with the output clock signal.
US07944260B2 Clock control circuit and a semiconductor memory apparatus having the same
A clock control circuit includes a clock delay device, an edge detection device, a phase determination device and a delay control device. The clock delay device generates a delayed rising clock and a delayed falling clock by delaying a rising clock and a falling clock, which are transferred from a clock generation circuit, in response to a control signal, and to transfer the delayed rising clock and the delayed falling clock to a data output buffer. The edge detection device detects a difference between an edge timing of the delayed rising clock and an edge timing of the delayed falling clock to generate edge detection signals. The phase determination device detects a duty ratio of each of the edge detection signals to generate phase determination signals. The delay control device generates the control signal in response to the phase determination signals.
US07944257B2 Method and system of optimizing a control system using low voltage and high-speed switching
A phase-locked loop charge pump driven by low voltage input is disclosed. In one aspect, a charge pump for a phase-locked loop circuit includes a sourcing current source providing a sourcing current, wherein the sourcing current source is coupled to a high-voltage operating voltage supply. A sourcing control circuit uses low-voltage sourcing control signals to selectively cause the charge pump to source the sourcing current to an output of the charge pump. A sinking control circuit uses low-voltage sinking control signals at a low voltage and utilizes a low-swing current mechanism to sink the sinking current from the output of the charge pump. In another aspect, the sourcing control circuit is cascode and the sinking circuit is non-cascode. In another aspect the sourcing current source and the sinking current source are both cascode. In another aspect, the sourcing current source is non-cascode and the sinking current source is cascode. In another aspect, the sourcing current source and the sinking current source are both non-cascode.
US07944254B2 Switching circuit
A switching circuit includes a first switching module, a second switching module, a first relay module, a second relay module, and a processing module. The first switching module includes a switch and a first transistor. The base of the first transistor functions as a first reset terminal. The second switching module includes a second transistor. An output terminal of the second relay module functions as a second reset terminal. Two input terminals of the processing module are connected to the first and second reset terminals respectively. The processing module resets a system with a first type or a second type according to voltages of the first and second reset terminals.
US07944253B1 Digital programmable frequency divider
A digital programmable frequency divider is constructed of Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) logic elements. The logic elements may include an RSFQ non-destructive readout cell (NDRO), RSFQ D flip-flop and an RSFQ T flip-flop. A digital word comprising N bits is used to control the amount of frequency division and the frequency divider selectively imparts a respective frequency division for any of 2n states that can be represented by the digital word. The RSFQ logic elements utilize Josephson junctions which operate in superconducting temperature domains.
US07944248B2 Techniques for measuring voltages in a circuit
A circuit can include a comparator, a resistor divider, a control circuit, and a multiplexer. The comparator compares an internal supply voltage of the circuit to a selected reference voltage. The resistor divider generates reference voltages. The control circuit receives an output signal of the comparator and generates a select signal. The multiplexer transmits one of the reference voltages from the resistor divider to the comparator as the selected reference voltage in response to the select signal.
US07944239B2 System and method for providing live insertion
System and method for providing live insertion. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a first port configured to be electrically coupled to a pad. The first port includes a first connection, a second connection, and a third connection. The integrated circuit also includes a first resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal. Additionally, the integrated circuit includes a second resistor having a third terminal and a forth terminal. The integrated circuit additionally includes a voltage source configured to provided a first voltage. The integrated circuit further includes a first PMOS transistor having a first gate terminal, a first drain terminal and a first source terminal. In addition, the integrated circuit includes a second PMOS transistor having a second gate terminal, a second drain terminal, and a second source terminal.
US07944236B2 High-bandwidth interconnect network for an integrated circuit
A bus structure providing pipelined busing of data between logic circuits and special-purpose circuits of an integrated circuit, the bus structure including a network of pipelined conductors, and connectors selectively joining the pipelined conductors between the special-purpose circuits, other pipelined connectors, and the logic circuits.
US07944231B2 Electronic device for the transport of numerical information
An electronic device designed to transport digital information (“0”, “1”) over long distances, including a transmitter generating current pulses and at least one assembly of receivers converting the received current pulses into logic pulses which are compatible with the operation of standard electronic logic circuits. Each receiver includes a pair of magnetoresistive stacks containing at least one hard ferromagnetic layer and one soft ferromagnetic layer separated by a non-ferromagnetic interlayer, the hard layer of each of the magnetoresistive stacks being pinned in a magnetic orientation perpendicular to an easy-magnetization axis which is used as a reference for the soft layer of the same stack. The soft layer of each magnetoresistive stack has a magnetic orientation which can be modulated by the magnetic field generated by current pulses delivered by the transmitter so as to cause modification of the transverse resistance of the stack sufficient to trigger an electrical signal.
US07944230B1 Methodology and apparatus for reduction of soft errors in logic circuits
The present invention includes a circuit-level system and method for preventing the propagation of soft errors in logic cells. A radiation jammer circuit in accordance with the present invention, including an RC differentiator and a depletion mode MOS circuit, when inserted at the output of a logic cell, significantly reduces the propagation of transient glitches. The radiation jammer circuit is a novel transistor-level optimization technique, which has been used to reduce soft errors in a logic circuit. A method to insert radiation jammer cells on selective nodes in a logic circuit for low overheads in terms of delay, power, and area is also introduced.
US07944225B2 Method and apparatus for providing a tester integrated circuit for testing a semiconductor device under test
Methods and apparatus for providing a tester integrated circuit (IC) for testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT) are described. Examples of the invention can relate to an apparatus for testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT). In some examples, the apparatus can include an integrated circuit (IC) coupled to test probes configured to contact pads on the DUT, the IC including a plurality of dedicated test circuits coupled to programmable logic, the programmable logic responsive to programming data to form a tester for testing the DUT from at least one of the dedicated test circuits.
US07944223B2 Burn-in testing system
The present invention discloses a burn-in testing system including a burn-in board and a burn-in testing apparatus, the burn-in board including: a first interface component, adapted to connect with the burn-in testing apparatus for signal input and/or output between the burn-in board and the burn-in testing apparatus; and a second interface component, adapted to connect with a device under test for signal input and/or output between the burn-in board and the device, wherein the burn-in testing system further includes a pin matching unit flexibly connected with the burn-in board and adapted to adjust signal connection relationship between the first interface component and the second interface component according to a pin description of the device. By using the invention, burn-in tests of various devices having the same number of pins and different pin descriptions can be performed using the same burn-in board, which is compatible with existing burn-in boards, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing production costs.
US07944222B2 Eliminating inline positional errors for four-point resistance measurement
Calculating resistance correction factors includes contacting the arms of a four-arm probe with a test sample; selecting a first set of first and second arms and a second set of third and fourth arms; applying a first current from the first arm to the second arm of the first set; detecting a first voltage between the third and fourth arms of the second set; calculating a first resistance using the first voltage and current; selecting a third set of first and second arms including no more than one arm of the first set, and a fourth set of third and fourth arms including no more than one arm of the second set; applying a second current from the first arm to the second arm of the third set; detecting a second voltage between the third and fourth arms of the fourth set; calculating a second resistance using the second voltage and current; and calculating a correction factor using the first and second resistances.
US07944216B2 Capacitance sensor
A capacitance sensor, having at least one electrode is disclosed. A frequency spread signal generation circuit is coupled to the at least one electrode to apply a frequency spread signal based on a spread sequence. A periodic signal with a frequency is coupled to the at least one electrode. A frequency controller is coupled to the frequency spread signal generation circuit to vary the frequency of the periodic signal. A receiver circuit is coupled to the at least one or a further electrode to receive a version of the frequency spread signal which depends on a capacitance applied to the at least one electrode. An evaluation circuit is coupled to the receiver circuit to determine a capacitance value based on the received, dependent version of the frequency spread signal.
US07944213B2 Ground fault detection device
A device and method to determine the presence of a ground fault that distinguishes between the capacitive portion of the currents to ground, and the resistive portion of the currents to ground by ascertaining aspects of the voltage and residual current waveforms.
US07944206B2 Method and apparatus for acquiring high resolution spectral data or high definition images in inhomogeneous environments
A method and apparatus for treating a sample for acquiring high-definition magnetic resonance images (MRI images) or high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra even in the presence of magnetic field distortions within one or multiple scans. The spatial nature and temporal dependence of the field inhomogeneities are determined a priori using any of several literature procedures. A static or oscillating magnetic field gradient is applied on the sample so as to endow spins at different positions within the sample with different resonance frequencies. A phase- and amplitude-modulated radiofrequency (RF) pulse is applied in unison with the magnetic field gradient so as to endow spins at different positions within the sample with a homogeneous excitation/inversion profile. The nature of the spatially-selective RF irradiation is tailored in such a way that, when added on top of the effects of the inhomogeneities, the spins' evolution phases and their signal amplitudes at the time of the acquisition become independent of the inhomogeneities. The spin signals thus created are captured and decoded, so as to obtain the spins' response as if the inhomogeneity was not present. The collected data is processed to a suitable rearrangement and Fourier analysis procedure to retrieve a final undistorted image or spectrum. The magnetic field gradient can be oscillated to impose this kind of inhomogeneity corrections on multiple spatial dimensions sequentially, or simultaneously.
US07944205B2 System for measuring a magnetic resonance signal based on a hybrid superconductive-magnetoresistive sensor
The system for measuring a magnetic resonance signal within a sample (4) placed in a static external magnetic field (H) includes an excitation device (1 to 3, 6 to 10) for applying high-intensity radio-frequency pulses at a predetermined emission frequency fe in a measurement zone containing the sample (4). The excitation device includes an excitation coil (3) tuned to the predetermined emission frequency fe and disposed in the vicinity of the sample (4) in such a way as to produce an electromagnetic field essentially perpendicular to the static external magnetic field (H). The system further includes at least a superconductive-magnetoresistive hybrid sensor (5) including a superconductive loop having a constriction adapted to increase significantly the current density and at least a magnetoresistive sensor placed in the immediate vicinity of said constriction (72) and being separated therefrom by an insulative deposit.
US07944204B2 Identification of points of interest in a region of the surface of a part and application to the optimization of the path and of the angular position of eddy current probes
Identification of points of interest in a region of the surface of a part, by bringing a surface reference into intimate contact with the region is disclosed. The surface reference includes a thin film sufficiently flexible to conform to the region and tracks made of electrically conductive material. The passage of an eddy current probe over a track delivers a significant signal representative of the track. This representative signal corresponds to a point of interest thus identified in the region. Thus, it possible to optimize the path and the angular position of an eddy current probe scanning a region of a part to be tested.
US07944203B2 Corrosion evaluation device and corrosion evaluation method
A corrosion evaluation device for performing a quantitative evaluation of corrosion by measuring a quantity of decrease in the thickness of a magnetic material which is covered by a non magnetic material or a magnetic material which is not covered by a non magnetic material which includes: a magnetic field generating device for generating such a magnetic field that includes the magnetic material in a magnetic path, a Giant Magnet-Resistive effect (GMR) sensor provided with a GMR sensor for detecting a magnetic flux leakage with regard to the magnetic material and converts a change in the magnetic flux into an electrical signal, a thickness reduction calculation portion for calculating a quantity of decrease in the thickness of the magnetic material based on the electrical signal. The corrosion evaluation device precisely performs a quantitative evaluation of corrosion even when the magnetic material, which is to be evaluated, is covered by a non magnetic material.
US07944199B2 Voltage-measuring circuit and method
An embodiment of a voltage-measuring circuit includes: a first resistor connected to a first measurement node; a second resistor connected to the first resistor and a second measurement node; a configuration switch configured to, in response to a control signal, selectively interconnect the first and second resistors, during enable and disable phases of the control signal respectively, into and out of either a parallel or a series configuration; and a control and measurement circuit configured to provide the control signal, receive a first measurement voltage from the first and second measurement nodes during the enable phase, and receive a second measurement voltage from the first and second measurement nodes during the disable phase.
US07944198B1 Multimeter
A multimeter includes a switching circuit. The switching circuit includes a micro control unit (MCU), a first normally-open switch, a second normally-open switch, and an electronic switch. The first and second normally-open switches connect to the MCU. The MCU connects to the electronic switch. The electronic switch connects to a power control terminal of the multimeter. The MCU are operable to detect whether the first and second normally-open switches are both closed and accordingly control the electronic switch to turn on or off. The electronic switch outputs a control signal to the power control terminal of the multimeter to control the multimeter to power on or off.
US07944197B2 Clamp meter with rotary mechanism for clamp jaws
The present invention provides a clamp meter with clamp jaws whose position is adjustable in different planes with respect to the plane of the main body of the clamp meter at various fixed angles, thereby helping the user to measure the current in the conductors which are disposed in tight physical spaces such as an electrical cabinet or electrical panel, or placed in awkward positions such as overhead locations. The present invention allows the user to operate the instrument and also read the display in all positions of the clamp jaws.
US07944196B2 RF detector with crest factor measurement
An RF detector configured to provide two outputs, one being a function of the true RMS power level of an RF input signal, and the other being a function of the instantaneous/peak power of the RF input signal, normalized to the average power level. The RF detector includes a variable gain detection subsystem including a single detector or detector array that provides a representation of the power level of the RF input signal. The detector or detector array is common to both the RMS power detection channel and the instantaneous/peak power detection channel of the RF detector. A method of RF detection includes providing representations of the RF input signal at different gain levels, selecting one or more of the representations, and averaging the selected signals. The gain levels of the selected representations is adjusted to provide information about the average power level of the RF input signal.
US07944195B2 Start-up circuit for reference voltage generation circuit
Embodiments relate to a start-up circuit for a reference voltage generation circuit. According to embodiments, a start-up circuit may include a start-up start unit allowing current to flow in the reference voltage generation circuit to initiate a start-up process in response to a start-up start signal, a reference current generation unit decreasing a variable voltage depending on whether the reference voltage generation circuit is started up and generating start-up reference current corresponding to the variable voltage, and a start-up controller detecting current flowing in the reference voltage generation circuit, comparing the detected result with the start-up reference current, and outputting the compared result as a start-up start signal. Current consumption may be decreased after start-up. A BRG circuit may be stably started up. If a high supply voltage is used, current consumption may decrease, and if a low supply voltage is used, a BGR circuit may be stably started up.
US07944194B2 Reference current generator circuit for low-voltage applications
A reference current generator circuit suitable for low-voltage applications is provided. The generator circuit is fabricated in a chip for generating a precise reference current based on a precise reference voltage and a precise external resistor. The generator circuit provides an equivalent resistance coupled in parallel with the external resistor to provide resistance compensation and reduce the impedance of seeing into the chip from a chip pad. In addition to the resistance compensation, only moderate capacitance compensation is required to enhance the phase margin of the generator circuit, so as to achieve a stable loop. Therefore, chip area and cost can be reduced in low-voltage applications. In addition, the generator circuit reproduces the reference current generated by the external resistor by utilizing current mirrors, so as to eliminate the effect on currents caused by parallel coupling of the equivalent resistance and the external resistor.
US07944192B2 Hysteretic power-supply controller with adjustable switching frequency, and related power supply, system, and method
An embodiment of a hysteretic power-supply controller includes a signal generator, frequency adjuster, and signal combiner. The signal generator is operable to generate a switching signal having a first level in response to a control signal being greater than a first reference value and having a second level in response to the control signal being less than a second reference value, the switching signal having an actual frequency and being operable to drive a switching stage that generates a regulated output signal. The frequency adjuster is operable to generate a frequency-adjust signal that is related to a difference between the actual frequency and a desired frequency. And the signal combiner is operable to generate the control signal from the frequency-adjust signal and the regulated output signal. Such a hysteretic power-supply controller may allow one to set the switching frequency to a desired value independently of the parameters of the power supply.
US07944180B2 Software based thermal charging regulation loop
The present invention implements a software controlled thermal feedback system for battery charging circuitry in portable devices, specifically in cellular telephones. The charging hardware block is integrated into a mixed-signal analog base-band (ABB) circuit. In addition to standard function controls, integrated within the ABB are silicon temperature sensors used to monitor the temperature of any silicon components integrated on the ABB and detect any temperature change due to thermal heating. The temperature value is passed to the digital base band (DBB) circuit. Here, a microcontroller is programmed to perform power management functions relating to the ABB. Thermal control software, implemented on the DBB microcontroller, monitors the silicon temperature of the ABB and adjusts the power levels on the ABB accordingly to provide a controlled chip temperature.
US07944172B2 Power storage device and semiconductor device provided with the power storage device
An object is to provide a power storage device provided with a battery that is a power storage means, for safe and accurate supply of electric power in a short period of time for drive power supply voltage without checking remaining capacity of the battery or changing batteries with deterioration over time of the battery for drive power supply voltage. The power storage device is provided with a battery that is a power storage means as a power supply for supplying electric power and a counter circuit for counting charging time of the power storage means. An electromagnetic wave with electric field intensity, magnetic field intensity, and power flux density per unit time which are transmitted from a power feeder are controlled, and the power storage means is efficiently charged using the electromagnetic wave in a short period of time.
US07944171B2 Attachable wireless charging device
An attachable wireless charging device includes a carrier board, a receiving coil, a circuit board, and at least two conductive wires. The carrier board has a back surface on which an adhesive layer is coated. The receiving coil is formed in the carrier board. The circuit board is mounted to one side of the carrier board and includes a power receiving circuit, which includes a receiving control circuit, a resonance control circuit, a regulation circuit, a control circuit, a polarity selection circuit, and a circuit output section, which are electrically and sequentially connected. Electrical connection is established between the receiving control circuit and the receiving coil. The at least two conductive wires are arranged at one side of the circuit board and are electrically connectable with the circuit output section of the circuit board. As such, an attachable wireless charging device featuring automatic determination of polarity connection is provided.
US07944169B2 Solar-panel apparatus for a vehicle
The positive and negative pole of the DC-battery 2-1 is allowed to connect the solar panel 2-11 and the solar panel 2-14 when the key position of the ignition switch 2-15 is in positions of “on” and “acc”. The positive and negative pole of the DC-battery 2-1 is not connected to the solar panel 2-11 and the solar panel 2-14 when the key position of the ignition switch 2-15 is in the position of “lock” and “start”. To attain such a configuration, lead wire connects the ignition switch 2-15 utilizing relay 2-4-a and fuse box 2-4-b. When the position of the ignition key is in “on” and “acc”, positive pole of the solar panels 2-11 and the solar panel 2-14 are connected to the positive pole of the DC battery 2-1 via the relay 2-4-b. Relays 3-4, 3-15, 3-16, 4-4, 4-15, and 4-16 are similar to the relay 2-4-b.
US07944166B2 Reaction force cancel system
Stabilization of a stage in a movable stage apparatus is enhanced, and increasing in size of the movable stage apparatus is suppressed. A reaction force cancel system is provided in the movable stage apparatus where a stage moves on a surface plate installed on a floor via a vibration-isolating spring, and cancels a reaction force generated on the surface plate upon movement of the stage. The reaction force cancel system includes a reaction force canceling actuator for applying a counter-thrust that is a force for reducing the reaction force to the surface plate. The reaction force canceling actuator is arranged at a lower position than a top surface of the surface plate so that the surface plate hangs over the reaction force canceling actuator.
US07944164B2 Method and apparatus for identifying orientation of a stationary rotor in a sensor-less PMSM
A method and apparatus for determining rotor position in a stationary rotor of a sensor-less permanent magnet synchronous machine that employs a rotating magnetic field to identify a magnetic axis of the stator without a magnetic direction and then determines magnetic direction by applying pulses along the magnet axis in two polarities.
US07944163B2 Sensorless controlling apparatus of brushless motor
A sensorless controlling apparatus for controlling a brushless motor includes a speed calculator for calculating speed of a rotor ω, an angle calculator for calculating rotor angle θ at a predetermined time interval, and an angle controller for calculating correction angle Δθ based on the current value of a d-axis current (d-axis current value id), thereby controlling the rotor angle θ. The angle calculator uses the correction angle Δθ calculated by the angle controller, the speed ω calculated by the speed calculator, a predetermined time, and the rotor angle θ calculated by the angle calculator at a predetermined time to calculate the rotor angle at the predetermined time interval. Thus, the rotor angle θ calculated by the angle calculator is converged on the true angle of the rotor.
US07944162B2 Motor control device
A motor control device includes a sensing circuit, a phase-shifting circuit, a comparing circuit and a control circuit. The sensing circuit senses the motor to generate a sensing signal. The phase-shifting circuit is electrically connected to the sensing circuit and receives the sensing signal to generate a phase-shifting signal. The comparing circuit is electrically connected to the phase-shifting circuit and receives the phase-shifting signal to generate a comparing signal. The control circuit is electrically connected with the comparing circuit and the motor, and receives the comparing signal to generate a control signal so as to control the rotation speed of the motor.
US07944161B2 DC bus discharge in an electric motor system
Methods and apparatus are provided for improved discharge of a DC bus which provides power to an inverter. An electric motor system provided with the improved discharge method for discharge of the DC bus includes an electric motor, the inverter which provides electric control for the permanent magnet electric motor, the direct current (DC) bus which provides power to the inverter, and a processor. The processor generates operational control signals and provides such operational control signals to the inverter. In response to detecting a predetermined discharge signal, the processor generates operational control signals for generating a ripple current in motor windings of the electric motor to dissipate energy from the DC bus through a passive load, the passive load including the motor windings of the electric motor.
US07944153B2 Constant current light emitting diode (LED) driver circuit and method
A drive circuit supplies a drive current to a plurality of light emitting diodes. The drive circuit includes a voltage converter circuit having a particular topology and including at least one inductive element and at least one switching element. The drive circuit senses a current through one of the inductive and switching elements and generates a feedback signal from the sensed current. The feedback signal has a value indicating the drive current being supplied to the light emitting diodes and the drive circuit controls the operation of the voltage converter responsive to the feedback signal.
US07944147B2 Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel (PDP) is made of front panel (2) and a rear panel. The front panel includes display electrodes (6), dielectric layer (8), and protective layer (8) that are formed on glass substrate (3). The rear panel includes electrodes, barrier ribs, and phosphor layers that are formed on a substrate. The front panel and the rear panel are faced with each other, and the peripheries thereof are sealed to form a discharge space therebetween. Each of display electrodes (6) contains at least silver. Dielectric layer (8) is made of first dielectric layer (81) that contains bismuth oxide and calcium oxide and covers display electrodes (6), and second dielectric layer (82) that contains bismuth oxide and barium oxide and covers first dielectric layer (81).
US07944146B2 Photocathode lighting device, method for manufacturing the same and exposure apparatus using photocathode lighting device
The photocathode lighting device of planar light emission including: a light source unit emitting a first light; a cathode plate contacted face-to-face with the light source unit; a metal mask layer adhered to the cathode plate and including a repetitive plurality of apertures; a photocathode formed on a surface of the metal mask layer, receiving the first light, and emitting an electron; an anode plate facing the cathode plate and spaced apart from the cathode plate; and a phosphor formed in a lower part of the anode plate and emitting a second light when the emitted electron collides with the phosphor.
US07944144B2 Organic electroluminescence device with sealing glass portions and sealing resin portions and method for producing organic electroluminescence device
An organic electroluminescence device, includes: an element substrate; a light emitting unit formed on the element substrate; a sealing substrate; and a sealing portion surrounding at least the light emitting unit and disposed between the element substrate and the sealing substrate, the sealing portion having sealing glass portions and sealing resin portions.
US07944139B2 Light emitting device
A light-emitting device comprising: an anode; a cathode; and a light emitting region situated between the anode and the cathode, the light emitting region comprising an exciton generating layer and a phosphorescent layer, the exciton generating layer comprising an organic material, wherein the organic material of the exciton generating layer generates singlet and triplet excitons and emits light by fluorescent emission from the singlet excitons and the phosphorescent layer accepts the triplet excitons from the exciton generating layer and emits light by phosphorescent emission from the triplet excitons.
US07944136B2 Light emitter substrate and image displaying apparatus using the same
The invention aims to improve, in a light emitter substrate having a resistor for connecting row-direction adjacent electrodes, withstand discharge performance of the resistor. The light emitter substrate comprises a substrate, plural light emitting members positioned in matrix on the substrate, plural electrodes positioned in matrix and each covering at least one of the light emitting members, and a row-direction striped resistor positioned between the column-direction adjacent electrodes and connecting the row/column-direction adjacent electrodes. A row-direction separated distance between the row-direction adjacent electrodes in a connecting portion between the electrodes and the resistor is larger than a row-direction separated distance between the row-direction adjacent electrodes in a portion covering the light emitting members at a position along a row-direction edge portion of the resistor, and is larger than a row-direction separated distance between the row-direction adjacent electrodes in the connecting portion at an edge portion in a column-direction end region.
US07944134B2 Spark plug with center electrode having high heat dissipation property
A spark plug including: a center electrode including an electrode base member and a core member; an electrode tip joined to the center electrode via a molten bond; an insulator holding the center electrode; a metal shell holding the insulator; and a ground electrode joined to the metal shell. Relationships d≦2.1 [mm] and −0.09×d+0.33
US07944128B2 Electronic component
An electronic component includes an electronic component body, first and second outer electrodes, and first and second inner electrodes. The first outer electrode includes a first conductive layer that does not include silver and a second conductive layer that is deposited on the first conductive layer so as to be positioned at an outermost layer and that includes silver. The second conductive layer includes a first contact portion in contact with a first main surface and is not in contact with first and second side surfaces. A first inner conductor is provided on a virtual straight or substantially straight line connecting a second inner electrode closest to the first contact portion and the first contact portion in the shortest distance. The first inner conductor is connected only to the first outer electrode or is connected to none of the first and second outer electrodes.
US07944124B1 MEMS structure having a stress-inducer temperature-compensated resonator member
A MEMS structure having a stress-inducer temperature-compensated resonator member is described. The MEMS structure includes a frame disposed above a substrate. The frame has an inner surface and an outer surface and is composed of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and a second material having a second CTE, different from the first CTE. A resonator member is coupled to the inner surface of the frame.
US07944120B2 Driving apparatus, and manufacturing method of the same
A driving apparatus comprises: an electromechanical conversion element that expands and contracts in an extending direction of a given fiducial line; a driving shaft mounted on one end of the electromechanical conversion element in the extending direction; a driven member frictionally engaged with the driving shaft; a holder that supports the electromechanical conversion element and comprises a bearing portion for the driving shaft; and an inclination adjusting mechanism, disposed in the bearing portion, that adjusts inclination of the driving shaft with respect to the fiducial line.
US07944117B2 Device and method for driving an ultrasound piezoelectric actuator
A device for driving ultrasound piezoelectric actuators, on the basis of a DC voltage. The device includes an impedance matching branch mounted in parallel with the actuators and including a capacitor in series with a selection switch, which is closed and opened, at the same time as the selection switch of the actuator to be excited, so that the voltage across the terminals of the matching capacitor and the voltage across the terminals of the selected actuator are almost zero before the start and after the end of the injection. A method of controlling the matching switch makes it possible to benefit from the capacitive charge during the pulse train causing the injection, while circumventing abrupt discharges at the start of the train. Such a device and method may find application to the engines of motor vehicles, as one example.
US07944116B2 Drive circuit
A drive circuit for a high-frequency agitation source includes a signal generator generating a train of low voltage square-wave pulses at a drive frequency, a booster including a boost inductor generating a back EMF and configured to produce a high-voltage pulse train in response to the low-voltage square-wave pulse train and a filter producing a drive signal having a pre-determined harmonic of the drive frequency, the drive signal being used to drive the high-frequency agitation source. The drive circuit is particularly suitable for use with piezoelectric crystals.
US07944113B2 Hysteretic MEMS thermal device and method of manufacture
A MEMS hysteretic thermal actuator may have a plurality of beams disposed over a heating element formed on the surface of the substrate. The plurality of beams may be coupled to a passive beam which is not disposed over the heating element. One of the plurality of beams may be formed in a first plane parallel to the substrate, whereas another of the plurality of beams may be formed in a second plane closer to the surface of the substrate. When the heating element is activated, it heats the plurality of beams such that they move the passive beam in a trajectory that is neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. When the beams are cooled, they may move in a different trajectory, approaching the substrate before moving laterally across it to their initial positions. By providing one electrical contact on the distal end of the passive beam and another stationary electrical contact on the substrate surface, the MEMS hysteretic actuator may form a reliable electrical switch that is relatively simple to manufacture and operate.
US07944112B2 Method of making integrated stator, brushless direct-current motor of radial core type double rotor structure using the integrated stator, and method of making the same
Provided are a radial core type brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor and a method of making the same, having an excellent assembly capability of division type stator cores in a double rotor structure BLDC motor. The BLDC motor includes a rotational shaft, an integrated double rotor including an inner rotor and an outer rotor, and a rotor supporter wherein a trench type space is formed between the inner rotor and the outer rotor, and an end extended from the inner rotor is connected with the outer circumferential surface of a bushing combined with the rotational shaft, and an integrated stator wherein one end of the stator is disposed in the trench type space and an extension axially extended from the other end of the integrated stator is fixed to the housing of the apparatus. In the integrated stator, U, V, W phase coil assemblies are formed of a number of core groups including a number of division type cores, wherein for each phase coil assembly, the division type core groups of the U, V, W phase coil assemblies are alternately disposed in an annular form in sequence of the phases, and the respective division type core groups are integrally formed into a single body in annular form by a stator support.
US07944108B2 Brushless motor and actuator using it
A motor for driving an actuator used such as for a throttle valve of an automobile engine and an optical axis controller of an automobile headlight. In two cup-shaped rotor yokes each provided with an internal diameter enlarged part at its opening, a ring-shaped joint material with an external diameter fitting into this internal diameter enlarged part is inserted into the internal diameter enlarged part to form a rotor yoke assembly. A motor is available with high durability against vibration and shock owing to high accuracy in dimensions, lightweight, and high rigidity of the rotor.
US07944107B2 Synchronous permanent magnet machine
A synchronous permanent magnet machine for at least two rotation speeds has a single stator and at least two rotors. For each rotation speed there is provided a separate rotor with a different numbers of poles. The armature windings on the stator extend across all of the rotors and the windings are subjected to a rotating field with the same frequency.
US07944106B2 Apparatus for cooling and lubricating an off-axis motor/generator in a transmission having two motor/generators
The present invention provides a hybrid transmission with two motor/generators, one being “on-axis” and sharing an axis of rotation with an input and output shaft of the transmission, and another being “off-axis” with a distinct axis of rotation from that of the first motor/generator. The transmission is adapted for cooling and lubricating the off-axis motor/generator, and includes a case at least partially defining a manifold. A transmission cover is mounted to the case such that the off-axis motor/generator is retained therebetween. The transmission cover at least partially defines an oil passage. The manifold is adapted to transfer oil onto a bearing device so that the bearing device is lubricated. Oil is also transferred through the oil passage and onto a torque transfer device such that the torque transfer device is lubricated.
US07944103B2 Motor
A fixation portion of an attachment plate is fixed onto an upper surface of a flange portion of a housing. In a cylindrical retentive portion of the housing, there is formed an expanded diameter portion which is continuous to the flange portion. There is disposed a ball bearing in the expanded diameter portion. Formed integrally with the flange portion is a fitting portion such that the fitting portion is continuous to the expanded diameter portion.
US07944099B2 Starter
Provided is a starter that can ensure stable insulation and exhibits excellent leakage resistance. The starter includes: a starting motor realized with a dc motor that has a commutator, positive brushes which are disposed around the commutator to abut on the commutator and connected to an external power supply, negative brushes, which are opposed to the positive brushes, stored in a bracket bearing one end of a rotation shaft; and a starting switch that is mounted on the starting motor and electrically connects or disconnects the external power supply to or from the positive brushes. When an engine is started, the starting motor is driven with the external power supply via the starting switch, and the starting motor is mechanically coupled to the engine. Herein, the starting motor has an insulating member disposed only on the internal surface of the bracket neighboring the positive brushes.
US07944096B2 Stator mechanism of linear motor
A stator mechanism of linear motor. The stator mechanism includes multiple magnetic members. The magnetic members are sequentially arranged along a predetermined straight line with the magnetic poles of the same polarity adjacent to each other to repel each other. Each magnetic member includes at least two magnetic bodies, which are coaxially arranged with the magnetic poles of different polarities adjacent to each other to attract each other.
US07944090B2 Multi-output power conversion circuit
A multi-output power conversion circuit is provided for converting an input voltage into a standby voltage and a first output voltage. The multi-output power conversion circuit includes a transformer, a power switching circuit, a first rectifier-filter circuit, a second rectifier-filter circuit, a first switching circuit, a voltage-adjusting circuit, a feedback circuit and a power control circuit. The feedback circuit is connected to the first rectifier-filter circuit, the second rectifier-filter circuit and the system circuit. The feedback circuit generates a feedback voltage according to a power-status signal issued by the system circuit. The power control circuit is interconnected between the power switching circuit and the feedback circuit for controlling on/off statuses of the power switching circuit according to the feedback voltage. The feedback circuit generates the feedback voltage according to the power-status signal and selectively according to the first DC voltage or the second DC voltage.
US07944087B2 Method and apparatus for stabilizing voltage of intermediate circuit of frequency converter
A method and an apparatus for damping voltage oscillation of a voltage intermediate circuit of a frequency converter, the frequency converter comprising a half controlled rectifier bridge coupled to a supply network. The method comprises determining magnitude (Uc) of voltage of the voltage intermediate circuit, determining magnitude (Uin) of rectified voltage of the supply network, forming a derivative of a difference (Uin−Uc) between the rectified voltage of the supply network and the voltage of the voltage intermediate circuit, delaying firing of controllable components of the rectifier bridge on the basis of the formed derivative.
US07944086B2 System and method for load control
A system is described including a master power saving device configured for connection with a master load. The master power saving device is configured to determine when the master load is in an operating condition and a non-operating condition, and the master power saving device provides non-continuous power to the master load when the master load is in a non-operating condition. A slave power saving device is configured for connection with a slave load. The slave power saving device is configured to receive a signal from the master power saving device to turn off said slave load.
US07944082B1 Connection module for providing N+N and M+1 redundant power distribution
A device may include an interconnect module that includes a number of ports, where each port is configured to receive both an alternating current (AC) power supply and a direct current (DC) power supply; where the interconnect module provides power from the received power supplies to a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs).
US07944081B2 Multi-power source locomotive control method and system
Control modes for operating multiple power sources include energy storage systems and applicable to large systems such as locomotives. Selectable operating modes are provided for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. A common DC bus electrical architecture is used so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. Multiple-engine locomotives have the engine systems that may be electrically connected in parallel or in series or in combinations of parallel and series to a DC bus.
US07944078B1 Wind turbine with hydro-transmission
A wind turbine with hydro-transmission has a tank filled with circulating liquid, a generator disposed beside the tank, a water pump mounted at a top of a stand and multiple blades connected to the water pump. Wind rotates the blades to drive the water pump to draw the circulating liquid up and pouring the circulating liquid over the generator to generate electricity. The generator that needs more maintenance is disposed on the ground and the water pump that needs less maintenance is mounted at the top of the stand. Therefore, construction and maintenance costs as well as footprint of the wind turbine are reduced.
US07944076B2 Direct drive generator and wind turbine
The invention concerns a direct drive or directly driven generator for a wind turbine comprising a stator and a rotor, wherein the stator comprises a stator ring comprising several ring-segment-shaped stator segments each having at least one stator element for the power generation and wherein the rotor comprises a rotor ring pivotable around a centre axis of the generator, the rotor ring comprises several ring-segment-shaped rotor segments each having at least one rotor element for the power generation. Furthermore the invention concerns a wind turbine comprising such a direct drive generator.
US07944075B2 Wind turbine based energy storage system and method using heavy weighted devices
An energy storage system, and related method, comprises a plurality of wind turbines, each with a vertical shaft that passes through a support platform. One or more braces may be affixed to each vertical shaft at one end of this platform, at an angle of less than 60 degrees, preferably about 45 degrees. At least one heavily weighted device is configured and disposed to be raised with rotation of the wind turbine about its vertical shaft. The subsequent lowering of that weighted device generates electrical energies for immediate use. Alternatively, the weighted device may be suspended for storage of energy and subsequent use. Preferred embodiments include at least one energy storage system for holding excess unused energy. Representative devices include a weighted cylinder on a shaft or cable, and one or more railcars on a series of inclined tracks.
US07944074B2 Wind turbine direct drive airgap control method and system
A deflection resistant wind turbine generator having a stator arranged about an axis and a rotor operably mounted with respect to the stator to generate electricity. The rotor is rotatably communicating with wind turbine blades rotating substantially about the axis and the rotor and the stator are configured to maintain an airgap therebetween. The stator and the rotor have selectively engageable surfaces that maintain a substantially stable airgap and permit rotation of the rotor during engagement. The engageable surfaces engage when the rotor deflects to a predetermined amount of deflection.
US07944072B2 High-rise building hydro-electric co-generation device and method
A method and a device are disclosed which are capable of collecting water at a high point of a high-rise building. The water can be stored until used. The water is allowed to run down by gravity past a hydroelectric generator to generate electricity for the occupants of the building, or for some other use. The water after use is discarded to the public drain.
US07944064B2 Semiconductor device having alignment post electrode and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate which has a plurality of semiconductor device formation regions and alignment mark formation region having the same planar size as that of the semiconductor device formation region, a plurality of post electrodes which are formed in each semiconductor device formation region, and an alignment post electrode which is formed in the alignment mark formation region and smaller in number than the post electrodes formed in each semiconductor device formation region.
US07944063B2 Application of 2-dimensional photonic crystals in alignment devices
Alignment marks for use on substrates. In one example, the alignment marks consist of periodic 2-dimensional arrays of structures, the spacing of the structures being smaller than an alignment beam but larger than an exposure beam.
US07944060B2 Device package structure, device packaging method, droplet ejection head, connector, and semiconductor device
A device package structure includes: a base body having a conductive connection portion and a level difference portion; a device arranged on the base body, having a connection terminal electrically connected to the conductive connection portion via the level difference portion on the base body; and a connector electrically connecting the connection terminal and the conductive connection portion, having substantially the same height as a height of the level difference portion.
US07944059B2 Semiconductor device having a probing region
In a semiconductor device, a pad metal has at least a portion located immediately under a probe region, and the portion is divided into a plurality of narrow metal layers each arranged in parallel with a traveling direction of a probe. Thus, it is possible to enhance surface flatness of the pad metal and to prevent a characteristic of a semiconductor device from deteriorating without complication in processing and increase in chip size.
US07944057B2 Bond pad rerouting element, rerouted semiconductor devices including the rerouting element, and assemblies including the rerouted semiconductor devices
A rerouting element for a semiconductor device includes a dielectric film that carries conductive vias, conductive elements, and contact pads. The conductive vias are positioned at locations that correspond to the locations of bond pads of a semiconductor device with which the rerouting element is to be used. The conductive elements, which communicate with corresponding conductive vias, reroute the bond pad locations to corresponding contact pad locations adjacent to one peripheral edge or two adjacent peripheral edges of the rerouted semiconductor device. The rerouting element is particularly useful for rerouting centrally located bond pads of a semiconductor device, as well as for rerouting the peripheral locations of bond pads of a semiconductor device to one or two adjacent peripheral edges thereof. Methods for designing and using the rerouting element are also disclosed, as are semiconductor device assemblies including one or more rerouting elements.
US07944055B2 Spin-on antireflective coating for integration of patternable dielectric materials and interconnect structures
The present invention provides a method of fabricating an interconnect structure in which a patternable low-k material replaces the need for utilizing a separate photoresist and a dielectric material. Specifically, this invention relates to a simplified method of fabricating single-damascene and dual-damascene low-k interconnect structures with at least one patternable low-k dielectric and at least one inorganic antireflective coating. In general terms, a method is provided that includes providing at least one patternable low-k material on a surface of an inorganic antireflective coating that is located atop a substrate. The inorganic ARC is liquid deposited and comprises a polymer that has at least one monomer unit comprising the formula M-R1 wherein M is at least one of Si, Ge, B, Sn, Fe, Ta, Ti, Ni, Hf and La and R1 is a chromophore. At least one interconnect pattern is formed within the at least one patternable low-k material and thereafter the at least one patternable low-k material is cured. The inventive method can be used to form dual-damascene interconnect structures as well as single-damascene interconnect structures.
US07944050B2 Integrated circuit device and a method of making the integrated circuit device
An integrated circuit device comprises a first semiconductor chip on a first substrate and a second semiconductor chip on a second substrate. A side surface of the first semiconductor chip is facing a side surface of the second semiconductor chip. At least one electric cable is provided to be connecting the first substrate to the second substrate.
US07944045B2 Semiconductor module molded by resin with heat radiation plate opened outside from mold
A semiconductor module and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed including a semiconductor element having an electrode, a heat radiation plate placed in thermal contact with a main surface of the semiconductor element and electrically connected to the electrode thereof, an insulation body directly formed on an outside surface of the heat radiation plate, a metallic body directly formed on an outside surface of the insulation body and having a thickness lower than that of the insulation body, and a mold resin unitarily molding the heat radiation plate, the semiconductor element and the insulation body. The insulation body is covered with the metallic body and the mold resin and the metallic body has an outside surface exposed to an outside of the mold resin.
US07944042B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes an outer resin case having a peripheral wall and terminal mounting holes formed in the peripheral wall, and a layer assembly provided in the outer resin case. The layer assembly includes a semiconductor chip, an insulating circuit board on which the semiconductor chip is mounted, and a heat-dissipating metal base. External terminals having leg portions are arranged in mounting holes of the peripheral wall, and are press-fitted into the terminal-mounting holes. Bonding wires connect the terminal leg portions and a conductive pattern of the insulating circuit board or the semiconductor chip.
US07944039B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a chip, a laminated wiring structure formed integrally with the chip, a frame disposed to surround the chip and made of a material having stiffness, and a sealing resin formed to bury therein the frame and at least the periphery of the side surface of the chip. The laminated wiring structure includes a required number of wiring layers, which are formed by patterning in such a manner that a wiring pattern directly routed from an electrode terminal of the chip is electrically connected to pad portions for bonding external connection terminals, the pad portions being provided, at a position directly below a mounting area of the chip and at a position directly below an area outside the mounting area, on a surface to which the external connection terminals are bonded.
US07944038B2 Semiconductor package having an antenna on the molding compound thereof
The present invention relates to a semiconductor package having an antenna. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a chip, a molding compound and an antenna. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The chip is disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and electrically connected to the substrate. The molding compound encapsulates the whole or a part of the chip. The antenna is disposed on the molding compound, and electrically connected to the chip. The antenna is disposed on the molding compound that has a relatively large area, so that the antenna will not occupy the space for the substrate.
US07944033B2 Power semiconductor module
An apparatus includes a housing with a plurality of restraining elements and at least one supporting element. A cover is elastically deformed by the plurality of restraining elements and the at least one supporting means. At least one substrate carrying at least one semiconductor chip is provided within the housing.
US07944031B2 Leadframe-based chip scale semiconductor packages
Chip scale semiconductor packages and methods for making and using the same are described. The chip scale semiconductor packages comprise a leadframe supporting a die that contains a discrete device. The chip scale semiconductor device also contains and an interconnect structure that also serves as a land for the package. The leadframe contains a topset feature adjacent a die attach pad supporting the die, a configuration which provides a connection to the interconnect structure as well as the backside of the die. This leadframe configuration provides a maximum die size to be used in the chip scale semiconductor packages while allowing them to be used in low power and ultra-portable electronic devices. Other embodiments are described.
US07944028B2 TFCC (TM) and SWCC (TM) thermal flex contact carriers
Two groups of interconnection devices and methods are described. Both provide columns between electronic packages and boards or between chips and substrates or the like. In the first group, called Thermal Flex Contact Carrier (TFCC), the column elements are carved out of a flat laminated structure and then formed to suit. In the second group, the carrier, which carries the connecting elements, is made out of a soluble or removable material, which acts at the same time, as a solder mask, to prevent the solder from wicking along the stem of the elements.
US07944027B2 Lead frame, semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device
To solve a problem in that a die processing cost increases when employing a method involving providing a suction hole in the die to fix an island onto a bottom surface, provided is a semiconductor device, which includes: a semiconductor chip, an island having a first surface, on which the semiconductor chip is mounted; and a second surface opposing to the first surface, a hanger pin extended from the island, a branch portion extended from one of the island and the hanger pin, and a resin encapsulating the semiconductor chip, the island, the hanger pin and the brunch portion while exposing the second surface of the island.
US07944026B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is mounted on a package substrate which has a power supply line and a signal line formed of a normal or predetermined resistance material layer on a dielectric layer. A resistance material layer has a high resistance as compared with the normal resistance material layer and is additionally provided on the surface of the normal resistance material layer of the peripheral face of the signal line closest to the power supply line.
US07944024B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device is provided which is capable of suppressing a reduction in electron mobility in a channel region formed in a strained silicon layer. A strained silicon layer is formed over a p type silicon-germanium layer formed over a semiconductor substrate. The strained layer has a thickness adjusted to be thicker than the critical film thickness at which no misfit dislocation occurs. Accordingly, misfit dislocations occur in the vicinity of the interface between the strained silicon layer and silicon-germanium layer.
US07944020B1 Reverse MIM capacitor
A method and apparatus for a reverse metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor. The apparatus includes a lower metal layer, a bottom electrode, and an upper metal layer. The lower metal layer is disposed above a substrate layer. The bottom electrode is disposed above the lower metal layer and coupled to the lower metal layer. The upper metal layer is disposed above the bottom electrode. The upper metal layer comprises a top electrode of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor.
US07944017B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
An n type impurity region is continuously formed on the bottom portion of a channel region below a source region, a gate region and a drain region. The n type impurity region has an impurity concentration higher than the channel region and a back gate region, and is less influenced by the diffusion of p type impurities from the gate region and the back gate region. Moreover, by continuously forming the impurity region from a portion below the source region to a portion below the drain region, the resistance value of a current path in the impurity region is substantially uniformed. Therefore, the IDSS is stabilized, the forward transfer admittance gm and the voltage gain Gv are improved, and the noise voltage Vno is decreased. Furthermore, the IDSS variation within a single wafer is suppressed.
US07944010B2 Electromagnetic wave detecting element
The present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave detecting element that can suppress a decrease in utilization efficiency of electromagnetic waves at sensor portions. An upper electrode of each of plural sensor portions, that are provided in correspondence with intersection portions of plural scan lines and plural signal lines disposed to intersect one another, is electrically connected to any other adjacent upper electrode. At each group of sensor portions whose upper electrodes are electrically connected, a common electrode line and the upper electrode of any sensor portion belonging to that group of sensor portions are connected by a contact pad via a contact hole formed in an insulating film and at a connection place of a number that is less than a number of sensor portions belonging to that group of sensor portions.
US07944008B2 Suspended membrane pressure sensing array
An accurate and low cost macro pressure sensor is described. The pressure sensor includes an array of capacitive sensing elements formed at the intersections of sets of conductors. A lower set of conductors is supported by a substrate and an upper set of conductors is supported on a flexible polymer membrane. Capacitive sensing elements are formed where a conductor in the upper set overlaps a spacer in the lower set. Separators hold the membrane away from the substrate with a separation that, because of deflection of the membrane, varies in relation to the pressure applied to the membrane. As a result, the separation of conductors, and therefore capacitance, in each cell varies in response to the applied pressure. By attaching the membrane to the separators and optionally using slits in the membrane between capacitive sensing elements, measurements made in each capacitive sensing element can be mechanically decoupled.
US07944003B2 Asymmetric channel doping for improved memory operation for floating body cell (FBC) memory
An improved dynamic memory cell using a semiconductor fin or body is described. Asymmetrical doping is used in the channel region, with more dopant under the back gate to improve retention without significantly increasing read voltage.
US07944001B2 Power mosfet including inter-source connection pattern
A power metal oxide silicon field effect transistor in which sources are connected to each other, a single source supplies electrons to two channels, a contact surface between the source and a channel is variously changed to be maximized such that large current flows in a small area, and an electrical field is not concentrated to a gate edge.
US07944000B2 Semiconductor resistor, method of manufacturing the same, and current generating device using the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor resistor includes forming a well region in a semiconductor substrate, with the well region serving as a resistive region, forming a pair of contact regions spaced apart from each other in the well region, and forming a diffusion region in an intermediate portion between the pair of contact regions on a surface of the well region. The diffusion region is configured to adjust resistance and temperature dependence of the semiconductor resistor.
US07943995B2 NMOS device, PMOS device, and SiGe HBT device formed on SOI substrate and method of fabricating the same
Provided are an NMOS device, a PMOS device and a SiGe HBT device which are implemented on an SOI substrate and a method of fabricating the same. In manufacturing a Si-based high speed device, a SiGe HBT and a CMOS are mounted on a single SOI substrate. In particular, a source and a drain of the CMOS are formed of SiGe and metal, and thus leakage current is prevented and low power consumption is achieved. Also, heat generation in a chip is suppressed, and a wide operation range may be obtained even at a low voltage.
US07943991B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is discloses that includes an n-type semiconductor substrate; an alternating conductivity type layer on semiconductor substrate, the alternating conductivity type layer including n-type drift regions and p-type partition regions arranged alternately; p-type channel regions on the alternating conductivity type layer; and trenches formed from the surfaces of the p-type channel regions down to respective n-type drift regions. The bottom of each trench is over the pn-junction between the p-type partition region and the n-type drift region. The semiconductor device facilitates preventing the on-resistance from increasing, obtaining a higher breakdown voltage, and reducing the variations caused in the characteristics thereof.
US07943989B2 Nano-tube MOSFET technology and devices
This invention discloses a semiconductor power device disposed in a semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor substrate has a plurality of trenches. Each of the trenches is filled with a plurality of epitaxial layers of alternating conductivity types constituting nano tubes functioning as conducting channels stacked as layers extending along a sidewall direction with a “Gap Filler” layer filling a merging-gap between the nano tubes disposed substantially at a center of each of the trenches. The “Gap Filler” layer can be very lightly doped Silicon or grown and deposited dielectric layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of trenches are separated by pillar columns each having a width approximately half to one-third of a width of the trenches.
US07943984B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory apparatus
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory apparatus includes: a memory element including: a semiconductor substrate; a source region and a drain region formed at a distance from each other in the semiconductor substrate; a first insulating film formed on a portion of the semiconductor substrate located between the source region and the drain region, having sites that perform electron trapping and releasing and are formed by adding an element different from a base material, and including insulating layers having different dielectric constants, the sites having a higher level than a Fermi level of a material forming the semiconductor substrate; a charge storage film formed on the first insulating film; a second insulating film formed on the charge storage film; and a control gate electrode formed on the second insulating film.
US07943983B2 HTO offset spacers and dip off process to define junction
Memory devices having an increased effective channel length and/or improved TPD characteristics, and methods of making the memory devices are provided. The memory devices contain two or more memory cells on a semiconductor substrate and bit line dielectrics between the memory cells. The memory cell contains a pair of first bit lines and a pair of second bit lines. The first and second bit lines can be formed by an implant process using first and second spacers that have different lateral lengths from each other. The spacers can be used to offset the implants, thereby controlling the lateral lengths of the bit lines.
US07943981B2 Semiconductor memory element
A semiconductor memory element includes: a tunnel insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate; a HfON charge storage film with Bevan clusters formed on the tunnel insulating film; a blocking film formed on the HfON charge storage film; and a gate electrode formed on the blocking film.
US07943980B2 Self-aligned patterning method by using non-conformal film and etch back for flash memory and other semiconductur applications
A method for fabricating a memory device with a self-aligned trap layer which is optimized for scaling is disclosed. In the present invention, a non-conformal oxide is deposited over the charge trapping layer to form a thick oxide on top of the core source/drain region and a pinch off and a void at the top of the STI trench. An etch is performed on the pinch-off oxide and the thin oxide on the trapping layer on the STI oxide. The trapping layer is then partially etched between the core cells. A dip-off of the oxide on the trapping layer is performed. And a top oxide is formed. The top oxide converts the remaining trap layer to oxide and thus isolate the trap layer.
US07943977B2 Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same that uses thermoelectric device for cooling
An apparatus that can effectively operate in high temperatures including a CMOS image sensor, a thermoelectric semiconductor formed under the CMOS image sensor for selectively cooling the image sensor and a heat sink formed under the thermoelectric semiconductor.
US07943974B2 Spin MOS field effect transistor and tunneling magnetoresistive effect element using stack having Heusler alloy
A spin MOS field effect transistor includes a source electrode and a drain electrode each having a structure obtained by stacking an impurity diffusion layer, a (001)-oriented MgO layer and a Heusler alloy. The impurity diffusion layer is formed in a surface region of a semiconductor layer. The (001)-oriented MgO layer is formed on the impurity diffusion layer. The Heusler alloy is formed on the MgO layer.
US07943973B2 Method for producing a field-effect transistor, field-effect transistor and integrated circuit arrangement
A method for producing a tunnel field-effect transistor is disclosed. Connection regions of different doping types are produced by means of self-aligning implantation methods.
US07943970B2 Method of detecting bio-molecules using the same field effect transistor on the gate sensing surface
Provided is a method of detecting the presence of a target bio-molecule or a concentration of the bio-molecule using a field effect transistor. The method includes: contacting a first sample having a first target bio-molecule with a reference electrode of a field effect transistor; measuring a first electric signal change of the field effect transistor; contacting a second sample with a sensing surface of the same field effect transistor; measuring a second electric signal change of the field effect transistor; and comparing the first electric signal with the second electric signal.
US07943966B2 Integrated circuit and associated layout with gate electrode level portion including at least two complimentary transistor forming linear conductive segments and at least one non-gate linear conductive segment
A restricted layout region includes a diffusion level layout including a number of diffusion region layout shapes to be formed within a portion of a substrate of a semiconductor device. The diffusion region layout shapes define at least one p-type diffusion region and at least one n-type diffusion region. The restricted layout region includes a gate electrode level layout defined to pattern conductive features within a gate electrode level above the portion of the substrate. The gate electrode level layout includes rectangular-shaped layout features placed to extend in only a first parallel direction. Some rectangular-shaped layout features form gate electrodes of respective PMOS transistor devices, and some rectangular-shaped layout features form gate electrodes of respective NMOS transistor devices. A total number of the PMOS transistor devices and the NMOS transistor devices in the restricted layout region of the semiconductor device is greater than or equal to eight.
US07943965B2 Multi-bit phase-change memory device
A multi-bit phase-change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate with a plurality of phase-change patterns sequentially stacked above the semiconductor substrate. Each phase-change pattern crosses another phase change pattern, and each phase change pattern includes a phase-change conductive line formed on a surface thereof. Bipolar transistors are installed between the semiconductor substrate and the lowermost phase-change pattern and also among the phase-change patterns, and the bipolar transistors selectively form electrical connections between the semiconductor substrate and the lowermost phase-change pattern and also among the phase-change patterns. Heating electrodes are aligned between the respective bipolar transistors and phase-change patterns. The semiconductor substrate includes an active area that extends in a direction that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the lowermost phase-change pattern.
US07943962B2 Solid-state image pickup device and method for producing the same
A solid-state image pickup device includes an element isolation insulating film electrically isolating pixels on the surface of a well region; a first isolation diffusion layer electrically isolating the pixels under the element isolation insulating film; and a second isolation diffusion layer electrically isolating the pixels under the first isolation diffusion layer, wherein a charge accumulation region is disposed in the well region surrounded by the first and second isolation diffusion layers, the inner peripheral part of the first isolation diffusion layer forms a projecting region, an impurity having a conductivity type of the first isolation diffusion layer and an impurity having a conductivity type of the charge accumulation region are mixed in the projecting region, and a part of the charge accumulation region between the charge accumulation region and the second isolation diffusion layer is abutted or close to the second isolation diffusion layer under the projecting region.
US07943955B2 Monolithic semiconductor switches and method for manufacturing
One aspect is monolithic semiconductor switches and method for manufacturing. One embodiment provides one semiconductor die with a first and a second FET. One of source/drain of the first FET and one of source/drain of the second FET are electrically coupled to at least one contact area at a first side of one semiconductor die, respectively. The other one of source/drain of the first FET, a gate of the first FET, the other one of source/drain of the second FET and the gate of the second FET are electrically coupled to contact areas at a second side of the one semiconductor die opposite to the first side, respectively. The contact areas of the other one of source/drain of the first FET, of the gate of the first FET, of the other one of source/drain of the second FET and of the gate of the second FET are electrically separated from each other, respectively.
US07943954B2 LED fabrication via ion implant isolation
A semiconductor light emitting diode includes a semiconductor substrate, an epitaxial layer of n-type Group III nitride on the substrate, a p-type epitaxial layer of Group III nitride on the n-type epitaxial layer and forming a p-n junction with the n-type layer, and a resistive gallium nitride region on the n-type epitaxial layer and adjacent the p-type epitaxial layer for electrically isolating portions of the p-n junction. A metal contact layer is formed on the p-type epitaxial layer. In method embodiments disclosed, the resistive gallium nitride border is formed by forming an implant mask on the p-type epitaxial region and implanting ions into portions of the p-type epitaxial region to render portions of the p-type epitaxial region semi-insulating. A photoresist mask or a sufficiently thick metal layer may be used as the implant mask.
US07943953B2 Light emitting device and light emitting module
To provide a light emitting device and a light emitting module which can suppress deterioration caused by light emitted from a light emitting chip, even in the case of using a light emitting chip emitted light of which has a short wavelength and in which deterioration of emission brightness and the like does not easily occur even if used for a long period of time.The device is characterized by including a container (20) which is formed of a transparent inorganic material and has a recessed opening, a light emitting chip (1) which is disposed in the recessed opening of the container (20) with a glass bonding member (4) interposed therebetween and in which a first conduction type layer (11), a light emitting layer (12), and a second conduction layer (13) are formed on a substrate (10), and a lid (21) which is formed of a transparent inorganic material and blocks the recessed opening of the container. The container (20) and the lid (21) are formed of quartz glass, optical glass containing boric acid and silicic acid, crystal, sapphire, fluorite or the like.
US07943952B2 Method of uniform phosphor chip coating and LED package fabricated using method
Methods for fabricating LED packages comprising providing an LED chip and covering at least part of it with a liquid medium. An optical element is provided and placed on the liquid medium. The optical element is allowed to settle to a desired level and the liquid medium is cured. LED packages are also disclosed that are fabricated using the disclosed methods.
US07943946B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes: a light emitting element; and a substantially rectangular package body in which the light emitting element is contained and a concave portion is formed. The concave portion has a bottom surface on which the light emitting element is disposed, and is filled with a transparent sealing resin for covering the light emitting element. Further, the sealing resin has a surface serving as an emitting surface, from which light is extracted. The package body includes: a reflection surface being an inclined plane provided along a short side of a depressed region toward the emitting surface, when seen from above the emitting surface; and a die bonding region and a wire bonding region on a bottom surface of the depressed region. Further, the depressed region has a depth being substantially equal to or less than a height of the active layer of the light emitting element.
US07943936B2 Crystallizing method, thin-film transistor manufacturing method, thin-film transistor, and display device
A crystallizing method of causing a phase shifter to phase-modulate a laser beam whose wavelength is 248 nm or 300 nm or more from an excimer laser unit into a laser beam with a light intensity profile having a plurality of inverted triangular peak patterns in cross section and of irradiating the pulse laser beam onto a substrate to be crystallized for crystallization. The substrate to be crystallized is such that one or more silicon oxide films which present absorption properties to the laser beam and differ in the relative proportions of Si and O are provided on a laser beam incident face.
US07943934B2 Thin film transistor array panel and method for manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor array panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a substrate; a first signal line and a second signal line disposed on the substrate; a switching thin film transistor connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, and comprising a first insulating layer; a driving thin film transistor connected to the switching thin film transistor and comprising a second insulating layer; and a discharge thin film transistor connected to one of the first signal line and the second signal line, and comprising the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer.
US07943932B2 Display substrate, display device and method of manufacturing the same
A flexible display substrate includes: a thin film transistor on the flexible substrate, the thin film transistor including a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer insulating the gate electrode, a channel layer on the gate insulating layer, a source electrode connected with the channel layer, and a drain electrode connected with the channel layer; a first stress absorbing layer below the thin film transistor; a first protection layer on the first stress absorbing layer; a second stress absorbing layer on the thin film transistor; a second protection layer on the second stress absorbing layer; and a pixel electrode on the second protection layer, the pixel electrode being connected with the drain electrode.
US07943930B2 Semiconductor device forming method
In thin film transistors (TFTs) having an active layer of crystalline silicon adapted for mass production, a catalytic element is introduced into doped regions of an amorphous silicon film by ion implantation or other means. This film is crystallized at a temperature below the strain point of the glass substrate. Further, a gate insulating film and a gate electrode are formed. Impurities are introduced by a self-aligning process. Then, the laminate is annealed below the strain point of the substrate to activate the dopant impurities. On the other hand, Neckel or other element is also used as a catalytic element for promoting crystallization of an amorphous silicon film. First, this catalytic element is applied in contact with the surface of the amorphous silicon film. The film is heated at 450 to 650° C. to create crystal nuclei. The film is further heated at a higher temperature to grow the crystal grains. In this way, a crystalline silicon film having improved crystallinity is formed.
US07943929B2 Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same are provided. The thin film transistor includes: a metal catalyst layer formed on a substrate, and a first capping layer and a second capping layer pattern sequentially formed on the metal catalyst layer. The method includes: forming a first capping layer on a metal catalyst layer; forming and patterning a second capping layer on the first capping layer; forming an amorphous silicon layer on the patterned second capping layer; diffusing the metal catalyst; and crystallizing the amorphous silicon layer to form a polysilicon layer. The crystallization catalyst diffuses at a uniform low concentration to control a position of a seed formed of the catalyst such that a channel region in the polysilicon layer is close to a single crystal. Therefore, the characteristics of the thin film transistor device may be improved and uniformed.
US07943927B2 ZnO based semiconductor light emitting device and its manufacture method
A ZnO based semiconductor light emitting device includes: a first semiconductor layer containing ZnO1-x1Sx1; a second semiconductor layer formed above the first semiconductor layer and containing ZnO1-x2Sx2; and a third semiconductor layer formed above the second semiconductor layer and containing ZnO1-x3Sx3, wherein an S composition x1 of the first semiconductor layer, an S composition x2 of the second semiconductor layer and an S composition x3 of the third semiconductor layer are so selected that an energy of the second semiconductor layer at the lower end of a conduction band becomes lower than both energies of the first and third semiconductor layers at the lower end of the conduction bands, and that an energy of the second semiconductor layer at the upper end of a valence band becomes higher than both energies of the first and third semiconductor layers at the upper end of the valence bands.
US07943926B2 Nonvolatile memory device and nonvolatile memory array including the same
A nonvolatile memory device having self-presence diode characteristics, and/or a nonvolatile memory array including the nonvolatile memory device may be provided. The nonvolatile memory device may include a lower electrode, a first semiconductor oxide layer on the lower electrode, a second semiconductor oxide layer on the first semiconductor oxide layer, and/or an upper electrode on the second semiconductor oxide layer.
US07943925B2 Light emitting element and light emitting device
A high efficient white emission light emitting element having peak intensity in each wavelength region of red, green, and blue is provided. Specifically, a white emission light emitting element having an emission spectrum that is independent of current density is provided. A first light emitting layer 312 exhibiting blue emission and a second light emitting layer 313 containing a phosphorescent material that generates simultaneously phosphorescent emission and excimer emission are combined. In order to derive excimer emission from the phosphorescent material, it is effective to disperse a phosphorescent material 323 having a high planarity structure such as platinum complex at a high concentration of at least 10 wt % to a host material 322. Further, the first light emitting layer 312 is provided to be in contact with the second light emitting layer 313 at the side of an anode. Ionization potential of the second light emitting layer 313 is preferably larger by 0.4 eV than that of the first light emitting layer 312.
US07943923B2 Multi-level data memorisation device with phase change material
A data memorization device including at least: a stack of layers including at least one memory layer based on a phase change material arranged between at least two insulating layers, placed on a substrate, a plurality of columns arranged in the stack of layers, and passing through each layer of the stack, each of the columns being based on at least one electrically conducting material, and a plurality of memorization elements formed by annular portions of the at least one memory layer surrounding columns.
US07943922B2 Nitrogenated carbon electrode for chalcogenide device and method of making same
A nitrogenated carbon electrode suitable for use in a chalcogenide device and method of making the same are described. The electrode comprises nitrogenated carbon and is in electrical communication with a chalcogenide material. The nitrogenated carbon material may be produced by combining nitrogen and vaporized carbon in a physical vapor deposition process.