Document Document Title
US08195198B1 System, method and apparatus for protecting privacy when a mobile device is located in a defined privacy zone
A system, method and apparatus for protecting privacy when a mobile device is located in a defined privacy zone are described herein. The available features that a user of a mobile device may use are controlled while the mobile device is located in a define privacy zone. Once a mobile device is detected in the define privacy zone, a database is accessed to determine if the mobile device has the features available that are to be disabled. If the features are available, a disable signal is sent via the communications network to the mobile device and the feature is disabled. Once the mobile device is detected to be outside of the defined privacy zone, the previously disabled mobile device feature is enabled.
US08195196B2 Mobility based service in wireless environment
A system and method are described for providing proximity-based Internet server access in mobile network environments such as cellular environments to reduce latency and enhance customer satisfaction. In an embodiment of the invention, a Mobile Positioning Center (MPC) caches location information regarding the mobile device. When the mobile device later attempts to resolve the domain name of a distributed service, the domain name service (DNS) server, via a policy manager, queries the MPC for the location of the user. The policy manager of the DNS server may then choose a server based on a number of criteria, including, for example, the geographical proximity of the user to the server.
US08195191B1 Method and apparatus for communicating location of a split-sector in a cellular wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for communicating the location of a split sector in a cellular wireless communication system. A processor receives a definition of the separate coverage areas defining the split sector and programmatically determines whether a minimum composite angle spanning the coverage areas exceeds a threshold such as 180°. If so, the processor establishes an data-representation of the split sector as an omnidirectional sector. Otherwise, the processor establishes a data-representation of the split sector as a non-omnidirectional sector. The processor may then communicate the established data-representation for use as a basis to facilitate a location-based service keyed to the location of the split sector, such as response to an emergency service call for instance.
US08195189B2 Managing of items distributed in a global supply chain
A method for determining locations in a predefined area for placing a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader in order to obtain a full coverage of the predefined area is provided. The method includes arranging a plurality of hexagonal area to form a combined area until the total area of the combined area is equal or larger than the predefined area, aligning the predefined area within the combined area, and determining the hexagonal area which is fully or partially covered by the predefined area. Each hexagonal area represents an area of coverage of the RFID reader, and the center of the hexagonal area which is determined to be fully or partially covered by the predefined area corresponds to one of the locations for placing the RFID reader.
US08195188B2 Location reporting satellite paging system with optional blocking of location reporting
A location reporting paging communication system comprising space satellites, ground stations and a remote receiving unit adapted to resolve a global position from signals transmitted from a communication transmitter. The subscriber in possession of the remote receiving unit updates the paging network with global positioning information. A caller paging a subscriber in possession of the remote receiving unit may request the global location of the remote receiving unit. The paging network could divulge or block such information from a caller depending on the requirements of the subscriber.
US08195181B2 Channel assignment method, radio communication system and channel structure in radio section
In a radio communication system, a user terminal transmits a reservation packet to a base station using a common control channel (1), and the base station assigns an uplink data channel to the user terminal according to the reservation packet, and assigns a first shared control channel (2b) to the user terminal in association with the uplink data channel, and the mobile station transmits a control signal to the base station using the associated uplink shared control channel. According to status of radio communication, the base station may assign beforehand a second uplink shared control channel (2a) for which occupation by the user terminal is permitted only while the user terminal is performing communication.
US08195178B2 Apparatus and method for adjusting offset in a wireless communication system
A Base Station (BS) includes an apparatus capable of performing an offset adjustment for a Mobile Station (MS). The BS can determine an offset mean value of the MS using a previously estimated offset of the MS if UpLink (UL) data received from the MS does not exist. The BS determines whether to transmit an unsolicited ranging response message (Unsolicited RNG-RSP) using the offset mean value of the MS. If transmitting the Unsolicited RNG-RSP, the BS transmits the MS the Unsolicited RNG-RSP including an offset adjustment value for the MS.
US08195173B2 Transmission rate control method, mobile station, and radio network controller
A transmission rate control method for controlling a transmission rate of user data transmitted by a mobile station via an uplink, include: notifying, at a radio network controller, a maximum allowable transmission rate of the user data to the mobile station, when the mobile station starts communications or when a cell to which the mobile station is to be connected is changed; and automatically increasing, at the mobile station, the transmission rate of the user data to the maximum allowable transmission rate that is notified by the radio network controller.
US08195171B2 Method for estimating a radio coverage of a geographic area in a cellular mobile radio communication network
A method, and a related system, for estimating coverage of a selected geographic area by a cellular radio mobile communications network including a plurality of radio base stations, includes: dividing the selected area into a plurality of area elements and determining expected serving radio base stations expected to serve the area elements based on an estimation of the strength of the radio electromagnetic field of the radio base stations in the area element. The expected serving radio stations are determined by: estimating probabilistic distributions of the strength of the radio electromagnetic fields irradiated by the radio base stations and perceived in the area element; and calculating probabilities that the area elements are served by the radio base stations based on said probabilistic distributions. The method can be exploited in the planning of a network, for example, in the estimation of the distribution of traffic.
US08195169B1 Methods and systems for automatically forwarding data messages in a wireless telecommunications network
A system and medium are provided for forwarding a data message originally addressed to a first mobile device to a second mobile device in a wireless telecommunications network. Data messages may include text messages, picture messages, and video messages. In addition to forwarding data messages, other optional data message forwarding features are provided such as a copy feature that allows for a forwarded message to be copied back to the original addressee, and an invisible feature that prevents a data message sender from knowing that a data message has been forwarded by the data message addressee.
US08195166B1 Methods for mobility management of user equipment in a long term evolution system
A UE connected to a serving cell: determines a set of virtual channels of interest to the UE; determines that the UE is in one of a plurality of ACTIVE states; detects occurrence of an event effecting service availability for the UE; and determines behavior of the UE based on the ACTIVE state of the UE and the occurrence of the event. A UE in an IDLE state: determines a set of virtual channels of interest to the UE; determines a list of cells, wherein each cell in the list supports at least one of the virtual channels; determines a candidate subset of the list of cells, wherein inclusion of a cell in the candidate subset is based on whether or not the UE is receiving on a downlink path of one of the virtual channels; and selects one of the cells in the candidate subset as a target cell.
US08195165B2 Apparatus and method for handover in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for handover in a mobile communication system enables a Mobile Station (MS) to perform a normal handover without performing an unnecessary handover. A Base Station (BS) apparatus capable of preventing an unnecessary handover includes a handover manager. The handover manager receives handover information, including information about at least one cell through which an MS has passed, from a neighbor cell to determine whether the MS has performed an unnecessary handover. If it is determined that the MS has performed an unnecessary handover, the handover manager notifies the occurrence of the unnecessary handover by the MS to the neighbor cell.
US08195163B2 Client device method and apparatus for routing a call
A telecommunication method, server and system that route an outbound telephone communication initiated by a wireless remote device through an enterprise communication network. The system also routes an incoming call to a device associated with an enterprise communication network to a plurality of telephony devices including wireless devices and other remote devices.
US08195162B2 Apparatus and method for managing connection identification in a communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving a connection identification (CID) in a communication system is provided. Upon detecting a need for its handover, a mobile station (MS) transmits a handover request message to a first base station (BS) in communication with the MS. Upon receiving the handover request message, the first BS transmits at least one CID for connection setup to a second BS to which the MS will perform handover, to the MS along with a handover response message in response to the handover request message. The MS receives the CID through the handover response message.
US08195161B2 System and method for personal identification number messaging
A relay site associated with a wireless network can send messages between mobile devices associated with the wireless network without having to transmit the messages to a host system. The messages include PIN messages and each of the mobile devices has a PIN address. The relay site includes a relay server for controlling the operation of the relay site, and sending the PIN messages between the mobile devices. The relay site also includes a relay data store having PIN information for users associated with the mobile devices. The relay server can access the relay data store to allow users that use the mobile devices to query the relay data store for PIN information of other users.
US08195159B1 Session restoration upon return to EV-DO
Methods and systems are provided for session restoration upon return to EV-DO. In one embodiment, a first radio network controller (RNC) receives from an access terminal a session-establishment request, where the session-establishment request requests establishment of a session for the access terminal. The first RNC determines that the session-establishment request indicates that the access terminal does not currently have a session, and responsively queries a second RNC to determine whether the access terminal currently has a session with the second RNC, which the access terminal does. After querying the second RNC, the first RNC receives session data from the second RNC, where the session data corresponds to the session that the access terminal currently has with the second RNC. The first RNC uses the received session data to set up a session with the first RNC for the access terminal.
US08195157B2 Method of providing route update messages and providing messages to access terminals
The present invention provides a method including providing at least one route update message based upon at least one sector list associated with an access terminal. The sector lists are formed based on information collected by the access terminal.
US08195154B2 Method for implementing terminal roaming and managing in the soft switch-based next generation network
It is a method for implementing terminal roam and management in the soft switch-based Next Generation Network, comprises: a user terminal moving on the IP network, when the IP address changing, the user terminal registering at a soft switch controlling device again, the user terminal attaining the allocated IP address of the said soft switch controlling device and registering at the exchange controlling device, after the soft switch controlling device receiving the register request of the user terminal, it attaining the user data of the said terminal from a database. The soft switch controlling device judges whether the user terminal roaming, if it roaming, the soft switch controlling device further judges whether allowing the user terminal to access, if the user terminal roaming and being allowed to access, then the soft switch controlling device transmits the transmission success response to the user terminal, the user terminal accesses to the soft switch controlling device. This method can provide the function of terminal roaming in the NGN, implementing the roaming management for the terminal, including the roaming right management function, roaming identification function and roaming charge function.
US08195149B2 Wireless protocol converter
Methods and systems for interfacing between broadband wireless communication systems and Local Area Network (LAN) systems includes a repeater station placed at a location that receives sufficient signal strength from a broadband wireless service provider. LAN devices interface with the broadband wireless service provider through the repeater station. The LAN devices are able to operate within the operating range of the repeater station. The repeater station includes a protocol converter that interfaces between a first protocol associated with the broadband wireless service provider, and one or more protocols associated with the devices. For example, and without limitation, the protocol converter converts between a first protocol associated with a Wide Area Network (WAN) service provider, such as a cellular telephone protocol, and one or more LAN protocols associated with the one or more devices. The one or more devices optionally include one or more wireless devices.
US08195146B2 Remote management over a wireless wide-area network using short message service
A method and device for remote management over a wireless wide-area network includes receiving a short message over a wireless wide-area network (WWAN) using an out-of-band (OOB) processor of a computing device. The OOB processor is capable of communicating over the WWAN irrespective of an operational state of an in-band processor of the computing device. The computing device executes at least one operation with the OOB processor in response to receiving the short message.
US08195140B2 Control software for unlocking relocking cellular telephones
Cellular telephone handsets often include electronic or software coding that “locks” them to a specific wireless network. Provided herein, is a method for provisioning locked handsets by unlocking them from their established network and relocking them on a new cellular network. The handset is connected in communication with the control process, identified, and provisioned. The method allows for provisioning of multiple models and brands to be provisioned from different carriers and to different carriers. It further allows multiple handsets to be provisioned simultaneously. During the process, the handset may be sensitivity tested. Further, the identification portion of the method can be used in conjunction with phone support tools beyond the provisioning process.
US08195135B2 Mobile communication device and audio processing method thereof
A mobile communication device capable of communicating with a remote communication device includes a communication unit, a microphone, an input unit, a control unit, and a switching unit. The communication unit is used for generating a remote audio signal according to remote audio information received from the remote communication device. The microphone is used for generating a local audio signal according to a local sound. The input unit is used for receiving a trigger signal. The control unit is configured for generating a switching signal in response to the trigger signal. The switching unit is configured for transmitting the remote and local audio signals to the remote communication device via the communication unit alternately according to the switching signal.
US08195130B2 Visual voicemail network architecture
A system may include a load balancer that includes a receiver configured to receive a first notification of voicemail message information associated with a voicemail mailbox. The system may also include a group of servers and each of the group of servers may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive the first notification of the voicemail message information from the load balancer, and the transmitter may be configured to send a second notification of the voicemail message information to a communication device associated with the voicemail mailbox, wherein the second notification causes the communication device to determine whether to request a list of voicemail messages. The load balancer may also include a processor to select a first one of the plurality of servers and a transmitter to send the first notification to the first one of the plurality of servers.
US08195128B2 System and method for processing attachments to messages sent to a mobile device
A system and method for processing attachments to messages sent to a mobile device is described herein. Embodiments described herein apply to encrypted messages comprising multiple message parts, in which different encryption keys (e.g. session keys) have been used to encrypt the different message parts. In at least one example embodiment, the encrypted session keys for every message content part comprising an attachment is received at the mobile device. In one embodiment, all of the encrypted session keys are stored together in a main message header. The mobile device may then decrypt the encrypted session key associated with a user requested attachment, and transmits the decrypted session key to one or more remote servers in an attachment request for use in decrypting the requested attachment. Data associated with the requested attachment, in decrypted form, is returned to the mobile device.
US08195127B1 Systems and methods for protecting emails
Systems and methods are provided for protecting email messages. In accordance with one implementation, a phone is provided that includes allowing users to protect the users' emails in mobile devices from tampering by third parties, if the mobile devices are lost to the third parties. In addition, the phone may be configured to apply electronic maps to divide locations into different regions. Moreover, the phone may be configured to erase emails either temporarily or permanently, when certain conditions occur.
US08195124B2 Apparatus and methods for managing time sensitive application privileges on a wireless device
Apparatus and methods for managing time sensitive application privileges on a wireless device include a computer platform operable to execute an application having a time sensitivity requirement. A time retrieval service resident on the computer platform is operable to retrieve a date/time result, which may be associated with a confidence factor. And, a date/time determination module resident on the computer platform is operable to determine whether or not to execute the application based on the date/time result and/or based on the confidence factor. Corresponding methods and computer readable media are also included.
US08195118B2 Apparatus, system, and method for integrated phase shifting and amplitude control of phased array signals
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for phase shifting and amplitude control. A two-phase local oscillator generates an in-phase sinusoidal signal of a fixed frequency and a quadrature sinusoidal signal of the fixed frequency having a ninety degree phase shift from the in-phase sinusoidal signal. A signal generator receives the in-phase sinusoidal signal and the quadrature sinusoidal signal and generates a controllable sinusoidal signal of the fixed frequency. The controllable sinusoidal signal has a variable amplitude and a shiftable phase. A mixer varies the amplitude and shifts the phase of an input signal by mixing the input signal with the controllable sinusoidal signal to generate an output signal. The input signal and the output signal carry phase and amplitude information required for phased array signal processing. Either a receiver or a transmitter may be implemented using the present invention.
US08195117B2 Integrated switchless programmable attenuator and low noise amplifier
An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides programmable attenuation and a programmable gain low noise amplifier. Frequency conversion circuitry advantageously uses LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers to provide sufficient image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. The filters utilize multi track spiral inductors. The filters are tuned using local oscillators to tune a substitute filter, and frequency scaling during filter component values to those of the filter being tuned. In conjunction with filtering, frequency planning provides additional image rejection. The advantageous choice of local oscillator signal generation methods on chip is by PLL out of band local oscillation and by direct synthesis for in band local oscillator. The VCOs in the PLLs are centered using a control circuit to center the tuning capacitance range. A differential crystal oscillator is advantageously used as a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission is advantageously used throughout the receiver.
US08195106B2 Vehicle control and communication via device in proximity
An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, transmit a signal from the first device to the wireless device to cause the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle, and perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.
US08195102B2 System and method for transmitting a baseband real signal with a non-constant envelope using a polar transmitter
A system and method for transmitting a baseband real signal with a non-constant envelope using a polar transmitter involves decomposing a baseband real signal into a non-constant envelope signal of the baseband real signal and a sign signal of the baseband real signal, where the sign signal restores zero crossing regions of the non-constant envelope signal, modulating a carrier signal with the sign signal of the baseband real signal to generate a modulated signal, converting the non-constant envelope signal of the baseband real signal into a voltage signal using a voltage controlled supply regulator, amplifying the modulated signal into an amplified signal based on the voltage signal, and transmitting the amplified signal to an external wireless device.
US08195101B2 RF bus access protocol and transceiver and methods for use therewith
A method includes determining whether information is to be transmitted via a radio frequency (RF) bus that supports direct intra-device communication between at least three circuits in a millimeter wave frequency band. When the information is to be transmitted via the RF bus, the method determines whether the RF bus is available. When the RF bus is available, the information is converted into RF bus signal, access to the RF bus is secured, and after access to the RF bus is secured, the RF bus signal is transmitted via the RF bus.
US08195099B2 Speed estimation and power control based on CQI reports
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate utilizing different power control algorithms as a function of access terminal speed. For instance, instantaneous Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) reports can be inverted for slow moving access terminals while long-term geometry inversion (e.g., average CQI report inversion) can be utilized for quick moving access terminals. Speed of the access terminal can be estimated based upon time correlation of CQI values. Further, selection of implementing instantaneous CQI inversion or long-term geometry inversion can be based upon the estimated speed of the access terminal.
US08195095B2 Mitigating audible acknowledgement volume in a vehicle security system
A system, method, and computer-usable medium for mitigating audible acknowledgement volume in a vehicle security system. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes measuring an amplitude of a valid signal, in response to receiving the valid signal; in response to determining the amplitude of the valid signal, comparing the amplitude to a first predetermined threshold; in response to the comparison, adjusting a volume setting of an audible acknowledgement; further adjusting the volume setting in response to measuring ambient noise of a surrounding location; and emitting the audible acknowledgement.
US08195089B2 Apparatus and method for cooperative transmission in multi-antenna relay wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for cooperative transmission in a multi-antenna relay wireless communication system are provided. A receiving end includes an estimator, a reader, a feedback unit and a detector. According to the present invention, the receiving end receives the signal from both the transmitting end and the relay station. Therefore, a reception gain is obtained and a high throughput can be ensured.
US08195086B2 Wireless data delivery via streaming media and broadcast devices
A system and method for optimizing network delivery of streaming data is provided. Streaming delivery of data using point-to-point transmitters and broadcast transmitters can be dynamically controlled to maximize the usage of network resources. Current usage of respective systems can be analyzed, as can projected usage be analyzed. Network resources can be reallocated, and connecting devices can be redirected as needed to maintain high efficiency of allocated resources.
US08195085B2 Method of developing educational materials based on multiple-choice questions
The present invention comprises methods of developing and implementing educational products or materials, including testing products or materials, by utilizing multiple-choice questions. Starting with a given set of facts to be presumed in a question, the method may require one to examine each answer choice, and inquire how a set of facts to be presumed could be modified to make that answer choice the “correct” or “best” answer choice. If a given answer choice is already correct, no modification is needed. If a given answer choice is not correct, various modifications may be employed, including changing some of the words or phrases, or other symbols or objects within the set of facts to be presumed.
US08195077B2 Image forming apparatus with high-gloss and partial-gloss modes
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion configured to form and heat-fix a toner image on a recording material; a re-conveying path configured to re-convey the recording material having the toner image on a front side, to the image forming portion to form and heat-fix a toner image on a back side of the recording material; a glossing portion configured to increase glossiness of the toner image; and an executing device configured to execute a high-gloss mode for glossing the toner image on the back side into a high-gloss toner image, and a partial-gloss mode for forming a partial-gloss toner image having glossiness lower than glossiness of the toner image in the high-gloss mode without glossing the toner image on the back side, wherein the glossing portion is provided in the re-conveying path.
US08195076B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device to fix a toner image on a sheet includes a flexible endless belt that rotates in a predetermined direction, an inner circumferential surface of which includes a fluorine-containing surface layer, a rotary member that contacts an outer circumferential surface of the belt, a fixed member fixed inside the belt to press against the rotary member via the belt, forming a nip portion therebetween, a lubricant applied between the belt and the fixed member, and a heat source to heat at least one of the belt and the rotary member. A surface of the fixed member that slidingly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the belt includes a fluorine-containing surface layer. One of the fluorine-containing surface layers is porous, and at least one of the fluorine-containing surface layers has a surface energy greater than a surface tension of the lubricant.
US08195074B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming station for forming an image, a registration member, a registration motor, and a fixing unit. The registration member is configured to feed the recording medium in appropriate timing such that a recording medium is aligned with the toner image formed in the image forming station. The registration motor is configured to drive the registration member. The fixing unit is configured to fix the toner image on the recording medium and includes a rotary heating member to heat the recording medium, a rotary pressure member to contact and press against the heating member forming a fixing nip portion where the heating roller and the pressure roller meet, and a sheet separator to eject air to separate the recording medium from the rotary heating member based on a drive signal of the registration motor.
US08195064B2 Separator hanger for enabling constrained positioning of a packaging fabric insert in an image forming device
A separator hanger has a body with forward and rearward portions and a central portion interconnecting the forward and rearward portions. The rearward portion has side wing sections extending laterally in opposite directions beyond opposite side edges of the central portion with respective elements thereon adapted to extend through first slots in a packaging insert. The rearward portion also has a tail section between the side wing sections with an element thereon adapted to extend through a second slot in the packaging insert located between and offset from the first slots. Such elements provide the rearward portion in a threaded relationship with the packaging insert so as to detachably attach the rearward portion thereto. The forward portion is adapted to anchor the body to one portion of a device so as to thereby constrain the packaging insert to a position clear of another portion of the device located nearby the packaging insert.
US08195063B2 Image forming apparatus having first and second ground conducting routes
An image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus body, a cassette attaching section, a media cassette, a release portion, a first ground conducting route and a second ground conducting route is provided. The cassette attaching section includes a media supplying roller. The media cassette is removably installed in the cassette attaching section. The media cassette includes a loading plate, a pushing up member and a plate holding portion. The release portion engages the plate holding portion. The first ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media and includes a conducting portion. The second ground conducting route conducts static electricity charged on the media when the media is conveyed by the media supplying roller.
US08195052B2 Optical wavelength multiplexing system, optical wavelength multiplexing method, and computer product
An optical wavelength multiplexing system includes transmission-side and reception-side optical wavelength multiplexers, and terminal devices, which are connected to each other by optical fiber cables. Optical wavelength converters in the transmission-side optical wavelength multiplexers are connected to ports respectively. The optical wavelength converter converts an input optical signal into an arbitrary preset wavelength to generate a converted optical signal. The port has a predetermined wavelength preset therein. Each optical power level of input converted optical signals is compared with each optical power level of optical signals of respective wavelengths set in the ports. When a difference is detected in the comparison result, it is determined that an optical wavelength converter is incorrectly connected to the port.
US08195051B2 Rotating data transmission device with active compensation of transmission function
A rotating data transmission device for transmitting data from a data source to a data sink between a rotating part and a stationary part comprises a transmitting conductor arrangement which is fed from a transmitter means, and also a receiver means which taps signals from the transmitting conductor arrangement with the aid of a receiving coupler arrangement. The connection between data source and rotating data transmission device, or rotating data transmission device and data sink, is effected by means of light-waveguides. The receivers of the light-waveguides are linear receivers followed by equalizers for correcting the frequency and phase response.
US08195049B1 Transporting asynchronous ODUk signals over a synchronous interface
System and methods are provided, in an Optical Transport Network (OTN), for communicating asynchronous Tributary Slots (TSs) via a synchronous Optical Payload Transport Unit of level k (OTUk) interface. The transmission method accepts a plurality of TSs at a corresponding plurality of asynchronous data rates. The TSs are mapped, using a tangible memory medium, into pseudo-Optical channel Data Tributary Unit (ODTU) frames synchronized to a common clock. Then, the synchronized pseudo-ODTU frames can be interleaved into an OTUk frame, without the need of a phase-locked loop (PLL) or buffering.
US08195043B2 Three-dimensional camera module
A three-dimensional camera module includes a base plate, a first rotating shaft, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a first lens unit, a second lens unit mounted, a first piezoelectric actuator, a second piezoelectric actuator and a image processor. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft is positioned on the base plate. The first supporting member and the second supporting member are rotatably fixed to the first rotating shaft and second rotating shaft, respectively. The first lens unit and the second lens unit are mounted on the first supporting member and the second supporting member, respectively. The first piezoelectric actuator abuts the first supporting member to drive the first supporting member to pivot around the first rotating shaft. The second piezoelectric actuator abuts the second supporting member. Both of the first lens unit and the second lens unit are electrically connected to the image processor.
US08195041B2 Exposure control unit and imaging apparatus
An exposure control unit comprising a photometer, a designator, a first calculator, a first counter, a selector, a second calculator, a categorizer, and an exposure controller is provided. The photometer comprises a plurality of photometric zones. The designator designates the photometric zones one by one as a target zone. The first calculator calculates a first difference. The first counter counts a first determination number. The selector selects the target zone of which the first determination number is greater than a second threshold. The second calculator calculates a categorization value. The categorizer categorizes a target zone into low- or high-luminous zones. The exposure controller controls an exposure of the imaging apparatus on the basis of the partial value of light for one of the low- and high-luminous zones.
US08195037B2 Apparatus and method of storing video data
An apparatus for and method of storing video data comprising receiving an MPEG video stream comprising I-frames and P-frames, separating the I-frames from the P-frames, storing the I-frames and the P-frames separately, and providing information so that the I-frames and the P-frames can be combined to produce a full-motion video.
US08195036B2 Storage medium for storing text-based subtitle data including style information, and reproducing apparatus and method for reproducing text-based subtitle data including style information
A storage medium includes multimedia image data, and text-based subtitle data for displaying subtitles on an image based on the multimedia image data, wherein the text-based subtitle data includes dialog information indicating subtitle contents to be displayed on the image, style information indicating an output style of the dialog information, and partial style information indicating an output style applied to a portion of the dialog information. Accordingly, subtitles can be provided in a plurality of languages without being limited to a particular number of units of subtitle data. In addition, subtitle data can be easily produced and edited. Likewise, an output style of the subtitle data can be changed in a variety of ways. Also, a special style can be applied in order to emphasize a portion of the subtitles.
US08195032B2 Video apparatus and method
A video apparatus includes a memory in which image information denoting a moving image is recorded and a thumbnail creator that creates thumbnail information denoting thumbnails upon completion of recording of the image information in the memory. The apparatus also includes various types of user interfaces by which a user can designate frames of the moving image information for thumbnail creation.
US08195031B2 Recording medium, reproduction device, program, and reproduction method
A BD-ROM stores a video stream and a plurality of pieces of Copy Control Information (CCIforSD and CCIforHD). The video stream carries video composed of a plurality of frame images. Each piece of Copy Control Information indicates, for one of a plurality of quality levels, restrictions imposed on recording of a video signal generated by converting the plurality of frame images and output at a respective quality level.
US08195030B2 Reproduction apparatus, reproduction method, recording apparatus, recording method, AV data switching method, output apparatus, and input apparatus
In jumping reproduction, when an MPEG transport stream processed by the jumping reproduction is decoded and displayed, many noises occur in the video and the audio corresponding to the vicinity of the jumping.Provided are: a hard disk section 208 of reading and reproducing AV data recorded as an MPEG transport stream in a recording medium; and an AV transfer control block 211 of controlling the hard disk section 208 in such a manner that during the reproduction of the AV data, when the reproduction is performed with skipping a predetermined portion of the AV data, before the skipping of the predetermined portion, transport packets are outputted up to the last one among those constituting a frame, and that after the skipping of the predetermined portion, transport packets are outputted starting from the beginning transport packet of the next I frame.
US08195029B2 Content viewing support apparatus and content viewing support method, and computer program
A content viewing support apparatus for supporting a user in operation for selecting a program desired to be recorded by one of programmed recording and recording includes: a preview scene recorded data generating section for obtaining a preview scene of each broadcast program content, and generating next broadcast preview scene recorded data; and a preview scene presenting section for, when the user performs one of an operation for programmed recording of a program and an operation for recording of the program, presenting a recorded preview scene of the program.
US08195028B2 Method for identifying a document recorded by a display, selection of key images and an associated receptor
The present invention relates to a method for identifying an audiovisual document. Initially, the user programs the recording in an audiovisual content device with the aim of recording a determined document. Once the recording has been performed, the device detects and displays identifiers associated with shots extracted from the recorded content, each associated shot having at least one determined characteristic. An indication of the probability associated with each shot so that said shot is indeed the shot identifying the start or the end of said document is also displayed. Then, the user introduces a selection command for a displayed identifier, the start or the end of said document being identified by the shot associated with the selected identifier. The invention also relates to a receiver featuring a user interface implementing the method.
US08195024B2 Stream generating apparatus, imaging apparatus, data processing apparatus and stream generating method
There is provided stream generating apparatus which generates a multiplexed stream including moving picture data. The apparatus includes a moving picture encoding processing section for generating a moving picture stream by encoding the moving picture data allowing switching between a reference frame rate and more than one frame rate different from the reference frame rate according to a desired timing; a time control information generating section for generating playback time control information with certain intervals corresponding to picture frame display cycles relevant to the reference frame rate, for each picture frame inputted to the moving picture encoding processing section; and a multiplexing processing section for generating the multiplexed stream by multiplexing the moving picture stream and the playback time control information.
US08195019B2 Plastic glass optical fiber
A plastic glass optical fiber includes a glass core (diameter a1, relative refractive index difference Δ1, and refractive index n1), a polymer core (diameter a2, relative refractive index difference Δ2, and refractive index n2), and a polymer cladding (refractive index n3), in which the diameter a1 of the glass core is within a range of 110 μm to 200 μm, a parameter X (X is a22/a12) is within a range of 1.15≦X≦2.9, a parameter Y (Y is Δ2/Δ1) is within a range of 0.25≦Y≦0.84X−0.68 (when 1.15≦X≦2) or 0.48X−0.71≦Y≦−(2/9)X+13/9 (when 2≦X≦2.9), a parameter ZR (ZR is Z2core/Z1core; Z2core=a22π/4×√(n12−n32) and Z1core=a12π/4×√(n12−n22)) is within a range of 1.25≦ZR≦4.
US08195016B2 Optical fiber switch including an index matching elastomeric solid layer and related methods
An optical fiber switch which may include first and second angled optical fibers having respective first and second end faces. Each of the first and second angled optical fibers may include a core having a core index of refraction, and a cladding surrounding the core and having a cladding index of refraction less than the core index of refraction. The optical fiber switch may further include a first index matching elastomeric solid layer having a proximal face coupled to the first end face, and a distal face opposite the proximal face to be repeatably optically coupled to the second end face. The first index matching elastomeric solid layer may have an index of refraction matching at least the index of refraction of the core. The optical fiber switch may also include at least one actuator for relatively moving the first and second angled optical fibers between a coupled position and an uncoupled position.
US08195013B2 Miniature fiber optic temperature sensors
An intensity-based fiber optic temperature sensor having a fiber probe with a multimode transmit/receive fiber, a reflector spaced apart from the end of the fiber, and a housing affixed at its ends to the fiber probe and reflector, the housing having a larger or smaller thermal expansion coefficient than those of the fiber probe and reflector. Temperature changes cause a change in the gap distance between the fiber end and the reflector, changing the amount of reflected light coupled into the optical fiber. Temperature sensors can also have a fiber probe with two or more multimode receiving fibers surrounding a transmitting fiber. Other temperature sensors include a fiber probe with a multimode transmitting fiber, a reference multimode receiving fiber and a sensing multimode receiving fiber for reducing noise effects.
US08195010B2 Video matching apparatus and video matching method
A singular point removing unit (12) removes a singular point as invisible high-frequency component noise from a degraded video signal and a reference video signal. A pixel value correcting unit (13) removes pixel-value bias added to the degraded video signal. The singular point removing unit (12) transforms the video signal into a spatial frequency, removes a high-frequency component, and restores the video signal by inverse transformation, or removes a singular point by using an averaging filter or a median filter. The pixel value correcting unit (13) obtains the correlation between the pixel values of the reference video signal and the corresponding pixel values of the degraded video signal, and corrects the pixel values of the reference video signal or the degraded video signal so as to match the pixel values of the degraded video signal with the pixel values of the reference video signal.
US08195006B2 Method and device for representing a digital image on a surface which is non-trivial in terms of its geometry and photometry
The invention relates to a method and a device for representing a two-dimensional digital image on a projection surface, whereby at least one projector projects the content of an image buffer onto the projection surface. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device which allow to project a digital image onto a background having any surface structure and/or color in such a manner that any influences on the image caused by the background are compensated to the last pixel for at least one special observer perspective. In a special embodiment, definition of the representation is optimized to the last pixel even on an uneven background. For this purpose, the digital image is processed during a rendering step by geometrically distorting it using a two-dimensional pixel-offset field which contains information on the projection surface, and by manipulating the color of the image by means of a two-dimensional surface texture of the projection surface. A least a part of the processed image is rendered in an image buffer and a rectangle is written into the image buffer for initiating the rendering step, thereby compensating scattered light influences. The invention especially relates to a system comprising a plurality of projectors. Definition of representation can be optimized to the last pixel by means of definition values and representation is furthermore possible subject to the observer's position.
US08195005B2 Image processing, image feature extraction and image matching apparatuses, methods and programs, and image matching system
An object of the present invention is to eliminate instability in processing results of either one of image restoration processing, image feature extraction processing, and image matching processing, which is caused depending on an image division method, to enhance identification accuracy in image matching. An image processing apparatus includes an image input section, a data processing section, and a result output section. The data processing section includes a controller, an image-dividing-method dictionary, an image division section, an image processing section and an image integration section. The image division section divides image data into a plurality of regions according to a plurality of image dividing methods set in advance in the image-dividing-method dictionary. The image processing section processes the image data divided according to the image dividing methods by the image division section and generates a plurality of restored image data. The image integration section generates integrated image data of the entire image by using the plurality of the restored image data obtained from the processing that the image division section and image processing section perform according to the plurality of the image division methods.
US08194999B2 Image generating apparatus, image generating method and computer product
An image generating apparatus that generates an output image using a difference between an uncorrected pixel in an image and a smoothed pixel obtained by smoothing the uncorrected pixel. The image generating apparatus includes a storage unit, a tone-converted uncorrected pixel generating unit, a tone-converted smoothed pixel generating unit, and an output image generating unit. The storage unit stores an uncorrected pixel tone table for converting the uncorrected pixel and a smoothed pixel tone table for converting the smoothed pixel. The tone-converted uncorrected pixel generating unit converts the uncorrected pixel to a tone-converted uncorrected pixel based on the uncorrected pixel tone table. The tone-converted smoothed pixel generating unit converts the smoothed pixel to a tone-converted smoothed pixel based on the smoothed pixel tone table. The output image generating unit generates the output image based on a difference between the tone-converted uncorrected pixel and the tone-converted smoothed pixel.
US08194998B2 Preceding vehicle detection system
A preceding vehicle detection system includes an image capture module for capturing an image of surroundings of a subject vehicle, a preceding vehicle detection module for detecting a preceding vehicle from an image captured and a tail lamp detection module for detecting a pixel area having a luminance which is larger than or equal to a threshold value on a pixel line in the image and detecting the pixel area in each pixel line while scanning pixel lines on the image in leftward and rightward directions from the pixel line set as a reference to detect areas where tail lamps of the preceding vehicle are captured from the image.
US08194988B2 Methods for calculating video inverse transform
Inverse transforms used in video and image compression/decompression, such as DCT/IDCT used in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, or the integer transforms used in H.264, are usually calculated with fast algorithms, which only take advantage of the symmetry existing in the transform matrix but ignores the peculiarities in the input data. While these kind of fast algorithms can apply to both forward and inverse transforms, they tend to be inefficient in calculating inverse transforms. In inverse transforms, most of the coefficients become zero after quantization, this invention takes advantage of this fact to further simplify the general fast algorithm and speed up the calculation.
US08194987B2 Digital image encoding
An apparatus and method for limiting bit rate of compressed data is disclosed. The apparatus and method allows the generation of parameters for encoding digital image data based on the data bit rate resulting from the use of different parameters. In one embodiment, a statistical analysis is performed to determine the different parameters. The use of parameters results in a bit rate that would prevent a decoder to stall during decompression while allowing the encoder compress without affecting the quality. Therefore, a more efficient encoding and decoding can be achieved.
US08194983B2 Method and system for preprocessing an image for optical character recognition
The present invention provides method and system for preprocessing an image including one or more of Arabic text and non-text items for Optical Character Recognition (OCR). The method includes determining a plurality of components associated with one or more of the Arabic text and the non-text items, wherein a component includes a set of connected pixels. A first set of characteristic parameters is then calculated for the plurality of components. The plurality of components are subsequently merged based on the first set of characteristic parameters to form one or more of one or more sub-words and one or more words.
US08194981B2 Fluorescent signal analyzing apparatus and fluorescent signal analyzing method
A fluorescent signal analyzing apparatus includes an image input unit, a storage unit, an extracting unit, and an analyzing unit. At least one fluorescent image of a sample is input to the input unit. The storage unit stores data on the at least one fluorescent image input to the image input unit. The extracting unit extracts, for each of the fluorescent images, data on a fluorescence intensity in a desired region on the at least one fluorescent image from the data on the at least one fluorescent image stored in the storage unit. The analyzing unit calculates at least one of a correlation and a photon counting histogram for the desired region by use of the data on the fluorescence intensity.
US08194969B2 Method and apparatus for visual inspection
A visual inspection apparatus includes an image-data acquisition unit for acquiring plural pieces of image data A to C on an inspection target, image comparison units for comparing the image data A to C with each other thereby to create plural pieces of sign-affixed difference-image data D and E, the image data A to C being acquired by the image-data acquisition unit, difference-image comparison units for determining the difference between the sign-affixed difference-image data D and E created by the image comparison units, and a judgment unit for subjecting, to a threshold-value processing, difference data F between the difference-image data D and E, the difference data F being acquired by the difference-image comparison units, obtaining a detection sensitivity by enlarging the difference between an abnormal signal level of an image of an area where an abnormality exists from the visual inspection.
US08194967B2 Article visual inspection apparatus
An article visual inspection apparatus capable of detecting that the surface conditions of an article are so inferior as to render the article unusable as a product and rejecting the same as a defective article by inspecting the article for external defects, occurring on the surface of the article, such as streaks, dice marks and rough surfaces of an aluminum extruded shape. The visual inspection apparatus comprises an imaging device (1) for imaging the surface of the article, and an image processing device (3) for capturing the picked up image. The image processing device (3) has a plurality of image processing units that compare a captured image with a set judging reference value to evaluate the result, whereby the quality of surface conditions is evaluated based on external defects such as streaks, dice marks and rough surfaces of an aluminum extruded shape, and evaluations by the respective image processing units are weighted by a weighting unit to thereby comprehensively judge whether to accept or reject the article.
US08194965B2 Method and system of providing a probability distribution to aid the detection of tumors in mammogram images
Methods and systems are disclosed to aid in the detection of cancer or lesion in a mammogram images. Two mammogram images are input into an application that aids in determining the probability of a cancer or lesion being present in one or both of the images. The images are divided into different nodes and labels are applied to the nodes. The first node is compared to different variants of corresponding nodes on the second image as well as neighboring nodes on the first image. Based upon the comparisons, a unary and binary potential is calculated for the label that is applied to the node. The process is repeated for every possible label and for every node. Once the unary and binary potentials have been calculated, the potentials are input into a Conditional Random Field model to determine the probability of cancer for each node of the images.
US08194963B2 Efficient estimator of pharmacokinetic parameters in breast MRI
A method for performing pharmacokinetic analysis in magnetic resonance (MR) images includes administering a dose of contrast agent (CA) into a subject. A sequence of medical images is acquired of the subject at set temporal intervals. The time-based behavior of concentrations of CA is described within the subject for each voxel of each medical image of the sequence of medical images based on a reference voxel using a compartmental model for pharmacokinetic analysis that is based on a set of compartmental model parameters. The compartmental model is solved for each of the compartmental model parameters. The solution for the compartmental model parameters is used to estimate one or more parameters of physiological significance.
US08194962B2 Method for detecting movements and correcting movements in tomographic and projective image series and tomography or projection system for implementing this method
A method is disclosed for detecting movements and correcting movements in tomographic and projective image series. Further, a tomography or projection system is further disclosed for implementing this method. In at least one embodiment, the temporal changes in an image series with a multiplicity of temporally subsequent image data records are determined and a transformation function for correcting movements is calculated using registration methods, by which movements can be eliminated. To this end, in at least one embodiment a motion detection algorithm recognizes and distinguishes scan volumes and times at which a movement or no movement occurs. Subsequently, in at least one embodiment an algorithm for correcting the movement in those scan volumes in which a movement was detected is implemented, with the correction referring to respectively representative image intervals.
US08194960B2 Method and apparatus for correcting results of region recognition, and recording medium having a program for correcting results of region recognition recorded therein
To correct a region recognition result in each tomographic image easily. Causing a plurality of tomographic images representing a plurality of regions of a subject or a reconstructed image based on the images and results of recognition processing of the regions of the subject represented by the respective tomographic images, in which the positional relationship of the recognized regions between the tomographic images matches with the anatomical positional relationship of the regions, to be displayed on a screen, accepting input of correction information identifying a correction position which is a boundary of different regions, determining an image whose result of the recognition processing is incorrect and a correct region of the image based on the anatomical positional relationship and/or results of the recognition processing of images adjacent to the correction position, and the correction information, and correcting the result of the recognition processing of the image.
US08194959B2 Medical image part recognition apparatus and medical image part recognition program
An apparatus for efficiently recognizing a part of a body shown in each of plural axial images for one series of axial images obtained by imaging an object to be inspected with a modality. The apparatus includes: apart determining unit for tentatively determining a part of a body shown in each of plural axial images; and a part correcting unit for correcting the part tentatively determined for at least one axial image by the part determining unit, based on information on the plural axial images.
US08194956B2 Medical imaging system and related methods
A medical imaging system includes an imaging device, an input device, an output device, and an imaging system server in signal communication with the imaging device, the input device and the output device, the imaging system server including at least one processor and machine readable memory. The server is configured to display a capture outline, the capture outline including a depiction of a body area to be imaged, display a preliminary image together with the capture outline such that the preliminary image is superimposable with the capture outline, and capture an image associated with the capture outline.
US08194952B2 Image processing system and methods for aligning skin features for early skin cancer detection systems
Embodiments of an image processing system and methods for aligning features suitable for use in early skin-cancer detection systems are described herein. Corresponding skin features between a reference image and a later-captured image are precisely aligned. Curvatures are used to align body outlines of corresponding images using body-background masks. An initial-displacement flowfield map, generated from the aligned body outlines, may be applied to a filtered version of the later-captured image to generate a pre-warped image. The pre-warped image and a filtered version of the reference image are divided into a plurality of overlapping chips and a correlation is performed between corresponding chips. A transformation map may be generated based on the chip correlations. This chipping process may be iterated for successively smaller chip sizes to generate a final transform map which may be applied to the later-captured image to generate a registered image having its skin features aligned with the reference image.
US08194948B2 Instrumentation endoscope apparatus
A reference point-designating section 18b designates two reference points on a measurement object. A reference curve-calculating section 18c calculates a reference curve calculated by approximating an outline of the measurement object based on the reference points. A loss-composing point-calculating section 18d calculates loss-composing points constituting a loss outline formed on the measurement object based on the reference points and the reference curve. A loss size-calculating section 18f measures loss size based on the loss-composing points. Designating two reference points enables loss size measurement, thereby reducing complex operation and improving operability.
US08194946B2 Aligning apparatus, aligning method, and the program
An aligning method and apparatus for aligning images having different imaged regions with improved alignment accuracy. Aligning the imaged region of each of a plurality of partial images with an overall reference image. Then, two images having an overlapping area are aligned with each other based on the amount of shift when one of the two images is aligned with the overall reference image, and the amount of shift when the other of the two images is aligned with the overall reference image.
US08194945B2 Computer aided image acquisition and diagnosis system
A computer-aided image acquisition and diagnosis system, which generates and files images for facilitating the reading and diagnosis based on the acquired images. The X-ray CT apparatus for obtaining diagnosis image from the projection data of imaging of a subject, includes a selector means for selecting the detection object to be anticipated, a scanner means for scanning the subject placed in position, an image processing means for reconstructing the subject image from the projection data obtained from the scanner means, an extractor means for extracting the detection object selected in the selector means from within the reconstructed image, and a display means for displaying the detection object extracted by the extractor means.
US08194944B2 Method of automatically displaying medical measurement data
In a method of automatically displaying medical measurement data, a computer receives medical measurement data, automatically, in real time, converts the received measurement data into data for histograms, and outputs the converted data as picture signals. A readout (10) displays histogram columns (12) and a cumulative curve (14).
US08194938B2 Face authentication using recognition-by-parts, boosting, and transduction
A robust recognition-by-parts authentication system for comparing and authenticating a test image with at least one training image is disclosed. This invention applies the concepts of recognition-by-parts, boosting, and transduction.
US08194937B2 Method for dynamic prior image constrained image reconstruction
A method for reconstructing a high quality image from undersampled image data is provided. The image reconstruction method is applicable to a number of different imaging modalities. Specifically, the present invention provides an image reconstruction method that incorporates an appropriate prior image into the image reconstruction process. Thus, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an image reconstruction method that requires less number of data samples to reconstruct an accurate reconstruction of a desired image than previous methods, such as, compressed sensing. Another aspect of the invention is to provide an image reconstruction method that produces a time series of desired images indicative of a higher temporal resolution than is ordinarily achievable with the imaging system. For example, cardiac phase images can be produced with high temporal resolution (e.g., 20 milliseconds) using a CT imaging system with a slow gantry rotation speed.
US08194936B2 Optimal registration of multiple deformed images using a physical model of the imaging distortion
Methods and systems for image registration implementing a feature-based strategy that uses a retinal vessel network to identify features, uses an affine registration model estimated using feature correspondences, and corrects radial distortion to minimize the overall registration error. Also provided are methods and systems for retinal atlas generation. Further provided are methods and systems for testing registration methods.
US08194933B2 Identification and verification of an unknown document according to an eigen image process
Techniques are described for identifying and validating security documents according to an Eigen image process method. For example, a security document authentication device selects one or more reference documents of different document types, calculates, from the reference documents, one or more Eigen images and Eigen values for the plurality of different document types, and calculates a reference weight coefficient vector of each of the plurality of document types. Upon receiving at least one captured image of an unknown document, the device calculates a weight coefficient vector of the captured image, compares the weight coefficient vector of the captured image and each of the reference weight coefficient vectors of the document types to calculate a plurality of distances, and, based on the plurality of distances, identifies the unknown document as one of the plurality of document types.
US08194930B2 Image processing apparatus and method for real-time motion detection
An image processing apparatus and method for real time motion detection is provided. In the apparatus, a sub-sampling module receives and sub-samples a current image and a plurality of previous images and a census transform module performs census transform on each of the sub-sampled images to obtain a census vector. A correlation calculation module calculates and compares correlation values between the current image and the plurality of previous images and detects a region having highest correlation. A motion detection module tracks positions of pixels corresponding to the region having the highest correlation to detect motion information in the images. The image processing apparatus and method can obtain, in real time, the direction and speed of an object that is in motion in each image.
US08194929B2 Position/attitude recognizing method, part holding method, part arranging method, part assembling method, position/attitude recognizing apparatus, part holding apparatus, part arranging apparatus and part assembling apparatus
A group of light spots dispersed and disposed three-dimensionally to be disposed not in one plane on an object-to-be-measured are shot by a camera. A position and an attitude of the object-to-be-measured are recognized based on an optical image representing each of the light spots included on a shot image by the camera.
US08194926B1 Motion estimation for mobile device user interaction
One or more sensors of a mobile computing device may detect a current movement characteristic of the mobile computing device and a current orientation characteristic of the mobile computing device, the current movement characteristic and the current orientation characteristic being based at least in part on a path of motion of the mobile computing device. An estimated path of motion may be defined based on the current movement characteristic and the current orientation characteristic. One or more characters based at least in part on the estimated path of motion may be identified. A graphical representation of the one or more characters may be inserted into a text input field, the graphical representation of the one or more characters and the text input field being outputted at a display of the mobile computing device.
US08194925B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for recognizing a gesture
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for recognizing a gesture in which one or more relationships are determined between a plurality of body parts and the gesture is then determined based upon these relationships. Each relationship may be determined by determining an angle associated with at least one joint, determining one or more states of a body part based upon the angle associated with at least one joint, and determining a probability of a body part being in each respective state. The gesture may thereafter be determined based upon the one or more states and the probability associated with each state of the body part. Directions may be provided, such as to an unmanned vehicle, based upon the gesture to, for example, control its taxiing and parking operations.
US08194924B2 Camera based sensing in handheld, mobile, gaming or other devices
Method and apparatus are disclosed to enable rapid TV camera and computer based sensing in many practical applications, including, but not limited to, handheld devices, cars, and video games. Several unique forms of social video games are disclosed.
US08194923B2 Methods and apparatus for detecting a composition of an audience of an information presenting device
Methods and apparatus for detecting a composition of an audience of an information presenting device are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes: capturing at least one image of the audience; determining a number of people within the at least one image; prompting the audience to identify its members if a change in the number of people is detected based on the number of people determined to be within the at least one image; and if a number of members identified by the audience is different from the determined number of people after a predetermined number of prompts of the audience, adjusting a value to avoid excessive prompting of the audience.
US08194921B2 Method, appartaus and computer program product for providing gesture analysis
A method for providing gesture analysis may include analyzing image data using a skin detection model generated with respect to detecting skin of a specific user, tracking a portion of the image data correlating to a skin region, and performing a gesture recognition for the tracked portion of the image based on comparing features recognized in the skin region to stored features corresponding to a predefined gesture. An apparatus and computer program product corresponding to the method are also provided.
US08194917B2 Progressive image quality control using watermarking
The ability to remove a watermark from an encoded image by reversible watermarking opens the possibility of various novel applications. Several such applications are detailed. One permits different classes of consumers to gain access to different versions of an image. A pristine image is intentionally degraded in some fashion, and distributed to consumers. By reference to one or more watermarks in the degraded image, some or all of the degradation can be removed, or transformed to a less-objectionable state. Through such arrangements, image consumers with different needs can gain access to versions of the image having differing qualities.
US08194913B2 Character recognition system and method
A system and method, which enables precise identification of characters contained in vehicle license plates, container LD, chassis I.D, aircraft serial number and other such identification markings. The system can process these identified characters and operate devices, such as access control (126) operations, traffic systems and vehicle (20) and container tracking and management (170) systems, and provide records of all markings together with their images.
US08194911B2 Earphone integrated eartip
An integrated eartip (501) that utilizes a one-piece, rather than a multi-piece, design is provided. The one-piece design is comprised of a first portion that includes at least one, or at least two, sound delivery tubes (513/515) and a second portion that is comprised of a compressible region. The integrated eartip also includes means for releasably attaching the eartip to an earphone in general, and a coupling member (503) in particular, thus allowing the eartip to be replaced as desired. When attached, the sound delivery tube, or tubes, of the integrated eartip are aligned with the acoustic port, or ports, of the earphone/coupling member. The first and second portions of the integrated eartip may exhibit different rigidity and/or compressibility characteristics. The integrated eartip can be fabricated from a single material such as a natural or synthetic elastomer.
US08194908B2 Condenser microphone
In a side-entry condenser microphone, noise is prevented effectively from being generated by electromagnetic waves coming from the outside. In a side-entry condenser microphone including a metallic head case portion 10 which is covered with a metallic guard net 12 at an upper part thereof and is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape in which a microphone unit 13 is arranged via support members 14a and 14b in an internal space, and a metallic body portion 20 for supporting the head case portion 10 at the upper end thereof, a circuit board 21 mounted with an audio output circuit including an impedance converter is fitted in a lower opening of the head case portion 10 supported on the body portion 20 so as to close the lower opening with the circuit mounting surface 21a of the circuit board 21 being on the case inner surface side. Thereby, an electrostatic shield is completed by the head case portion 10 only.
US08194907B2 Wind filter for use with a microphone
A wind filter device (215) for use with a microphone (203), the wind filter device including a substrate (219) having an aperture (221) extending through the substrate, attached to a first face of the substrate a first layer (223) having a first perforated region (228) over the aperture and, attached to a second face of the substrate, a second layer (225) having a second perforated region (228) over the aperture. Also described is an arrangement of the wind filter device and a microphone, and a hand portable radio communication unit including the arrangement.
US08194902B2 Wireless network protocol for a hearing system
A hearing system includes a first hearing instrument having a first receiver for wireless data communication with a device in a wireless network, and a first communication controller that is configured for controlling the wireless data communication in accordance with a protocol of the wireless network according to which, a transmitter of the device is controlled to transmit wireless data in a specific time slot in a frame of time slots, and the first receiver of the first hearing instrument is repeatedly enabled to receive data for an activated time period and disabled from receiving data for a de-activated time period, wherein the first communication controller is further configured for synchronizing the first hearing instrument to the device in the wireless network by adjusting a sum of the activated time period and the de-activated time period to be different from a duration of the frame so that the specific time slot for the transmission of data by the transmitter and the activated time period will overlap at one time.
US08194900B2 Method for operating a hearing aid, and hearing aid
A “speaker” operating mode is established by a signal processor of a hearing aid for tracking and selecting an acoustic speaker source in an ambient sound. Electric acoustic signals are generated by the hearing aid from the ambient sound that has been picked up, from which signals an electric speaker signal is selected by the signal processor by a database of speech profiles of preferred speakers. The electric speech signal is selectively taken into account in an output sound of the hearing aid in such a way that it will for the hearing-aid wearer acoustically at least be prominent compared with another acoustic source and consequently be better perceived by the hearing-aid wearer.
US08194896B2 Packaging structure and method of a MEMS microphone
A package structure of MEMS microphone includes a carrier, a molding compound, a microphone chip and a lid. The carrier has an upper surface on which a chip region is defined, a lower surface and at least one guiding hole communicating with the upper surface and the lower surface. The molding compound has a ring wall portion surrounding the chip region and a filling portion filling the guiding hole. The microphone chip sited on the chip region of the carrier electrically connects the carrier. The lid is jointed to the ring wall portion of the molding compound. In this invention, the guiding hole is used to enable the ring wall portion and the filling portion of the molding compound to be formed integrally, so as to enhance the stability of the molding process and strengthen the structure of the carrier.
US08194894B2 Acoustic device
An assembly (38) comprises a vibration transducer (50) coupled to a substrate (58) which incorporates a circuit (62) electrically connected to the transducer (50). The substrate (58) is adapted to be coupled to a bending wave member (30) for converting actuator vibration into acoustic radiation or vice versa and has sufficient flexibility to allow bending wave coupling between the substrate (58) and the member (30).
US08194893B1 Wired in-ear monitor system
A portable in-ear audio monitor system for a musician having reduced and simplified overall parts. The in-ear audio system providing the musician with time saving setup and teardown instrumentation for a performance. The invention provides an improved method and apparatus to allow a musician precise monitoring, more movement about stage, reduction in cables needed and improved simplicity of pre-performance setup of equipment. It eliminates the need for a hip pack, distribution box and wedge speaker providing a single cable system having a small and simple splitter jack for the headset and the instrument. Direct ‘in-ear’ monitoring is provided via a monitor box, having line level or speaker level input signals from a sound monitor, and feeding a headphone without using a wired or wireless hip pack. Monitor signal radio interference and noise is greatly reduced. Headset volume control is provided along with an optional reverb and/or sound equalizer.
US08194892B2 Output coupling capacitor free audio power amplifier dynamically configured for speakers and headphones with excellent click and pop performance
First and second channel bridge amplifiers are dynamically configured to drive either speakers or headphones. The first channel bridge amplifier includes a first amplifier driving one end of a first speaker through a mechanical switch in a headphone-jack, and a second amplifier driving another end of the first speaker. The second channel bridge amplifier includes third and fourth amplifiers driving respective ends of a second speaker. An amplifier control circuit dynamically detects the insertion or removal of a plug in the jack and configures the amplifiers accordingly. When a plug is inserted into the jack, the mechanical switch disconnects the first speaker from the first amplifier, and the fourth amplifier is tri-stated disconnect the second speaker. The first and third amplifiers are configured to drive the first and second channels of the headphones, while the third amplifier drives the headphone common point (shield ring) as a virtual ground connection. The virtual ground connection permits the bridge amplifiers to drive either speakers or headphones without the use of output coupling capacitors. To suppress click and pop, the amplifier control circuit maintains certain amplifiers (depending on headphone or speaker mode) tri-stated until the input coupling capacitors have fully charged and an input signal is detected. In the headphone mode, the driving amplifiers are current limited, the output signal level is automatically attenuated, and the second amplifier is controlled to prevent a ground loop short circuit condition. When a ground short is detected, the second amplifier is tri-stated by the amplifier control circuit.
US08194886B2 Audio crossover system and method
An audio crossover system and method is disclosed. An audio system includes two driver circuits, one for each of two audio frequency ranges, e.g., high and low frequency ranges. The driver circuits are designed to provide a combined frequency response curve that has a pronounced midrange attenuation dip, in contrast to prior art designs that attempt to provide a flat response over all frequency ranges.
US08194884B1 Aligning time variable multichannel audio
Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products, for audio editing are provided. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes receiving audio data having a first audio channel and a second audio channel. The audio data is separated, into a plurality of blocks. An amount of misalignment is determined between the first audio channel and the second audio channel for the portion of the audio data in each block using a phase difference between the first and second audio channels for each of a plurality of frequency bands. The first and second channels are aligned using the determined misalignment.
US08194881B2 Detection and suppression of wind noise in microphone signals
To reliably and consistently detect desirable sounds, a system detects the presence of wind noise based on the power levels of audio signals. A first transducer detects sound originating from a first direction and a second transducer detects sound originating from a second direction. The power levels of the sound are compared. When the power level of the sound received from the second transducer is less than the power level of the sound received from the first transducer by a predetermined value, wind noise may be present. A signal processor may generate an output from one or a combination of the audio signals, based on a wind noise detection.
US08194879B2 Ultra-light sound insulator
The objective of the present invention is to efficiently and inexpensively mass-produce a sound insulator for a vehicle which is light in weight and has excellent sound insulating properties. For this purpose, the ultra-light sound insulator of the present invention is composed of a felt single sheet 3 having a vehicle interior side surface 1 and a vehicle exterior side surface 2 and being thermoformed of cotton fibers and binder fibers which are tangled and contacted and jointed to each other in a random manner. The ratio of the stiffness of the vehicle interior side surface 1 to that of the vehicle exterior side surface 2 is set to be in a range of 1.1 to 10. The single sheet 3 also has an area of gradually-decreasing stiffness 4 that spreads over at least one part of the area between the vehicle interior side surface 1 and the vehicle exterior side surface 2. The area of gradually-decreasing stiffness 4 has a stiffness distribution pattern in which the stiffness decreases gradually from the vehicle interior side surface 1 toward the vehicle exterior side surface 2 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the vehicle exterior side surface 2.
US08194877B2 Audio processing apparatus
A processing apparatus comprises a beeper system for controlling operation of a beeper in response to beeper control signals, an audio system for controlling operation of at least one speaker in response to audio data signals, and a redirection module for redirecting a beeper control signal to the audio system.
US08194874B2 In-room acoustic magnitude response smoothing via summation of correction signals
A system and method are provided for smoothing the in-room acoustic magnitude response of an audio reproduction system. An in-room acoustic magnitude response analysis is performed to determine a room resonance induced peak associated with an audio signal. A replica of the audio signal is filtered at the room resonance induced peak. The filtered replica signal is added with the audio signal. Through this, smoothing of the room resonance induced peak may be achieved, such that a subjective impression of transient response and dynamics of the audio signal are preserved.
US08194873B2 Active noise reduction adaptive filter leakage adjusting
An active noise reduction system using adaptive filters. A method of operation the active noise reduction system includes smoothing a stream of leakage factors. The frequency of a noise reduction signal may be related to the engine speed of an engine associated with the system within which the active noise reduction system is operated. The engine speed signal may be a high latency signal and may be obtained by the active noise reduction system over audio entertainment circuitry.
US08194871B2 System and method for call privacy
A system and method for providing call privacy for a wireless communication device. A voice communication is received from a user. The voice communication is processed to determine a response signal in response to receiving the voice signal. The response signal is broadcast about the periphery of the user as the voice input is received. The response signal is operative to cause the voice communication to be less discernible by one or more bystanders.
US08194869B2 Audio power management system
An audio power management system manages operation of audio devices in an audio system. The audio power management system includes a parameter computer, a threshold comparator and a limiter. Audio signals generated with the audio system may be provided to the audio power management system. Based on a measured actual parameter of the audio signal, such as a real-time actual voltage and/or a real-time actual current, the parameter computer can derive estimated operational characteristics of audio devices, such as a loudspeaker included in the audio system. The threshold comparator may use the estimated operational characteristics to develop a threshold and manage operation of one of more devices in the audio system by monitoring the measured actual parameter, and selectively directing the limiter to adjust the audio signal, or another device in the audio system to protect or optimize performance.
US08194865B2 Method and device for sound detection and audio control
Methods and devices for sound detection and audio control are provided. A listening device (100) can include a receiver (102) and a sound director for directing a sound produced by the receiver into an ear of the user, a microphone (104) and a mount for mounting the microphone so as to receive the sound in an environment, a detector for detecting an auditory signal in the sound received by the microphone, and an alerting device for alerting the user to the presence of the auditory signal. The user's personal safety is enhanced due to the user being alerted to the presence of the auditory signal, which otherwise may be unnoticed by the user due to a loud sound level created at the ear of the user by the receiver.
US08194859B2 Efficient key hierarchy for delivery of multimedia content
A Digital Rights Management (DRM) system provides a lightweight layering of encryption and decryption of keys that allows efficient use of different cryptographic techniques to effect the secure delivery of multimedia content. Asymmetric cryptography, where a public key is used to encrypt information that can only be decrypted by a matched private key, is used by the DRM system to deliver symmetric keys securely.
US08194858B2 Chaotic cipher system and method for secure communication
The present invention provides a method for a data encryption device to perform network communications, the method comprising obtaining an indexed array of encryption keys, wherein the indexed array of encryption keys is shared with a data decryption device; obtaining a message to be encrypted; using a first random or pseudorandom number to determine an index; obtaining a first key from the array of encryption keys, wherein the first key corresponds to the index; selecting a second key from the plurality of encryption keys; encrypting the message using the first key and a second random or pseudorandom number; encrypting the index using the second key and a third random or pseudorandom number; transmitting the encrypted message and the encrypted index to the data decryption device.
US08194856B2 Rolling code security system
A rolling code transmitter is useful in a security system for providing secure encrypted RF transmission comprising an interleaved trinary bit fixed code and rolling code. A receiver demodulates the encrypted RF transmission and recovers the fixed code and rolling code. Upon comparison of the fixed and rolling codes with stored codes and determining that the signal has emanated from an authorized transmitter, a signal is generated to actuate an electric motor to open or close a movable barrier.
US08194853B2 Surge immunity circuit for telecom DDA
In described embodiments, a data communication device employing, for example, a modem and a data access arrangement (DAA) electrically connected to a telephone network has an increased surge immunity through use of improved hook switch driver and line modulation driver circuitry. In accordance with described embodiments, hook switch driver circuitry exhibits decreased surge power dissipation by maintaining the hook switch driver transistors in saturation at higher currents while reducing the collector-emitter voltage across hook switch driver transistors, and line modulation driver circuitry exhibits decreased total surge power dissipation by i) limiting surge voltage ii) over voltage stress of the line driver transistor.
US08194852B2 Low complexity echo compensation system
An echo reduction system includes a signal analysis filter that converts an input into sub-band signals. A signal down-sampling circuit down-samples the sub-band signals at a first down-sampling rate. An echo analysis filter converts a loudspeaker signal into echo sub-band signal that are further processed by an echo down-sampling circuit. The circuit down-samples the echo sub-band signals at a second down-sampling rate to generate down-sampled echo sub-band signals. An echo compensation filter folds the down-sampled echo sub-band signals with an estimated impulse response of a loudspeaker-room-input system. A second echo down-sampling circuit down-samples the folded down-sampled echo sub-band signals at a third down-sampling rate to generate estimated echo sub-band signals. The first down-sampling rate is equal to the product of the second and third down-sampling rates.
US08194850B2 Method and apparatus for voice communication
A voice communication device with an integrated framework structure for echo cancellation and noise reduction is disclosed. A microphone receives a local input signal while a speaker is outputting a local output signal. The local input signal and output signal are all decomposed into a plurality of subband signals by filter banks for conducting individual processing of echo cancellation and noise reduction per subband. The subband echo canceller is followed by a DFT unit to split the cancellation result into a plurality of narrow frequency bins whereby the noise reduction is performed. The noise reduction results are recombined by an IDFT unit for residual echo removal in a subband non-linear processor. The final output is obtained from a synthesis filter bank that synthesizes the subband signals after echo cancellation and noise reduction into a full-band signal.
US08194848B2 Adaptive, self-learning optimization module for rule-based customer interaction systems
The invention relates to a call center system having automatic means for optimizing those rules that are enforced over interactions with customers, said system comprises: (a) an infrastructure which comprises a CRM module for at least handling the interactions with customers, and hardware means for at least maintaining the communication with said customers; (b) management rules, each rule comprising one or more rule parameters, said rules parameters enforcing interaction behavior during all interactions with customers; and (c) an adaptive, self learning module, for: (c.1) monitoring all interactions with customers; (c.2) upon completion of each interaction, recording a corresponding set of full interaction details, said set of full interaction details includes those rule parameters that were enforced during said interaction, and those additional interaction parameters that are specific to that interaction; and (c.3) using an adaptive engine, periodically analyzing one or more of said sets of recorded full interaction details, and producing one or more modified rules having modified rule parameters, and enforcing said modified rules over future interactions with customers.
US08194843B2 Method and apparatus for busy override in an internet protocol-based telephone system
Method and apparatus for busy override in an internet protocol-based telephone system are described. In some examples, a first communication attempt of a third party is received by a first party, the first party being in an established communication session with a second party over a communication network. A timer is initiated in response to the first communication attempt. A busy operation is performed with respect to the third party in response to the first communication attempt. At least one additional communication attempt by the third party is received during the established communication session. A busy override operation is performed with respect to the first party in response to the first communication attempt and the at least one additional communication attempt satisfying a threshold pattern of communication attempts, the threshold pattern being based on elapsed time of the timer.
US08194841B2 Meeting lobby for web conferencing
A conferencing system provides the scheduling of virtual meetings with meeting lobbies so that a meeting presenter can conduct a virtual meeting without the need to send out invitations to attendees. A person that wants to conduct a virtual meeting can schedule with the conferencing system a meeting with a meeting lobby. The meeting lobby has an address, but there is no associated privileged information, such as a meeting password. Would-be meeting attendees use the meeting lobby address to enter the meeting lobby as visitors in the lobby, and request to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby. A meeting presenter can then either grant authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting, or deny authorization for a visitor in the meeting lobby to enter the meeting. If a visitor in the meeting lobby is denied authorization to enter the meeting from the meeting lobby, the conferencing system removes the visitor from the meeting lobby.
US08194838B2 Systems and methods for implementing call pickup in a SIP environment
A method provides call pickup in a communications network. The method includes initiating a call from a first device to a second device. The call is initiated over one or more networks, where at least one of the one or more networks includes a data network. The method further includes storing information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, receiving a message from a third device during the call initiation, where the message includes a call pickup indication, retrieving the information relating to the call initiation between the first device and the second device, and establishing a call between the first device and the third device based on the retrieved information.
US08194833B2 System and method for dynamically routing communications
A system and method for routing an incoming call to a subscriber-selected destination number in accordance with dynamic data concerning the subscriber provided by an address book, a calendar and a presence server. A routing system routes the incoming call in accordance with a subscriber-defined routing rule associated with the originating number of the incoming call, as determined from the address book. The routing rule may specify that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with the current date and time, as indicated by the calendar. The routing rule may specify, alternatively or in addition thereto, that the incoming call be routed to a destination number associated with a presence-enabled service on which the subscriber is currently active. The subscriber or caller may also be alternatively notified of the routing of the incoming call.
US08194832B2 Methods, systems and devices for providing voice mail caller identification for display on a telephone
Caller identification information is transmitted from a voice mail server to a telephone in response to receiving a voice mail message for the telephone at the voice mail server, and independent of receiving a request from the telephone to access the voice mail server. Caller identification information for the voice mail message may thereby be provided as a notification that the voice mail message was received at the voice mail server. Related methods, systems and devices are disclosed.
US08194828B2 Providing voice messages to an intended recipient
A voice messaging system associates each stored voice message with a unique combination of a retrieval telephone number and a recipient identifier such as a recipient telephone number. When a voice message is received, the system sends a notification message containing the retrieval telephone number to the intended recipient. Upon receiving the notification message, the intended recipient can access the voice message directly by calling the message retrieval telephone number. The system detects the recipient identifier, for example, via caller identification of the recipient telephone number. Using the unique combination of retrieval telephone number and recipient identifier, the system retrieves and plays the appropriate voice message. In one embodiment, the access point for retrieving messages is different from the access point for leaving voice messages.
US08194827B2 Secure voice transaction method and system
A security method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system, a telephone call from a user. The computing system comprises an existing password/passphrase and a pre-recorded voice sample associated with the user. The computing system prompts the user to enter a password/passphrase using speech. The computing system receives speech data comprising a first password/passphrase from the user. The computing system converts the speech data to text data. The computing system first compares the text data to the first password/passphrase and determines a match. The computing system compares the speech data to the pre-recorded voice sample to determine a result indicating whether a frequency spectrum associated with the speech data matches a frequency spectrum associated with the pre-recorded voice sample. The computing system transmits the result to the user.
US08194824B2 Radiation imaging apparatus and method for driving the same
A radiation imaging apparatus irradiates a subject with a radioactive ray emitted from a radiation generation unit to capture a radiographic image based on a radioactive ray that has penetrated through the subject. The radiation imaging apparatus includes a histogram calculation unit configured to calculate a histogram resulting from pixel values of the radiographic image, and a radiation irradiation condition determination unit configured to determine radiation irradiation conditions for a radioactive ray to be emitted from the radiation generation unit in such a way as to flatten a distribution of the histogram.
US08194819B2 Mammography method and mammography apparatus
In a mammography method and a mammography apparatus to generate x-ray images of a breast, a support unit is positioned between the breasts. In the support unit two x-ray detectors are arranged with acquisition surfaces that are flat and parallel to one another. The acquisition surfaces face away from one another and respectively toward one of the breasts. At least one x-ray image of each breast is acquired while both breasts are simultaneously pressed against the support unit.
US08194818B2 CT scanner apparatus
A Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner apparatus includes a scanner gantry, a detector, a detector control panel configured to control the detector, and a power ring. The scanner gantry includes a rotary part and a stationary part, wherein the detector, the detector control panel, and the power ring are mounted in the rotary part. The detector control panel is configured to transmit a scan data signal collected from the detector from the rotary part of the scanner gantry to the stationary part via a power line on the power ring.
US08194805B2 Digital demodulating apparatus, digital receiver, controlling method of the apparatus, computer program product, and recording medium recording thereon the product
A digital demodulating apparatus includes an intensity changing unit that changes the intensity of a received signal; a channel selecting unit that applies channel selection processing to the signal whose intensity has been changed by the intensity changing unit; a demodulating unit that applies demodulation processing to the signal to which the channel selecting unit has applied channel selection processing; a noise evaluating unit that evaluates an influence of noise components on a desired component in the signal to be input to the demodulating unit; and a gain changing unit that changes, on the basis of a result of the evaluation by the noise evaluating unit, the gain of the change in the intensity of the received signal by the intensity changing unit so that the influence of the noise components is decreased in the signal to be input to the demodulating unit.
US08194804B2 Apparatus and method for automatic gain control of mobile station in OFDM system
An automatic gain control apparatus and method of a mobile station in an OFDM system are provided. The method includes identifying a preamble section and a data symbol section in a received frame signal; when a current symbol is the preamble section, measuring a power value of a preamble signal, comparing the measured power value of the preamble signal and a threshold value, and amplifying the received frame signal based on a predetermined gain; when a data symbol section includes a pilot carrier, measuring an average power value of the pilot carrier in the data symbol, comparing the measured average power value and the threshold value, and amplifying the received frame signal based on a predetermined gain; and when the data symbol section includes no pilot carrier, maintaining an existing gain, or performing an automatic gain control operation according to a gain estimated by using the pilot carrier during the data symbol section.
US08194803B2 Method and apparatus for regaining watermark data that were embedded in an original signal by modifying sections of said original signal in relation to at least two different reference data sequences
Every watermarking processing needs a detection metric to decide at decoder side whether audio signal content is marked, and which symbol is embedded inside the audio signal content. The invention provides a new detection metric that achieves a reliable detection of watermarks in the presence of additional noise and echoes. This is performed by taking into account the information contained in the echoes of the received audio signal in the decision metric and comparing it with the corresponding metric obtained from decoding a non-marked audio signal, based on calculating the false positive detection rates of the reference sequences for multiple peaks. The watermark symbol corresponding to the reference sequence having the lowest false positive error is selected as the embedded one.
US08194796B2 Methods and apparatus for transmitting layered and non-layered data via layered modulation
A media access control (MAC) layer controller can manage base layer data and enhancement layer data in a layered modulation system. The MAC layer controller can process both base layer data and enhancement layer data and map the encoded symbols to a layered modulation constellation when both are present. If data for one of the layers terminates, then the MAC layer controller can generate and supply predetermined stuffing data to the layer lacking additional data. The MAC layer controller can send a control signal to the physical layer hardware to cause the hardware to map the layered signals having the stuffing data to a modified signal constellation. The MAC controller can also generate an overhead message that indicates the occurrence of the stuffing data. The receiver can receive the overhead message and can use the information to configure the receiver for the layered modulation constellation or the modified signal constellation.
US08194782B2 Grouping bits interleaving apparatus and method thereof
An grouping bits interleaver includes a grouping bits unit and a data storage unit. The grouping bits unit is used for storing N data bits of an input data and outputting an address signal. Wherein each data bit is stored according to a bit position. The data storage unit coupled to the grouping bits unit is used for saving the content of the grouping bits according to the address signal. Compared to the conventional interleaver, the grouping bits interleaver has better memory usage, less access time, and smaller memory size.
US08194777B2 Apparatus and associated methods to perform space-frequency interleaving in a multicarrier wireless communication channel
An apparatus and associated methods for performing space-frequency interleaving in a multicarrier wireless communication system is generally described.
US08194776B2 Multiplexing of real time services and non-real time services for OFDM systems
Transmitter and receiver units for use in an OFDM communications system and configurable to support multiple types of services. The transmitter unit includes one or more encoders, a symbol mapping element, and a modulator. Each encoder receives and codes a respective channel data stream to generate a corresponding coded data stream. The symbol mapping element receives and maps data from the coded data streams to generate modulation symbol vectors, with each modulation symbol vector including a set of data values used to modulate a set of tones to generate an OFDM symbol. The modulator modulates the modulation symbol vectors to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission. The data from each coded data stream is mapped to a respective set of one or more “circuits”. Each circuit can be defined to include a number of tones from a number of OFDM symbols, a number of tones from a single OFDM symbol, all tones from one or more OFDM symbols, or some other combination of tones. The circuits can have equal size or different sizes. Different circuits can be used for full rate data (e.g., active speech) and low rate data (e.g., silence periods).
US08194774B2 Method of a receiver estimating a plurality of channels
A method and apparatus of a receiver estimating a plurality of channels is disclosed. The method includes the receiver receiving a composite signal. The composite signal includes a signal from each of a plurality of transmission antennas, wherein the signal of each transmission antenna includes a delay relative to other signals of other antennas. The receiver estimates channels between the receiver and the plurality of transmission antennas based on amplitude and a phase of a received composite signal, at a plurality of frequencies.
US08194771B2 Transmission method and apparatus in a multiple antenna communication system
A method and apparatus are disclosed for transmitting symbols in a multiple antenna communication system. The disclosed frame structure comprises a preamble having a plurality of long training symbols that are transmitted on a plurality transmit antennas. At least a portion of the frame is delayed on at least one transmit antenna. The disclosed frame formats of the present invention are backwards compatible to existing single antenna communication systems. The delay amount, D, can be approximately equal to one OFDM time sample period, T. The delayed version can be obtained by introducing a time delay into a signal on the delayed branch(es) or by cyclically shifting at least a portion of each frame on the delayed branch(es). The entire frame or only the preamble portion of each frame can be delayed.
US08194769B2 GERAN transceiver and method for cooperative channel encoding across multiple GERAN tonal carriers
Embodiments of a GERAN transceiver for communicating in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) radio access network (GERAN) are described herein. The GERAN transceiver includes a codation module to split a turbo-encoded data block into a plurality of turbo-encoded data bursts and to interleave the plurality of turbo-encoded data bursts for individual transmission on across a plurality of tonal carriers corresponding to independent GERAN frequency channels.
US08194765B2 Method and apparatus for configuring channel quality feedback in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication system
In an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing communication system wherein a frequency bandwidth is divided into multiple sub-bands, a method and a scheduler is provided for configuring channel quality feedback for a point-to-multipoint communication session involving multiple users equipment (UEs). The scheduler receives multiple channel quality measurements from the multiple UEs and, based on the multiple channel quality measurements, determines whether to implement a frequency selective channel quality feedback scheme or a non-frequency selective channel quality feedback scheme for the point-to-multipoint communication session. The scheduler then implements the determined channel quality feedback scheme. In another embodiment of the invention, the scheduler may determine whether to implement a frequency selective or non-frequency selective channel quality feedback scheme based on a number of UEs serviced by the scheduler.
US08194763B2 Method for decoding 2X2 spatiotemporal codes, in particular Golden type code
A method is provided for decoding spatiotemporal codes, in particular Golden type code. The received vector is subjected to a MMSE-GDFE filtering, a constellation re-centering to define a Z-matrix, a permutation to obtain X-shaped matrices, a trellis base reduction and a ZF-DFE algorithm by processing the elements of the Z-matrix layer by layer. Each layer includes both elements of the diagonal or anti-diagonal of the Z-matrix.
US08194761B2 Sample clock frequency offset estimation in DRM
A system and method for estimating sample clock frequency offset (εs) in a digital radio mondiale (DRM) system such as, for example, DRM receivers. The system and method includes using a relationship given by the following equation: ɛ s = linearfit ( angle ⁢ ( P G m P G ⁢ _ ⁢ tr m P G m ⁢ - ⁢ cycle P G ⁢ _ ⁢ tr m ⁢ - ⁢ cycle ) , l ) × N 2 ⁢ π × cycle × ( N + L ) wherein the PGm is the gain pilot received in the mth symbol and PG—trm is the gain pilot transmitted in the mth symbol, the PGm-cycle is the gain pilot received in (m-cycle)th symbol, the PG—trm-cycle is the second gain pilot transmitted in (m-cycle)th symbol, the l is the index of the sub-carrier associated with the gain pilot, the N is a factor of a sample point number of a useful symbol, the L is a sample point number of a guard interval, and the cycle is the interval of two symbols which are inserted gain pilots at the same sub-carriers (l).
US08194759B2 Picture coding method and picture decoding method
A picture coding apparatus (300) is a picture coding apparatus that codes a difference between picture data (Img) representing an input picture and predictive picture data (Pred) representing a predictive picture for the input picture and generates coded picture data, and includes a picture decoding unit (104) for decoding coded picture data (Img) after the picture data (Img) is coded; inter pixel filters A and B (303 and 304) for performing inter pixel filter operation for decoded picture data (Recon) obtained by the picture decoding unit (104); switches (301 and 302) for selecting one of the inter pixel filters; and an inter picture predicting unit (108) for generating the predictive picture data (Pred) for the input picture data (Img) using filtered decoded picture data (FilteredImg1), as reference picture data (Ref), obtained by the selected inter pixel filter.
US08194758B2 Image receiving apparatus and control method of image receiving apparatus
A video receiving apparatus configured to receive packetized video data from a server includes a detecting unit configured to detect an error from the packetized video data received from the server; a determining unit configured to determine the importance of the packetized video data with the error in the case that the error is detected by the detecting unit, based on added information relating to the packetized video data; and an error processing unit configured to process the packetized video data with the error, according to the importance determined by the determining unit.
US08194755B2 Bit stream buffer controller and its method
A bit-stream buffer controller for a video decoder includes a first FIFO, a second FIFO, and an interrupt controller. The first FIFO is configured to store an input bit-stream. The second FIFO is configured to store a payload extracted from the input bit-stream. The interrupt controller is configured to generate an interrupt signal according to a fullness status of the first FIFO and the second FIFO such that the video decoder may be switched to load the payload without checking the fullness status each time the payload is loaded.
US08194754B2 Method for processing a signal and apparatus for processing a signal
A method and apparatus for processing a signal compressed in accordance with a specific alternative coding scheme are disclosed. In detail, a coding method for signal compression and signal restoration using a specific alternative coding scheme, and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. Data coding and entropy coding according to the present invention are executed under the condition in which they have a co-relation with each other. Grouping is executed for an enhancement in coding efficiency. The method for signal processing includes obtaining a group reference value corresponding to a plurality of data included in one group, through grouping, and a difference value corresponding to the group reference value, and obtaining the data using the group reference value and the difference value.
US08194749B2 Method and apparatus for image intraprediction encoding/decoding
Provided is a method and apparatus for image intraprediction encoding/decoding. The method for image intraprediction encoding includes an intraprediction unit which divides an input block into at least one first sub-block of a predetermined size, and performing intraprediction encoding on the at least one first sub-block according to a first sub-block processing order using pixel values of at least adjacent sub-blocks located to the right of and/or below the at least one first sub-block.
US08194743B2 Displacement estimation device and method for the same
A displacement estimation device includes a vector calculator and a displacement calculator, for use in estimating a displacement vector from a pattern in a first original image to a pattern in a second original image. The vector calculator calculates a parameter for each pixel in the first original image and the second original image. The parameter of a pixel integrates the information of the intensities of all the pixels in a region of interest (ROI) surrounding the pixel, and the relative distances from all the pixels in the ROI to the pixel. The displacement calculator calculates the displacement vector from a pattern in the first original image to a pattern in the second original image based on the parameters calculated by the vector calculator for the first original image and the second original image.
US08194740B2 Apparatus and method for compression-encoding moving picture
Provided are an apparatus and method for compression-encoding a moving picture at high speed while minimizing image quality deterioration. In H.264 moving picture encoding, the apparatus and method perform rate-distortion optimization (RDO) indispensable for high-definition encoding by feedback prediction, and minimize the amount of discrete cosine transform (DCT)-inverse DCT (IDCT) calculation performed for RDO many times, thereby performing H.264 encoding at high speed.
US08194729B2 Apparatus and method for matching compressed video data under wireless fading environment
A method and apparatus for matching compressed video data under a wireless fading environment are disclosed. The apparatus includes an encoder for encoding and outputting the video data as a compressed bit stream, a channel error measurement unit for measuring Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) or Carrier-to-Noise Ratio (CNR) of a wireless channel, and an encoder optimization module for determining if the current fading is slow fading or fast fading. A control signal is output to reduce a frame transmission ratio or to change the quality of the vide data if it is determined that the current fading is slow fading. Another control signal is output to adjust the size of a data output buffer of the wireless channel if it is determined that the current fading is fast fading. The apparatus also includes a temporal Scalable Video Coding (SVC) selector 24 and an SNR SVC selector 22 for selecting the frame transmission ratio or the bit rate according to the control signal output from the encoder optimization module, to provide a frame selection signal or a bit rate selection signal to the encoder.
US08194725B2 Communication system
A method for reducing ringing in a signal output from a filter comprising inputting a signal into a filter; filtering a first portion of the input signal to generate a filtered portion of the output signal; analyzing the filtered portion of the output signal; detecting if ringing is present in the filtered portion of the output signal based on said analysis; and adjusting the filter characteristics to reduce ringing in a subsequent filtered portion of the output signal if it is determined that ringing is present.
US08194723B2 Test apparatus for 64B/66B encoding process
The present invention provides a test apparatus for a 64B/66B encoding process capable of precisely performing a test with a high reproducibility on a certain pattern of a 64B/66B encoder or decoder. A frame generator generates frame data in a layer higher than a physical coding sublayer of Ethernet (registered trademark) and inputs the frame data to a 64B/66B encoder such that the 64B/66B encoder performs a 64B/66B encoding process of the physical coding sublayer with respect to the frame data. A sequence pattern generator generates a certain 66B sequence pattern written in advance, and a controller writes a desired sequence pattern in the sequence pattern generator and, at the same time, controls a data selector to select one of data encoded by the 64B/66B encoder and a sequence pattern output from the sequence pattern generator and to provide the selected one to a test subject.
US08194722B2 Various methods and apparatuses for impulse noise mitigation
Methods and apparatuses for reducing effects of impulse noise in a DSL transmitter receiver device are described. According to certain embodiment, the method includes using a periodicity associated with the impulse noise affecting a DSL transmitter receiver device to determine data frames that are affected by the impulse noise, and sending a reduced data rate during those frames. In certain embodiments, no data is sent during those frames. The method further includes using a high margin bits and gain table, instead of a normal bits and gain table.
US08194718B2 Receiving apparatus and signal processing method
In the reception and demodulation of a communication signal with frequency hopping among a plurality of frequency bands, a demodulator is formed by a balance circuit. The demodulator performs frequency conversion by multiplying signals in_a and in_b, which are obtained by converting a received signal into differential signals, by local signals Lo—1a and Lo—1b with a frequency corresponding to a frequency band of the received signal, which are frequency-switched during a guard interval period of the received signal, in synchronization with a symbol of the received signal. Further, two output ends of the demodulator are charged/discharged through capacitors in synchronization with frequency switching of the local signal so that a voltage difference between the two output ends of the demodulator becomes a prescribed level.
US08194715B2 Apparatus and method for generating a monocycle
An apparatus for generating a monocycle comprises an input signal source (76) for providing an input signal, and a step recovery diode (SRD) (80) for receiving the input signal and producing an impulse. A shunt inductor (102) is provided to act as a first differentiator and a capacitor (92) connected in series to the output of the step recovery diode acts as a second differentiator. The first and second differentiators are arranged to double differentiate the impulse to produce a monocycle.
US08194712B2 Monolithically integrated laser diode chip having a construction as a multiple beam laser diode
A monolithically integrated laser diode chip having a construction as a multiple beam laser diode, which, on a semiconductor substrate (3) comprised of GaAs, has at least two laser stacks (4a, 4b, 4c) which are arranged one above another and which each contain an active zone (7). The active zone (7) is in each case arranged between waveguide layers (8). The waveguide layers (8) each adjoin a cladding layer (6) at a side remote from the active zone. At least one of the waveguide layers (8) or cladding layers (6) of at least one laser stack (4a, 4b, 4c), comprises AlxGa1-xAs, where 0≦x≦1, and at least one additional material from main group III or V, such that the lattice mismatch between the at least one waveguide layer (8) or cladding layer (6) comprising the at least one additional element and the semiconductor substrate (3) composed of GaAs is reduced. This increases the lifetime of the laser diode chip.
US08194710B2 Semiconductor laser with heater
An optical semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor region and heater. The semiconductor region has a stripe shape demarcated with a top face and a side face thereof. The stripe shape has a width smaller than a width of the semiconductor substrate. An optical waveguide layer is located in the semiconductor region. A distance from a lower end of the side face of the semiconductor region to the optical waveguide layer is more than half of the width of the semiconductor region. The heater is provided above the optical waveguide layer.
US08194708B2 Laser
A laser apparatus in which the elimination of separate optical components to provide intra-cavity polarization and compensation for thermally induced birefringence, and their associated losses, results in an improvement in efficiency and reduction in complexity over prior art designs.
US08194707B2 Method and system for dynamically allocating video multiplexing buffer based on queuing theory
An embodiment of the invention may provide a method for predicting buffer size in a system, where multiple encoded bit streams may be multiplexed into a single bit stream. The multiple encoded bit streams may comprise either a constant or a variable rate. Notwithstanding, predicting the buffer size required for encoding, multiplexing and/or decoding prevents overflow and underflow of the buffer. At the demultiplexer, each decoder may have a buffer and there may not be any buffering prior to multiplexing. A plurality of MPEG encoded data bit streams may be multiplexed into a single multiplexed MPEG encoded data bit stream. A size of buffers utilized to buffer the multiplexed MPEG encoded data bit stream may be determined based on a queuing model.
US08194703B2 Wireless communication system
In a CDMA wireless communication system equipped with a base station, and at least one of wireless communication terminals which performs packet communications with respect to the base station by using at least one carrier, and wireless communication terminals which performs packet communications with respect to the base station by using a plurality of carriers at the same time. The base station includes: allocation information applying unit which applies allocation information which is commonly employed with respect to the plural carriers when a carrier is allocated to a specific terminal of the wireless communication terminals; time slot allocating unit which allocates time slots which are used by the wireless communication terminals in communications; allocation information storage unit which stores thereinto the allocation information; and time slot distribution determining unit which determines a time slot distribution which can be used by both the wireless communication terminals using one carrier, and also, the wireless communication terminals using the plural carriers at the same time.
US08194702B2 Transmission apparatus and transmission method
A transmission apparatus including: a layer multiplexing unit configured to assign, to a radio resource which is divided based on a time, a frequency and a layer, a bit sequence which constitutes at least one information source to be transmitted, in accordance with a communication state and a priority level of the information source; and a layer coding unit configured to perform a layer coding processing for the bit sequence assigned to the radio resource. The layer multiplexing unit performs the assignment so that a length of each bit sequence assigned to each radio resource becomes equivalent.
US08194701B2 System and/or method for downstream bidding
Digital objects may be transmitted to a destination via data networks. In particular, a node may facilitate bidding for the business of forwarding digital objects in a data transmission network. The node may receive a first bid request and generate a second bid request based on the first bid request. The second bid request may be transmitted to one or more intermediary nodes, and the node may receive one or more bids responsive to the second bid request. The node may subsequently receive and forward a digital object specified by the first bid request.
US08194698B2 Quality of service update procedure
Methods and systems are provided for updating the quality of service (QoS) of an IP flow in a wireless communications system. More particularly, the methods and systems provide the ability to update a QoS grant from any level of QoS to any other level of QoS, from no QoS to some level of QoS, and from some level of QoS to no level of QoS. The update of QoS can be based, at least in part, on a request being made for an updated QoS. A decision is made whether or not to update the QoS; and depending on the decision, the QoS can be updated.
US08194696B2 Method and apparatus for scheduling an acknowledgement transmission
A communication system distributes, in the time domain, acknowledgment transmissions by a group of access terminals sharing a same time domain resource. A position of one or more access terminals in the group of access terminals is determined and each of the one or more access terminals then sends an acknowledgment transmission, such as an acknowledgment or negative acknowledgement, in a time slot that is N time slots after the shared time domain resource, where N is a function of the position of the access terminal in the group of access terminals.
US08194694B2 Mobile communications system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus and mobile communications method
When the base station apparatus determines that it is necessary to make the mobile station apparatus execute random access, it is determined whether there is an unused signature. Then, the validity period during which the mobile station apparatus can use a signature is determined and the end time of the validity period is calculated. The signature and the calculated end time are included into a random access preamble allocation message, which is transmitted to the mobile station apparatus. The mobile station apparatus extracts the signature and the end time from the random access preamble allocation message, and determines random access channels through which a random access preamble including the signature can be transmitted, based on the extracted end time. As a result, it is possible to provide a base station apparatus and the like which, even if the signature belongs to the validity period, can achieve efficient communication between the base station apparatus and the mobile station apparatus by assigning the signature to another mobile station apparatus.
US08194693B2 Autonomous wireless networks
A device is operable to use received signals to divide time into a succession of frames, each frame having plural consecutive timeslots, and into a succession of four or more superframes. A transmitter is operated only in a single timeslot in one frame. A receiver is operated in the other timeslots in the frame and for all timeslots of immediately preceding and following frames, and in no other frames. This allows devices to predict periods in which to hibernate or carry out intensive tasks. The device determines which timeslots of the first frame are occupied to provide local awareness information, and transmits it as a code on its transmit timeslot along with payload data. This allows other devices in a network to obtain information about their local environment and about the environment of their neighbors. Routing decisions are made on this basis.
US08194690B1 Packet processing in a parallel processing environment
Packets are processed in a system that comprises a plurality of interconnected processor cores. The system receives packets into one or more queues. The system associates at least some nodes in a hierarchy of nodes with at least one of the queues, and at least some of the nodes with a rate. The system maps a set of one or more nodes to a processor core based on a level in the hierarchy of the nodes in the set and based on at least one rate associated with a node not in the set. The packets are processed in one or more processor cores including the mapped processor core according to the hierarchy.
US08194687B2 Access point configured for station group management and method for managing station-management groups
Embodiments of an access point configured for station group management and a method for managing station-management groups in a wireless network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the access point may transmit a group allocation message to selected stations and establish a station-management group to include stations from which response frames are received. The access point may also transmit DL MU-MIMO transmissions to the stations of the station-management group using a MU-MIMO technique. When explicit group deletion is employed, the access point may explicitly delete some stations from the station-management group by transmitting a group deletion message to the stations of the group. When implicit group deletion is employed, the access point may implicitly delete some stations from the station-management group after a predetermined period of time indicated in the group allocation message by refraining from transmitting DL MU-MIMO transmissions or group update messages to the stations of the group.
US08194680B1 Managing communications for modified computer networks
Techniques are described for managing communications between multiple computing nodes, such as computing nodes that are part of a virtual computer network. In some situations, various types of modifications may be made to one or more computing nodes of an existing virtual computer network, and the described techniques include managing ongoing communications for those computing nodes so as to accommodate the modifications. Such modifications may include, for example, migrating or otherwise moving a particular computing node that is part of a virtual network to a new physical network location, or modifying other aspects of how the computing node participates in the virtual network (e.g., changing one or more virtual network addresses used by the computing node). In some situations, the computing nodes may include virtual machine nodes hosted on one or more physical computing machines or systems, such as by or on behalf of one or more users.
US08194679B2 System for data transfer in a wireless network
A wireless network protocol employs a hop-by-hop block formation approach in which data packets are organized into data blocks at each hop according to a routing table and are transmitted to each hop as data blocks. For example, data packets to be transmitted from a source node to a destination are grouped into a data block associated with a routing table. The source node transmits the data packets according to the routing table. Each node in the routing table determines which data packets it must transmit to other nodes to complete transmission of the data packets to the destination. Each such node determines a new routing table and groups these data packets into a new data block associated with the new routing table. Each node transmits the data packets of the new data block according to the new routing table in a manner similar to the source node.
US08194675B2 Parsing out of order data packets at a content gateway of a network
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a local node of a network, a sequenced data packet of a flow made up of multiple sequenced data packets from a source node directed toward a destination node. The flow is to be parsed by the local node to describe the flow for administration of the network. Based on sequence data in the sequenced data packet, it is determined whether the sequenced data packet is out of order in the flow. If it is determined that the sequenced data packet is out of order, then the sequenced data packet is forwarded toward the destination node before parsing the sequenced data packet. The out of order sequenced data packet is also stored for subsequent parsing at the local node.
US08194668B2 Differential forwarding in address-based carrier networks
The invention relates to enabling differential forwarding in address-based carrier networks such as Ethernet networks. There is described a method of and connection controller for establishing connections (76, 77) in a frame-based communications network comprising nodes (71-75 and 78) such as Ethernet switches. The connections are established by configuring, in various of the nodes, mappings for forwarding data frames, such as Ethernet frames. The mappings are from a combination of a) a destination (or source) address corresponding to a destination (or source) node (73) of the connection and b) an identifier, such as a VLAN tag. The mappings are to selected output ports of the various nodes. By using the combination of destination (or source) address AND identifier, the mappings enable data frames belonging to different connections (76, 77) to be forwarded differentially (ie forwarded on different output ports) at a node (75) despite the different connections having the same destination node. This enables flexibility in routing connections and the ability to perform traffic engineering.
US08194666B2 Flexible method for processing data packets in a network routing system for enhanced efficiency and monitoring capability
According to an embodiment of the invention, a network device such as a router or switch provides efficient data packet handling capability. The network device includes one or more input ports for receiving data packets to be routed, as well as one or more output ports for transmitting data packets. The network device includes an integrated port controller integrated circuit for routing packets. The integrated circuit includes an interface circuit, a received packets circuit, a buffer manager circuit for receiving data packets from the received packets circuit and transmitting data packets in one or more buffers and reading data packets from the one or more buffers. The integrated circuit also includes a rate shaper counter for storing credit for a traffic class, so that the integrated circuit can support input and/or output rate shaping. The integrated circuit may be associated with an IRAM, a CAM, a parameter memory configured to hold routing and/or switching parameters, which may be implemented as a PRAM, and an aging RAM, which stores aging information. The aging information may be used by a CPU coupled to the integrated circuit via a system interface circuit to remove entries from the CAM and/or the PRAM when an age count exceeds an age limit threshold for the entries.
US08194665B2 Data packet, method, and device of transmitting payload information within an extendable header
The invention pertains to utilizing a data packet with a header extended to contain information dealing with the payload. Specifically, IEEE 802.1Q standard contains an extendable header which is normally utilized to contain information regarding a VLAN. However, these fields can also be utilized to provide information about the payload of the data packet. In this manner, networking devices which are primarily concerned with layer 2 data-link layer protocols can transmit information according to the information being transmitted by the packet.
US08194661B2 Autoconfiguration of an IPv6 component in a segmented network
Autoconfiguration of an IPv6 component in a segmented network including receiving an IPv6 packet; determining whether the received IPv6 packet is a router advertisement or a router solicitation; if the received IPv6 packet is a router advertisement, then retrieving through an out-of-band link a MAC address for the IPv6 component, removing a MAC address of a sending router, inserting in the packet instead an internal MAC address for forwarding packets to the IPv6 component, removing a multicast destination MAC address, inserting in the packet the destination MAC address of the IPv6 component, and forwarding the packet to the IPv6 component as a unicast message; if the received IPv6 packet is a router solicitation, then removing the MAC address of the sending IPv6 component, inserting in the packet instead an external MAC address for forwarding packets to the router, and forwarding the packet to the router as a multicast message.
US08194660B2 System, method, and computer-readable medium for dynamic device discovery for servers binding to multiple masters
A system, method, and computer readable medium that facilitate broadcast of a device discovery beacon by a dynamic physical device wishing to bind to one or more control systems are provided. If the dynamic physical device comprises a server that is configured to bind to multiple master controllers, the dynamic physical device may include a device Type Flag and set the value of the device Type Flag to indicate the dynamic physical device comprises a server. On detection of the beacon, a master controller evaluates the device Type Flag if it is present in the device discovery beacon. If the device Type Flag is present and indicates the dynamic physical device comprise a server which may bind to multiple master controllers, the master controller may automatically load a device Module for the dynamic physical device and commence communications with the dynamic physical device with no manual intervention. The master controller does not broadcast a binding notification thereby allowing other master controllers to bind with the same dynamic physical device.
US08194659B2 Mechanism for processing messages using logical addresses
A method and apparatus for processing message includes forming a logical address upon a creation of a channel of a group communication protocol at a logical address generator of a server. The logical address includes a unique identifier (UUID) associated with a logical name. The UUID created upon connecting the channel, and deleted upon disconnecting the channel. A mapping between UUIDs and physical addresses of members of the group is stored in a cache of a member of the group.
US08194655B2 Digraph based mesh communication network
In a packet communication network, a method of packet switched transport is provided using digraphs defining paths among nodes in which a graph identifier, instead of a literal destination address, is used to determine paths through the network. The nodes themselves implement a real-time mesh of connectivity. Packets flow along paths that are available to them, flowing around obstructions such as dead nodes and lost links without need for additional computation, route request messages, or dynamic routing tree construction.
US08194654B1 Virtual dial-up protocol for network communication
A layer two forwarding protocol (L2F) provides virtual direct dial-up service into private networks through public internet service providers. An authorized remote client appears as a direct dial-up client to the home gateway, even through the client is accessing the home gateway remotely through the ISP. The new forwarding protocol allows the remote client to conduct point-to-point link protocols, such as point-to-point protocol (PPP) and serial line interface protocol (SLIP) directly with the local network home gateway. The network access server changes from a routing mode where a communication protocol is conducted with the client to a switching mode where the POP simply sends data from one port to a tunnel. The tunnel then transmits the data to another port, regardless of the header information on transmitted data packets. The remote client can then be managed through databases controlled by the local network and gain access to resources not typically accessible through the internet. The layer two forwarding protocol conducts an independent authorization session to prevent unauthorized access to the private network and provides point-to-point protocol transport over the internet independently of internet transport protocols.
US08194651B2 Method and apparatus for user authentication
Authentication of a request for access to user specific information associated with a VoIP device is performed transparently, without any user identification or password required. A unique device identifier associated with the VoIP device is included in the request for access and used as an authentication token.
US08194649B2 Methods and apparatus for data communication
Data communication apparatus including a port and a control entity. The control entity is operative to establish a connection with a remote entity over a first path and negotiate with the remote entity using in-band signaling over the first path establishment of a second path allowing the exchange of data between the data communication apparatus and the remote entity. The invention presents advantages from the standpoint of ease of implementation and bandwidth and resource savings. The use of an in-band messaging protocol to negotiate a establishment of the second path can be implemented generally in a straight forward manner. At the same time, the ability to transfer at least part of the connection to the second path avoids the drawbacks that would arise if that part of the connection were constrained to the first path. This feature allows the operator to take advantage of benefits provided by the second path but not available to the first path.
US08194643B2 System and method for monitoring the connection of an end-user to a remote network
A method of monitoring the connection of a first end-user device to a network includes determining the amount of bandwidth present, tracking the amount of bandwidth in use by different classes of traffic, and tracking performance of the connection to detect when a threshold crossing has been reached. The threshold associated with a decline in quality of a connection between the first end-user device and the network. The method further includes generating data in response to the determined reaching of the threshold and communicating the data to a session controller or a second end-user device that is in a communications session with the first end-user device. The method further includes changing the communications session in response to additional data received from the second end-user device.
US08194642B2 System and method for providing multimedia services
In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a system and method for providing feature services in a multimedia communication environment. The system and method comprise comparing signaling messages with control data to identify one or more service enablers and application servers that are responsive to the signaling message. Each responsive service enabler is invoked in accordance with an associated policy hook.
US08194641B2 Method and system for operating a communication service portal
A method of providing communication service includes receiving user identification information and first communication service criteria. The user identification information identifies a user, while the first communication service criteria describe a first communication service requested by the user. The method also includes generating a first communication service order based on the first communication service criteria. The first communication service order includes the user identification information and the communication service criteria. The method further includes selecting premise equipment for the user and generating an equipment order. The equipment order includes the user identification information and identifies the selected premise equipment. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the first communication service order to a first service provider and transmitting the equipment order to an equipment provider.
US08194638B2 Dual network types solution for computer interconnects
Briefly, according to an embodiment of the invention, a computing system comprises: a plurality of tightly coupled processing nodes; a plurality of circuit switched networks using a circuit switching mode, interconnecting the processing nodes, and for handling data transfers that meet one or more criteria; and a plurality of electronic packet switched networks, also interconnecting the processing nodes, for handling data transfers that do meet the at least one criteria. The circuit switched networks and the electronic packet switched networks operate simultaneously. The system additionally comprises a plurality of clusters which comprise the processing nodes, and a plurality of intra-cluster communication links. The electronic packet switched networks are for handling collectives and short-lived data transfers among the processing nodes and comprises one-tenth of the bandwidth of the circuit switched networks.
US08194637B2 Method and apparatus for achieving system acquisition and other signaling purposes using the preamble in an OFDM based communications system
In the system acquisition process system information is non-coherently detected using correlation of reconstructed and received preamble signals, such as the primary broadcast control channel (PBCCH) and the acquisition pilots (TDM1, TDM2, and TDM3). The phase correlation signals between the correlated signals of PBCCH and TDM2 or TDM3 and between the correlated signals of TDM2 and TDM3 are combined to decode other sector interference (OSI) information and the like. Acquisition is also made more efficient by taking advantage of predictable information based on system synchronicity. The sync/async bit is included in at least one of the acquisition pilots. The mobile then uses knowledge of system synchronicity to more efficiently detect the additional information in the superframe preamble.
US08194636B1 Adaptive timing synchronization for mesh networks
Timing synchronization for mesh networks is disclosed. A temperature calibration data is received. A plurality of previously stored calibration values each corresponding to different temperatures is adjusted based at least in part on the received temperature calibration data. A temperature measurement is received. A first clock offset is determined based at least in part on the adjusted plurality of previously stored calibration values and the temperature measurement.
US08194628B2 Methods and apparatus to enable call completion in internet protocol communication networks
Methods and apparatus to enable call completion in Internet protocol communication networks are disclosed. An example method of processing a voice over Internet protocol call disclosed herein comprises failing to receive a response to a request for a numeric Internet protocol (IP) address of a destination device from a domain name system (DNS) server, querying a telephone number mapping (ENUM) server for the numeric IP address, and sending an invite message to process the call when the numeric IP address is received from the ENUM server.
US08194625B2 Wireless LAN device
The present invention provides a LAN device 20 having an internal function of controlling communication.A management representative of the LAN device 20 sets a protocol applicable for communication with regard to each of MAC addresses or IP addresses allocated to transmitter terminals and each of IP addresses allocated to receiver terminals. The LAN device transmits data in the case of the protocol applicable for communication, while not transmitting data in the case of any protocol inapplicable for communication.
US08194620B2 Method for terminals to switch the reverse traffic channels in CDMA group call service
The present invention discloses a method for terminals to switch among the reverse traffic channels in CDMA group call service. During the establishing procedure of the standard group call service, the originating call terminal sets the long code mask for the reverse dedicated traffic channel, establishes the reverse dedicated traffic channel and obtains the talk right to become the speaking terminal; the called terminal sets the long code mask for the reverse shared traffic channel, establishes the reverse shared traffic channel and becomes the listening terminal. After the speaking terminal successfully releases the talk right, it resets the long code mask of the reverse traffic channel as the long code mask of the reverse shared traffic channel and switches to the reverse shared traffic channel to become the listening terminal. After the listening terminal applies for and gets the talk right, it resets the long code mask of the reverse traffic channel as the long code mask of the reverse dedicated traffic channel and switches to the reverse dedicated traffic channel to become the speaking terminal. According to the present invention, in the standard group call service, the terminal of one group can rapidly switch to the corresponding reverse traffic channel when the status is changed.
US08194618B2 Radio base station device, communication terminal device, and control information transmission method
In addition to dedicated channel signal formation units 101-1 to 101-N, control information channel signal formation unit 110 is provided and this control information channel signal formation unit 110 forms control information for carrying out uplink packet transmission. The control information channel signal formation unit 110 multiplexes control information (RG information, ACK/NACK, etc.) directed to a plurality of communication terminals through a channel encoding section 111 according to a multiplexing rule preset between the base station apparatus and each communication terminal and spreads the control information using a spreading code common to the communication terminals through a spreading section 113 and thereby forms a control information channel signal for uplink packet transmission.
US08194617B2 Method and apparatus for increasing efficiency of data packet transmission
An apparatus and method for increasing efficiency of data packet transmission comprising receiving a TCA message and a new pilot signal; determining if the TCA message includes at least one scheduler tag; performing one of the following: determining if there are other pilot signals associated with the at least one scheduler tag or determining if the new pilot signal is in a softer handoff with a member of an active set; and performing one of the following: associating the new pilot signal to the at least one scheduler tag or creating a new scheduler group and associating the new pilot signal with it. In one aspect, one of the following additional steps is performed: determining if all the other pilot signals are newly added to the at least one scheduler tag or determining if at least one of the other pilot signals is associated with the active set.
US08194616B1 Power save mechanisms for dynamic ad-hoc networks
Techniques for establishing a dynamic ad-hoc wireless network are disclosed. A node transitions between wake and sleep modes during periods defined as beacon intervals. Before a network connection is established and while it is awake, the node transmits network connection request and also listens for network activity. If a beacon or response message is not detected while the node is listening, the node enters sleep mode and thereby conserves power. The node optionally changes the duration of its detection period and/or the time at which it listens for network activity relative to the start of each beacon interval. Information elements are optionally included with transmitted beacons or response messages.
US08194610B2 Method for establishing a connection with a generic access network and associated GAN-enabled mobile station
A method for establishing a connection with a generic access network (GAN) and an associated GAN-enabled mobile station are provided. The method is used in the GAN-enabled mobile station. The method first issues a request message to the generic access network to request for connection establishment, and at the same time starts a timer with a timeout longer than five seconds. Then, the method determines a state of the GAN-enabled mobile station according to a response message corresponding to the request message when the response message is received within the timeout. In this manner, the GAN-enabled mobile station can increase the success rate of connection establishment with the generic access network.
US08194609B2 Handoff management based on non-traffic state uplink signals
A detecting base station receives a non-traffic state uplink signal transmitted from a wireless communication device to an originating base station. The originating base station transmits a search message instructing the wireless communication device to search for an alternate base station.
US08194602B2 System and method for downlink control signal structure for multi-user MIMO
A system and method for downlink control signal structure for multi-user MIMO is provided. A method comprises selecting a set of mobile stations (MSs) to receive substantially simultaneously transmitted transmissions, and transmitting interference control information and data to each mobile station (MS) in the set of MSs. A number of MSs in the set of MSs is less than a maximum allowable number of simultaneously scheduled MSs, and an amount of interference control information and a type of interference control information transmitted is based on the number of MSs in the set of MSs and the maximum allowable number of simultaneously scheduled MSs.
US08194601B2 Method for transmitting and receiving signals using multi-band radio frequencies
A method for transmitting and receiving signals using multi-band Radio Frequencies (RFs) is provided. The method performs channel coding on an information unit of a specific layer above a physical layer to produce a specific number of codewords and maps the generated specific number of codewords to a plurality of frequency allocation bands managed by one specific layer, and then transmits the mapped signal through each of the plurality of frequency allocation bands. Each of the plurality of frequency allocation bands managed by the one specific layer has a band size for allocation for a specific service according to a predetermined frequency policy. When the generated specific number of codewords is mapped to the plurality of frequency allocation bands, each of the specific number of codewords is mapped to at least one of the plurality of frequency allocation bands. A frequency allocation band used for transmission of each codeword when the codeword is retransmitted may be set to be different from that when it is initially transmitted.
US08194600B2 Air interface selection between nodes in peer-to-peer/ad-hoc networks
Aspects describe pairs of nodes negotiating air interfaces in a peer-to-peer and/or ad hoc network. The negotiation can take into account the capability of each node. The negotiation can be performed on a default link and after negotiation, the nodes can facilitate a communication handoff to the negotiated link. Further, one or more nodes can support multiple air interfaces, wherein nodes that support multiple air interfaces can establish more than one air interface with peer nodes over similar air interfaces or over different air interfaces as a function of negotiation between the nodes.
US08194599B2 Method and system for autonomous channel coordination for a wireless distribution system
A method and system for autonomous channel coordination for a wireless distribution system (WDS) are disclosed. A wireless communication system includes a plurality of access points (APs) and the APs communicate each other via a WDS. A coordinated channel group (CCG) of a plurality of member APs is established. The member APs of the CCG camp on a WDS channel used for the WDS among the member APs of the CCG. One AP among the member APs of the CCG is designated as a master AP. The master AP coordinates with other member APs of the CCG for selecting and configuring the WDS channel for the CCG and addition and deletion of member APs. By allowing APs to define a CCG, changes of the WDS channel are performed autonomously while maintaining connectivity.
US08194596B2 Wireless communication system, transmitting device and receiving device
A wireless communication system has a transmitting device and a receiving device that perform communication by using a multi-carrier signal, wherein the receiving device includes a quality generating unit generating each piece of receiving quality information on each pilot channel for transmitting each pilot signal, a determining unit determining the number of pilot channels needed in the multi-carrier signal based on the receiving quality information, and a notifying unit transmitting a signal requesting the determined number of pilot channels to the transmitting device, and the transmitting device includes an allocation unit determining allocations of pilot signals in the direction of the time axis and in the direction of the frequency axis, corresponding to a requested number of pilot channels, and a transmitting unit transmitting the multi-carrier signal having the determined pilot signal allocations.
US08194595B2 Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones
A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.
US08194591B2 Communication methods in a network
Communication method in a network (1), of data being transmitted from a wireless master station (10) to a recipient station (14) via one of the wireless slave stations (10 to 12). In order to guarantee a quality of service, the method comprises a first election of a first slave station, then a first transmission of at least one data packet present in the first queue, the first transmission being carried out from the master station to the first slave station, a second election of a second slave station, then a second transmission of at least one data packet present in the second queue, the second transmission being carried out from the master station to a second slave station and the first transmission continuing as long as the first queue is not empty.
US08194589B2 Systems and methods for wireless network selection based on attributes stored in a network database
Systems and methods for wireless network selection based on attributes stored in a network database are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving a network identifier associated with a wireless network, determining if a network profile associated with the network identifier is stored within a network profile database comprising a plurality of network profiles, and if the network profile associated with the network identifier is stored within the network profile database, retrieving the network profile, or if the network profile associated with the network identifier is not stored within the network profile database, initiating the network profile, obtaining an attribute associated with the network device identifier, and storing the attribute within the network profile.
US08194586B2 Cellular phone terminal having built-in wireless LAN, cellular phone system and personal information protection method therefor
Disclosed are a cellular phone terminal having built-in wireless LAN, a cellular phone system and a privacy protection method therefore that enable to prevent leakage of private information (or privacy) of the user of the cellular phone terminal from the communication data when conducting a search for wireless LAN base stations. The cellular phone terminal 10 comprises, in addition to the cellular phone function section 11, a cellular phone network transmitter/receiver section 14, a wireless LAN transmitter/receiver section 13 and a wireless LAN connection control section 12, an SSID•MAC address management section 15 connected to the wireless LAN connection control section 12 and the cellular phone network transmitter receiver section 14. The SSID•MAC address management section 15 is allocated by a MAC address management server 25 one or more temporary MAC addresses together with their time limit by way of the cellular phone network transmitter/receiver section 14 and a cellular phone base station 23 and the temporary MAC addresses are used when conducting a search for wireless LAN base stations 21.
US08194585B2 Wireless communication system
A modular wireless Internet access communications system designed to extend broadband 802.3 linear-bus topology up to fifteen miles beyond the physical limits of DSL or cable technologies through the integration of specialized wireless hardware devices, firmware, and protocols.
US08194584B2 Base station device, wireless terminal, wireless communication management device, and wireless communication system
A base station device includes: a connection determining unit that determines whether a connection can be allowed in response to a wireless communication connection request from a wireless terminal that can have wireless communications with other base stations; a frequency calculating unit that calculates the frequency at which the connection determining unit prohibits a connection; and a power changing unit that changes transmission power, based on the connection prohibition frequency.
US08194582B2 Method and apparatus for hosting commercially-derived packet routers on satellite payloads
The system contains an RF demodulator. A packet aggregation switching device is in communication with the RF demodulator. At least one packet processing engine is in communication with the RF demodulator. The packet aggregation switching device controls communication between the RF demodulator and the packet processing engine. An RF modulator may also be in communication with the packet processing engine along an egress path. The packet aggregation switching device may output traffic into the egress path.
US08194578B2 System and method for transmitting/receiving multicast/broadcast signal in a communication system
A system and method for transmitting/receiving a multicast/broadcast signal in a communication system are provided, in which if the communication system includes at least one zone to which the same service is provided and the zone includes at least one ASN_GW and at least one BS connected to the ASN_GW, the ASN_GW generates a second multicast/broadcast signal using a received first multicast/broadcast signal according to information about the zone, generates time information indicating a time when the BS is to transmit the second multicast/broadcast signal, and transmits the second multicast/broadcast signal and the time information to the BS.
US08194576B2 Wireless access point methods and apparatus using dynamically-activated service intervals
Methods and apparatus for controlling a wireless access point (AP) (e.g. a battery-powered wireless AP) for reduced power consumption are provided. In one illustrative example, the AP is adapted to provide communication access for end stations in one or more activated service intervals of each superframe. During operation, the AP changes the number of activated service intervals that are available to end stations for the communication access, as well as the durations of their active subinterval durations, in accordance with a change in traffic requirements. The AP regularly broadcasts data which indicates the activated service intervals that are made available to the mobile devices. A wireless transceiver of the AP is enabled during each activated service interval made available to the mobile devices, but the AP is placed in a power conservation mode during each deactivated service interval provided in between the activated service intervals. The AP may also be placed in the power conservation mode during inactive subintervals of each activated service interval.
US08194575B2 Methods and devices for random access power control in a communications network
The invention relates to a method in a first communication device within a communications network for designing a random access transmission power setting of the first communication device comprising to receive (42) data from a second communication device on a radio channel indicating a random access reception power. The first communication device determines (44) a desired random access reception power of the second communication device based on the received data and a parameter of random access configuration that influences a detection performance of the random access at the second communication device. Based on the desired random access reception power the first communication device determines (46) a random access transmission power to use and the first communication device designs (48) the random access transmission power setting of the first communication device in accordance with the determined random access transmission to use.
US08194574B2 Wireless access method and apparatus determining communication carriers to be used in uplink and downlink based on type of service
A wireless access method includes connecting a wireless base station and a plurality of wireless terminals using a first communication carrier and a second communication carrier in a hybrid-duplex manner; allocating uplink data of a real-time service to the first communication carrier; allocating uplink data of a non-real-time service to the second communication carrier; allocating downlink data of the real-time service to one of the first communication carrier and the second communication carrier; and allocating downlink data of the non-real-time service to the first and second communication carriers.
US08194567B2 System and method for establishing a wireless mesh network using multiple frequency bands
A mesh network is initiated by using multiple frequency bands for establishing communication between mesh nodes. In one aspect, a higher or lower frequency communication link may be established depending on the range between two mesh nodes. As the mesh network increases and decreases in density, and range and communication aspects change, a communication link may be change between the higher and lower frequency bands as necessary.
US08194565B2 Service level agreements based on objective voice quality testing for voice over IP (VOIP) networks
An objective, service-level specific voice call listening quality test scheme for a Voice Over IP (VOIP) network is presented. Test probes are deployed along the border of the VOIP network. Each test probe is capable of placing calls over the VOIP network to the other test probes at different levels of service and measuring call quality using an objective measurement algorithm such as PAMS or PSQM. The measurement results are collected on an ongoing basis to obtain information on the VOIP network's voice call quality. The information is compared to thresholds to measure performance against Service Level Agreement guarantees.
US08194563B2 Closed-loop rate control for a MIMO communication system
In a MIMO system, rate control is achieved with an inner loop that selects rates for data streams sent via a MIMO channel and an outer loop that regulates the operation of the inner loop. For the inner loop, SNR estimates are obtained for each data stream based on received pilot symbols and/or received data symbols. An effective SNR is derived for each data stream based on the SNR estimates, a diversity order, a MIMO backoff factor, and an outer loop backoff factor for the data stream. The rates are then selected for the data streams based on the effective SNRs for the data streams. The outer loop adjusts the outer loop backoff factor for each data stream based on the performance (e.g., packet errors and/or decoder metrics) for the data stream.
US08194560B2 Access point identifier configuration procedure
In an access point identifier configuration scheme, different procedures are used for configuring (e.g., updating) different types of access points. For example, the criteria used to determine which identifiers are to be assigned to mobile access points may be different than the criteria used to determine which identifiers are to be assigned to stationary access points.
US08194558B2 Method of estimating signal-to-noise ratio, method of adjusting feedback information transmission, adaptive modulation and coding method using the same, and transceiver thereof
A method of estimating a signal-to-noise ratio by considering user mobility, a method of adjusting feedback information transmission, an adaptive modulation and coding method using the same, and a transceiver thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes measuring a first channel parameter and a second channel parameter using first and second symbols sequentially received, respectively, estimating a channel quality considering a time delay between measurements of the first and second channel parameters using the first and second channel parameters, and transmitting information for the estimated channel quality if a variation of the first and second channel parameters is equal to or greater than a prescribed threshold. Accordingly, the present invention reduces performance degradation and feedback overhead caused by a time delay in channel quality estimation.
US08194556B2 Latency-aware adaptive bandwidth request mechanism for real-time communication in WiMAX
A method and apparatus for requesting bandwidth in a subscriber station is disclosed. The method dynamically changes the size of the bandwidth request based on the prediction of the number of packets needed to be transmitted. The average delay experienced by packets in a queue is measured, and this information is then used to change the coefficient of a prediction equation. When the experienced average delay is below the agreed upon QoS latency parameter or delay target, the method reduces the size of the bandwidth requests by making the prediction equation more conservative. On the other hand, when the experienced delay is above the agreed upon latency, the algorithm will make the prediction equation more aggressive, increasing the bandwidth requests and reducing the latency for future packets. By modifying the prediction equation based on the measured delay, the method is able to select the optimal point for achieving time delay requirements while preserving air-link resources.
US08194554B2 Method and apparatus for providing bypass connectivity between routers
Forwarding Adjacencies (FAs) can be set up between IP/MPLS routers without requiring a Routing Adjacency (RA) to be brought up for every FA. This enables increased bypass connectivity to be established between end-point routers in the IP/MPLS network without attendant additional processing associated with having dedicated RA for each FA. Where it is possible to modify the end-point routers, the physical ports may be configured to support stand-alone FAs. A configured FA at a physical port is then associated with an IP address of a remote end-point router and a connection within the bypass technology. OAM is used to verify connectivity and configuration across the FA. Alternatively, an emulated Ethernet LAN segment may be used for IP traffic to enable full mesh connectivity to be provided by the bypass technology while requiring only one or a small number of RAs to be implemented at each end-point router.
US08194552B1 System and method for trace replay using parallelized streams
The invention relates to a system and method for generating realistic network traffic by replaying captured network traffic using parallelized streams of subtraces. In accordance with one method of the invention, a captured trace of network traffic from a network link is provided. The captured trace is split into a number of subtraces. The subtraces are replayed and then recombined into a recombined trace, wherein the timing of packets in the recombined trace approximates the timing of packets in the captured trace.
US08194548B2 Method and system for duty cycling portions of a network device based on aggregate throughput of the device
Aspects of a method and system for duty cycling a network device based on aggregate throughput of the device are provided. In this regard, a limit on aggregate ingress and egress data of a network device during a time interval may be determined. Processing of data by the network device may be duty cycled based on the determination. The device may process data at a first rate during a first portion of the time interval and process data at a second rate during a remaining portion of the time interval. In this regard, portions of the device may be slowed or powered down during the first portion of the time interval. Power consumed by the device during the first portion of the time interval may be less than power consumed by the device during the remaining portion of the time interval.
US08194546B2 Traffic flow determination in communications networks
A method of determining traffic paths between one or more source-destination node pairs in a communications network, comprising starting from a first set of paths between said source-destination node pairs, determining a second set of paths between said source-destination node pairs while taking into account a set of constraints, such that said second set of paths emulates said first set of paths.
US08194543B2 Methods of data traffic shaping, apparatus and wireless device
Methods of data traffic shaping, an apparatus and a wireless device are provided. A method of data traffic shaping comprises receiving data packets, the data packets to be forwarded; storing at least one of the data packets in a buffer memory if the buffer memory has an available space for accommodating the at least one of the data packets; and discarding at least one other of the data packets if the buffer memory does not have an available space for accommodating the at least one other of the data packets. An apparatus is configured to carry out the method. A wireless device may include the apparatus.
US08194542B2 Method and equipment for performing flow shaping that maintains service quality in packet-switched telecommunications
The invention relates to a method and equipment for performing flow shaping that maintains service quality in packet-switched telecommunications. Using the method according to the invention, the speed properties (OR, PIR, CBS) of an aggregate flow (A) can be monitored and limited in a situation, in which the aggregate flow contains delay-critical traffic (V1), the forwarding of packets representing which cannot be delayed. The invention is based on the fact that, when forwarding packets representing the aggregate flow, a variable is updated, the value of which expresses the earliest permitted moment, at which a packet, representing traffic (V2) other than the delay-critical traffic, can be forwarded. In that case, the transfer speed of the traffic (V2) other than delay-critical traffic adapts to the variations in the transfer speed of the delay-critical traffic, allowing the speed properties of the aggregate flow to be monitored and limited.
US08194541B2 Method and apparatus for providing a collaborative reply over an ad-hoc mesh network
An approach is provided for providing a collaborative reply to a flooding message over an ad-hoc mesh network. A reply message to a flooding message is received by a wireless node within the ad-hoc network. The wireless node monitors for an acknowledgement of receipt of the reply message according to a routing table and initiates a scheduled transmission of the reply message based on the monitoring.
US08194540B2 Apparatus and method for managing quality of service of service flow in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for managing quality of service (QoS) of a service flow in a wireless communication system are provided. A method of operating a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system includes receiving QoS policy information of mobile stations (MSs) from a network entity including a policy decision function (PDF) or from neighbor BSs, and storing the QoS policy information; detecting a mobile station attempting connection re-establishment; upon detecting the mobile station attempting connection re-establishment, evaluating a QoS policy of the mobile station; and controlling a state of a service flow generated for the mobile station according to the QoS policy.
US08194538B2 Optimal route selection in a content delivery network
A routing mechanism, service or system operable in a distributed networking environment. One preferred environment is a content delivery network (CDN) wherein the present invention provides improved connectivity back to an origin server, especially for HTTP traffic. In a CDN, edge servers are typically organized into regions, with each region comprising a set of content servers that preferably operate in a peer-to-peer manner and share data across a common backbone such as a local area network (LAN). The inventive routing technique enables an edge server operating within a given CDN region to retrieve content (cacheable, non-cacheable and the like) from an origin server more efficiently by selectively routing through the CDN's own nodes, thereby avoiding network congestion and hot spots. The invention enables an edge server to fetch content from an origin server through an intermediate CDN server or, more generally, enables an edge server within a given first region to fetch content from the origin server through an intermediate CDN region.
US08194533B2 Fault tolerant data bus node and system
A data bus node, being a control node or a sensor node and being arranged to communicate over a TDMA data bus. The node includes a time signal processing device being configured to define a TDMA time slot transmission schedule for at least the node. A switch is configured to either connect or isolate a transmission path of the node to the bus and is configured to be controlled by the TDMA time slot transmission schedule for the node via a bus transmission access control device. The bus transmission access control device is configured to be further controlled by at least one external control signal via at least one external data transmission link being physically separated from the bus. A fault tolerant data bus system includes such a bus node and an aircraft exploiting the node/system. The babbling idiot problem is solved and at the same time the node/s/system fail silent behavior is enhanced.
US08194531B2 Methods for transmitting and receiving a multicarrier signal, carrying out a channel estimation, and corresponding devices and computer program products
A method is provided for receiving a received signal corresponding to a multicarrier signal transmitted by at least one transmitter via a transmission channel. The multicarrier signal is formed by a temporal succession of symbols consisting of a set of data elements including informative data elements with real values, and pilots for at least some of the symbols. Due to groups of at least two pilots being respectively located in an adjacent region in the time/frequency space, the reception method includes a step of extracting at least two complex values corresponding the pilots of the group of the adjacent region, once they have passed through the transmission channel, and a step of estimating the transmission channel in the adjacent region on the basis of the complex values. The modulation used is the type of OFDM OQAM.
US08194516B2 Information recording apparatus and method
A disc-shaped information recording medium includes a first recording layer (L0 layer) having (I) a first trial write area (101P-1) for trial write of first trial write information for calibration of the laser beam along the first track path (TP1) from the inner circumference toward the outer circumference and (II) a first recording area for recording the first recording information along a first track path (TP1), in this order from the inner circumference side. Furthermore, the disc-shaped information recording medium includes a second recording layer (L1 layer) having (I) a second trial write area (101P-2) for trial write of second trial write information for calibration of the laser beam along the second track path (TP2) from the outer circumference toward the inner circumference and (II) a second recording area for recording the second recording information along a second track path (TP2), in this order from the inner circumference side.
US08194515B2 Information recording medium and recording and/or reproducing apparatus and method
An information recording medium and a recording and/or reproducing apparatus and method used to guarantee reproduction compatibility in consideration of the fact that content distribution may be performed according to various business models includes a management information zone in which management information is recorded, wherein the management information indicates an intended type of use of the information recording medium.
US08194511B2 Heat-assisted magnetic recording head with near-field light generating element
A near-field light generating element has an outer surface including a bottom surface that lies at an end closer to a top surface of a substrate, a waveguide facing surface that lies at an end farther from the top surface of the substrate and faces a waveguide, a front end face located in a medium facing surface, and a side surface that connects the bottom surface, the waveguide facing surface and the front end face to each other. The front end face includes a first side that lies at an end of the bottom surface, a tip that lies at an end farther from the top surface of the substrate and forms a near-field light generating part, a second side that connects an end of the first side to the tip, and a third side that connects the other end of the first side to the tip. The waveguide facing surface includes a width changing portion that has a width in a direction parallel to the bottom surface and the front end face, the width decreasing with decreasing distance to the front end face.
US08194509B2 Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head comprising light source with photonic-band layer
A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is provided, in which a light source having sufficiently high output power for performing thermal-assist is disposed in the element-integration surface of the substrate to achieve improved mass-productivity. The head includes: a light source having a multilayered structure including a photonic-band layer and having a light-emitting surface opposed to the element-integration surface; a diffraction optical element that converges the emitted light; a light-path changer that changes the direction of the converged light; a waveguide that propagates the direction-changed light toward the opposed-to-medium surface; and a magnetic pole that generates write field. The surface-emitting type light source includes a photonic-band layer having a periodic structure in which a light from an active region resonates, and thus emits laser light on a quite different principle from a VCSEL. Therefore, the light source can be disposed in the element-integration surface, even though having sufficiently high output power.
US08194508B2 Waveform based bit detection for bit patterned media
The presently disclosed technology teaches a transducer head with a read sensor, a write pole, and one or more waveform sensors attached to the transducer head. Further, a waveform propagates in the direction of a BPM and the waveform sensor is configured to detect the waveform after it is reflected from the BPM. Additionally, a spin-polarized current is influenced by the BPM and a spin angular momentum sensor detects changes in spin angular momentum of the current. Further, a processor relates at least one property of the reflected waveform and/or current with positions of patterned bits on the BPM. The processor may then modify a timing signal and/or transducer head position to ensure that data bits are accurately written to the BPM. The end result is the ability to more quickly and accurately detect the patterned bits and synchronize a position of the transducer head with the patterned bits.
US08194504B2 Hydrophone unit
A hydrophone unit comprising a resilient central wire; a conductive wire coiled around the resilient central wire, said conductive wire being coated with a piezo material for generating an electrical signal in response to the presence of an acoustic vibration, wherein the resilient central wire is fabricated from spring steel, the conductive wire is a copper wire, the piezo material includes polyvinylidene difluoride; a layer of conductive material deposited on the piezo material-coated conductive wire, wherein the layer of conductive material comprises a silver ink; and a jacket of polyurethane.
US08194502B1 Variable directivity loud hailing device
A system and method for varying the directionality of an acoustic output of a loud hailing and warning device is disclosed. The method includes the operation of placing a sliding high-pass filter in a signal path of a transducer array having a frequency-dependant dispersion characteristic. A control is provided that varies a lower cutoff frequency of the sliding high-pass filter. The lower cutoff frequency of an electronic audio signal is variably controlled and sent to the transducer array to variably control the directionality of the acoustic output of the loud hailing and warning device.
US08194501B2 Apparatus and method of sniper localization
An apparatus and method of sniper localization includes an internal clock; an acoustic sensor positioned in a known location and detecting pressure waves; a first processor determining the trajectory of the supersonic projectile, where the first processor includes a shock wave threshold detector receiving time series information and recording arrival times of shock wave components of the pressure waves; a blast threshold detector receiving the time series information and recording arrival times and amplitude information of blast wave components of the pressure waves; a discrimination processor discriminating between a blast wave, a shock wave, or neither, and storing arrival times of each of the potential blast wave components classified as the blast wave; and a localization estimation processor calculating an estimated trajectory of the projectile based on the blast wave and the shock wave arrival times and calculating an estimated firing position of the projectile.
US08194498B2 Using a wave propagator for transversely isotropic media
A technique includes modeling a seismic wavefield in a vertical transversely isotropic media as a second order derivative of a first wavefield function with respect to a vertical direction and not with respect to crossline and inline directions and as second order derivatives of a second wave field function with respect to the inline and crossline directions and not with respect to the vertical direction. The method includes processing seismic measurements of the media in accordance with the modeled seismic wavefield to obtain information about the media. In another technique, a seismic wavefield in a tilted transversely isotropic media are modeled based at least in part on orientation of the symmetry axis and a nonzero shear velocity for the media; and seismic measurements of the media are processed in accordance with the modeled seismic wavefield to obtain information associated with the media.
US08194497B2 Reduction of tool eccentricity effects on acoustic measurements
A system for measuring an acoustic property of material penetrated by a well borehole. The system uses a borehole logging tool comprising preferably one acoustic transmitter and preferably a plurality of acoustic receivers. An independent measurement is used to determine azimuthal orientation of the tool within the borehole. Firings of the transmitter are based upon azimuthal orientation of the tool. Receiver responses resulting from preferably a plurality of transmitter firings per tool revolution are combined to form at least one composite transmitter response. The composite receiver response is compensated for adverse effects of the tool operating eccentered within the borehole.
US08194495B2 Clock generators, memory circuits, systems, and methods for providing an internal clock signal
A clock generator includes a first input end and a second input end. The first input end is capable of receiving a first clock signal including a first state transition and a second state transition defining a first pulse width. The second input end is capable of receiving a second clock signal having a third state transition. A time period ranges from the first state transition to the third state transition. The clock generator can compare the first pulse width and the time period. The clock generator can output a third clock signal having a second pulse width ranging from a fourth state transition to a fifth state transition. The fifth state transition of the third clock signal is capable of being triggered by the second state transition of the first clock signal or the third state transition of the second clock signal depending on the comparison of the first pulse width and the time period.
US08194491B2 Power-up circuit
A power-up circuit comprises an external supply voltage potential detector, a first internal supply voltage potential detector, a second internal supply voltage potential detector, and a logic circuit. The external supply voltage potential detector is configured to detect a supply voltage that is external to the memory device and to generate a first detection signal indicating whether a voltage potential of the external supply voltage reaches a first predetermined value. The first internal supply voltage potential detector is configured to detect a first internal supply voltage that is internal to the memory device and to generate a second detection signal indicating whether a voltage potential of the first internal supply voltage reaches a second predetermined value. The second internal supply voltage potential detector is configured to detect a second internal supply voltage that is internal to the memory device and to receive the first detection signal and an output voltage of the first internal supply voltage potential detector for generating a third detection signal indicating whether the voltage potentials of the external supply voltage and the first and second internal supply voltages reach the first, second, and third predetermined values respectively. The logic circuit is configured to receive the third detection signal and to generate a power-up signal.
US08194485B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling sense amplifier of semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes at least one sense amplifier, a controller and a sense amplifier driver. The sense amplifier includes a PMOS sense amplifier and an NMOS sense amplifier configured to be respectively activated in response to a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage, and to sense and amplify a voltage difference between a corresponding bit line pair. The controller is configured to set an operating mode in response to an external command, to control activation timing of a PMOS drive activation signal and an NMOS drive activation signal according to the set operating mode, and to output the PMOS drive activation signal and the NMOS drive activation signal. The sense amplifier driver is configured to apply the first and second supply voltages to the PMOS and NMOS sense amplifiers, respectively, in response to the PMOS drive activation signal and the NMOS drive activation signal.
US08194484B2 Circuit precharging DRAM bit line
A bit line pre-charge circuit for a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) uses a charge sharing scheme. The pre-charge circuit includes switching elements disposed between a power voltage node and an output node, capacitors connected between intermediate nodes and ground. The switching elements being operated by successively activated control signals to effectively charge a bit line pair to one half a power voltage using charge sharing between the capacitors.
US08194479B2 Semiconductor memory device having a skew signal generator for adjusting a delay interval of internal circuitry
A skew signal generator is provided which comprises a fuse signal generating unit for generating a plurality of fuse signals, and an encoder for generating skew signals including skew information of a wafer by encoding the fuse signals.
US08194477B2 Subtraction circuits and digital-to-analog converters for semiconductor devices
A memory device that, in certain embodiments, includes a plurality of memory elements connected to a bit-line and a delta-sigma modulator with a digital output and an analog input, which may be connected to the bit-line. In some embodiments, the delta-sigma modulator includes a circuit with first and second inputs and an output. The circuit is configured to combined (add or subtract) input signals. The first input may be connected to the analog input. The delta-sigma modulator may also include an integrator connected to the output of the circuit, an analog-to-digital converter with an input connected to an output of the integrator and an output connected to the digital output, and a digital-to-analog converter with an input connected to the output of the analog-to-digital converter and an output connected to the second input of the circuit.
US08194476B2 Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a voltage detector configured to detect a level of an external power supply voltage and an internal voltage generator configured to generate an internal voltage in response to an active signal and drive an internal voltage terminal with a driving ability corresponding to an output signal of the voltage detector. A method for operating the semiconductor memory device includes detecting a level of an external power supply voltage, based on a first target level, to output a detection signal; and generating an internal voltage in response to an active signal, and driving an internal voltage terminal with a driving ability corresponding to the detection signal.
US08194473B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit
A non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit includes a memory cell array, and a verification sense amplifier controller configured to control switching devices, which receive external input data, depending on a level of the input data such that distribution voltage is changed when controlling a write operation by comparing the input data with cell data written in the memory cell array so as to provide cell data.
US08194468B2 Non-volatile memory cell with BTBT programming
A Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) cell and programming method in which the cell can denote at least two logic levels (e.g., 0 and 1) and includes a read-transistor with a floating gate and a Band-To-Band-Tunneling device (BTBT device) sharing the floating gate with the read transistor.The BTBT device is configured as an injection device for injecting a first charge onto the floating gate when the BTBT device is biased so that it is in accumulation, to set at least one of the logic levels.
US08194459B2 Random telegraph signal noise reduction scheme for semiconductor memories
Embodiments are provided that include a method including providing a first pulsed gate signal to a selected memory cell, wherein the pulsed gate signal alternates between a first voltage level and a second voltage level during a time period and sensing a data line response to determine data stored on the selected memory of cells. Further embodiments provide a system including a memory device, having a regulator circuit coupled to a plurality of access lines of a NAND memory cell, and a switching circuit configured to sequentially bias at least one of the plurality of the access lines between a first voltage level and a second voltage level based on an input signal.
US08194458B2 Programming and/or erasing a memory device in response to its program and/or erase history
For one embodiment, a program starting voltage of one or more program pulses applied to one or more memory cells is in response, at least in part, to on a number of program pulses previously required to program the one or more memory cells and/or an erase starting voltage of one or more erase pulses applied to one or more memory cells is based on a number of erase pulses previously required to erase the one or more memory cells. For another embodiment, a program starting voltage level and/or an erase starting voltage level of one or more program and/or erase pulses applied to one or more memory cells is in response, at least in part, to a number of program/erase cycles previously applied to the one or more memory cells.
US08194457B2 Soft program method and computer readable medium thereof
A soft program method is provided for recovering memory cells of a memory array. In an embodiment, the method includes the following steps. Memory blocks of the memory array are soft programmed with first bias voltage. A selected memory unit within a selected memory block is then soft programmed with second bias voltage. Next, whether a judging criterion is met is determined. If not, the method is repeated from the step of soft programming with the second bias voltage; if so, whether the selected unit is a last memory unit is determined. If the selected unit is not the last memory unit, other memory unit is assigned as the selected memory unit and the method is repeated from the step of soft programming with the second bias voltage. When the selected unit is the last memory unit, the memory array is bit-by-bit soft programmed with a third bias voltage.
US08194455B2 Methods for programming nonvolatile memory devices
Provided is a method for programming a nonvolatile memory device. The nonvolatile memory device includes a local word line to divide a memory cell string into a first area including a selected word line and a second area not including the selected word line. In the method, word lines of the first area are driven by a first pass voltage and word lines of the second area driven by a second pass voltage higher than the first pass voltage. A cell transistor corresponding to the local word line is turned off after the first pass voltage and the second pass voltage are applied. The selected word line is driven by a program voltage after the cell transistor is turned off.
US08194454B2 Interleaved memory program and verify method, device and system
An interleaved memory programming and verification method, device and system includes a memory array including first and second memory banks of memory cells. The memory device further includes a controller configured to concurrently program a first data into the first memory bank and a second data into the second memory bank using iterative programming and verification operations in each of the first and second memory banks with the programming and verification operations in the second memory bank being offset from the programming and verification operations in the first memory bank.
US08194452B2 Nonvolatile memory systems with embedded fast read and write memories
A nonvolatile memory system is described with novel architecture coupling nonvolatile storage memory with random access volatile memory. New commands are included to enhance the read and write performance of the memory system.
US08194451B2 Memory cells, memory cell arrays, methods of using and methods of making
A semiconductor memory cell and arrays of memory cells are provided In at least one embodiment, a memory cell includes a substrate having a top surface, the substrate having a first conductivity type selected from a p-type conductivity type and an n-type conductivity type; a first region having a second conductivity type selected from the p-type and n-type conductivity types, the second conductivity type being different from the first conductivity type, the first region being formed in the substrate and exposed at the top surface; a second region having the second conductivity type, the second region being formed in the substrate, spaced apart from the first region and exposed at the top surface; a buried layer in the substrate below the first and second regions, spaced apart from the first and second regions and having the second conductivity type; a body region formed between the first and second regions and the buried layer, the body region having the first conductivity type; a gate positioned between the first and second regions and above the top surface; and a nonvolatile memory configured to store data upon transfer from the body region.
US08194450B2 Methods and control circuitry for programming memory cells
Methods of programming memory cells and control circuitry for memory arrays facilitate a reduction of program disturb. A memory cell is shifted from a first data state to a second data state if it is desired to alter a first digit of a data value of the memory cell. If it is desired to alter a second digit of the data value of the memory cell, the memory cell is shifted to a third data state if the memory cell is in the first data state and shifted to a fourth data state if the memory cell is in the second data state. The first, second, third and fourth data states correspond to respective non-overlapping ranges of threshold voltages. The threshold voltages corresponding to the fourth data state are greater than the threshold voltages corresponding to the third data state.
US08194444B2 Spin-transfer torque memory self-reference read method
Self-reference reading a magnetic tunnel junction data cell methods are disclosed. An illustrative method includes applying a read voltage across a magnetic tunnel junction data cell and forming a read current. The magnetic tunnel junction data cell has a first resistance state. The read voltage is sufficient to switch the magnetic tunnel junction data cell resistance. The method includes detecting the read current and determining if the read current remains constant during the applying step. If the read current remains constant during the applying step, then the first resistance state of the magnetic tunnel junction data cell is the resistance state that the read voltage was sufficient to switch the magnetic tunnel junction data cell to.
US08194440B2 Phase change memory device having multiple reset signals and operating method thereof
A phase change memory device includes a cell array unit having a phase change resistance cell positioned at an intersection of a word line and a bit line. A write driving unit is configured to generate a single write voltage to the cell array unit when data to be written is a first data and is configured to generate a plurality of write voltages selectively when the data is a second data.
US08194438B2 nvSRAM having variable magnetic resistors
Non-volatile static random access memory (nvSRAM) that has a six transistor static random access memory (6T SRAM) cell electrically connected to a non-volatile random access memory (nvRAM) cell. The nvRAM cell has first and second variable magnetic resistors and first, second and third transistors.
US08194436B2 Magnetic random access memory, write method therefor, and magnetoresistance effect element
A magnetic random access memory includes: a first ferromagnetic layer; an insulating layer provided adjacent to the first ferromagnetic layer; and a first magnetization pinned layer provided adjacent to the insulating layer on a side opposite to the first ferromagnetic layer. The first ferromagnetic layer includes a magnetization free region, a first magnetization pinned region, and a second magnetization pinned region. The magnetization free region has reversible magnetization, and overlaps with the second ferromagnetic layer. The first magnetization pinned region has first pinned magnetization, and is connected to a part of the magnetization free region. The second magnetization pinned region has second pinned magnetization, and is connected to a part of the magnetization free region. The first ferromagnetic layer has magnetic anisotropy in a direction perpendicular to a film surface. The first pinned magnetization and the second pinned magnetization are pinned antiparallel to each other in the direction perpendicular to the film surface.
US08194429B2 Inverter comprising normally conductive gate-controlled semiconductor switches
An inverter has two input lines; an inverter bridge connected between the input lines and including at least one half-bridge having two normally conductive gate-controlled semiconductor switches; a controller which supplies control voltages to the gates of the semiconductor switches in an operative state of the inverter; and a DC voltage source for supplying an auxiliary control voltage to the gates of the semiconductor switches in an inoperative state of the inverter so as to hold the inverter bridge in a non-conductive state between the input lines. The DC voltage source has a charging unit connected between the input lines in series with a further normally conductive gate-controlled semiconductor switch, and charging a storage unit for electric charge, which is connected to the gate of the further semiconductor switch such that this switch becomes non-conductive, when the storage unit has been sufficiently charged for providing the auxiliary control voltage.
US08194428B2 Unified control of single and three-phase power converters
Provided herein is are unified control methods and implementations for controlling single and three-phase power converters. In an exemplary embodiment, a unified controller is provided that can be used to control a three-phase three-wire Voltage Source Inverter (VSI), a three-phase four-wire VSI, a three-phase grid-connected power converter for current shaping, and a single-phase full bridge VSI.
US08194423B2 Method and apparatus to reduce audio frequencies in a switching power supply
An example controller for use in a power supply regulator includes a switch signal generator, a modulation circuit, and a multi-cycle modulator circuit. The modulation circuit modulates the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated switching signal to provide a fixed peak switching current in the switch during light load conditions and a variable peak switching current during load conditions other than the light load condition. The multi-cycle modulator circuit enables the switch signal generator to provide a switch signal uninterrupted if the load condition is other than the light load condition and disables the switch signal generator for a first time period and then enables the switch signal generator for a second time period when the load condition is the light load condition. The multi-cycle modulator circuit adjusts the first time period in response to the feedback signal to regulate the output.
US08194420B2 Method for controlling a switching regulator and related switching regulator
An embodiment of a power-supply controller comprises a switching-control circuit, an error amplifier, and a signal generator. The switching-control circuit is operable to control a switch coupled to a primary winding of a transformer, and the error amplifier has a first input node operable to receive a feedback signal, a second input node operable to receive a comparison signal, and an output node operable to provide a control signal to the switching-control circuit. The signal generator is operable to generate either the feedback signal or the comparison signal in response to a compensation signal that is isolated from a secondary winding of the transformer and that is proportional to a load current through a conductor disposed between the secondary winding and a load.
US08194418B2 Frequency-hopping control method and module, and DC/DC converter
A frequency-hopping control method is performed by a frequency-hopping control module that generates a driving signal for driving a voltage converting circuit to generate an output voltage. The method includes, generating a control signal according to a regulating signal inversely proportional to the output voltage of the voltage converting circuit. The control signal is cyclical, and each cycle of which includes an off-time having a variable duration with an inverse relation to magnitude of the regulating signal, and an on-time having a substantially fixed duration. The driving signal is generated according to the control signal and a periodic pulse signal. Therefore, the output voltage can be stabilized, and the voltage converting circuit can perform voltage conversion with reduced power loss and improved voltage conversion efficiency.
US08194417B2 Two-stage switching power supply
A two-stage switching power supply includes a first-stage power circuit, a second-stage power circuit, an output detecting circuit and a power control unit. The first-stage power circuit includes a first switching circuit. By conducting or shutting off the first switching circuit, an input voltage is converted into a bus voltage. The second-stage power circuit includes a second switching circuit. By conducting or shutting off the second switching circuit, the bus voltage is converted into an output voltage. The output detecting circuit generates an output detecting signal according to the output voltage. The power control unit controls operations of the first and second switching circuits according to the output detecting signal. A first-stage voltage gain value of the first-stage power circuit and a second-stage voltage gain value of the second-stage power circuit are altered with the output detecting signal, so that the output voltage is maintained at a rated value.
US08194416B2 Multilayer printed circuit board having electromagnetic wave reduction member
Disclosed is a multilayer printed circuit board. The multilayer printed circuit board includes a power source surface to provide power to each component disposed on the power source surface, a ground surface having a reference voltage, a strip line which passes through the power source surface and/or the ground surface so as to transmit signals between components, an antenna installed in proximity to a sectional region of the power source surface and the ground surface, and an electromagnetic wave reduction member which is provided between the power source surface and the ground surface to effectively reduce an electromagnetic wave generated from the strip line.
US08194408B2 Sliding sleeve USB
An electronic device having a USB connector is provided comprising a partial outer sleeve reaching short of the USB connector and securely holding thereof and a shorter inner sleeve extending little over the USB connector and partially housed in the outer sleeve in a sliding relationship. The USB connector is connected to functional circuit on at least one printed circuit board. A short piece of adaptor bracket permits the selected printed circuit board fastened in a uniform profile to the containing space of the outer sleeve so that a determined size of outer sleeve may hold a variety of printed circuit boards in a constantly acceptable tolerance.
US08194407B2 Heat radiation material, electronic device and method of manufacturing electronic device
The electronic device includes a heat generator 54, a heat radiator 58, and a heat radiation material 56 disposed between the heat generator 54 and the heat radiator 58 and including a plurality of linear structures 12 of carbon atoms and a filling layer 14 formed of a thermoplastic resin and disposed between the plurality of linear structures 12.
US08194406B2 Apparatus and method with forced coolant vapor movement for facilitating two-phase cooling of an electronic device
Apparatus and method are provided for two-phase dielectric cooling of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a coolant flow path, a vapor condenser and one or more vapor fans. The coolant flow path is in fluid communication with the electronic device, where liquid dielectric coolant within the flow path vaporizes upon contacting the electronic device, forming dielectric coolant vapor, and thereby facilitating cooling of the electronic device. The vapor condenser is also in fluid communication with the coolant flow path and facilitates condensate formation from the dielectric coolant vapor. The one or more vapor fans are disposed within the flow path to actively move dielectric coolant vapor into contact with the vapor condenser, and thereby enhance cooling of the electronic device by facilitating coolant condensate formation and thus recirculation of the coolant condensate as liquid dielectric coolant.
US08194404B2 Hard disk drive frame
An HDD frame is used to fix several HDDs and several HDD cables. The HDD frame includes an HDD cage, a latch and an HDD cable bracket. The HDD cage includes three cage boards. Two of the cage boards are disposed at two ends of the other cage board. The latch includes a protrusion. The HDD cable bracket includes a baseboard and a sideboard, which are perpendicular to each other. The baseboard includes a first long edge and a second long edge. The sideboard is disposed at the second long edge. One end of the latch is fixed on the end of the sideboard to make the protrusion protrude through the sideboard hole of the sideboard. After the long edges of the HDD cable bracket are inserted into tracks on the HDD cage, the protrusion protrudes into the cage hole of the HDD cage.
US08194399B2 Altering the flexibility of a display device
Disclosed embodiments relate to altering the flexibility of a display device. A method for altering the flexibility of a display device may include sending a signal, by a circuit, to alter the temperature of a first section of a display device comprising the first section and a second section. The flexibility of the first section may be changed in response to the temperature alteration of the first section. The method may further include sending a signal, by the circuit, to alter the temperature of the second section of the display device. In one embodiment, the flexibility of the second section is changed in response to the temperature alteration of the second section.
US08194387B2 Electrostrictive resonance suppression for tunable capacitors
A multi-layered capacitor includes three or more capacitor layers. A first layer includes a first DC-biased, tunable capacitor. A second layer, acoustically coupled to the first layer, includes a second DC-biased, tunable capacitor. A third layer, acoustically coupled to the second layer, includes a third DC-biased, tunable capacitor. Each dielectric of the first, second, and third capacitors has a resonance of about the same frequency, within 5%, and inner electrodes of the first, second, and third capacitors have a resonance of about the same frequency, within 5%. The resonance of each layer is a function of at least thickness, density, and material. The first, second, and third layers are biased to generate destructive acoustic interference, and the multi-layer capacitor is operable at frequencies greater than 0.1 GHz.
US08194385B1 Precision alignment system
A precision alignment system for the alignment of modular frames of an electronic sign including a plurality of precision alignment mechanisms which are mounted to the outer panels of the modular frames and an alignment fixture having a plurality of configurable jig towers. The configurable jig towers include moveable components which are used to precisionally align the outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms for subsequent intimate contact between other like outer contact surfaces of contact blocks in the precision alignment mechanisms of horizontally and vertically adjacent modular frames.
US08194379B2 Inrush current control system with soft start circuit and method
A method of and system for controlling the inrush current generated in a MOSFET of an inrush current control system, wherein the MOSFET includes a source, gate and drain. The dV/dt at the drain of the MOSFET is controlled so as to set the inrush current level as a function of dV/dt, independent of current limit without requiring a separate capacitor connected between the gate and drain of the MOSFET so that the MOSFET can turn on and off more quickly.
US08194378B2 Line commutation type fault current limiter
A line commutation type fault current limiter which can reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, carry out line commutation by operating a cutoff switch by fault current energy, respond rapidly to a fault, be immediately restored to an original state, and perform either an active or a passive operation. The line commutation type fault current limiter includes a coupled inductor having a primary side connected to a main circuit and a secondary side matched with the primary side, a Zener diode switch electrically connected to the secondary side of the coupled inductor, a line commutation switch connected to the Zener diode switch as well as the primary side of the coupled inductor to form a bypass path in parallel with the primary side of the coupled inductor and to cut off the main circuit, when the Zener diode switch is turned on, and a current limiting unit electrically connected in parallel with the line commutation switch to limit a current flowing into the main circuit.
US08194376B2 Energy storage discharge circuitry
Storage device discharge means and methods are provided. Printer circuitry detects one or more anomalous operating conditions and asserts a switch, shunting storage capacitors to ground potential through a resistive load. Discharge of the storage capacitors protects inkjet firing resistors against damage that could otherwise result from the uncontrolled application of stored electrical energy.
US08194374B2 Differential element with harmonic blocking and harmonic restraint operating in parallel
An intelligent electronic device (IED) provides harmonic blocking and harmonic restraint differential protection operating in parallel. The IED includes a harmonically-blocked differential element supervised by one or more even harmonics of a raw operating current (a current comprising the fundamental operating current and the harmonics thereof). The IED also includes a parallel, harmonically-restrained differential element, which is restrained by harmonics of the raw operating current. Tripping signals output by the parallel harmonically-blocked differential element and the harmonically-restrained differential element may be selectively combined into a single tripping signal output. An additional harmonic blocking element may supervise both differential elements and/or the combined tripping signal. The additional harmonic blocking element may provide odd-harmonic blocking, such as harmonic blocking based on a fifth harmonic of the raw operating current.
US08194372B1 Systems and methods for electrostatic discharge protection
A system for protecting an integrated circuit (IC) from electrostatic discharge (ESD) events includes a sensing circuit that detects an occurrence of an ESD event on one of a plurality of power supply rails of the IC and, in response, outputs an alert signal identifying the occurrence of the ESD event. The system includes a driver circuit that, responsive to receiving the alert signal, outputs an enable signal, and a cascaded switch. The cascaded switch includes first and second gates disposed upon a channel located between a drain of the cascaded switch coupled to a first power supply rail and a source of the cascaded switch coupled to a second power supply rail. Each of the two gates receives the enable signal and, responsive to the enable signal, the cascaded switch closes to establish a coupling between the first power supply rail and the second power supply rail.
US08194371B2 Integrated circuit protection device
A semiconductor device is provided. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device includes an inverter. The inverter is coupled to an NMOS device. The NMOS device may be protection device which protects the inverter from charging effects and/or plasma induced damage. The NMOS device may be coupled to a power source (e.g., Vss). The NMOS device may be further coupled to a capacitor. The charge of the capacitor may discharge a current through the NMOS device to the power source.
US08194370B2 Electrostatic discharge protection circuit and device
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit is provided. The ESD protection circuit includes a first rail, a second rail, a first transistor and a resistance unit. The drain of the first transistor is electrically coupled to the first rail, and the source and gate of the first transistor are electrically coupled to the second rail. The resistance unit is electrically coupled between a body of the first transistor and the second rail. When ESD occurs, the resistance unit provides a resistance between the body of the first transistor and the second rail. An ESD protection device is also provided.
US08194368B2 Protective electrical wiring device with a center nightlight
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a cover assembly is coupled to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one set of receptacle openings disposed on either side of a central portion of the cover assembly in communication with a portion of the plurality of receptacle terminals. A fault detection circuit is configured to provide a fault detection output in response to detecting a fault condition. A circuit interrupter is coupled between the plurality of line terminals and the plurality of load terminals. A light assembly is coupled to the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. The light assembly has a light transmission region disposed in the central portion and occupying a substantial portion of a width of the cover assembly. The light assembly is selectively driven from a deenergized state to a light emitting state in response to a predetermined stimulus.
US08194360B2 Domain control in bottom shield of MR sensor
A shield for a read element of a magnetic recording head includes a first domain with boundaries remote from the read element and stabilized with a patterned bias element. The patterned bias element comprises a topographical pattern of grooves formed on the shield substrate.
US08194357B2 Hard disk drive
A hard disk drive (HDD) includes a base including a voice coil motor (VCM) which drives an actuator, a cover combined with an upper surface of the base, and a magnetic leakage flux reducer adjacent to the VCM to reduce a magnetic leakage flux leaked from the VCM. Therefore, the HDD includes a simple structure to be made light and reduces the magnetic leakage flux which affects the VCM.
US08194356B2 Head-stack assembly including heat-dissipation and impedance-matching structure and hard-disk drive using the head-stack assembly
A head-stack assembly. The head-stack assembly includes: a magnetic-recording head; a lead-suspension supporting the magnetic-recording head on an actuator arm; a metal plate coupled with the actuator arm; a resin layer disposed on the metal plate; a flexible-printed-circuit board disposed on the resin layer, and substantially perpendicularly connected to the lead-suspension; a arm-electronics module disposed on the flexible-printed-circuit board configured to shape a write-signal current waveform of a write signal to said magnetic-recording head; transmission lines disposed on the flexible-printed-circuit board configured to transmit the write signal to, and a read-back signal from, the lead-suspension; and, a single intermediate conductor layer that is disposed between the resin layer and the flexible-printed-circuit board, and having a planar shape substantially facing a bottom of the arm-electronics module and a bottom of the transmission lines.
US08194354B1 Suspension assembly including a flexure tail with staggered rows of apertures
A novel suspension assembly includes a flexure tail with a first plurality of apertures in its structural layer. Each of the first plurality of apertures underlies a first trace but not a second trace. Each of a second plurality of apertures in the structural layer underlies a second trace but not the first trace. Each of the first plurality of apertures includes a corresponding region of maximum width, and each of the second plurality of apertures includes a corresponding region of maximum width, as measured in the width direction. None of the corresponding regions of maximum width of the first plurality of apertures is disposed in an overlapping position along the long axis as any of the corresponding regions of maximum width of the second plurality of apertures.
US08194353B2 Suspension board with circuit
A suspension board with circuit includes a conductive pattern, a board main body portion, an auxiliary portion folded back with respect to the board main body portion, a slider disposed on a side of the suspension board with circuit which is closer to the board main body portion, and mounting thereon a magnetic head, and a light emitting element disposed on a side of the suspension board with circuit which is closer to the auxiliary portion. The conductive pattern includes a first conductive pattern including first and second terminals connected to an external circuit and the magnetic head, and second conductive pattern including third and fourth terminals connected to the external circuit and light emitting element. Both of the first and second terminal are disposed on the board main body portion. The third and fourth terminals are disposed on the board main body portion and on the auxiliary portion respectively.
US08194350B2 Head, head suspension assembly, and disk drive provided with the same
According to an embodiment, a head includes a slider and a head portion on the slider. A facing surface of the slider includes a negative-pressure cavity defined by a recess in the facing surface, a leading step portion on an upstream side of the negative-pressure cavity, a pair of side portions extending in a first direction from the leading step portion, a trailing step portion on an outflow side of the negative-pressure cavity, a pair of skirt portions extending in the first direction from the side portions toward the outflow end of the slider, and an enclosure step portion continuously arranged along an outflow end edge and opposite side edges of the facing surface from the trailing step portion to opposite sides of the skirt portions and outsides of the side portions and formed deeper than the skirt portions and shallower than the negative-pressure cavity.
US08194348B2 Sealed laminated electrical connector for helium filled disk drive
A novel disk drive includes a hermetically sealed helium-filled enclosure that has an opening extending through the disk drive base. A laminated electrical connector is disposed inside the enclosure, spans the opening, and is accessible from outside the disk drive base via the opening. The laminated electrical connector has an adhesive layer that is adhered to the disk drive base continuously around the opening, and that has a hole therethrough that is aligned with the opening. The laminated electrical connector includes electrically conductive traces that are electrically connected to the actuator flex cable, and a first insulative layer that is disposed on the trace layer. The laminated electrical connector has a metal foil sealing layer that continuously spans and completely covers the opening, and that has no holes therethrough that are aligned with the opening. The metal foil sealing layer overlaps the adhesive layer continuously around the opening.
US08194343B1 Calibrating servos
Systems, methods, and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for, in at least one implementation, determining a measured slope of a spiral, calibrating radial spacing between servo tracks according to a relationship between a target slope and the measured slope, wherein an amount of calibration for the radial spacing varies directly with the relationship between the target slope and the measured slope, and generating servo tracks according to the calibrated radial spacing.
US08194340B1 Disk drive framing write data with in-line mapping data during write operations
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk having a plurality of tracks, wherein each track comprises a plurality of data sectors each assigned a physical block address (PBA). A first write command is received identifying a number of logical block addresses (LBAs) and write data. A header identifier is written to a first data sector that identifies a beginning of the first write command. The write data is written to a plurality of the data sectors and after writing the write data, a footer identifier is written to a second data sector that identifies the end of the first write command. The LBAs are written to at least one of the first data sector and the second data sector.
US08194337B2 Dynamic alternating panel reflector apparatus
Skins for light reflecting umbrellas and for methods of using light reflecting umbrellas. The invention includes skins with a series of panels in stripes of alternating colors, in a shifted configuration, in a checkered shift configuration, in a half and half configuration, in a modified half and half configuration with a center portion having a separate color combination, in a tricolor configuration, in a shifted tricolor configuration and in a center black configuration.
US08194336B2 Lens driving device
A lens driving device has a carrier, a coil, an upper spring, a lower spring, a yoke, a magnet, and a lower member. The carrier is cylindrical and has a hollow part along a vertical direction so that a lens can be carried. The coil is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the carrier. The upper spring is arranged over the carrier, and fixed to the yoke. The lower spring is arranged below the carrier. The yoke is formed into a box shape having a side wall and an opening on the lower side, and arranged around the carrier. The magnet is arranged in the yoke so as to be opposed to the coil. The lower member is arranged below the yoke. The lower member has a projection part connected to the yoke. The projection part is inserted between an inner surface of the side wall of the yoke and an outer surface of the magnet and connected to the yoke. Thus, the yoke and the lower member can be connected such that space for the magnet to be arranged in the yoke is less affected.
US08194329B2 Variable magnification optical system and imaging apparatus
A variable magnification optical system includes first lens group having negative refractive-power, an aperture-stop and second lens group having positive refractive-power, arranged from the object-side. A negative lens having a concave surface facing the image-side is arranged on the most object side of the first lens group, and an aspheric lens having a concave surface facing the object-side and an aspheric surface facing the image-side is arranged on the most image side of the first lens group. A positive lens having a convex surface facing the image-side is arranged, on the object-side of the aspheric lens, immediately before the aspheric lens. The image-side surface of the aspheric lens at the most image side of the first lens group includes a portion having higher positive power on the outside of positions through which outermost rays of an axial beam pass, compared with the vicinity of the optical axis.
US08194325B2 Optical apparatus and method
An apparatus and a method are provided. The apparatus including: a light expander configured to expand light, input into the light expander, in a first dimension, and configured to provide diverging light that diverges in the first dimension; and an optical device configured to redirect diverging light, received from the light expander, to produce converging light that converges in the first dimension.
US08194324B2 Fresnel lenses
A solar concentrator comprises a curved linear Fresnel lens (16) which has a plurality of prismatic features (10, 12, 14). The prismatic features are arranged into at least two segments, in each segment the prismatic features have a common apex angle, the common apex angle differing between adjacent segments. A method of manufacturing a mold (2) for producing a Fresnel lens optical film (16) is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mold blank, and forming a plurality of different prismatic features (10, 12, 14) on the mold blank by repeatedly advancing a cutting tool (4) onto and then withdrawing the tool away from the surface of the mold blank.
US08194321B2 Photographing lens and camera
A small shooting lens has high optical performance and is suitable for mass production. To attain this, the shooting lens includes at least three lens groups disposed in order from an object side, wherein an adhesion multiple-layer diffractive optical element is formed on one of surfaces disposed between an object surface and an imaging plane, and a maximum image height Y and an entire length L satisfy 0.1
US08194314B2 Binoculars
Providing a pair of binoculars that is able to prevent diopter from being changed after adjusting diopter difference by pushing down the focus knob after adjusting diopter difference so as not to touch the operating knob, and able to prevent the focus position from being changed after adjusting focus position by pulling out the focus knob to create a focus lock state after adjusting focus position.
US08194312B2 Optics changer
The invention relates to an optics changer for arranging an optical element in a target position in a changer chamber of an optical device accessible from the outside via a insertion channel, including a base frame and the optical element that is pivotally fastened to the base frame via a swivel mechanism, wherein the swivel mechanism effects a pivoting movement of the optical element when the optics changer is inserted through the insertion channel in the changer chamber starting at a predetermined insertion depth such that after inserting, the optical element is placed and pivoted in the target position.
US08194307B2 Tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lens and system
A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.
US08194305B2 Package for micromirror device
The present invention discloses a mirror device that includes a mirror element which further comprising an elastic hinge and a mirror and which modulates incident light emitted from a light source, a device substrate on which a drive circuit for driving the mirror element is placed, a package substrate which is made of transparent glass or a silicon material and on which the device substrate is placed, a metallic thermal transfer path connected to the device substrate, and a cover glass connected to the package substrate so that the device substrate is covered.
US08194304B2 Display device and electric apparatus using the same
In a display device including: an upper space (display space) 13 provided on a display surface side; and a colored liquid 21 that is sealed inside the upper space 13 so as to be operable and is colored in a predetermined color, which is structured so as to be able to change a display color on the display surface side according to application of an electric field to the colored liquid 21, the colored liquid 21 contains a conductive liquid as a dispersion medium and a pigment of a self-dispersing type as a coloring agent. Thereby, the display device that can improve display quality and have high durability that enables to maintain an excellent displaying function over a long period of time, and the electric apparatus using the display device can be provided.
US08194299B2 Image forming apparatus and image quality adjustment method of image forming apparatus
A reading section outputs density information of a gradation pattern image of a recording member. A gradation correction characteristic generation section generates a first gradation correction characteristic f(x). At first image quality adjustment, a detection section detects densities of patch pattern images on an image carrier, and the gradation correction characteristic generation section generates a second gradation correction characteristic g(x). At normal image quality adjustment, the detection section detects densities of patch pattern images on the image carrier, and the gradation correction characteristic generation section generates a second gradation correction characteristic g′(x). A calculation section calculates a difference gradation correction characteristic g″(x) between the gradation correction characteristic g(x) and the second gradation correction characteristic g′(x). An image quality maintaining control section multiplies the difference gradation correction characteristic g″(x) by the first gradation correction characteristic f(x), and adjusts an image quality of an image formed on the recording member.
US08194292B2 Imaging apparatus having an LCD document glass
An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system, and a controller communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. A scanner body has a scanner opening. The image capturing system is located adjacent the scanner opening. An LCD document glass is adjacent to the scanner opening. The LCD document glass is communicatively coupled to the controller. The LCD document glass is controlled to be in a transparent state wherein the LCD document glass is clear and a translucent state wherein the LCD document glass is darkened.
US08194290B2 Image compensation method with correctional gray level values of complete black and/or white
An image compensating method. First, multiple scanning lines are used to scan a document and a longitudinal black and white pattern, in order to produce the actual gray level value for multiple pixels with respect to each of the scanning lines and the document, as well as a correctional gray level value for complete black and a correctional gray level value for complete white with respect to the longitudinal black and white pattern. Then, the compensational gray level value with respect to the actual gray level value for each of the pixels is obtained according to the correctional gray level value for complete black, the correctional gray level value for complete white, the theoretical gray level value for complete black, the theoretical gray level value for complete white, and the actual gray level value for each of the pixels. Then, the procedure is complete.
US08194287B2 Apparatus and method to revise halftoned image and image forming apparatus using the same
An apparatus and a method to revise a halftoned image and an image forming apparatus using the same. The apparatus includes an area dividing unit to detect a boundary edge area of an image, a halftoning unit to convert the image to a halftoned image, and a dot rearranging unit to rearrange dots of the boundary area to sharpen the boundary area.
US08194286B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method capable of revising gray image
An apparatus includes a gray converter to convert an inputted color image to be printed into a gray conversion image and to outputs the gray conversion image a difference calculator to calculate a at least one difference value between a at least one color channel image with respect to the color image and the gray conversion image; and a gray reviser to revise the gray conversion image based on the at least one difference value and to output a gray conversion image.
US08194284B2 Image forming apparatus and method of control based on color chrominance data
An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the same in which input image data is divided into blocks and color chrominance data of each block is analyzed thereby perform a print job by automatically detecting whether an image should be print in color or pure black.
US08194283B2 Print imaging system
A printing machine includes a high-speed print device configured to receive a print media and discharge a printed product that includes a printed image. An image capturing device is positioned adjacent the print device and is configured to capture an image of the printed image on the printed product. A computer includes a monitor, a processor, an input device, and a communication device configured to communicate with the print device. The monitor is configured to display the captured image, the input device is configured to allow a user to vary the displayed image, and the processor is configured to calculate an adjustment to the print device in response to the varied image.
US08194272B2 Printing device, printing system, and computer program product
When a printing device is in a state in which a printing process of a print job including at least one print data and a series of process commands from a host apparatus cannot be executed, a printing processing unit transfers a printing right corresponding to the print job that is left unprinted to other printing device. When the printing device is in a state in which the printing process can be executed and if the printing right corresponding to the print job that is left unprinted is transferred to the printing device from the other printing device, the printing processing unit executes the printing process.
US08194271B2 Apparatus and method for gradation drawing based on 1-line image
An image processing apparatus which generates intermediate codes by dividing a drawing image into prescribed bands extending in one direction, develops the intermediate codes into a bit image is provided with an expanded image judging unit which judges whether an image to be drawn is an expanded image of a 1-line source image; an image expansion direction judging unit which judges whether an expansion direction of the expanded image is parallel with the band extending direction when the expanded image judging unit judges that the image is the expanded image of the 1-line source image; a drawing data processing unit which converts the expanded image of the 1-line source image into vectors which are a series of rectangular regions of same-color pixels that are arranged continuously when the image expansion direction judging unit judges that the expansion direction of the expanded image is parallel with the band extending direction.
US08194269B2 Image forming method and system using XHTML-print data
An image forming method using hypertext markup language (XHTML)-print data, including receiving registration information about an image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus, generating XHTML-Print data from print data using the registration information of the information forming apparatus, transmitting the XHTML-Print data to the image forming apparatus, and printing the XHTML-Print data.
US08194267B2 Image forming apparatus and method of the same
When a sheet P is jammed after start of a print job, it is determined whether an automatic resumption mode for automatically resuming the print job is set. When a determination result of this determination is affirmative, the print job is resumed after the jam is released. When the determination result is negative, the print job is stopped.
US08194265B2 Method of authenticating content provided to image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus to perform the method
A method of authenticating at least one piece of content provided to an image forming apparatus in which at least one consumable is disposed includes determining whether the at least one consumable includes authentication information of the at least one piece of content, displaying the at least one piece of content on a user interface according to a license policy corresponding to the authentication information, selecting at least one piece of content from the at least one piece of content displayed on the user interface, and executing the selected at least one piece of content.
US08194258B2 Processing print jobs
Methods for processing print jobs include flagging, or not, to-be-printed objects having PDL-specified math or logic functions requiring hard processing operations, such as two or more inputs. The math or logic functions preferably reside in ink attributes of display list objects corresponding to the to-be-printed objects. To-be-printed pages of the print job become divided into bands. Bands with to-be-printed objects therein have band display lists constructed in the event the to-be-printed objects become flagged. On a band-by-band basis, if bands have band display lists flagged with hard processing operations, contone bands become constructed. The contone bands result from color information blending between overlapping pixels of to-be-printed objects or an object and a contone page. A contone page includes color information of the to-be-printed page in a first color space. To-be-printed objects are rendered in a second color space in device specific page(s) of memory.
US08194251B2 Method for operating a dual beam chromatic point sensor system for simultaneously measuring two surface regions
A system and method provide a dual beam chromatic point sensor (CPS) system operable to simultaneously measure two surface regions. In one embodiment, a single beam CPS optical pen may have a dual beam assembly attached. First and second measurement beams of the system may be positioned on respective first and second surface regions, and both reflect light through a confocal aperture of the dual beam CPS. At least one set of measurements is determined, comprising a first and second measurement arising from the first and second measurement beams, respectively. At least the first surface region may be moved to acquire sets of measurements at various positions. Each measurement may be determined with extremely fine resolution (e.g., at least as fine as 10 nm). The system and method satisfy applications that require such resolution and accuracy without the use of an interferometer or other costly and complex elements.
US08194250B2 Wideband RF detection
The present invention relates to a method of wideband RF detection. The method may include transmitting a signal from a plurality of transmit positions along a drive path. Reflections of the transmitted signal are received at a plurality of receive positions along the drive path. A signature is formed based on arrival angles of the reflections at each of the receive positions. The signature includes the arrival angles of the reflections at each of the receive positions with respect to a distance along the drive path of a corresponding transmit position and a corresponding receive position of each of the reflections.
US08194249B2 Gas analyzer
A gas analyzer is disclosed herein. The gas analyzer includes a light source for transmitting a radiation and a sampling chamber having a first opening for receiving a gas sample, a second opening for removing the gas sample, at least one optical window towards the radiation allowing the radiation to traverse the gas sample and also having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, the first wall and second wall edging the sampling chamber to guide the gas sample from the first opening to the second opening. The gas analyzer also includes at least one detector for receiving the radiation after traversing the gas sample. The first wall and the second wall of the sampling chamber is curved and at a predetermined distance from each other, an overall shape of the second wall being mostly similar to the first wall.
US08194245B2 Method for on-line measurement in simulated moving bed units and application to control and regulation of said units
The present invention describes a method for measuring the concentrations of species present at one point of a separation unit functioning in simulated moving bed mode (SMB), using an immersing probe located at one point in the unit or on one of the streams entering or leaving said unit, and a thermocouple located in the vicinity of the immersing probe, in which a Raman spectrum obtained using a laser source functioning at a wavelength of 785 nm is utilized.
US08194240B1 Enhanced focusing capability on a sample using a spot matrix
A plurality of spots forming an M×N matrix can be used in a focus system. Specifically, a plurality of identical spots can be simultaneously projected onto the sample. A V(z) curve can be generated for each spot. A robust focus can be determined based on the generated V(z) curves. Using the spot matrix significantly increases the probability that at least one of the plurality of spots in the matrix can provide an unambiguous V(z) curve. Thus, the spot matrix eliminates the need to search for an appropriate site because the spot matrix increases the probability of landing on a “good” location by a factor of M×N.
US08194238B1 Optical sensor component identification and interrogation system
A system includes a microprocessor, storage device, test instrument, switching system, main switching system with subsidiary, switching systems and the sensors. The program that is executed by the microprocessor accesses the database stored on the storage device. The microprocessor accesses information in the database and directs the switching system to select the appropriate sensor. Once the switching system has selected the appropriate sensor, the microprocessor then tells the test instrument to send a signal to the sensor. The test instrument sends the signal and collects the measured data. The measured data is then sent to the microprocessor, where the measured data is analyzed and compared with the baseline data. The comparison between the measured data and the baseline data reveals any anomalies that are occurring over the length of the sensor. The microprocessor displays the anomalies and keys an alarm when the anomalies are detected.
US08194233B2 Method and system to reduce stray light reflection error in time-of-flight sensor arrays
Haze-type phase shift error due to stray light reflections in a phase-type TOF system is reduced by providing a windowed opaque coating on the sensor array surface, the windows permitting optical energy to reach light sensitive regions of the pixels, and by reducing optical path stray reflection. Further haze-type error reduction is obtained by acquiring values for a plurality (but not necessarily all) of pixel sensors in the TOF system pixel sensor array. Next, a correction term for the value (differential or other) acquired for each pixel in the plurality of pixel sensors is computed and stored. Modeling response may be made dependent upon pixel (row, column) location within the sensor array. During actual TOF system runtime operation, detection data for each pixel, or pixel groups (super pixels) is corrected using the stored data. Good optical system design accounts for correction, enabling a simple correction model.
US08194229B2 Dynamic fluid control system for immersion lithography
An apparatus includes a stage that supports a substrate, an optical system having a last optical element, that projects an image onto the substrate that is positioned spaced apart from the last optical element by a gap at least partly filled with an immersion liquid, and a pressure control system having an actuator, that controls pressure of the immersion liquid in the gap using the actuator.
US08194228B2 Liquid crystal lens in which a voltage imparts optimal first-stage optical properties to the liquid crystal lens by influencing a liquid crystal layer
The focal distance can be greatly changed by performing an electrical control in an optical element. The optical element comprises a first substrate having a first electrode, a second substrate, a second electrode arranged outside the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and constituted by liquid crystal molecules oriented. A first voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, whereby the optical element operates. A third electrode is provided on an insulating layer and outside the second electrode. A second voltage independent of the first voltage is applied to the third electrode, thereby changing the optical properties.
US08194227B2 Method of fabricating a multi-domain vertical alignment (MVA) liquid crystal display
The present invention discloses a super large wide-angle high-speed response liquid crystal display apparatus manufactured by using a photolithographic procedure for three times. The invention adopts a halftone exposure technology to form a gate electrode, a common electrode, a pixel electrode and a contact pad, and then uses the halftone exposure technology to form a silicon (Si) island and a contact hole, and a general exposure technology to form a source electrode, a drain electrode and an orientation control electrode. A passivation layer uses a masking deposition method. A film is formed by using a P-CVD method, or a protective area is formed at a local area by using an ink coating method or spray method, and a TFT array substrate used for the super large wide-angle high-speed response liquid crystal display apparatus manufactured by using a photolithographic procedure for three times can be produced.
US08194223B2 Display panel, display apparatus having the same, and method thereof
A display panel includes a source-pad portion, a first source fan-out portion and source lines. The source-pad portion has a group of pads to which a driving signal is applied from an external source. The source fan-out portion has output lines that are extended from the group of pads and are formed to have an asymmetric structure. The source lines are extended from the output lines, and pixels of different colors are connected to each of the source lines. Accordingly, a unit pixel portion is formed to be perpendicular to each other and a fan-out portion is formed to have the asymmetric structure, so that a size of a printed circuit board is remarkably decreased. Thus, costs for manufacturing a display apparatus may be decreased.
US08194222B2 Display device and timepiece
A display device that has a display panel having a front substrate, an image forming unit, and a back substrate rendered together in layers, and a wiring board layered on the back surface of the back substrate. A plurality of input/output pins are formed on the front surface of the back substrate, and a plurality of connection pins that are electrically connected to the input/output pins by respective conductor members are formed on the back surface of the wiring board.
US08194220B2 In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
In an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal layer is interposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate is provided with a first electrode member having a comb-tooth-like portion and a second electrode member so as to generate an electric field between the first electrode member and the second electrode member. Further, a protruded electrode member is provided so as to be branched from at least one of a portion short of a tip end portion and a portion short of a base portion of the comb-tooth-like portion so as to form a branched shape of an L-shaped portion in an integrated planar shape with combination of the protruded electrode member and one of the tip end portion and the base portion.
US08194216B2 Display substrate and liquid crystal display device having the same
A display substrate includes an insulation substrate, an (n)-th gate line, a data line, first and second source electrodes, first and second drain electrodes, a pixel electrode, a third drain electrode, and a storage line. The first source electrode overlaps a first portion of the (n)-th gate line and is electrically connected to the data line. The first and second drain electrodes overlap a second portion of the (n)-th gate line. The pixel electrode is connected to the first drain electrode. The second source electrode overlaps a first portion of an (n+1)-th gate line, while the third drain electrode overlaps a second portion thereof. The storage line overlaps a portion of each of the pixel electrode and the second and third drain electrodes. The second source electrode is formed by extending the second drain electrode in a direction substantially from the (n)-th gate line towards the (n+1)-th gate line.
US08194211B2 Transflective liquid crystal display unit
A LCD unit includes a reflective area and a transmissive area in each pixel, which are driven by respective drive electrode assemblies. A first substrate and a second substrate that sandwich therebetween a LC layer include respective shied films in the boundary area between the reflective area and the transmissive area.
US08194208B2 Backlight module with a heat conductive block
A backlight module includes a bezel having at least one edge, a circuit board, one or more light emitting diodes connected to the circuit board for emitting light. Each light emitting diode has a light axis which is neither parallel nor vertical to the edge of the bezel. The backlight module utilizes a heat conductive block disposed between the bezel and the light emitting diode for transferring heat generated by the light emitting diode to the bezel.
US08194201B2 Display panel and liquid crystal display including the same
The present invention relates to a display panel and a liquid crystal display including the same. The display panel includes a pixel electrode, which includes a first subpixel electrode, a second subpixel electrode, and a third subpixel electrode insulated from each other, a first thin film transistor connected to the first subpixel electrode, a second thin film transistor connected to the second subpixel electrode, a third thin film transistor connected to the third subpixel electrode, a gate line connected to the first, second, and third thin film transistors, a data line connected to the first, second, and third thin film transistors, and a voltage differentiating member to change voltages of the first, second, and third subpixel electrodes, the voltages of the first, second, and third subpixel electrodes being different from each other.
US08194200B2 Low cost switching element point inversion driving scheme for liquid crystal displays
Displays using a low cost method to implement switching element point inversion driving schemes while using integrated circuits that are designed to implement switching element row inversion or switching element column driving schemes are described. In one display, a first color dot is on a first side of a control line and a second color dot is on a second side of the control line. A first switching element is coupled to the first control line and the first color dot and a second switching element is coupled to the second color dot and the control line. Thus the control line controls color dots on two different rows or two different columns.
US08194195B2 Dynamic lighting effect system
Lighting systems, in particular used for SSTV, disco lights, lighting consoles and claviluxes. In order to reduce noise and to increase robustness, the system comprises a light beam source (6) arranged for generating a beam of light, a projection gate (8) arranged for controlling the beam of light, wherein the light beam source (6) is comprised of at least one light emitting diode, and the projection gate (8) comprises at least one liquid crystal (LC) optical element.
US08194192B2 Projection display
A projection display uses a light modulating device to modulate, in accordance with image data, light radiated from a light source, project the modulated light onto a screen, and display an image. The projection display separates a unit of time configuring the image data into an effective light time when the light modulating device can express the light as an image on the screen and an ineffective light time when the light modulating device cannot express the light as an image on the screen. The projection display increases the power supplied to the light source during the effective light time over the power supplied to the light source during the ineffective light time.
US08194186B2 Receiver capable of generating audio reference clock
A receiver for use in a system for transmission from a transmitter to a receiver, the receiver includes a first frequency divider for outputting a first signal by dividing a signal with a frequency corresponding to a pixel clock or an integral multiple thereof by a reciprocal of an integral multiple of a first natural number, the integral multiple of the first natural number being greater than or equal to 1; and a cycle control portion for outputting a second signal having first and second cycles included within a cycle of the first signal by controlling a cycle of the pixel clock.
US08194184B2 Method and apparatus for increasing the frame rate of a video signal
A method and an apparatus are disclosed for increasing the frame rate of an input video signal by interpolating video frames between original video frames of the input video signal and inserting interpolated video frames between original video frames of the input video signal to produce an output video signal having a higher frame rate than the input signal.
US08194183B2 Imaging device
Provided is an imaging device which simplifies an assembling adjustment so as to reduce the manufacturing time and cost, wherein second lens L2 driven by actuator 30 is brought into contact with first lens L1 and third lens L3 so that a hyper-focal position or an infinite position as a reference focal position, and close-up position are accurately positioned, that is, it is possible to perform assembling without adjustment and effectively reduce the number of manufacturing steps.
US08194175B2 Image pickup apparatus focusing on an object to be focused in continuous shooting mode
An image pickup apparatus includes an extraction unit configured to extract feature points of an object from picked-up image data, a focus adjustment unit configured to, before starting pickup of an image for recording and/or storage, detect an in-focus position by moving a focus lens in a direction of an optical axis over a scan region which is decided based on the extracted feature points, and to control movement of the focus lens to be matched with the in-focus position, and an operation timing control unit configured to operate the focus adjustment unit and the extraction unit in a synchronous relation (inter-shooting AF(1) and AF(2)) in a continuous shooting mode in which the pickup of an image for recording and/or storage is repeated plural times.
US08194173B2 Auto-focusing electronic camera that focuses on a characterized portion of an object
An electronic camera includes a menu providing section that provides a focus area selection menu that allows a user to select a focus area, a characterizing portion detecting section that detects a characterizing portion of an object, and an area setting section that sets a focus area based on the characterizing portion detected by the characterizing portion detecting section. The focus area selection menu that is provided by the menu providing section to the user includes, as a selection item, a focus area to be set by the area setting section.
US08194170B2 Axicon lens array
An optical lens array for imaging and illumination applications is provided. The lens array comprises a first axicon at a first end of the array, a second axicon positioned distally from the first axicon along an optical axis and a third axicon positioned distally from the second axicon along the optical axis. The third axicon provides an objective lens to a focal region or focus region. The third axicon is positioned at a fixed location in the array wherein the distance between the first and second axicons can be altered to control the position of the focal region defined by the depth of field for imaging applications and depth of focus for illumination applications of the third axicon.
US08194167B2 Imaging apparatus and display control method
An imaging apparatus includes a photographic control device controlling a photographing behavior according to a photographing direction, a switching device switching an imaging apparatus between an active state and a low power state, an optical finder device introducing a subject light into a finder window along a predetermined light path, a transmissive display device, provided on the path, with a display screen switchable between a transmission state transmitting the subject light and a low transmission state, and a display control device controlling the transmittance between the transmission state and the low transmission state. The photographic control device has a photography prohibition device setting in a photography prohibited state not performing the photographing behavior even with the direction, and the display control device has a device putting a predetermined region in the screen into the low transmission state when the photography prohibited state is set in the low power state.
US08194164B2 Methods for capturing and reading out images from an image sensor
Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.
US08194161B2 Photodiode array and signal readout method for the same
An easy and inexpensive signal readout method is provided for a photodiode array consisting of n pieces of photodiodes whose signals are sequentially read out from the first through nth photodiodes. The method includes a canceling process that is performed one or more times before performing a complete readout operation for sequentially reading out signals from all the photodiodes, and the canceling process includes the steps of sequentially reading out signals of a predetermined number of photodiodes starting from the first photodiode to cancel the signals of these photodiodes and then returning to the readout of the signal of the first photodiode. According to this method, it is possible to easily set an appropriate charging time for each photodiode and yet prevent the photodiodes from becoming saturated.
US08194159B2 System and method for lens shading correction of an image sensor using splines
An image sensing system provides for accurate lens shading correction even when there is significant lens shading asymmetry and non-uniformity. A two-dimensional B-spline technique is used to determine lens shading correction surfaces. The number of zones is selected to achieve accurate correction of center, edge, and corner regions of an image. Separate lens shading correction surfaces are calculated for a set of standard illuminants to permit lens shading correction to be adapted based on the illuminant used to capture the image.
US08194158B2 Image processor, image processing method, digital camera, and imaging apparatus
An image processor (24) includes an image processing section (04) which performs a blurring process on a given image data. The image processing section (04) is provided with an image data reduction part (04A), a spatial filter processing part (04B), and an image data expansion part (04C). The image data reduction part (04A) reduces the given image data at a predetermined reduction rate to generate a reduced image data. The spatial filter processing part (04B) performs a spatial filter process on the reduced image data reduced by the image data reduction part (04A) to generate a processed image data. An image data expansion part (04C) expands the processed image data processed by the spatial filter processing part (04B) at an expansion rate inverse of the reduction rate.
US08194155B2 Information processing apparatus, buffer control method, and computer program
An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a buffer for holding image data output line by line from an image pickup device, a write enable generator for generating a write enable signal which indicates a timing by which the image data is written to the buffer line by line, an adder for adding per reference clock a read frequency set value which determines readout frequency of the image data written in the buffer, and a write enable generator for generating a read enable signal which indicates a timing by which the image data written in the buffer is read out line by line based on an added value of the read frequency set values.
US08194153B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging method and program
In an imaging apparatus capable of selectively performing an imaging operation in normal imaging mode and that in composite imaging mode, auto exposure control is stopped after the auto exposure control for long-time exposure image signals and short-time exposure image signals is temporarily completed in composite imaging mode and if, after the auto exposure control is stopped, a predetermined brightness change in images is detected continuously for a predetermined time or longer based on brightness values detected from the images obtained from a composite image signal, the imaging mode of the imaging apparatus is switched from the composite imaging mode to the normal imaging mode.
US08194148B2 Image processing device, electronic camera and image processing program
The image processing device of the present invention is provided with an image input section, a position discrepancy detecting section, and an image composition section. The image input section reads a plurality of low resolution images imaging a same object, and at least one high resolution image imaging a same object. The position discrepancy detecting section detects position discrepancy of patterns between respective low resolution images and the high resolution image. The image composition section positions and composes patterns of the plurality of low resolution images based on the position discrepancy.
US08194143B2 Digital camera apparatus and recording method thereof
A camera apparatus for encoding a video signal received from a photographing means in MPEG video format or equivalent format, encoding an audio signal received from an audio inputting means in MPEG audio format or equivalent format, multiplexing the encoded MPEG video signal and the encoded MPEG audio signal, storing the multiplexed data to a memory means is disclosed, that comprises an I picture generating means for encoding the video signal received from the photographing means corresponding to an intra-frame encoding process so as to generate an I picture in the MPEG video format or equivalent format, and a controlling means for controlling a storing process of the multiplexed data to the memory means, wherein said controlling means generates a P picture or a B picture in the MPEG video format or equivalent format in such a manner that moving vectors of all macro blocks thereof are 0 and the chronologically preceding picture is copied as an encoded picture, wherein said controlling means encodes the audio signal received from the audio inputting means in the MPEG audio format or equivalent format so as to generate MPEG audio data, and wherein said controlling means multiplexes the I picture, the P picture or the B picture, and the MPEG audio data so as to generate the multiplexed data.
US08194140B2 Image pickup apparatus for performing a desirable self timer shooting and an automatic shooting method using the same
An image pickup apparatus includes a system controller and a face detector, and can register face data of a photographer for a self-timer shooting mode in advance. In the self-timer shooting mode, the face detector extracts face data of people in a subject field from an image signal. When the system controller determines, on the basis of the extracted face data and the registered face data, that the photographer can be detected, the apparatus starts countdown for automatic shooting. Consequently, the apparatus can pick up an image of the photographer without fail, and the photographer can securely strike a pose within the countdown period of time. Furthermore, the apparatus can determine the countdown period of time optionally, thereby enabling the self-timer shooting to be executed depending on the personality of the photographer.
US08194131B2 Device for capturing the silhouette of an individual
A device for capturing a silhouette consisting of a transparent wall, a vision device to capture at least one image of the wall and a processing unit connected to the vision device which analyses the captured images and detects the silhouette of the individual passing between the transparent wall and the vision device. More than one pattern is positioned on the transparent wall and the patterns exhibit a contrast with the transparent wall.
US08194130B2 Monitoring camera device, dehumidifying device, dehumidifying method, and dehumidifying program
A surveillance camera (1) comprises a camera housing (2), a dehumidifying element (3) provided in the camera housing (2), a current value detection unit (8) that detects the value of the drive current applied to the dehumidifying element (3), a target current value determination unit (10) that determines a target current value (It), on the basis of a first current value (I0) detected at the period start time (t0) of a predetermined current change judgment period and a second current value (I1) detected at the period end time (t1) of the period, and a voltage control unit (13) that controls the drive voltage applied to the dehumidifying element (3). The dehumidifying element (3) is driven at the target current value (It) until target time (t2) to remove a target dehumidification amount (S) from the camera housing (2) by the target time (t2). There is thus provided the surveillance camera (1) capable of quickly removing moisture when the humidity in the camera housing (2) is high.
US08194122B2 Universal scope reader
A system for automatically setting video signal processing parameters for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.
US08194115B2 Mobile communication terminal and method for converting mode of multiparty video call thereof
A mobile communication terminal having a multiparty video call function and a method for converting a mode of a multiparty video call are disclosed. The terminal includes an input unit that receives a command for selecting one of phone call modes and a controller that displays a menu for selecting a phone call mode on the display, when a request for a video call or video chatting with the third terminal is wirelessly transmitted or received while the mobile communication terminal is performing video call communication or video chatting, and maintains an established call mode or converts the established call mode to a different phone call mode according to a phone call mode selected through the input unit to perform multiparty video call communication.
US08194113B2 Pulse-modulation-signal generating device, light-source device, and optical scanning device
A high-frequency clock generating circuit generates a plurality of high-frequency clock signals having different phases. A modulation-signal generating circuit generates a pulse modulation signal based on transition timing data including data pertaining to a turn-on timing at which a state of a light source is changed from a turn-off state to a turn-on state and a turn-off timing at which the state of the light source is changed from the turn-on state to the turn-off state by inputting any one of the high-frequency clock signals for a predetermined period including the turn-on timing and the turn-off timing.
US08194112B2 Line head and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image carrier on which a latent image is formed; and a line head. The line head includes light-emitting elements arranged in a first direction; an aperture diaphragm; and an optical system that images light emitted from the light-emitting elements on a latent image carrier. The aperture diaphragm and the optical system are arranged in a second direction that is orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the first direction; and among the lenses included in the optical system, a lens located at the position closest to the aperture diaphragm is a multifocal lens.
US08194111B2 Light-emitting element head, light-emitting element chip, image forming apparatus and signal supply method
The light-emitting element head is provided with: plural light-emitting element chips in each of which light-emitting elements are arrayed in a line; a lighting signal supply unit supplying lighting signals for setting whether or not the light-emitting elements emit light, each of the lighting signals being provided in common to the light-emitting element chips that belong to one of N groups into which the plural light-emitting element chips are divided, where N is an integer of 2 or more; and a clock signal supply unit supplying a first clock signal as a transfer signal for causing the light-emitting elements to sequentially emit light, and second clock signals for setting the light-emitting elements ready to emit light, the second clock signals being different from one another, being supplied to the respective light-emitting element chips belonging to the one of the N groups, and being supplied in common across the N groups.
US08194106B2 Line head and image forming apparatus using the same
A line head includes multiple light emitting element groups each including multiple light emitting elements. In each light emitting element group, the multiple light emitting elements are disposed in a two-dimensional arrangement so that a distance Gx is greater than a distance Gy. The light emitting element groups are arranged so that pitches Px are greater than pitches Py.
US08194101B1 Dynamic perspective video window
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating an image for a user based on an image captured by a scene-facing camera or detector. The user's position relative to a component of the system is determined, and the image captured by the scene-facing detector is modified based on the user's position. The resulting image represents the scene as seen from the perspective of the user. The resulting image may be further modified by augmenting the image with additional images, graphics, or other data.
US08194099B2 Techniques for displaying digital images on a display
A method and apparatus for displaying digital images on a display is provided. A set of items from a sequence of items is displayed. The sequence of items includes one or more undisplayed items that do not belong to the set of items. The set of items are displayed, in an arrangement that includes a plurality of lines, in an order that corresponds to the sequence. In response to user input that selects a particular item from the set of items, it is determined whether the number of lines, in the plurality of lines, that precede the line containing the particular item is less than a first predetermined threshold. If that is the case, a line of undisplayed items that precede the set of items is displayed, while a line of displayed items that follow the particular item is ceased to be displayed.
US08194096B2 Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes a display unit that displays images contained in a plurality of image groups inside a subject picked up by a plurality of imaging devices, and a control unit that extracts a related image related to a currently displayed image currently displayed in the display unit from the plurality of image groups to make the display unit display the related image extracted.
US08194090B2 Method of controlling frame memory, memory control circuit, and image processing apparatus including the memory control circuit
Various exemplary embodiments provide methods of controlling frame memory, memory control circuits, and image processing apparatuses including the memory control circuits. Data representing values of pixels constituting each of a plurality of frames are received in an order of the frames, and data representing values of pixels constituting a previous frame are read from the frame memory and data representing values of pixels constituting a next frame are written to the frame memory. By reading first data representing values of a portion of the pixels constituting the previous frame from the frame memory before receiving of data representing values of pixels constituting the next frame starts, a delay time before starting to output data representing values of pixels of the previous frame can be shortened.
US08194089B1 On screen measurement tool
A measurement tool overlay program that after initial placement in or around the object field, automatically identifies (in ‘expand’ mode) any distance between objects by other programs that are displayed on the screen relative to a starting point between the objects. Measures is provided of the dimensions of any object, or group of objects by accessing the picture elements (pixels) in the memory associated with the display screen. Alternate embodiments according to the present invention operate in ‘contract’ mode. In ‘contract’ mode, the present invention also provides the measurements of an end user-placed rectangular boundary around any given object(s), or distance between outside edges of clusters of object(s) immediately. The box will contract to the size (edge) of the area as defined by pixels, which may be part of one or more objects within the area and provide the dimensions automatically.
US08194088B1 Selective composite rendering
Systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products for rendering a graphical user interface by selectively compositing display contents are described. In general, for each of one or more content producers, where each content producer is associated with content storage containing display content, display content for output is identified depending on the content consumer to which the graphical user interface is being rendered.
US08194084B2 Display apparatus and image display method
A display apparatus and a method for displaying an image are provided. The display apparatus includes a memory which stores one or more images; a communication unit which receives a universal serial bus (USB) video signal transmitted via a USB cable from an external apparatus, and receives a specific command signal from the external apparatus if the external apparatus starts to boot; and a main controller which determines that the external apparatus is being booted and causes the stored images to be displayed on a screen if the command signal is received through the communication unit.
US08194083B2 Color computation of pixels using a plurality of vertex or fragment shader programs
A plurality of vertex or fragment processors on a graphics processor perform computations. Each vertex or fragment processor is capable of executing a separate program to compute a specific result. A combiner manages the combination of the results from the respective processors, and produces a final transformed vertex or pixel value. The vertex or fragment processors and the combiner can be programmable to modify their operations. As such, the vertex or fragment processors can operate in a parallel or serial configuration, or both. The combiner manages and resolves the operations of the serial and/or parallel configurations. A synchronization barrier enables the combiner to perform data-dependency analysis to determine the timing and ordering of the respective processors' execution. A transformation module can include one or more programmable vertex processors that transforms three-dimensional geometric data into fragments. The fragment processors subsequently receive and compute a result for each fragment, which is combined using the combiner to produce the final pixel value.
US08194082B2 Rigless retargeting for character animation
Motion may be transferred between portions of two characters if those portions have a minimum topological similarity. The portions or structures of the source and target character topologies may be represented as one or more descriptive files comprised of a hierarchy of data objects including portion identifiers and functionality descriptors associated with portions of the respective source or target topology. To transfer motion between the source and target characters, the motion associated with the portions or structures of the source character identified by a subset of source portion identifiers having corresponding target portion identifiers is determined. This motion is retargeted to and attached to the corresponding portions or structures of the target character identifiers. As a result, the animation of the portions of the target character effectively animates the target character with motion that is similar to that of the source character.
US08194077B2 Adaptive grand tour
A system and method of generating a dynamic visualization of a multi-dimensional dataset of data-points are disclosed. The method is an adaptation of the Grand Tour approach, but instead of using all possible projections comprising at least one data point, some of which may not be useful, the method includes generating a set of candidate projections from the space of all possible projections. The set of candidate projections is approximated with a one dimensional smoothed curve and the dynamic visualization is generated, based on a sequence of projections taken along the smoothed curve.
US08194074B2 Systems and methods for photogrammetric rendering
Systems and methods are provided for producing a rendered drawing or rendering from a detailed image of an object (e.g. photograph) resulting in a rendering that is photogrammetric and that preserves detail in the said image of said object. The combination of the metric nature and image detail preservation in a rendering resulting from the process enhances the usefulness of the rendering to users. The invention is useful in particular for large format renderings such as wire frame style drawings used for blueprints in the architecture, engineering and construction industry (AEC industry) when used for existing structures. The processes combine graphic arts techniques with photogrammetric techniques to preserve, fully or partially, information about an object as captured in image detail of said object and to present said information in photogrammetrically correct rendering, which rendering may be incorporated into drawings useful to and/or familiar to end users of said drawings.
US08194073B2 Image generation apparatus, image generation program, medium that records the program, and image generation method
It is an object of the present invention to move a viewpoint position and a direction of a line of sight a player character with an intuitive operation method without requiring pre-study. In a case where a player touches a point within a movement determination region, a virtual 3D spatial image moved forward in the direction of the line of sight is displayed. In a case where a player touches a point at the left side outside the movement determination region, a virtual 3D spatial image as viewed by a virtual camera panned to the left is displayed, whereas in a case where a player touches a point at the right side, a virtual 3D spatial image as viewed by a virtual camera panned to the right is displayed. Furthermore, in a case where a player touches an upper point, a virtual 3D spatial image as viewed by a virtual camera tilted in the upper direction is displayed, whereas in a case where a player touches a lower point, a virtual 3D spatial image as viewed by a virtual camera tilted in the lower direction is displayed.
US08194071B2 Tile based graphics rendering
A graphics system for tile-by-tile converting of vertex data into output images for displaying on a screen. The vertex data represents objects by a set of polygons and comprises 3D space coordinates for each vertex (q1, q2, . . . , q12) in the image. A polygon is constituted of at least three vertices (q1, q2, . . . , q12). The system comprises a tile processor, for subdividing the image into a plurality of tiles (t21, 22, t23) and for determining polygon strips (q1-q12), comprising a sequence of polygons. The tile processor is also operative to determine sub-strips (q3-q10) for each polygon strip (q1-q12). Each sub-strip (q3-q10) comprises those polygons of the polygon strip (q1-q12) which at least partly overlap a single one of the tiles (t21, 22, t23). For processing a tile (t21, 22, t23), only the sub-strips (q3-q10), i.e. the polygons covering that tile (t21, 22, t23), have to be processed.
US08194070B2 System and method of converting edge record based graphics to polygon based graphics
A method and graphics converter for converting edge record based graphics to polygon based graphics is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method for converting graphic object data that defines a graphic object for delivery to wireless devices connected to a wireless communications network, the method comprising: converting the graphic object data from a path format to a second format, the path format including path elements that are each associated with a fill style and define one or more polygon shapes at least partially filled with the associated fill style, the path elements collectively defining the graphic object; converting the graphic object data from the path format to a second format, the converting including: redefining the polygon shapes defined by the path elements as groups of triangles; and combining at least some triangles in the groups of triangles into further polygon shapes that fall within complexity thresholds based on predetermined capabilities of a wireless device to which the converted graphic object data will be delivered.
US08194067B2 Planar guides to visually aid orthodontic appliance placement within a three-dimensional (3D) environment
Techniques are described for providing an environment for modeling and depicting a three-dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dental arch to assist practitioners in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. A system is described, for example, that includes modeling software executing on a computing device to provide a three-dimensional (3D) environment. The modeling software includes a rendering engine that renders a digital representation of a dental arch within the 3D environment, and a user interface that displays a planar guide within the 3D environment as a visual aid to a practitioner in the placement of an orthodontic appliance relative to the dental arch. By interacting with the system, orthodontic practitioners are able to visualize the 3D representation of the dental arch, and precisely position “virtual” orthodontic appliances relative to the modeled dental arch.
US08194063B2 Electroluminescent display compensated drive signal
Subpixels on an electroluminescent (EL) display panel, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, are compensated for initial nonuniformity (“mura”) and for aging effects such as threshold voltage Vth shift, EL voltage Voled shift, and OLED efficiency loss. The drive current of each subpixel is measured at one or more measurement reference gate voltages to form status signals representing the characteristics of the drive transistor and EL emitter of those subpixels. Current measurements are taken in the linear region of drive transistor operation to improve signal-to-noise ratio in systems such as modern LTPS PMOS OLED displays, which have relatively small Voled shift over their lifetimes and thus relatively small current change due to channel-length modulation. Various sources of noise are also suppressed to further increase signal-to-noise ratio.
US08194061B2 Process and system of power saving lighting
A process and system of lighting with green energy source and intelligent power management, which saves energy consuming and limits pollution. The system is using solar power, green battery, and LED which are clean, long life; save, and energy saving. A microcontroller coordinates devices and sensors to optimize the operation of the system to generate illumination. The process includes the steps of sensing the environment, selecting power source, determining the energy output and driving the light device in order to most efficiently using energy and generate sufficient light for different purposes.
US08194052B2 Optical operating apparatus
An optical operating apparatus includes a display panel, a transparent supporting plate, a deformable unit, a light source, an image sensing module, a function selecting module and a processing module. The deformable unit is disposed between the transparent supporting plate and the display panel. The deformable unit has a pattern configuration. The deformable unit deforms as applying an external force on the display panel and restores after the external force is removed. The light source provides a light beam to the deformable unit, and a visual field of the image sensing module covers the whole deformable unit. The function selecting module is disposed beside the display panel and has a plurality of function selecting buttons for selecting a predetermined function. The processing module is electrically connected with the display panel, the function selecting module, the image sensing module and the light source. The processing module is configured to control the display panel to display a predetermined picture according to a corresponding predetermined function.
US08194050B2 Sensing circuit discharge control method and device for touch panel
A sensing circuit discharge control method and device for a touch panel are disclosed. A discharging duration of a current source in the sensing circuit of the touch panel is fine tuned in a digital control manner, so as to control the discharging amount of the sensing circuit without frequently adjusting the discharging current of the current source. By using the present invention, discharging time difference between a condition in which a touch event occurs and a condition in which no touch event occurs for each sensing circuit can approach the same.
US08194044B2 Wiring harness and touch sensor incorporating same
A wiring harness and a touch sensor incorporating same are disclosed. The touch sensor includes a sensing electrode disposed in a touch sensitive area. The touch sensor further includes a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on a self-supporting dielectric substrate in a border area. The auxiliary electrodes transmit a touch signal to electronics configured to use the touch signal to determine the touch location.
US08194043B2 Mobile communication terminal having multiple displays and a data processing method thereof
A mobile communication terminal includes a display unit comprising a plurality of displays, one of which being formed as a touch panel, and a controller for analyzing a signal inputted through the touch panel to determine whether movement distance of data satisfies pre-set conditions, and outputting a control signal for displaying the corresponding data through a different display region according to the corresponding result.
US08194041B2 Keypad with key pairs
A keypad has a plurality of keys. The plurality of keys includes one or more key pairs. Each of the one or more key pairs includes physically coupled first and second keys. The physically coupled first and second keys are configured to be actuated independently of each other.
US08194038B1 Multi-directional remote control system and method with automatic cursor speed control
A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with automatic control of cursor speed based on detected controller distance from the screen and characteristic hand movement.
US08194037B2 Centering a 3D remote controller in a media system
An electronic device associated with a remote wand controlling the operations of the electronic device is provided. The wand may include a motion detection component operative to provide an output reflecting the motion of the wand to the electronic device, such that the movements of a cursor displayed by the electronic device may be related to the output of the motion detection component. The wand may also include an input mechanism operative to receive user inputs. Using the input mechanism, the wand may detect a user's inputs and direct the electronic device to zoom or scroll displayed objects. The electronic device may display a screen saver by which the user may select particular media items for playback while remaining in the screen saver mode. In some embodiments, the electronic device may display video with a scroll bar that includes a preview window of the video.
US08194036B1 Systems and methods for controlling a cursor on a display using a trackpad input device
Systems and methods for controlling a cursor on a display using a trackpad input device are disclosed. The systems and methods may be directed to controlling the cursor on a display separate from the trackpad input device, based on information identified about a motion of a trackpad input device or a computing device. A conversion factor may be determined to relate input to the trackpad input device with control of the cursor on the display in response to the input. The conversion factor can be adjusted when the motion information indicates that the trackpad input device or computing device is in motion. An input signal from an input to the trackpad input device may be smoothed by filtering out a mechanical vibration signal within the input signal. The input signal may also be smoothed by subtracting the absolute motion of the trackpad input device from the input signal.
US08194033B2 Reproducing device, setting changing method, and setting changing device
A reproducing device that can reproduce data and operates on a battery includes displaying means, attitude detecting means for detecting an attitude of the reproducing device, determining means for determining whether the reproducing device satisfies a predetermined condition, and controlling means for changing a setting of the reproducing device on a basis of a result of detection of the attitude detecting means when the determining means determines that the reproducing device satisfies the predetermined condition.
US08194032B2 Image display medium, preparation method thereof
An image display medium is disclosed, which medium includes a pair of substrates each having an electrode and colored particles between the pair of substrates, and the colored particles have an absolute electric charge of 0.5 to 4.0 μC/g.
US08194029B2 Display device and method of controlling the same
A display device includes a driving signal generator being supplied with a synchronous signal and a clock signal and generating an inverter driving signal having a given frequency that is multiplied by a predetermined ratio from a frequency of the synchronous signal, an inverter outputting a driving signal based on the inverter driving signal, and a backlight unit controlling turned-on or turned-off based on the driving signal from the inverter. The driving signal generator operates the number of clocks of the clock signal included in a predetermined period of the synchronous signal by using a predetermined value, defines a magnitude of each section of the inverter driving signal with respect to the predetermined period of the synchronous signal, and adjusts the section magnitude of the inverter driving signal when the number of clocks differs from the total section magnitude of the inverter driving signal based on the magnitude of each section.
US08194027B2 Liquid crystal device, light emitting device, electronic apparatus, method of controlling liquid crystal device, and method of controlling light emitting device
A liquid crystal device is provided. The liquid crystal device includes: a liquid crystal panel including a pair of substrates which interpose a liquid crystal layer; a plurality of light receiving elements which detect ambient light; and a control unit which controls a display state of an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel based on an intensity of the ambient light detected by a plurality of the light receiving elements, wherein the control unit includes a determination unit determining that the intensity of the ambient light is changed when changed amounts of the intensities of the ambient light detected by equal to or more than half of the light receiving elements exceed a predetermined value.
US08194025B2 Liquid crystal display
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD includes: a liquid crystal panel that includes a plurality of gate lines; and a gate driver that includes a plurality of stages, which are connected to the gate lines, respectively, and sequentially provide a plurality of gate signals to the gate lines, respectively, and a first dummy stage and a second dummy stage that are separated from each other, wherein the first dummy stage is enabled by a carry signal of one of the stages, and the second dummy stage is enabled by a carry signal of the first dummy stage and initializes each of the stages.
US08194024B2 Apparatus and method for distinguishing panel of display device
An apparatus and method for distinguishing a panel of a display device is provided. A driver Integrated Circuit (IC) of the display device includes a plurality of pins that are electrically connected differently according to a type of the panel, and an output pin for outputting an output signal indicating a type of the panel according to an electric connection between the plurality of pins. A controller determines a type of the panel depending on the output signal provided from the driver IC, and applies a control signal corresponding to the determined type of the panel to the driver IC.
US08194021B2 Display apparatus, pixel structure and driving method thereof
A display apparatus, pixel structure and drive method thereof are provided. The display apparatus comprises a gate drive chip, a first gate line, a second gate line, a first pixel unit, and a second pixel unit. The gate driver is configured to generate a first gate drive signal and a second gate drive signal. The first and second gate drive signals are outputted to the first and second gate lines, respectively. Furthermore, the first and second gate drive signals are configured to adjust a first feed through (FT) voltage generated by a first pixel area of the first pixel unit, a second FT voltage generated by a second pixel area of the first pixel unit, a third FT voltage generated by a third pixel area of the second pixel unit, and a fourth FT voltage generated by a fourth pixel area of the second pixel unit.
US08194016B2 Liquid crystal display with peep-preventing function
In an active matrix LCD, different signal voltages are applied to adjacent pixels or sub-pixels. Averaged brightness of the adjacent pixels or sub-pixels displays a typical γ curve while viewing right from the front, and on the other hand, displays a constant γ curve within a specified color level (signal voltage) range while viewing at a skew angle from the front. Accordingly, a true image can be seen from the front while the image becomes visibly unidentified at a skew angle from the front.
US08194014B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device capable of improving image quality on a large panel. The organic light emitting display device includes a panel divided into at least two regions including a first region crystallized by a first crystallization process and a second region crystallized by a second crystallization process, in which a boundary part of the first and second regions is subject to both the first crystallization process and the second crystallization process, and further includes: organic light emitting diodes at crossing regions of scan lines and data lines; and pixel circuits at the crossing regions and configured to supply currents to the organic light emitting diodes. Here, couplings between the pixel circuits within the first region and the boundary part and their respective organic light emitting diodes are different from couplings between the pixel circuits within the second region and their respective organic light emitting diodes.
US08194013B2 Organic light emitting display and method of driving the same
An organic light emitting display capable of minimizing power consumption. The organic light emitting display includes a plurality of pixels positioned at intersections of data lines and scan lines includes the pixels including driving transistors positioned in an effective display region to control an amount of current that flows from a first power source to a second power source, a data driver for supplying data signals to the data lines, a scan driver supplying scan signals to the scan lines, a first power source generator generating the first power source, a second power source generator generating the second power source, and a voltage controller controlling the second power source generator so that voltage of the second power source is changed in response to a first voltage applied to an organic light emitting diode (OLED) included in a specific pixel when a data signal corresponding to specific brightness is supplied from the data driver to the specific pixel.
US08194011B2 Electronic apparatus, electronic system, and driving method for electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes unit circuits provided with electronic devices, data lines connected to the unit circuits, a first output device to output, as a first output, a current or a voltage corresponding to an externally supplied data signal, a second output device to output, as a second output, a current or a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of the first output, and a selection supply device to select one of or both the first output from the first output device and the second output from the second output device and to supply the selected output to the data line. With this configuration, the image reproducibility in a low-luminance/low-grayscale display area of a display apparatus using EL devices is enhanced.
US08194008B2 Display device
The present invention is intended to suppress power consumption of an EL display. In accordance with the brightness of an image to be displayed in a pixel portion, the contrast of the image is determined whether to be inverted or not, and the number of bits of the digital video signal to be input into the pixel portion is reduced, and the magnitude of a current to flow through the EL element is allowed to be maintained at a constant level even when a temperature of an EL layer changes by providing the EL display with another EL element to be used for monitoring a temperature.
US08194004B2 Plasma display panel driving method and plasma display device
A plasma display driving method capable of displaying a vigorous image having enhanced maximum luminance and contrast. For this purpose, one field is divided into a plurality of sub-fields each including a sustain period. In the sustain period, the number of sustain pulses obtained by multiplying a proportionality factor by a brightness weight set for each of the sub-fields are applied to display electrode pairs to generate sustaining discharge in discharge cells having generated addressing discharge therein. Thus, the total number of the sustain pulses in one field period can be changed. When a predetermined image meeting predetermined conditions is displayed, the total number of the sustain pulses in one field period is made larger than those in the case where the other normal images are displayed.
US08194002B2 Situational awareness components of an enhanced vision system
A virtual sphere provided by an enhanced vision system includes synthetic imagery filling said virtual sphere and a common view window mapped to a dedicated position within the synthetic imagery. Imagery of the line of sight of a user is displayed in the common view window. By providing the common view window, visual communication between all users may be possible. By connecting a virtual user to the enhanced vision system and by displaying the imagery for the line of sight of the virtual user in the common view window, the workload of a human operator may be reduced and the time line of actions may be shortened. The enhanced vision system of the present invention may be used, but is not limited to, in a military aircraft to enhance the situational awareness of the flight crew.
US08193996B2 Antenna radome
An antenna radome is provided. The antenna radome comprises an antenna radome substrate and a unit cell. The unit cell is formed on a surface of the antenna radome substrate, and the unit cell is perpendicular to a magnetic field direction of an antenna. The unit cell comprises a plurality of conductors.
US08193994B2 Millimeter-wave chip-lens array antenna systems for wireless networks
Embodiments of chip-lens array antenna systems are described. In some embodiments, the chip-lens array antenna systems (100) may comprise a millimeter-wave lens (104), and a chip-array antenna (102) to generate and direct millimeter-wave signals through the millimeter-wave lens (104) for subsequent transmission.
US08193993B2 Antenna sub-assembly for electronic device
A portable electronic device (100) having an antenna sub-assembly (204) including a conductor with a first portion (216) along a first surface of a circuit board, a second portion (218) connected to the first portion along an edge of the circuit board, and a third portion (220) connected to the second portion. The third portion is along a second surface of the circuit board. A feed leg (222) couples to the conductor to radio circuitry.
US08193988B2 Versatile antenna system
The present invention relates to an antenna system designed to be used in a wireless link, having polarization directions, respectively for reception and emission, identical to the polarization directions, respectively for emission and reception, presented by a similar system placed in a geometric configuration of use that is different from that of the said first system. The invention enables identical devices to be implemented in separate items of equipment and in distinct positions while enabling the antenna pair to function correctly.
US08193985B2 Radio frequency positioning system and method
A radio frequency (RF) positioning system for positioning an RF device on a surface is provided. The RF positioning system utilizes the property of the RF device generating a response signal upon receiving an RF signal to perform positioning. The RF positioning system includes an antenna set, a switch unit, an RF module and micro-controller unit (MCU). The antenna set has a plurality of antennas in different sizes. The RF module is coupled to the switch unit. The MCU, coupled to the switch unit and the RF module, controls the switch unit to select one antenna from the antenna set and controls the RF module to generate the RF signal. The MCU further estimates a distance between the RF device and the RF positioning system according to whether the RF positioning system receives the response signal through the selected antenna.
US08193983B1 Automated antenna alignment system
A system for automatically aligning two data antennae is disclosed. Each antenna is provided with a pan and tilt unit, a GPS receiver for locating a respective antenna's location, a position reporting radio for broadcasting a local position to the remote antenna, and a magnetic compass including tilt sensors for determining tilt of the antenna and for establishing a reference heading. A computer at each location receives the local coordinates, remote coordinates reference heading and tilt information, and calculates a difference between the reference heading and bearing to the remote antenna. This information is converted to pan and tilt commands to drive the antenna to the bearing of the remote antenna. Two antenna equipped in this manner can be aligned simultaneously.
US08193982B2 Controlling a GPS receiver by detecting motion based on radiofrequency signal traces
Operation of a GPS receiver on a wireless communications device is controlled by determining whether the device is stationary or in motion. Motion determination is accomplished by analyzing radiofrequency signal traces, e.g. GSM signal traces, received from one or more nearby base stations. A three-tiered analysis provides a progressively more accurate determination as to whether the device is moving or stationary while providing, in certain instances, a more rapid determination than prior-art techniques. When the device is determined to be stationary, the GPS receiver can be deactivated. When the device is determined to be moving, the GPS receiver can be reactivated.
US08193980B2 Doppler and code phase searches in a GNSS receiver
According to an aspect of the present invention, each correlation block in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver is designed to examine a certain number of consecutive samples of an input signal and a buffer is designed to store more than such number of samples. Due to such storing, each correlator may perform multiple correlations for the same set of received samples. According to another aspect, such searches may be performed without rotating a local code by controlling the specific samples provided as window samples. Thus, while performing Doppler searches, different frequencies can be searched using the same local code without rotation. While performing code phase searches, the window samples may start from different positions with the position determining the specific phase being searched.
US08193978B2 Positioning system and method using GPS with wireless access points
Embodiments of an improved assisted global positioning system (GPS) method and system are described. Wireless access points send assistance data to GPS receivers that are integrated into cellular chipsets and other chipsets. The access points may also act as fixed location references for differential GPS (DGPS) mobile stations. Errors caused by multipath travel of the GPS signals are reduced by using fixed location reference receivers.
US08193977B1 Power line GPS data distribution
Distributing data is disclosed. A GPS signal is received from one or more GPS satellites. GPS data associated with at least a portion of the GPS signal is distributed via a power line. In some cases, at least a portion of the distributed signal is used to establish a reference.
US08193976B2 Positioning system, positioning IC chip, positioning method and positioning program for estimating a position of a receiver
The present invention easily evaluates the positioning accuracy by using fewer signal sources. The receiver is a positioning system for estimating the position of the receiver itself which is constituted by: a distance calculation section which calculates information indicating the respective distances between a plurality of GPS satellites and the receiver on the basis of signals which are transmitted by the plurality of GPS satellites and received by the receiver; a position calculation section which calculates the position of the receiver from information indicating the positions of the respective GPS satellites and information indicating the respective distances thus calculated; a distance difference calculation section which calculates, for each of the GPS satellites, the differences between the respective distances from the calculated position of the receiver to the respective GPS satellites, and the respective distances calculated by the distance calculation section; and a position accuracy evaluation section which evaluates an accuracy of the calculated position of the receiver on the basis of variation, between the GPS satellites, of the calculated differences, for each of the GPS satellites.
US08193974B2 Systems and methods for suppressing ambiguous peaks from stepped frequency techniques
Signal compensation systems and methods compensate an estimated range profile from a plurality of detected signal returns from a true range profile, wherein the signal returns correspond to an emitted stepped frequency pulse-train. An exemplary embodiment utilizes knowledge of the radar system design to identify locations, predict power levels, and suppress the contributions of stepped-frequency range sidelobes (ambiguous peaks) in the estimated range profile, resulting in a cleaner and more accurate radar display.
US08193973B2 Multilayer metamaterial isolator
A method of fabricating an array of radiating elements includes on one layer or surface of a dielectric substrate, forming a first leg of a first resonator loop, on another layer or surface of the dielectric substrate forming a second leg of the first resonator loop between adjacent radiating elements, forming a via through the dielectric substrate, and metallizing the via forming a third leg of the first resonator loop interconnecting the first and second legs.
US08193972B2 Adaptive calculation of pulse compression filter coefficients for a radar signal
In a method for adaptive calculation of pulse compression filter coefficients for a received signal in a radar installation, which received signal is evaluated with the aid of a complex pulse compression mismatch filter, a pulse compression filter coefficient set h(t) is calculated for an ideal theoretical received signal s(t) for a pulse compression mismatch filter, such that a pulse compression output signal results with a desired main lobe to side lobe ratio. A transformed set of pulse compression filter coefficients Hopt(f) for the complex pulse compression mismatch filter Hopt(f) is calculated for a distorted received signal using the following rule: H opt ⁡ ( f ) = S ⁡ ( f ) · H ⁡ ( f ) · S v * ⁡ ( f )  S v ⁡ ( f )  2 where S(f): the Fourier-transform of an undistorted received signal s(t), Sv(f): the Fourier-transform of a distorted received signal sv(t), sv*(f): the complex conjugate of Sv(f), H(f): the Fourier-transform of the pulse compression mismatch filter h(t).
US08193969B2 Method and system for maintaining spatio-temporal data
A system and method for maintaining spatio-temporal data for a given area (e.g., an airspace) containing a given node (e.g., an aircraft) and one or more other nodes (e.g., aircraft). The given aircraft may break the given airspace into a first plurality of smaller airspaces, and may also break the given airspace into a second plurality of smaller airspaces. The given aircraft may then detect local spatio-temporal data for each smaller airspace located within its detectable range. The aircraft may also receive remote spatio-temporal data for the smaller airspaces from the one or more other aircraft. Thereafter, the aircraft may update stored spatio-temporal data based on the aircraft's navigation data, the local spatio-temporal data, the remote spatio-temporal data, and/or a reliability of the data. Further, the aircraft may transmit the stored spatio-temporal data for receipt by the one or more other aircraft.
US08193968B1 Systems and methods for space situational awareness and space weather
Systems and methods for detecting objects and weather in space are disclosed. A system for detecting an object in space and space weather includes at least one spacecraft, at least one radiation source, at least one detector, and a controller. The at least one radiation source and the at least one detector are coupled to the at least one spacecraft. The at least one radiation source is configured to transmit a signal. The at least one detector is configured to detect the signal. The signal may be reflected from an object in space. The controller is coupled to the spacecraft and is in communication with the plurality of detectors. The controller is programmed to calculate either a relative position of the object based or a plasma parameter in a region traversed by the signal based on the detected signal.
US08193967B2 Method and system for forming very low noise imagery using pixel classification
A method and system for generating images from projection data comprising inputting first values representing correlated positional and recorded data; forming an image by processing the projection data utilizing a pixel characterization imaging subsystem to form the SAR imagery utilizing one of a back-projection algorithm or range migration algorithm; integrating positional and recorded data from many aperture positions, comprising: forming the complete aperture A0 comprising collecting the return radar data, the coordinates of the receiver, and the coordinates of the transmitter for each position k along the aperture of N positions; forming an imaging grid comprising M image pixels; selecting and removing a substantial number of aperture positions to form a sparse aperture Aifor L iterations; classifying each pixel in the image into target class based on the statistical distribution of its amplitude across L iterations; otherwise, the pixel is given the value of zero.
US08193966B2 Wire detection systems and methods
In one embodiment a system to detect, from a remote location, one or more wires in a target location comprises a radiation targeting assembly to direct a rotating polarization radiation field at the target location, a reflected radiation collecting assembly that collects radiation reflected from the target location, and a signal processing module to monitor radiation from the rotating radiation field reflected from the target location and generate a signal when the radiation reflected from the target location indicates the presence of a wire in the target location. Other embodiments may be described.
US08193962B1 High resolution A/D conversion based on piecewise conversion at lower resolution
Piecewise conversion of an analog input signal is performed utilizing a plurality of relatively lower bit resolution A/D conversions. The results of this piecewise conversion are interpreted to achieve a relatively higher bit resolution A/D conversion without sampling frequency penalty.
US08193960B2 Output apparatus and test apparatus
Provided is an output apparatus comprising a plurality of current sources; a plurality of holding sections that correspond respectively to the current sources and that each hold a designated voltage that designates a current flowing through the corresponding current source; a setting DAC that sequentially generates the designated voltage to be held by each holding section; and a supply section that sequentially switches a supply of the designated voltage generated by the setting DAC among corresponding holding sections.
US08193954B2 Computer product, information processing apparatus, and information search apparatus
A recording medium stores an information processing program that causes a computer to execute storing a compression symbol map group having a bit string indicating for each character code, presence or absence of the character code in a file group, and a Huffman tree whose leaf corresponding to the character code has a pointer to a compression symbol map of the character code, the Huffman tree converting the character code into a compression symbol of the character code; compressing sequentially and according to the Huffman tree, a character code to be compressed and described in a file of the file group; detecting access to the leaf at the compressing; identifying by a pointer in the accessed leaf, a compression symbol map of the character code to be compressed; and updating a bit that indicates presence or absence of the character code to be compressed, in the identified compression symbol map.
US08193951B2 Method and system for receiving and sending navigational data via a wireless messaging service on a navigation system
A system and method are provided for receiving navigational data via a wireless messaging service on a navigation system. The system and method provide a way to send requests for destination information via the wireless messaging service and capture navigational data from the responsive message received, such as addresses, telephone numbers, or email addresses, and then utilize that data for navigational routing, generation of telephone calls, emailing and the like, from the vehicle's navigation system. A wireless device can be paired with the navigation system over a Bluetooth communication link, wherein the navigation system periodically polls the wireless device for newly received messages. In one embodiment, the NAVI displays icons on a map that correspond to the extracted addresses from the messages received in relation to the vehicle's current location. The icons can be shown in a plurality of visual formats to distinguish previously viewed locations from newly received ones.
US08193949B2 Alert and warning system and method
The present inventions provide a system and method for providing a warning using at least one wireless communication link between an approaching object and the location where a warning is to be given based in part on the location of the object and its proximity to the warning location. One aspect of the inventions includes receiving a communication from an object, for example a vehicle, which includes location information, at an alert node, wirelessly communicating alert information to a warning node, and causing a warning device to generate a warning. Preferably the alert node communicates with a plurality of vehicles and a plurality of warning nodes and determines to which of the plurality of warning nodes to communicate alert information based in part on the location information received from at least one of the vehicles and the location of the warning device.
US08193948B1 System, module, and method for presenting runway advisory information to a pilot
A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting runway advisory information are disclosed. A runway reference may be established using data received from a source of navigation reference data, where such data could represent runway information, runway awareness zone information, landing awareness zone information, and/or runway threshold line information. Navigation data representative of at least aircraft location and input factor data may be received from a source. Phase of flight may be determined using input factor data, and a runway advisory data set may be generated as a function of phase of flight and the positional relationship between aircraft location and the runway reference. Runway advisory data set may be representative of advisory information comprised of visual runway advisory information, aural runway advisory information, tactile advisory information, or a combination thereof. A presentation system receives the runway advisory data set and presents advisory information.
US08193947B2 Methods and systems for generating data link air traffic control center menus
Methods and systems for generating a data link air traffic control center menu are provided. In one implementation, a method comprises associating individual air traffic control center objects with at least one geographic area. Each air traffic control center object represents an air traffic control center having a name, and each geographic area has a name. The method further includes displaying the names of each geographic area and receiving a first input. The first input selects one of the geographic areas having a plurality of geographic sub-areas, with each geographic sub-area having a name. The method further includes displaying the names of the geographic sub-areas and receiving a second input. The second input selects one of the geographic sub-areas including one or more air traffic control centers. The method further includes displaying the names of the air traffic control centers and receiving a third input. The third input selects one of the air traffic control centers.
US08193943B2 Handheld charge indicator assemblies for children's ride-on vehicles, and associated kits and methods
Handheld charge indicator assemblies, children's ride-on vehicle kits including the same, and methods of determining the state of charge of a battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle. Handheld charge indicator assemblies are sized to be held in the hand of a user and are configured to be selectively interconnected to a battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle and output an output signal representative of a voltage of the battery assembly. Handheld charge indicator assemblies include a body, an electronic circuit housed within the body, an indicator configured to output an output signal representative of an input voltage to the electronic circuit, and a battery connector configured to engage the battery assembly of a children's ride-on vehicle. In some embodiments, the handheld charge indicator assembly further includes an actuator configured to actuate the electronic circuit to detect the input voltage responsive to a user engaging the actuator.
US08193940B2 Recognition award, personnel identification holder and/or personnel unit for attachment to hardhats, protective helmets or the like
A signal device is provided for identifying and communicating a location or hazard, concealed within a housing on a hard hat having a pocket. Further provided is a detachable housing to be placed in the pocket. Embodiments incorporate a speaker for audible identification, a light emitting diode (LED) for visual identification and a global positioning sensor (GPS) for identifying the wearer's location and various circuits and systems that utilize the invention.
US08193938B2 Apparatus for identifying and tracking multiple tools and disposables
A method and apparatus for identifying and tracking instruments, in multiple instrument environments such as an operating room or a garage. Each instrument or disposable has attached thereto an identifying tag, such as an RFID tag. Each plane or location the instruments or disposables are placed on, comprises an antenna and thus continuously identifies the tools. In order for the antenna to work in a metallic environment, the antenna is equipped with a metallic board underneath, which insulates form other metals, and in order for the metallic board not to absorb all the energy, a spacing layer is placed between the metal board and the antenna. Flat antennas may be implemented as a collection of wire loops, overlapping in about 20% of one of their dimensions.
US08193933B2 Apparatus and method for remote viewing system
An energy conserving remote viewing system comprising an instantaneous analog video transmission camera, an analog video receiver that receives and transmits a video image to a video monitor and a remote transmitter that activates the analog video transmission camera. The remote camera device is normally in a low power, sleep mode that has a minimal power drain. The system includes a battery powered camera requiring a first voltage to operate and an RF transmitter to send an activation signal to the camera. The activation signal has a duration. A camera power circuit includes a normally sleeping signal receiving circuit and a first timer. The first timer periodically activates the signal receiving circuit to check for the presence of the activation signal and turns off the signal receiving circuit if the activation signal is not present and turns on the camera if the activation signal is present, and wherein the time the signal receiving circuit sleeps is less than the activation signal duration.
US08193926B2 Piezoelectric triggering mechanism
A piezoelectric triggering mechanism (10) includes a piezoelectric element (12), such as the transducer of a SAW device, that is configured to crack or break upon being subjected to excessive levels of mechanical force or other triggering mechanisms, thus generating a burst of electromagnetic energy. The large impulse of energy can then be conditioned (14) through resonant circuits or antennas and modulated (16) with an identification pattern through appropriate structures (such as SAW electrodes) to send a breakage indication signal to a remote receiver (18). Piezoelectric elements (12) may be integrated with a pneumatic tire structure to provide indication upon pressure loss or tire failure. Piezoelectric elements (12) may also be integrated with safety support features of some tire structures to provide indication of tire operation in a run-flat mode of operation. Related aspects of the present piezoelectric triggering technology employ a piezoelectric element (12) in a trigger detection method, which may involve detection of such occurrences as breach of security via opening of a sealed access structure or breakage of a glass panel, deployment of an airbag, loss of pressure or excess deflection in a tire, presence of smoke in a given location, and other rupture and sensor applications.
US08193923B2 Automotive vehicle and asset management system therefor
An automotive vehicle includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to, in a first mode of operation, receive and store, at a plurality of instances, inventory information about assets in a vicinity of the vehicle, and identify patterns in asset inventories based on the inventory information and a history of vehicle locations associated with the inventory information. The one or more computers are also configured to, in a second mode of operation, generate output representing at least one suggested vehicle destination based on the identified patterns and assets detected in the vicinity of the vehicle.
US08193922B2 Method for warning the driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a cruise control system
A method is provided for warning the driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a distance-related cruise control system of a potentially hazardous situation. The motor vehicle is kept at a standstill during the distance-related cruise control using a braking torque applied by the distance-related cruise control system. Leaving of the motor vehicle, or an intention of the driver to leave the motor vehicle, is recognized. When the leaving or the intention to leave of the driver is recognized, the applied braking torque is changed and/or modulated in such a manner that the motor vehicle experiences a movement perceptible by the driver.
US08193921B2 Motorcycle handlebar lock system
A motorcycle handlebar lock system (10) includes a control section (16) that executes a process of authenticating information necessary for driving a motorcycle (30), and a switch part (12L, 12R) for initiating the authentication process, the switch part being disposed within a grip (61 or 62) of a handlebar (31) of the motorcycle.
US08193916B2 RFID transmitter
Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of RFID interrogators, particularly RFID interrogators that combine low loss with high rates of communication from the interrogator to a tag. Further embodiments relate to the field of active RFID tags and general radio transmitters. We describe a transmitter comprising a resonant circuit and a driver coupled to drive said resonant circuit, wherein said resonant circuit includes a resonance regeneration system such that during amplitude modulation of a resonant signal in said resonant circuit when an amplitude of said resonant signal is reduced energy from said reduction is stored and when said amplitude is increased said stored energy is used to regenerate said resonance signal.
US08193914B2 Adaptable filter and method for filtering a radio frequency identification signal
A method, system and computer program product for filtering a RFID signal. At least one pre-operational interference signal is measured. Amplitude and frequency data are extracted from the at least one measured pre-operational interference signal. At least one filter-dependent parameter is computed based at least in part on the extracted amplitude and frequency data extracted from the measured at least one pre-operational interference signal. A table is generated during a pre-operational mode. The table has at least one set of filter coefficients based on the computed at least one filter-dependent parameter.
US08193911B2 Controlling radio frequency identification tag signal range
A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for controlling a range of a radio frequency identification tag signal. The process identifies an operative range for the radio frequency identification tag signal of a radio identification tag. The process then selects a set of conductive paths in the radio frequency identification tag corresponding to the desired operative range. The set of conductive paths controls the range of the radio frequency identification tag signal in the radio identification frequency tag.
US08193907B2 Method for opening a transportable container
The present invention relates to a process for opening a container for the transportation of valuable objects or valuable documents, for example. The container (1) includes a first electronic unit (2), which allows deactivation of an alarm system and/or opening of the container. A first key (10) required to open the container includes a second electronic unit (12), which communicates with the first electronic unit (2) such as to initiate opening of the container. There is used a stationarily disposed second key (20) which together with the first key (10) provides the complete code-set (ABCD) required to initiate deactivation and/or opening of the container (1). The stationarily disposed second key (20) includes a third electronic unit (22) which contains a subset (CD) of the complete code-set (ABCD) required to initiate deactivation and/or opening of the container (1). The electronic unit (12) of the first key (10) contains a subset (AB) of the complete code (ABCD) required to initiate deactivation and/or opening of the container (1). The inventive process ensures that the container (1) will be opened at the correct geographic destination and, when necessary, also within a determined time span.
US08193905B2 Vehicle function execution system, vehicle apparatus, portable device, recording medium, and information center
A storage circuit of a portable device stores setting data concerning a function installed on a used vehicle or an in-use vehicle. Stored setting data of the portable device is read when the user gets in an in-use vehicle after use of a used vehicle. Setting data stored in the storage section of the vehicle apparatus is also read. The two read setting data are compared. When a comparison result shows a difference, execution of a function is permitted based on setting data read from the storage circuit of the portable device. The user can be notified of a function not used by the user or a new function when execution of the functions is permitted.
US08193903B2 Associating a transmitter and a receiver in a supplemental remote control system for materials handling vehicles
A method of associating a transmitter and a receiver in a supplemental remote control system for materials handling vehicles includes initiating a power on sequence to enable a vehicle for operation, the vehicle having a receiver for receiving wirelessly transmitted travel commands, and pairing and synchronizing the receiver and a corresponding vehicle controller to a select one of a plurality of wireless remote control devices. Pairing mode confidence signals are received at the vehicle receiver, wherein each pairing mode confidence signal provides a transmitter identification that uniquely identifies a corresponding wireless remote control device within range of the receiver. A known transmitter identification code associated with the select wireless remote control device is matched with a corresponding one of the pairing mode confidence signals received by the receiver, and the matched wireless remote control device is synchronized to the receiver and the controller of the vehicle for communication therebetween.
US08193900B2 Method for fabricating metal gate and polysilicon resistor and related polysilicon resistor structure
An integrated method includes fabricating a metal gate and a polysilicon resistor structure. A photoresistor layer is defined by an SAB photo mask and covers a part of a polysilicon structure of the polysilicon resistor. When the gate conductor of a poly gate transistor is etched, the part of the polysilicon structure is protected by the patterned photoresistor layer. After the polysilicon resistor and the metal gate are formed. The polysilicon resistor still has sufficient resistance and includes two metal structures for electrical connection.
US08193893B2 Inductor having opening enclosed within conductive line and related method
Embodiments of an inductor including a conductive line including at least one turn and an opening positioned within an interior of a region of the conductive line are disclosed. Embodiments of a related method of designing the inductor are also disclosed.
US08193887B2 Monostable permanent magnetic actuator using laminated steel core
A monostable permanent magnetic actuator using a laminated steel core, comprises: lamination cores formed as a plurality of metallic thin plates are laminated to each other; a coil disposed to be adjacent to the lamination cores, and configured to apply a magnetic force to the lamination cores by an external power; a mover mounted in the lamination cores so as to be movable in upper and lower directions; permanent magnets installed at the lamination cores, and configured to apply an upward and downward magnetic force to the mover; and an elastic means configured to apply an elastic force to the mover in an opposite direction to the permanent magnets.
US08193882B2 Starting device for engines
An electromagnetic switch unit comprises a solenoid device that pushes out a pinion gear to a ring gear side of an engine, and an electromagnetic switch that opens and closes a main point of contact of a motor circuit. The solenoid device and the electromagnetic switch are arranged in series in an axial direction, while a magnetic plate that forms a part of magnetic circuit between a first coil used for the solenoid device and a second coil used for the electromagnetic switch is shared by the solenoid device and the electromagnetic switch.
US08193881B2 Relay
A relay having a first opening and closing part including an openable and closable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet to apply a magnetic field on the first and second gaps in the same direction.
US08193876B2 DC and/or AF output from an RF path
An improved DC and/or audio-frequency output for RF paths has the following features: an earth connection is provided, in particular in the form of an electrically conductive housing (17), an output path (13) branches off from a connection point (117, 117′) on an RF path (3, 5), the output path (13) comprises a branch line (7, 9), originating from the connection point (117, 117′), in the form of a λ/4 line, where λ represents a wavelength which corresponds to a wavelength within the RF band to be transmitted on the RF path (3, 5), and having a capacitor device (27a, 27b), which is connected to the branch line (7, 9), in the form of a low-pass filter and/or an RF short, with at least one sealed dipole connection (127a, 127h) also being provided on the output path (13), in addition to the at least one capacitor device (27a, 27b).
US08193873B2 High-frequency coupler and communication device
A high-frequency coupler and a communication device are compact, capable of efficiently communicating a large volume of data over a short distance and can be used in combination with a non-contact IC card. The high-frequency coupler includes magnetic-field-generating patterns and a surrounding pattern disposed around a periphery thereof, and is used to communicate a large volume of data over a short distance in a communication system that uses broadband frequencies. Out of the magnetic fields radiated in directions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the patterns from the magnetic-field-generating patterns, portions extending laterally in the plane of the patterns are blocked by the surrounding pattern, the magnetic fields are lengthened in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the patterns and the communication distance is increased.
US08193871B1 FM pulse shaping
Apparatus and methods for improving the spectral performance of a polar modulator are described. A composite FM signal component of a composite polar transmit signal may be processed by monitoring the FM signal to detect a transient burst component, and, responsive to detection of a transient burst, generating a spectrally friendly replacement signal component that may be combined with the FM signal to improve spectral performance of the composite signal. In addition, an associated AM component of the composite transmit signal may be filtered to further improve spectral performance.
US08193869B1 Feedthrough capacitance compensation for resonant devices
A device has a resonator coupled to input and output nodes, the resonator being characterized by a transducer to drive the output node, and further characterized by a feedthrough capacitance such that portions of the input signal bypass the transducer to allow a spurious signal to reach the output node. The device includes a compensation capacitor coupled to the output node to define a compensation capacitance in accordance with the feedthrough capacitance. A phase inversion circuit is coupled to the compensation capacitance to generate a compensation signal and coupled to the output node such that the spurious signal is offset by the compensation signal. In some cases, a differential amplifier of the phase inversion circuit has the compensation capacitance in a feedback path to offset the feedthrough capacitance. In these and other cases, the compensation capacitance and the feedthrough capacitance may be unmatched to avoid overcompensation.
US08193868B2 Switched capacitor circuit for a voltage controlled oscillator
A switched capacitor circuit for use at at least one operating frequency is provided. The switched capacitor may include an inductive element having a first terminal coupled to a switching voltage and a second terminal. The switched capacitor circuit may further include a hetero-junction bipolar transistor (HBT) having a base terminal coupled to the second terminal of the inductive element, a first conducting terminal, and a second conducting terminal coupled to a voltage supply terminal. The switched capacitor circuit may further include a capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first conducting terminal of the HBT and a second terminal coupled to a node, wherein a capacitance value at the node is a function of the switching voltage, and wherein the inductive element is configured such that a combined impedance of an impedance of the capacitor, an impedance of the HBT, and an impedance of inductive element resonates at the at least one operating frequency only when the HBT is substantially non-conducting.
US08193861B2 Differential amplifier
A Provided is a differential amplifier in which a current flowing into an output transistor may be adjusted to a constant value even when a voltage of a non-inverting input terminal changes. A current flowing through the differential amplifier circuit is controlled by a current source, a current value of which is changed depending on the voltage of the non-inverting input terminal.
US08193856B2 Amplifier and switched capacitor amplifier circuit
An amplifier (V) for an integrated circuit amplifier circuit (IC) having a switched capacitor circuit (Cs, Cf) includes a capacitor for frequency compensation (CC1) that is connected in parallel to an amplifier stage (V2). This amplifier is advantageous because at least one second capacitor for frequency compensation (CC2) is selectively connected in parallel to the first capacitor for frequency compensation (CC1) via a switch controlled by a capacitor switching signal (clk).
US08193854B2 Bi-directional trimming methods and circuits for a precise band-gap reference
A bandgap reference circuit has trimming-up resistors and trimming-down resistors for bi-directional trimming. PNP transistors have base and collectors grounded and emitters connected to parallel resistors. A difference resistor drives an inverting input of an op amp that drives a transistor that generates the bandgap reference voltage Vbg. A sensing resistor connects Vbg to a splitting node that connects to the non-inverting input through a first parallel resistor. The splitting node also connects through a second parallel resistor to the inverting input. Fuses or switches enable the trimming-up and trimming-down resistors. The trimming-up resistors are in series with the sensing resistor and the trimming-down resistors are in series with an output resistor that connects Vbg to reference voltage Vref. The circuit can be designed for a more typical process since bi-directional trimming allows Vref to be raised or lowered. Many circuits need no trimming when targeted for the typical process.
US08193853B2 Efficiency and thermal improvement of a charge pump by mixing different input voltages
For a charge pump, a control circuit switches two or more input voltages to apply to one or more pumping capacitors under auto-sensing control to modulate a maximum pumping voltage as close as to a demanded output voltage to thereby reduce the difference between the maximum pumping voltage and the output voltage for efficiency and thermal improvement of the charge pump. The maximum pumping voltage is produced by mixing the different input voltages and the charge pump may provide more operation modes.
US08193848B2 Power switching devices having controllable surge current capabilities
Semiconductor switching devices include a wide band-gap power transistor, a wide band-gap surge current transistor that coupled in parallel to the power transistor, and a wide band-gap driver transistor that is configured to drive the surge current transistor. Substantially all of the on-state output current of the semiconductor switching device flows through the channel of the power transistor when a drain-source voltage of the power transistor is within a first voltage range, which range may correspond, for example, to the drain-source voltages expected during normal operation. In contrast, the semiconductor switching device is further configured so that in the on-state the output current flows through both the surge current transistor and the channel of the power transistor when the drain-source voltage of the power transistor is within a second, higher voltage range.
US08193842B2 Frequency synthesizer
There is provided a frequency synthesizer. The frequency synthesizer includes a frequency oscillator adjusting an output frequency according to a control bit; a programmable divider having a preset minimum division ratio, the programming divider dividing the output frequency of the frequency oscillator at a variable division ratio; a counter unit receiving an output signal of the programmable divider and a reference frequency to generate a count value by counting rising edges of the output signal of the programmable divider during one cycle of the reference frequency, and outputting a first hit signal when the count value is 1, and outputting a second hit signal when the count value is 2; and a phase detection unit outputting a control bit obtained by subtracting a fractional error of the output signal of the programmable divider from a fractional error at a locked phase obtained from the count value and the reference frequency.
US08193836B2 Techniques for measuring voltages in a circuit
A circuit includes a comparator, a resistor divider, a control circuit, a multiplexer, and a programmable gain amplifier. The comparator is operable to measure an internal voltage of the circuit based on a selected reference voltage. The resistor divider is operable to generate reference voltages. The control circuit is operable to generate a select signal based on an output signal of the comparator. The multiplexer is operable to select one of the reference voltages from the resistor divider as the selected reference voltage based on the select signal. The programmable gain amplifier is configurable to generate a compensation voltage to compensate for an offset voltage of the comparator. The compensation voltage is provided to an input of the comparator.
US08193834B2 Multiple detection circuit for accessory jacks
This document discusses, among other things, a multiple accessory detection apparatus and methods for identifying accessories coupled to a multi-pin connector of an electronic device. The apparatus can include a first reference generator, a second reference generator, a plurality of switches to couple an output of the second generator to an accessory device and a comparator. The comparator can generate identifying information about the accessory device using the reference information received from the first reference generator and test information received using the second reference generator.
US08193833B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit for monitoring characteristics of a semiconductor chip
Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit that includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring characteristics of a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a first terminal with a first voltage and a second terminal with a second voltage. The semiconductor integrated circuit also comprises an inverter chain circuit comprising a plurality of inverters connected in cascade. Each of the plurality of inverters includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistors included in the inverters located at either odd-number orders or even-number orders counted from an input terminal side of an inverter chain circuit function as pre-charge transistors. The pre-charge transistors have a conductivity type different from a conductivity type of the first transistors other then the pre-charge transistors.
US08193831B1 Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a digital circuit by controlling the clock
A method and apparatus that controls the clock of a digital circuit, and therefore power consumption, without substantially comprising performance is provided. The apparatus may include monitoring the utilization of a First in First Out (FIFO) buffer. For example in a systems and methods according to the invention, clock speed may be reduced when the FIFO is relatively empty and increased when the FIFO is relatively full. The clock speed may be controlled by a phase locked loop, a clock divider, a clock masking device or a combination of more than one of these methods. Power reduction may also be obtained by controlling the clocking of different stages of a pipelined device. One or more aspects of the inventions may be implemented in combination with other aspects of the invention to further reduce power use.
US08193826B2 Auto probe device and method of testing liquid crystal panel using the same
An auto probe device used in a method of testing a plurality of signal lines of a liquid crystal panel includes a printed circuit board having a shorting bar, a flexible printed circuit board having a plurality of connection patterns electrically connected to the shorting bar of the printed circuit board, and a plurality of contact pins contacting the plurality of pads formed in a non-display area of the liquid crystal panel. Such an auto probe device reduces a defect generation rate in a lighting test of the liquid crystal panel so that accuracy of the lighting test may be improved.
US08193825B2 Test circuit and method for an electronic device
A test circuit for an electronic device including a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The LCD device includes a pulse width modulator (PWM) to provide voltages to a display panel of the LCD device, a plurality of feedback circuits to output feedback voltages to the PWM, and a power supply to provide an operating voltage for the PWM. When the electronic device is in a test mode, the feedback circuits respectively decrease the feedback voltages, such that the PWM increases the voltages output to the display panel according to the feedback voltages, the increased voltages reach predetermined test voltages and test the electronic device.
US08193824B2 Monitoring plasma induced damage during semiconductor wafer processes
A plasma damage detection test structure is disclosed. The plasma damage detection test structure includes a first antenna, a voltage source, a ground reference, a first transistor comprising a first source, a first gate, and a first drain. The plasma damage detection test structure further includes a second transistor comprising a second source, a second gate, and a second drain. The first gate is conductively coupled to said first antenna, said first drain and said second drain are conductively coupled to said voltage source, and said first source and said second source are conductively coupled to said ground reference. In various embodiments multiple antennas may be used. The antennas may be multiple configurations, such as a symmetric arrangement or asymmetric arrangement. In various embodiments, multiple transistors in parallel or cross-couple arrangements may be used.
US08193819B2 Method and apparatus for improving yield ratio of testing
A method and apparatus for improving yield ratio of testing are disclosed. The method includes the following steps. First of all, devices are tested and electromagnetic interference is measured. Next, the test results are examined for whether the devices pass the test or not. Then, electromagnetic interference data are examined for whether the electromagnetic interference data are over a predetermined standard if the devices fail the test. The above-mentioned steps are performed again if the electromagnetic interference data are over a predetermined standard. The test is terminated if the devices still fail the test and the values of electromagnetic interference are still over a predetermined standard.
US08193817B2 Input channel diagnostics
Input channel diagnostics for an industrial process control system that provides improved apparatus and methods relating to fault containment, overload protection and input channel diagnostics. The input circuit includes one or more series resistors that have a total resistance that is at least two orders of magnitude greater than the magnitude of the resistance of a conditioned sensor signal source.
US08193815B2 Photodiode self-test
A photodetector array (142) includes a plurality of photodetector cells (202) such as avalanche photodiodes (208) and readout circuits (210). An array self-tester (226) tests a dark count or other performance characteristic of the cells (202). The test is performed in connection with the manufacture of the array (142) or following the installation of the array (142) in a detection system (100).
US08193813B2 Measurement of formation parameters using rotating directional EM antenna
A logging tool and method to make subsurface measurements is disclosed, wherein the tool is placed within a borehole penetrating a formation. The tool has a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tool, and at least one of the transmitter or receiver antennas has a dipole moment that is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tool. The at least one non-coaxial antenna can rotate relative to the other antenna. Energy is transmitted from the transmitter antenna and a signal associated with the transmitted energy is measured at the receiver antenna while the at least one non-coaxial antenna rotates relative to the other antenna.
US08193812B2 Transceive surface coil array for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
A surface coil array comprises a surface coil support and an arrangement of non-overlapping magnetically decoupled surface coils mounted on the support. The surface coils encompass a volume into which a target to be imaged is placed. Magnetic decoupling circuits act between adjacent surface coils. Impedance matching circuitry couples the surface coils to conventional transmit and receive components.
US08193808B2 Optically integrated biosensor based on optically detected magnetic resonance
An optically integrated magnetic biosensor includes an optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) center and a fluidics layer configured to contain a solution comprising analytes, the fluidics layer being disposed over the ODMR center. A light source which generates incident light excites electrons within the ODMR center from a ground state to an excited state and a radio frequency (RF) antenna generates an RF field incident with frequencies which correspond to ground state transitions in the ODMR center. The ODMR center produces emitted light when illuminated by the incident light. The characteristics of the emitted light are influenced by the RF field and magnetic nanoparticles attached to the analytes. A method for detecting analytes using optically detected magnetic resonance is also provided.
US08193806B2 Object detecting apparatus
An object detecting apparatus that detects an object including a magnetic body including: a detection signal acquiring unit that acquires a detection signal based on a magnetic signal; a disturbance source detection signal storage unit that stores a detection signal of a disturbance source that generates a disturbance component with respect to the detection signal; a determining unit that determines whether the detection signal acquired by the detection signal acquiring unit contains the disturbance component; an amplitude correction unit that corrects an amplitude of the disturbance source detection signal and generates an amplitude-corrected disturbance source detection signal; a disturbance component suppression unit that generates a determination signal by suppressing the disturbance component contained in the detection signal; and an object determination unit that determines whether the object is the object to be detected based on the determination signal.
US08193801B2 Method and a device for feeding DC power to an amplifier module for a pulsed load
A method for feeding DC power to an amplifier module for a pulsed load, the method comprising providing current pulses from a DC power supply; charging a capacitor configuration in the amplifier module; providing an output voltage via a voltage regulated power supply; feeding current pulses to the pulsed load from the capacitor configuration, determining an output current (Iout) pulse configuration appearing during feeding the load from the capacitor configuration; providing a pulsed input current (Iin) from the DC power supply based upon the determined output pulsed current; and limiting the maximum current level of the input current pulses to a pre-determined level by a control and pulse shaping circuit to be substantially lower compared to the peak current of the output current pulses.
US08193799B2 Interposer including voltage regulator and method therefor
A device that includes an electronic device referred to as an integrated circuit interposer is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a voltage regulator module. The interposer is attached to an electronic device, such as another integrated circuit, and facilitates control and distribution of power to the electronic device. The integrated circuit interposer can also conduct signaling between the attached electronic device and another electronic device. The voltage regulator module at the integrated circuit interposer can be configured to provide a voltage reference signal to the attached electronic device. Generation of the voltage reference signal by the integrated circuit interposer can be enabled or disabled and the value of the voltage reference signal can be adjusted, depending on operating requirements of the electronic device.
US08193797B2 Self-oscillating switched mode converter with valley detection
An energy converter is disclosed in which self oscillation mode operation is improved by a closed loop feedback control. The feedback control utilizes the voltage error from the voltage valley in the drain voltage (Vdrain) of the converter switch (1), to determine an error (E(n)) in the time domain. Control circuitry (61, 62, 63) is used to minimize this time-domain error (E(n)) to optimize the control of the switch mode converter.
US08193795B2 Output current and input power regulation with a power converter
A power converter circuit senses the output voltage (Vo) and controls the converter's duty cycle (d1) to provide a steady output current (Io) or input power (Pin) in each switching cycle (T). During an initial period (Tramp), the controller provides a possibly smaller target current (Iramp) to reduce the system stress while the output voltage rises to a suitable value (InitVtar).
US08193787B2 System and method for regulating RMS voltage delivered to a load
A system and method for regulating the root mean square (RMS) voltage delivered to a load by an alternating current (AC) electrical circuit having a line voltage. To avoid radio frequency interference (RFI), the load is disconnected from the AC electrical circuit when energy stored in the load is at or near zero and is reconnected when the line voltage is at or near zero. Inductive loads are disconnected when the line current is at or near zero while capacitive loads are disconnected when the line voltage is at or near zero. The duration of the disconnection does not exceed one half-cycle of the fundamental frequency. Disconnections alternate between removing positive voltage half-cycles and negative voltage half-cycles to avoid a direct current (DC) bias. A system incorporating digital logic elements is provided for implementing the method and for detecting whether the load is inductive or capacitive.
US08193784B2 Bidirectional DC to DC converter for power storage control in a power scavenging application
A bidirectional DC to DC converter having a first operational mode and a second operational mode includes a first terminal pair that has a positive terminal and a negative terminal and that connects the converter to a first electric circuit, a second terminal pair that has a positive terminal and a negative terminal and that connects the converter to a second electric circuit, an accumulation element for temporary accumulation of electric energy; and a switching circuit connected to the first terminal pair, the second terminal pair, and the accumulation element. Electric energy is transferred from the first electric circuit to the second electric circuit via the accumulation element in the first operational mode of the bidirectional DC to DC converter and, from the second electric circuit to the first electric circuit via the accumulation element in the second operational mode of the DC to DC converter.
US08193783B2 Permanent magnet generator having passive flux control
A permanent magnet generator assembly has a permanent magnet generator with magnetic flux control windings, a passive rectifier, and a passive control element. The passive control element electrically connects an output of the passive rectifier to the magnetic flux control windings.
US08193782B2 Abnormality detection apparatus
The abnormality detection apparatus includes a first function of measuring a first temperature of a first portion of the abnormality detection apparatus, the first temperature having a correlation with a second temperature of a second portion of a vehicle alternator, a second function of integrating a stress depending on a temperature variation of the first portion on the basis of the first temperature measured by the first function, a third function of predicting occurrence of abnormality in the second portion depending on the stress integrated by the second function, and a fourth function of issuing an alarm when the third function predicts occurrence of abnormality.
US08193779B2 Battery charging and discharging by using a bi-directional transistor
A battery charger for an electronic device receives current limited power from an external power source, such as a Universal Serial Bus power interface. The battery charger can linearly regulate a charging current to an internal battery and limit the charging current so as not to demand current in excess of what the external power source can provide. A bi-directional pass element coupled between a system power terminal and the internal battery controls the charging current and effectively isolates the internal battery from a system load during charging of the battery while providing a low impedance path from the internal battery to the system load during discharging of the battery.
US08193778B2 Method of charging a battery array
The method of charging a battery array performs constant current and constant voltage charging of a battery array while detecting the voltage of each battery. The battery array is a plurality of series connected batteries. The charge method detects the voltage of each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds a preset maximum specified voltage, charging power is reduced for constant current, constant voltage charging of the battery array.
US08193776B2 Charger system and method
Systems and methods of providing power through a Universal Serial Bus connector are provided. A charging system comprises an interface configured to receive power, a power converter coupled to the power source interface, the power converter configured to use the received power to generate power output, and a charging controller configured to control an amount of power provided at the USB connector on the power lines derived from the power output, and configured to generate an identification signal on the USB connector's two data lines, the identification signal usable to indicate the charger is not subject to standard USB power limitations, the identification signal provided through the use of a resistance between the D+ and D− data lines.
US08193775B2 Hysteresis switch and electricity charging module using the same
An electricity charging module using a hysteresis switch includes a storage capacitor that preliminarily stores electrical energy supplied from an external power source, a charging unit for preventing over-charging or over-discharging through monitoring of the charging state of the rechargeable battery, and a hysteresis switch that has a larger turn-on voltage level than the turn-off voltage level, and located between the storage capacitor and the charging unit, thereby electrically connecting or disconnecting the storage capacitor with the charging unit. The hysteresis switch includes a first voltage dividing resistor pair that divides the voltage of an external power source by the resistance ratio of the first voltage dividing resistor pair, a second voltage dividing resistor pair whose one end is connected to a positive electrode terminal of the external power source, a first switching device whose control terminal is connected to the junction of the voltage dividing resistors of the second voltage dividing resistor pair, a second switching device whose control terminal is connected to the junction of the voltage dividing resistors of the first voltage dividing resistor pair, and a resistor that is connected to the junction between the first electrode terminal of the second switching device and the junction of the voltage dividing resistors of the first voltage dividing resistor pair.
US08193774B2 Battery pack
In a battery pack including a protection circuit, a series circuit of a thermistor and a resistor is disposed in a vicinity of a secondary battery and connected in parallel with the secondary battery. A connection detecting circuit is disposed to detect connection of a charging device to the battery pack. A comparator is disposed to compare a voltage of a junction point of the thermistor and the resistor with a reference voltage corresponding to a predetermined temperature. A gate circuit is disposed to activate an output signal of the comparator only when the connection of the charging device is detected. The protection circuit is arranged so that, when a temperature of the secondary battery exceeds the predetermined temperature, a switch element is turned off in accordance with the output signal of the comparator activated.
US08193773B2 Electronic system for a battery
An electronic system for a battery designed to supply electrical power to an application, such as in an aircraft, that includes a main power supply, comprises a charging circuit (30) with a charger (K3C), a first battery discharging circuit (20) in parallel with the charging circuit, a component ensuring continuity of discharge (D3) and an electronic control unit adapted to control opening and closing of the discharge switch (K2) and adapted to control said charger (K3C). The control unit keeps the battery charged as long as it is not being called on to discharge and interrupts battery charging and sets the discharge switch (K2) to the closed position when a call for power is detected from the application, the component ensuring continuity of discharge (D3) allowing passage of a discharge current during a transitional phase of closing of the discharge switch (K2).
US08193766B2 Time remaining to charge an implantable medical device, charger indicator, system and method therefore
System and method for estimating a time to recharge a rechargeable power source of an implantable medical device. A plurality of measured parameters relating to the implantable medical device and an external charging device are applied to a model of recharging performance and an estimate is provided to a patient, perhaps in advance of charging. Once charging has begun, updated estimates can be provided until charging is complete. Once charging is complete, the model may be updated to reflect any differences in the estimated time to complete charging and the actual time required to complete charging. The model may be based on limitations to the rate at which charge may be transferred to the rechargeable power source over a plurality of intervals.
US08193763B2 Battery apparatus, battery control apparatus, and motor drive unit
The present invention provides enhanced serial communication reliability in a situation where a plurality of cell controllers and a battery controller are daisy-chained to form a serial communication configuration. While the plurality of cell controllers and the battery controller are daisy-chained to form a serial communication configuration, the battery controller or each cell controller includes a communication speed detection means, which detects the communication speed of data input from an additional controller, and a reception timing correction means, which corrects the reception timing for data input from the additional controller in accordance with the communication speed detected by the communication speed detection means.
US08193761B1 Hybrid power source
A hybrid power system is comprised of a high energy density element such as a fuel-cell and high power density elements such as a supercapacitor banks. A DC/DC converter electrically connected to the fuel cell and converting the energy level of the energy supplied by the fuel cell. A first switch is electrically connected to the DC/DC converter. First and second supercapacitors are electrically connected to the first switch and a second switch. A controller is connected to the first switch and the second switch, monitoring charge levels of the supercapacitors and controls the switching in response to the charge levels. A load is electrically connected to the second switch. The first switch connects the DC/DC converter to the first supercapacitor when the second switch connects the second supercapacitor to the load. The first switch connects the DC/DC converter to the second supercapacitor when the second switch connects the first supercapacitor to the load.
US08193758B2 Circuits and methods for power conversion
A power conversion circuit includes a solar panel and a power converter. The solar panel is operable for providing electric power having an output voltage. The power converter coupled to the solar panel is capable of selectively operating in a charging mode and a powering mode. The power converter transfers the electric power from the solar panel to a power source and maintains the output voltage at a threshold voltage in the charging mode. The power converter delivers power from the power source to a load in the powering mode.
US08193756B2 Variable speed drive for permanent magnet motor
A drive system for a compressor of a chiller system includes a variable speed drive. The variable speed drive is arranged to receive an input AC voltage at a fixed AC input voltage and provide an output AC power at a variable voltage and variable frequency. The variable speed drive includes a converter connected to an AC power source providing the input AC voltage. The converter is arranged to convert the input AC voltage to a DC voltage. A DC link is connected to the converter. The DC link filters and stores the DC voltage from the converter. An inverter is connected to the DC link. A motor connectable to the compressor for powering the compressor. An active filter connected in parallel with the motor. The active filter is arranged to generate high frequency currents having a magnitude and opposite polarity, with respect to the output AC power of the variable speed drive. The high frequency currents generated by active filter substantially cancel out high frequency currents flowing into the motor.
US08193755B2 Actuator
An actuator comprising a reversible electric motor, which over a gearing, drives an activation element which can move back and forth. The activation element is of the non-self-locking type. Furthermore the motor and gearing are of a non self locking type. A brake holds the activation element in any position, when the electric motor is inactive, said brake can be released by means of a release mechanism. The motor is used as generator when the brake is released and the generator voltage from it is used to adjust the velocity of the activation element. Thus, a quick release is provided, where the activation element can be disengaged and adjusted evading gear and motor, and where the movement of the activation element, during the disengagement, occurs with a controlled velocity.
US08193753B2 Motor controller and electric power tool having the same
A motor controller is provided with a velocity processing unit that determines a corrected target rotation velocity by correcting the inputted target rotation velocity of the motor in accordance with a velocity deviation between the inputted target rotation velocity and an actual rotation velocity detected from the motor, a first PWM circuit that repeatedly outputs an on-signal having a first pulse width at a first carrier frequency, wherein the first pulse width of the on-signal is modulated by the first PWM circuit in accordance with the corrected target rotation velocity, a second PWM circuit that repeatedly outputs an on-signal having a second pulse width at a second carrier frequency, wherein the second pulse width is different from the first pulse width, the second carrier frequency is lower than the first carrier frequency, and the second pulse width of the on-signal is modulated by the second PWM circuit in accordance with the corrected target rotation velocity, an AND circuit that receives the on-signal outputted from the first PWM circuit and the on-signal outputted from the second PWM circuit and outputs third on-signal which is a logical product of the on-signals, and a voltage apply circuit that applies voltage to the motor intermittently in synchronization with the third on-signal outputted from the AND circuit. As a result, the rotation velocity of the motor may be correctly controlled.
US08193750B2 Electrical machine arrangement
Electrical machine arrangements have advantages with regard to providing local electrical power and starting. Embedding such electrical machine arrangements in machinery such as gas turbine engines is advantageous in removing mechanical linkages and reducing aerodynamic drag. However, the components utilized must be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and therefore the DC link capacitor used for smoothing of voltage fluctuations are limited to relatively low capacitance densities. Low density DC link capacitors require large sizes which render electrical machines less acceptable for embedded usage. By providing offset of electrical current in inductance elements such as stator windings and stator coils of electrical machines in dead periods of the cycle a reduction in DC link capacitor requirements is achieved reducing the size, weight and complexity of installing electrical machines in gas turbine engines.
US08193747B2 Methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of two alternating current (AC) machines
A system is provided for controlling two alternating current (AC) machines via a five-phase PWM inverter module. The system comprises a first control loop, a second control loop, and a current command adjustment module. The current command adjustment module operates in conjunction with the first control loop and the second control loop to continuously adjust current command signals that control the first AC machine and the second AC machine such that they share the input voltage available to them without compromising the target mechanical output power of either machine. This way, even when the phase voltage available to either one of the machines decreases, that machine outputs its target mechanical output power.
US08193746B2 Automotive electric motor speed control system
An automotive electric motor speed control system may include at least one electric motor adapted to cause a moveable element to move, a DC/DC power converter configured to output a voltage to the at least one electric motor that increases to a desired value and subsequently decreases to control the movement of the moveable element, and a controller configured to control the rate of voltage increase and voltage decrease output by the converter.
US08193743B2 Control device for electric rotating machine and method of controlling the machine
A control device has a unit for preparing a pattern having first and second periods by comparing a triangular wave and a sine wave having an amplitude ratio set at each value of a modulation factor, and selecting one pattern corresponding to an instructed modulation factor, and a unit for applying a controlled voltage, set at low and high levels in response to first and second periods of the selected pattern, to a generator. The triangular wave has a cycle duration obtained by dividing the cycle duration of the generator by product of 3 and odd number, a crest having a level higher than the sine wave at a timing of each first period, and a trough having a level lower than the sine wave at a timing of each second period.
US08193724B2 Power supply apparatus
In the power supply apparatus which performs voltage conversion of an input voltage (Vbat), with a predetermined set voltage as a target value, and outputs the converted voltage, a boost ratio setting unit sets a boost ratio (XCP) of the charge pump circuit based on the input voltage (Vbat) and a predetermined set voltage. A voltage adjustment unit is a regulator circuit, and adjusts voltage (Vx) so that output voltage (Vout) of the charge pump circuit approaches the set voltage. An output voltage setting unit generates a predetermined set voltage as a digital value (Dset). An A/D converter performs analog-digital conversion of the input voltage (Vbat). The boost ratio setting unit sets the boost ratio based on a result of comparing an input voltage (Ddet) that has undergone analog-digital conversion, and the set voltage (Dset).
US08193721B2 Backlight unit
The present invention relates to a backlight unit that includes at least one first light emitting diode (LED) package and at least one second LED package, wherein the first LED package includes a blue LED chip, a green LED chip, and a first phosphor, the first phosphor being excited by blue light and to emit light to be mixed with blue light and green light respectively emitted from the blue LED chip and the green LED chip, the first LED package to thereby emit white light; the second LED package includes a blue LED chip, a red LED chip, and a second phosphor, the second phosphor being excited by blue light and to emit light to be mixed with blue light and red light respectively emitted from the blue LED chip and the red LED chip, the second LED package to thereby emit white light; and the first LED package and the second LED package are alternately arranged.
US08193717B2 Controller and method for controlling an intensity of a light emitting diode (LED) using a conventional AC dimmer
A flicker-free method and a control circuit is used in conjunction with a conventional AC dimmer coupled to a main-AC supply to continuously control an intensity of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) over substantially a full range of the dimmer. The control circuit has a controllable source of DC voltage that is configured for coupling to at least one LED and that is powered independently of an output of the AC dimmer thereby isolating the LED voltage from the output of the AC dimmer; and a controller coupled to the source of DC voltage. The controller is powered independently of the output of the AC dimmer and is responsive to a firing angle of the AC dimmer for varying a level of the DC voltage as a function of said firing angle.
US08193710B2 Lamp with at least one base
A lamp with a light emission element arranged in a light-emitting tube, external leads for supplying energy to the light emission element, an antioxidant layer covering said external leads, sealing portions sealing metal foils connected electrically to the external leads and a base fixed via an adhesive to said sealing portions. The adhesive that fixes the base does not directly contact the antioxidant layer since an intermediate layer made of a material which does not react with the alkali in the adhesive is provided at a periphery of the antioxidant layer of the external lead, and the base is fixed by the adhesive being provided at an outer periphery of the intermediate layer.
US08193709B2 Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel includes a pair of substrates facing each other, barrier ribs defining discharge cells between the pair of substrates, sustain electrodes between the pair of substrates, the sustain electrodes including second bus electrodes along a first direction, the second bus electrodes being on the barrier ribs, scan electrodes between the pair of substrates, the scan electrodes including first bus electrodes along the first direction, the first bus electrodes being positioned between adjacent second bus electrodes, address electrodes between the pair of substrates, the address, scan, and sustain electrodes being configured to generate discharge in the discharge cells, and phosphors in the discharge cells, the phosphors being configured to emit light by the discharge.
US08193706B2 Plasma display device and multi plasma display device
A plasma display device and a multi plasma display device are disclosed. The plasma display device includes a front substrate, a rear substrate opposite the front substrate, an electrode between the front substrate and the rear substrate, a seal layer between the front substrate and the rear substrate, a driving board positioned in the rear of the rear substrate, and a flexible circuit board electrically connecting the driving board to the electrode. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected to a side surface of the electrode.
US08193703B2 Organic light emitting diode display that directs reflected light to improve visibility
An OLED display includes a first substrate including a thin film transistor and an OLED, and a second substrate on the first substrate and including a corner-cube pattern facing the first substrate.
US08193702B2 Method of light dispersion and preferential scattering of certain wavelengths of light-emitting diodes and bulbs constructed therefrom
A method for preferential scattering of certain wavelengths of light and/or dispersing light in an LED or LED bulb. The method includes emitting light from at least one LED die, and scattering the light from the at least one LED die by dispersing a plurality of particles having a size a fraction of at least one dominant wavelength of the light from the at least one LED die in the LED outer shell or in an LED bulb or in an at least one shell of an LED bulb. Alternatively, the method includes emitting light from the at least one LED die, and dispersing the light from the at least one LED die by distributing a plurality of particles having a size one to a few times larger than a dominant wavelength of the light from the LED in an outer shell, or body of the LED bulb.
US08193701B2 Stilbene derivatives, light-emitting element and light-emitting device
The present invention provides a novel substance having an excellent color purity of blue, a light-emitting element and a light-emitting device using the novel substance. A stilbene derivative has a structure shown by the general formula (1). In the general formula (1), R1 is hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms. R2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms. Each of R3 to R5 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ar1 is an aryl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms.
US08193697B2 Light-emitting element and display device using same
A light-emitting device includes a substrate and a light-emitting element formed on the substrate. The light-emitting element includes a stacked layer structure portion including a reflective electrode, a light-emitting layer on the reflective electrode and a transparent electrode on the light-emitting layer which are stacked over the substrate with the reflective electrode as a bottom layer, the light-emitting layer having a flat surface provided at least on a portion of the light-emitting layer. A bank is disposed in a peripheral area surrounding the flat surface or on a peripheral portion of the flat surface and has a tilt surface tilted with respect to the flat surface. A conductive film is at least provided on the tilt surface and is electrically connected with the transparent electrode, and forms a reflective surface on the tilt surface, and an optical waveguide layer is provided in an area surrounded by the tilt surface.