| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08285351B2 |
High-Tc superconductivity of electron-doped water-cluster clathrates
Preparation and deposition of supercooled, electron-doped, water-cluster clathrate nanoparticles in confined geometries and on substrates from proprietary nanoemulsions is described. The compositions can yield high-Tc superconductors, e.g., in the vicinity of −43 deg C., useful for SQUID devices in electronic and magnetic application. In certain embodiments, the water-cluster clathrates are formed in nanoemulsions. |
| US08285347B2 |
S.O.S cover opening and shutting apparatus for portable terminal
An S.O.S. cover opening and shutting apparatus for a portable terminal allows a user to activate an S.O.S. service by slidingly moving an S.O.S. cover of the portable terminal. The S.O.S. cover opening and shutting apparatus includes an S.O.S. cover for opening and shutting a part of the portable terminal by sliding movement, a rear case in which the S.O.S. cover is arranged against/in, and a bracket fixedly coupled to the S.O.S. cover to permit movement of the S.O.S. cover only in a predetermined section. |
| US08285343B2 |
Wireless headset having improved RF immunity to RF electromagnetic interference produced from a mobile wireless communications device
A wireless headset has improved immunity to RF electromagnetic interference produced from wireless communications devices. A headset body is adapted to be worn by a user and includes a microphone and earpiece. An antenna receives wireless communication signals and passes them to RF and audio circuitry mounted within the headset body. The RF and audio circuitry include a Bluetooth module operatively connected to the antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals, an audio CODEC connected to the Bluetooth module, and audio connection lines connected between the CODEC and the earpiece and between the CODEC and the microphone. A filter is connected into each of the audio connection lines at the earpiece and microphone and operative for reducing the RF coupling from a mobile wireless communications device. |
| US08285342B2 |
Wireless telecommunication device and uses thereof
A wireless telecommunication device including a foreground unit, and a background unit that is physically separated from the foreground unit and in local communication with the foreground unit. The foreground unit is provided to support incoming calls independently of the background unit. Furthermore, the foreground unit and the background unit cooperate to support outgoing calls. The scope of the invention also includes a method for doing business by offering the foreground unit for sale in a packaging having a form factor selected from the group consisting of a pen, a pen cap, a wristwatch, and a necklace. |
| US08285339B2 |
Mobile communication terminal and method for performing automatic incoming call notification mode change
A mobile communication terminal is disclosed that allows an incoming call notification mode to be automatically changed depending on an ambient noise signal level, thus eliminating the need to manually change the incoming call notification mode. A microphone capable of automatically changing an incoming call notification mode according to a noise signal level is provided and the terminal stores at least one reference noise signal level; drives the microphone according to a set automatic incoming call notification changing mode to measure a perceived noise signal value; compares the measured noise signal value with the stores reference noise signal level; and sets an incoming call notification mode of the mobile communication terminal to one of a bell mode and a vibration mode according to the result. |
| US08285338B2 |
Method and apparatus for incoming call pause notification
Alerting a calling party of a delay before an incoming call will be answered by a user of a called telecommunication terminal. The incoming call is answered by the telecommunication terminal or a switching system to which the telecommunication terminal is connected in response to an input from the user when the telecommunication terminal is not engaged in another call. An audio path of the answered call is muted from communication with the user. A message is transmitted to the calling party where the message is selected by the user. |
| US08285337B1 |
Mobile advertising on personal cellular telecommunications devices
Mobile advertising on personal cellular telecommunications devices includes an initial Level 0 Interactive Display Message (IDM) having a content precursor for requesting additional content with or without a visual advertising component. Level 0 IDMs may be displayed as part of a user initiated client application or automatically replacing an idle screen. Mobile advertising can optionally include one or more Level 1 Advertisement Display Messages (ADMs) including text, graphics, video, and the like. Level 1 ADMs may be interactive or not. |
| US08285328B2 |
Remote-controlled drug pump devices
Drug pump devices may be remotely controlled and/or reprogrammed by a smartphone or other wireless handheld device. |
| US08285326B2 |
Multiprotocol wireless communication backbone
Methods, devices and systems for integrating multiple communication systems including multiple wireless communication protocols into a single system are discussed. In an illustrative example, a communication system includes a device adapted to communicate via first and second wireless communication protocols. The system may further include local area network or other wired sub-network, with the device adapted for first and second protocols also being adapted to operate using the local area network or other wired sub-network. |
| US08285325B2 |
Method and apparatus for interfacing among mobile terminal, base station and core network in mobile telecommunications system
A method, apparatus and a computer readable record media storing instructions for executing the same method for interfacing among a hybrid type synchronous or asynchronous terminal to a core network in a next generation mobile telecommunications system. The hybrid type synchronous or asynchronous radio network determines the operating type of the core network when the core network has a connection thereto, and sends the determined core network operating type information and information related to the core network to the hybrid type synchronous or asynchronous terminal, thereby allowing the synchronous or asynchronous terminal to smoothly perform a data interfacing operation with the core network. |
| US08285324B2 |
Smart card module supporting authentication and software-defined radio function for a wireless device
The disclosure provides a module for use in a wireless electronic device and being removable therefrom. In one embodiment, the module includes an antenna connector for connecting the antenna of the wireless terminal to the module, and transferring radio frequency signals over a wireless interface. The module also includes a first storage means storing user authentication information for use in authenticating a user of the wireless terminal to a wireless cellular network, and a second storage means storing communications code for processing information to be transferred over the wireless interface. The module further includes a processor arranged to execute the communications code in order to process information for communicating between the wireless terminal and the cellular network via the antenna connector. |
| US08285323B2 |
Communication device and method for input interface auto-lock thereof
A communication device and a method for auto-locking an input interface thereof are provided. In the present invention, an external volume received by the communication device having the input interface is determined when the communication device enters a communication mode. Thereafter, the external volume is compared to a predetermined volume. An input function of the input interface is disabled if the external volume exceeds the predetermined volume. As a result, activation of other functions due to unintended touch of the input interface during a phone call can be avoided. |
| US08285321B2 |
Method and apparatus for using virtual noise figure in a wireless communication network
Techniques for using virtual noise figure for various functions in a wireless communication network are described. A virtual noise figure is an indication of a virtual noise level at a receiver, which may be higher than an actual noise level at the receiver. In an aspect, virtual noise figure may be used for serving base station selection. A terminal may receive information indicative of a virtual noise figure for each of at least one base station. The terminal may select a serving base station based on the virtual noise figure for each base station. The terminal may send data to the serving base station at a rate selected based on an actual noise figure for the serving base station. In other aspects, virtual noise figure may be used for interference management and/or power control. |
| US08285318B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling transmission power while in soft handoff
Method and apparatus for adjusting the transmission power of base stations in simultaneous communication with a mobile station. The methods described provide for the transmission power of the base stations to be aligned. In the first exemplary embodiment, the transmitters are attached to a separate control unit through communication links. The control unit then derives the most likely command stream and send that to the base stations. In the second exemplary embodiment, the control unit periodically receives the final or average transmit level in a period and an aggregate quality measure for the feedback during a period from each of the transmitters. The control unit determines the aligned power level and transmits a message indicative of the aligned power level to the transmitters. |
| US08285310B1 |
Personal wireless coverage map
Methods and systems respectively provide for receiving a wireless signal coverage map request from a wireless device. A map is generated in accordance with the request and provided to the wireless device. The map includes symbology keyed to wireless signal services within a particular geographic area. Such symbology can be indicative of recommended areas and travel routes having particular types of wireless signal coverage, regions of poor or non-existent wireless signal service, areas presently experiencing heavy wireless signal usage, and so on. In this way, a wireless device user can seek to access specific wireless services and/or avoid suspect trouble regions within a geographic area. |
| US08285307B2 |
Using customer relationship management data exhibiting unique user identifiers in a cellular network for creating geo statistical representations of the users
A computer implemented data processing system for using customer relationship management (CRM) data exhibiting unique user identifiers in a cellular network for creating geo-statistical representations of the users. The system is arranged to: repeatedly identify all network-connected devices which are both active and idle in each location area using the unique identifier; repeatedly create a table for all location areas, each table exhibiting: location area identifier, unique user identifier, time of inflow to the location area, time of outflow from the location area; and differentiate table of time N−1 over table of time N thereby detecting inflow outflow quantities of unique identifiers for each location area; decipher the difference table by the authentication center of the network; analyze the deciphered tables using CRM profiles; and join over time, the deciphered tables with corresponding location area thereby creating at least one GIS data layer. |
| US08285304B2 |
Radio communication system and position information providing apparatus
A radio communication system includes a delay time acquiring unit configured to acquire a delay time of a signal transmitted between the mobile terminal 10 and the base station 20; a position information acquiring unit configured to acquire a position of the base station 20; a calculating unit configured to calculate a position of the mobile terminal 10 on the basis of the delay time acquired by the delay time acquiring unit, and the position of the base station 20 acquired by the position information acquiring unit; and a providing unit configured to provide mobile station position information indicating the position of the mobile terminal 10. When a predetermined exception condition is not satisfied, the providing unit provides, as the mobile station position information, the position of the mobile terminal 10 calculated by the calculating unit. When the predetermined exception condition is satisfied, the providing unit provides, as the mobile station position information, the position of the base station 20 acquired by the position information acquiring unit, instead of using the position of the mobile terminal 10 calculated by the calculating unit. |
| US08285302B1 |
System and method for locating devices within a data center
A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a device identifier for a data center device within a data center. Location coordinates are defined for the data center device within the data center. The device identifier is associated with the location coordinates to define geospatial information for the data center device within the data center. The geospatial information is processed to locate the data center device within the data center. |
| US08285300B2 |
Methods and systems for location-based management of wireless devices
Method and apparatus are for monitoring the location of a wireless device and taking supervisory action in response to that location. Location information obtained from a user's wireless device, or otherwise concerning the present location of the user, is monitored and compared with one or more locations previously approved for that user. An exception is noted if the user reaches a non-approved location, or fails to timely arrive at an approved destination. In response to an exception, supervisory action is taken which may include contacting the wireless device, partially or completely disabling further service of that device, or contacting another person. |
| US08285299B2 |
Mobile release message
A system for wireless communication is provided that includes a mobile switching center and a communication component, such as a base station or an access network. The mobile switching center is operable to transmit a message identifying a mobile station to be released. The communications component is operable to receive the message from the mobile switching center. The communications component is further operable to identify and release the mobile station based on the message. |
| US08285297B2 |
Fair channel use in a wireless area network
Fair usage of working channels in a wireless network is disclosed. A base station associated with a cell within a wireless community monitors the congestion of the working channel of neighboring communities. Upon determining that the congestion of the working channel of a neighboring community is less than that of its existing working channel, the base station initiates a switch to the neighboring community's working channel. Upon joining the new community, the frame structure and other networking parameters and attributes are adjusted. |
| US08285295B2 |
Dynamic frequency band allocation between radio communication networks
The present invention relates to cellular communications and in particular to a frequency spectrum shared by two cellular networks. The object is flexible utilization of the spectrum. This is achieved by a method wherein a first of the networks occupies part of the shared spectrum in relation to the traffic load in the first network. The first network informs a second of the networks on the extent the shared spectrum is occupied, for the second network to be free to use the shared spectrum outside the occupied part. The invention also relates to a RRM unit arranged for carrying out the inventions, to a BSC and to a radio base station adapted for carrying out the method. One advantage is that spectrum can be lent from an old system when a new system is introduced. |
| US08285294B2 |
Technique for performing a random access procedure over a radio interface
The invention relates to a technique of performing a random access procedure over a radio interface (106) in a mobile terminal (102). A method embodiment or the random access procedure as performed in the mobile terminal comprises the steps of selecting an access time slot for transmission of an access burst (112) over the radio interface; and setting an access bandwidth for transmission of the access burst, wherein the access bandwidth is set smaller than an available transmission bandwidth associated with the radio interface. |
| US08285293B2 |
Femtocell base station, and a method of radio communication in a network comprising a femtocell base station
A method is provided of radio communication in a radio communications network comprising a macrocell base station and a femtocell base station. The method comprises the femtocell base station: transmitting in a first radio frequency band that is allocated to the macrocell, and detecting that a user terminal that is connected to the macrocell base station is in the femtocell. In response to said detecting the user terminal as being in the femtocell, the femtocell base station ceases to use that frequency band at least in the region in which the user terminal is located so as to avoid unacceptable interference to the user terminal. |
| US08285292B1 |
Detection of cross-connection between a wireless loop network and another loop network at a subscriber's premises
The invention relates to a remote unit for use in conjunction with a communications network. The remote unit includes a network interface which provides an interface between a premises communication system and a first network. The interface permits the premises communication system to receive at least one service over the first network. The remote unit also includes a detector for detecting a cross-connection to a second network which is also connected to the premises communication system. |
| US08285288B2 |
Compensation for poor coverage
A method of operating a user equipment, UE, intended to use a service in a wireless communication system having several base stations. The location of the UE is monitored, by the UE, for example with a GPS system or identification of the cell of the corresponding base station. If a problem, such as loss of coverage or call, is imminent or has occurred, information about the location is stored in a memory of the UE. After successful recovery from the problem, the alternative base station used is also stored in the memory. Next time the same location and problem is encountered, the UE uses the previous information for alleviating the problem or perform as fast recovery as possible. In this way, the UE can be operated with less frequent base station searches thereby saving battery, while at the same time sufficient coverage may be obtained. |
| US08285286B2 |
Apparatus and method for random access in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus are provided that transmit and receive a random access preamble in a wireless communication system. A plurality of random access parameters having different values in accordance with a plurality of events for triggering random access are set. When one of the plurality of events for triggering random access has occurred, random access is performed according to at least one of the plurality of random access parameters corresponding to the event. Therefore, the time delay of random access can be reduced. |
| US08285283B2 |
Methods and apparatus for making a handoff determination as a function of service level indicating metrics
Method and apparatus for an access terminal which makes handoff decisions between a number of potential alternative attachment points based on service level indicating metrics are described. The access terminal computes a service level indicating metric differently for a current connection than for a potential alternative connection. A service level indicating metric is a function of loading information and received signal strength. A selection may be made by selecting between attachment points by selecting the attachment point having the highest service level indicating metric from among a plurality of attachment points, one per possible carrier where the attachment point which is considered for a given carrier is the one having the best connection for the given carrier. The access terminal handoff decision approach provides handoff decisions which are nearly as optimal as those which can be achieved using a centralized control node but without the requirement for centralized handoff decisions. |
| US08285281B2 |
Methods and apparatus for self configuring network relations
Systems and methods that enable a network to configure its neighbor relation (e.g., automatically) by commanding each user equipment (UE) to scan its respective area for neighbor base stations on a predetermined frequency or radio access technology. Moreover, the network can compile lists (e.g., whitelists that identify base stations associated with the network, and black lists that indicate base stations associated with foreign networks) and advise the UEs accordingly (e.g., regarding possibilities for availability of base stations.) The network can therefore configure its neighbor relations automatically and with a higher precision as compared to manual configurations. |
| US08285280B2 |
Location updating method and apparatus for mobile terminal in radio network
A location updating method and apparatus for a mobile terminal in a radio network is provided for preventing a location updating request of a mobile terminal from being rejected by a network with an invalid cause of a rejection. The location updating method for a mobile terminal includes receiving a location updating reject message from a first network, the location updating reject message including a cause of a rejection indicating that the mobile terminal is not registered with the first network, checking a first network information of the first network, determining whether the first network information differs from a second network information of a second network, maintaining, when the first and second network information are different from each other, an operational state of the mobile terminal as a valid state, and requesting, when the home network is discovered, the home network for a location updating. |
| US08285278B2 |
Systems and methods for terrestrial reuse of cellular satellite frequency spectrum in a time-division duplex mode
A space-based component, such as a satellite, is configured to receive wireless communications from radiotelephones in a satellite footprint over an uplink satellite radiotelephone frequency, and to transmit wireless communications to the radiotelephones over a downlink radiotelephone frequency. An ancillary terrestrial network, that may include one or more ancillary terrestrial components, is configured to transmit wireless communications to, and receive wireless communications from, the radiotelephones over the downlink satellite radiotelephone frequency in a time-division duplex mode. By terrestrially transmitting and receiving wireless communications over the downlink satellite radiotelephone frequency in a time-division duplex mode, interference at the space-based component and/or at the gateway, by the ancillary terrestrial network and/or the radiotelephones due to terrestrial reuse of cellular satellite frequency spectrum, may be reduced or eliminated. |
| US08285276B2 |
Method of supporting measurement in a mobile communication system
A method of supporting a measurement in a mobile communication system is disclosed, by which a measurement requested by a system can be smoothly performed without data loss in the course of receiving data for a specific service or control data. A UE decides a frequency or time interval necessary for measurement and then transmits information for the decided frequency or time interval to a radio network node. The radio network node controls a transmission of data to be transmitted to the UE using the received information for the frequency or time interval. |
| US08285271B1 |
Wireless telephone interface for remote command of an operator for an automatic gate
A wireless telephone interface for use with the control operator of an automatic gate system. A device utilized as a telephone extension device where a user can remotely call the device and by entering a code, can wirelessly command the gate operator to initiate a movement of the gate to either an open or closed position. This system is designed as a direct telephone interface without the complexity of a telephone entry system. The key benefit is a programmable hold open time “per command”. |
| US08285269B2 |
Statistical spam message detection
A mobile telecommunication network monitors short messages and multimedia messages sent to non-existent mobile subscribers and selectively treats such messages as if sent to an existent recipient. The network then provides the sender with ordinary signaling related to successful message delivery so as to form traps to attract and detect messages such as spam messages. Spam messages are detectable as statistically significant presence of identical or sufficiently similar messages in a sufficiently large subset of unused subscriber numbers being assigned as traps for spam messages. The treatment of messages addressed to numbers assigned to trap use can further model normal usage of mobile subscriptions so as to inhibit simple determination of subscriber numbers that are used for trapping spam messages. |
| US08285267B2 |
Synchronization in unified messaging systems
In one embodiment, a HTTP connection is established from a phone that serves as a client to a server that maintains a mailbox. The mailbox includes fax messages each having properties that indicate a sender and a state that indicates at least a status of read or unread. The phone that serves as the client permits a user to view one or more of the fax messages. The states of fax messages at the server are received at the phone that serves as the client using the HTTP connection. The states of corresponding fax messages are identified at the phone that serves as the client. One or more synchronization actions are performed to synchronize the states of fax messages at the server and the states of the corresponding fax messages at the phone that serves as the client. |
| US08285261B2 |
Networked provision of mobile telephone application data
A network based host comprising an agent for mobile telephones, the agent being associated with a mobile telephone users the agent comprising: mobile telephone application data; and an interface to make the application data available over the network to devices of the mobile telephone user and to provide the data for telephony operations by a remotely connecting mobile telephony device of the mobile telephone user. |
| US08285260B2 |
Mobile terminal and multimedia message processing method thereof
A mobile terminal and multimedia message processing method thereof is provided for efficiently processing a multimedia message composed of multiple pages. A multimedia message processing method of the present invention includes receiving a message arrival alert containing a preview page selected among multiple pages constituting a multimedia message; displaying the preview page; determining whether an event allowing or rejecting download of the remaining pages of the multimedia message is received; and rejecting, when an event for rejecting download of the remaining pages of the multimedia message is received, download of the remaining pages of the multimedia message. The multimedia message processing method of the present invention allows a user to determine whether to download the entire multimedia message after viewing a preview page carried by a message arrival alert, thereby avoiding download of unwanted multimedia message, resulting in reduction of data service cost and improvement of memory utilization. |
| US08285259B2 |
Resource aggregation in an opportunistic network
A wireless opportunistic network that can facilitate resource aggregation by way of interconnected devices is disclosed. In accordance with this opportunistic network, a mobile device can effectively ‘dock’ into the network thereby enabling resources to be shared between devices within the network. In this manner, the docked mobile device can leverage resources available in each of the individual devices of the network. This functionality can be used in many scenarios related to health, from monitoring patients and analyzing basic diagnostic data to identifying bioterrorism by way of collaborating resources between devices within the network. |
| US08285254B2 |
Femtocell monitoring system and monitoring method employing the same
A femtocell in electronic communication with different user equipments includes a setting unit, a subscriber identity module (SIM), a signal processing unit and a monitoring unit. The setting unit sets and establishes a monitoring area to monitor all items of user equipment. The SIM stores a whitelist which includes a plurality of identification (ID) codes corresponding to a plurality of items of user equipment. When the ID code of an item of user equipment is not within the whitelist of the SIM, the signal processing unit controls the monitoring unit to establish and monitor the position of the user equipment to determine whether the user equipment is within the predetermined monitoring area. |
| US08285250B2 |
Mobile device-based bandwidth throttling
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for implementing mobile device-based bandwidth throttling. In one aspect, a method includes receiving policy from a wireless carrier that specifies one or more data usage thresholds allotted by the wireless carrier for data transferred over a wireless carrier network during a predetermined period of time, determining an amount of data that has been transferred by the mobile device over the wireless carrier network during the predetermined period of time, determining that the amount exceeds one or more of the data usage thresholds, and throttling the bandwidth of a mobile device over the wireless carrier network based on determining that the amount exceeds one or more of the data usage thresholds. |
| US08285247B2 |
Locator system
A locator system is disclosed. An e911-enabled wireless network including a switching center is configured receive a request to generate location information regarding a remote mobile station, and send said location information to a subscriber only after obtaining consent from the remote mobile station. |
| US08285246B2 |
Implantable medical device and mobile wireless modem
An electronic implant is designed to detect at least one technical or physiological patient parameter, and has an exhaustible power source. The electronic implant also has an integrated mobile wireless antenna, a low-current mobile wireless modem with a low maximum transmission power, a low-current mobile wireless field-strength-measuring unit, and a control unit connected to the field-strength-measuring unit and to the mobile wireless modem. The control unit triggers access to a mobile wireless network as a function of the transmission power needed for data transmission by the low-current mobile wireless modem, taking into account a mobile wireless field strength value determined by the field-strength-measuring unit, and also taking into account the urgency of the data content to be transmitted. Network access only occurs when the needed transmission power does not exceed a specific maximum value for the particular urgency. |
| US08285243B2 |
Wake-up receiver and wake-up method using duty cycling and power off technique
Provided is a low-power wake-up receiver that is sensitive to electric waves, by which power consumed by a radio frequency (RF) transceiver of a sensor node in a ubiquitous sensor network (USN) is minimized. A wake-up receiver waking up a main transceiver includes a duty cycle signal generation unit controlling a duty cycle of a duty cycle signal; a burst signal detection unit receiving an input signal including a burst signal and a data signal based on the duty cycle signal, amplifying the input signal, and, if the amplified input signal is the burst signal, outputting a control signal; and a data signal detection unit re-amplifying the amplified input signal based on the control signal, and, if the re-amplified input signal is the data signal, outputting a wake-up signal. Power supplied to the duty cycle signal generation unit is interrupted based on the control signal and power is re-supplied to the duty cycle signal generation unit based on the wake-up signal. |
| US08285242B2 |
Radio frequency integrated circuit and IC module of the same
A highly convenient radio frequency integrated circuit that can be used at a plurality of different frequency bands, and which can perform communications at the different frequency bands so that data at different frequency bands can be read and a restriction can be imposed on the reading and writing of information. An IC module in a radio frequency integrated circuit includes a plurality of memories; a read-write unit for performing a process of reading data from, and writing data into, the memories; and a selector for receiving an electric signal outputted from an antenna that has received a radio signal. |
| US08285238B2 |
Receiver
A compact receiver which is easy in adjustment of a reference signal level is provided. A receiver having an antenna for receiving a wireless signal, a single pole single through switch which passes a signal received via the aforesaid antenna and outputs the signal when a first control signal is in a first state, and connects a signal received via the aforesaid antenna to a reference potential when the first control signal is in a second state, and a difference circuit which outputs a difference signal of an output signal of the aforesaid single pole single through switch when the first control signal is in the first state and an output signal of the aforesaid single pole single through switch when the first control signal is in the second state is provided. |
| US08285232B2 |
Codebook with nested structure
A multi-rank beamforming (MRBF) scheme in which the downlink channel is estimated and an optimal precoding matrix to be used by the MRBF transmitter is determined accordingly. The optimal precoding matrix is selected from a codebook of matrices having a recursive structure which allows for efficient computation of the optimal precoding matrix and corresponding Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR). The codebook also enjoys a small storage footprint. Due to the computational efficiency and modest memory requirements, the optimal precoding determination can be made at user equipment (UE) and communicated to a transmitting base station over a limited uplink channel for implementation over the downlink channel. |
| US08285231B2 |
Method and system for an integrated leaky wave antenna-based transmitter and on-chip power distribution
Methods and systems for an integrated leaky wave antenna-based transmitter and on-chip power distribution are disclosed, and may include supplying one or more bias voltages and ground for a chip including a plurality of power amplifiers (PAs) utilizing bias voltage and ground lines. One or more leaky wave antennas (LWAs) may be communicatively coupled to the power amplifiers. Wireless signals may be transmitted utilizing the LWAs integrated in the lines in the chip. Radio frequency (RF) signals may be transmitted via the plurality of LWAs. The RF signals may include 60 GHz signals and the LWAs may include microstrip and/or coplanar waveguides. A cavity length of the LWAs may be configured by a spacing between conductive lines in the microstrip and/or coplanar waveguides. The LWAs may be configured to transmit the wireless signals at a desired angle from a surface of the chip. |
| US08285230B2 |
Amplifying circuit, semiconductor integrated circuit, wireless transmission system, and communication apparatus
An amplifying circuit includes: an amplifying cell portion configured by cascade-connecting a plurality stage of amplifying cells each including a pair of N-type transistors differentially connected to each other, load resistors and a current source for generating an operating current, and each having a function of amplifying differential signals; a feedback portion configured to feed differential output signals from the amplifying cell in a rear stage side of the amplifying cell portion back to differential input terminals of the amplifying cell on a front stage side; and an input portion configured to supply differential input signals to input terminals in a first stage of the amplifying cell portion. |
| US08285229B2 |
Switching power supply
Methods and systems for enhancing system efficiency in a power amplification, modulation, and transmission system are provided. Embodiments include determining output power characteristics of a selected modulation scheme to be employed in data transmission, determining a most probable output power point of operation for the selected modulation scheme based on the output power characteristics, and controlling the output stage power supply of the system to operate at substantially optimal efficiency at the most probable output power point of operation. |
| US08285228B2 |
Signal transmitting circuit and related method
A signal transmitting circuit includes: a signal generating circuit arranged to generate an output signal to a loading device according to an input signal; an adjusting circuit; and a matching circuit having a first port coupled to the adjusting circuit and a second port coupled to the signal generating circuit, wherein the second port is arranged to couple to the loading device so as to provide a matching impedance corresponding to the loading device; and the adjusting circuit is arranged to generate an adjusting signal of which a voltage applied on the first port is substantially equal to a voltage of the output signal applied on the second port. |
| US08285227B2 |
Communication between transmitter and receiver
A frequency manipulator comprises a frequency transformer and a frequency retransformer. The frequency transformer receives each of at least one signal in a known band from at least one transmitter, transforms the known band of each signal into a predetermined band and forwards each signal in the predetermined band to a channel device. The frequency retransformer receives each signal from the channel device, retransforms the predetermined band of each signal to the known band and forwards each signal in the known band to at least one receiver. |
| US08285226B2 |
Steering diversity for an OFDM-based multi-antenna communication system
A transmitting entity uses different steering vectors for different subbands to achieve steering diversity. Each steering vector defines or forms a beam for an associated subband. Any steering vector may be used for steering diversity. The steering vectors may be defined such that the beams vary in a continuous instead of abrupt manner across the subbands. This may be achieved by applying continuously changing phase shifts across the subbands for each transmit antenna. As an example, the phase shifts may change in a linear manner across the subbands for each transmit antenna, and each antenna may be associated with a different phase slope. The application of linearly changing phase shifts to modulation symbols in the frequency domain may be achieved by either delaying or circularly shifting the corresponding time-domain samples. |
| US08285225B2 |
Broadband wireless communications systems and methods using multiple non-contiguous frequency bands/segments
Wireless communications transceivers include a transmitter that is configured to selectively frequency shift and transmit portions of broadband information over multiple non-contiguous narrowband frequency bands/segments, each of which is too narrow to carry the broadband information. A receiver also is configured to receive and selectively frequency shift portions of broadband information from multiple non-contiguous narrowband frequency bands/segments, each of which is too narrow to carry the second broadband information. Broadband information thereby may be transmitted and received in a regulated communications environment, even though a given provider may only be assigned discontinuous frequency bands/segments, none of which is wide enough to carry the entire broadband information. |
| US08285223B2 |
Wireless link status presentation for wireless displays
A deviation from an expected wireless link status between a wireless display device and a local wireless media transmission device is detected via the wireless display device. The local wireless media transmission device is located proximate to the wireless display device. It is determined that an expected wireless signal is not incident upon a first wireless receiver of the wireless display device based upon the detected deviation from the expected wireless link status. A problem is identified that causes the detected deviation from the expected wireless link status. A wireless status indicator is displayed via the display. The wireless status indicator indicates that the expected wireless signal is not incident upon the first wireless receiver and indicates the identified problem that causes the detected deviation from the expected wireless link status. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08285222B2 |
System and method for identification of communication devices
In one embodiment, a system for identifying a communication device includes a signal generator coupled to a transmit horn and a computing system coupled to a receive horn through a receiver. The signal generator is operable to generate an excitation waveform from the transmit horn such that the communication device passively reflects a response waveform. The computing system is operable to receive the response waveform from the communication device and compare the response waveform to a plurality of reference waveforms to determine the identity of the communication device. |
| US08285221B2 |
Scalable self-calibrating and configuring radio frequency head for a wireless communication system
A method, a system and a device for implementing a scalable, self-calibrating and configuring, radio frequency head in a wireless base station that performs phase calibration for coherent combining of a pair of transmitter outputs. Configurable Antenna Calibration (CAC) logic initiates phase calibration for coherent combining by selecting a first configuration and triggering the transmission of a reference signal by radio frequency (RF) transmitters using different sub-carriers. The CAC logic generates a vector of phase values by comparing the reference signal with the respective signals received by a calibration receiver. The CAC logic also generates calibration coefficients for coherent combining by normalizing the phase values. In addition, a passive combiner mechanism is employed to implement coherent combining. The CAC logic performs calibration of smart antennas by providing calibration coefficients via a second configuration which utilizes both a calibration transmitter and the calibration receiver. |
| US08285220B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing a channel deviation in a mobile communication terminal
A transmitting apparatus and a transmitting method for improving a channel deviation in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The transmitting apparatus includes a power amplifier for amplifying a transmitting signal by a predetermined level and outputting an amplified transmitting signal, a controller for outputting a signal to control a variable capacitor according to a channel of the transmitting signal and a phase transition unit for varying each capacitance value according to a control of the controller and transiting a phase of a signal outputted from the power amplifier. |
| US08285218B2 |
Methods and apparatus to identify wireless carrier performance effects
Example methods and apparatus to identify wireless carrier performance effects are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving an indication of media content presentation on a wireless communication device, monitoring a wireless carrier operating parameter in response to receiving the indication of media content presentation, and monitoring the wireless communication device for a media content presentation command. The example method also includes associating the media content presentation command and the wireless carrier operating parameter with a scoring factor indicative of subscriber preferences, and generating a report including the scoring factor. |
| US08285215B2 |
Radio vision electronic network / analog output / viewing system
A system and method bringing video to commercial FM and video to Sub-Carrier Authorization programming, the system would make use of a Double Sideband Suppress Carrier SCA frequency at 67 kHz, modulated by a Slow San Video Converter for providing minute by minute snap shots of video related to the audio program on the main FM channel such as if the main FM channel being listened to is 87.5 MHz then the related video channel would be 87.567 MHz, also, an additional audio/slow scan video FM station would be available as well and will be known as fm2, the audio portion of fm2 is an Independent Sideband Suppressed Carrier for providing audio in stereo at the SCA frequency at 114 kHz the slow scan video portion of the station is again another Double Sideband Suppress Carrier SCA at the frequency of 92 kHz. |
| US08285214B2 |
Adjustable circuit and RFID reader device
The present invention relates to an adjustable circuit for filtering a transmission channel of an RFID signal and for suppressing a carrier signal in the reception path between an input gate and an output gate, including at least one adjustable oscillator for generating an oscillator signal, at least one input mixing stage cooperating with the oscillator for mixing an input signal by means of the oscillator signal to an intermediate frequency and a blocking device arranged downstream of the input mixing stage or the input mixing stages for suppressing the carrier signal at the intermediate frequency. |
| US08285209B2 |
Short range FM modulator/transmitter and system incorporating same
A short range radio transmitter device includes a radio signal modulator and transmitter, a receiver and a controller coupled to the receiver. The controller and receiver operate to examine a frequency spectrum to select a transmission frequency for the radio signal modulator and transmitter. A receiver system for use with the transmitter includes a data channel service enabled receiver and a controller. The controller of the receiver system automatically tunes the data channel service enabled receiver to a frequency identified in a data channel service component of a received signal. |
| US08285208B2 |
Systems and methods for noise cancellation and power management in a wireless headset
This includes systems and methods for noise cancellation and power management in a wireless headset. The wireless headset can perform noise cancellation by using two or more omni-directional microphones to generate a noise canceling “cone.” Audio signals received outside of the cone can be filtered out. An accelerometer can be used to determine the location of the wireless headset and the system can then properly position the cone to face the user's voice and filter out other audio signals. Additionally, by monitoring the ambient noise, the system can save power by turning off the noise cancellation system when the amount of ambient noise is below a threshold value. |
| US08285207B2 |
Method and apparatus for peer to peer connection in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for establishing a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connection between Mobile Stations (MSs) in a wireless communication system are provided. A method of operating a transmitting MS for establishing the P2P connection between the MSs in the wireless communication system includes when a location of a receiving MS is not known, requesting a Base Station (BS) to transmit a message instructing MSs to prepare for P2P setup, and thereafter, broadcasting to neighbor MSs a message requesting P2P-related information, receiving the P2P-related information from each of the neighbor MSs, generating a list of MSs capable of P2P communication using the received P2P-related information, and establishing a P2P connection by selecting the receiving MS from the list of MSs with which P2P communication is desired. Accordingly, in an environment where the location of the receiving MS is not known, the receiving MS can be found and thus the P2P connection can be established. Therefore, subscribers of P2P communication can be easily managed by the BS. |
| US08285204B2 |
Method and device for transmitting data by charge modulation
A contactless data transmission device includes an antenna circuit supplying an alternating voltage in the presence of an alternating excitation field, a charge modulation transistor having a control terminal receiving a charge modulation signal having at least one low state and one high state, and a conduction terminal receiving the alternating voltage. The device includes a circuit for supplying a boosted direct voltage greater than a peak value of the alternating voltage supplied by the antenna circuit, and a circuit for applying to the control terminal of the charge modulation transistor a charge modulation signal which, in the high state, has a voltage level equal to the boosted direct voltage. |
| US08285203B2 |
System and method for enabling ultra small aperture communication antenna using spectral replication and coherent frequency and phase combining
A satellite communications system has a hub terminal which communicates with a remote terminal through a satellite. The hub terminal 100 includes a transmitting modulator, power booster, up-converter and Power Amplifier (PA), and a transmitting station. The transmitting modulator generates a modulated signal, which is output to the power booster. The power booster receives the modulated signal and generates a spectral replication of the signal. The signal is then up-converted and amplified, and transmitted as an uplink signal to the satellite via a transmitting antenna. A remote station antenna receives the corresponding downlink signal. Following LNB/LNA and down-conversion, the signal is passed to a diversity combiner. The diversity combiner aligns the replicated signals by frequency and phase and generates a power-boosted signal. Accordingly, the system enables the use of ultra small antennas by providing increased power. |
| US08285202B2 |
Capacity maximization for a unicast spot beam satellite system
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are presented for improved satellite communications. The satellite system may comprises at least one gateway, a satellite in orbit configured to communicate with the at least one gateway and provide a plurality of spot beams, and a plurality of subscriber terminals. The spot beams may include a first spot beam to illuminate a first region and a second spot beam to illuminate a second region adjacent to and overlapping with the first region. The first spot beam as sent to at least one subscriber terminal may be affected by (1) interference from other signal sources including the second spot beam at a signal-to-interference ratio C/I and (2) noise at a signal-to-noise ratio C/N. Reception of signals from the first spot beam by the at least one of the first plurality of subscriber terminals may be interference-dominated such that C/I is less than C/N. |
| US08285201B2 |
Wideband echo cancellation in a repeater
A wireless repeater having a receiving antenna for receiving an input signal and a transmitting antenna for transmitting an amplified signal includes first and second front-end circuits and a repeater baseband block coupled between the first and second front-end circuits. The repeater baseband block includes a channel estimation block, an echo canceller implementing time domain echo cancellation, a variable gain stage controlled by a gain control block implementing digital gain control, a first variable delay element introducing a first delay before or after the echo canceller, a second variable delay element introducing a second delay to the output signal. The delayed output signal is coupled to the channel estimation block as a reference signal for estimating the feedback channel, to the echo canceller as a reference signal for estimating the feedback signal, and to the gain control block for monitoring the stability of the repeater. |
| US08285198B2 |
Method of controlling connection establishment in a wireless network
Methods of controlling connection establishment to transmit or receive AA/data in a wireless network are disclosed. A method of controlling connection establishment to transmit or receive AA/data in a first device of a wireless network, which includes a coordinator and at least one device, comprises transmitting connection request information required to request connection establishment with a second device and a connection request message which includes capability information of the first device to the second device, and receiving a connection response message from the second device in response to the connection request message. As well as message formats to said methods are disclosed. |
| US08285196B2 |
Mobile device and distribution server for surveys using interactive media
An electronic infrastructure consisting a plurality of client mobile devices, a distribution server and network that communicatively couples the plurality of client mobile devices and distribution server, wherein the distribution server collects survey questionnaires from a questionnaire source, distributes survey questionnaire to the plurality of client mobile devices. Then, the distribution server receives responses from the users of plurality of client mobile devices and analyses the responses based upon several criteria. The questionnaire source is a user of the distribution server who delivers survey questionnaire. The criteria includes region based analysis, race based analysis, age based analysis, other criteria based analysis, high priority analysis and/or satisfaction level analysis. The survey questionnaire may be presented as one question per screen with multi choice answers, or multiple questions per screen in a tabular form. |
| US08285194B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus and image forming system
A bookbinding apparatus comprising: an adhesive container to store melted adhesive; a heater which heats the adhesive to melt; a stirring member to stir the adhesive in the adhesive container; and a control section which controls the operation of the heater and the stirring member so that after the heater has been turned off with the termination of a coating process, the stirring member continues stirring operation and stops thereafter. |
| US08285192B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method of the image forming apparatus, and printing medium conveyance apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance part; a detecting part; a control part which prints image data on the printing medium based on a detecting signal from the detecting part; a masking part configured to perform a masking process on the detecting signal generated by the detecting part between when the printing medium starts being conveyed from the printing medium receiving part and when the printing medium passes through a designated section; a conveyance distance measuring part configured to measure a conveyance distance of the head end of the printing medium conveyed from a receiving position of the printing medium receiving part; a determining part configured to determine whether the printing medium stops in an uncertain position not detected by the detecting part when the conveyance part stops while the printing medium is being conveyed by the conveyance part; and a masking process section setting part configured to set. |
| US08285187B2 |
Image gloss control apparatus, image forming apparatus, image forming system, and storage medium storing program
An image gloss control apparatus that includes a first control component and a second control component is provided. The first control component controls an image forming/fixing component, which forms an image on a recording medium using a colored image formation material and fixes the image, so that a first image is formed in a high gloss area having a high gloss level on the recording medium or an area including the high gloss area on the recording medium and is fixed. The second control component that controls the image forming/fixing component, so that a second image having a density lower than a density of the first image is formed in a low gloss area having a gloss level lower than the gloss level of the high gloss area on the recording medium where the first image is formed or the low gloss area on the first image and is fixed. |
| US08285185B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus using the same
To enhance the fixing quality of a fixing device to continuously fix sheets of a plurality of sizes, a carbon nanotube sheet 75, in which a plurality of carbon nanotubes are arranged such that the longitudinal directions thereof are oriented in the same direction, is provided on the surface of a heating roller 70 so that the carbon nanotube sheet ranges from the position a predetermined distance inside and the position a predetermined distance outside of the position through which each of the both edges of a sheet P2 with smaller width dimension than a sheet P1 of the largest width dimension to be fixed passes. |
| US08285182B2 |
Fixing device used for image forming device with heating roller and peeler
A fixing device has a frame, a heating roller, a press roller, a peeler, a guide member, and a wheel. The heating roller includes a roller rotation axis and a cylindrical surface. The press roller is pressed against the cylindrical surface to feed a recording medium together with the heating roller along a feeding path. The peeler has a peeling surface having a leading edge, where the peeling surface faces the feeding path. The guide member faces the peeling surface to guide the recording medium to downstream of the feeding path. The guide member is movable between a near position and a far position relative to the peeling surface. The wheel is positioned in a manner that a part of the circumferential edge protrudes from the peeling surface to the guiding member in a virtual plane perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis. |
| US08285180B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus provided with a hybrid development apparatus having a plurality of toner carriers, the image forming apparatus having the following constitution: a magnet roller incorporated in a developer carrier is rotated and adjusted and fixed at an appropriate magnetic pole position with respect to one toner carrier; the other toner carrier is moved around the magnet roller shaft having a certain gap therebetween and adjusted and fixed at an appropriate magnetic pole position; and gap members are provided on each toner carrier, and the gap members are brought into contact with an image carrier by a guide member and an bias member provided on the image forming apparatus, thereby maintaining a specific development gap. |
| US08285177B2 |
Charging device and image forming apparatus
A charging device includes a charging roll, a voltage application member and a confronting potential varying unit. The charging roll is disposed so as to be in contact with an image holding body on whose surface an electrostatic latent image is to be formed, and charges the image holding body. The voltage application member is disposed so as to be in contact with the charging roll, and applies a voltage to a surface of the charging roll. The confronting potential varying unit varies a surface potential profile of the charging roll in its axial direction in a contact region between the charging roll and the image holding body according to both the number of image-formed sheets and a wear situation of the image holding body so that a surface potential of the image holding body becomes approximately constant in an axial direction of the image holding body. |
| US08285170B2 |
Image heating apparatus and image forming apparatus with curl correcting mechanism
An image heating apparatus includes a rotatable belt to be heated, a pressure roller for pressure-contacting the rotatable belt so as to constitute a pressure contact portion in which a recording sheet is nipped and conveyed so that an image on the recording sheet is heated, and a roller provided for pressing an outer circumferential surface of the rotatable belt inward on a downstream in a sheet conveying direction of the pressure contact portion. |
| US08285169B2 |
Feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A feeding apparatus includes: an insulative feeding apparatus main body; plural first feeder lines; and a second feeder line, the feeding apparatus main body having: a first support member that supports the plural first feeder lines; and a second support member that supports the second feeder line, the first support member having: a wall surface part having a wall surface; and at least one projection projected from the wall surface in a direction crossing the wall surface, the plural first feeder lines being provided in space formed between the first support member and the second support member, and mutually partitioned from each other with the at least one projection, and the second feeder line being provided on a side of a surface of the second support member opposite to a surface on a side opposite to the plural first feeder lines. |
| US08285168B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including plural sheet-feeding trays, and a control section that displays a schedule image to show an execution schedule of a job on a display section, wherein the control section displays a job execution schedule displaying column, and an un-executable job displaying column, both columns being included in the schedule image, wherein when a job represents a tray specifying job that specifies a sheet-feeding tray to be used among the plural sheet-feeding trays, and if the job is un-executable using the sheet-feeding tray specified by the job, the control section controls the un-executable job displaying column, not to display that the specified job is un-executable, even though the specified job is un-executable, and the control section further controls the job execution schedule displaying column to show that the job is not executable, while corresponding the job with the sheet-feeding tray specified by the job. |
| US08285167B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device configured to fix a toner image on a moving printing medium includes: a fixing heat generator that generates heat by electromagnetic induction; a fixing medium that rotates and is heated while being carried by the heating medium; and a pressing member that presses a back surface of the printing medium coming into contact with the fixing medium, the fixing heat generator including a center coil and a pair of side coils provided at a center portion and both side portions thereof along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the printing medium for heating the fixing medium by induction heating, the pressing member including a center heater and a side heater that heat a center portion and both side portions thereof in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the printing medium integrated therein. |
| US08285166B2 |
Developing apparatus
A developing apparatus including a developing container for containing developer, the developing container having an opening portion, a developer carrying member for carrying the developer at the opening portion, a detecting member for detecting a developer amount, the detecting member detecting a capacitance between the developer carrying member and the detecting member, and a force receiving portion for receiving a force and moving the developing container between a first position in which a developing operation is performed by the developer carrying member and a second position in which the developing operation is not performed, wherein the capacitance can be detected in the second position, and the detecting member is a rotatable developer supplying member for supplying the developer to the developer carrying member, the developer supplying member including a foam layer in which the developer can enter. |
| US08285165B2 |
Toner concentration adjusting system and image forming apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a toner concentration adjusting system and an image forming apparatus which can accurately adjust toner concentration by controlling the supply of a concentrated developer even if a production lot of the concentrated developer is different. In the method, for controlling the toner concentration, in which the supply of the concentrated developer and the like to a wet type developer for which a first control target value is set is controlled while detecting a substitute characteristic of toner concentration, the first control target value is corrected depending on a second control target value based on a substitute characteristic of the toner concentration of the lot of the concentrated developer to be supplied, and depending on a cumulative supply amount of the lot of the concentrated developer. |
| US08285164B2 |
Developing device, and controlling method thereof
A developing device is provided with a developer transporting member for transporting a developer containing a toner and a carrier; a toner transporting member opposite to the developer transporting member and opposite to an electrostatic latent image carrying member; a first electric field forming device, which is composed of a power source for the developer transporting member and a power source for the toner transporting member, for shifting the toner in the developer held onto the developer transporting member to the toner transporting member; and a second electric field forming device for shifting the toner held onto the toner transporting member to an electrostatic latent image on the carrying member. Operation of the first electric field forming device is controlled based on an electric current flowing in the developer transporting member power source, which is detected by a detecting block. |
| US08285162B2 |
Image forming apparatus that includes a first developing device that holds a black developer and a second developing device that holds a gray developer
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing devices. Each developing devices performs an electrophotographic process to form an image. The image forming apparatus comprises a first developing device and a second developing device. The first developing device holds a black developer containing a first black coloring agent. The second developing device holds a gray developer. The gray developer contains a second black coloring agent and a coloring agent of a chromatic color. The chromatic color is a complementary color to the second black coloring agent. |
| US08285161B2 |
Image forming apparatus operable in monochrome and color printing modes
In an image forming apparatus, a first photoconductor drum for use in at least in a monochrome printing mode is located upstream, in a direction of transport of a medium, of a plurality of second photoconductor drums for use in a color printing mode. A transfer bias for each of transfer members is regulated in such a manner that a transfer bias applied in the monochrome printing mode between a second photoconductor drum located adjacently downstream of the first photoconductor drum and the corresponding transfer member is larger than that applied in the color printing mode. A developing bias for each of the development rollers is regulated in such a manner that an absolute value of a developing bias voltage applied to a development roller corresponding to the first photoconductor drum in the monochrome printing mode is smaller than that applied in the color printing mode. |
| US08285158B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method therefor
An image forming apparatus that is capable of preventing an abnormal operation due to a voltage drop of a commercial power source and continuing an image forming operation efficiently even if the voltage drop occurs. A fixing unit fixes a toner image transferred onto a sheet. A voltage detection unit detects an input voltage of the commercial power source. A setting unit sets a fixing electric power supplied to the fixing unit from the commercial power source. A control unit suspends an operation when the set fixing electric power is less than a predetermined electric power and when the input voltage is less than a first voltage, and to continue the operation while reducing the set fixing electric power when the set fixing electric power is not less than the predetermined electric power and when the input voltage is less than a second voltage. |
| US08285157B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device and an image forming apparatus are provided, which prevent the output of the sensor from being destabilized due to the loose aggregation and stagnation of a developer on the detection surface of a permeability sensor and stabilize the output of the permeability sensor so as to enable highly precise toner concentration control. The developing device includes a transport passage, a developing roller that supplies to a photosensitive drum the two-component developer passing through the transport passage, a transport member that stirs the two-component developer in the transport passage and supplies the two-component developer to the developing roller, and the permeability sensor that is disposed in the transport passage to detect a toner concentration of the two-component developer. The developing device also includes an electromagnet located adjacent to the permeability sensor. The electromagnet is supplied with an intermittent flow of current to make the developer active in movement. |
| US08285154B2 |
System and method for multi-rate, high-sensitivity clock and data recovery with adjustable decision threshold, RF input, and optical-to-electrical conversion
The present invention provides a system and method for multi-rate, high-sensitivity CDR, including a variable/adjustable decision threshold, RF input clock recovery, and OE conversion feature. The system includes an optical input connector, CDR circuit, decision threshold circuit, internal power supply, OE converter, external electrical output, and multiple clock outputs. The system is assembled in a single, stand-alone unit. The system includes an OC-192 data output, and OC-192 (9.953-10.709 GHz) and ¼ OC-48 (2.488-2.677 GHz) clock outputs. The decision threshold level is adjustable and optimized by a system user. The system is also used in combination with a digital communications analyzer. A recovered clock of the CDR circuit provides trigger for the DCA. The system includes an electrical input connector. Optionally, the system triggers directly from an RF electrical input in substitution of an optical input. The system is also used to convert an optical signal to an electrical signal, bypassing the CDR circuit. |
| US08285153B2 |
Single chip two-polarization quadrature synthesizer, analyser and optical communications system using the same
An optical beam synthesizer formed on a single chip is provided. It allows M-PSK modulation for both beam polarizations. The synthesizer comprises an optical pulse shaper and two M-PSK modulators for each polarization. A single-chip-integrated analyzer is provided to receive a modulated data. Analyzer comprises a pulse shaper operating as an optical sampler and a pair of 90-degrees optical hybrids for each polarization. Each optical hybrids mix incoming portions of the modulated beams with portions of the local oscillator beams. Both the synthesizer and the analyzer include a set of mirrors located on the back and front surfaces of the chips to create compact designs. The output beams from the analyzer are detected by a set of balanced photodiodes, and the data is recovered. It is another object of the invention to provide a communication system for data transmission having the synthesizer and the analyzer. |
| US08285152B2 |
DQPSK optical receiver
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a DQPSK optical receiver, comprising: a first LPF connected to a line branching off from between a first optical-electrical converter and a first data recovery circuit; a second LPF connected to a line branching off from between a second optical-electrical converter and a second data recovery circuit; a first LIA for amplifying a signal output from the first LPF and also limiting an amplitude of an output signal thereof; a second LIA for amplifying a signal output from the second LPF and also limiting an amplitude of an output signal thereof; a first mixer for multiplying the output signal from the first LIA by a signal output from the second LPF; and a second mixer for multiplying the output signal from the second LIA by a signal output from the first LPF. |
| US08285151B2 |
Method and system for hybrid integrated 1XN DWDM transmitter
An integrated DWDM transmitter apparatus includes a silica-on-silicon substrate overlying a first support component. The silica-on-silicon substrate includes a silica layer overlying a silicon layer. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the first support component is substantially matched to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon layer. An optical multiplexer is located within the silica layer and includes a plurality of input waveguides and at least an output waveguide. Additionally, the apparatus includes a second support component attached to a side surface of the first support component. One or more semiconductor laser array chips overlie the second support component. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the one or more semiconductor chips is substantially matched to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second support component. Moreover, each of the one or more laser array chips includes one or more lasers, each of which is optically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of input waveguides. |
| US08285150B2 |
Method and system for integrated DWDM transmitters
An integrated DWDM transmitter apparatus includes a support component and a silica-on-silicon substrate overlying the support component. The support component includes a temperature adjustment component. The silica-on-silicon substrate overlies the support component and includes a silica layer and a silicon layer. The silica-on-silicon substrate includes a corresponding a substrate surface which includes a first surface region and a second surface region. In an embodiment, the two surface regions are not coplanar. The transmitter apparatus includes an optical multiplexer within the silica layer, the optical multiplexer including a plurality of input waveguides and at least an output waveguide. The transmitter apparatus also includes one or more semiconductor laser array chips overlying the first surface region of the silica-on-silicon substrate. Each of the laser array chips including two or more lasers, which are optically coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of input waveguides. |
| US08285148B2 |
Spectral efficiency estimation in coherent receivers
The present invention relates to optical transmission systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and system for estimating the spectral efficiency which may be achievable in an optical transmission network and for adapting the parameters of the transmission network to the achievable spectral efficiency. A method and system for controlling an optical transmission system comprising a first and a second optical transmission channel is described. The first optical transmission channel is affected by the second optical transmission channel. The method comprises the steps of measuring the inverse signal-to-noise ratio of the first channel for a plurality of input power levels used by the first and second channel; determining a contribution of the second channel to the inverse signal-to-noise ratio; and determining the input power to the second channel, such that an overall throughput of the first and second channel is maximized. |
| US08285145B2 |
Modular colorless and directionless multi-degree reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer node with in-service upgradeability
In a dense wavelength division multiplexed optical network, an upgradeable, modular, colorless, directionless, reconfigurable add/drop multiplexer having a small form factor. By using wavelength selective switches and couplers, the above features are achieved without the need for photonic cross connects. |
| US08285144B2 |
Optical device for rearranging wavelength channels
An optical device for rearranging wavelength channels in an optical network is disclosed. The optical device has a wavelength selective coupler having one input port and a plurality of output ports coupled to a plurality of input ports of an optical grating demultiplexor such as an arrayed waveguide grating. The wavelength channels in each of the input ports are dispersed by the demultiplexor and are directed to a plurality of output ports of the optical grating demultiplexor. As a result, at least one wavelength channel at each of the input ports of the optical grating demultiplexor is coupled into a common output port. The optical device is useful in passive optical networks wherein a same demultiplexor is used for simultaneous multiplexing and demultiplexing of wavelength channels. |
| US08285142B2 |
Aggregation node device of passive optical network and passive optical network system
An aggregation node device of a passive optical network (PON) is provided which includes an aggregation optical line terminal (OLT) and an aggregation optical network unit (ONU). The aggregation OLT is connected to a user-side ONU. The aggregation OLT aggregates service data transmitted by a user-side ONU and transmits the aggregated service data to the aggregation ONU. The aggregation ONU is adapted to transmit the received aggregated service data to a network-side OLT. A PON system is further provided. The device and system can not only support the conventional time division multiplexing (TDM) services but also support the services based on variable-length packets and the multicast service. Moreover, it is not necessary to build an equipment room and supply power for an intermediate optical distribution network (ODN) which greatly reduces the network construction and operation costs. |
| US08285141B1 |
Apparatus, system, and method for asymmetrical and dynamic routing
An asymmetrical and dynamic routing system (ADRS) is provided to enable the dynamic adjustment of the bandwidth capacity of two or more network devices exchanging data. The two or more network devices monitor their current bandwidth demand between themselves and others in a network and a first network device can transmit bandwidth request to a second network device when the first network device reaches transmission bandwidth capacity. Each network device is further configured with additional transmit and receive ports and can be selectively enabled in response to a bandwidth request from other network devices. Each network device is further configured to generate control signals that are sent to optical mirrors to re-direct data signals to or from the one or more enabled additional transmit and receive ports. |
| US08285138B2 |
Optical correlation apparatus
An optical correlation apparatus is described which forms first and second parallel optical signals in response to a serial input data stream. The first parallel optical signal is arranged to have bright pulses represent binary 1 and the second parallel optical signal is arranged to have bright pulses represent binary 0. A channel select means, such as an optical switch or amplitude modulator, deselects or blocks channels in the first parallel optical signal which correspond to binary 1 in a reference data string and also deselects or blocks channels in the second parallel optical signal which correspond to binary 0 in the reference data string. The remaining optical signals are combined at one or more detectors. Where the input data matches the reference data string each bright pulse in the first and second parallel optical signals is deselected and the detector registers zero intensity. However when there is any mismatch at least one channel will pass a bright pulse to the detector. An instance of zero intensity can therefore be used as an indication of pattern match. |
| US08285136B2 |
Diaphragm control apparatus of interchangeable lens camera
A diaphragm control apparatus incorporated in a camera body, to which an interchangeable lens equipped with a diaphragm apparatus is detachably attached, the diaphragm apparatus including a diaphragm operatively-associated rod for driving an adjustable diaphragm to open and shut the adjustable diaphragm, and the diaphragm control apparatus including a slide member that is driven to move the diaphragm operatively-associated rod, the diaphragm control apparatus includes a diaphragm drive mechanism including a stepping motor and a lead screw which is driven to rotate by the stepping motor, wherein the slide member is moved by rotation of the lead screw, a position detector for detecting a position of the slide member, and a controller for adjusting an excitation phase of the stepping motor based on a stop position of the slide member detected by the position detector. |
| US08285135B2 |
Method and device for adjusting weighting values in light metering
A method for adjusting weighting values in light metering is provided. An input image is divided into multiple metering zones. The input image includes a number of pixel data, and the metering zones correspond to a number of exposure weighting values. It is determined whether the color of each pixel datum of the input image is skin color. For each metering zone, an amount of the pixel data determined as the skin color is calculated. The corresponding exposure weighting values of the metering zones are adjusted according to the calculated results. |
| US08285133B2 |
Dynamic lighting control in hybrid camera-projector device
A method and portable device for capturing a still image is described. The portable device comprises both an image projector for projecting images and a sensor for capturing images. A first image is captured and a flash image is generated based on the captured first image to adjust lighting of the image subject. The generated flash image is projected onto the image subject using the projector and a second image is captured while the flash image is projected onto the image subject. |
| US08285132B2 |
Voice coil motor, camera module and portable electronic device having same
A voice coil motor includes a shell and a driving module in the shell. The shell includes a top plate. The driving module includes many magnets attached on the shell and defining a first receiving cavity, a movable unit movably received in the first receiving cavity, a bottom base, and a guiding post. The movable unit includes a movable barrel for receiving a lens module and a coil on the movable barrel. A central axis of the movable barrel is coaxial with an optical axis of the lens module. The movable barrel includes a first receiving portion. A central axis of the first receiving portion is parallel with the optical axis. The bottom base includes a second receiving portion. One end of the guiding post is received in the first receiving portion, and the other end of the guiding post is received in the second receiving portion. |
| US08285131B1 |
Apparatus and method for recording an image on photographic film
A film recorder including a linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) and methods of using the same to record a digital image on a strip of photographic film are provided. In one embodiment, the recorder includes: an illuminator including at least one monochromatic light source generating a light beam; a spatial light modulator assembly including at least one linear diffractive spatial light modulator (LDSLM) to receive the light beam from the illuminator and modulate the light beam from the illuminator; a film transport for transporting a photographic film on an imaging plane; and imaging optics disposed in a light path between the LDSLM and the imaging plane to image the light beam simultaneously on a substantially linear portion of the photographic film to record an image on the photographic film. Other embodiments are also provided. |
| US08285128B2 |
Steam generator for a household appliance, heatable using a heat accumulator
A steam generator for a household appliance. The steam generator includes an evaporation chamber having a substantially planar evaporation surface with first and second sections. A water supply line is in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber and a steam discharge line is also in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber. The steam generator includes a heat accumulator configured to heat the evaporation surface. At least one of a valve and a pump is associated with the water supply line and operable to control an introduction of water into the evaporation chamber. An electric controller controls the heating of the heat accumulator by the heater and the introduction of water into the evaporation chamber using the at least one of valve and pump. The first section of the evaporation surface is a starter section that is thermally conductively coupled to the heat accumulator such that heat flow from the heat accumulator to the starter section is limited compared to the second section. |
| US08285126B2 |
Optical disc, recording apparatus, reproducing apparatus, program, computer-readable recording medium, recording method and reproducing method
A recording apparatus for an optical disc is provided which stores a VOB, the recording apparatus performing: receiving, from an operator, an operation to specify a preceding reproduction section and a subsequent reproduction section from the VOB through an interactive screen; duplicating an end vicinity including an end point of the beginning vicinity, and a beginning vicinity including a starting point of the subsequent reproduction section; connecting the duplicated parts to yield a connected part; and writing the connected part to the optical disc in correspondence with Temp_Cell information, the reproduction sections being specified by Cell information which includes Temp_Cell_FLAG, the Temp_Cell_FLAG, 1) if set to be off, indicating a sequential reproduction of the preceding and subsequent reproduction sections, and 2) if set to be on, indicating a reproduction of the connected part between the reproduction of the preceding and subsequent reproduction sections. |
| US08285122B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver
After reservation information is acquired, whether there is any connection destination device is determined. When there is no connection destination device, a warning is displayed on a display device in the connection source device side. Reservation registration is stored in a memory in the connection source device side. This operation is repeated until a reservation start time point. When a reservation start state starts, it is confirmed again whether there is any connection device. When there is the connection device, a state of a power supply of a recording/reproducing device to be a reservation target is checked. When the power supply is off, the power supply of the recording/reproducing device to be the reservation target is requested to be turned on by communication, and the recording/reproducing device to be the reservation target is requested to select channel. Next, it is determined whether or not the channel selection is successful. |
| US08285119B2 |
Method for playing digital videos, a method for reading data and a method for smoothly playing pictures
A method for playing digital images is disclosed. The method is applied to a disc player that is electrically connected to a computer, comprises the steps of: reading a disc; judging if the disc has DVD video data; judging that the disc player is in a play mode or in a non-play mode, when the disc has the DVD video data; reading the DVD video data, when the disc player is in the player mode; judging if the read DVD video data are correct; and continuing reading the DVD video data, when the DVD video data are incorrect, wherein when a time for the continuing reading exceeds a pre-set time or self-set terms, the incorrect DVD video data are outputted. |
| US08285112B2 |
Recording medium capable of interactive reproducing and reproduction system for the same
On an optical disk, video object sets (VTST_VOBS) to be reproduced and video title set information (VTSI) serving as management information on the video object sets have been stored. In each video object set (VTST_VOBS), many data cells, each containing video, audio, and sub-picture data, are arranged. Management information on programs chains, which are combinations of programs to be reproduced one after another, has been written in a video title set PGC table (VTS_PGCIT). By referring to the program chain table (VTS_PGCIT) according to the user's input, the playback order of program chains can be changed, enabling the program chains to be reproduced one after another in various modes. |
| US08285101B2 |
Optical fiber apparatus with suppression of higher order modes
Optical fiber apparatus having a wavelength of operation, that comprises an optical fiber including a core comprising an active material for providing light having the operating wavelength responsive to the optical apparatus receiving pump optical energy having a pump wavelength; a cladding disposed about the core; at least one region spaced from the core; and wherein the optical fiber is configured and arranged such that at the wavelength of operation the optical fiber can propagate a plurality of modes and wherein the optical fiber comprises a fundamental mode that is primarily a mode of the core and at least one higher order mode (HOM) that is a mixed mode of a selected mode of the core and of a selected mode of the at least one region. |
| US08285095B2 |
Optical-electrical hybrid transmission cable
An optical-electrical hybrid transmission cable (100), comprising: an insulative layer (2); a shielding layer located on an inner side of the insulative layer; a pair of signal wires (6) disposed in the shielding layer and twisted together; a power wire (7) and a grounding wire (8) disposed in the shielding layer and arranged side by side; two bare optical fibers (5) disposed in the shielding layer and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of fillers (9) disposed in the shielding layer and arranged in a discrete manner. |
| US08285093B2 |
Micro-optic adapters and tips for surgical illumination fibers
A microstructure optical adapter or tip according to the present disclosure may incorporate precision micro structure optical components engaging the input or output end of light energy delivery devices for customized light delivery of the light energy. The incorporation of precision micro structure optical components in injection molded plastic or glass parts will allow for inexpensive modification of the output light while also serving to protect the end of the illumination device. The micro structure optical components may also be incorporated in an adapter to tailor the light energy to the subsequent device. |
| US08285091B2 |
Efficient terahertz sources based on difference-frequency generation in triply-resonant photonic resonators
A system for efficient generation of THz radiation is provided that includes a triply-resonant nonlinear photonic resonator coupled to at least one near-infrared (NIR) or optical waveguide and to at least one THz waveguide. The energy traveling through the at least one near-infrared (NIR) or optical waveguide is converted to THz radiation inside the triply-resonant photonic resonator via a nonlinear difference frequency generation (DFG) process. |
| US08285088B2 |
Wavelength selective switch
A wavelength selective switch for suppressing degradation of pass band characteristics when the temperature rises. The wavelength selective switch includes a spectroscopic element for separating input light and providing angular dispersion depending on wavelengths, a collective lens for gathering light output from the spectroscopic element, and a movable reflection block which includes a plurality of mirrors arranged in the direction of angular dispersion made by the spectroscopic element, changes the angles of the mirrors in a direction differing from the direction of angular dispersion, and reflects the light coming from the collective lens. The collective lens is fixed at one end with respect to the direction of angular dispersion, expands with heat in a direction in which it is not fixed when the temperature rises, and outputs the light in a direction opposite to the direction in which the angle of light output from the spectroscopic element changes. |
| US08285084B2 |
Image organizing device and method, and computer-readable recording medium storing image organizing program
An organizing condition for organizing a plurality of inputted images based on at least one of a content of each inputted image and an associated attribute of each inputted image is stored for each user. When a plurality of newly inputted images are organized, the stored organizing condition associated with the user who carries out the organization is acquired, and the newly inputted images are organized based on the acquired organizing condition. |
| US08285079B2 |
Method for highly accurate estimation of motion using phase correlation
An image alignment method includes computationally efficient methods of achieving high-accuracy local motion estimates by using phase correlation. The method also estimates motion reliability that allows a generic robust model fitting algorithm to produce more accurate results while operating much more efficiently. One of three methods are used to determine sub-pel motion estimation with improved accuracy. Each of the sub-pel motion estimation methods uses phase correlation, and are based on fitting computationally efficient 2-D quadratic surfaces to a phase correlation surface. A pre-filter is applied which shapes the phase correlation surface to enable appropriate fitting to the quadratic surface. Bias is also compensated for prior to applying a sub-pel motion estimation method. The method also estimates the reliability of the sub-pel motion estimates determined using phase correlation. |
| US08285073B2 |
Distortion compensated imaging
Certain aspects can relate to responsive to the at least some input compensating information, imaging the at least the portion of the individual in a manner to limit at least some distorting effects of the at least the portion of the at least one distorting feature associated with the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by modifying a non-optical electromagnetic output from an imaging modality as applied to the at least the portion of the at least one distorting feature associated with the at least the portion of the individual. Certain aspects can relate to creating at least one conformal absence of a non-optical electromagnetic output to limit distortion to an imaging of an at least a portion of an individual resulting at least partially from at least one distorting feature associated with the at least the portion of the individual. |
| US08285071B2 |
Content-adaptive contrast improving method and apparatus for digital image
The present invention is directed to a digital image content-adaptive contrast improving method. The method includes forming a piecewise linear tone remapping function for a digital image according to the histogram thereof. The piecewise linear tone remapping function is formed by repeatedly performing a first and a second step. The first step determines a starting linear tone mapping function for a specific range of luminance values. The second step generates a new tone mapping function for the specific range of luminance values based on the starting linear tone mapping function and the histogram. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided. |
| US08285069B2 |
Image processing device and method thereof
An image processing device and a method thereof are provided. In the image processing method, an adjusting value is computed according to a pixel of a current image and a plurality of reference pixels nearby. In addition, a weighted coefficient is computed according to a gray-scale difference between the pixel of the current image and a pixel of a previous image. Further, a weighted adjusting value is computed according to the adjusting value and the weighted coefficient. Besides, the pixel of the current image is adjusted according to the weighted adjusting value to generate a pixel of an output image. Thereby, the current image is adjusted adaptively to increase the quality of the output image. |
| US08285066B2 |
System and method for generating high resolution images
A method is provided for generating a metavolume for reconstructing an image. The method provides for acquiring a plurality of low-resolution images of an imaged volume, the plurality of low-resolution images obtained from one or more imaging planes and merging the plurality of low-resolution images using a statistical operation to generate a metavolume. Systems and computer programs that afford functionality of the type defined by this method may be provided by the present technique. |
| US08285061B2 |
Apparatus for image processing with encoding selection
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for image processing. The apparatus for image processing comprises an encoding circuit, which can select two reference pixels according to two reference pixels and produce a maximum pixel value and a minimum pixel value according the two reference pixels. The present invention further comprises a color-difference operational unit for selecting a plurality of color pixels as a basic pixel, a first color pixel, and a second color pixel. When encoding the basic pixel, a first color difference, and a second color difference, respectively, first encoding data corresponding to the basic pixel, second encoding data corresponding to the first color difference, and third encoding data corresponding to the second color difference are produced, respectively. |
| US08285059B2 |
Method for automatic enhancement of images containing snow
A content-based image processing method and system are provided for images identified as having snow content. Images having dark snow content are identified and processed with a first enhancement chain tailored to enhancing images which would be generally perceived as having dark snow while images having blue snow content are identified and processed with a second enhancement chain tailored to enhancing images which would be generally perceived as having blue snow. |
| US08285058B2 |
Learning image templates for content anchoring and data extraction
Methods, and corresponding systems, of generating one or more image anchor templates for extracting data from a data field of a first class of documents are provided. The methods include generating one or more candidate image anchor templates from at least one of one or more exemplars of the first class; determining a quality score for each of the one or more candidate image anchor templates using a computer processor and known locations of the data field within the one or more exemplars of the first class; ranking the one or more candidate image anchor templates according to quality score; and selecting one or more of the most highly ranked image anchor templates. |
| US08285057B2 |
Learning image anchor templates for document classification
Methods, and corresponding systems, of generating one or more image anchor templates for discriminating between documents of a first class and documents of other classes are provided. The methods include generating one or more candidate image anchor templates; determining, using a computer processor, a quality score for each of the one or more candidate image anchor templates; ranking the one or more candidate image anchor templates according to the quality scores of the one or more candidate image anchor templates; and selecting one or more of the most highly ranked image anchor templates. |
| US08285054B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
Methods and apparatuses for detecting a plurality of pixels of interest within an image and identifying luminance values corresponding to a predetermined object. The apparatus for detecting includes a memory configured to store first and second images captured using light of first and second wavelengths, respectively. The apparatus for detecting further includes at least one processor configured to detect a plurality of pixels of interest within the first captured image based on luminance values of the stored first and second captured images. The apparatus for identifying includes a memory configured to store a processed image, and at least one processor configured to determine frequencies of luminance values of the plurality of pixels of interest in the processed image and to determine a range of luminance values corresponding to a predetermined object within the processed image based on the determined frequencies of the luminance values. |
| US08285049B2 |
Corrections for recognizers
A processing device may recognize a number of input handwritten strokes, which may represent a mathematical expression, a chemical formula, or other two-dimensional structure. Rewriting rules of a grammar may be applied to the strokes to produce a number of possible recognition results. Each of the possible recognition results has a respective score based on a sum of rewriting rules applied to the strokes to produce respective ones of the possible recognition results. Input may be provided to identify misrecognized strokes and a correct terminal production, or symbol corresponding to the misrecognized strokes. Strokes may be misrecognized for many reasons, including parsing errors, over-grouping or under-grouping of matrices, and improper placement of a recognized terminal production, or symbol, with respect to a root structure. Correction hints may be leveraged for correcting types of errors mentioned above. |
| US08285048B2 |
Classifying a string formed from hand-written characters
A method of classifying a character string formed from a known number of hand-written characters is disclosed. The method starts by determining character probabilities for each hand-written character in the character string. Each character probability represents a likelihood of the respective hand-written character being a respective one of a plurality of predetermined characters. Each predetermined character has a respective character type. Character templates having the known number of characters are next identified. Each character template has a respective predetermined probability and represents a respective combination of character types. Character sequence probabilities corresponding to each of the character templates having the known number of characters are next determined. The character sequence probabilities are a function of the predetermined probability of the respective character template and the character probabilities of the hand-written character in the character string. The character string is classified as the sequence of characters having the highest character sequence probability. |
| US08285043B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
The image processing apparatus is provided with a scanner unit that reads a document and generates image data; an edge vicinity pixel detection unit that detects pixels in the vicinity of the edge of the document based on luminance values of the image data generated by the scanner unit; a histogram creation unit that creates a histogram using the luminance values of pixels in a region of the document within a predetermined distance from the pixels in the vicinity of the edge; and a judgment unit that judges whether or not it is possible to separate a document region from a document-external region based on the created histogram. |
| US08285039B2 |
Image processor
An image storage portion 31 stores image data that is input. An outline detecting portion 32 detects an outline of tooth that is the object of color measurement in the image based on the image data. A specular reflection region detecting portion 33 detects the position of a specular reflection region in the tooth that is the object of color measurement based on the data of each pixel that constitutes the image. A rectangular region setting portion 34 sets an analysis region to become the object of analysis processing in the image based on the position of the specular reflection region that is detected by the specular reflection region detecting portion 33. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to avoid setting an analysis region in a specular reflection region when setting an analysis region, that is the object of analysis processing of an image, in the image. |
| US08285026B2 |
Method and system for use in inspecting and/or removing unsuitable objects from a stream of products and a sorting apparatus implementing the same
Disclosed is a method and system for inspecting and sorting unsuitable or irregular objects in a stream of products, the system includes means for scanning the stream of products along a scan line. The scan line is formed by means of at least one light source directing light along the scan line, and means for detecting light beams reemitted by the product stream upon scanning. The scanning means includes a focusing means for concentrating the light in at least one dimension. The detecting means includes a focusing means for forming an image in an image plane. The detecting means is oriented towards the scan line such that points on the scan line form a projected scan line in the image plane and the image substantially located in the image plane is substantially focused in at least one dimension by the focusing means. The detecting means also includes a spatial filtering means that filters the image in substantially the direction perpendicular to the direction of the projected scan line. |
| US08285024B2 |
Quantitative, multispectral image analysis of tissue specimens stained with quantum dots
A biological sample such as a tissue section is stained with one or more quantum dots and possibly other fluorophores (total number of fluorophores N). A camera coupled to a microscope generates an image of the specimen at a plurality of different wavelengths within the emission spectral band of the N fluorophores. An analysis module calculates coefficients C1 . . . CN at each pixel from the set of images and reference spectral data for the N fluorophores. The coefficients C1 . . . CN are related to the concentration of each of the individual fluorophores at each pixel location. Morphological processing instructions find biological structures, e.g., cells, cellular components, genes, etc., in the images of the specimen. Quantitative analysis is performed on the identified biological structures. A display module displays the quantitative analysis results to the user, along with images of the specimen. The images can include images constructed from one or more of the coefficients C1 . . . CN. The quantitative analysis display includes histograms of the biological structures, scatter plots of fluorophore concentrations, statistical data, spectral data and still others. |
| US08285020B2 |
Image handling and display in x-ray mammography and tomosynthesis
A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images. |
| US08285018B2 |
Method for reconstructing color images
A method for reconstructing color images has steps of using a spectrum-acquiring device to acquire spectral data of a plurality of sample color blocks and calculating coefficients of a basis matrix of the sample color blocks; obtaining digital counts of the plurality of sample color blocks with a digital camera; obtaining a conversion matrix in accordance with the coefficients of the basis matrix and the digital counts; acquiring digital counts of an original image with the digital camera, and generating a reconstructed image in accordance with the digital counts of the original image and the conversion matrix; and varying the conversion matrix in accordance with a new light source, and computing to generate a reconstructed image corresponding to the new light source in accordance with the digital counts of the original image and the varied conversion matrix. |
| US08285016B2 |
Endoscope insertion direction detecting device and endoscope insertion direction detecting method
An endoscope insertion direction detecting device includes a classification section for performing, on a scene of an endoscope image of a moving image picked up by an endoscope inserted into a body cavity, classification into classes for a plurality of different feature values relating to detection of an endoscope insertion direction in the body cavity; and an insertion direction computing section, provided for each of the classes for the feature values, into which the classification is performed, for computing an insertion direction of the endoscope. |
| US08285012B2 |
Image display apparatus and program
An image display apparatus according to the invention comprises reading section (11a) which reads in an image data set of a subject acquired by a medical imaging apparatus (2) from a data recording device (13) which stores the image data set; input sections (16, 17) which input a desired object organ to the read-in image data set; object organ extracting section (11b) which extracts the inputted object organ; reference position setting section (11h) which sets a reference position for producing an unfolded image in the circumferential direction of the bore of the extracted object organ; calculating device (11e) which calculates pixel information in the circumferential direction of the bore of the object organ from the set reference position; and image display section (15) which displays the calculated pixel information in the circumferential direction of the bore of the object organ. |
| US08285011B2 |
Anatomical visualization and measurement system
A method for deploying a device in a tortuous vessel, comprising: placing a virtual generalized-cylinder within a virtual representation of the tortuous vessel; measuring length along the perimeter of the virtual generalized-cylinder at a set numbers of longitudes; determining the maximum measured length; selecting a device based upon the maximum measured length; and deploying the device in the tortuous vessel. |
| US08285010B2 |
Biometrics based on locally consistent features
Systems, devices, methods, and software are described for biometric sensors that permit a reduction in the size of the sensing area without significant reduction in biometric functionality of the sensor. A skin site of an individual is illuminated, and light scattered from the skin site is received. An image of a locally consistent feature of the skin site is formed from the received light. The locally consistent feature is analyzed to perform a biometric function. |
| US08285007B2 |
Subwindow setting method for face detector
Disclosed herein is a subwindow setting method for a face detector for detecting whether one or more facial images exist in each of subwindows having a set size while sequentially setting the subwindows in the width direction of an input image. A scan interval between two neighboring subwindows under consideration in the width direction is determined based on the facial color density of a first subwindow of the two neighboring subwindows. Further, a scan interval between the first and second rows in a height direction of the input image is determined based on the facial color density of the subwindows included in the first row. |
| US08285006B2 |
Human face recognition and user interface system for digital camera and video camera
The present invention discloses a face recognition system which includes a face recognition method and associate apparatus. The disclosed method provides improved face matching accuracy by introduction of user intervention. When a target face to be recognized has been detected, a candidate list is generated and the user is allowed to actively select a matching candidate face out of the candidate list by entering a user input through a user interface provided by the disclosed apparatus. Data of the target face are then automatically registered to a database where the candidate face data are stored for updating the data of the matching candidate. |
| US08285002B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method, image sensing apparatus, and program
An eye region is detected, in the detected eye region, the region of an iris outline is extended inward, and a hollow region surrounded by the extended region is detected as a poor hue quality region. An outline of the poor hue quality region is shaped by approximating the outline to one of a circle and an ellipse. The hue of the shaped poor hue quality region is corrected on the basis of color information obtained from a neighboring region inside an iris outline. |
| US08284999B2 |
Text stitching from multiple images
A reading machine has processing for detecting common text between a pair of individual images. The reading machine combines the text from the pair of images into a file or data structure if common text is detected, and determines if incomplete text phrases are present in the common text. If incomplete text phrases are present, the machine signals a user to move an image input device in a direction to capture more of the text. |
| US08284997B2 |
Vision-based vehicle navigation system and method
A system and method of determining aircraft position on an aerodrome ground surface having a centerline disposed thereon is provided. A current image of the aerodrome ground surface is captured using a camera that has a known focal length and is disposed on a vehicle at a preset pitch angle. The current image includes the centerline, which extends to a vanishing point in the captured image. The slope and intercept of at least a portion of the centerline are computed. The vertical and horizontal positions of the vanishing point are computed. An estimate of the vehicle position on the ground surface is computed using the computed horizontal and vertical positions of the vanishing point, the known focal length, and the preset pitch angle. |
| US08284996B2 |
Multiple object speed tracking system
A multiple object speed tracking system that can provide data related to the rate of travel of each object in a set of multiple objects as each object is traveling either toward or away from a predetermined point. |
| US08284995B2 |
Method for updating a geographic database for an in-vehicle navigation system
A method for updating a geographic database containing image data and road vector data to be used in vehicle navigation systems includes determining whether a vehicle is in an on-road position based on information provided by the vehicle navigation system. A geographically coded image is generated with a vehicle-mounted camera if the vehicle is not in an on-road position according to the information provided by the vehicle navigation system. The geographically coded image generated by the vehicle-mounted camera is analyzed in order to determine whether the geographic database requires updating. |
| US08284989B2 |
Method for locating an object associated with a device to be controlled and a method for controlling the device
The invention describes a method for locating an object (B1, B1′, B2, B3) associated with a device (D1, D2, D3) to be controlled, which method comprises aiming a pointing device (1) comprising a camera (2) at a target area (A), generating an image (3) of the target area (A) aimed at by the pointing device (1) and analysing the target area image (3) to determine a property of the object (B1, B1′, B2, B3). A feedback signal (4), regarding the property of the object (B1, B1′, B2, B3), is generated based on analysis of the images (3) and reported to the user by rendering the feedback signal (4) into a tactile indication generated in at least part of the pointing device (1). The invention also describes a pointing device (1), a device control interface (8, 8′) and a system comprising such a pointing device (1) and device control interface (8, 8′) suitable for applying this method. Furthermore, the invention describes a method and a system (15) for controlling a device (D1, D2, D3) using such a method for locating an object (B1, B1′, B2, B3) associated with the device (D1, D2, D3). |
| US08284988B2 |
System and method for dimensioning objects using stereoscopic imaging
A method and configuration to estimate the dimensions of a cuboid. The configuration includes two image acquisition units offset from each other with at least one of the units positioned at a defined acquisition height above a background surface. Image processing techniques are used to extract a perimeter of a top surface of the cuboid, placed on the background surface, from pairs of acquired images. A height estimation technique is used to calculate an absolute height of the cuboid. The absolute height of the cuboid is used, along with the extracted perimeter of the top surface of the cuboid, to calculate an absolute length and an absolute width of the cuboid. The height, length, and width may be used to calculate an estimated volume of the cuboid. |
| US08284986B2 |
Method for remote spectral analysis of gas plumes
A method for reducing the effects of background radiation introduced into gaseous plume spectral data obtained by an aerial imaging sensor, includes capturing spectral data of a gaseous plume with its obscured background along a first line of observation and capturing a second image of the previously obscured background along a different line of observation. The parallax shift of the plume enables the visual access needed to capture the radiometric data emanating exclusively from the background. The images are then corresponded on a pixel-by-pixel basis to produce a mapping. An image-processing algorithm is applied to the mapped images to reducing the effects of background radiation and derive information about the content of the plume. |
| US08284982B2 |
Positionally sequenced loudspeaker system
A variety of loudspeaker arrangements may have any of multiple adjacent magnetic circuits, single magnetic circuits, an improved loudspeaker voice coil assembly, multiple voice coil windings (124-127, 315-317), and commutated current. The radial direction of flux may alternate at adjacent poles and may have a controller that commands the current through each of the windings. The position of the moving components may be measured or inferred by the controller (213). An encoding track (318a) applied to the surface of the assembly may allow the assembly to function as part of a position transducer to permit appropriate action based on position. Calculated or sensed actual position may be used to determine the relative current in each of the windings and the controller may have compensation such as a motion control algorithm, thermal monitoring, and management of the driver. The voice coil assembly (305c) may have foil conductors applied to a substrate to connect and interconnect a single or multiple voice coil windings with minimal effect on the magnetic gap (303b) width. |
| US08284980B2 |
Low-profile, retractable earbud storage system
A low-profile, retractable ear-bud system is adapted for attachment to a portable electronic device such as an MP3 music player. The system comprises a housing within which there is disposed wiring having a proximal end in electrical communication with the portable electronic device and a distal end terminating in a pair of ear-buds. The wiring is wound on a spring-biased spool disposed within the housing, the spool having at least a retracted position for storage and an extended position for use of the ear-buds. In the preferred embodiment, the wiring is wound on the spring-biased spool in a single pancake-style layer. The proximal end of the wiring is in electrical communication with the portable electronic device preferably through a multi-conductor slip ring. |
| US08284979B2 |
Method of making sound hole in case of condenser microphone and the condenser microphone case
Provided are a method of forming a sound hole in a condenser microphone case that prevents foreign substances from being thrown to improve reliability and the condenser microphone case. The method of forming the sound hole in the condenser microphone case includes cutting a portion of a bottom surface of a metal case in the cylindrical metal case having an opened side to mount components for a microphone, and simultaneously, pressing the cut portion to form a sound hole having a gap shape at the cut portion. |
| US08284977B2 |
Multi chamber ported stereo speaker
A method and apparatus for a multi-chamber ported stereo speaker is disclosed. The stereo speaker is a single unit with multi-chambers in an enclosure box. The multi chamber ported speaker comprises an enclosure housing a shared acoustic chamber having an external port for allowing air external of the enclosure box to flow into the shared acoustic chamber, and at least two additional chambers comprising a corresponding internal port in each additional chamber for forming an air pass from each additional chamber with the shared chamber, each additional chamber comprising a corresponding driver mounted through a wall of the chamber and enclosure box for forming the ported speaker. |
| US08284975B2 |
Method of outputting audio signal and mobile communication terminal using the method
A mobile communication terminal includes a receiver converting an audio signal outputted from the mobile communication terminal into an audible sound; a coupler dividing the audio signal outputted from the receiver into first and second audio signals which are different in phase from each other; an audio signal amplifier amplifying the second audio signal outputted from the coupler according to a predetermined amplification gain; a receiver port to which the receiver is detachably connected and which includes a first output port transmitting the first audio signal outputted from the coupler to the receiver and a second output port transmitting the second audio signal amplified by the audio signal amplifier to the receiver; and a controller controlling the mobile communication terminal and the amplification gain of the audio signal amplifier. |
| US08284974B2 |
Hearing aid
A hearing aid comprises a microphone on a proximal side of a device housing and a loudspeaker which via a transmission channel is in open communication with a sound-emitting opening of the device. A sound processing device serves to generate sound received by the microphone to the loudspeaker in amplified form. The device housing is provided on a distal side with an optionally sealed battery chamber for receiving a battery therein. The transmission channel is at least almost wholly separated from the microphone acoustically in order to prevent acoustic feedback. The battery chamber comprises ventilation means for the purpose of increasing the lifespan of the battery. |
| US08284972B2 |
Speaker assembly
A speaker assembly includes a speaker body and a resonating box. The speaker body formed by a main portion and a sound-emitting portion. The resonating box is provided within the speaker body. Both ends of the resonating box are connected to the main portion and the sound-emitting portion respectively. The resonating box is formed by connecting a plurality of resonating shells having decreasing widths. The resonating shells are made of rigid materials. Each of the resonating shells is slidingly connected with the adjacent resonating shells, so that the resonating shell is extendable between the main portion and the sound-emitting portion. Via this arrangement, in addition to amplify the music, the speaker assembly has a stress/bass effect to improve the quality of sound. |
| US08284968B2 |
Preprogrammed hearing assistance device with user selection of program
A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by momentarily pressing a push button on the hearing aid housing. When a preferred program is active, the user can press the push button for an extended time to designate that program as a selected program. The acoustical configuration programs include initial-tuning programs that are operable in an initial-tuning mode and fine-tuning programs that are operable in a fine-tuning mode. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed using the push button and a volume control. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface. |
| US08284961B2 |
Signal processing device
A signal processing device includes a generation unit that generates a second signal from a first signal that is obtained by down mixing two signals; a mixing coefficient determination unit that determines, based on a value L and a value θ, a mixing degree for mixing the first signal and the second signal; and a mixing unit that mixes the first signal and the second signal based on the mixing degree determined by the mixing coefficient determination unit. The generation unit includes a first filter that generates a low frequency band signal in the second signal, from a low frequency band signal in the first signal; and a second filter that generates a high frequency band signal in the second signal, from a high frequency band signal in the first signal. The first filter is a filter unit which, for a complex-number signal, de-correlates an input signal and adds a reverberation component by using a delay unit and an all pass filter, and the processing unit is a filter unit different from the first filter. |
| US08284955B2 |
System and method for digital signal processing
The present invention provides methods and systems for digitally processing audio signals. Some embodiments receive an audio signal and converting it to a digital signal. The gain of the digital signal may be adjusted a first time, using a digital processing device located between a receiver and a driver circuit. The adjusted signal can be filtered with a first low shelf filter. The systems and methods may compress the filtered signal with a first compressor, process the signal with a graphic equalizer, and compress the processed signal with a second compressor. The gain of the compressed signal can be adjusted a second time. These may be done using the digital processing device. The signal may then be output through an amplifier and driver circuit to drive a personal audio listening device. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be part of the personal audio listening device. |
| US08284952B2 |
Modeling of a microphone
A system that models a microphone may include capsules that receive individual signals. The signals may be combined and modified based on a weighting factor. Directivity patterns of a converted signal may be modified or controlled based on the weighting of the signals. |
| US08284951B2 |
Enhanced audio recording for smart pen computing systems
In a pen-based computing system, a pair of microphones captures audio concurrently with a smart pen device capturing handwriting gestures. The audio captured by the pair of microphones is processed to produce an enhanced audio recording. Noise cancellation techniques may be applied to reduce noise generated by the smart pen device interacting with the writing surface to produce a higher quality audio recording. In addition, beam steering techniques may be applied to adjust the gain of portions of the audio signal from different directions and allow the user to focus between multiple audio sources. |
| US08284950B2 |
Vehicle remote control interface for controlling multiple electronic devices
An interface device for interconnecting fixed controls of a vehicle to electronic devices. The interface device is capable of receiving control signals from fixed controls, such as steering wheel controls, backseat controls, handlebar controls, and the like, and then transmitting corresponding control signals to the electronic devices. In one aspect, the device is programmable such that the interface device emits signals corresponding to the same signals that would be emitted from a handheld remote control sold in conjunction with the different electronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and a replacement stereo receiver. In another embodiment, the device is capable of recognizing spoken voice commands and generating corresponding IR signals in order to control the electronic devices. In still another embodiment, the device is an interface between the fixed controls and multiple electronic devices, such as an audio and video component. |
| US08284949B2 |
Multi-channel acoustic echo cancellation system and method
Techniques for multi-channel acoustic echo cancellation include adaptive filtering. An adaptive filter can use a lattice predictor of order M coupled to an adaptive LMS/Newton filter of length N, wherein M |
| US08284948B2 |
Engine sound processing apparatus
An engine sound processing apparatus includes an engine sound signal generating section that generates an engine sound signal indicating an engine sound generated in an engine room of a vehicle, a signal processing section that includes a reverberation effect applying portion which applies a reverberation effect to the engine sound signal and a mixing portion which mixes the engine sound signal to which the reverberation effect is not applied and the engine sound signal to which the reverberation effect is applied, a reverberation effect controlling section that instructs the reverberation effect applying portion to apply the reverberation effect to the engine sound signal, a mixing balance setting section that sets a mixing balance in the mixing portion, and a speaker that outputs a sound on the basis of the engine sound signal being output from the signal processing section. In a case that both of an accelerator opening and an engine speed are increased, the mixing balance setting section controls an occupation rate of the second engine sound signal in the engine sound signal so as to be increased as the engine speed is increased. When other than the case, the mixing balance setting section controls the occupation rate of the second engine sound signal in the engine sound signal so as to become zero. |
| US08284947B2 |
Reverberation estimation and suppression system
A signal processing system detects reverberation. The system may suppress the reverberation and improve signal quality. The system analyzes frequency bands of an input signal to determine whether reverberation characteristics are present. When reverberation is detected, the system may attenuate the reverberant frequency band to reduce or eliminate the reverberation. |
| US08284944B2 |
Unified and persistent system and method for automatic configuration of encryption
A system and method for database security provides, a database security method that receives an encryption property from an application and receives information relating to a database server. The method then requests security access to a database server using the strongest encryption algorithm server may support. If this request gets turned down, then the method determines the strongest encryption algorithm the server actually supports using the information the database server sent back and calculates the encryption keys. The method then caches the encryption algorithm along with the encryption keys in a persistent storage. For subsequent connections, the method checks the persistent storage first and retrieves the encryption algorithm and encryption keys from the persistent storage if the cache values are available, and sends the cached value to database server. By doing this, the database driver doesn't need to synchronize the encryption algorithm with server and calculate the encryption keys again. |
| US08284938B2 |
Techniques for data encryption and decryption
Techniques for securing data access are presented. A sender encrypts data into a first integer value. A first knot is selected along with first and second keys. The first knot, first integer value, first key, and second key are used to produce a final knot. The final knot is transmitted as a graphical image to a receiver over a network. The receiver uses the first knot, final knot, first key, and second key to derive the first integer value. The first integer value is decrypted to produce the original data that the sender intended to send securely to the receiver. |
| US08284936B2 |
Virtually increasing the number of content broadcast channels
The invention mostly uses conventional procedures with regard to enabling specific end-user to decrypt encrypted content information, but supplies the decryption keys, which are identical for all end-users, only after the end-user has received the encrypted content information and after the end-user has received the subscription information comprised in the specific entitlement management data that specifies the individual rights to access the content information. This approach provides additional control over the conditions under which the content information is played-out by the end-user, and enables to temporally better manage the communication bandwidth available to the service provider. |
| US08284934B2 |
Systems and methods for shared secret data generation
Disclosed examples of secure communications involve generating, by a mobile communication network device, a shared secret data having a length of M units. A first operation on groups of one of N units of a randomly generated base shared secret data and one of a plurality of secret values thereby generates a plurality of first operation results. A second operation on a select plurality of the first operation results generates a plurality of second operation results. The randomly generated base shared secret data can have a length of N units, where N is less than M. The shared secret data is constructed from at least one of the first operation results and the plurality of second operation results. |
| US08284933B2 |
Encrypting variable-length passwords to yield fixed-length encrypted passwords
According to one embodiment, encrypting passwords includes performing the following for each input password of a plurality of input passwords to yield encrypted passwords, where at least two input passwords have different lengths and the encrypted passwords have the same length. An input password and a random number are received at logic configured to perform a key derivation operation comprising a pseudorandom function. An encryption key is derived from the input password and the random number according to the key derivation operation. The encryption key and a user identifier are received at logic configured to perform a cipher-based message authentication code (CMAC) function. An encrypted password is generated from the encryption key and the user identifier according to the CMAC function. |
| US08284929B2 |
System of dependant keys across multiple pieces of related scrambled information
A method encoded on a data storage medium as executable software for processing data includes steps for providing a scrambling key for scrambling a current piece of information from a plurality of pieces of information, providing with the current piece of information a current identification token from a series of identification tokens, the current identification token to be combined with the scrambling key for scrambling a subsequent piece of information from the plurality of pieces of information, and scrambling the current piece of information using a combination of the scrambling key and a previous identification token from the series of identification tokens to create scrambled current data. A system and an article of manufacture for processing data are also disclosed. |
| US08284913B2 |
Adaptive call monitoring
A method of and system for filtering telephone calls receives a call to a called party from a caller and determines if the called party has an event scheduled. If the called party has an event scheduled, the system determines if the caller is associated with the event. The system completes the call if the caller is associated with the event. The system sends the call to voice mail if the caller is not associated with said event unless the caller is on an exception list associated with the event, in which case the system completes the call. The system completes the call if it is determined that said called party does not have an event scheduled. |
| US08284912B2 |
Method and system for providing enhanced caller identification information including screening invalid calling party numbers
A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or cannot be provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the Caller ID information must include a valid number of digits and a valid area code. If the Caller ID information is not valid, a calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information. |
| US08284911B1 |
Method for call forwarding without hairpinning and with split billing
A call is forwarded by connecting the call between an originating location and a forwarding location without connecting the call through a terminating location. The originating location is associated with a calling party. The terminating location is associated with a dialed number. The terminating location and the forwarding location is associated with the called party. A bill for the call is apportioned between the calling party and the called party. The bill portion for the calling party is a function of the originating location and the terminating location. The bill portion for the called party is a function of the terminating location and the forwarding location. |
| US08284907B2 |
Automated conversation recording device and service
An apparatus and system for recording and managing conversation data occurring over a wireless network via a wireless communication device includes a data interface that transfers conversation data from the communication device to a storage location and a user interface that allows the user to edit and manage the conversation data. In one embodiment, the communication device includes on-board memory to provide temporary storage of the communication data before it is transferred to a playback device or long-term storage device. The inventive service may include playback and/or editing functions as well as an audio-to-text conversion option. |
| US08284901B2 |
Apparatus and method for improved transient response in an electromagnetically controlled x-ray tube
An x-ray tube assembly includes a vacuum enclosure that includes a cathode portion, a target portion, and a throat portion having a plurality of recesses formed therein to break up eddy currents generated in the throat portion. The throat portion has an upstream end coupled to the cathode portion and a downstream end coupled to the target portion. The x-ray tube assembly also includes a target positioned within the target portion of the vacuum enclosure, and a cathode positioned within the cathode portion of the vacuum enclosure. The cathode is configured to emit a stream of electrons through the throat portion toward the target. |
| US08284898B2 |
Interleaving multi-energy X-ray energy operation of a standing wave linear accelerator
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for interleaving operation of a standing wave linear accelerator (LINAC) for use in providing electrons of at least two different energy ranges, which can be contacted with x-ray targets to generate x-rays of at least two different energy ranges. The LINAC can be operated to output electrons at different energies by varying the power of the electromagnetic wave input to the LINAC, or by using a detunable side cavity which includes an activatable window. |
| US08284896B2 |
Multiview x-ray inspection system
A multiview x-ray scanning system for inspecting the 3D volume of an object has been presented. The method uses multiple x-ray sources and multiple x-ray beams. The object to be inspected is interposed in the trajectory of these beams and moved relative to these beams. The x-ray beams after passing through the object are detected by detectors that are interleaved to realize a compact design. In order that the interleaved detectors do not intersect, the location of detectors and sources is adjusted. Further, the design of detectors is such that they can be placed in close proximity to each other in order to realize a small footprint scanner having a high resolution. |
| US08284892B2 |
System and method for image reconstruction
A method of performing a computed tomographic image reconstruction is provided. The method provides for performing a short scan of an imaging object to acquire a short scan data, performing a plurality of image reconstructions based on the short scan data wherein the plurality of image reconstructions result in a corresponding plurality of image volumes wherein the image reconstructions use different view weighting functions, filtering the plurality of image volumes such that when the volumes are added together, the frequency domain data is substantially uniformly weighted. Further, the method provides for combining the plurality of image volumes together to produce a final image volume. |
| US08284891B2 |
Shift register circuit
A shift register circuit includes plural shift register stages for providing plural gate signals. Each shift register stage includes a pull-up unit, a pull-up control unit, an input unit, a first pull-down unit, a second pull-down unit, and a pull-down control unit. The pull-up control unit generates a first control signal according to a driving control voltage and a first clock. The pull-up unit pulls up a corresponding gate signal according to the first control signal. The input unit is utilized for inputting the gate signal of a preceding shift register stage to become the driving control voltage according to a second clock having a phase opposite to the first clock. The pull-down control unit generates a second control signal according to the driving control voltage. The first and second pull-down units pull down the corresponding gate signal and the first control signal respectively according to the second control signal. |
| US08284890B2 |
Shift register with two-way transmission and liquid crystal display device using same
A shift register includes individually connected shift register units. Each shift register unit includes a switching unit, a pre-charging unit, a pulse signal output unit, a low level voltage signal control unit, a first clock pulse signal input, a second clock pulse signal input, and an output. The first and the second clock pulse signal inputs respectively receive a first clock signal and a second clock signal, the first clock signal and the second clock signal having reverse clock pulses during each clock cycle. The switching unit receives at least one external starting signal and a high level signal, when the at least one external starting signal is high level, the switching unit is turned on and outputs the high level signal to the pre-charging unit. When the second clock signal is high level, the pre-charging unit receives the high level signal and charges, and when the first clock signal is high level, the pre-charging unit discharges. The pulse signal output unit receives the first clock signal and outputs the first clock signal to the output after the pre-charging unit charges and before the pre-charging unit finishes discharging. The low level voltage signal control unit receives the first clock signal and the second clock signal, after the pre-charging unit finishes discharging, the low level voltage signal control unit pulls down a voltage level on the output at low level when the second clock signal are high level. |
| US08284888B2 |
Frequency and phase acquisition of a clock and data recovery circuit without an external reference clock
A clock and data recovery device receives a serial data stream and produces recovered clock and data signals. The clock and data recovery device operates over a range of frequencies and without use an external reference clock. A first loop supplies a first clock signal to a second loop. The second loop modifies the first clock signal to produce the recovered clock signal and uses the recover clock signal to produce the recovered data signal. The first loop changes the frequency of the first clock signal based on frequency comparison and data transition density metrics. |
| US08284884B2 |
Method of frequency search for DCO and decoder using the same
A method of frequency search for a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with multiple sub-bands. The method comprises providing multiple workable pre-control codes, each control code comprising a most significant bit (MSB), corresponding to each frequency of the DCO for selection, selecting one of the workable pre-control codes according to the MSBs thereof, and providing the selected control code to the DCO. |
| US08284881B2 |
Data interface and method of seeking synchronization
The present invention provides for method of seeking synchronization at a data interface between a transmitting element and a receiving element, and to related transmitting and receiving elements of the interface, in which the clock frequency of both elements is the same but which exhibit a phase difference, also known as mesochronous clock domains, the method including the steps of, prior to data transfer at the interface, delivering a strobe signal generated at the transmitting element to the receiving element, generating a strobe signal at the receiving element and synchronizing the same to the strobe signal received from the transmitting element, and maintaining the synchronized strobe signal generated at the receiving element for the sampling of data appearing at the interface from the transmitting element. |
| US08284880B2 |
Clock data recovery circuit and method for operating the same
A clock data recovery (CDR) circuit occupies a small area required in a high-integration semiconductor device, electronic device and system and is easy in design modification. The CDR circuit includes a digital filter configured to filter phase comparison result signals received during predetermined periods and output control signals, a driver configured to control the digital filter by adjusting the predetermined periods, and an input/output circuit configured to recognize an input and output of data and clock in response to the control signals. |
| US08284879B2 |
Lossless transfer of events across clock domains
Transfer circuits (200, 400, 500) for monitoring in a monitor clock domain target events that occur in a target clock domain (170) are disclosed. Some embodiments (200) impose significant constraints on the domain clocks and include: an event detector (210); a sending circuit (220) that changes the value of a request signal (150) with each event; and a receiving circuit (230) that detects changes in the request signal. Other embodiments work for a broader range of clocks and include: a counter (410) that generates an incremental count (415) of event occurrences while a transfer is taking place; sending and receiving registers (420, 430, 530) for the incremental count; the request sending and receiving circuits (220, 230), where the request signal changes value for each transfer of the incremental count; and sending and receiving circuits (470, 480) for an acknowledgement signal. |
| US08284878B2 |
Receiver for echo and crosstalk cancellation and receiving method thereof
A receiver for echo and crosstalk cancellation includes a level decision module, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a response module. The level decision module determines plural levels and plural level magnitudes according to an estimated signal to generate a first digital signal. The DAC converts the first digital signal into a first analog signal according to the levels and the level magnitudes. The ADC receives a first difference signal between the receiving signal and the first analog signal, and converts the first difference signal into a second digital signal. According to the first digital signal, the response module generates a response signal compensating the second digital signal to generate a back-end input signal. |
| US08284873B2 |
Wireless communication receiver having de-interlever and related signal processing method thereof
A wireless communication receiver includes a first signal processing block, a second signal processing block, and a de-interleaver. The first signal processing block is configured for receiving a wireless communication signal and processing the wireless communication signal to generate a first output. The de-interleaver is coupled between the first signal processing block and the second signal processing block, and includes a plurality of branches implemented for de-interleaving the first output to generate a second output. The de-interleaver starts outputting the second output to the second signal processing block for further signal processing before all buffers included in the branches are full, and informs the second signal processing block of data derived from one or more unfull buffers included in the branches. |
| US08284872B2 |
Burst mode receiver
A burst mode receiver including a CDR circuit that does not perform bit synchronization determination at a wrong position even when a burst signal waveform containing a distortion is input is provided. The burst mode receiver includes a CDR circuit for reproducing clock and data from a received signal, a bit synchronization determination circuit for determining whether the CDR circuit is in an optimum phase, a waveform distortion determination circuit for determining from the received signal whether there is waveform distortion, and a CDR output enable determination circuit for determining whether an output of the CDR circuit is valid or invalid. The CDR output enable determination circuit performs CDR output enable determination based on a bit synchronization determination result and a waveform distortion determination result. |
| US08284871B2 |
Synchronization determining circuit, receiver including the synchronization determining circuit, and method of the receiver
A receiver includes; a recovery circuit for receiving an input signal, and generating a data signal and a recovery clock; a processing circuit for processing the data signal to generate a processed signal; and a synchronization determining circuit for determining a synchronization state of the recovery clock according to the processed signal and a first reference value. The data signal includes a synchronous pattern, and the first reference value corresponds to at least a portion of a value in the synchronous pattern processed by the processing circuit. A method of the receiver is also disclosed. |
| US08284870B1 |
Timing loop
Recovering a data signal is disclosed. Recovering includes receiving an input signal from a magnetic recording channel, sampling the input signal according to a sampling clock having a sampling phase wherein the sampling phase is determined at least in part by comparing the sampled input signal to a signal associated with a decision, and filtering the sampled input signal according to a target. |
| US08284865B2 |
Data transmitting and receiving method using phase shift based precoding and transceiver supporting the same
A method for performing a precoding based on a generalized phase shift or a precoding based on an extended phase shift in a Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) system employing several sub-carriers, and a transceiver for supporting the same are disclosed. A phase-shift-based precoding matrix is generalized by multiplying a diagonal matrix for a phase shift by a unitary matrix for maintaining orthogonality between sub-carriers. In this case, a diagonal matrix part may be extended by multiplying a precoding matrix for removing interference between sub-carriers by a diagonal matrix for a phase shift. By generalization and extension of the phase-shift-based precoding, a transceiver is more simplified, and communication efficiency increases. |
| US08284855B2 |
Multi-user downlink linear MIMO precoding system
Multi-user (MU-) MIMO systems with quantized feedback are designed to maximize the sum-rate via scheduling and linear precoding. To maximize throughput over the network, quantized CSIT is sent through a low-rate feedback link feedback from a plurality of users back to a base station. The base station then determines a subset of the plurality of users to transmit one or more signals to based on the received feedback and determines a preceding matrix based on the received feedback from the plurality of users wherein the precoding matrix maximizes a sum-rate throughput for the subset of the plurality of users. Additionally, based on the received feedback, the base station designs a quantization codebook. This codebook may be designed off-line and/or online. The codebook and/or precoding matrix are used to transmit signals to the users. |
| US08284847B2 |
Detecting motion for a multifunction sensor device
To detect movement of a depth camera in a motion capture system, readings from an accelerometer in the depth camera are processed to provide short and long term moving averages for each of the x, y and z axes. For each axis, a difference between the short and long term averages is obtained. A sum of the differences is obtained by summing the absolute value of each difference, across all three axes. This sum of differences is then compared to a threshold to determine if movement is detected. In another approach, the short and long term averages of the accelerometer readings are converted to pitch and roll values, and the pitch and roll values are separately compared to a threshold to determine if movement is detected. A tracking algorithm can be temporarily halted while movement is detected. Readings in the vertical direction can be attenuated by a scaling factor. |
| US08284846B2 |
Method for shaping frames of a video sequence
Procedure and device for shaping frames of a video sequence or group of pictures GOP using a mixing table adapted for arranging the frames of the highest importance regularly while leaving intervals between them, filling the intervals with frames of lesser importance, and coding the new sequence thus obtained. |
| US08284840B2 |
Video decoding device and method
A video decoding method includes receiving video data and transforming the video data from a Huffman tree to at least one full tree and at least one one-side tree. One microcode corresponding to the video coding standard that has encoded the received video data is read where a format of the read microcode is determined. The method further includes reading video data from the transformed video data according to the consuming length of the read microcode if the format of the read microcode is a leaf, and decoding the read video data according to the decoding field of the read microcode to output a decoding result. |
| US08284835B2 |
Motion compensating apparatus
Provided is a motion compensating apparatus that efficiently generates a motion-compensated pixel by reducing the amount of data to be transmitted from a multi frame memory storing reference pixel data, while minimizing an increase in the scale of a circuit. A motion compensating apparatus (100) includes: a motion compensation position determining unit (101) that determines, based on a motion vector, a position of pixels for which compensated pixels should be generated; a necessary pixel determining unit (102) that determines pixels necessary for performing 6-tap filtering; a data transfer controlling unit (103) that controls the order or the like of taking out data to be transferred; an intermediate pixel storage memory (105) for storing pixel data with half-pixel accuracy; a high-order tap filtering unit (106) that generates pixel data with half-pixel accuracy by successively performing filtering operations in a predetermined direction; and a linear interpolation calculating unit (107) that performs linear interpolation based on the position of pixels to be motion compensated, and generates and outputs pixel data with motion compensation accuracy of less than half-pixel accuracy. |
| US08284834B2 |
Video-signal processing apparatus, video-signal processing method, and video-signal processing system
A video-signal processing apparatus includes a video-signal input unit to which a video signal including multiple images arranged in a time sequential manner is input; a time-division output unit configured to output, in a time-division manner, the video signal constituting n images corresponding to the multiple images; signal processing units configured to individually perform image quality adjustments on the n images output from the time-division output unit; operation input units through which adjustment values of the image quality adjustments performed by the signal processing units are input; and image output units configured to output images that have been subjected to the image quality adjustments using the signal processing units. |
| US08284827B2 |
Equalizer and method applied thereto
The equalizer presented includes a first feed-forward equalization module, a second feed-forward equalization module, and a phase error corrector. The first and the second feed-forward equalization modules respectively receives an input real-part component signal and an input imaginary-part component signal of a complex input signal and respectively equalizes the input real-part component signal and the input imaginary-part component signal to generate a first real-part component signal and a first imaginary-part component signal. The phase error corrector is coupled to the first and the second feed-forward equalization modules for adjusting a complex phase corresponding to the first real-part component signal and the first imaginary-part component signal to generate a second real-part component signal and a second imaginary-part component signal according to a phase error information. |
| US08284826B2 |
Synchronization of satellite and terrestrial broadcast ODFM signals
Synchronization of satellite and terrestrial broadcasts in a shared frequency arrangement is use in order to facilitate simultaneous reception of the broadcasts. A delay value is adjusted based on a synchronization between a first terrestrial broadcast and a satellite broadcast, and a delay value for a second terrestrial broadcast is adjusted based on a synchronization between the second terrestrial broadcast, the first terrestrial broadcast and the satellite broadcast. The adjustment of the relative delay values provides an improved reception pattern based on receipt of a shared frequency communication from multiple sources by improving a signal quality factor within at least selected regions of the coverage areas in which the relative delay values permit synchronization. This allows for synchronization lock between multiple substantially simultaneous broadcasts as determined by a cyclic prefix window of the broadcasts in overlapping coverage areas, useful for simultaneous satellite and terrestrial broadcasts using an OFDM format. |
| US08284823B2 |
Serial data communication system and method
A serial data communication system (10) comprises—a local clock generation device (12) adapted for generating a clock signal (16) with a duty cycle depending on a control signal (18), and—a serial data communication control device (14) adapted for generating the control signal (18) depending on the receipt of a serial data signal and for deriving a transmit and receive clock signal (20, 21) from the clock signal (16) received from the local clock generation device (12). |
| US08284820B2 |
Shared processor architecture applied to functional stages configured in a receiver system for processing signals from different transmitter systems and method thereof
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a shared processor architecture in a receiver system is disclosed. The receiver system is configured to have a first functional stage and a second functional stage for processing information carried by signals from a first transmitter system and a second transmitter system respectively. The first functional stage and the second functional stage correspond to an identical signal processing function. The shared processor architecture includes a first processor, allocated to the first functional stage and the second functional stage, for processing an output generated from the first functional stage or an output from the second functional stage. |
| US08284813B2 |
F-P cavity and laser using said F-P cavity
The disclosure discloses a Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity, which is a folded confocal cavity integrally formed by a monolithic optical element, the folded confocal cavity having three reflection surfaces, wherein a first reflection surface is a plane and at the same time serves as an input/output coupling surface, a second reflection surface is a plane, and a third surface is a spherical surface, curvature radius of which is equal to half of a round trip geometric length of light in the folded confocal cavity. The invention further discloses a laser based on the F-P cavity. The solution of the disclosure solves the problems in existing folded F-P cavity, such as unsatisfactory stability, sensitive to outside inferences, bulky and complicated construction. |
| US08284812B2 |
Resonantly pumped Tm doped cyrstalline lasers
A resonantly pumped, trivalent thulium ion (Tm3+) doped, crystal laser with improved efficiency is disclosed. Embodiments are pumped from the 3H6 ground state manifold to the 1st excited 3F4 state manifold by photons with wavelengths between 1.4 and 2.2 microns and laser wavelengths ranging from 1.5 to 2.4 microns arising from 3F4 to 3H6 transitions ensue, with output wavelengths dependant upon the choice of pump wavelength, crystalline host, and resonator optics. |
| US08284806B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing light source
Because a reflector that reflects a fundamental wave generated from a solid-state laser element and forms an optical resonator is disposed on an exit surface of a wavelength conversion element, the fundamental wave cannot be resonated and amplified in a stage before the wavelength conversion element is joined to the solid-state laser element. As a result, a problem is created in that the solid-state laser element emits low level light output, so that a relative position of the semiconductor laser and the solid-state laser element cannot properly be adjusted. In order to overcome the above problem, even in the stage before joining the wavelength conversion element to the solid-state laser element, the invention enables the semiconductor laser and the solid-state laser element to be joined by properly adjusting the relative position of the laser and the laser element. A second reflector is provided that is located opposite a first reflector of the solid-state laser element and that partially transmits through the fundamental wave emitted from the solid-state laser element and reflects the rest of the wave. The semiconductor laser and the solid-state laser element are joined together at a relative position such that the output of light having passed through the second reflector reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US08284803B2 |
Cross-scope synchronization of data item knowledge and corresponding metadata
The subject disclosure relates to cross scope synchronization among different sets of nodes that synchronize the same data item(s) according to different synchronization scopes. In one aspect, create and update versions are defined for a scope in which a data item was created and updated, respectively, and create and update versions are defined for a local node shared for different groups of nodes synchronizing according to the different synchronization scopes (e.g., a server node). |
| US08284802B2 |
High performance memory based communications interface
Embodiments of the present invention include enhanced functionalities and components within a Communication Endpoint Processor (CEP) that act as an interface between computational and communications domains. The embodiments disclosed herein deliver a complete memory mapped high performance interface that has the ability to support the simultaneous transmission of multiple frames of multiple sizes, and that has the ability to interrupt the transmission of lower priority frames in order to send higher priority frames. |
| US08284799B2 |
Method and system for supporting a variable and energy efficient data rate using a duty cycling technique and multiple power states on an Ethernet link
Aspects of a method and system for supporting a variable and energy efficient data rate using a duty cycling technique and multiple power states on an Ethernet link are provided. In this regard, a data rate on a network link may be duty cycled based on characteristics of data communicated over it. The network link may operate at a first data rate for a first portion of the time interval and may operate at a second data rate for a second portion of the time interval. The duration of each portion of the time interval and/or the data rate during each portion of the time interval may be adjusted to control the duty cycling. Power consumed in a device connected to the network link may be controlled based on the duty cycling of the link. |
| US08284794B2 |
Ethernet system and related clock synchronization method
A master device for an Ethernet system is disclosed. The master device includes a receiver, a buffer, a phase lock loop unit, and a transmitter. The receiver is used for generating phase adjustment data according to transmission data sent by a slave device when the master device operates during a switch mode. The buffer is coupled to the receiver for accumulating the phase adjustment data and outputting a phase adjustment value. The phase lock loop unit is coupled to the buffer for adjusting the phase of an output clock according to the phase adjustment value to maintain a fixed phase difference between the recovery clock and the output clock. The transmitter is used for transmitting initialization data to the slave device according to the output clock. |
| US08284793B2 |
Backoff control for access probe transmission in communication systems
A random backoff time can be determined and the transmission of an initial access probe can be delayed for the random backoff time. A backoff interval can be determined based on channel load, wherein the backoff interval defines a range from which the random backoff time is selected. |
| US08284792B2 |
Buffer minimization in interface controller
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises serializer/deserializer (SERDES) circuits. Each SERDES circuit is configured to transmit data on a respective lane to which the SERDES circuit is are coupled during use. The apparatus further comprises a transmit pipe coupled to the SERDES circuits. The transmit pipe comprises stages, and each stage is configured to process a maximum bandwidth unit (a maximum width of a port that is configurable on the lanes and smaller than a largest packet transmitted on the ports). In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transmit command queue; a transmit scheduler coupled to the transmit command queue; and a storage device coupled to the transmit scheduler that stores a scheduling calendar. The transmit scheduler is configured to schedule maximum bandwidth units for transmission on ports configured over the lanes on which packets are transmitted. The maximum bandwidth unit is smaller than a packet and is a maximum width of a port that is configurable on the lanes. The transmit scheduler is configured to schedule the maximum bandwidth units according to the scheduling calendar. |
| US08284785B2 |
System and method for direct communications between FCoE devices
Disclosed is an improved mechanism for direct communications and frame routing between FCoE devices within an Ethernet network supporting FCoE protocols. In particular, the methods and systems disclosed herein enable direct communications from one FCoE device to another without going through any intermediary such as an FCF (FCoE Forwarder) that is designed to route traffic between FCoE devices according to the current FCoE standards. This is accomplished by registering the Ethernet MAC address of an FCoE device in a name server via certain objects presently used in an FIP fabric login request, e.g., Port_Name or Node_Name, and other standard-specified objects and functionalities without requiring any changes to the existing FCoE and FC standards. |
| US08284776B2 |
Recursive packet header processing
According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include an ingress port, a header cache, and a plurality of ingress recursion engines. In some embodiments, the ingress port may be configured to receive a packet that comprises a data portion and a header portion, wherein the header portion comprises at least one header. In various embodiments, the header cache may be configured to store at least a part of the header portion of the packet. In one embodiment, the plurality of ingress recursion engines may be configured to recursively process the header portion, from outer-most header to inner-most header, until an adjacency value for the packet is determined. In some embodiments, each ingress recursion engine may be configured to process a header from the header portion. |
| US08284775B2 |
Six-address scheme for multiple hop forwarding in wireless mesh networks
A six field address scheme identifies both the originating point and the endpoint of a data frame enabling multiple hop forwarding through a plurality of intermediate mesh points in a wireless mesh network. Data frames originating or ending at a point outside of the wireless mesh network access the wireless network at a mesh access point using a legacy address scheme. The legacy address schemes are converted to a six address scheme using a proxy address table at the access point. Each mesh access point includes not only a routing table but a proxy address table as well as enabling the mesh access point, and/or mesh portal points, to convert address schemes having less than six address fields to the six field format. Subsequent to the conversion, mesh points within the wireless mesh network need only the routing table to facilitate the forwarding of the data frame. |
| US08284770B1 |
Physical layer switching and network packet switching integrated into a hybrid switching module
A hybrid switch module configured on a common support structure providing networks the ability to automatically reconfigure point-to-point links, per software controls, to optimize network topology by combining a network switching device with a physical layer switch using switching logic. The hybrid switch module is an integrated unit that can operate at a physical layer, routing signals between dedicated ports, and operate as a packet switch for non-dedicated ports. |
| US08284768B2 |
Dynamic bus-based virtual channel multiplexing device driver architecture
Dynamic bus-based virtual channel multiplexing may be accomplished by establishing one or more virtual channels with a multiplexing device function driver and a multifunction device coupled to a bus, determining one or more functions to be activated on the device, and for each activated function, launching a second-tier function driver to handle operation of the activated function. The second-tier function driver has a function driver type. Establishment of the one or more virtual channels is accomplished using a multiplexing protocol and multiplexing device function driver with the multifunction device via a bus driver coupled to the bus. |
| US08284760B2 |
Method and apparatus for event notification
A method (300) and apparatus are disclosed for event notification. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presence services system (PSS) (102) can have a controller (104) that manages operations of a communications interface (110). The controller can be programmed to monitor (302) presence information of a plurality of communication devices of an end user operating in a communications system, and receive (316) a request from a calendar reminder system (CRS) for access to the presence information. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08284759B2 |
System and method for compressing voice over IP headers
There is provided a system and method for compressing voice-over-IP headers. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising receiving a voice-over-IP packet including at least one packet header that contains a set of one or more packet header field values, selecting a content identifier that corresponds to the one or more packet header field values of the received packet, replacing at least one of the packet-header field values in the received packet with the selected content identifier, thereby to create a compressed voice-over-IP packet, and transmitting the compressed voice-over-IP packet across a network connection. |
| US08284756B2 |
DMR private network communication terminal, communication system, and implementation method thereof
The present invention relates to private network communication techniques, and provides a DMR private network communication terminal, communication system, and an implementation method thereof. The DMR private network communication terminal includes: a communication module, adapted to receive/transmit DMR private network communication; a synchronization module, adapted to listen to a DMR synchronization pattern and establish synchronization with the DMR synchronization pattern, determine the time slot occupied by the DMR synchronization pattern, and thereby lock the pre-assigned communication time slot, and controls the communication module to receive/transmit DMR private network communication in the pre-assigned time slot. |
| US08284753B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus including a main queue to store MAC frames, a plurality of subqueues related to the main queue and used to control retransmission of the MAC frame, each of the subqueues having different priority for transmission of the MAC frame, respectively, an extracting device configured to extract the MAC frame from the main queue on the basis of a destination and the priority, and distribute the extracted MAC frame to one of the plurality of subqueues for each priority, and an aggregating device configured to extract MAC frames from the plurality of subqueues to form a MAC super frame. |
| US08284746B2 |
Wireless relay device and wireless communication system
A wireless relay device connecting a wireless terminal to one of a plurality of access networks with different wireless interfaces and performing relay processing between the wireless terminal and one of the plurality of access networks being connected, the wireless relay device including a wireless interface on local side to be connected to the wireless terminal, a plurality of wireless interfaces on network side to be connected to the plurality of respective access networks, and a connection control section which boots the plurality of wireless interfaces on network side when the wireless interface on local side receives a signal from the wireless terminal, connects a wireless interface on network side establishing a fastest connection and the wireless interface on local side, and connects the wireless terminal to an access network corresponding to the wireless interface on network side establishing the fastest connection. |
| US08284734B2 |
Methods for intra base station handover optimizations
The method and apparatus as described are directed toward techniques and mechanisms to improve efficiency in wireless communication networks through optimization of handover scenarios. Determining whether an intra-base station or inter-node-B handover is too performed, and determining the protocol layers to reset during the handover based at least in part on the type of handover to be performed increases the overall efficiency of the wireless network. |
| US08284732B2 |
Method and apparatus for transport block signaling in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for generating a single statically defined downlink reference MCS table consisting of transport block sizes (TBSs) computed for 29 MCSs for each of j PRBs where j=1, . . . , NRBDL. Three entries of the MCS table are reserved for implicit modulation order signaling (e.g. in the downlink) or implicit redundancy version signaling (e.g. in the uplink). Each MCS entry in the table is populated by a TBS and the table entries are accessed based on a 5-bit MCS index and resource allocation information, indicating the number of PRBs is signaled via a scheduling message which may be a grant or assignment message. A grant or assignment message may further include a 5-bit MCS field for each transport block which, along with the resource allocation information, enables the UE to determine the scheduled TBS. |
| US08284726B2 |
Apparatus and method for allocating resource in a wireless communication system using OFDMA
An apparatus for allocating a resource in a wireless communication system using an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) scheme includes an analysis unit to analyze a signal received from a terminal over a channel to determine characteristics of the channel; an allocation unit to allocate a first frequency band to the terminal based on the characteristics of the channel; and a frequency hopping unit to perform frequency hopping from the first frequency band to a second frequency band after a first time period. A method for allocating the resource in an OFDMA wireless communication system includes analyzing a signal received from a terminal over a channel to determine characteristics of the channel, allocating a first frequency band to the terminal based on the characteristics of the channel, and performing frequency hopping from the first frequency band to a second frequency band after the first time period. |
| US08284723B2 |
Method for managing transmission resources in a cellular communications network, corresponding terminal, base station and computer program product
A method and apparatus are provided for managing transmission resources in a cellular communication network having a plurality of cells each associated to a base station. The network includes at least two radio-communication terminals, a list of available transport formats or authorized list being associated with each of the terminals. The method includes optimizing frequency resources used by the terminals present in the network, and includes the following sub-steps: selecting a transport format specific for each terminal from a shortened list of transport formats, and allocating a frequency band to each terminal and having a size based on the selected transport format. |
| US08284718B2 |
Wireless communication system having MIMO communication capability and having multiple receiving antennas to be selected
Before start of streaming, a server apparatus obtains from client apparatuses their respective numbers of antenna combinations, determines a training time t1 according to the maximum of the numbers of antenna combinations, and notifies the client apparatuses of the training time t1. Each client apparatus determines a training time t2 required to estimate transmission path conditions for one antenna combination, based on the training time t1. The server apparatus transmits a training signal during the training time t1. Each client apparatus estimates transmission path conditions using the training signal during the training time t2 for each antenna combination, and selects and sets an antenna combination based on the estimated transmission path conditions. |
| US08284716B2 |
Methods of maintaining connection with, and determining the direction of, a mobile device
A method of determining the direction of a mobile communication device, the method comprising receiving an encoded locator signal from the device over a wireless link; decoding the locator signal to generate a decoded output; and measuring the direction of arrival of the locator signal by analyzing the decoded output.A method of maintaining a connection with a mobile communication device, the method comprising establishing a connection with the device; receiving a request from the device to release the connection; and repeatedly sending a request for information to the device to prevent the device from releasing the connection.A method of maintaining communication with a mobile cellular communication device, the method comprising establishing a connection with the device by broadcasting a first cell configured with a first location code to the device; and re-establishing the connection with the device after the device has released the connection by broadcasting a second cell configured with a second location code to the device. |
| US08284712B2 |
Implementing method and system for UE redirection service of sharing PUI
The present invention discloses a method for implementing a redirection service for UEs sharing a PUI in an IMS, comprising: when a UE in a PN registers at a PNM AS, the PNM AS fetching the UE Identity and establishing a corresponding relationship between the identity and the PUI; when determining to route an initial request message of a terminating call of a UE in the PN routed by an original S-CSCF to a configured UE sharing the PUI, the PNM AS adding the configured UE Identity into a redirected initial request message and sending it to the original S-CSCF which forwards the message to a redirection S-CSCF; and the redirection S-CSCF uniquely locating the configured UE according to the identity or both the identity and the PUI in the message. The present invention can redirect a session initial request to a configured UE sharing a PUI with other UEs. |
| US08284709B2 |
Method of controlling relay communication
A method for reporting a channel status in a mobile communication system including a relay station (RS) is provided. When a mobile terminal in the coverage of a base station (BS) receives a service through an RS, the RS reports a channel status between the RS and the terminal to the BS to allow the BS to decide whether or not to communicate with the terminal through the RS. In the method, a first RS in communication with a BS and at least one terminal measures a channel quality with a first terminal and compares the measured channel quality with a threshold and transmits a report message to the BS according to the comparison. The report message is to request the BS to measure a channel quality of at least one of a second RS and the first terminal in communication with the BS. |
| US08284704B2 |
Method and system for utilizing undersampling for crystal leakage cancellation
Methods and systems for utilizing undersampling for crystal leakage cancellation are disclosed and may include undersampling a composite signal comprising a desired signal and leakage signals due to one or more clock signals. Measured DC signals generated by each of the undersampled signals may be reduced by adjusting the phase and/or amplitude of the clock signals. The undersampling may be performed at one or more of the one or more clock signals, or at integer sub-harmonics of the clock signals. The composite signal may include a signal received by a wireless system or a signal to be transmitted by the wireless system. The undersampled signals may be low-pass filtered. The desired signal may include in-phase and quadrature signals or a polar signal. The undersampling may be performed by one or more sample and hold circuits and the clock signals may be generated utilizing one or more crystal oscillators. |
| US08284703B2 |
Scheduling and transmitting uplink packets within uplink sub-frames of a wireless system
A method and apparatus of scheduling and transmitting uplink packets within uplink sub-frames of a wireless system is disclosed. The method includes determining a size of a standard data unit, and determining if the standard data unit can be transmitted within a single sub-channel of an uplink frame by comparing the size of the standard data unit with a number of bits that can be transmitted within the uplink frame as determined by an uplink quality. If the standard data unit is too large to be transmitted within a single sub-channel of an uplink frame, then the standard data unit is divided into sub-data units. The sub-data units are transmitted over multiple uplink frames. |
| US08284701B2 |
Response to CS paging request
A method and apparatus are provided for handling a paging request for a Circuit Switched session, when the paging request is intended for a terminal attached to a Packet Switched cell in a radio access network and having one or more ongoing Packet Switched sessions. The request is received at a node in the radio access or core network to establish a Circuit Switched session with the terminal while the terminal has one or more ongoing Packet Switched sessions. The importance of the ongoing Packet Switched session is determined at the node, and the paging request is rejected if any of the ongoing Packet Switched sessions is more important than the Circuit Switched session. The node may be a MME, an eNodeB or the terminal itself. |
| US08284700B2 |
System and method for cooperative data transfer
A method for cooperative data transfer includes establishing a primary wireless connection with a primary access station. The primary wireless connection uses a primary synchronization channel that is transmitted during a first frame of a super frame. The super frame comprises a plurality of frames. The method also includes detecting a secondary synchronization channel generated by an alternate access station during a subsequent frame of the super frame. The method further includes determining whether the detected secondary synchronization channel has a signal strength greater than a threshold signal strength. The method additionally includes receiving permission to begin a cooperative data transfer operation with both the primary access station and the alternate access station. |
| US08284699B1 |
Managing network devices
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for configuring network devices. A central management system stores shared configuration objects in a central configuration database. A network device stores shared configuration objects and device-specific configuration objects in a local configuration database. The local configuration database's shared configuration objects correspond to shared configuration objects in the central configuration database. The central management system determines the network device has received a request to update a shared configuration object, where the request did not originate from the central management system, and updates the central configuration database. |
| US08284696B2 |
Tracking customer edge traffic
In one embodiment, data from a first device is received. A second device is identified. A data flow is between the first device and the second device. A third device is identified as a function of at least one label of the data flow. |
| US08284695B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring and managing customer premises equipments
A method and apparatus for configuring and managing customer premises equipments (CPE) are disclosed. The method includes obtaining information of the data model supported by the CPE; extracting the CPE data model and the relationship between the CPE data model and the CPE from the obtained information; finding the data model supported by a specific CPE according to the relationship between the CPE data model and the CPE; and configuring and managing the specific CPE according to the found data model of the CPE. The present invention is able to configure and manage a specific CPE based on CPE data model by associating in advance the CPE data model with the device class information of the CPE and finding the data model of the CPE based on the device class information of the CPE. |
| US08284691B2 |
Estimating data throughput
A method may include transmitting a first data burst and a second data burst to a circuit or network under test, the first data burst having a smaller size than the second data burst. The method may also include determining a first latency associated with the first data burst based on time information associated with the first data burst and determining a second latency associated with the second data burst based on time information associated with the second data burst. The method may further include calculating an estimated throughput of the circuit or network under test based on a difference in the first and second latencies, a difference in size for the first and second data bursts, and a first data rate at which the first and second data bursts were transmitted. |
| US08284690B2 |
Receiver determined probe
According to various embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, nodes on a network are programmed to generate a probe transmission in response to a request from the node that will be receiving the probe. The receiving node may generate a probe request that specifies a plurality of parameters, such as a modulation profile for the probe; the payload content of the probe; the number of times to transmit the probe; a number of symbols for the payload of the probe; a preamble type for the probe; a cyclic-prefix length for the payload of the probe; a transmit power for the probe; and a transmit power scaling factor for the payload of the probe. |
| US08284684B2 |
Communication device, communication system, communication method, and communication circuit
A transmitter (1) which transmits a predetermined amount of transfer data using an infrared ray includes: a controller (13) for transmitting an SNRM command to the other station without transmitting a station-search command (XID) for searching the other station, the SNRM command including parameters such as maximum transferable speed and maximum receivable data length of the transmitter (1); and a transmission section (14). Consequently, it is possible to shorten a time necessary for a connection between the transmitter and the receiver. This allows shortening a time from the start of communication to the end of the communication in transmitting information data. |
| US08284683B2 |
Selecting an operational mode of a codec
The present invention describes a method for selecting a preferable codec mode for a connection between a first communication device (UE1) and a second communication device (UE2), where the devices communicate via a network. An element in the network observes a quality of said connection. The quality is based on a data error level of network resource. Based on the observation the network element judges a preferable operational mode of the codec, from a group of operational modes of the codec. The preferable codec mode is based on the quality level of the connection. In the preferred embodiment, if a Radio Network Controller (RNC) observes congestion by observing Real-Time Protocol (RTP) header information, the RNC judges a lower codec mode for the connection. The lower mode for the connection is judged if there is at least one gap in a sequence of detected packets. |
| US08284673B2 |
Traffic matrix computation for a backbone network supporting virtual private networks
This invention provides a more effective method for capacity planning and traffic engineering of packet networks that connect Virtual Private Network (VPN) sites. A distributed architecture efficiently computes traffic matrixes that show the number of bytes and/or packets exchanged among provider edge (PE) routers and/or service nodes. Each PE router in a service node is exports flow records to a Flow Record Processor (FRP) in the same location. The FRPs use these records in conjunction with configuration data extracted from the PE routers to compute partial traffic matrixes. The partial traffic matrixes are uploaded to a Matrix Generator to create a total traffic matrix. The total traffic matrix is essential input for capacity planning or traffic engineering tools. |
| US08284672B2 |
System and method for path failure recovery in a communications environment
Provided are a system and method for recovering from failure of a path connecting first and second nodes in a communications network. In one example, the method includes identifying that the path has failed. Contexts affected by the path failure are deleted on the first node, and the second node with which the path was shared is notified that the contexts have been deleted. |
| US08284671B2 |
Data transmitting and receiving system, terminal, relay device, and data transmitting method
A terminal includes a transmitting and receiving unit transmitting and receiving an observation packet for observing the transmission quality and data, and a transmission quality managing unit (i) exchanging the observation packet with another terminal via the transmitting and receiving unit, (ii) observing a loss rate of the data between the terminal and the other terminal and writing to the observation packet the degraded state information indicating the loss rate in the case where the terminal receives the data, and (iii) subtracting the congested state information from the degraded state information included in the observation packet collected from the other terminal in order to calculate a transmission error rate of the data in the terminal and the relay device in the case where the terminal transmits the data. An error correction code processing unit determines a forward error correction capability based on the transmission error rate calculated by the transmission quality managing unit and assigns to the data to be transmitted the forward error correction code according to the forward error correction capability. |
| US08284668B2 |
Packet transmission apparatus, line interface unit, and control method for packet transmission apparatus
A packet transmission apparatus includes: a plurality of communication ports; a switch for switching packets; a storage unit which stores a plurality of queues for respectively holding packets to be output from the plurality of communication ports; and a stop signal generating unit. The stop signal generating unit generates a stop signal for stopping packets directed to one of the communication ports from being input into the switch, if the amount of packets held in the queue for the one communication port is equal to or larger than a certain first threshold value, and if the sum of the amounts of packets held in the plurality of queues is equal to or larger than a certain second threshold value. |
| US08284664B1 |
Redirecting data units to service modules based on service tags and a redirection table
A device may receive a data unit and identify a class of the received data unit. The device may further obtain a service tag based on the class of the data unit and send the service tag and the data unit to a service module in the network device. The service module may perform a service for the data unit. |
| US08284661B2 |
Load balancing session initiation protocol (SIP) servers
A device receives Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) requests that include registration information, and load balances a SIP call based on the registration information of the SIP requests. |
| US08284656B2 |
System and method for resilient VPLS over multi-nodal APS protected provider edge nodes
A system and method for multi-nodal APS (MN-APS) protection switching for a virtual private LAN service (VPLS) using a redundant pair of PE (provider edge) nodes is provided. In the event of an APS switchover, the previously active node of the redundant pair sends explicit requests to the other provider edge nodes to flush their MAC address entries that they had previously learned through the previously active node, facilitating quicker re-convergence and reduction of black-holing. |
| US08284655B2 |
Node apparatus, processing unit, and control frame processing method
A method for processing a control frame for controlling path protection switching between redundant paths including a working path and a protection path, which is executed at one of two node apparatuses coupled mutually via the redundant paths, the method comprising: at the time of switching of the redundant paths, stopping monitoring whether the control frame has been received via a previous working path which is the path used as the working path until the switching is completed; determining whether the other of the two node apparatuses has stopped transmitting the control frame via a new working path which is the path used as the working path after the switching is completed; and starting monitoring whether the control frame has been received via the new working path, when it is determined that the second apparatus has stopped transmitting the control frame via the new working path. |
| US08284654B2 |
Bandwidth admission control on link aggregation groups
A device may receive a bandwidth (B) available on each link of a link aggregation group (LAG) that includes a number (N) of links, assign a primary LAG link and a redundant LAG link to a virtual local area network (VLAN), set an available bandwidth for primary link booking to (B−B/N), and set an available bandwidth for redundant link booking to (B/N). |
| US08284648B2 |
Optical disk recording apparatus
An optical disk apparatus is provided that has a signal processing circuit for equalizing a signal so as to achieve predetermined equalization, in which interference between codes is permitted, by means of an adaptive equalization circuit or the like, and for performing binarization by means of a maximum likelihood decoding circuit in which interference is performed as a rule, and thereby achieves stabilized signal reproduction in a narrow-band transmission. When evaluating the quality of the recorded signal through the use of the recording parameter learning and the reproduction system such as recorded signal verification, the optical disk recording apparatus is capable of highly precisely evaluating the quality of the recorded signal by fixing a circuit characteristic after suspending the optimization operation of the adaptive equalization circuit or the like for optimizing the characteristic by the reproduced signal. An optical disk recording method is also provided. |
| US08284646B2 |
Objective lens driving device, control circuit, optical disc device and objective lens driving method
An objective lens driving device includes an objective lens holder that holds an objective lens, plural elastic supporting members through that support the objective lens holder, tracking coils and that drive the objective lens holder in the tracking direction, tilting coils that tilt the objective lens holder with respect to the optical axis passing through the objective lens, a tracking control circuit that drives the tracking coils, and a tilting control circuit that drives the tilting coils. The tilting control circuit drives the tilting coils using a signal yielded by multiplying a tracking driving signal from the tracking control circuit by a specific scaling factor so as to cancel out a tilting force of the objective lens holder generated by the tracking coils. |
| US08284642B2 |
Optical disk apparatus
An optical disk apparatus according to the present invention includes: a controller 111, which receives an instruction that a layer-to-layer jump be performed from a current layer to a target layer; a layer-to-layer jump control section 146, which adjusts a spherical aberration correction value to the target layer and then gets the layer-to-layer jump attempted; a decision section 146 for determining whether the layer-to-layer jump has been carried out successfully; and a layer determining section 146 for determining, if the focus position has been set on a non-target storage layer as a result of the layer-to-layer jump, where the non-target storage layer is located in the optical disk. The layer-to-layer jump control section 146 shifts the focus position of the light beam from that non-target storage layer to the target layer by reference to information indicating which of the multiple storage layers the non-target storage layer is. |
| US08284635B2 |
Head gimbal assembly and information recording apparatus
When a semiconductor laser is arranged outside a slider and a light is to be guided to the slider through a waveguide, the following problems will be solved: the stability of the flying slider is deteriorated due to a stress from the waveguide; and when an actuator is arranged near the flying slider, the motions of the slider are hindered by the waveguide. A waveguide for guiding a light to a light irradiating unit inside a slider, which floats over a medium and has the light irradiating unit for irradiating a light to the medium; and a waveguide for propagating a light from the light source to the waveguide inside the slider, are included. The two waveguides are not in contact with each other, and a relative portion between the two waveguides is movable. |
| US08284625B2 |
Semiconductor device having memory blocks
A semiconductor device capable of stabilizing power supply by suppressing power consumption as much as possible. The semiconductor device of the invention includes a central processing unit having a plurality of units and a control circuit, and an antenna. The control circuit includes a means for outputting, based on a power supply signal including data on power supply from an antenna (through an antenna) or a load signal obtained by an event signal supplied from each of the units, one or more of a first control signal for stopping power supply to one or more of the units, a second control signal for varying a power supply potential supplied to one or more of the units, and a third control signal for stopping supplying a clock signal to one or more of the units. |
| US08284624B2 |
Level detector, internal voltage generator including level detector, and semiconductor memory device including internal voltage generator
A level detector, an internal voltage generator including the level detector, and a semiconductor memory device including the internal voltage generator are provided. The internal voltage generator includes a level detector that compares a threshold voltage that varies with temperature with an internal voltage to output a comparative voltage, and an internal voltage driver that adjusts an external supply voltage in response to the comparative voltage and that outputs an internal voltage. |
| US08284619B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and system
An internal circuit has a plurality of circuit blocks operating by receiving an internal power supply voltage. An internal voltage control circuit generates a plurality of regulator control signals according to a combination of operating circuit blocks. A plurality of regulators operate in response to activation of the regulator control signals respectively to generate the internal power supply voltage by using an external power supply voltage. For example, as the number of the operating circuit blocks increases, the number of the operating regulators increases. By thus generating the regulator control signals according to the actual operation of the internal circuit to control the operations of the regulators, it is possible to reduce variation in the internal power supply voltage to a minimum. As a result, an operating margin of a semiconductor integrated circuit can be improved and a yield of the semiconductor integrated circuit can be improved. |
| US08284617B2 |
Circuits, devices, systems, and methods of operation for capturing data signals
Embodiments of the invention describe driving data onto a bus. The embodiments include a data driver circuit having a data capture circuit coupled to the bus. The data capture circuit receives data relative to a write strobe signal and captures a first digit of the data responsive to a first edge of the write strobe signal and at least a second digit responsive to a second edge of the write strobe signal. The data driver circuit includes a feedback capture circuit that captures each digit in substantially the same manner as the data capture circuit, and generates a latch control signal indicative of when each digit is latched. The latch control signal is provided to a write control circuit that determines which digit was latched first relative to a timing, and generates a select control signal to drive captured digits onto the bus in the order the digits were received. |
| US08284615B2 |
Refresh control circuit and method for semiconductor memory device
A refresh control circuit for a semiconductor memory device includes a refresh controller configured to control the number of times a refresh signal is enabled during one refresh period in response to a refresh mode entering signal which indicates the start of a refresh mode, and a mode determination signal having refresh mode information, a refresh counter configured to output a row address for a refresh operation by counting the refresh signal in response to an active signal enabled in an active mode, and a row address decoder configured to decode the row address to generate a row address selection signal for sequentially accessing word lines within a cell array. |
| US08284611B2 |
Verifying and programming method of nonvolatile memory device
A method of operating a nonvolatile memory device includes precharging bit lines coupled to strings, supplying a first verification voltage to a selected word line and supplying a pass voltage to word lines other than the selected word line, supplying a first sense pulse to switching elements coupled between the bit lines and sense nodes and detecting memory cells, each having a threshold voltage higher than the first verification voltage, supplying a second verification voltage higher than the first verification voltage to the selected word line and supplying the pass voltage to the word lines other than the selected word line, and supplying a second sense pulse to the switching elements and detecting memory cells, each having a threshold voltage higher than the second verification voltage. |
| US08284610B2 |
Data sensing module and sensing circuit for flash memory
A sensing circuit for a flash memory is provided. The sensing circuit includes a first transistor, a detector, and a charge circuit. A drain of the first transistor is coupled to a bias, a gate thereof receives an inverted signal, and a source thereof receives a data. In addition, the drain of the first transistor is further coupled to the detector. Therefore, the detector detects a voltage of the drain of the first transistor. When the voltage of the drain is lower than a threshold voltage, the detector enables a control signal. The charge circuit charges the source of the first transistor when the control signal is enabled, until the voltage of the drain of the first transistor reaches the threshold voltage. |
| US08284604B2 |
NOR flash memory device and related methods of operation
A NOR flash memory device is programmed by selecting one of a plurality of global bit lines and sequentially selecting a plurality of local bit lines commonly connected with the selected global bit line to supply a program voltage to memory cells. |
| US08284603B2 |
Memory devices and operations thereof using program state determination based on data value distribution
In a memory device, a proportion of at least one cell state in a unit of the memory is determined. A program state of the unit of the memory is determined based on the determined proportion of the at least one cell state. Determining a proportion of at least one cell state in a unit of the memory may be preceded by processing data to be stored in the unit of the memory according to a data value distribution function to produce transformed data having data values conforming to a predetermined distribution and storing the transformed data in the unit of the memory. The distribution function may be configured, for example, to provide a uniform distribution of data values in the unit of the memory. |
| US08284602B2 |
Pipe latch circuit of multi-bit prefetch-type semiconductor memory device with improved structure
Provided is a pipe latch circuit of a multi-bit pre-fetch type semiconductor memory device with an advanced structure. The pipe latch circuit of the present invention comprises: a first latch circuit for latching pre-fetched plural bits of input data from global input/output lines; a first multiplexing circuit comprises a first multiplexer for selecting a certain input data from first group of the input data in response to a first selection control signal and a second multiplexer for selecting a certain input data from second group of the input data in response to a second selection control signal; a second multiplexing circuit for setting a sequence of output data from the first multiplexing circuit in response to a third selection control signal; and a second latch circuit comprises a third latch for latching a first output data from the second multiplexing circuit in response to a first output latch control signal and a fourth latch for latching a second output data from the second multiplexing circuit in response to a second output latch control signal. The invention cuts down the overall chip size and current consumption of the pipe latch circuit by reducing the number of multiplexers necessary for arranging the pre-fetched data in a predetermined output order. |
| US08284591B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and test method therefor
Provided is a semiconductor memory device including: first and second SRAM cells; a first bit line pair provided with the first SRAM cell; a second bit line pair provided with the second SRAM cell; a first switch circuit provided between the first bit line pair and the second bit line pair; and a controller that controls the first switch circuit to render the first bit line pair and the second bit line pair conductive, in a case of testing the first SRAM cell. |
| US08284589B2 |
Single device driver circuit to control three-dimensional memory element array
A memory device includes diode plus resistivity switching element memory cells coupled between bit and word lines, single device bit line drivers with gates coupled to a bit line decoder control lead, sources/drains coupled to a bit line driver, and drains/sources coupled to bit lines, single device word line drivers with gates coupled to a word line decoder control lead, sources/drains coupled to a word line driver output, and drains/sources coupled to word lines, a first bleeder diode coupled between a bit line and a first bleeder diode controller, and a second bleeder diode coupled between a word line and a second bleeder diode controller. The first bleeder diode controller connects the first bleeder diode to low voltage in response to a bit line decoder signal. The second bleeder diode controller connects the second bleeder diode to high voltage in response to a word line decoder signal. |
| US08284588B2 |
Non-volatile logic circuit and a method for operating the same
In a non-volatile logic circuit, a first input electrode and a second input electrode are formed on a semiconductor layer and interposed between an electric current source electrode and an output electrode in a plan view. The first input electrode is next to the second input electrode along the a direction orthogonal to the direction between the electric current source electrode and the output electrode. A method of operating the non-volatile logic circuit includes a step of writing one state selected from four states by applying voltages to the first input electrode and the second input electrode, respectively, and a step of measuring current generated by applying the voltage between the electric current power electrode and the output electrode to determine on the basis of the current, which of the high or low resistant state the non-volatile logic circuit has. |
| US08284587B2 |
Quantum dot optical devices with enhanced gain and sensitivity and methods of making same
Various embodiments include apparatuses including optical and optoelectronic devices and methods of making same. One such device includes an image sensor having an integrated circuit with a number of pixel electrodes, a substantially-continuous optically-sensitive layer, and at least one counter-electrode. The substantially continuous optically sensitive layer is in electrical communication with both the number of pixel electrodes and also the counter-electrode. Additional apparatuses and methods are disclosed. |
| US08284586B2 |
Electronic and optoelectronic devices with quantum dot films
Optical and optoelectronic devices and methods of making same. Under one aspect, an optical device includes an integrated circuit an array of conductive regions; and an optically sensitive material over at least a portion of the integrated circuit and in electrical communication with at least one conductive region of the array of conductive regions. Under another aspect, a method of forming a nanocrystalline film includes fabricating a plurality of nanocrystals having a plurality of first ligands attached to their outer surfaces; exchanging the first ligands for second ligands of different chemical composition than the first ligands; forming a film of the ligand-exchanged nanocrystals; removing the second ligands; and fusing the cores of adjacent nanocrystals in the film to form an electrical network of fused nanocrystals. Under another aspect, a film includes a network of fused nanocrystals, the nanocrystals having a core and an outer surface, wherein the core of at least a portion of the fused nanocrystals is in direct physical contact and electrical communication with the core of at least one adjacent fused nanocrystal, and wherein the film has substantially no defect states in the regions where the cores of the nanocrystals are fused. |
| US08284583B2 |
Semiconductor memory with sense amplifier and driver transistor rows
In an exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a semiconductor memory device including sense amplifiers that drive bit lines to which memory cells are connected, and driver transistors that supply a power supply to the sense amplifiers, wherein the sense amplifiers are arranged in rows and constitutes a first sense-amplifier row in which transistors of a first conductive type are arranged and a second sense-amplifier row in which transistors of a second conductive type are arranged, and the driver transistors constitutes at least one transistor row including a first driver transistor of the first conductive type corresponding to the first sense-amplifier row and a second driver transistor of the second conductive type corresponding to the second sense-amplifier row between the first sense-amplifier row and the second sense-amplifier row. |
| US08284580B2 |
Power supply discontinuous input voltage extender
A system and method for converting a relatively high voltage into a relatively low voltage, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a first series of pulses at the relatively high voltage and a first frequency; and converting the first series of pulses into a second series of pulses at a second voltage lower than the relatively high voltage and a second frequency higher than the first frequency. The first series of pulses may be a waveform and the converting step may be triggered by the waveform of the first series of pulses exceeding the relatively low voltage. The first series of pulses may be direct current pulses and the receiving step may comprise receiving an alternating current voltage and rectifying the alternating current voltage into the first series of pulses. The second frequency may be some multiple of the first frequency, such as twice the first frequency. |
| US08284578B2 |
Power supply apparatus
The DC power supply apparatus includes a switching operation control part that is provided between a current detection part to detect a current flowing through a primary coil of a transformer and a control part to control the operation of a switching part and controls the operation of the switching part according to an output voltage so that consumption power in a low-load state can be further reduced. |
| US08284577B2 |
Method for operation of a converter circuit, and apparatus for carrying out the method
An exemplary method is disclosed for operation of a converter circuit having first and second partial converter systems, the partial converter systems being connected in series to one another via two series-connected inductances. A junction point of the two series-connected inductances forms an output connection. Each partial converter system can include at least one two-pole switching cell, each switching cell having two series-connected controllable bidirectional power semiconductor switches. The power semiconductor switches in the switching cells of the first and second partial converter system are controlled by first and second control signals. A capacitive energy store in the converter circuit can be designed independent of desired current at the output connection of the converter circuit. |
| US08284576B2 |
Multi-module bidirectional zero voltage switching DC-DC converter
A multi-module bidirectional power converter may comprise a low side common node, a high side common node and at least first and second bidirectional DC/DC converter modules. The modules may comprise first and second low voltage switches, first and second high voltage switches and a transformer. The transformer may comprise a low side winding having first and second legs and a high side winding having first and second legs. The first leg of the low side winding may be connected with the first and second low voltage switches of the module. The second leg of the low side winding may be connected with the low side common node of the multi-module bidirectional power converter. The first leg of the high side winding may be connected with the first and second high voltage switches of the module. The second leg of the high side winding may be connected to the high side common node of the multi-module bidirectional power converter. Such an arrangement may provide operability of the multi-module bidirectional power converter with any one or more of the modules so that efficiency is maintained when electrical loads are high and so that Zero Voltage Switching is maintained when electrical loads are low. |
| US08284575B2 |
Drive system for power switching elements
A drive system has a low voltage system, a high voltage system, and a transformer. The high voltage system has drive units which correspond to power switching elements. A capacitance in the high voltage system serves as a flouting power source which supplies electric power to each of the drive units. An output voltage of a secondary side coil of the transformer is supplied to the capacitance. A comparator compares the output voltage at the secondary side coil of the transformer with a threshold value. A switching speed change part changes the switching speed of each of the power switching element based on the comparison result of the comparator. |
| US08284567B2 |
Mobile terminal including input device having piezoelectric sensor and method of operating the same
A mobile terminal including an input device using a piezoelectric sensor and a method of operating the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal includes: a body; and a piezoelectric sensor unit including a first piezoelectric sensor positioned at a first side surface of the body and to which at least one function key for performing a first specific function corresponding to a user function of the mobile terminal is set and a second piezoelectric sensor positioned at a second side surface of the body and to which at least one function key for performing a second specific function different to the first specific function is set. |
| US08284566B2 |
Electronic substrate
The electronic substrate includes: a substrate having a first face on which an active element is formed, and a second face on an opposite side to the first face and on which a passive element is formed; and an insulating layer including insulating resin and provided on the substrate, wherein the passive element is formed on the insulating layer, and further comprising: an interconnection pattern arranged on or above the second face of the substrate, wherein the passive element is configured from one part of the interconnection pattern, and a resin layer provided on the second face of the substrate, wherein at least one part of the passive element is formed on the resin layer. |
| US08284560B2 |
Eddy current sensor with enhanced edge resolution
An apparatus for monitoring the thickness of a conductive layer on a substrate includes a support to hold a substrate having a conductive layer, an eddy current monitoring system including a first plurality of core portions, and a motor to cause relative motion between the support and the eddy current monitoring system such that the substrate moves across the first plurality of core portions in a direction that defines a first axis. At least one core portion is positioned further from a second axis than at least two other core portions. The second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. |
| US08284557B2 |
Circuit board, mounting structure, and method for manufacturing circuit board
Provided are a circuit board which meets requirement of suppressing peeling of a through hole conductor, a mounting structure and a method for manufacturing the circuit board. A circuit board (2) is provided with a base (5) and a through hole conductor (11). The base is provided with a fiber layer (9) and a through hole (S). The fiber layer has a single fiber (8) arranged along one direction and a resin for covering the single fiber (8). The through hole (S) penetrates the fiber layer (9), and the through hole conductor is formed in the through hole. The single fiber (8) partially protrudes to the side of the through hole conductor (11) from an inner wall surface of the through hole (S), and the protruded part is covered with the through hole conductor (11). |
| US08284553B2 |
Power supply device having heat-dissipating function
A power supply device includes a transformer and a heat-dissipating mechanism. The heat-dissipating mechanism includes a heat-dissipating fan unit and an activating unit. The heat-dissipating fan unit is connected pivotally to the transformer, and is pivotable relative to the transformer to lie on a top surface of the transformer. An inclination angle of the heat-dissipating fan unit relative to the top surface of the transformer is adjustable. The activating unit includes a control switch for controlling activation of the heat-dissipating fan unit. |
| US08284549B2 |
Inverted U frame with pivotal micro-projector and camera for releasably securing to laptop or keyboard
An inverted U-shaped frame includes a coupling at either end of the inverted U-shaped frame for pivotably securing to front corners of an electronic device (e.g., laptop or computer keyboard); a micro-projector pivotably mounted on a transverse part of the inverted U-shaped frame; and a camera pivotably mounted on the transverse part of the inverted U-shaped frame besides the micro-projector. |
| US08284542B2 |
Circuit breaker with improved tie-down accessory
Electrical circuit breakers in an electrical panelboard are equipped with tie-down devices to secure the circuit breakers to the panelboard. Each circuit breaker includes a standard housing or case having a raised portion that forms a pair of end walls and a slot at the base of each of the end walls. The panelboard includes mounts for attaching the tie-down devices to the panelboard. Each tie-down device includes (1) a breaker-attachment portion adapted to be mounted on the circuit breaker housing around the raised portion and having a pair of mounting hooks adapted to fit into the slots for attaching the tie-down device to the circuit breaker housing, and (2) a panelboard attachment portion extending beyond the circuit breaker housing for attachment to the panelboard mount. |
| US08284540B2 |
Process of producing activated carbon for electric double layer capacitor electrode
The present invention provides a process of producing an activated carbon for an electric double layer capacitor, which can produce easily and inexpensively an activated carbon free from fusing of carbon particles during activation and having a small diameter, a uniform particle diameter, and a relatively large specific surface area on a commercial scale. The process comprises the steps of calcining an easily graphitizable carbon material so that the reduction rates of the hydrogen/carbon atomic ratio (H/C) and the volatile components in the carbon material are 4 percent or more and 5 percent or more, respectively after calcination and activating the carbon material thereby producing an activated carbon for an electric double layer capacitor, having an average particle diameter of 0.5 to 7 μm and a BET specific surface area of 1500 to 3000 m2/g. |
| US08284537B2 |
Battery cell and electronic apparatus with electrostatic discharge protection
An electronic apparatus with electrostatic discharge protection includes: a conducting casing and a circuit board. The circuit board has a power ground node and a conditional conducting path, and is set inside the conducting casing. The conditional conducting path further includes: a conducting element and an electrostatic discharging component. One end of the conducting element is electrically connected to the conducting casing, and the electrostatic discharging component is electrically connected between another end of the conducting element and the power ground node. When the voltage variation between the two ends of the electrostatic discharging element reaches a preset condition, the electrostatic discharging component functions as a short circuit; otherwise, the electrostatic discharging element is equivalent to a high impedance element. The power ground node electrically connects to an electrode of a battery for using it as a vessel of receiving electrostatic charges. |
| US08284535B2 |
Backup tripping function for a circuit breaker with microcontroller-based fault detection
A circuit breaker capable of microcontroller-based fault detection having a backup circuit for causing the circuit to trip in response to a microcontroller fault or a failure of a regulated power supply powering the microcontroller. The circuit breaker includes an RC circuit connected to an SCR. The resistor of the RC circuit is connected between the anode and gate of the SCR, and the capacitor is connected between the gate and cathode of the SCR. The microcontroller has a first pin coupled to the RC circuit, which is initially in a high input impedance state. In the event of a microcontroller fault or power supply failure, the capacitor will charge to a voltage sufficient to activate the SCR and trip the breaker. If the microcontroller startup routine is successful, the pin is configured as an output and is pulled low, shorting out the capacitor. |
| US08284534B2 |
Overcurrent protection circuit, integrated circuit, apparatus and computer program product
An over-current protection circuit, including a current input for receiving a input current and a current output electrically connectable to a load, for outputting an output current proportional to the input current. A switch connects the current input to the current output. The switch has at least two switch states including an open state in which a current flow from the current input to the current output is interrupted and a closed state in which the current flow is enabled. The switch includes a switch control input for controlling the switch state. The circuit has a sensor for sensing a load current applied to the load and a controller connected to the sensor for controlling the switch to be in the open state when the sensed load current has exceeded a current threshold during a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time being dependent on an amount with which said sensed load current exceeds the threshold. |
| US08284529B2 |
Reclosing control system and method using superconducting fault current limiter
The present invention relates to a reclosing control system and method using a superconducting fault current limiter. The reclosing control system includes a superconducting fault current limiting device in which two circuits, each having a switch and a superconducting fault current limiter connected in series with each other, are connected in parallel with each other. A recloser is disposed between the superconducting fault current limiting device and a distribution line and is configured to control reclosing. The distribution line is connected to the recloser and is configured to transfer power to a load. |
| US08284527B2 |
Magnetic heads having a graded domain control film and methods of manufacture thereof
A magnetic head, according to one embodiment, includes a sensor film, a sensor cap film provided above the sensor film, a pair of shields including an upper magnetic shield and a lower magnetic shield which serve as electrodes that pass current in a film thickness direction of the sensor film, a track insulating film contacting both sides of the sensor film in the track width direction, a graded domain control film arranged on both sides in the track width direction of the sensor film adjacent the track insulating film, and an element height direction insulating film positioned on an opposite side of the sensor film relative to an air-bearing surface, wherein an edge position of the element height direction insulating film adjacent the sensor film on the air-bearing surface side is substantially the same as an edge position of the sensor cap film in the element height direction. |
| US08284522B2 |
Non-radial bearing preload
A system and method for reducing resonance in a data transfer system are herein disclosed. A data transfer system comprises a bearing and a guide member. The bearing further comprises an outer ring. The guide member is arranged relative to the bearing so as to guide the outer ring for movement relative to the guide member, and to induce an axial preload in the bearing assembly. |
| US08284516B1 |
PMR write head with assisted magnetic layer
A PMR writer is disclosed wherein a magnetic assist layer (MAL) made of an anisotropic (−Ku) or (+Ku) magnetic material is formed along a main pole trailing side to optimize the vertical magnetic field and field gradient at the air bearing surface. A Ru seed layer is formed between the main pole and (−Ku) MAL to induce a hard axis direction toward the main pole. A (−Ku) MAL is preferably comprised of hcp-CoIr while CoPt and FePt are examples of a (+Ku) MAL. The MAL has a down-track thickness from 5 to 20 nm, a width equal to the track width in a cross-track direction, and extends 100 to 500 nm in a direction toward a back end of the main pole. As a result, flux leakage from the main pole to trailing shield is reduced and aerial density is increased. A method for fabricating the PMR writer is provided. |
| US08284515B2 |
Fluid dynamic pressure bearing device, spindle motor and disk drive apparatus
A fluid dynamic bearing mechanism includes a stationary shaft, a sleeve portion arranged to rotate with respect to the shaft, and a thrust portion including an upper end surface arranged oppose to a lower end surface of the sleeve portion. An inside surface of the thrust portion includes an inside surface contact portion arranged in contact with an outside surface of the shaft, and an inside surface lower non-contact portion spaced away from the outside surface of the shaft, and arranged to extend downward from a lower end of the inside surface contact portion. An outside surface of the thrust portion includes an outside surface inclined portion arranged in contact with an interface of a lubricating oil. The lower end of the inside surface contact portion is arranged at a level axially higher than that of a lower end of the outside surface inclined portion. |
| US08284514B1 |
Disk drive having a clamp fastener with a convex head
Disclosed is a clamp fastener that includes a convex head to prevent damage due to contact from a cover of a disk drive. The disk drive comprises a disk, a spindle motor, a disk clamp mounted to a top surface of the disk, and a clamp fastener. The clamp fastener includes a convex head. The clamp fastener is mounted through the disk clamp to connect the disk clamp and the disk to the spindle motor such that the spindle motor spins the disk, wherein the convex head is nearer to the cover than the disk clamp. |
| US08284513B2 |
Fluid dynamic pressure bearing device, spindle motor and disk drive apparatus
A bearing mechanism includes a shaft, a sleeve portion, a thrust portion, and a cover portion. Lubricating oil is arranged in a communicating channel in the sleeve portion, a thrust gap between the sleeve portion and the thrust portion, and a tapered gap between an outside surface of the thrust portion and the cover portion. A lower end opening of the communicating channel is defined in an outer circumferential portion of a lower surface of the sleeve portion radially outward of the thrust gap. A radially outermost portion of the thrust portion is arranged either tangent to a wall surface of the communicating channel or closer to a central axis than the wall surface. The tapered gap is arranged closer to the central axis than a radially outermost point of the wall surface. The outer circumferential portion and the cover portion define a guide gap therebetween. |
| US08284508B2 |
Imaging lens with a lens position adjusting mechanism
An imaging lens for adjusting a position of an adjusting lens to be carried out easily and which has an improved impact resistance. The imaging lens includes a lens frame for supporting a lens serving as an adjusting lens and a support frame for supporting the lens frame. A contact section for support frame adjustment operable to come into contact with the lens frame is arranged in the support frame. A contact section for lens frame adjustment operable to come into contact with the support frame is arranged in the lens frame. The lens frame is configured such that the fastening force generated between the lens frame and the support frame can be applied vertical with respect to the contact section for support frame adjustment in a state of the contact section for lens frame adjustment held in contact with the contact section for support frame adjustment. |
| US08284507B2 |
Lens barrel
A lens barrel includes a lens frame which is movable while supporting a lens; and a restriction portion configured to restrict movement of the lens frame by contacting the lens frame. The lens frame and the restriction portion contact each other at a plurality of points. |
| US08284506B2 |
Apparatus and method for making and assembling a multi-lens optical device
A system for aligning a plurality of high-precision lenses in a lens train. Each of the lenses has at least two alignment tabs disposed around the perimeter of the lens. The lenses are aligned by placing the lenses in a jig having a plurality of high-precision alignment blocks. The lenses are attached to a lower-precision shroud, having slots that receive the alignment tabs. A gap-filling adhesive is used to provide a high-precision fit for the lenses in the shroud. |
| US08284505B2 |
Voice coil motor and camera module using the same
A voice coil motor includes a movable member, a base, and a first elastic member. The movable member comprises a barrel, and a plurality of fixing posts protrudes from the bottom of the barrel. The base defines a through hole, a plurality of recessed portions, and a plurality of concavities. The axis of through hole is coaxial with the barrel. The recessed portions surround the aperture. Each of the recessed portions is arranged between two concavities. The depth of the recessed portion is less than the height of the fixing post, and the depth of the concavity is larger than that of the recessed portion. The elastic member comprises an elastic portion, which defines a first fixing hole. The fixing post extends through the first fixing hole and is received in the recessed portion. |
| US08284504B2 |
Lens fixing device and optical pickup device
A lens fixing device includes a lens holder having a lens (lens area) made of a resin, and a mounting portion. The lens holder has two projections. Each of the two projections is formed with a guide surface and a mounted surface. A line of intersection of an extension of the guide surface of the projections and an extension of the mounted surface of the projections in a plane direction is aligned with an optical axis of the lens area. The lens holder is positioned with respect to a plane direction orthogonal to the optical axis by contact of the guide surfaces with receiving surfaces of the mounting portion. The lens holder is fixedly attached by an adhesive. |
| US08284501B2 |
Optical imaging system, camera device, and hand-held data terminal device
An optical imaging system includes a first lens group having a positive or negative optical power, an aperture diaphragm, and a second lens group having a positive optical power arranged in order from an object side. The first lens group includes a first front lens group having at least two negative lenses and a first rear lens group having at least one positive lens with an airspace in-between the first front and rear lens groups. The second lens group includes a second front lens group having first positive and negative lenses, second negative and positive lenses arranged in order from the object side, and a second rear lens group including at least one aspherical lens. When focusing on an object in a close range from infinity, the second lens group moves to the object side while an interval between the second front and rear lens groups are shortened. |
| US08284500B2 |
Laser line-generator and laser line-generator module
An object of the invention is to provide a laser line-generator that generates a straight line with the both end portions as bright as the central portion, and a laser line-generator module that integrates the laser line-generator with a laser light source. A columnar transparent medium has an entrance boundary surface 10 for taking in laser light and an exit surface 20 for emitting the taken laser light linearly. At least one of the entrance boundary surface 10 and the exit surface 20 is composed of a curved surface, and a curve forming the curved surface includes two or more inflection points F. |
| US08284499B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side: first, second and third lens groups having a negative refractive power, a positive refractive power and a positive refractive power, respectively. The first lens group includes a single compound aspheric lens formed of a spherical glass lens having a negative refractive power and a resin lens having a positive refractive power and an image side surface thereof is aspheric, and the conditional expressions (1) to (4) are satisfied f11/fw<−1.8, (1) 1.55 |
| US08284496B2 |
Zoom optical system and electronic pickup apparatus using the same
A zoom optical system in which: a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group are arranged in that order from the object side and magnification is changed by properly changing distances between these lens groups; the first lens group consists of only one lens element and the most object-side surface of the first lens group has a convex shape which faces toward the object side; the second lens group includes, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens; and the following condition (1) or (2) is satisfied: 0.2≦ΔDw-w10/Lt≦0.35 (1) SFG4=(rG4o+rG4i)/(rG4o−rG4i)>0 (2) where ΔDw-w10 denotes the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups in changing from the wide angle end position to the position in which the focal length is ten times or more as large as that in the wide angle end position, Lt denotes the total length of the optical system in the telephoto end position, SFG4 denotes the shape factor of the fourth lens group, rG40 denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the fourth lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group. |
| US08284493B2 |
Projection lens unit for pico-projector
There is provided a projection lens unit for a pico-projector which comprises a lens array, a color composition prism, a cover glass and an image panel, the projection lens unit characterized in that: the lens array includes 1st to 6th lenses sequentially arrayed from a screen on which an image is projected, the 1st lens includes a stop side formed on a 1st side of the 1st lens, the stop side stops the passage of light, to perform the function of a diaphragm aperture, light passing from the 1st lens to the 6th lens travels in only one direction of the lens sides based on the diaphragm aperture, and parts of the lens sides through which the light does not pass are cut so that the whole height of the lens array is reduced. |
| US08284490B2 |
Low-aberration optical window
An optical window may be configured to minimize optical aberrations. The optical window may include a laminous optical window assembly. The laminous optical window assembly may have four or more alternating layers of positive refraction material layers and negative refraction material layers. The four or more alternating layers may be configured to minimize refraction of electromagnetic rays propagating therethrough such that a given incident electromagnetic ray is substantially collinear with a corresponding transmitted electromagnetic ray. |
| US08284481B2 |
Objective lens, nosepiece and inverted microscope equipped therewith
An objective lens to be fitted into a fitting hole of a nosepiece of a microscope includes an imaging lens that is composed of a plurality of lens groups, and a lens barrel that holds the imaging lens. The lens barrel is formed with a fitting portion that is fitted to the fitting hole of the nosepiece and provided at an outer circumference of a tip portion side away by a given distance from the tip portion where a first lens group in the imaging lens is held, and a mount surface that comes into contact with a contact surface of the fitting hole of the nosepiece upon fitting at the fitting portion. The nosepiece is equipped with the objective lens. The inverted microscope is equipped with the nosepiece fitting the objective lens. |
| US08284478B2 |
Device for increasing the spectral bandwidth of optical pulses as well as an arrangement and a method for reducing the duration of optical pulses with the use of such a device
A device for increasing the spectral bandwidth of optical pulses, comprises a hollow fiber waveguide, optical components for focusing the beam into the hollow fiber waveguide and for re-collimating the beam at the exit of the hollow fiber waveguide, the hollow fiber waveguide being contained in an air-tight chamber filled with a gas at a given pressure; the length of the hollow fiber is such that, for a given input pulse energy and gas pressure, the energy contained in a fundamental propagation mode of the optical pulses that has minimum propagation losses exhibits substantially periodic oscillations over the full length of the hollow fiber waveguide and reaches a local maximum at the output end of the said hollow fiber waveguide. |
| US08284474B2 |
Method and system for interferometric modulation in projection or peripheral devices
An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope. |
| US08284472B2 |
All-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic device having buffer layer and dimmer member using the same
The present invention provides an all-solid-state type reflection light controllable electrochromic device having a buffer layer, and the constitution thereof comprises an all-solid-state reflective dimming electrochromic device in which a transparent conductive film layer, an ion storage layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a buffer layer, catalyst layer, and a reflective light controllable layer of a magnesium alloy thin film, in particular a multilayer thin film that uses a magnesium-nickel alloy, magnesium-titanium alloy or magnesium-niobium alloy, are formed on a transparent base that uses a glass or resin sheet, and a method for manufacturing the device, and an optical switchable component that incorporates the reflective light controllable electrochromic device, and according to the present invention, a reflective light controllable electrochromic device having a novel multilayer structure can be provided that enables high transmittance when it is transparent and enables switching in a short time over a wide area. |
| US08284463B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a document table that is transparent, a read unit that reads a document placed on the document table through the document table so as to generate image data representing a read image of the document, an extraction unit that converts the image data of the read result of the read unit into edge image data representing an edge image and extracts edge points satisfying a predetermined condition as edge points corresponding to a side of the document placed on the document table from the edge image data, an outer margin recognition unit that approximates the edge points corresponding to each side of the document extracted by the extraction unit to a line so as to recognize an outer margin of the document, and a likelihood evaluation unit that evaluates the likelihood of the outer margin recognized by the outer margin recognition unit. |
| US08284462B2 |
Image reading device and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is an image reading device configured to read information of an object, including an imaging optical system configured to image an image of an object and an image-capturing device configured to image-capture at least a portion of the image imaged by the imaging optical system, wherein the imaging optical system includes a first optical system configured to image an intermediate image of the object and a second optical system configured to image the imaged image of the intermediate image. |
| US08284454B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same
An image forming apparatus includes a hyper print video controller (HPVC) to generate video data from input data, an engine controller to compensate for a dot offset of the video data and to output the dot offset-compensated video data, and a laser scanning unit to perform a print operation according to the dot offset compensated video data. Therefore, HPVC size is reduced so that chip size can be reduced. This reduction in size accordingly reduces power consumption, and enhances chip efficiency. |
| US08284445B2 |
Image forming apparatus for forming images from objects
According to the claimed invention, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming unit which forms an image represented by data of a specific format; a reception unit which receives print data of each page containing object data representing each of a plurality of types of objects; a data rasterization unit which has object conversion units which convert the object data into data of the specific format; a composition unit which composites data of the specific format corresponding to the object data converted to page data of the specific format containing the object data; and a control unit which inputs the page data to a subsequent processing unit for each page to use the page data for image formation by the image forming unit, wherein the data rasterization unit converts object data into data of the specific format regardless of a break of each page containing the object data. |
| US08284439B2 |
Image forming method, image forming program, and image forming apparatus
An image forming method for printing on tab paper with a main body for a text and an tab for an index, comprising the steps of: 1) acquiring index information on the index to be printed on the tab, and 2) printing the index information acquired in the step 1) on the tab paper, wherein first index information composed of the initial part of the index information that can fit into the tab, is printed on the tab, and second index information containing at least the remaining part of the index information after depriving it of the first index information, is printed on the main body. |
| US08284432B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium for combining a plurality of images
An image processing apparatus for combining a plurality of images includes a first storage control unit configured to cause a memory to store an image obtained by reading a document by a reading apparatus and having a first resolution, a second storage control unit configured to cause the memory to store an image obtained by reading a vicinity of a region to be combined in the document by the reading apparatus and having a second resolution, which is higher than the first resolution, and a determination unit configured to determine relative positions of a plurality of images stored in the memory by the first storage control unit based on the image stored in the memory by the second storage control unit. |
| US08284426B2 |
Method for generating print jobs in a printing system, computer program product and printing system for carrying out said methods
In a method or printing system for generation of document processing jobs, control parameters for the document processing jobs are read from different sources and stored in a control file. Priorities are associated with the sources. In the event specific control parameters are present in a plurality of the sources, control parameters from the sources that have a highest priority are stored in the control file. |
| US08284422B2 |
Facsimile apparatus, and received-data processing method for use in said facsimile apparatus
A facsimile apparatus includes one or a plurality of connecting portions configured to connect an external storage, a communication portion having a plurality of different facsimile lines, a line specifying portion configured to specify a facsimile line which received data, a detecting portion configured to detect that an external storage is connected to the connecting portion, and a control portion configured to store the data received by a predetermined facsimile line in an external storage connected to the connecting portion in cases where a facsimile line specified by the line specifying portion is a predetermined line and a connection of the external storage is detected by the detecting portion. |
| US08284420B2 |
Heating device for supplying power to plural heat sources, heating method and image forming apparatus using the heating device
The heating device includes plural heaters to heat fixing members; a power supplying device to supply power to the plural heaters; and a controller. The controller determines heater activation priority order for the heaters every control cycle, and allows the power supplying device to supply power to one of the heaters according to the heater activation priority order. When the controller judges that it is necessary to activate two or more of the heaters in a control cycle, the controller allows the power supplying device to supply power to one of the heaters having the highest rank in the heater activation priority order among the two or more of the heaters. The controller changes the heater activation priority order by according the lowest rank to the heater activated in the last control cycle while maintaining the rank relationship among the others of the heaters. |
| US08284417B2 |
Image processing device capable of preventing needless printing
An image processing device includes a first image inputting unit, a second image inputting unit, an image processing unit, and a restriction control unit. The first image inputting that inputs a first image. The second image inputting unit inputs a second image. The image processing unit performs a prescribed process on the second image based on the first image. The restriction control unit is configured to restrict the prescribed process based on information of the first image. |
| US08284415B2 |
Image forming apparatus, hardware self-diagnosing method, and hardware self-diagnosing program
A hardware self-diagnosing method for performing a hardware self-diagnosis of an image forming apparatus includes reading a set value stored in a memory unit of the image forming apparatus; performing the hardware self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus in a detailed diagnosis mode at intervals determined by the set value stored in the memory unit; and performing the hardware self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus in a simplified diagnosis mode in between the intervals at which the hardware self-diagnosis is performed in the detailed diagnosis mode. The set value may be a period of time or a number of recording media outputted by the image forming apparatus. |
| US08284413B2 |
Information processing apparatus and program
An information processing apparatus, comprising: an output unit for outputting output information to a user; a receiving unit for receiving function-restricting information showing whether a printer is in a function-restricted status, from the printer in which utilization of a predetermined function is restricted where it is set that utilization of the predetermined function is restricted in the second print setting existing in the printer side even where it is set that the predetermined function equipped by the printer is utilized in the first print setting existing in the information processing apparatus side; and a controller for controlling so as to always output via the output unit the output information showing whether the printer is in the function-restricted status, based on the function restricting information received by the receiving unit. |
| US08284412B2 |
Image forming apparatus to selectively perform auto color registration and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus to selectively perform an auto color registration operation, the apparatus including: a printing unit, which forms single-color images, based on printing data, and transfers the images to a printing medium to form a printed image; and a controller which prevents the printing unit from performing the auto color registration operation on the printing data, if the printing data relates a monochromatic printing mode. |
| US08284401B2 |
Digital filter spectrum sensor
A spectrum sensing method includes (a) receiving an incident radiation simultaneously through a filter array composed of multiple bandpass filters, (b) digitizing spectral responses of the filter array, and (c) generating an estimate of spectral profile of the incident radiation based on digitized spectral responses of the filter array. |
| US08284400B1 |
Hand-held color measurement device
A hand-held color measurement device is provided that includes a housing with a measurement unit which receives measurement light through a measurement window, converts it into measurement signals, processes the measurement signals to form digital color measurement data, and provides it via a communications interface. A U-shaped bracket is arranged on the housing and includes a middle portion in which a diffuser is integrated. The two side arms of the bracket are rotatably mounted on the housing such that the bracket can be pivoted by 180° from a monitor position to an ambient light position and back to the monitor position, and wherein the diffuser lies in front of the measurement window in the ambient light position and is situated at a rear wall of the housing opposite the front wall in the monitor position. A holding mechanism is provided on the housing and on the two side arms of the bracket which fixes the bracket in its monitor position or ambient light position, respectively. The hand-held color measurement device is simple in design and specially suitable for monitor, projection area and ambient light measurements. |
| US08284398B2 |
Nephelometer with concentration-modulated sample flow
A nephelometer for detecting the concentration of particulates in a sample aerosol is provided with a branched flow path with a sample aerosol input, a clean gas input and an output leading to an optical sensor unit. At least one of the inputs has periodic variable flow so that a concentration-modulated gas stream is supplied to the optical sensor unit. The detector output of the sensor unit is processed in synchrony with the concentration modulation to filter out DC components, such as 1/f noise and parasitic instrument noise. |
| US08284397B2 |
Inclined-slit spectrograph
An inclined-slit spectrograph includes a light source, an inlet slit, a grating and a detector including window through which the light beam diffracted by the grating is transmitted with part of the diffracted light beam generating reflections on the window or between the window and the sensitive surface of the detector. A rectangular inclined inlet slit compensates for spectral resolution losses. |
| US08284396B2 |
System and device for the optical inspection of glass panels
A system for the optical inspection of glass panels (2) is described, with a conveying device (3) for moving a glass panel (2), and with a first inspection module (5, 6, 7), which includes an illumination device and a camera for illuminating and photographing the glass panel (2), and with a first evaluation module (8, 9, 10, 11) for evaluating the photographs of the glass panel (2). In addition, a second inspection module (5, 6, 7) is provided, which includes an illumination device or a camera for illuminating the photograph of the glass panel (2), and it is connected with a second evaluation module (8, 9, 10, 11) for evaluating the photographs taken of the glass panel, the illumination systems and/or the cameras of the first inspection module (5, 6, 7) and the second inspection module (5, 6, 7) having different designs and/or being located in different places relative to the glass panel (2), which is moved past the inspection modules (5, 6, 7) via the conveying device. The present invention also relates to a method carried out using this system (1). |
| US08284392B2 |
Method and apparatus for the three-dimensional measurement of the shape and the local surface normal of preferably specular objects
An apparatus and a method permit the 3D detection of specular objects which are transparent to visible light. The method operates on the basis of the principle of deflectometry with specific improvements. |
| US08284385B2 |
Welding arc apparel with UV activated images
A welding accessory and a system for detecting UV radiation exposure during welding operations are disclosed. The welding accessory may have a surface exposed to UV radiation generated by electric arc welding, a first image visible without exposure to the UV radiation, and a second image formed from UV activated dye that is visible only after exposure to UV radiation generated by the electric welding arc. A system may include a UV exposure indicator with a first state and at least a second state, and include UV activated dye adapted to provide a reversible or persistent visual indication upon exposure to UV radiation. The visual indication may include any combination of symbols, logos, images, text, or other decorative or informational designs as desired. |
| US08284383B2 |
Object recognition apparatus utilizing beam scanning for detecting widths of objects of various sizes and located at various ranges
An object recognition apparatus performs a sweep of a scanned region by transmitting scanning wave beams at respective scan angles and successive timings, derives a received-wave signal strength value and reflection location corresponding to each scan wave beam during the sweep, and assigns a set of mutually adjacent reflection locations as a segment. A corresponding range value of the segment is calculated, expressing an estimated distance of a detected object. A threshold value is derived in accordance with the segment range, a region of the segment in which the signal strength values exceed the threshold value is extracted, and the width of the extracted region is designated as the width of the detected object. |
| US08284379B2 |
Devices and methods for reducing residual reticle chucking forces
Devices and methods are disclosed for holding an object, particularly a planar object. An exemplary device has a chuck and pressure-changing device. The chuck has an object-mounting surface and a deformable membrane coupled to the object-mounting surface such that conformational changes in the membrane produce corresponding changes in the object-mounting surface. The chuck has a first cavity separated by the membrane from the chuck cavity. The pressure-changing device is coupled to the first cavity to change pressure in the first cavity, relative to outside it, sufficiently to produce a conformational change of the membrane and a corresponding change in the object-mounting surface sufficient to reduce the force with which the object is being held to the object-mounting surface. The pressure change can be a pressure increase or decrease. The change in the object-mounting surface can be, for example, a reduction in area of contact of the object-mounting surface with the object, thereby reducing the holding force. |
| US08284372B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and method for manufacturing same, and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display panel includes: a pair of substrates; a cylindrical spacer configured to hold a gap between the pair of substrates, and a liquid crystal which fills the gap. The cylindrical spacer includes a first support portion having a first support surface and a second support portion having a second support surface. The first support portion is provided inside the second support surface so that the first support surface is projected from the second support surface. The second support portion is provided on a major surface of one of the substrates the second support surface from the major surface. |
| US08284371B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and fabricating method with spacer restricted to a central hole among two or more holes
This invention relates to a liquid crystal display panel adapted to minimize movement of a spacer, and a fabricating method thereof. A liquid crystal display panel according to an embodiment of the invention includes a black matrix formed on a first substrate and formed in a boundary between pixel areas for dividing the pixel areas; red, green, and blue color filters formed at the divided pixel areas; at least two holes adjacent to each other on the black matrix; at least one dam dividing the adjacent holes; and a spacer restricted within at least one of the at least two holes. |
| US08284365B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates facing and spaced apart from each other, each of the first and second substrates having a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, a third sub-pixel region, a fourth sub-pixel region and a fifth sub-pixel region for adjusting a viewing angle, the first, second, third and fourth sub-pixel regions surrounding the fifth sub-pixel region; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; a plurality of first pixel electrodes in each of the first, second, third and fourth sub-pixel regions on the first substrate; a plurality of first common electrodes in each of the first, second, third and fourth sub-pixel regions on the first substrate, the plurality of first common electrodes alternating with the plurality of first pixel electrodes; a second pixel electrode in the fifth sub-pixel region on the first substrate; and a second common electrode in the fifth sub-pixel region on the second substrate, the second common electrode facing the second pixel electrode. |
| US08284364B2 |
Active matrix display device
Provided is a technology for preventing current leak of a charge holding capacitor which constitutes a pixel of a display device so as to prevent deterioration of display image quality of the display device. The display device includes a first contact hole connecting a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer which is formed over the first wiring layer, a second contact hole connecting the second wiring layer and a third wiring layer which is formed over the second wiring layer, and an electrode layer formed between the plurality of insulating films disposed between the second wiring layer and the third wiring layer, wherein at a position in a substrate surface direction, a distance between a electrode layer and the second contact hole is larger than a distance between the electrode layer and the first contact hole. |
| US08284363B2 |
OCB mode liquid crystal display with transition nucleus forming section
A device includes a substrate including a first insulating substrate, a first electrode located on the first insulating substrate, and a second electrode located between the first insulating substrate and the first electrode via an insulating underlayer interposed between the second and the first electrode, a substrate including a second insulating substrate and a third electrode on the second insulating substrate, a liquid crystal layer which is held between the first and the third electrode and which exhibits a transition from a first state to a second state in an initializing process, and a voltage supply unit which supplies, a first voltage to the first and the second electrodes and a second voltage to the third electrode, wherein the first electrode includes a transition nucleus forming section which forms nuclei of the transition in the liquid crystal layer on the basis of the respective voltages supplied to the respective electrodes. |
| US08284355B2 |
Active matrix substrate having spacers, liquid crystal display panel having spacers, liquid crystal display element, liquid crystal display device, and substrate for liquid crystal display panels
The present invention has an object to provide an active matrix substrate, a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal display element, a liquid crystal display device, and a substrate for liquid crystal display panel, each capable of suppressing generation of uneven cell gap without increase in a parasitic capacitance of a wiring. The active matrix substrate of the present invention is an active matrix substrate including a spacer on a substrate, wherein the spacer includes a base layer and a covering layer, the base layer being buried in the covering layer. |
| US08284353B2 |
Display panel with color filter on pixel substrate covering lead lines
A display panel having a display region and a non-display region is provided. The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a display medium between the first substrate and the second substrate. The substrate has a pixel array, a plurality of lead lines, an organic layer and a conductive pattern thereon. The pixel array is disposed within the display region. The lead lines are disposed within the non-display region and electrically connected to the pixel array. The organic layer covers the pixel array and the lead lines. The conductive pattern is disposed on the organic layer in the lead lines. The second substrate has an electrode layer thereon, and the electrode layer is disposed within the display region and the non-display region. In particular, the electrode layer and the conductive pattern are electrically connected to a common voltage. |
| US08284352B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed herein are a liquid crystal display panel and a method for fabricating the same wherein color reproducibility and superior image quality are achieved. The liquid crystal display panel comprises a color filter array substrate including a black matrix and a plurality of color filters arranged on a substrate, wherein each of the color filter includes a first color filter, a second color filter and a third color filter, each of them yielding a different color; and at least one selected from a fourth color filter yielding a mixed color of the first and second color filters, a fifth color filter yielding a mixed color of the second and third color filters, and a sixth color filter yielding a mixed color of the first and third color filters. |
| US08284350B2 |
Lighting system and liquid crystal display using the same
A lighting system has light-emitting diodes as light sources mounted on a circuit board, in which the light-emitting diodes include a red light-emitting diode, blue light-emitting diode and a green light-emitting diode, the light-emitting diodes are constituted of one single unit including one for each of the red, blue and green light-emitting diodes, and the one single unit is repeatedly arranged as plural pieces on the same circuit board, and each of the red, blue and green light-emitting diodes is individually connected electrically to emit a light. |
| US08284343B2 |
Frame structure and display equipped with the same
In a frame structure configured so that front and rear frames 10, 30 are attached to an intermediate frame 20, the strength of each frame 10, 30 can be easily ensured, and the front frame 10 or the rear frame 30 can be prevented from being easily removed from the intermediate frame 20 when subjected to a large impact force.The front and rear frames 10, 30 are provided so that respective side face portions 12, 32 thereof overlap each other, and a plurality of protrusions 21 are provided on a side face of the intermediate frame 20. The frame 10 (30), whose side face portion 12 (32) is positioned on a laterally inner side, is attached to the intermediate frame 20 by latching engaging portions 13 (33), provided in the side face portion 12 (32), by the protrusions 21, respectively. On the other hand, the frame 30 (10), whose side face portion 32 (12) is positioned on a laterally outer side, is attached to the intermediate frame 20 by latching engaging portions 33 (13), provided in the side face portion 32 (12), by the protrusions 21, respectively. |
| US08284341B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: on an insulating substrate, a first conductive layer in which a first signal line and a second signal line adjacent to the first signal line are formed; an insulating layer which is disposed on the first conductive layer; a second conductive layer which is disposed on the insulating layer and in which a ground wire crossing the first signal line and the second signal line in a plan view is formed; and a semiconductor layer which is disposed between the insulating layer and the second conductive layer and in which a first semiconductor film and a second semiconductor film are formed to be separated from each other. The wiring lengths of the first signal line and the second signal line are different by at least 10 times or more. The first semiconductor film overlaps, in a plan view, a region where the first signal line crosses the ground wire. The second semiconductor film overlaps, in a plan view, a region where the second signal line crosses the ground wire. |
| US08284340B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An LCD device preventing a short-circuit of adjacent link lines is disclosed. The LCD device includes a pixel area in which a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines crossing the plurality of gate lines at a right angle are formed, a pad area formed at a side of the pixel area, a gate pad portion and a data pad portion formed in the pad area and respectively connected to the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines, first, second, third, and fourth gate link lines connected to the plurality of gate lines and the gate pad portion and alternately arranged with an insulation layer interposed between the first, second, third, and fourth gate link lines, and first and second auto probe pads electrically connected to the first, second, third, and fourth gate link lines. The first and second gate link lines are connected to the first auto probe pad and the third and fourth gate link lines are connected to the second auto probe pad. |
| US08284336B2 |
Thermally switched optical filter incorporating a guest-host architecture
Thermochromic filters are constructed using absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent dyes, molecules, polymers, particles, rods, or other orientation-dependent colorants that have their orientation, order, or director influenced by carrier materials, which are themselves influenced by temperature. These order-influencing carrier materials include thermotropic liquid crystals, which provide orientation to dyes and polymers in a Guest-Host system in the liquid-crystalline state at lower temperatures, but do not provide such order in the isotropic state at higher temperatures. The varying degree to which the absorptive, reflective, or fluorescent particles interact with light in the two states can be exploited to make many varieties of thermochromic filters. Thermochromic filters can control the flow of light and radiant heat through selective reflection, transmission, absorption, and/or re-emission. The filters have particular application in passive or active light-regulating and temperature-regulating films, materials, and devices, and particularly as construction materials and building and vehicle surfaces. |
| US08284335B2 |
Electronic display device
An electronic display device includes a display unit adapted to display an image, and a barrier unit overlapping the display unit, the barrier unit including a liquid crystal layer between first and second substrates, the first and second substrates facing each other, a common electrode between the liquid crystal layer and the first substrate, a transparent insulation layer between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate, the transparent insulation layer having an inner surface facing the liquid crystal layer and an outer surface facing the second substrate, a plurality of first electrodes along a first direction between the outer surface of the transparent insulation layer and the second substrate, the first electrodes being spaced apart from each other along a second direction, and a plurality of second electrodes along the first direction between the inner surface of the transparent insulation layer and the first substrate. |
| US08284333B2 |
3-D image display system and display equipment and shutter glasses thereof
A 3D image display system includes a display equipment and a shutter glasses. The display equipment includes an LCD module. The LCD module has a linear polarizing unit and is able to generate an image light from the linear polarizing unit. The shutter glasses include two liquid crystal optical units, at least one linear polarizing unit, and at least one polarizing optical element. The linear polarizing unit is disposed between the polarizing optical element and the liquid crystal optical units. The image light passes through the polarizing optical element, the linear polarizing unit, and one of the liquid crystal optical units in sequence. When the image light passes through one of the liquid crystal optical units, the other liquid crystal optical unit blocks the image light. |
| US08284330B2 |
Display apparatus having light-shielding layer and variable light-transmittance pattern
A display apparatus comprising a display module, a front panel provided in front of the display module, a light shielding layer provided over the front panel near a periphery of the front panel, and a reflective layer formed to overlap with the light shielding layer. |
| US08284329B2 |
Electronic device assembly and protective apparatus thereof
An electronic device assembly includes a protective apparatus, a first electronic member, and a pivotal mechanism. The protective apparatus includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The first electronic member is housing in the upper housing. The pivotal mechanism received in the lower housing rotates the upper housing relative to the lower housing. When the upper housing is unlatched by the pivotal mechanism from the lower housing, the first electronic member leaves the protective apparatus, and when the upper housing is driven by the pivotal mechanism to latch to the lower housing, the first electronic member is shielded in the protective apparatus. |
| US08284328B2 |
Display apparatus
A liquid crystal television includes a display module generating heat, a substrate having a mounting surface and being placed at an interval from the display module, a component group mounted on the mounting surface, and a housing storing the display module, the substrate, and the component group. The mounting surface includes a first surface extending opposite to the display module and a second surface placed at a rear side of the first surface. A component in the component group having the greatest height with respect to the mounting surface is mounted on the first surface of the first surface and the second surface. The housing is provided with a first air vent hole positioned below the substrate and a second air vent hole positioned above the substrate. An airflow circulating through the first air vent hole, space between the display module and the first surface, and the second air vent hole is created within the housing. With such structure, a display apparatus reduced in thickness and improved in cooling effect is provided. |
| US08284323B2 |
Video audio processing device and standby and return method thereof
In a video audio processing device, a signal processing block (11, 12) includes an instruction memory (111, 121) and performs signal processing in accordance with a program loaded into the instruction memory. A main storage section (20) has a self-refresh function and is accessible from the signal processing block. An auxiliary storage section (30) stores the program for making the signal processing block perform the signal processing. Upon receipt of a standby instruction, a control section (15) performs control in such a manner as to transfer the program from the auxiliary storage section to the main storage section, and set self-refresh in the main storage section, and upon receipt of a return instruction, performs control in such a manner as to cancel the self-refresh in the main storage section, load the program from the main storage section to the instruction memory in the signal processing block, and activate the signal processing block. |
| US08284321B2 |
Image apparatus and method for receiving video signal in multiple video modes
An image apparatus and a method for receiving a video signal are provided. The image apparatus includes dedicated input terminals for receiving only particular video signals, and a common input terminal for receiving diverse video signals, and determines the format of video signals input through a corresponding input terminal and then displays the determined format on a screen. Accordingly, the number of input terminals can be reduced and the user can identify the format of the video signal input through the common input terminal. |
| US08284310B2 |
Delay matching in audio/video systems
An audio/video system comprises an audio signal processing path having an audio path delay and a video signal processing path having a video path delay. The audio path delay may be different from the video path delay. The audio path delay and/or the video path delay may change, for example because of replacement of a component within the audio signal processing path or the video signal processing path. Delay matching (synchronization) in the audio/video system comprises adjusting the audio path delay to be substantially equal to the video path delay. Matching the audio path delay to the video path delay generally includes adding delay to the signal processing path with the lesser delay. |
| US08284307B1 |
Method for processing digital video fields
A system or a method that produces a similarity (or a differential) value that is used to indicate whether two video fields are either similar or not. The system or method assigns an index value to the current field based on the similarity (or a differential) value. The system or method determines how to process further the current field based on whether the assigned index value comprises an even or an odd number. The system or method processes the current field with the immediately preceding field if the current field's assigned index is an even number, and with the immediately following field if the current field's assigned index is an odd number. The system or method generates at least one output video frame that is at least twice the resolution of the current field being processed. |
| US08284306B2 |
Method and unit to process an image signal involving frame rate conversion to improve image quality
An image signal processing unit includes a frame rate conversion circuit performing double frame rate conversion on an input image signal from a first frame frequency to a second frame frequency. When performing frame rate conversion with the motion correction process, a motion vector is determined between a first frame image and a third frame image, and three interpolation frame images are formed through the motion correction process to the first frame image based on the motion vector, and are inserted between the first and third frame images so as to establish the second frame frequency. When performing frame rate conversion without the motion correction process, an interpolation frame image same as the first frame image is inserted between the first and second frame images, and an interpolation frame image same as the second frame image is inserted between the second and third frame images. |
| US08284299B2 |
Solid state imaging device for correcting level variations in output signals
A solid state imaging device detects the period of energy variation of discharge type illumination, and sets a total exposure time to match the detected period. The total exposure time is divided into alternating valid and invalid exposure times by a division ratio to make the sum of the valid exposure times equal to an actual exposure time corresponding to an actual speed of an electronic shutter. Charges accumulated in a CMOS sensor during the valid exposure times are stored in a floating diffusion, whereas charges accumulated during the invalid exposure times are drained. At the end of the total exposure time, the charges stored during the valid exposure times are converted to an electrical signal which is output to a signal processing circuit. This device can correct variation of output signals which corresponds to the illumination energy variation when the shutter is operated for imaging under high luminance illumination. |
| US08284297B2 |
Camera module with piezoelectric actuator
A camera module includes a positioning plate, a positioning frame, a spring member, a lens holder, and a piezoelectric actuator. The positioning frame is fixed to the positioning plate and defines a positioning through hole. The spring member is disposed on the positioning plate and in a compressed state. The lens holder is received in the positioning through hole and movably engaged with the positioning frame. The piezoelectric actuator is sandwiched between the compressed spring member and the lens holder. The piezoelectric actuator is operable to drive the lens holder to rotate about a central axis of the positioning frame, thereby move along the central axis relative to the positioning frame. |
| US08284295B2 |
Digital camera
A digital camera comprises an imaging/focus detection element, in which focus detection pixel rows are incorporated in a two-dimensional array of a plurality of imaging pixels, that outputs image signals and focus detection signals, a focus detection unit that detects a state of focal adjustment at a photographic optical system based upon the focus detection signal, an image blur detection unit that detects an image blur quantity, a reliability judgment unit that judges, based upon the blur quantity, whether or not the state of focal adjustment detected in correspondence to a focus detection pixel row disposed along a direction different from a rolling shutter scanning direction among the focus detection pixel rows is reliable, and a focal adjustment unit that executes focal adjustment for the photographic optical system based upon the state of focal adjustment judged to be reliable by the reliability judgment unit. |
| US08284286B2 |
Solid state image sensing device having logarithmic signal output when image sensor is saturated
A solid-state image sensing apparatus with a wide dynamic range, and a high performance, and further, a small size, and a low cost and its driving method are provided. A timing generator, before it supplies a reset pulse (134) to a reset gate (128), has a sample hold circuit (2) held an output voltage of a buffer circuit (130). In this reset stage, in case that the amount of incident light to a photo diode (122) is large, electric charges which the photo diode (122) generated overflow from the photo diode (122) and flow into an FD part (123), and further, overflow also in the FD part (124) and flow out to an electric source Vdd. At this time, a voltage of the FD part (124) is determined by a size of a current due to electric charges which flow out to the electric source, but since a current flowing in a channel is small and the reset gate (128) operates in a sub-threshold region, a voltage of the FD part (124) becomes a value which corresponded to logarithm of a current value. Thus, a voltage which the sample hold circuit (2) holds becomes a value which corresponded to logarithm of the amount of light. |
| US08284284B2 |
Solid-state imaging element, method for driving the same, and camera system
Since the great number of elements constituting a unit pixel having an amplification function would hinder reduction of pixel size, unit pixel n,m arranged in a matrix form is comprised of a photodiode, a transfer switch for transferring charges stored in the photodiode, a floating diffusion for storing charges transferred by the transfer switch, a reset switch for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for outputting a signal in accordance with the potential of the floating diffusion to a vertical signal line, and by affording vertical selection pulse φVn to the drain of the reset switch to control a reset potential thereof, pixels are selected in units of rows. |
| US08284282B2 |
Solid state imaging device, driving method of the solid state imaging device, and electronic equipment
A solid state imaging device includes: multiple unit pixels including a photoelectric converter generating electrical charge in accordance with incident light quantity and accumulating the charge, a first transfer gate transferring the accumulated charge, a charge holding region holding the transferred charge, a second transfer gate transferring the held charge, and a floating diffusion region converting the transferred charge into voltage; an intermediate charge transfer unit transferring, to the charge holding region, a charge exceeding a predetermined charge amount as a first signal charge; and a pixel driving unit setting the first transfer gate to a non-conducting state, set the second transfer gate to a conducting state, transfer the first signal charge to the floating diffusion region, set the second transfer gate to a non-conducting state, set the first transfer gate to a conducting state, and transfer the accumulated charge to the charge holding region as a second signal charge. |
| US08284279B2 |
Method of multispectral imaging and an apparatus thereof
A multispectral imaging method and system is provided. A multispectral imaging method of the present invention includes determining an on-off combination of a plurality of light sources illuminating a scene; illuminating the scene with the light sources according to the on-off combination selected on the basis of a first control signal generated by a microcontroller; capturing an image of the scene by operating a camera on the basis of a second control signal synchronized with the first control signal; determining a plurality of spectral basis functions and weights of the spectral basis functions; and acquiring a continuous spectral reflectance by summing values obtained by multiplying the spectral basis functions and respective weights. The multispectral imaging method of the present invention is practical and efficient in that a continuous spectral reflectance image can be acquired with a minimized number of measurements required for obtaining spectral reflectance. Accordingly, the multispectral imaging method of the present invention can be applied to various fields, such as image reproduction and medical imaging, while overcoming performance limits of the conventional RGB imaging techniques. |
| US08284268B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method, information processing apparatus and method, and recording medium storing a program therefor
An imaging apparatus acquires and displays an image of a subject such that a target subject remains displayed on a monitor even after performing an area zoom operation. An imaging unit acquires a subject image at a variable subject acquisition magnification and acquisition angle. A controller conducts an area zoom control such that, when a given area is specified as a sub-area of a predetermined image display region, the acquisition magnification and angle are modified to enlarge the given area. A limiting magnification is also set as the zoom magnification when the ratio of the dimensions of the predetermined display region with respect to the given area exceeds the limiting magnification. When the limiting magnification is not exceeded, the ratio of the dimensions is set as the zoom magnification. |
| US08284262B2 |
Shake correction device, shake correction method, and imaging apparatus
A shake correction device includes a shake detection unit detecting shake so as to generate a shake detection signal, a driving unit displacing a relative positional relationship between a lens unit and an imaging device with respect to an optical axis so as to displace the position on the imaging surface of an optical image formed on an imaging surface of the imaging device, a displacement detection unit detecting a displacement state of the correction lens unit or the imaging device, a filter processing unit performing a filter process of the shake detection signal, and a correction control unit displacing the relative positional relationship between the lens unit and the imaging device according to the filter-processed shake detection signal so as to correct the shake of the optical image on the imaging surface generated by the shake detected by the shake detection unit. |
| US08284261B2 |
External ranging image pickup apparatus and ranging method
The image pickup apparatus includes a first detection unit detecting information corresponding to an object distance in each of plural areas, without through an image taking optical system, a second detection unit detecting a size and a position of a specific object area in object image data, and a controller performing focus control of the image taking optical system on the basis of the information corresponding to the object distance. The controller acquires specific object distance information on a distance to a specific object, on the basis of the size of the specific object area and information on a focal length of the image taking optical system, and selects, from the plural areas, an area where the information corresponding to the object distance to be used in focus control is detected, on the basis of the specific object distance information and the position of the specific object area. |
| US08284260B2 |
Optimal raw RGB determination for color calibration
Improving color calibration, and similar operations, by generating an optimal raw RGB color chart, in the raw RGB domain, for an imaging device with a given type of image sensor, such as for a digital still camera. Calibration is performed in response to a constraint which takes into account the spectral sensitivity of the image sensor used on the camera as well as spectral reflectance and spectral radiance of multiple illuminants. Calibration is performed using the raw RGB color chart which is illuminant independent and image sensor specific and which can match the calibration performance of known calibration standards, such as Macbeth 24. |
| US08284259B2 |
Policy-based video quality assessment
A method to determine when to compare original data (such as the original image) to rendered data (such as the rendered image) for the purpose of determining the fidelity of without some of the disadvantages of the prior art is disclosed. This is done by assessing the quality of service of a network path at a given time or by assessing the conditions of the network path over time and deciding specific times at which to test. |
| US08284253B2 |
Vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus
Provided is an apparatus capable of, even when an object is moving, measuring the position of the object at a high accuracy. According to a vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus (10), an enlargement factor relevant to when the degree of correlation between an enlarged local region (EB(γi)) obtained by enlarging a local region (B(k−1)) at a previous time (k−1) and a local region (B(k)) at a time (k) later than the previous time (k−1) becomes the maximum is calculated as a change rate (Rate(k)) of the size of the local region (B(k)). Based on the change rage (Rate(k)), it is possible to measure the distance (Z(k)) from a vehicle (1) to the object or the position (P(k)) at a high accuracy even when the object is moving. |
| US08284252B2 |
Action estimating apparatus, method for estimating occupant's action, and program
A detection unit obtains a position of a feature point of an occupant. A storage unit stores a model of all specific actions in each of physical feature classifications. The model defines a position or a locus of the feature point in each specific action, which an occupant may perform. A determining unit compares an in-action feature point with each model of a specific action, which is being performed, to determine a classification conformity weight indicating a possibility that the occupant belongs to the physical feature classification. An estimating unit compares the position of the feature point with each model to obtain a comparison result and generate a conformity value by incorporating the classification conformity weight into the comparison result. The estimating unit detects an estimated action, which is a specific action corresponding to the model, which has a highest conformity value. |
| US08284251B2 |
Tire type determination method and vehicle inspection method and system using the same
In a tire type determination method, a surface image of a tread portion of a tire mounted on a vehicle is captured by a camera fixed at a predetermined position in a tilted hanger conveyor line, which is located downstream in a vehicle-carrying direction with respect to a position at which the tire of the vehicle is lifted from the ground and starts moving diagonally upward. Further, image information is extracted from the surface image of the tread portion, and a tire type is determined by checking the image information against registered information. A vehicle inspection system includes a tire type determination portion and a vehicle type information obtaining portion so as to determine the tire type using the method. A conformance determination portion determines whether the tire type determined by the tire type determination portion conforms to a specified tire type searched based on the vehicle type information. |
| US08284245B2 |
Image processing apparatus, endoscope apparatus and color balance adjusting method
There are provided an image processing apparatus, an endoscope apparatus, and a color balance adjusting method capable of obtaining a good observation image. An image processing apparatus of the invention includes: an image signal input unit for inputting an image signal of a subject image picked up by an image pickup unit, the subject image including at least an image of a color balance adjustment tool; a control unit for calculating a value of coefficient to change brightness value of the image signal, based on a correction value to correct characteristic variation of the color balance adjustment tool, the correction value being shown in a correction value display portion included by the color balance adjustment tool, and a brightness value of the image of the color balance adjustment tool; and a color balance process unit for performing color balance adjustment by changing the brightness value of the image signal based on the coefficient value. |
| US08284241B2 |
High resolution autostereoscopic display apparatus with interlaced image
An autostereoscopic display apparatus includes a backlight unit, a polarizing plate disposed in front of the backlight unit; a display panel displaying a left eye image and a right eye image by interlacing pixel lines of the left and right eye images alternately and sequentially; a lenticular lens sheet, disposed between the polarizing plate and the display panel, separating light emitted from the backlight unit into a left eye zone and a right eye zone; and a polarization switch controlling a polarization direction of light proceeding towards the left eye viewing zone so that light is incident on pixel lines of the display panel displaying the left eye image and a polarization direction of light proceeding towards the right eye viewing zone so that light is incident on pixel lines of the display panel displaying the right eye image, in synchronization with a vertical scanning time of the display panel. |
| US08284233B2 |
Utilizing image sequences to perform video streaming during video conferencing
A communication device is operable to construct one or more image sequences that correspond to voice information, where the image sequences simulate video streaming via the communication device. The image sequences are synchronized with the voice information during active video based connection via the communication device. The image sequences are generated and/or retrieved within the communication device, and/or retrieved from an external source. At least some of the images may be generated via a secondary device that is communicatively coupled with the communication device. The generated images are stored within the secondary device and/or are stored in a dedicated video support server. The secondary device is operable to communicate the images directly during communication with the communication device and/or to communication information that enable retrieving and/or constructing the image sequences. Alternatively, the communication device is operable to generate the image sequences independently. |
| US08284232B2 |
Equalization of video streams
A method equalizing video signals transmitted across a network is provided. The method can include introducing one or more captured video signals across a network via a plurality of conferencing devices. The conferencing devices can include a video display device adapted to display a received video signal, and a video capture device adapted to provide a captured video signal. One or more modules can be disposed in, on, or about the network, the video display device, the video capture device, or any combination thereof. One or more parameters of the video signals transmitted across the network can be modified via the one or more modules such that the one or more modified display parameters of all or a portion of the video signals transmitted across the network fall within a predetermined parameter range. |
| US08284227B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
In a printing device provided with a multi-laser beam, an image gradation occurs due to a difference in characteristics between respective beams. The output beam number is changed by referring to a profile (curvature, tilt, polarity and beam scan interval) of each laser beam to perform a print at an engine rotation speed corresponding to the beam number. |
| US08284223B2 |
Thermal printing mechanism, thermal printer, and thermal printing method
A thermal printing mechanism includes a head unit having a heating element; an energizing unit that energizes the heating element; and an energizing control unit that controls the energizing unit to energize the heating element for a total energization time set according to a color density of a pixel so that the higher the color density is, the longer the total energization time becomes. The energizing control unit divides the total time period into energization time units, based on printing speed; specifies energization time units for energization so that a sum thereof is equivalent to the total energization time; and performs control so that if the printing speed is lower than a first printing speed, the energization time units appear continuous, and if the printing speed is equal to or higher than the first printing speed, the energization time units do not appear continuous. |
| US08284222B2 |
Image erasing method and image erasing apparatus
An image erasing apparatus including: a semiconductor laser array in which a plurality of semiconductor laser light sources are linearly aligned; a width direction collimating unit provided on an output surface of the semiconductor laser array, and configured to collimate, in a width direction, broadening of laser beams emitted from the semiconductor laser array so as to form a linear beam; and a length direction light distribution controlling unit configured to control a length of a major axis of the linear beam to be longer than a length of a major axis of an emission part of the semiconductor laser array, and to attain uniform light distribution in the length direction of the linear beam; wherein the linear beam, which has the major axis whose length is longer than the length of the major axis of the emission part of the semiconductor laser array and uniform light distribution in the length direction thereof, is to be applied to and heat a thermoreversible recording medium, in which any of transparency and color tone thereof reversibly changes depending on temperature, so as to erase an image recorded on the thermoreversible recording medium. |
| US08284219B2 |
Drive circuit, optical print head, and image forming apparatus
A drive circuit for supplying a drive current to a plurality of driven elements includes a plurality of drive output terminals to be connected to the driven elements. The drive output terminals are arranged with a specific pitch in between in an arrangement direction. The drive circuit further includes a plurality of drive transistors. Each of the drive transistors is arranged in an occupied area with a specific width in the arrangement direction larger than the specific pitch. |
| US08284215B2 |
Apparatus and method for automatic display control in mobile terminal
An apparatus and method for automatically controlling screens displayed on two display units installed in a mobile terminal are provided, in which, an event is identified, if an event occurs, and on and off states of the display units are controlled, if the event is identified as a control operation of the display units corresponding to a user's key input. If the event is identified as a control operation of the display units corresponding to an operation of a sensor, the display units are automatically controlled corresponding to rotation of the mobile terminal. |
| US08284213B2 |
Display control apparatus and display control method
A display control apparatus and method is disclosed wherein the amount of use of a memory to be used to store an image to be displayed can be reduced. The display control apparatus has an execution section, a first retaining section, an image processing section, a second retaining section and reflect section. The image processing section and the first and second retaining sections being controlled with an application program interface provided by the middleware and called by the application program. In addition, a display control method for a display control apparatus which causes an image corresponding to image data to be displayed on a display unit, including a first retaining step, an image processing step, and a reflection step. |
| US08284210B1 |
Bandwidth-driven system, method, and computer program product for changing a refresh rate
A bandwidth-driven system, method, and computer program product are provided for changing a refresh rate of a display system. In use, a bandwidth associated with a display system is identified. To this end, a refresh rate of the display system may be changed for controlling the bandwidth. |
| US08284208B2 |
Processes and apparatus for information transfer
Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which signals are modified within a system. A signal conditioning module is configured for insertion into the system and provides capability for expansion of information exchange capabilities between system elements responsive to modification of the system. The signal conditioning module includes a first link for supplying coordinated information to multiple display elements to synchronize information displayed by each of the multiple display elements, a second link for supplying coordinating data internal to a control system for a nondestructive imaging system to synchronize the internal data with the information displayed by each of the multiple elements and a third link for supplying coordination descriptions relevant to a nondestructive imaging task performed by the system to a memory, including an image and data relevant to that image. |
| US08284206B2 |
General purpose software parallel task engine
A software engine for decomposing work to be done into tasks, and distributing the tasks to multiple, independent CPUs for execution is described. The engine utilizes dynamic code generation, with run-time specialization of variables, to achieve high performance. Problems are decomposed according to methods that enhance parallel CPU operation, and provide better opportunities for specialization and optimization of dynamically generated code. A specific application of this engine, a software three dimensional (3D) graphical image renderer, is described. |
| US08284202B2 |
Methods and apparatus for capturing and rendering dynamic surface deformations in human motion
A method for a computer system includes receiving global positional data associated with a set of markers from a plurality of markers associated with a surface of an object at one or more time instances, wherein global positional data associated with a first marker from the plurality of markers is absent from a first time instance, using local statistical methods to determine global positional data associated with the first marker at the first time instance in response to the global positional data associated with the set of markers at the one or more time instances, and determining a model of the object in response to the global positional data associated with the set of markers and the global positional data associated with the first marker. |
| US08284198B1 |
Method for visualizing space utilization in storage containers
A server system allows an administrator to visualize storage space utilization of a storage system. In one implementation, the server system monitors the amount of used storage space in a storage system with respect to different types of usage. The server system generates a Graphical User Interface comprising a graphical chart displaying the amount of used storage space relating to a period of time. The graphical chart includes a breakdown of the different types of usage over the period of time. In another implementation, the server system receives a user input applied on the graphical chart, adjusts an allocation of storage space in the storage system in response to the user input, and updates the graphical chart to reflect the adjusted allocation of the storage space. In yet another implementation, the server system receives a selection of one or more snapshots to be deleted, determines one or more common files to the selected snapshots, computes a potential amount of reclaimed storage space based on the selection and the one or more common files to the selected snapshots, and to update the graphical chart in response to the selection without actually deleting the selected snapshots. |
| US08284193B2 |
System and method for composition of NURBS surfaces
A system, method, and computer program for preserving design intent of a Non-Uniform Rational B-spline (NURBS) surface without representation of a parent surface, comprising representing an output surface having control points that is independent from a refinement of the surface; interpolating a base surface from the output surface; calculating a delta vector that is a difference between the output surface and the base surface; and transforming the delta vector based upon a local coordinate system of a normal vector and a tangent plane of the base surface and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions. |
| US08284188B1 |
Ray tracing system, method, and computer program product for simultaneously traversing a hierarchy of rays and a hierarchy of objects
A ray tracing system, method, and computer program product are provided for simultaneously traversing a hierarchy of rays and a hierarchy of objects. In operation, a hierarchy of rays and a hierarchy of objects are simultaneously traversed. Additionally, ray tracing is performed, based on the traversal. |
| US08284186B2 |
Output buffering circuit, amplifier device, and display device with reduced power consumption
An output buffering circuit of a driver device for a display includes a first amplifier circuit having a first input stage, coupled between an upper power supply and a lower power supply, and a first output stage, coupled between the upper power supply and a first intermediate power supply that is greater than the lower power supply, and a second amplifier circuit having a second input stage coupled between the upper power supply and the lower power supply, and a second output stage coupled between a second intermediate power supply that is lower than the upper power supply and the lower power supply. |
| US08284181B2 |
Display device
The present invention provides a display device which includes a common electrode drive circuit having the single channel constitution which can miniaturize a circuit scale without increasing elements compared to a conventional display device. A display device includes a plurality of pixels and a common electrode drive circuit. The common electrode drive circuit includes a plurality of basic circuits, wherein the basic circuit includes a first circuit which latches a first input signal at a point of time that a clock signal is changed to a first voltage level from a second voltage level; a second circuit which latches a second input signal at the point of time that the clock signal is changed to the first voltage level from the second voltage level; a first switching circuit which is turned on based on the first circuit and a second switching circuit which is turned on based on the voltage second circuit. |
| US08284176B2 |
Display device and luminance control method therefor
Disclosed herein is a display device having an insulating substrate, an effective pixel area formed on the insulating substrate and having at least pixels arranged in the form of a matrix, and a peripheral circuit formed on the insulating substrate so as to surround the effective pixel area, the pixels being driven by the peripheral circuit to display a desired image in the effective pixel area, the display device including an extraneous light sensor provided in the effective pixel area for detecting extraneous light to output an extraneous light quantity detection result for use in controlling the luminance of the image. |
| US08284174B2 |
Stylus
A stylus comprises a housing, a stylus body and a sliding enabling member. The slide enabling member slideably coupling the stylus body to the housing so the stylus body can slide relative to the housing from a retracted configuration to an extending configuration. The slide enabling member includes a sliding pin and two tracks engaging the sliding pin, the sliding pin is positioned on a sliding element located in the receptacle of the housing, and the tracks are two guiding grooves defined in a guiding element located in the chamber of the stylus body, the sliding pin slides in the tracks when the stylus body slides relative to the housing between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. |
| US08284173B2 |
System and method of detecting contact on a display
A system for detecting contact on a display is provided. The system comprises a planar medium associated with the display and includes at least one edge facet and opposing surfaces. The system also includes one or more optical sources operatively coupled to the at least one edge facet for transmitting an optical signal into the planar medium such that the transmitted optical signal is totally internally reflected between the at least one edge facet and opposing surfaces. An optical sensing device is positioned to substantially face at least a portion of the edge facet and adapted to detect at least one object contacting a first surface of the opposing surfaces. The optical sensing device is operative to detect a portion of the optical signal emitted from the first surface at a location corresponding to the object contacting the first surface. |
| US08284172B2 |
Method for detecting two sensing areas of photo-sensor touch panel and touch-sensitive electronic apparatus using the same
An exemplary detecting method for a photo-sensor touch panel and a touch-sensitive electronic apparatus using the same are provided. In aforementioned method, an image frame is obtained by scanning the photo-sensor touch panel. Then, a distribution area of data points in the image frame each having a brightness between a predetermined brightness and a first threshold brightness is defined as a first sensing area, and a distribution area of data points in the image frame each having a brightness between the predetermined brightness and a second threshold brightness is defined as a second sensing area. Afterward, it is determined that whether a real touch probably/really occurred according to a relative distance between one of first data points and corresponding one of second data points. The first data points located in the first sensing area, and the second data points located in the second sensing area. |
| US08284168B2 |
User interface device
A user interface device allocates each of functions for operating an instrument to fingertips in response to a hand movement and allowing an operator to intuitively comprehend the allocation of each of the functions to the fingertips. The device includes a GUI button allocation section that first allocates a GUI button, read out from a GUI button data storing section, to each fingertip in a hand shape acquired by a hand shape acquiring section when a contact position acquiring section detects a contact to an operation surface by the operator. Then, in accordance with a change of hand shape direction, the GUI button allocation section reallocates the GUI button to each fingertip of the hand shape. The device also includes a superimposed image creating section that creates a composite image of an image of a GUI button allocated by the GUI button allocation section and an image of the hand shape, and a displaying section that displays the composite image of the image of the GUI button and the image of the hand shape created by the superimposed image creating section. |
| US08284166B2 |
Method of detecting and tracking multiple objects on a touchpad using a data collection algorithm that only detects an outer edge of the objects and then assumes that the outer edges define a single large object
A system and method for detecting and tracking multiple objects on a touchpad or touchscreen, wherein the method provides a new data collection algorithm, wherein the method reduces a calculation burden on a processor performing detection and tracking algorithms, wherein multiple objects are treated as elements of a single object and not as separate objects, wherein the location of the objects are treated as end-points of a single object when two objects are detected, and treated as a perimeter or boundary when more than two objects are detected. |
| US08284162B2 |
Manual pointing device for a computer system with inertial click event detection and corresponding click event detection method
A manual pointing device for a computer system, the device having at least one key that can be actuated manually by a user, a click-event detection module coupled to the key to detect actuation thereof on first, second, and third detection axes via an inertial sensing circuit elastically coupled to a casing with a board, the inertial-sensor circuit structured to be carried on the board so as to oscillate and to rotate about the second detection axis. |
| US08284159B2 |
Storage medium having input processing program stored thereon and input processing device
An input processing device comprises a display screen and a pointing device for inputting corresponding 2-dimensional coordinates on the display screen. A 3-dimensional space is displayed on the display screen and the 2-dimensional coordinates inputted from the pointing device are detected. Next, shift amounts, per unit of time, of the detected 2-dimensional coordinates are calculated based on a predetermined calculation start condition. And the calculated shift amounts are converted to 3-dimensional coordinate shift amounts in the 3-dimensional space. |
| US08284157B2 |
Directed performance in motion capture system
Techniques for enhancing the use of a motion capture system are provided. A motion capture system tracks movement and audio inputs from a person in a physical space, and provides the inputs to an application, which displays a virtual space on a display. Bodily movements can be used to define traits of an avatar in the virtual space. The person can be directed to perform the movements by a coaching avatar, or visual or audio cues in the virtual space. The application can respond to the detected movements and voice commands or voice volume of the person to define avatar traits and initiate pre-scripted audio-visual events in the virtual space to provide an entertaining experience. A performance in the virtual space can be captured and played back with automatic modifications, such as alterations to the avatar's voice or appearance, or modifications made by another person. |
| US08284156B2 |
Electrophoretic display device employing organic thin film transistors, driving method for driving circuits of the electrophoretic display device, and electronic apparatus including the electrophoretic display device
A display device includes a pixel electrode and a counter electrode facing each other, a plurality of charged particles disposed between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode, an organic transistor electrically connected to the pixel electrode, a data line electrically connected to the pixel electrode via the organic transistor, a data line driving circuit supplying an image signal to the data line, and a counter electrode driving circuit supplying a counter electrode driving signal containing a pulse signal having the same polarity as the image signal to the counter electrode. |
| US08284153B2 |
Discharge lamp for dielectrically impeded discharge with rib-like supporting elements between the bottom plate and the top plate
The present invention relates to a discharge lamp with a floor plate and a roof plate, which is designed for dielectrically impeded discharge, with at least two electrodes of different polarity being allocated to the sections of the discharge space, which is divided by rib-like support elements, with the electrodes located at a distance from the longitudinal support elements. |
| US08284147B2 |
Source driver, display device using the same and driving method of source driver
A source driver, a display device and a driving method of the source driver are disclosed. The source driver adapted to a display panel includes a plurality of driving channels, wherein the display panel includes N pixel cells on each of a plurality of scan lines. The 1st driving channel to the Nth driving channel respectively drive the N pixel cells on a first scan line of the scan lines during a first scan period and the 2nd driving channel to the (N+1)th driving channel respectively drive the N pixel cells on a second scan line of the scan lines during a second scan period. When polarity inversion is performed on the display panel, each driving channel is responsible for outputting a data driving voltage with a certain polarity to the corresponding pixel cell during different scan periods. Therefore, the power consumption of the source driver can be decreased. |
| US08284146B2 |
Display device, its driving circuit, and driving method
The present invention relates to a display device and, more particularly, to an active matrix-type display device employing a line inversion drive scheme as a drive scheme.In a liquid crystal display device employing the line inversion drive scheme as a drive scheme, a predetermined video signals are applied to video signal lines in a predetermined period after start of a vertical blanking period. When a vertical scanning period starts in an even-numbered frame, a source potential (VS) decreases by ½ of amplitude in an effective video period. After the decreased source potential (VS) is maintained only for one horizontal scanning period, source bus lines are set to a high-impedance state. When a vertical scanning period starts in an odd-numbered frame, the source potential (VS) rises by ½ of amplitude in the effective video period. After the risen source potential VS is maintained only in one horizontal scanning period, the source bus lines are set to a high-impedance state. |
| US08284143B2 |
Timing controller, liquid crystal display device having the same, and driving method thereof
A timing controller includes a frame memory capable of storing previous frame data, a comparator structured to output a selection control signal in response to comparison of the previous frame data supplied from the frame memory with current frame data, an overdriver unit structured to output a compensation data signal in response to comparison of the previous frame data and the current frame data, a saturation voltage data supplying unit structured to generate a saturation voltage data signal in response to comparison of the previous frame data and the current frame data, and an outputting unit capable of selectively outputting either the compensation data signal or the saturation voltage data signal in response to the selection control signal. |
| US08284139B2 |
Gamma voltage generating apparatus for generating interpolated gamma voltage and gamma voltage generator thereof
A gamma voltage generator including an operation amplifier, a first reference impedance unit, a second reference impedance unit, a first variable impedance unit, a second variable impedance unit, and a select unit is provided. The operation amplifier generates an amplified output voltage. The first reference impedance unit receives a first gamma voltage, and the second reference impedance unit receives a second gamma voltage. The first variable impedance unit provides a first variable impedance, and the second variable impedance unit receives the first gamma voltage and provides a second variable impedance. The select unit selects the amplified output voltage or the first gamma voltage according to a control signal to generate an interpolated gamma output voltage. |
| US08284133B2 |
Light emitting apparatus and control method thereof
A light emitting apparatus includes: a plurality of light emitting parts connected in series; a current supplying part supplying current to the plurality of light emitting parts; a plurality of current switches connected in parallel to the plurality of light emitting parts, respectively, and causing the current to flow through the light emitting parts or bypass the light emitting parts; and a controlling part receiving brightness information corresponding to the plurality of light emitting parts and outputting pulse width modulation signals to the current switches so that emission time of the plurality of light emitting parts is separately adjusted based on the received brightness information. |
| US08284132B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method of driving the same
An organic light emitting display device and a method of driving the same. In a method of driving an organic light emitting display device including a second capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a gate electrode of a driving transistor and a first capacitor coupled between the gate electrode of the driving transistor and a first power source, the driving method includes supplying a threshold voltage of an organic light emitting diode to a second terminal of the second capacitor during a period when a first current is sunk via the driving transistor, and supplying a data signal to the second terminal of the second capacitor after a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor and the threshold voltage of the organic light emitting diode is charged in the second capacitor. |
| US08284131B2 |
Self-luminous display device and driving method of the same
A self-luminous display device includes: pixel circuits; and a drive signal generating circuit, wherein each of the pixel circuits includes a light-emitting diode, a drive transistor connected to a drive current path of the light-emitting diode, and a holding capacitor coupled to a control node of the drive transistor, and the drive signal generating circuit generates the drive signal containing a second level signal adapted to stop the light emission without reverse-biasing the light-emitting diode, a first level signal, lower than the second level signal, adapted to reverse-bias the light-emitting diode, and a third level signal, higher than the second level signal, adapted to enable the light-emitting diode to emit light, the drive signal generating circuit supplying the drive signal to the pixel circuits. |
| US08284118B2 |
Power saving mode in persistently active multi-layer display screen
A device may include a first display and the second display. The second display may be substantially transparent during an inactive state, and may overlay the first display. In addition, the device may include logic configured to enter a power savings mode upon detecting a first event associated with use of the device, place the second display in the inactive state in the power savings mode, and activate the first display when the second display is in the inactive state. |
| US08284114B2 |
Antenna module and design method thereof
An antenna module is provided. The antenna module includes a reflective superstrate, an antenna substrate, an antenna and a reflective pattern. The antenna is disposed on the antenna substrate. The reflective pattern is formed on the reflective superstrate, wherein a reflection gap is formed between the reflective superstrate and the antenna substrate. The reflective pattern provides a first reflection phase angle, the antenna substrate provides a second reflection phase angle, the first reflection phase angle includes a first determined phase angle Δ1, the first determined phase angle Δ1 is not 0°, the first reflection phase angle is about −(180°−Δ1), the second reflection phase angle includes a second determined phase angle Δ2, the second reflection phase angle is about −(180°−Δ2), a dimension of the reflection gap is directly proportional to a total predetermined phase angle Δ=Δ1+Δ2, and the total predetermined phase angle is between 0°˜90°. |
| US08284107B2 |
RF local area network antenna design
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters relating to an antenna configured for mounting under the glass in a utility meter. The antenna is configured as a patch antenna where a radiating element is mounted on one side of a plastic substrate while a conductive ground plane element is mounted on the other side of the substrate. The ground plane element faces the meter electronics and thereby provides protection to the electronics from the electromagnetic field of the antenna. Both the radiating element and ground plane element may be provided by hot stamping conductive material directly on to the front and rear surfaces of the substrate. The antenna may be feed by a microstrip feedline mounted on the printed circuit board supporting other meter components. |
| US08284102B2 |
Displaced feed parallel plate antenna
A displaced feed antenna which has a spaced conducting plate construction that incorporates electronically selectable feed points with associated antenna beam positions, and which comprises (i) a set of one or more beamforming configurations composed of layered, interlinking spaced conducting plates and conducting boundaries that are separated by cavities containing dielectric material or free space; (ii) a set of one or more internal focusing devices for each beamforming configuration to route radio frequency energy to or from the displaced feed points in receive and transmit modes respectively; (iii) a linear or curved array of displaced feeds for each beamforming configuration for coupling radio frequency energy into, or from, the cavity between the plates; (iv) a selection device to allow definable overlapping regions of the focussing devices to be illuminated for each beamforming configuration; and (v) array elements for each beamforming configuration between spaced conducting plates to free space, allowing either single polarizations or dual polarization operation. |
| US08284098B2 |
Persymmetric parametric adaptive matched filters for detecting targets using space-time adaptive processing of radar signals
A method provides space-time adaptive processing (STAP) for target detection using adaptive matched filters (AMF). A generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is determined where spatial and temporal correlation matrices Q and A are assumed. Then, the correlation matrices A and Q are replaced with maximum likelihood (ML) estimates obtained only from training signals subject to a persymmetric constraint. |
| US08284096B2 |
System and method of detection of uncrushable metallic pieces in mineral loads
A system and method to detect uncrushable metallic pieces hidden inside a mineral load directly inside a transport device to a primary crusher includes a directionally adjustable radar having at least one device with electromagnetic wave emitter/receiver antennas, a portal through which the transport device passes, a spectral generator/analyzer connected to the antenna devices that generates the electromagnetic waves and analyzes the echoes of the electromagnetic waves that interact with the mineral load, and a computational device that includes a digital signal processor connected to the spectral generator/analyzer. |
| US08284093B2 |
Successive approximation A/D converter
A successive approximation A/D converter, includes a reference voltage generation circuit, a sample/hold circuit, a D/A converter circuit, a comparator, and a control circuit. A potential difference between the comparison target voltage generated by the D/A converter circuit and the internal analog voltage is applied to one input terminal of the comparator through a first signal line, and the reference voltage generation circuit is connected to the other input terminal of the comparator through a second signal line and a switch. Capacitive elements are disposed between the high potential power supply and the second signal line, and between the second signal line and the low potential power supply, respectively. The control circuit turns ON the switch to charge the first and second capacitive elements during a period when the sample/hold circuit samples and holds the internal analog voltage and turns OFF the switch in response to end of the period. |
| US08284089B2 |
Cyclic digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with capacitor swapping
A cyclic digital-to-analog converter includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor. Switching circuitry is selectively configurable to connect the first and second capacitors is at least two modes of operation, wherein a first mode uses the first capacitor during conversion of a bit as a sampling capacitor and uses the second capacitor during conversion of that bit as a holding capacitor, and wherein a second mode uses the second capacitor during conversion of a bit as a sampling capacitor and uses the first capacitor during conversion of that bit as a holding capacitor. A controller swaps converter operation between the first and second modes based on the bit values of a digital word to be converted. If adjacent bits of the digital word to be converted have different logical values, the converter swaps from the first mode to the second mode (or from the second mode to the first mode). Otherwise, the converted remains in the current first or second mode. |
| US08284084B1 |
Microprocessor controlled on-chip programmable reference selection for data converters
A programmable processing device having a control system and a programmable reference block. The control system sends digital control signals to the programmable reference block, which in turn generates analog variable signals used as reference signals for the programming of the one or more reconfigurable data converters. |
| US08284083B2 |
Digital analog converter circuit and method for fault detection
A digital-analog converter circuit having a first subcircuit for converting a digital signal to an analog voltage, a second subcircuit for determining a first area in which the digital signal lies, a third subcircuit for determining a second area in which the analog voltage lies, and a fourth subcircuit for comparing the first and the second area. Also, a method for fault detection in a digital-analog converter circuit. |
| US08284081B2 |
Method and apparatus for inputting character in a terminal
A method and apparatus for inputting a character in a terminal are provided, in which a key input portion has at least one multi-key for use in inputting a plurality of characters, and when an other key is pressed while one of the at least one multi-key is pressed, a controller determines that one of characters following a first character among a plurality of characters mapped to the pressed multi-key has been input according to the distance between the pressed multi-key and the pressed other key. |
| US08284079B2 |
Keyboard module
A keyboard structure including a first cover, a second cover, a circuit board and a dirt-proof structure is provided. The circuit board is disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and the dirt-proof structure disposed between the circuit board and the first cover is assembled with the circuit board and the second cover. |
| US08284078B2 |
Control method and control system
An exemplary control method includes the following steps. Judging if a hot key is pressed. Updating a data in a data field when the hot key is pressed. Judging if a first function key is pressed. When the first function key is pressed, outputting a first key code according to the data in the data field and the first function key. Executing a first service process according to the first key code. A control system is also disclosed. |
| US08284077B2 |
Ion-dielectric touch sensor and device using same
An ion-dielectric touch sensor detects a touching operation applied by a touching object thereto. The ion-dielectric touch sensor includes a base board, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric layer. The base board forms an electrode mounting surface on which the first and second electrodes are arranged in such a way that the second electrode is closed to but spaced from the first electrode. The dielectric layer is coated on the electrode mounting surface of the base board and encloses the first and second electrodes. When the touching object touches the dielectric layer of the ion-dielectric touch sensor, a variation of the electrical resistance between the first and second electrodes is caused. The variation of electrical resistance is detected by a detection circuit connected between the first and second electrodes. |
| US08284074B2 |
Method of determination of a stuck point in drill pipes by measuring the magnetic permeability of pipes
The invention is a method of determining a free point in stuck drill pipes, comprising the steps of: a. measuring a first magnetic permeability (μ1) based on a time-induced decay of the electromagnetic field generated by application of an electric current pulse to the unextended pipe (l0); b. applying a force to the pipe to extend the pipe (l1); c. measuring a second magnetic permeability (μ2) of the extended pipe (l1); and d. comparing the first and second magnetic permeabilities (μ1 and μ2) along the drill string to determine the free point based on the change of magnetic permeability. |
| US08284071B2 |
Door assembly including a touch sensitive portion for controlling automated door movement
An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes a sensor (30, 32, 34) positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (24, 26). The sensitive portion provides an indication of when an object is in contact with or in very close proximity to a sensitive portion. A sensitive portion is established over an area of the door or door frame member at which an object may become caught during automated door movement. A disclosed example includes using an electromechanical film as a sensor so that the sensitive portion is responsive to pressure applied by the object on the sensitive portion. Another disclosed example includes a field effect sensor that generates an electric field that is at least partially interrupted when an object contacts or comes in very close proximity to the sensitive portion. Automated movement of a door is controlled responsive to an indication of the presence of an object in a location where the object may become caught during automatic movement of the door. |
| US08284069B2 |
System and method for detecting a boundary crossing event
Model zone data and model subzone data is employed to simplify calculations for determining where and/or when a boundary crossing event has occurred. A system for detecting a boundary crossing event employs a memory and a processor. The processor in one embodiment is configured by the memory to perform the steps of sensing current position; comparing the sensed current position to model zone data to determine presence within a geometric figure constructed around a boundary crossing point; comparing the sensed current position to model subzone data to determine presence within a first portion of the geometric figure; comparing the sensed current position to model subzone data to determine presence within a second portion of the geometric figure; and detecting a boundary crossing event as a result of movement from the first portion of the geometric figure to the second portion of the geometric figure. |
| US08284067B2 |
Delayed power-on function for an electronic device
A delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A disabling unit can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled. |
| US08284065B2 |
Dynamic alarm sensitivity adjustment and auto-calibrating smoke detection
A microprocessor controlled hazardous condition detection system with volatile and non-volatile memory containing a sensor package, the sensor package containing sensors exposed to the ambient environment, and an alarm element coupled to the sensor package through a microprocessor where the microprocessor includes a memory storage device containing a plurality of alarm thresholds stored therein, each of the plurality of alarm thresholds being associated with a predetermined set of levels in the ambient environment where the microprocessor receives periodic readings from the sensor package, the microprocessor conditions the received readings by removing a selected amount of noise and attenuation therefrom, selects and employs an optimized alarm threshold from a plurality of stored alarm thresholds and activates the alarm element upon detecting a threshold levels in the ambient environment greater than the selected alarm threshold. |
| US08284064B2 |
Signal transmitter for a filling level sensor
A signal transmitter for a filling level sensor has two sliding contacts which are manufactured integrally with a holder and with spring elements. This leads to the manufacturing costs of the signal transmitter being particularly low. The sliding contacts are arranged on spring tongues and are connected to one another via a link. The spring tongues and the spring elements are therefore arranged in a row and allow the sliding contacts to be prestressed particularly uniformly against sliding tracks of the signal transmitter. |
| US08284061B1 |
System and method for exchanging information bi-directionally
A communications system and method by which information is transmitted and received bi-directionally between digital signage and individuals viewing scenes displayed on digital signage. The digital signage transmits and receives information via an RFID reader and the individual transmits and receives information via an RFID tag. The system and method are useful in providing subscribers to a product/service information database with individually customized information about products and services based on the personal profiles of the individual subscribers. |
| US08284058B2 |
Electronic tag with indicator
An electronic tag may include a human perceptible indicator configured to indicate a need for one or more treatments by at least one corresponding plant. |
| US08284057B2 |
Security tag for optical media and processes for fabrication and attachment
An activation system for optical media in one embodiment includes a tag having at least one pair of conductors with at least one heating element coupled to the conductors. The heating element is oriented proximate one or more activation regions on the optical media, and wherein the heating element activates the optical media. The tag in one embodiment is an elongate flexible tag material with a number of conductors that couple on one end to heating elements wherein the heating elements are disposed within a media case such that they are proximate activation regions on a media article. |
| US08284056B2 |
Product management system and method of managing product at a location
A system and method of managing product at a location in which an echolocation RFID tag or a weight-sensing RFID tag is utilized to determine the quantity of material in a container and then this information is read by an RFID reader and then transmitted to a data storage repository and processing program for further handling of the data. The data storage repository and processing program may be near the RFID reader or may be remotely located with respect to the RFID reader. |
| US08284054B2 |
Method and device for integrated network intelligent security monitoring and alarming
A method and a device for integrated network intelligent security monitoring and alarming are provided. The device includes a front cover (6) and a rear cover (10). A light-emitting diode (LED) infrared lighting circuit board (3) is installed on the front cover (6). An embedded microprocessor main control module board (16) and a wired and wireless broadband network module board (19), an image sensor module board (31), a wireless remote controller/alarm sensor signal receiving module board (22), a general packet radio service (GPRS) mobile phone short message and multimedia message transceiver module board (27), a siren control circuit board (21), and a piezoelectric speaker (20) electrically connected to the embedded microprocessor main control module board (16) are installed in an installing cavity between the front cover (6) and the rear cover (10). The method is simple, and the device has advantages of high integration, a small volume, multiple functions, and convenient installation and use. |
| US08284052B2 |
Messaging engine health check
A method comprises submitting a content message to an alerting engine from a health monitor, said content message being configured to cause said alerting engine to send an alert message to a communications device. The method may further comprise determining, using said health monitor, an expected alert message according to said submitted content; receiving, at said health monitor, an alert message forwarded from said communications device; comparing said received alert message with said expected alert message; and selectively sending an alarm message based on said determination. |
| US08284049B2 |
Sensing and reporting devices, systems and methods
Environmental sensing devices, systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an environmental sensing device includes an environmental sensor and an internal signal generator. The environmental sensing device may be configured to be mechanically coupled to one or more interior surfaces of an enclosure. The environmental sensor may be operable to detect one or more substances within the enclosure and provide a status signal to the internal signal generator corresponding to the presence of the one or more substances. The internal signal generator may be operable to generate a mechanical report sequence corresponding to the status signal. The mechanical report sequence may be a series of mechanical pulses applied to an interior surface of the enclosure. |
| US08284048B2 |
Auto activation of a mobile device
Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for automatically activating a consumer device using a sensor capable of detecting an external stimulus and location determination system capable of providing current location data for the consumer device when a user receives a device. The location determination system provides location data, which is sent to the activation server, in response to the sensor actuating. The location data determined at the time the sensor senses the external stimuli is compared to location data stored on the activation server to automatically activate the consumer device. |
| US08284047B2 |
Wireless bed connectivity
A hospital bed has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly bed status data. A surface supported by the bed has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly surface status data. The wireless communication circuitry of the hospital bed and the wireless communication circuitry of the surface communicate with a network independently. A hospital bed with an integrated surface has wireless communication circuitry operable to transmit wirelessly bed status data and surface status data. The wireless bed status data and the wireless surface status data are received by wireless access points of a network of a healthcare facility. |
| US08284044B2 |
Poll-based alarm handling system and method
A system and method of handling poll-based alarms. The method begins by detecting a high-priority problem in a network. Next, network elements in the network related to the high-priority problem are mapped. The mapping step includes grouping network elements into focus groups wherein each focus group includes network elements having the same alarm. The mapped network elements are then polled for alarms. The polled alarms of the network elements are then correlated and processed. |
| US08284042B2 |
System and method of vehicle passenger detection for rear seating rows
A system for detecting a passenger in a rear seating row of a vehicle and alerting an occupant of a vehicle when a passenger safety device in a rear row is not properly used. Occupancy is determined by sensing any actuation of a switch or control in the rear row along with detecting sounds made by the rear row passenger. A processor receives control activity signals indicating that a control has been actuated, receives audio signals generated by a microphone, and uses the control activity signals and the audio signals in combination to determine that the passenger is present. The processor also receives a status signal from the passenger safety device indicating that it is not in proper use. An occupant alerting device provides an alert to the occupant if the processor determines that the passenger is present and the passenger safety device is not in proper use. |
| US08284036B2 |
Dual activated pneumatic actuator system
A dual activated pneumatic actuator system for a patient call system includes a dual function hand held actuator for a pneumatic patient call system and having first and second air pressure domes; a pneumatically actuated switching device including two cylinders, contact pins and C-clips connected to the contact pins; and an air conduit system connecting the dual function hand held actuator to the pneumatically actuated switching device. When a first air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces a cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a first circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an alarm system in the nurse station and when the second air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces the other cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a second circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an electronic device, for example television or radio. |
| US08284032B2 |
Method and apparatus for signal detection in radio frequency identification system
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for signal detection according to frequency bands used in an RFID system. The apparatus includes a low-noise amplifier for low-noise amplifying a received signal, a receiver unit for detecting a CW signal and a tag signal, a transmitter unit for frequency up-converting and outputting an input signal, a PLL for generating a frequency signal according to a transmission signal band or a reception signal band, a receiver unit switch for connecting the receiver unit with the low-noise amplifier or a directional coupler, an antennas switch for connecting the antenna with the directional coupler or low-noise amplifier, and a controller unit for controlling a frequency of the frequency signal generated by the PLL, turning off transmission power in a case of an LBT scheme, controlling the receiver unit switch and the antenna switch, and determining if a corresponding channel is an idle channel. |
| US08284031B2 |
Systems and methods for providing quality of service to RFID
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for providing Quality of service to RFID. In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of providing quality of service in an RFID network comprising storing RFID priority information corresponding to the RFID network, wherein the RFID network comprises one or more tags and one or more readers mapping the RFID priority information into priority information corresponding to a second network. |
| US08284029B2 |
Radio frequency identification system and method
An identification system and method is disclosed to identify an identity and a position of a radio frequency (RF) device. The RF device generates a response signal when receiving an RF signal. The identification system includes a plurality of antenna units, a switching unit, an RF module and a microcontroller. Each antenna unit has a corresponding identifying area. The switching unit is coupled to the antenna units. The microcontroller controls the switching unit to select at least one antenna unit for transmitting the RF signal generated by the RF module, and determines whether the RF device positions in the corresponding identifying area of the select antenna unit according to whether the selected antenna unit receives the response signal. The microcontroller also identifies the identity of the RF device when the select antenna unit receives the response signal. |
| US08284028B2 |
Method of manufacturing an identifiable roofing product including a roofing product and a process plant for carrying out the method
A method of manufacturing an identifiable roof covering incl. the product thereof, comprising the steps of providing a first layer of material, providing a second layer of material onto said first layer of material and arranging a RFID tag onto the first layer of material prior to providing the second layer of material. |
| US08284027B2 |
Position detecting system, responder and interrogator, wireless communication system, position detecting method, position detecting program, and information recording medium
There is provided a radio communication system capable of distinguishing objects from one another while taking advantage of the low power consumption and distance measurement ability of the radio communication of the UWB method. A radio tag TGn includes: a characteristic impedance unit (3) for generating a response signal by using a pulse signal received from a broad-band antenna (1); a transmission path (2) having a predetermined length, transmitting the pulse signal received by the broad-band antenna (1) from the broad-band antenna (1) to the characteristic impedance unit (3), and transmitting the generated response signal from the characteristic impedance unit (3) to the broad-band antenna (1); and the broad-band antenna (1) for receiving the pulse signal and transmitting the response signal. The aforementioned pulse wave is transmitted to the radio tag TGn by the UWB method. The response signal from the radio tag TGn is received and the radio tag TGn is identified from the reception waveform. |
| US08284026B2 |
Active badge localization using passive sensors
A network in an environment includes passive sensors with associated sensor identification numbers. A set of active badges with associated badge identification numbers, wherein each badge is associated with an object, and wherein a particular sensor broadcasts a packet in response to detecting a particular object, wherein the packet includes the sensor identification number and a time, and only if the particular object is associated with a particular badge then the badge appends the badge identification number to the packet and broadcasts the appended packet, and the particular sensor receives and rebroadcasts the appended packet for further processing to passively and actively monitor the environment. |
| US08284025B2 |
Method and system for auditory recognition biometrics on a FOB
The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using hand geometry recognition biometrics in a transponder-reader system. The biometric security system also includes a hand geometry scan sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a transponder configured with a hand geometry scan sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with a hand geometry scan sensor. In yet another embodiment, the present invention discloses methods for proffering and processing hand geometry scan samples to facilitate authorization of transactions. |
| US08284022B2 |
Motor vehicle door arrangement
A motor vehicle door arrangement with at least one motor vehicle door and a drive for motorized movement of the motor vehicle door from the closed position into the open position and from the open position into the closed position and with a control for triggering the drive, the control being assigned an optionally actuatable mobile part which the user generally carries and which interacts with the control means over a wireless transmission link when the user approaches the motor vehicle, enhanced actuation automatically carrying out opening and/or a closing as triggered by a predetermined process of use and without the necessity of actuating the mobile part. With respect to enhanced actuation, the control means, especially with the vehicle stopped, can be moved into the activated and deactivated states, and can be triggered by the predetermined usage process exclusively when the control means is in the activated state. |
| US08284021B2 |
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. |
| US08284020B2 |
Passive entry system and method for a vehicle
A passive entry system and method for determining the location of a remote transmitter positioned near a vehicle. The system and method may include an irregularly shaped authorization zone. The authorization zone may be formed using as least three LF antennas. Alternatively, at least two antennas may be used to form at least one elliptically shaped authorization zone. A controller may determine the location of the fob when the fob is physically positioned within the authorization zone. |
| US08284019B2 |
Spectroscopic method and system for multi-factor biometric authentication
A multi-factor biometrics authentication method including the steps of: acquiring a non-spectrometric biometric signature (e.g. fingerprint, iris pattern, etc.) of a biometric signature source (e.g. fingertip, iris, etc.) of a subject to be authenticated (e.g. person); acquiring spectral information (e.g. diffuse reflectance spectrum, reflectance spectrum, etc.) of the biometric signature source; using the non-spectrometric biometric signature to determine the unique identity of the biometric signature source; and using the spectral information to verify that the subject to be authenticated belongs to a predetermined class of objects (e.g. living persons). A biometrics system (e.g. fingerprint authentication device, iris pattern authentication device) is augmented with spectral biometrics capability in a practical manner without introducing much overhead to the base biometrics technology or inconvenience to users. |
| US08284018B2 |
Automated bathroom-stall door
A first proximity sensor array arranged on a first side of a stall-door comprises three linearly aligned sensors whereby left-to-right movement of a patron's hand within the sensing zone causes a bathroom stall door to open. A second proximity sensor array arranged on a second side of the stall door comprises three linearly aligned sensors whereby right-to-left movement of a patron's hand within the sensing zone causes the door to close. A second right-to-left movement across the same second sensor array causes the stall door to lock and a first display array arranged on the first side of the door and a second display array arranged on the second side of the door alight, indicating the stall is occupied and locked. A left-to-right movement across the second sensor array causes the stall door to unlock and open, and the display arrays indicate the stall is available. |
| US08284014B2 |
Digital potentiometer with independent control over both resistive arms
A digital potentiometer includes a circuit containing multiple string arrays, each having a plurality of switching devices connected to an array of resistors. Each input terminal receives a separate digital input code enabling the resistance of one of the arms to be varied without changing the other. |
| US08284008B2 |
Multiple coils fluorescent lamp ballast
A ballast choke coil constructed with more than two winding coils assembled on laminate cores (LC) being held together firmly by a bracket (M1) in the manner of simulating the toroidal structure created more space for increasing the number of winding turn of the coil or alternatively allow for increase of wire size. Total number of winding turns that is needed to achieve the required inductance is divided to several coils. The new structure utilizes only half of the laminate material for producing a simple ballast choke coil unit that is similar performance to the existing fluorescent lamp ballast choke coil available in the market. Even though two units of coil (WC) are used in the construction of this ballast choke coil, the wire total weight that is used to produce a unit of ballast need not be increased. |
| US08284005B2 |
Inductive component and method for manufacturing the same
An inductance component is disclosed. This inductance component includes base made of insulating material, coil section buried in base, and external electrode terminals electrically coupled to the ends of coil section. Stress buffering section is provided on the exposed interface between base and external electrode terminals, and this stress buffering section can ease the stress produced by the difference in thermal coefficients due to temperature changes. The foregoing structure thus allows improving the reliability of the inductance component with respect to a thermal shock. |
| US08284004B2 |
Heat pipe supplemented transformer cooling
A method for cooling a transformer and transformer apparatuses are implemented. A transformer apparatus, according to one embodiment, comprises: a conduction cooled electrical transformer (240) mounted to a cold plate (252); and a heat pipe (262) for supplementing cooling of the transformer (240), the heat pipe (262) comprising a first end (303), a second end (305), and a sealed low pressure cavity containing an amount of a fluid (311), wherein the first end (303) of the heat pipe (262) is located in a hot region of the transformer (240), the second end (305) is maintained colder than the first end (303) by contact with the cold plate (252), and heat produced at the first end (303) by operation of the transformer (240) is moved to the second end (305) by a closed loop vapor cycle in the sealed low pressure cavity using the fluid (311) of the heat pipe (262). |
| US08284002B2 |
Vacuum interrupter switch for power distribution systems
A current interrupting switch for power distribution systems comprising an outer case and a plurality of vacuum interrupter bottle switches positioned in the case. |
| US08283999B2 |
Bulk acoustic resonator structures comprising a single material acoustic coupling layer comprising inhomogeneous acoustic property
In accordance with a representative embodiment, a BAW resonator structure comprises: a first BAW resonator comprising a first lower electrode, a first upper electrode and a first piezoelectric layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode; and a second BAW resonator comprising a second lower electrode, a second upper electrode and a second piezoelectric layer disposed between the second lower electrode and the second upper electrode. The BAW resonator structure also comprises a single-material acoustic coupling layer disposed between the first and second BAW resonators. The single-material acoustic coupling layer comprises an inhomogeneous acoustic property across a thickness of the single-material acoustic coupling layer. |
| US08283997B2 |
Elastic-wave filter device
An elastic-wave filter device includes a package substrate and filter mounting pattern provided on a first main surface of the package substrate on which a longitudinally coupled resonator-type elastic-wave filter is mounted, a back-side terminal pattern is provided on a second main surface thereof, and an internal electrode pattern is provided inside the package substrate. When seen in plan view from a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first main surface of the substrate body, first via conductors electrically connecting a ground pattern element of the filter mounting pattern connected to a ground pad of the longitudinally coupled resonator-type elastic-wave filter and an internal ground pattern element of the internal electrode pattern are arranged asymmetrically with respect to a center line X-X passing through an input pattern element of the filter mounting pattern and through two output pattern elements. |
| US08283994B2 |
Differential signal transmission device
A differential signal transmission device transmits N differential signal pairs from a differential signal generator to a number of receiving terminals. The N differential signal pairs include N positive signals and N negative signals. The N positive signals are clustered at a first positive clustering point. The first positive clustering point is connected to a second positive clustering point via a first matching resistor. The second positive clustering point is grounded via a first grounding resistor, and outputs a number of positive signals to the number of receiving terminals respectively. The N negative signals are clustered at a first negative clustering point. The first negative clustering point is connected to a second negative clustering point via a second matching resistor. The second negative signal clustering point is grounded via a second grounding resistor, and outputs a number of negative signals to the number of receiving terminals respectively. |
| US08283990B2 |
Signal transmission communication unit and coupler
This disclosure provides a signal transmission communication unit and a coupler that can occupy a small area and have a reduced thickness. The signal transmission communication unit includes a base component including a signal transmission line and a ground electrode, a coupling planar conductor parallel to the base component and having a planar shape, an inductor circuit connected between the coupling planar conductor and the signal transmission line, and an LC-series circuits between part of the coupling planar conductor and the ground electrode and including a capacitor and an inductor connected in series. The inductor circuit is provided between the coupling planar conductor and the base component, and the LC-series connected circuit is provided between the coupling planar conductor and the base component. |
| US08283989B2 |
Voltage controlled oscillator
There is provided a voltage controlled oscillator using a Colpitts circuit capable of suppressing deterioration (decrease) in variable range (adjustable range) of an output frequency due to the influence of an inductance component on a conductive line, which connects a connection point between two capacitors of a feedback part and an emitter of a transistor. In a VCO using a Colpitts circuit, with respect to capacitors 22, 23 of a feedback part 2, a first feedback capacitance element (capacitor) 22 is disposed so as to directly couple a terminal for base (connection part 7) and a terminal for emitter on a base substrate 5, to which a terminal part 8 (T1) extending from a base of a transistor 21 and a terminal part 8 (T2) extending from an emitter of the transistor 21 are fitted, respectively, and a second feedback capacitance element (capacitor) 23 is disposed so as to directly couple the terminal for emitter and the terminal for grounding (ground electrode 51). |
| US08283987B2 |
Resonator electrode shields
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a MEMS resonator system that reduces interference signals arising from undesired capacitive coupling between different system elements. The system includes a MEMS resonator, two or more resonator electrodes, and at least one resonator electrode shield. The resonator electrode shield ensures that the resonator electrodes interact with either one or more shunting nodes or the active elements of the MEMS resonator by preventing or reducing, among other things, capacitive coupling between the resonator electrodes and the support and auxiliary elements of the MEMS resonator structure. By reducing the deleterious effects of interfering signals using one or more resonator electrode shields, a simpler, lower interference, and more efficient system relative to prior art approaches is presented. |
| US08283977B2 |
Dynamic radio frequency amplifier distortion adjustment based on linearly interpolating from a sample of pre-distortion coefficients that are selected based on signal magnitude
A digital pre-distortion system which can provide the flexibility to model the highly non-linear distortion associated with High Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers while through a novel implementation of a least squares estimation process allows an implementation well suited for an FPGA application where limited resources and in particular memory resources are available. |
| US08283975B2 |
Data processing system
A device (100) for processing an input signal (102), the device (100) comprising a delay unit (104) adapted for delaying the input signal (102) by a predefined delay time, at least one phase shifting unit (106) each adapted for phase shifting the delayed input signal (108) by an assigned phase value, a plurality of mixer units (110) each adapted for mixing the input signal (102) with the delayed input signal (108) or with one of the at least one phase shifted signal (112), and an extraction unit (114) adapted for extracting information from each of the mixed signals (116). |
| US08283974B2 |
Fast start-up low-voltage bandgap reference voltage generator
A fast start-up low-voltage bandgap reference voltage generator uses two current generators to provide a first current having a positive temperature coefficient and a second current having a negative temperature coefficient, respectively, and a resistor to generate a temperature independent output voltage according to the sum of the first and second currents. The current generator for providing the first current has a self-bias circuit which uses a single MOSFET to establish the first current, and thereby avoids error caused by mismatched MOSFETs. |
| US08283972B1 |
Substrate bias feedback scheme to reduce chip leakage power
A method of biasing a circuit includes generating a control bias signal based on a difference between a leakage current of a baseline circuit and a reference signal; applying the control bias signal to a charge pump circuit to set a value of a reverse body bias voltage output from the charge pump, the control bias signal providing analog control of a digital clock of the charge pump circuit; and applying the reverse body bias voltage to a body of the baseline circuit. |
| US08283963B2 |
Output stage having zener voltage balancing
An output stage, especially a switching output stage for switching inductive loads, having a plurality of individual output stages that are connected in parallel, which include degenerative transistors, in the degenerative path of which one respective Zener diode is present. The electric power during a switching-off process can be distributed in a particularly uniform manner to the individual output stages or transistors by disposing the Zener diodes near the associated transistors so that they are thermally coupled to the respectively associated transistor and their Zener voltage increases with increasing temperature. |
| US08283962B2 |
Semiconductor device and operation method thereof for generating phase clock signals
A semiconductor memory device can optimize the layout area and current consumption based on multi-phase clock signals which are generated by dividing a source clock signal using a reset signal without a delay locked loop and a phase locked loop in order to have various phase information of low frequencies and different activation timings with a constant phase difference. |
| US08283959B2 |
Frequency-doubling delay locked loop
A frequency multiplier circuit comprising a delay line receiving at one end thereof a reference clock for generating clock tap outputs from respective ones of a plurality of period matched delay elements; a clock combining circuit responsive to pairs of tap outputs for generating a rising and falling edge of an output clock pulse from respective ones of the pairs whereby the output clock period is less than the input clock period. |
| US08283950B2 |
Delay lines, amplifier systems, transconductance compensating systems and methods of compensating
Embodiments of delay lines may include a plurality of delay stages coupled to each other in series from a first stage to a last stage. Each delay stage may include an input transistor receiving a signal being delayed by the delay line. The delay line may include a compensating circuit configured to compensate for a change in a transconductance of the input transistor resulting from various factors. One such compensating circuit may be configured to provide a bias signal at an output node having a magnitude that is a function of a transconductance of a transistor in the compensating circuit. The bias signal may be used by each of the delay stages to maintain the gain of the respective delay stage substantially constant, such as a gain of substantially unity, despite changes in a transconductance of the respective input transistor in each of the delay stages. |
| US08283946B2 |
Signaling systems, preamplifiers, memory devices and methods
Signaling systems, preamplifiers, memory devices and methods are disclosed, such as a signaling system that includes a transmitter configured to receive a first digital signal. The transmitter provides a transmitted signal corresponding to the digital signal to a signal path. A receiver system coupled to the signal line includes a preamplifier coupled to receive the transmitted signal from the signal path. The preamplifier includes a common-gate amplifying transistor that is configured to provide an amplified signal. The receiver system also includes a receiver coupled to receive the amplified signal from the preamplifier. The receiver is configured to provide a second digital signal corresponding to the amplified signal received by the receiver. Such a signaling system may be used in a memory device or in any other electronic circuit. |
| US08283942B2 |
Auxiliary power unit diagnostic tool
A diagnostic tool for an auxiliary power unit comprising an alternating current generator having an exciter winding and an output winding and an automatic voltage regulator for providing control over the excitation winding of the generator includes a harness with plug connectors allowing the diagnostic tool to be directly introduced between the generator and automatic voltage regulator replacing the conventional connections without affecting operation of the auxiliary power unit. The diagnostic tool has a plurality of multimeters between the automatic voltage regulator and the alternating current generator providing voltage readings across and resistance readings for the generator's stator exciter winding and main and auxiliary output windings. A protocol relates voltage and resistance readings taken with the multimeters when the auxiliary power unit is on and off to possible faults in the generator or with the automatic voltage regulator. |
| US08283936B2 |
Nano-scale biosensors
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting nucleic acid hybridization, including single nucleic base mutations at low concentrations, are disclosed, using surface-tethered hairpin loop oligonucleotide probes and metal-nanoparticles conjugated to a hybridization detection sequence that is capable of binding the stem region of the opened hairpin loop oligonucleotide probe, without the use of labeling or target modification and capable of recycling. |
| US08283934B2 |
Capacitance sensor for detecting a charge voltage of a multi-capacitor circuit
A capacitance sensor includes a first charging voltage detector configured to detect a change in a voltage loaded into a first capacitor between an electrode and a ground terminal a second charging voltage detector configured to detect a change in a voltage loaded into a second capacitor among a plurality of electrodes and a determiner configured to generate a determination signal based on a detection voltage transmitted from each of the first charging voltage detector and second charging voltage detector. |
| US08283933B2 |
Systems and methods for built in self test jitter measurement
An apparatus configured for built in self test (BIST) jitter measurement is described. The apparatus includes a time-to-voltage converter. The time-to-voltage converter generates a voltage signal proportional to timing jitter present in a clock/data signal input. The apparatus also includes feedback circuitry for the time-to-voltage converter. The feedback circuitry provides a ramp slope for the time-to-voltage converter. The apparatus further includes a calibration controller. The calibration controller provides control signals to the time-to-voltage converter for process-independent calibration. The apparatus also includes a sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit. The S/H circuit provides a set bias voltage to the time-to-voltage converter once calibration is complete. |
| US08283928B2 |
Method and arrangement for determining a power supply state variable in an active medical implant
The invention relates to a method and arrangement for determining a power supply state variable, particularly of the maintenance state of a battery or rechargeable battery, in an active medical implant, wherein the power supply is subjected to a predetermined load, and the output voltage thereof is detected multiple times during at least one time segment of the load phase, and the measurement values are subjected to a comparison to a respective comparison value, or the chronological curve of the voltage obtained from the measurement values is subjected to a comparison to at least one comparison curve, wherein the comparison result is considered characteristic for the state variable. |
| US08283927B2 |
Amplifier
A two port parametric amplifier has a first port that receives an input signal to be amplified and upconverted and a second port that receives a local oscillator signal. The amplified upconverted input signal is emitted as an output at upper and lower sideband frequencies. The amplifier further has a pair of varactor diodes connected between the first port and the second port. The diodes are connected in parallel from the first port and in series from the second port. |
| US08283924B2 |
Eddy-current artifact reduction in balanced steady-state free precession magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging techniques are described that utilize bSSFP sequences in which two or more gradient waveforms are interleaved in a “groupwise” fashion, i.e., each waveform is executed consecutively two or more times before switching to the other waveform, where “N” counts the number of times each waveform is executed consecutively. As a result, embodiments of the present disclosure can mitigate steady-state signal distortions or artifacts in interleaved balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) caused by slightly unbalanced eddy-current fields. Related MRI systems are also described. |
| US08283923B2 |
Mechanical pick-up with reduced impact force by using a rotating intermediate part
When a subject is being positioned in a diagnostic imager for a diagnostic scan, a subject support (26) often picks up an accessory carriage (24) along the way without stopping or reducing velocity. To reduce stresses on the subject support (26), accessory carriage (24) and on the subject themselves, an apparatus and method are provided for gradually accelerating the accessory carriage (26) to the speed of the subject support (26). A camming surface (60) engages a pin (54b) of a snap block (52) causing translational motion to be converted into rotational motion, spreading the acceleration of the accessory carriage (24) over a distance (d-d1). |
| US08283914B2 |
Absolute magnetic position encoder
An absolute magnetic position encoder includes a magnet carrier (2) which is fixedly connected to a body to be monitored and carries permanent magnets (5) which are spaced in the direction of motion and which in paired relationship form magnet segments, by the counting and resolution of which the position of the body is determined, stationary magnetosensitive sensors (7, 8) which serve for fine resolution of the magnet segments and for recognition of the direction of motion and of which one can be supplied at least at times in cyclic relationship with a minimum current, a stationary Wiegand element (9) which when at least each second pair of magnetic poles passes delivers an electrical pulse which is added to or subtracted from a count value stored in non-volatile mode by an electronic arrangement (12), having regard to the direction of motion, and a logic circuit (26) which calculates the position of the body from the count value and the signals of the magnetosensitive sensors, wherein a part of the electrical pulse energy of the Wiegand element is stored to supply the electronic arrangement and the at least one magnetosensitive sensor with current at least upon the failure of an external power supply. |
| US08283911B1 |
Long range phasing voltmeter
A long range wireless phasing voltmeter determines the phase difference between the time-varying voltage carried on a reference electrical conductor and another, field conductor. The voltage signal from the reference conductor is measured by a reference probe and compared by a first unit in communication with that reference probe to a precision 60 Hz signal generated from a GPS receiver. The phase difference between these, in the form of a nine-bit, audible signal using frequency shift keying to modulate the carrier frequency, is transmitted by the first unit to a second unit perhaps miles away. A receiver in the second unit decodes the signal and uses another precision 60 Hz signal generated from another GPS receiver to re-create a surrogate of the original reference voltage signal. This surrogate signal is forwarded to a meter probe that is measuring the signal on a field conductor. The meter probe can then compare the two signals to determine the phase angle difference between them. |
| US08283908B2 |
On-off timer circuit for use in DC-DC converter
An ON-OFF timer circuit for use in a DC-DC converter to minimize or eliminate the risk of developing sub-harmonic oscillations that may cause the dc-dc system to be unstable is presented. The apparatus controls and limits the ‘On’ time duration and ‘Off’ time duration within one pulse cycle. |
| US08283907B1 |
Boost regulator with pulse frequency mode of operation having substantially constant percentage output ripple and frequency
A method includes receiving an input voltage at a voltage regulator and generating an output voltage using the voltage regulator, which includes an inductor. The method also includes controlling a current through the inductor using a current limit reference and modulating the current limit reference based on the input voltage and the output voltage. Modulating the current limit reference could include modulating a reference current based on a product of first and second input currents. The first input current may be based on the output voltage, and the second input current may be based on a difference between the output and input voltages. The voltage regulator may operate in a pulse frequency mode associated with a repetition rate. The repetition rate and a percentage ripple associated with the output voltage may be substantially constant over variations in the input voltage and variations in the output voltage. |
| US08283903B2 |
Integrated Voltage and Var optimization process for a distribution system
The method determines the optimal settings for the controllable taps ut of voltage regulating transformers and the capacitor bank switches uc in a distribution network. Var optimization is calculated with the controllable tap settings ut fixed at an initial value, or the best value found so far, to output an optimized set of control settings uc. Voltage optimization is calculated with the control settings uc fixed at the best solution found so far, to output an optimal set of control settings ut. Using an objective function, system performance is evaluated using the optimal set of control settings ut and uc and repeating the steps until either the control values ut and uc do not change from one iteration to the next, the objective function value does not change or if the new objective function value is greater than the last. The control values ut and uc are then output to a distribution control system. |
| US08283902B1 |
Error amplification for current mode control switching regulation
A voltage regulator has a switch configured to alternately couple and decouple a voltage source through an inductor to a load, feedback circuitry to generate a feedback current, a current sensor configured to measure the feedback current, and a controller configured to receive the feedback current measurement from the current sensor and, in response thereto, to control a duty cycle of the switch. The feedback circuitry includes an amplifier having a first input configured to receive a desired voltage, a second input, and an output, a capacitor connecting the second input to the output of the amplifier, and a resistor connecting the output of the amplifier and the output terminal such that a feedback current proportional to a difference between the desired voltage and an output voltage at an output terminal flows through the resistor. |
| US08283899B2 |
Reducing current leakage and improving shelf life time of battery-based-devices
An electronic device includes a rechargeable battery, an electrical circuit, a battery safety circuit, and a power down mode circuit. The electrical circuit is configured to generate a power mode control signal. The power down mode circuit receives the power mode control signal. If the power mode control signal has a first value, the power down mode circuit is configured to force a voltage at a first port of the battery safety circuit to a voltage value that is less than an under voltage lock out (UVLO) threshold value of the battery safety circuit to transition the electronic device from a normal operating mode to a low current power down mode. The electronic device may further include a wake up mode circuit. |
| US08283891B2 |
Power source health assessment methods and systems thereof
A method and system for assessing health of a power source includes measuring voltage and current of a power source in a system using a device in the system as the load. An internal resistance of the power source is determined based on the measured voltage and current. A health assessment of the power source is determined and provided based at least on the determined internal resistance and a stored baseline internal resistance for the power source. |
| US08283889B2 |
Charging device with an interchangeable battery for a power tool
A charging device (10, 100) includes a charging unit (12) and at least one interchangeable, rechargeable energy storage unit (14), in particular an interchangeable battery (18), of a power tool (16). Each energy storage unit (14) has first contact means (24) for contacting the corresponding power tool (16) and additional contact elements (38) for contacting the charging unit (12) in such a way that the charging unit (12) is able to charge the energy storage unit (14) via the additional contact elements (38), both when the unit is connected to the power tool (16) and when it is disconnected from the power tool (16). |
| US08283881B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for synchronous current regulation of a five-phase machine
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for controlling operation of and regulating current provided to a five-phase machine when one or more phases has experienced a fault or has failed. In one implementation, the disclosed embodiments can be used to synchronously regulate current in a vector controlled motor drive system that includes a five-phase AC machine, a five-phase inverter module coupled to the five-phase AC machine, and a synchronous current regulator. |
| US08283880B2 |
Motor drive device with function of switching to power regenerative operation mode
A motor drive device including a converter for a power running operation and a power regenerative operation. The converter has power switching elements, a first power regenerative control unit for controlling the power switching elements in the power regenerative operation by using pulse width modulation signal whose pulse width changes with a value indicated by a command signal; a second power regenerative control unit for controlling the power switching elements in the power regenerative operation to generate respective power regenerative currents in a phase representing the maximum potential among three phases of a three-phase AC power supply and a phase representing the minimum potential among the three phases, and a power regenerative operation switching unit for switching a control of the power switching elements in the power regenerative operation between a control by the first power regenerative control unit and a control by the second power regenerative control unit. |
| US08283878B2 |
Battery storage device system, and motor driving body and moving body using the system
The invention provides a high-efficiency battery storage device system, and a motor driving body and a moving body using the system. The battery storage device system comprises (1) a main battery storage device A having high energy density relative to an auxiliary battery storage device B, (2) the auxiliary battery storage device B having high output density relative to the main battery storage device A, (3) a warm-up means for warming up the main battery storage device A to a predetermined temperature or more, (4) a warm-up monitoring means for monitoring a need for warm-up with respect to the main battery storage device A, (5) an operation mode switching means for selecting an operation mode from a warm-up operation mode and a normal operation mode and performing the selected operation mode, and (6) an electricity supply system supplying an electric power to an outside of the battery storage device system. |
| US08283877B2 |
Thermal protection circuit for an LED bulb
A light-emitting diode (LED) bulb has an LED within a shell. The LED bulb also includes a driver circuit for providing current to the LED. The drive circuit has a thermal protection circuit, which includes a thermistor having a positive thermal coefficient and a switching temperature. The driver circuit also includes a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) controller with an input pin and an output pin. The thermistor is connected to the input pin. When the thermistor temperature is above the switching temperature, the thermal protection circuit causes the SMPS controller to produce a signal with a second duty cycle on the output pin. When the thermistor temperature is below the switching temperature, the thermal protection circuit causes the SMPS controller to produce a signal with a first duty cycle on the output pin. The second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle. |
| US08283871B2 |
Method of driving light source and display apparatus for performing the method
A method of driving a light source apparatus includes inverting a direct current voltage to generate a first alternating current voltage, transforming the first alternating current voltage into a second alternating current voltage having a voltage level that is greater than a voltage level of the first alternating current voltage, compensating a driving alternating current voltage based on the second alternating current voltage to generate a compensated driving alternating current voltage such that a substantially equal current flows through each light emitting string of a plurality of light emitting string included in the light source apparatus, and rectifying the compensated driving alternating current voltage to apply a driving voltage to the light emitting strings. |
| US08283868B2 |
LED light engine
An integrated Light Emitting Diode (LED) device including multiple LEDs connected to a circuit board, integrated circuit (IC) drivers connected to the circuit board, and a first alternating current (AC) terminal and a second AC terminal connected to the circuit board. |
| US08283867B2 |
Light source turn-on/off controller
A light source turn-on/off controller includes an input section of a turn-on/off timing signal, a PWM signal generating section for generating a pulse signal responding to a rise or a fall of the timing signal, a duty cycle of the pulse signal changing so as to simulate a rise or a fall of emission in turn-on or turn-off of a filament, an emission control section for controlling an emitting section responding to the pulse signal from the PWM signal generating section, and a storage section for storing a control data table for duty cycle control by the PWM signal generating section. The control data table includes a rise table to be referred to in the rise of emission and a fall table to be referred to in the fall of emission, and each of the rise table and the fall table indicates association between elapsed time from the rise or the fall of the timing signal and the duty cycle of the pulse signal, and a relationship between the tables indicates that they cannot be superposed on each other. |
| US08283861B2 |
Field emission display
A field emission display includes an insulating substrate, a number of first electrode down-leads, a number of second electrode down-leads, and a number of pixel units. The first electrode down-leads are set an angle relative to the second electrode down-leads to define a number of cells. Each pixel unit is located in each cell and includes a cathode electrode, an electron emitter, an anode electrode, and a phosphor layer. The electron emitter is electrically connected to the cathode electrode. The anode electrode has a bearing surface inclined to the insulating substrate. The phosphor layer is located on the bearing surface. |
| US08283859B2 |
Light emitting device
It is an object of the present invention to prevent an insulating film from peeling in a section where the insulating film is adjacent to a sealing region. Over a first substrate 104, a pixel portion 100 provided with a light emitting element, a source driver 101, a gate driver 102, and a sealing region 103 are provided. A light emitting element is sealed between the first substrate 104 and a second substrate 110 by a sealant 108. An insulating film 107 serves as a partition wall of the light emitting element. An end portion of the insulating film 107 which is adjacent to the sealing region 103 does not overlap with a step formed by a side surface and an upper surface of a conductive film 106 which serves as a wiring. |
| US08283858B2 |
Illumination device and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, an illumination device includes an organic light-emitting unit, a first electrode, a second electrode and an optical layer. The organic light-emitting unit includes an organic light-emitting layer, a first and a second major surface. The first electrode is provided on the first major surface. The second electrode is provided on the second major surface and includes a conductive layer, a first interconnection and a second interconnection. The first interconnection is electrically connected to the conductive layer and aligned in a first direction parallel to the first major surface. The second interconnection is electrically connected to the conductive layer and aligned apart from the first interconnection and parallel to the first interconnection. The optical layer is provided on a side of the second electrode opposite to the organic light-emitting unit and includes a low refractive index portion and a high refractive index portion. |
| US08283857B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus, which has a high contrast and can suppress the contrast variation and the effect of unwanted reflections regardless of the environment, comprises a luminescent layer; an excitation source which excites the luminescent layer; a front layer which obtains display light by transmitting light generated by the luminescent layer excited by the excitation source; and a periodic structure which is provided between the front layer and the luminescent layer and has a periodic refractive index distribution in a surface parallel to the front layer, wherein the periodic structure satisfies a relation of a following expression and the periodic interval of the periodic structure is 1 μm or greater and 3 μm or less. The expression being given by, 1 |
| US08283856B2 |
Light-emitting element, lighting device, light-emitting device, and electronic device
A light-emitting element whose degree of deterioration with driving time is improved and of which emission colors are easily controlled. A light-emitting emitting element having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a layer containing an organic compound located between the first electrode and the second electrode, in which the layer containing the organic compound at least has, from the second electrode side, a light-emitting layer in which a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer are stacked, and a hole-transporting layer provided in contact with the third layer; the first layer contains a first organic compound and a second organic compound; the second layer contains a third organic compound and a fourth organic compound; and the third layer contains the first organic compound and a fifth organic compound. |
| US08283855B2 |
Method for synthesis of anthracene derivative
A method for synthesizing an anthracene derivative represented by a general formula (G1) is provided, in which a 9-arylanthracene derivative having an active site at a 10-position is subjected to coupling with a carbazole-3-yl-aryl derivative having an active site in an aryl group with the use of a metal or a metal compound, wherein A represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, wherein D represents any of an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, wherein α represents any of a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group and a substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl-4,4′-diyl group, and wherein R1 to R9 independently represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group. |
| US08283854B2 |
Organic EL display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic EL display device includes a first light emission layer which includes a first dopant material having a first absorbance peak in absorbance spectrum characteristics and a first host material having a first absorbance bottom on a shorter wavelength side than the first absorbance peak, the first light emission layer extending over the first to third organic EL elements and being disposed above pixel electrodes of the first to third organic EL elements, and a second light emission layer which includes a second dopant material having a second absorbance peak in absorbance spectrum characteristics and a second host material having a second absorbance bottom on a shorter wavelength side than the first absorbance peak and than the second absorbance peak, the second light emission layer extending over the first to third organic EL elements and being disposed above the first light emission layer. |
| US08283853B2 |
Light-emitting device and article
A device including a layer comprising a light emissive area and a light non-emissive area. A light-extracting feature is disposed over the light non-emissive area. The light-extracting features can include surface aberrations and reflective index matching elements. A method of forming the device is also provided. |
| US08283845B2 |
Plane emission device
In a plane emission device comprising a transparent substrate, a light scattering layer formed on a surface of the transparent substrate, and a luminescent body of organic or inorganic material which is formed on a surface of the light scattering layer and emits light by light or electric energy, efficiency to takeout light to outside is improved. The light scattering layer contains binder and two kinds of fillers, and when a refraction index of the binder is assumed as Nb, a refraction index of one of the two kinds of fillers is assumed as Nf1, and a refraction index of the other is assumed as Nf2, a relationship that Nf2>Nb>Nf1 is satisfied. Since the light scattering layer contains two kinds of fillers, disorder occurs in critical angle when light exits from the light scattering layer to the transparent substrate, incidence rate of light into the transparent substrate rises, and efficiency to takeout the light to outside increases. |
| US08283843B2 |
Light emissive ceramic laminate and method of making same
A ceramic composite laminate includes a wavelength-converting layer and a non-emissive layer, wherein the ceramic composite laminate has a wavelength conversion efficiency (WCE) of at least 0.650. The ceramic composite laminate can also include a wavelength-converting ceramic layer comprising an emissive material and a scattering material, wherein the laminated composite has a total transmittance of between about 40% to about 85%. The wavelength-converting layer may be formed from plasma YAG:Ce powder. |
| US08283842B2 |
LED lighting apparatus
An object is to provide a lighting apparatus the cost of which is low, which is excellent in terms of heat dissipation capacity, and which does not make a human get burned even in the case where the human directly touches the lighting apparatus.An LED substrate unit (1) is mounted on a metal heat conduction plate (3) with high heat conductivity. Resin heat radiation plates (4, 5) with high thermal emittance and low heat conductivity are adhered to the entire exposure surface of both surfaces of the heat conduction plate (3) except for a portion on which the LED substrate unit (1) is mounted. Thus, a three layer structure is formed of the heat conduction plate and the heat radiation plates provided on both surfaces of the heat conduction plate. Heat discharged from the LED substrate unit (1) is diffused in the heat conduction plate (3) and transmitted to the resin heat radiation plates (4, 5), and the transmitted heat is discharged from the resin heat radiation plates (4, 5) to outer air. |