Document Document Title
US08306644B2 Method and system for modeling a manufacturing process
A method and a system model a manufacturing process wherein an manufacturing executing system implements the modeled manufacturing process and plans and/or controls the corresponding manufacturing at the shop floor. The method includes providing a number of real machines at the shop floor and describing each real machine by a real machine module having machine attributes in order to control the execution of the real machine. Within the manufacturing process a specific manufacturing activity is defined that requires the execution of a distinct subset of real machines in order to perform its specific production activity. Virtual equipment is provided by combining the real machines included in the subset and describing the virtual equipment by a virtual equipment model to plan and control the specific production activity. The virtual equipment model contains a planning level model and a controlling level model.
US08306642B2 Auto-configuration of hardware on a portable computing device
A method of manufacturing a portable computing device, involves the steps of (1) performing one manufacturing step in the manufacture of the portable computing device by interfacing a hardware component with another component of the computing device; and (2) performing a subsequent manufacturing step in the manufacture by (i) identifying the interfaced hardware component from a response received at the another component; and (ii) initializing the identified interfaced hardware component using a device driver associated therewith.
US08306637B2 Methods and apparatus to limit a change of a drive value in an electro-pneumatic controller
Example methods and apparatus to limit a change of a drive value in an electro-pneumatic controller are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a control signal and a feedback signal, calculating from the control signal and the feedback signal a drive value, determining if a difference between the drive value and a previous drive value is greater than a slew limit of the electro-pneumatic controller, and changing the calculated drive value based on the slew limit.
US08306636B2 Operator interface terminal for correlating data points to time points
An operator interface terminal receives individual data points from a machine at individual time points. The operator interface terminal correlates the individual data points to the individual time points as the data points are received. The operator interface terminal transfers the data points correlated to the time points to a central information system. The operator interface terminal receives a control instruction from an operator. The operator interface terminal processes the control instruction to transfer a control signal to the machine, wherein the control signal drives the machine to operate based on the control instruction.
US08306635B2 Motivation and enhancement of physical and mental exercise, rehabilitation, health and social interaction
The disclosed invention primarily relates to methods for assisting and motivating persons with respect to various exercise and rehabilitation regimens they might undertake, mentally as well as physically. The invention also has potential application to for diagnosis and/or treatment of certain mental and physical disorders, and in other situations where a form of companionship may be provided the user. In addition the invention herein provides an enjoyable means of social interaction with others providing further motivation for physical and mental activity represented.
US08306633B2 Lead system having a non-stationary to stationary electrical interconnect and method therefor
A lead system has an elongate body, an active fixation assembly movable relative to the elongate lead body, including a non-stationary electrode. The lead system further includes a non-stationary electrode member and an electrical interconnect electrically connected between the non-stationary electrode member and the stationary electrode member. The electrical interconnect provides a reliable electrical interconnection between the stationary electrode and the non-stationary electrode, while allowing the non-stationary electrode to move relative to the stationary electrode.
US08306632B2 Dissociating multi-channel electrode
An electrode array for insertion into soft tissue comprises a multitude of thin flexible electrodes each having a distal tip and a proximal end, wherein at least portions of the electrodes extending from their proximal ends are disposed in parallel. The electrodes are embedded in a matrix dissolvable in an aqueous solvent such as a body fluid. The matrix comprises two or more sections differing in their dissolution rates. A first section encloses a portion of the electrodes extending in a proximal direction from a distal portion thereof. A second section encloses a portion of the electrodes extending from the first section towards their proximal ends.
US08306628B2 Deep heating hyperthermia using phased arrays and patient positioning
A hyperthermia treatment system for heating a selected region within a target body that includes a power source and a plurality of electromagnetic applicators that are in electrical communication with the power source and arranged in a surrounding array around a focal region to concentrate their combined radiation output onto the focal region. The treatment system also includes a support mechanism that is adapted to support a target body within the surrounding array of applicators, and a positioning mechanism adapted to move the support mechanism and align the selected region within the target body with the focal region. Furthermore, the positioning mechanism is adapted to compensate for movement of the focal region in response to an interaction between the combined radiation output and the target body.
US08306627B2 Dosing limitation for an implantable medical device
An implantable medical device (IMD) including an input interface that operates to receive an external input and a stimulation mode controller coupled to the input interface. The stimulation mode controller operates to temporarily interrupt a normal stimulation mode of the IMD in response to the external input. The IMD also includes an alternative stimulation selection module coupled to the stimulation mode controller, the alternative stimulation selection module operating to determine whether to implement an alternative mode of electrical signal therapy based on the external input and a threshold. The alternative mode differs in at least one stimulation parameter from the normal stimulation mode. The stimulation mode controller further operates to implement the alternative mode of the electrical signal therapy based on the determination of the alternative stimulation selection module.
US08306625B2 Apparatus and method for visual stimulation indication
Methods and devices for verifying that proper visual stimulation is applied to the visual prostheses are described. In one of the methods, a retinal stimulation system implanted on a subject is simulated externally. An external testing device is also discussed.
US08306624B2 Patient-individualized efficacy rating
The disclosure is directed to techniques for providing a patient-individualized efficacy rating. Different stimulation parameters impact efficacy. For example, efficacy may be a function of parameters such as electrode combination, stimulation amplitude, pulse width, and pulse rate. Efficacy may vary from patient-to-patient. For example, efficacy may vary according to age, gender, physiology, disease state, activity level, or activity profile. Comparable stimulation programs may provide different efficacy levels for different patients, according to patient characteristics or desires. Patients may rank efficacy parameters differently. The efficacy parameters may include desirable therapeutic effects and undesirable side effects. For one patient, optimization of a particular efficacy parameter may be the paramount concern. Other patients may be willing to compromise the outcome of the same parameter in favor of better outcomes with other efficacy parameters. A patient-individualized efficacy rating permits a patient and clinician to customize efficacy evaluation according to the patient's condition or needs.
US08306618B2 Method and apparatus for detecting arrhythmias in a medical device
A method of detecting a cardiac event that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes, determining rates of change of the sensed cardiac signals, and determining a range of the sensed cardiac signals. The sensed cardiac signals are detected as being associated with the cardiac event in response to the determined rates of change and the determined range.
US08306617B2 Electrical muscle controller
A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by a least 5%.
US08306616B2 Electrical muscle controller
A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by a least 5%.
US08306607B1 Implantable sensing arrangement and approach
Characteristics of biological substances, such as cerebral cortex matter, are sensed. According to an example embodiment, the present invention is directed to a negligibly-intrusive, multi-layer integrated circuit arrangement for monitoring activity of an area of a cerebral cortex that would normally be covered by an anatomical layer. The multi-layer integrated circuit arrangement includes an optics layer located outside the cerebral cortex area that includes an emitter and a detector. The optics layer is adapted for implantation in the anatomical layer and for sensing at least one brain-activity parameter. The multi-layered integrated circuit arrangement also includes a data-processing layer that includes a digital-processing circuit that is adapted for assimilating neural data in response to the optics layer sensing at least one brain-activity parameter.
US08306605B2 Tomographic system
A tomographic system displays plural tomographic images, a relative distance between the tomographic images, whereby the operator can see the displayed data of the relative distances between tomographic images and the length of the treatment device instantaneously, and can therefore determine the insert position or the treatment device for the subject efficiently.
US08306600B2 Filter set for observing fluorescence radiation in biological tissue
A filter set for observing fluorescent radiation in biological tissue includes at least one illumination filter and at least one observation filter. The at least one illumination filter is arrangeable in an illumination system of an optical system. The at least one least one observation filter is arrangeable in an imaging system of the optical system.
US08306597B2 Physiological signal sensing device
A physiological signal sensing device for examination of human is provided. The physiological signal sensing device includes a light emitting fiber and a light receiving fiber. The light emitting fiber includes a plurality of light emitting portions, wherein the light emitting fiber provides a plurality of sensing beams, and the sensing beams are respectively emitted through the light emitting portions. The light receiving fiber includes a plurality of light receiving portions. The light receiving fiber corresponds to the light emitting fiber. The sensing beams are emitted through the light emitting portions, reflected or refracted by the human. And then the sensing beams are received by the light receiving portions.
US08306593B2 Noninvasive apparatus and method for measuring blood sugar concentration
An apparatus noninvasively measures blood sugar concentration. The apparatus includes: a tissue modulation unit applying a pressure to a tissue; a hemoglobin (Hb) concentration measurement unit analyzing an amount of absorption of electromagnetic waves on a first portion of the tissue before and after the applying of the pressure by the tissue modulation unit, and measuring Hb concentration of the tissue; and a photoacoustic module unit analyzing photoacoustic signals to measure blood sugar concentration, and correcting the measured blood sugar concentration based on the measured Hb concentration to output a final blood sugar level, the photoacoustic signals being created from the tissue by emitting a pulse laser ray towards a second portion of the tissue before and after the applying of the pressure by the tissue modulation unit.
US08306592B2 Capsule medical device
A capsule casing of a capsule medical device has a chemical sensor inside, used for sensing operation. The chemical sensor has a recovery device which resets the chemical sensor to an initial state thereof so as to use the chemical sensor for the sensing operation a plurality of times or continuously.
US08306591B2 Terminal structure of superconducting cable system
A superconducting cable terminal connection device connecting a terminal of a superconducting cable for power transmission to an external power system, includes: an electric field relaxation shield disposed inside an insulation housing; a horizontal conductor fixed to an end portion of a core of the superconducting cable drawn into the electric field relaxation shield; an insulator which coats an outer periphery of the horizontal conductor; a vertical conductor which is drawn into the electric field relaxation shield and has a through-hole through which the horizontal conductor and the insulator pass so as to be slidable in a lengthwise direction; and a flexible electrical conduction member which electrically connects an end portion of the horizontal conductor to the vertical conductor.
US08306588B2 Mobile device and radio communication portion of mobile device
This mobile device includes a control portion determining whether or not a selection antenna module and a selection circuit module are matched to each other, and the control portion controls radio communication by the selection antenna module and the selection circuit module to be disabled when the selection antenna module and the selection circuit module are not matched to each other and controls radio communication by the selection antenna module and the selection circuit module to be enabled when the selection antenna module and the selection circuit module are matched to each other.
US08306583B2 Variable configuration apparatus
A variable configuration apparatus has components or sub-systems. At least some components (200 and 201) have mechanical coupling elements (101 and 102 and 103) that enable the configuration of the apparatus to be varied by changing at least one of the relative orientation and position of those components or subsystems. These mechanical coupling elements (101 and 102 and 103) incorporate wireless signal coupling elements (205 and 206) that cooperate to provide a wireless coupling which enables wireless coupling between the components. The wireless coupling may be used to transfer at least one of data and power between the components. The wireless signal coupling elements may be capacitive coupling elements that provide capacitive coupling between the components or sub-systems. In an example, the apparatus is a video camera and one component or sub-system is a display screen (201) and another component or sub-system is the main body (200) of the video camera (200).
US08306579B2 Vehicular adapter apparatus
A vehicular adapter (100) provides an interface to accommodate a variety of contacts located on different surfaces of a portable radio (200). The vehicular adapter includes a rotating pocket (116), pivot arms (136, 150, 152) and a locking mechanism (126). The rotating pocket (116) provides a first set of contacts (124). One pivot arm (136) provides an antenna probe (120) on one surface of the vehicular adapter while another pivot arm (152) provides connector side contacts (122) to a side surface of the vehicular adapter. The pivot arms (136, 150, 152) pivot in response to the rotating pocket (116) being rotated thereby moving their respective contacts into position for mating with the portable radio (200).
US08306578B2 Distributed sound enhancement
Sound quality is enhanced in a sound system including handsets and headsets. Handset sound enhancing algorithms are implemented in a handset. The handset automatically determines which, if any, of a plurality of headset sound enhancing algorithms are active in a headset in communication with the handset. The handset determines how to use the handset sound enhancing algorithms in a sound processing channel based on which of the headset sound enhancing algorithms are active in the headset.
US08306576B2 Mobile terminal capable of providing haptic effect and method of controlling the mobile terminal
A method of controlling a mobile terminal and which includes storing a plurality of haptic vibrations respectively representing different functions performed in a single application to be executed on the mobile terminal, executing a function for the single application is on the mobile terminal, selecting a corresponding haptic vibration that represents the function executing on the terminal, and generating the selected corresponding haptic vibration using a plurality of vibration modules disposed on the mobile terminal in which a first vibration module is activated and at least one second vibration module is activated to represent the function being executed on the mobile terminal.
US08306572B2 Communication control method, communication system and communication control apparatus
Based on a first weighting factor adopted for a first wireless base station 1-1 to direct its beam to a wireless communication apparatus 3, a communication control apparatus 2 calculates a second weighting factor so that the wireless communication apparatus 3 does not interfere with a second wireless base station 1-2 neighboring the first wireless base station 1-1 and the second wireless base station 1-2 interpolates a dead region of the first wireless base station 1-1, and transmits the second weighting factor to the second wireless base station 1-2 to generate a beam. A communication control method, a communication system and a communication control apparatus thereby achieve a stable communication without interference by the neighboring wireless base station while reducing the dead region.
US08306570B2 Apparatus and method for changing network interfaces in a multiaccess mobile terminal
An apparatus and method are provided for changing network interfaces in a multiaccess mobile terminal in a wireless communication system including a server for providing high-capacity data transmission service to a mobile terminal, and the terminal for receiving data from the server and supporting various network interfaces. Upon detecting handoff based on current air information received, an interface module reports a change in interface to a new air interface to an upper layer, and manages the mobile terminal such that traffic is transmitted to the new air interface. Upon receiving information on the new air interface from the interface module, a service module determines a bandwidth of the new air interface, generates a message based on the determined bandwidth, and transmits the generated message.
US08306569B2 Multi-mode IC with multiple processing cores
An integrated circuit (IC) includes an RF section, a DSP, and a plurality of processors. The RF section and the DSP process an inbound RF signal to produce inbound data and process outbound data to produce an outbound RF signal. In addition, the DSP converts an outbound analog audio signal into an outbound digital audio signal and converts an inbound digital audio signal into an inbound analog audio signal. A first processor converts the inbound data into the inbound digital audio signal and converts the outbound digital audio signal into the outbound data. A second processor performs a user application that includes at least one of generation of the inbound analog audio signal and generation of the outbound analog audio signal and performs an operating system algorithm to coordinate operation of the user application.
US08306567B2 Fast adaptive power control for a variable multirate communications system
A system and a method of controlling transmitter power in a wireless communication system in which user data is processed as a multirate signal in which the user data signal having a first rate is converted into a transmission data signal having a faster second rate for transmission. The transmission power is adjusted on a relatively slow basis based on quality of data received by a receiver of the transmitted data. The transmitter power is determined as a function of the first and second rates such that a change in the data rate in the multiple channels or the rate of the transmission data signal is compensated in advance of a quality of data based adjustment associated with such data rate change.
US08306564B1 Method and system of sending power control commands
An exemplary power control command (PCC) transmission scheme is disclosed. In a first aspect, an access terminal may decrease the rate at which to send PCCs directed to an access network in time periods during which a reverse noise on the wireless link over which the access terminal and access network are communicating is greater than a threshold value. In a second aspect, the access terminal may suspend transmission of a first type of PCCs (e.g., either “power up” or “power down” PCCs) directed to the access network in time periods during which the access network's forward transmission power to the access terminal is at boundary level. The exemplary PCC transmission scheme may thus enable the access terminal to decrease the amount of PCC data sent to the access network, which may in turn decrease the reverse noise on the wireless link and thereby improve reverse-link communication.
US08306563B2 Method and apparatus for muting a digital link in a distributed antenna system
System and methods for muting a digital link in a distributed antenna system are provided. In one embodiment, a device for processing signals a distributed antenna system (DAS) is provided. The device comprises: a first signal path for transporting digital data signals; a controller for monitoring events affecting the first signal path; and a muting module coupled to the controller, wherein the muting module controls muting of a signal power of the first signal path as directed by the controller. The muting module applies a hard clamping to mute the signal power of the first signal path when the controller identifies an unplanned event. The muting module applies a ramp to mute the signal power of the first signal path when the controller identified a planned event.
US08306562B2 Signal-to-interference ratio target control for multi-data-rate communication systems
A communication device adjusts its power level based on a desired quality of service and based on a data rate being used to transmit data. The communication device may comprise a processor, a transceiver, and a power source that provides a power level to the transceiver for transmitting data at a variable rate. The processor obtains a first value indicative of a number of transmission errors, computes a second value using the first value and based on the data rate, and determines whether the second value is below a threshold. Based on a comparison of the second value to said threshold, the processor initiates a change in the power level. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may adjust the power level based on whether a current frame contains an error, but not permitting the power level to be decreased to a level at which a signal-to-interference ratio falls below a threshold.
US08306559B2 Method and apparatus for paging optimization of base station supporting hybrid cell
A method for paging optimization in a communication system having one or more base stations and one or more mobile stations within a paging target cell, includes detecting a hybrid base station supporting a hybrid cell from the one or more base stations; and determining whether or not one or more mobile stations registered in the hybrid cell include only closed subscriber group (CSG) members, and defining an operating state of the hybrid base station based on the determination result. The method further includes determining whether or not each of the one or more base stations is included in paging targets based on the operating state of the hybrid base station.
US08306556B2 Intelligent real-time distributed traffic sampling and navigation system
A method of operation of an intelligent real-time distributed traffic sampling and navigation system includes: receiving navigation information of a client; analyzing the navigation information to provide traffic information; generating a travel route based on the analyzing the navigation information; and sending the travel route for display on the client.
US08306551B2 Method and system for limiting the functionality of a mobile electronic device
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for limiting the functionality of a mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, a position determining component disposed within the mobile electronic device is used to determine the speed of the mobile electronic device. It is then determined that the speed of the mobile electronic device exceeds a speed threshold. Based upon determining that the speed of the mobile electronic device exceeds the speed threshold, the functionality of said mobile electronic device is restricted.
US08306546B2 Method and apparatus for providing machine-type communication service in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of providing a machine-type communication (MTC) service in a wireless communication system is provided. The method include transmitting information of an MTC group, to which an MTC device belongs, to the MTC device, wherein the MTC group is a group of MTC devices that share one or more MTC features, and wherein the information of the MTC group includes an identifier (ID) of the MTC group.
US08306542B2 Communication methods and terminals for improving the transfer of connection between cells belonging to different networks
This method, which can be implemented by a terminal, includes a step (E30, E40) of assigning a dummy signal level to a cell defined by an access point of a local area network in such a way as to respect the preference of a user who has elected to give preference, when moving around, to attaching the mobile terminal to a cell of a public cellular network over attaching itself to a cell of a cellular local area network.
US08306539B2 Efficient handover measurements for wireless multi-rat systems
A method for scheduling one or more handover measurements to be performed by a user terminal in a communications system using a plurality of radio access technologies (RATs), wherein the user terminal is in communication with a serving network interface device and is in the neighborhood of one or more neighboring network interface devices. The method includes gathering timing information of the one or more neighboring network interface devices, and determining at least one scanning interval using the timing information of the one or more neighboring network interface devices, the at least one scanning interval being a time period during which the user terminal performs the one or more handover measurements by measuring signals of the one or more neighboring network interface devices.
US08306538B2 Apparatus and method of performing measurements logging in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of performing measurements logging in a mobile communications system is provided. A user equipment receives a first measurement request message from a first cell and receives a handover command message. Upon receiving the handover command message, the user equipment stops a transmission of a response to the first measurement request message.
US08306537B2 Method for accessing a service unavailable through a network cell
A method in user equipment (UE) associated with a first network cell in a wireless telecommunications system includes performing idle mode measurements of one or more network cells other than the first network cell when the UE is operating in an idle mode, receiving a request to access a first service unavailable through the first network cell, communicating with an access device associated with the first network cell based on results of the idle mode measurements, receiving from the access device an identification of a second network cell, and accessing the first service through the second network cell.
US08306534B2 Service status display on a handheld communication device
A method of indicating the availability of a communication service begins by receiving, at a handheld communication device, a service indication of an availability of one of a plurality of communication services, via a wireless communication mode, to the communication device. The handheld communication device receives the service indication from a provider of the one communication service via a wireless non-traffic channel of the wireless communication mode. The communication device then provides a user-indication of the communication service availabilities in accordance with the received service indication.
US08306533B2 Method for exchanging cell information between networks
A controller, such as a base station or radio network controller, for a local cellular network or network segment comprising one or more local cells being served by at least one transceiver, the controller communicating with the local cell or cells and comprising controlling means for controlling said local cell or cells and register means for register and share information about the local cell or cells and their relationships and also register and share information about one or more external cells within at least one external cellular network or network segment and their relationships with the local cell or cells. The controller in particular comprises communication means for communicating directly with one or more neighboring controllers for the external cellular network or network segment, for sharing of the registered information about cells and their relationships. The present invention also relates to a method for said controller and a cellular network including said controller.
US08306528B2 System for managing an aircraft-oriented emergency services call in an airborne wireless cellular network
The Aircraft Emergency Services Call Management System enables the unique identification of each passenger wireless device in use in an aircraft and the corresponding identification of the passenger associated with the passenger wireless device. This passenger wireless device registration data is stored as database entries in a ground-based Automatic Location Identification (ALI) database which associates each aircraft with its registered passenger wireless devices. The origination of an emergency services call by any registered passenger wireless device results in the call being routed to a serving Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) where the passenger is connected to an emergency services operator. Since the aircraft flight crew and cabin crew are the only personnel on site that can be relied upon to provide some sort of emergency services response, they are included in the emergency services call.
US08306526B2 Wireless communication area measuring apparatus and computer program of the same
In order to improve the reduction of interference among cells such as pico cells and ease operations of arranging and controlling the cells, a wireless communication area measuring apparatus includes: a signal measuring unit for calculating wireless environment indicators at measuring points based on measured data of received signal strength indicators of a plurality of base stations; a transmission power determination unit for adjusting transmission power of the base stations based on margins of the received signal strength indicators; and a display unit for outputting adjustment results of the transmission power of the base stations.
US08306520B2 Inter-sector control channel transmission
Provided is a more efficient manner of transmitting a control message to reach into a neighboring sector (e.g., inter-sector) of a wireless network environment. The control message can be utilized for purposes such as handoff, indicating an amount of interference, inter-sector power control for managing inter-sector interference, sector loading, or other control messages. The control message can be placed on a set of resources utilizing planned reuse and/or statistical reuse. Statistical reuse includes selecting a subcarrier set for carrying the control message. According to some aspects, the control message can be sent over a backhaul channel.
US08306516B2 Bring call here selectively
A communication system includes logic to detect a second communication device in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call, and to provide a substantially uninterrupted transfer of selected parties to the call to the second communication device. A proximate device may be identified as one capable of rendering a particular data type, and a substantially uninterrupted transfer may be performed to the proximate device of data of the communications having the data type. An application associated with communication data may be identified, as well as a proximate device capable of providing the application, and a substantially uninterrupted transfer may be performed to the proximate device of data associated with the application.
US08306515B2 Mobile terminal capable of providing weather information and method of controlling the mobile terminal
A method of controlling a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes displaying a first screen image, receiving weather information, providing a semi-transparent filter effect corresponding to the weather information, and overlaying the semi-transparent filter effect onto the first screen image to create a second composite image, and displaying the second composite image. A mobile terminal is also provided, which includes a display module configured to display a first screen image as an idle screen background, a wireless communication unit configured to receive weather information through a communication network, and a controller configured to overlay a semi-transparent filter effect corresponding to the received weather information onto the first screen image to create a second composite image, and then to display the second composite image.
US08306510B2 Person to person virtual cash transfer transaction using mobile phones
A person to person cash transfer transaction method using mobile phones comprising the steps of: —sender sends a transfer command to the recipient containing the transfer amount, sender's PIN and the recipient's mobile number; —telco verifies if the sender's mobile phone cash account has sufficient balance to effect the transfer of the amount of virtual cash being transferred; —telco deducts the sender's mobile phone cash account with the amount of virtual cash to e transferred and credits the same amount of recipient's mobile phone cash account; —sender and recipient receive SMS acknowledgment with confirmation number from telco; —recipient if registered may not use the virtual cash for any financial transaction.
US08306507B2 Differentiated message delivery notification
A user equipment (UE) is disclosed. The UE comprises a processor configured to transmit a session initiation protocol (SIP) SUBSCRIBE method request that comprises at least one filter criteria used for selecting specific messages and selecting the information about the messages, where each of the messages is directed to a user identity associated with the UE.
US08306504B1 Determining access to a feature of a mobile device
Methods are disclosed for determining, based on a pass code inputted by a user, whether the user can access a particular feature of a mobile device. Features may include access to the device itself, products, services, applications, or the like. The mobile device requests access to the feature, and is sent display information for a plurality of icons, which indicates where each icon is to be displayed. An ordered selection of icons is received to determine whether the ordered selection matches a predetermined ordered selection. If they match, the user is allowed to access the feature of the mobile device.
US08306502B2 System and method for linking existing Wi-Fi access points into a single unified network
Disclosed is a system and method for providing a distributed wireless network. At least one information processor is coupled to a communication network. Network bandwidth is provided to a first user of at least two end users for a first fee and to a second user of the at least two end users for a second fee. At least two wireless gateway devices are configured to provide wireless access to the communication network within a transmission range and to communicate with the at one least information processor. At least two wireless receiving devices are provided that are operable to receive the respective bandwidth from the wireless gateway devices when in transmission range. Preferably, the first user is authorized to use the second bandwidth and the second user is authorized to use the first bandwidth via the wireless devices. Thus a system and method of sharing bandwidth is provided.
US08306501B2 Method and system for allowing incoming emergency communications on a disabled device
A system and method to allow a disabled device to receive an incoming communication after the termination of an emergency communication session with a service provider. A disabled device is a device having a portion of its service plan that allows the device to send or receive communications either temporarily or permanently disabled. In some embodiments, the system allows the disabled device to receive all incoming communications during a defined period of time after the emergency communication session. In some embodiments, the system allows the disabled device to receive all incoming communications from numbers or URIs contained in a repository of allowed numbers. In some embodiments, the system allows the disabled device to receive all incoming communications if the service provider initiating the communication enters an authenticated routing key or passcode.
US08306500B2 Mobile terminal
Disclosed is a mobile terminal including a main body having a display module, a window disposed on a case of the main body to obscure the display module, a touch sensor mounted onto the window and configured to detect a touch input, and a piezoelectric substrate controlled to generate a vibration in response to detection of the touch input and formed in a bar-like shape extending in one direction, the piezoelectric substrate accommodated in a recess portion recessed into one surface of the window at an edge region of the window.
US08306497B2 RF transceiver front-end
An RF transceiver front-end includes receiver and transmitter front-ends. The receiver front-end includes 1st and 2nd antennas, a ninety degree phase shift module and an LNA module. The 1st and 2nd antennas receive inbound RF signals and provide a first directional circular polarization. The ninety degree phase shift module phase shifts the RF signals received by the 2nd antenna. The LNA module amplifies the RF signals received by the 1st antenna and the shifted RF signals. The transmitter front-end includes a PA module and 3rd and 4th antennas, which provide a second directional circular polarization. The PA module amplifies outbound RF signals to produce amplified outbound RF signals and amplified orthogonal outbound RF signals. The 3rd antenna transmits the amplified outbound RF signals and the 4th antenna transmits the amplified orthogonal outbound RF signals.
US08306496B2 Channel characteristic analyzing apparatus and method
A channel characteristic analyzing apparatus that can ensure modeling of a more adequate propagation path by processing position parameters needed in a two-wave model which is used as a line-of-sight propagation path model in a stochastic manner is provided. The channel characteristic analyzing apparatus for analyzing the propagation channel characteristics of a reception apparatus 11b which has received a radio signal of a millimeter wave band, transmitted from a transmission antenna 13a of a transmission apparatus 11a, via a reception antenna 13b, includes computation means which computes h(t) expressed by the following equation (1) as a channel response to the propagation channel characteristic. h(t)=βδ(t)  (1) where β is derived as a result of processing the position parameters needed also in the two-wave model in the stochastic manner.
US08306491B2 Controlling fine frequency changes in an oscillator
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining if a frequency control instruction would cause a first capacitor bank to reach a limit and adjusting the first capacitor bank in a first direction using a calibration value and adjusting a second capacitor bank in a second direction if the first capacitor bank would reach the limit. Furthermore, the calibration value may be calculated and stored in accordance with other embodiments. In such manner, small changes in capacitance and correspondingly small changes in frequency may be effected.
US08306490B2 High frequency power amplifier, transmitter and mobile communication terminal using the power amplifier
A high frequency power amplifier maintains an excellent linearity regardless of a fluctuation of a load impedance and is downsized. The high frequency power amplifier detects an AC voltage amplitude at an output terminal of a final amplification stage transistor, and suppresses an input signal amplitude of a power amplifier when the voltage amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US08306489B2 Circuit for a loop antenna and method for tuning
A circuit for a loop antenna having a first antenna terminal and a second antenna terminal with an antenna impedance, and method for tuning an overall impedance that has an antenna impedance of a loop antenna and a tuning impedance, with an output amplifier for amplifying a transmit signal that has an output for connection to the first antenna terminal of the loop antenna, with a tuning device designed for automatic tuning that has a terminal, which is separated from the output of the output amplifier for connection to the second antenna terminal, in which the tuning device has an adjustable tuning impedance that is connected to the terminal, in which the tuning device has a measurement device that is connected to the tuning impedance in order to measure a voltage amplitude across the tuning impedance, in which the tuning device has a computing unit that is connected to the measurement device and the adjustable tuning impedance, and in which the computing unit is designed for automatic adjustment of the tuning impedance based on evaluation of the voltage amplitude and the tuning impedance.
US08306486B2 Methods and apparatus for reducing the average-to-minimum power ratio of communications signals in communications transmitters
Methods and apparatus for reducing the average-to-minimum power ratio (AMPR) of communications signals in communications transmitters. An AMPR-reducing method includes detecting a sample of a baseband signal having a magnitude less than a predetermined low-magnitude threshold. The magnitude and/or angle of the baseband signal is modified in the temporal vicinity of the detected low-magnitude sample, to form a modified baseband signal having a reduced AMPR. The baseband signal is modified by scaling an insertion pulse by a complex pulse insertion vector and combining the resulting scaled complex insertion pulse with the baseband signal in the temporal vicinity of the detected low-magnitude sample. The pulse insertion angle may be set to any angle within a pulse insertion vector range determined by a vector defining the detected low-magnitude sample and a vector that is orthogonal to the trajectory of the baseband signal.
US08306482B2 Communication system and search and rescue terminal for vessels
A communication service equipment and a search and rescue terminal device for vessels that are set on board to provide radio communication service including at least one radio signal transmission and reception units, a modulation and demodulation unit, a location information receiving unit, a plurality of frequency conversion unit, signal processing units each connected to the frequency conversion unit, a main control unit, and control the signal processing unit.
US08306481B2 Single pole multi throw switch
A single pole multi throw switch comprises a first switching unit, a second switching unit coupled to a common port and comprising a parasitic off state capacitance, and a matching unit. The matching unit may be coupled between the first switching unit and the common port, wherein the matching unit is configured to contribute, in conjunction with the parasitic off state capacitance of the second switching unit, to an impedance match if the first switching unit is active and the second switching unit is inactive.
US08306475B2 Method and apparatus for configuring a wireless device through reverse advertising
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses reverse advertising to configure a new wireless device to join an existing wireless network. During operation, the new wireless device broadcasts an advertisement for itself. In response to the advertisement, the new wireless device receives information from an existing wireless device on the existing wireless network. This information specifies how to join the existing wireless network. Next, the new wireless device uses the information to configure itself to join the existing wireless network.
US08306469B2 Cleaning apparatus for removing toner adhered onto endless belt
A belt unit including an endless belt that is stretched over a plurality of rollers, a drive roller, and a tension roller. The belt unit also includes a cleaning apparatus which includes a rotary unit and a cleaning member configured to clean a surface of the endless belt. The tension roller is arranged at a position opposing the cleaning apparatus and configured to transmit a driving force to the rotary unit.
US08306458B2 Image forming device including regulation member that regulates movement of flapper when rear cover is open
An image forming device includes a heat member and a pressure member in pressed contact with the heat member, forming a nip part therebetween. A cover member of a main casing is movable between a first closed position for covering the heat member and a first open position for exposing the heat member. A flapper disposed between the cover member and the nip part is movable between a second closed position for covering the heat member and a second open position for exposing the heat member. The flapper toggles between conveying paths. A regulating member is capable of regulating movement of the flapper to the second open position when the cover member is in the first open position so as to maintain the heat member covered by the flapper.
US08306453B2 Image forming unit and image forming apparatus provided therewith
An aspect of the present invention provides an image forming unit including: a development unit that includes a development member; a photosensitive unit that includes a photosensitive member; a transfer unit that is disposed to face the photosensitive member; and an elastic member that is attached to the transfer unit and the development unit and urges the development unit toward the transfer unit to align the development unit and the photosensitive member with each other.
US08306450B2 Toner recovery machine and image forming apparatus
A toner recovery machine comprising: a first roller having a radius and rotatable about a first axis, the first axis along a first direction; a cleaner touching the first roller; a container for accommodating toner, the container comprising: a first conveyer movable along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second conveyer rotatable about a second axis and having a radius defined by the rotation about the second axis, the second axis along the first direction, wherein the second conveyer, the first roller, and the first conveyer are positioned in this order along the second direction, wherein the sum of the radius of the first roller and the radius defined by the second conveyer is smaller than a distance in the second direction between the first axis and the second axis.
US08306447B2 Potential sensor, electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the potential sensor, and manufacturing method of potential sensor
A potential sensor for detecting a surface potential of an electrophotographic photosensitive member includes an insulative film; a thin film electrode layer formed on the film; a curved portion formed by folding back the film so that the thin film electrode layer is inwardly located, the curved potion functioning as a detecting portion for detecting the surface potential of the electrophotographic photosensitive member in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and an electroconductive shielding portion provided so as to cover an outer surface of the film except for at least an area in which the curved portion is contactable to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the shielding portion being electrically grounded.
US08306442B2 Image forming apparatus with control for setting image forming condition based on executed mode
In a second mode to form an image based on a pre-designated type of recording medium, a detection is performed to a recording medium which is fed, and in a first mode to form an image based on the detected type, image forming conditions are set based on a result of the sheet type detection in the second mode without executing the sheet type detection.
US08306440B2 Polarization diversity receiver systems and methods with polarization mode dispersion mitigation
The present disclosure relates to polarization diversity receiver systems and methods with polarization mode dispersion mitigation through processing. Specifically, the present invention includes a direct-detection receiver system that removes the requirement for a LO and an ADC thereby improving power, size, and cost over existing solutions, while at the same time allowing sufficient electronic processing to mitigate PMD impairment. The present invention can be realized in a processing block in CMOS technology front-ended with a polarization diversity receiver utilizing a 90 deg. optical hybrid.
US08306437B2 Optical receiver
In an optical receiver, a light receiving element receives the optical packet signals and converts the optical packet signals to electrical signals. A bias voltage supply section supplies bias voltage to the light receiving element. A monitoring section monitors an input level of each optical packet signal or each electrical signal and transmits a monitored value to the bias voltage supply section. In addition, the bias voltage supply section temporarily increases the bias voltage according to magnitude of the monitored value after an end of receiving of each optical packet signal.
US08306431B2 Optical transmission system
An optical transmission system includes an optical transmitter that includes first and second light sources, first and second phase modulators respectively modulating light from the first and the second light sources, and a polarized beam combiner combining the light output from the first and the second phase modulators to output an optical signal; and an optical receiver that includes a local oscillator, a polarization beam splitter splitting, according to polarization, the optical signal transmitted from the optical transmitter, and first and second digital coherent receivers corresponding to the first and the second phase modulators, and including a frontend that mixes light from the local oscillator and the polarization-split optical signal to output an electrical signal of real and imaginary parts, an analog-digital converting unit converting the electrical signal to a digital signal, and a digital signal processing unit estimating phase of the digital signal and extracting a signal.
US08306429B2 Optical ultrasonic microphone
An optical ultrasonic microphone includes an acoustic waveguide that transmits a sound wave received from an opening, an optical acoustic propagation medium that forms at least one portion of a wall face of the acoustic waveguide and an LDV head, and a sound wave proceeding through the acoustic waveguide is received by the optical acoustic propagation medium so that a change in the refractive index caused by the proceeding sound wave inside the optical acoustic propagation medium is generated with high efficiency, and by detecting this as an optical modulation by the LDV head, the optical ultrasonic microphone is allowed to have a very wide band.
US08306428B2 Optoelectronic switch transmitter using millimeter wavelength
An optoelectronic switch using millimeter wavelength (MMW) is provided. An r voltage pulse is applied to a device under test (DUT) for switching the photo-generated MMW power The DUT is operated under reverse bias. An optical light source with modulated MMW envelop is injected on to DUT for MMW power generation. Thus, based on change of the reverse bias, speed is violently changed and the MMW optoelectronic switch is thus obtained.
US08306424B2 Remodulating channel selectors for WDM optical communication systems
The present invention provides a remodulating channel selector for a wavelength division multiplexed optical communication system. The remodulating selector receives a WDM input signal, selects a particular optical channel from the WDM signal and places the information from the selected signal onto a newly-generated optical output signal. The wavelength of the output optical signal can be the same as or different from one of the optical channels which comprises the WDM input signal. When used in a WDM optical communication system with remodulators at the transmission input, the remodulating selectors provide complete control over the interfaces with optical transmitters and receivers, permitting use with a broad range of optical equipment.
US08306416B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a mount to which a lens unit is mountable, an imager operable to generate an image signal from light incident through the lens unit, a light-emitter operable to emit light, and an electric storage device operable to supply electric power to the light-emitter. The electric storage device is disposed behind the mount and below the imager.
US08306415B2 Single seat-kill camera system
There is disclosed a single seat-kill camera system and method. The single seat-kill camera may include a camera head, a support structure, and an elevator configured to move the camera head relative to the support structure to position the camera head in one of a down position and an up position. An obstruction detector mounted to the support structure may determine whether or not a field of view of the camera head is obstructed, at least in part, when the camera head is in the down position. A controller coupled to the elevator and the obstruction detector may automatically cause the elevator to position the camera head in the up position when the obstruction detector determines that the field of view of the camera head in the down position is obstructed.
US08306414B2 Positioning device, positioning method and storage medium
A positioning device including: a positioning unit that performs positioning of position information at each time when predetermined positioning conditions are met; a storage unit that stores position information of at least one specified position, in association with a category from among a plurality of types of categories; a position setting unit that sets a specified position from among specified positions stored in the storage unit; a region setting unit that sets a region of a size corresponding to a category to which the specified position set by the position setting unit belongs, in association with the specified position; a region determining unit that determines whether or not position information obtained by the positioning unit belongs to the region set by the region setting unit; and a positioning control unit that changes the positioning conditions of the positioning unit based on determination results determined by the region determining unit.
US08306413B2 Image display device, brightness control method and brightness control program
An image display device includes a display unit that is installed inside a finder window provided in a housing and displays images, an illumination unit that illuminates a space inside the finder window, and a control unit that when brightness of the display unit is a first brightness, sets the brightness of the illumination unit to a second brightness, and when the brightness of the display unit is a third brightness brighter than the first brightness, sets the brightness of the illumination unit to a fourth brightness brighter than the second brightness.
US08306410B2 Photographic device having optical image stabilization module and optical image stabilization photographic device having peripheral driver chip
A photographic device having an optical image stabilization (OIS) module includes a compensation unit, a first position sensor, a second position sensor, a first vibration detection unit, a second vibration detection unit, a first actuator, a second actuator and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU includes an anti-shake processing unit. The anti-shake processing unit processes vibration signals output by the first vibration detection unit and the second vibration detection unit and position signals output by the first position sensor and the second position sensor, and drives the first actuator and the second actuator to adjust positions of the compensation unit in the first direction and in the second direction and further compensate the shake of the photographic device having the OIS module in the first direction and in the second direction.
US08306408B2 Radiant heating using heater coatings
A radiant heating system comprises a thermally sprayed resistive heating layer bonded to an underlayment building material substrate. The substrate can comprise a sub-flooring material and the heating system can comprise a radiant floor heating system. The resistive heating layer can be thermally sprayed directly onto a sub-floor or similar underlayment material, including a cementitious backing material or a sound reduction board. A finished floor surface, such as a tile, wood or laminate surface, can be provided over the substrate and thermally sprayed heater to provide a radiant floor heater. In other embodiments, a radiant heating system includes a thermally sprayed heater bonded to a flooring overlay, such as a laminate board, to a heater insert, such as a flexible polymer film or a mica-based material, or to a concrete substrate. Methods of fabricating radiant heating systems include thermally-spraying a resistive material on a sub-floor or flooring overlay.
US08306406B2 Video and audio reproduction apparatus and method thereof
The video and audio reproduction apparatus according to the present invention is a video and audio reproduction apparatus that decodes a video and audio stream and reproduces the decoded video and audio stream and that includes a reconstructing unit which reconstructs a packet in an inputted video and audio stream; a decoding unit which decodes the video and audio stream having the reconstructed packet, the video and audio stream being received from the reconstructing unit; and an output unit which outputs the decoded video and audio stream, wherein, when the packet to be reconstructed contains a plurality of payloads in the inputted video and audio stream, the reconstructing unit reconstructs the packet in the video and audio stream so that each packet contains one payload.
US08306404B2 Mobile communication terminal and operation control method thereof
The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and operation control method thereof: A mobile communication terminal according to the present invention comprises: an input unit having at least one searching keys specified for a section search of multimedia data; and a controller allocating the searching keys to predetermined reproducing positions of the multimedia data, respectively, and controlling reproducing time points of the multimedia data to be moved to reproducing positions allocated to the searching key if the searching keys are input. The present invention uses the searching keys specified for the section search upon reproducing the multimedia data to rapidly perform the section search, making it possible to easily use products regarding a mobile communication terminal.
US08306403B2 Content control via guide data and/or metadata
Metadata of the type for instance associated with television or video Electronic Programming Guides (EPG) or Interactive Programming Guides (IPG), is transported via a digital delivery network such as the Internet to a video receiving device such as a personal video recorder (PVR). The receiving device extracts the metadata for a purpose such as determining from the metadata programming of control signals. The PVR thereby reads or interprets control signals derived from the metadata provided via the digital delivery network so as to control subsequent video recording.
US08306391B2 Method for resuming content reproduction across devices
A method for operating a data reproduction device enables users to resume reproduction of audio and/or video content across different devices of the same or different type. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of receiving first index data from a different data reproduction device wherein the first index data indicates a first position in content in a first format and the content includes at least one of audio and video data, determining a second position in the content in a second format using the first index data, and enabling reproduction of the content in the second format beginning from the second position.
US08306388B2 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.
US08306384B2 Information recording medium, data sorting device, and data reproduction device
The present invention provides an information recording medium in which an access unit including basic data and extension data is recorded, so as to allow a decoder that decodes only basic data to process the access unit which includes the basic data and the extension data for the next generation.The information recording medium is an information recording medium on which a stream is recorded, the stream having plural access units and including at least one of video and audio, wherein each of the access units has basic data and extension data related to the basic data, the basic data is data that can be decoded into a completed state without requiring the extension data, and the extension data is data for improving the quality of data generated from the basic data, and information indicating that the extension data is included in each of the access units is recorded in an area, included in the access unit, which cannot be identified by the decoder which decodes only the basic data.
US08306383B2 Data processor and hierarchy for recording moving and still picture files
To provide a data structure contributing to managing a moving picture and a still picture efficiently and also provide an apparatus for performing recording and/or playback using such a data structure.A data processor includes: a drive unit for writing at least one still picture file on a level that is lower in hierarchy than a still picture folder of a storage medium; and a control section for generating file specifying information that specifies the storage location of each still picture file in the level and identification information for identifying each still picture file uniquely and for compiling a table that associates the file specifying information and the identification information with each other. The drive unit writes the table as a table file on the storage medium.
US08306376B2 Method and apparatus for multiplexing optical information for recording and reproducing optical information over optical storage medium
There is provided an optical multiplexer including: a substrate having a plurality of beam transmitting portions; and diffraction gratings diffracting beams irradiated to the beam transmitting portions at different angles, each diffraction grating being formed in the corresponding beam transmitting portion. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an alignment error and manufacturing cost and to reduce the entire size of a recording apparatus or a reproducing apparatus.
US08306375B2 Wavelength-tunable optical transmitter
A first exemplary aspect of the present invention is a wavelength-tunable optical transmitter including: a semiconductor substrate (101); a wavelength-tunable light source that is formed on the semiconductor substrate (101) and includes at least a first reflector (102) of a wavelength-tunable type and a gain region (104); a semiconductor optical modulator formed on the semiconductor substrate (101); a first semiconductor optical waveguide (105c) that is formed on the semiconductor substrate (101) and smoothly connected to the wavelength-tunable light source; a second semiconductor optical waveguide (105d) that is formed on the semiconductor substrate and smoothly connected to the semiconductor optical modulator; a waveguide coupling region (108) in which the first and second semiconductor optical waveguides are collinearly coupled with a length LC that is not equal to m/2 (m: integer) times a complete coupling length LC0; and a second reflector (113) formed at an end of the waveguide coupling region (108).
US08306371B2 Method for manufacturing optical nonreciprocal element, and optical nonreciprocal element
A novel technique is provided, which can manufacture an optical nonreciprocal element constituted of an Si waveguide layer and a magneto-optical material layer without using wafer bonding. A magneto-optical material layer is deposited on a substrate, an Si layer is deposited on the aforesaid magneto-optical material layer, a waveguide is formed on the aforesaid Si layer, and the aforesaid magneto-optical material layer is magnetized so as to be able to cause a light propagating in the aforesaid waveguide to generate a nonreciprocal phase change.
US08306366B2 Method and apparatus for extracting feature points from digital image
An apparatus and method for extracting feature points from an image in a multiprocessor system having a plurality of processors, the method including: dividing an original image into a plurality of regions so as to be allocated to a plurality of processors of the multiprocessor system; performing, by the plurality of processors, blurring operations by levels; dividing the images blurred by levels into a plurality of regions to be allocated to the processors and calculating, by the plurality of processors, differences of Gaussian (DoGs); and generating feature point data according to the calculated DoGs. Because a plurality of processors performs the operations of the method, the total time to extract the feature points from the image is significantly reduced.
US08306364B2 Method for color interpolation
In a method for color interpolation between two colors, each interpolated color between a first color having at least two color components and a second color having at least two color components, is defined by copying at least one color component from a corresponding color component of a neighboring color and calculating at least one other color component.
US08306358B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and imaging apparatus for slicing an image
An image processing apparatus detects a center of gravity of each of plural images of interest, which are images to which attention is paid among images included in an original image; calculates an overall center of gravity, which is a center of gravity of all the plural images of interest, from the center of gravity of each of the plural images of interest; and determines an area in the original image such that a ratio of a distance from one edge of opposed edges of the area to the overall center of gravity to a distance from the other edge of the opposed edges of the area to the overall center of gravity takes a value decided in advance so as to arouse an aesthetic sense.
US08306351B2 Apparatus and method for filtering noise in image signal
An apparatus and a method for filtering noise in an image signal are provided. The apparatus includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a first filter, and a second filter. The ADC receives the image signal and converts the image signal into a digital signal. The first filter receives the digital signal and filters a first noise portion of the digital signal to generate a first signal. The second filter coupled to the first filter receives the first signal and filters a second noise portion of the first signal, wherein the first noise portion is a sampled-based impulse noise, and the second noise portion is a line-based impulse noise.
US08306348B2 Techniques for adjusting the effect of applying kernels to signals to achieve desired effect on signal
A method and apparatus for adjusting the effect of applying a kernel to a signal is provided. The adjustment may be based on the magnitude of an effect that a kernel matrix is intended to have on the signal matrix. The adjustments can be based on factors including, but not limited to, a signal-to-noise ratio of the signal data, properties of a device (e.g., lens) used to capture the signal data, or a metric that is derived based on an analysis of the signal data. Processing image data in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is aimed at regaining lost contrast that may be due to properties of optics that are used to capture the image data.
US08306346B2 Static image compression method and non-transitory computer readable medium having a file with a data structure
A static image compression method, a computer readable data structure, and a computer readable storage medium are described. Firstly, an image is segmented into a plurality of sub-images. Then, each sub-image is sequentially compressed into a sub-data frame having a start character, so as to generate a compressed data with the sub-data frames interconnected according to a sequence of the sub-images. Finally, the addresses of the start characters are recorded to generate an index data. Thereby, the start character of a particular block can be obtained from the index data, and the sub-image of the particular block is preferentially decoded and displayed.
US08306344B2 Image processor with an encoder in a predictive coding system that reduces an amount of encoded data
An image processor includes an encoding unit encoding inputted data. The encoding unit includes a first processing unit splitting the data into a first partial data in a first digit range on an upper side and a second partial data in a second digit range on a lower side, a second processing unit encoding only the first partial data between the first partial data and the second partial data, and a third processing unit performing correction to set a value of the first partial data at “0”.
US08306343B2 Optimized prediction based image compression
A technique for optimizing a prediction method of samples in blocks of an image is provided. The image includes a first block, a second block, a third block, and a fourth block, each of the blocks include 8×8 blocks and form one Macro block. The method includes performing a prediction of the second block, the third block and the fourth block by performing at least one of prediction methods. A prediction error per block (Pe) is computed for each prediction method that is performed to predict the second block, the third block, and the fourth block. The prediction error per block (Pe) equals an original block value minus a predicted block value. An optimal prediction method is chosen from each of the prediction methods performed that results in minimum Σ|Pe| pixels per block (summation on pixels per block). The optimal prediction method and the Pe for each block are stored.
US08306339B2 Information processing device and method
Disclosed herein is an information processing device including a bitplane expanding section, a coding section, a selecting section, and a selection controlling section. The bitplane expanding section expands image data into bitplanes as sets of bits at identical places in each unit of a predetermined number of pieces of data each having a bit depth of a plurality of bits. The coding section codes the image data expanded by the bitplane expanding section in each the bitplane in predetermined order. The selecting section selects compressed data and non-compressed data as a result of coding of the image data. The selection controlling section controls the coding section to stop a coding process and selecting the non-compressed data for a bitplane situated at a position subsequent to a bitplane for which the non-compressed data is selected by the selecting section in the predetermined order.
US08306338B2 Moving-picture coding device and moving-picture coding method
A moving-picture coding device that performs inter-field motion compensation prediction, includes a reference limit area determining unit that determines to select, for each reference picture, with respect to reference pictures used for coding, a luminance or chrominance reference limit area putting a limit to a reference picture used for generating a prediction picture of a luminance or chrominance of a coding target block belonging to the coding target picture limit area of the case upon each reference picture being previously coded; a selecting inhibit vector determining unit that determines, in a case of coding the coding block belonging to the coding target picture limit area, a selecting inhibit vector that inhibits selecting a luminance and the chrominance are comprised only of pixels of the luminance reference limit area and the chrominance reference limit area.
US08306337B2 Use of Z-order data in an image sensor
Systems and methods are provided for detecting objects of an object class, such as faces, in an image sensor. In some embodiments, the image sensor can include a detector with an image buffer. The image buffer can store image data in raster order. The detector can read the data out in Z order to perform object detection. The image data can then compute feature responses using the Z-ordered image data and determine whether any objects of the object class are present based on the feature responses. In some embodiments, the detector can downscale the image data while the object detection is performed and use the downscaled image data to continue the detection process. In some embodiments, the image data can perform detection even if the image is rotated.
US08306334B2 Methods of representing and analysing images
A method of representing and analysing images comprises producing a plurality of descriptors of an image at one or more scales and for one or more color channels, said descriptors capturing color content and interrelation information within the regions, and associating the descriptors in a plurality of ways based on their characteristics such as scale, color channel, feature semantics, and region, and comparing such representations of images to assess the similarity of images.
US08306332B2 Image search method and device
An image search method that is robust and fast (with computational complexity of logarithmic order relative to the number of models). The image search includes extracting a plurality of regions from one or more model images and normalizing the regions as standard regions; setting a specific region in each normalized standard region and classifying the plurality of standard regions under two or more subsets on the basis of a feature of the specific region; iteratively performing an operation of setting another specific region at a location different from that of the aforementioned specific region in each standard region classified in each subset and classifying the plurality of standard regions under still more subsets on the basis of a feature of the other specific region; and outputting the locations of the specific regions in the standard regions in the respective classifications and the features of the specific regions in the classifications.
US08306331B2 Image processing apparatus and method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a management unit configured to manage a template arranged to determine the placement of an image, a clipping unit configured to clip a part of a first image, and a placement unit configured to dispose a second image clipped from the first image by the clipping unit on the template, wherein the clipping unit clips the second image from the first image so as to include a region which maintains the aspect ratio of a region of the template where an image is disposed, and also includes the first image as much as possible.
US08306329B2 System and method for searching handwritten texts
A language-neutral method for searching online handwritten notes is provided. The different algorithms contained in this method enable querying online multilingual handwritten documents with substrings of words rather than just whole words. More particularly, two approaches are presented —one based on partial Fréchet distance calculations and the other based on a pair hidden Markov models. The partial Fréchet distance is adapted from the traditional Fréchet distance concept to match a subcurve or prefix of a query word. The pair hidden Markov model used in the present application is adapted from pair hidden Markov models used in bioinformatics as generative models of local and global alignment of biological sequences.
US08306318B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer readable storage medium
A feature vector computation section 24 of an image processing apparatus computes a feature vector expressing gradient histograms for each of plural child regions that have been further partitioned from plural parent regions partitioned from a discrimination-subject image. A feature relative vector computation section 26 of the image processing apparatus computes for each parent region a feature relative vector expressing relative values computed from respective combinations of the same or different elements across feature vectors computed for each child region, and relative values computed from respective combinations of the same or different elements within one of the feature vectors. A discrimination section 30 of the image processing apparatus, based on the feature relative vector computed for each parent region, discriminates whether or not the image subject to processing is an image in which a processing target object appears.
US08306316B2 Image processing apparatus and method, data processing apparatus and method, and program and recording medium
The image processing apparatus and method, and the program and the recording medium according to the present invention can make the coefficient vector into high precision by noise elimination or correction utilizing the mutual correlation of the divided image areas in the intermediate eigenspace, and allows relaxation of the input condition and robustness. The high correlation in the divided image areas in the intermediate eigenspace can reduce the divided image areas to be processed, and actualize reduction in processing load and enhancement of the processing speed.
US08306313B2 Method for placing at least one component provided with connection points on a substrate, as well as such a device
A method for placing at least one component provided with connection points on a substrate. First, positions of the connection points are determined, after which the component is positioned at desired positions on the substrate with the connection points thereof. Upon placement of a number of components, the contour of a component as well as the positions of the connection points relative to said contour are determined for a first number of components. On the basis of the calculated positions of the connection points relative to the contours average positions of the connection points relative to the contour are calculated. Upon placement of a second number of components the contour of a component is determined, whereupon the expected positions of the connection points relative to the contour are calculated on the basis of said average positions.
US08306309B2 Method and apparatus for detecting mechanical defects in a semiconductor device, particularly in a solar cell arrangement
A process detects defects in a semiconductor device, particularly a solar cell or solar cell arrangement, having at least one pn junction in a semiconductor layer of a semiconductor material with an indirect band junction. A voltage is applied to the at least one pn junction to operate it in the transmitting direction; and the radiation behavior of the semiconductor layer generated by the applied voltage, at least for partial ranges of the semiconductor layer, is optically detected and automatically examined for essentially one-dimensional intensity changes in order to detect mechanical defects.
US08306308B2 Method for optically detecting surface defect of round wire rod
A device and method can optically detect a defect of a round wire rod to be tested, and particularly, remotely detect the defect without contact in real-time. The device includes a lighting device for emitting circular surface light to the round wire rod; an optical sensor for generating an optical signal by receiving the light reflected from the round wire rod, which is being transported, and converting the optical signal into an image signal; and a signal-processing unit for acquiring surface information of the round wire rod by receiving the image signal from the optical sensor.
US08306305B2 Bone segmentation
A method of automatically identifying bone components in a medical image data set of voxels, the method comprising: a) applying a first set of one or more tests to accept voxels as belonging to seeds, b) applying a second set of one or more tests to accept seeds as bone seeds, and c) expanding the bone seeds into bone components by progressively identifying candidate bone voxels, adjacent to the bone seeds or to other previously identified bone voxels, as bone voxels, responsive to predetermined criteria which distinguish bone voxels from voxels of other body tissue.
US08306304B2 Precise image reconstruction of spiral CT images at optional pitch values
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a method for the reconstruction of image data of an examined object from measuring data, wherein the measuring data were detected by a detector within and outside of its Tam-Danielsson window during a relative spiral movement between a radiation source of a computer tomography system and the examined object. As a result of the spiral movement, the measuring data outside of the Tam-Danielsson contain interruptions. A mathematically precise first reconstruction of first image data is realized in at least one embodiment based on the measuring data by using only measuring data from the Tam-Danielsson window. A mathematically precise second reconstruction is furthermore realized of second image data from the measuring data in at least one embodiment, using at least among other things measuring data from outside of the Tam-Danielsson window, wherein the interruption of the measuring data is compensated for by using existing measuring data and/or the first image data and/or other image data obtained from existing measuring data. Finally, the first image data and the second image data are combined.
US08306302B2 Noise suppression in diagnostic images
A method for suppressing noise in a diagnostic image executes one or more iterations of segmenting the image to identify and label one or more regions in the image; and performing selective diffusion on at least one of the one or more labeled regions in the image. A homogeneity value is computed for the region. A diffusion conductance function is generated for the region according to an intensity gradient between adjacent digital image elements within the region. The diffusion process is applied to a plurality of digital image elements within the region.
US08306300B2 Focusable virtual microscopy apparatus and method
A virtual microscope slide includes images of a specimen for a given level of optical magnification which are associated and stored in a data structure. The forming of the data structure having the multiple Z-plane images preferably includes automatically focusing at a principal reference focal plane and capturing and digitizing an optically magnified reference Z-image and then shifting the specimen relative to the lens system by a predetermined increment to capture and digitize another Z-plane image. Preferably, a multiple sequence of Z-plane images above and below the reference image and captured and digitized. For ease of retrieval and use, each reference image has its associated Z-plane images are formed in a stack that is sent over the Internet, or Intranet to a local computer storage for quick retrieval when a viewer wants to mimic a focusing up or down to better view a detail in an image. Thus, the resultant images are retrieved and displayed such that a virtual focusing capability is available to the user. The images can be formed with overlapping fields of depth, adjacent fields of depth, or wholly separated fields of depth.
US08306295B2 Method for generating computed tomography image data records of a patient in the heart CT scan during a perfusion control by applying contrast agent
A method is disclosed for generating computed tomography image data records of a patient in a heart CT scan during a perfusion control by applying contrast agent. In at least one embodiment, a plurality of temporally consecutive CT data records are recorded as an exposure series with a CT system and if necessary are reconstructed. These CT data records are improved for better visualization of the perfusion by way of electronic filtering and post-processing, with all projection and/or image data determined during a CT scan being used, however with the aid of frequency filtering only the data of a projection or of a reconstructed image for generating a final representation being used which does not fall within a predetermined local frequency range of a heart movement.
US08306291B2 Method for localizing labels in a sample
The invention relates to a method in which labels are introduced in a sample, a flat surface is prepared on the sample and a series of images is made of the sample surface with e.g. a scanning electron microscope. The labels may be gold labels or e.g. fluorescent labels. By removing a surface layer between obtaining each image, labels at the surface in one image will be removed and will not be visible in a subsequent image. Thereby a 3D reconstruction of the position of labels in the sample can be made.
US08306287B2 Biometrics authentication system
A biometrics authentication system includes: a light source applying light to a living body; a detection section on which the living body is to be placed; a microlens array section configured so that a plurality of microlenses each condensing light from the living body are arranged at intervals; a light shielding section arranged on at least one of a light incidence side and a light exiting side of the microlens array section and having apertures each facing a region where each of the microlenses is arranged; an image pickup device obtaining image pickup data of the living body on the basis of the light condensed by the microlens array section; and an authentication section performing authentication of the living body on the basis of the image pickup data obtained in the image pickup device.
US08306280B2 Electronic camera and image processing apparatus
An electronic camera includes an image pickup device, a memory, a face detecting section, a face recognizing section, and an object specifying section. The image pickup device photo-electrically converts an image of an object into an electric signal and generates an image signal as the electric signal. The memory has recorded registration data representing characterizing points of faces as recognizing targets. The face detecting section detects face areas in a shooting image plane based on the image signal and extracts characterizing points of faces of objects from the face areas. The face recognizing section determines whether or not the face areas are the recognizing targets based on data of the characterizing points corresponding to the face areas and on the registration data. The object specifying section specifies as a main object an object present on nearest side of the electronic camera of objects as the recognizing targets.
US08306279B2 Operator interface for face and iris recognition devices
A primarily hand-held or adjustable-mount iris recognition device wherein feedback to the operator is provided by visible illumination or imagery projected onto the face of the subject, as well as an audio signal, while infra-red illumination is projected onto the face of the subject as an illumination source for an iris recognition process. When the device is pointed in the direction of the subject, the infra-red illumination is directed to illuminate primarily the eye region whereas the visible illumination is directed to illuminate primarily other regions including the cheeks. The visible illumination is configured such that the position of the visible illumination on the face indicates to the operator whether the iris recognition device is pointed in the correct direction and at the correct distance for optimal iris recognition. The brightness of the visible illumination is modified in response to the result of an eye detection process performed on the iris recognition device, and the brightness, color and other attributes of the visible illumination or the audio signal are modified in response to the result of eye-finding or other process, including the results of an iris recognition process.
US08306274B2 Methods for estimating peak location on a sampled surface with improved accuracy and applications to image correlation and registration
Methods and systems for estimating peak location on a sampled surface (e.g., a correlation surface generated from pixilated images) utilize one or more processing techniques to determine multiple peak location estimates for at least one sampled data set at a resolution smaller than the spacing of the data elements. Estimates selected from the multiple peak location estimates are combined (e.g., a group of estimates is combined by determining a weighted average of the estimates selected for the group) to provide one or more refined estimates. In example embodiments, multiple refined estimates are combined to provide an estimate of overall displacement (e.g., of an image or other sampled data representation of an object).
US08306273B1 Method and apparatus for LIDAR target identification and pose estimation
The present invention pertains to the identification of a set of measurement data, using an a priori model database, which is then used in the determination of a pose solution using LADAR data. In particular, a model database of a target scene is created. The model database includes location information for a plurality of points within the target scene, and separation distances between sets of those points defining triangles. LADAR data obtained from a target scene is processed to extract features. Location information and separation distances between sets of extracted features defining triangles are placed in a measurement database. Separation distances contained in the measurement database are compared to separation distances contained in the model database. If a match is found, a rotation quaternion and translation vector are calculated, to transform the data in the measurement database into the frame of reference of the data in the model database. The rotation quaternion and translation vector can be applied to additional sets of data defining additional triangles, to verify that the target scene has been correctly identified. A pose solution and range can then be output.
US08306270B2 Vehicle travel support device, vehicle, vehicle travel support program
A vehicle travel support device determines presence of a recognition inhibiting factor of a lane mark on a road on which a vehicle is traveling with high accuracy irrespective of an imaging history by a vehicular camera from the same position. The vehicle travel support system generates an edge image by extracting an edge or actualizing an edge in an image obtained through the vehicular camera. When Hough transform of the edge image is performed, votes for a specified vote value of a linear component is evaluated in a ρ-θ space (Hough space). Presence of a recognition inhibiting factor of a lane mark on a road is determined by determining whether or not the votes of a specified vote value in a specified region denoting a standard travel lane of a vehicle in the real space is ≧a threshold in the ρ-θ space.
US08306260B2 System for 3D monitoring and analysis of motion behavior of targets
The present invention relates to a system for the 3-D monitoring and analysis of motion-related behavior of test subjects. The system comprises an actual camera, at least one virtual camera, a computer connected to the actual camera and the computer is preferably installed with software capable of capturing the stereo images associated with the 3-D motion-related behavior of test subjects as well as processing these acquired image frames for the 3-D motion parameters of the subjects. The system of the invention comprises hardware components as well as software components. The hardware components preferably comprise a hardware setup or configuration, a hardware-based noise elimination component, an automatic calibration device component, and a lab animal container component. The software components preferably comprise a software-based noise elimination component, a basic calibration component, an extended calibration component, a linear epipolar structure derivation component, a non-linear epipolar structure derivation component, an image segmentation component, an image correspondence detection component, a 3-D motion tracking component, a software-based target identification and tagging component, a 3-D reconstruction component, and a data post-processing component In a particularly preferred embodiment, the actual camera is a digital video camera, the virtual camera is the reflection of the actual camera in a planar reflective mirror. Therefore, the preferred system is a catadioptric stereo computer vision system.
US08306233B2 Transmission of audio signals
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is presented that comprises a multichannel audio transmitter which has a first mode for transmitting a multichannel audio signal and a second mode for transmitting at least a first and a second audio signal, each having fewer channels than the multichannel audio transmitter. A controller is configured to switch the multichannel audio transmitter from the first mode to the second mode when the first audio signal becomes available.
US08306228B2 Universal secure messaging for cryptographic modules
An anonymous secure messaging method and system for securely exchanging information between a host computer system and a functionally connected cryptographic module. The invention comprises a Host Security Manager application in processing communications with a security executive program installed inside the cryptographic module. An SSL-like communications pathway is established between the host computer system and the cryptographic module. The initial session keys are generated by the host and securely exchanged using a PKI key pair associated with the cryptographic module. The secure communications pathway allows presentation of critical security parameter (CSP) without clear text disclosure of the CSP and further allows use of the generated session keys as temporary substitutes of the CSP for the session in which the session keys were created.
US08306226B2 Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus, and content transmitting method
A transmitting apparatus includes a transaction transmitting unit configured to transmit to a receiving apparatus a content to be moved to the receiving apparatus, by using a first transaction established with the receiving apparatus, a counter unit configured to count a progress quantity representing a degree of progress of the transmission of the content from a given point of time with respect to the transmission of the content corresponding to the first transaction to obtain a count value, and a transaction switching unit configured to switch the first transaction used for the transmission of the content to a second transaction, if the count value of the counter unit reaches a predetermined value and the transmission of the content is not completed.
US08306223B2 Method and a system for transmitting encrypted control message based on mobile multimedia broadcast
This invention provides a method and a system for transmitting an encrypted control message based on the mobile multimedia broadcast. The said method includes: encapsulating the media data of the program and the encrypted control message in the multiplex sub-frames of the multiplex frame; and setting the encrypted control message identifier in the header of multiplex sub-frames for indicating whether the encrypted control message is included in the multiplex sub-frames. The mobile multimedia system sends the media data and the encrypted control message out through the multiplex frame.
US08306221B2 Image encryption apparatus and image decryption apparatus
In an image encryption apparatus for visually encrypting an input image, an encryption area selector selects an encryption area within an input image including an area to be encrypted. An image converter divides the encryption area into a plurality of blocks. The image converter divides each block of the encryption area into a plurality of sub-blocks. An image converter performs an image conversion including rotation and mirror-reverse in accordance with an encryption key on the image in each sub-block. The image converter scrambles the image on a block-by-block basis in accordance with the encryption key. A pixel value converter converts a pixel value of a minimal area in a block so that a position of the block may be detected.
US08306219B2 Method and system for a ciphering interface with list processing
A method and system for ciphering interface with list processing is described. Various aspects of a system for ciphering interface with list processing may include a cipher module that enables deciphering and/or bit stuffing, in hardware, of a potion of one of a plurality of data blocks starting at any bit location that is subsequent to a first bit of the one of the plurality of data blocks. One of the plurality of data blocks may comprise at least one data word. A modulus of a number representing the bit location with respect to a number of bits in the one of the data words may be a number greater than 0. The cipher module may enable selection of any bit location based on and index and/or an offset. The cipher module may enable selection of deciphering and/or bit stuffing based on configured information.
US08306215B2 Echo canceller for eliminating echo without being affected by noise
In an echo canceller, a specific frequency component eliminator eliminates a specific frequency component of a specific frequency from a receiver signal to output a resultant signal to an echo path. A specific frequency component detector detects a frequency component of the same frequency as the specific frequency eliminated by the specific frequency component eliminator from the transmitter signal. A noise calculator finds noise power on the basis of power of the specific frequency component detected by the specific frequency component detector, and finds total power including noise and an echo component on the basis of power of a frequency component including the echo component. A control parameter calculator uses the noise power and the total power found by the noise calculator to find a control parameter of the echo canceller.
US08306211B2 System and method for retaining calls into a call center
A system and method for retaining calls info a call center is provided. A multiplicity of calls is received into a call center. The nature of each call is determined and the calls are temporarily saved. One or more of the saved calls is retained by performing a plurality of evaluations against criteria. The saved calls that are not retained are discarded. Each of the saved calls retained are stored as a recording identified by the nature of each call.
US08306208B2 Enhanced directory assistance services in a telecommunications network
Directory assistance provides telephone number look up services to callers based on the business or caller name as listed in a telephone directory. As such, directory assistance in the prior art provides a value-added service to telephone users and an expense that must be charged back to telephone subscribers or absorbed by telephone carriers. The present invention provides a method and system whereby directory assistance is enhanced to deliver a targeted advertising service to telephone listing owners and advertisers. The enhanced directory assistance (EDA) service of the present invention becomes an additional revenue source for carriers. The present invention also provides a method and system for dynamically ordering these directory listings and tracking subsequent telephone referrals.
US08306203B1 Method and computer-readable medium for terminating options for dispatch group calls
When an ad hoc group call is initiated, or at a subsequent time but before the group call is terminated, a call originator may set a parameter to establish a time limit. The time limit is invoked when the call originator drops from the group call. The time limit may be set to zero time indicating that all participants will be disconnected and the group call will be terminated immediately upon exit of the call originator. The time limit may also be set to a predetermined amount of time, which indicates that the group call may remain up until the predetermined amount of time expires. If no parameter to establish a time limit is selected, the group call may remain indefinitely even after the originator exits the group call.
US08306196B2 Communication terminal, control method for communication terminal and control program for communication terminal
The invention is to enable a secure sharing of an internet resource with a partner in conversation by the IP telephone, in simple and inexpensive manner and not requiring cumbersome operations, by a communication terminal only, not relying on another equipment. Internet resource sharing means is provided for a shared utilization of a same internet resource (WEB data, FTP file etc.) among the communication terminals (200, 220) in conversation. The sharing of the internet resource is executed by transmitting/receiving URL information of the desired internet resource by FTP or by an E-mail protocol, or by transmitting/receiving the internet resource itself by an HTTP proxy procedure with the partner communication terminal, in which either of the communication terminal and the partner terminal functions as an HTTP proxy server and the other functions as an HTTP client.The sharing of the internet resource can also be achieved by accessing to a server providing a desired internet resource, and changing the transmitting address of the packet transmitted in such operation to an IP address of the partner in conversation, in such a manner that a response packet of the server is transmitted to the partner in conversation.
US08306194B2 Method for reducing costs during the transfer of unidirectional information flows
During the output of data and distribution services, user data streams frequently transferred to a corresponding communication device (i.e. information output system and/or the distribution system) are possibly irrelevant to the server. Despite this, resources for the processing of incoming useful data flows inside the communication device are provided in many cases on account of compatibility grounds. As a result, energy is reduced in the communication device. According to the invention, in order to reduce the efforts involved in processing useful data transferred in the direction of the communication device, at least one part of useful data is discarded prior to the implementation of working steps provided for the processing of useful data.
US08306192B2 System and method for processing speech
Systems and methods for processing speech are provided. A system may include a speech recognition interface and a processor. The processor may convert speech received from a call at the speech recognition interface to at least one word string. The processor may parse each word string of the at least one word string into first objects and first actions. The processor may access a synonym table to determine second objects and second actions based on the first objects and the first actions. The processor may also select a preferred object and a preferred action from the second objects and the second actions.
US08306190B2 Method and apparatus for enabling communications assistance for law enforcement act services
The present invention enables packet-switched network providers, e.g., VoIP network providers, to use commonly deployed components and capabilities to support surveillance services, e.g., CALEA services. Specifically, signaling and media streams that flow through Border Elements can be forked and simultaneously redirected to a surveillance server, a CALEA Server in addition to the terminating endpoint. Additionally, a Media Server (MS) can unobtrusively join a third leg to a communication media path between the CALEA Server and the two, calling party and called party, endpoints. A CALEA Server provides the ability to identify and collect content of voice telephone calls traversing the VoIP Network, as mandated by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act.
US08306189B2 X-ray apparatus
X-ray apparatus comprises a linear accelerator adapted to produce a beam of electrons at one of at least two selectable energies and being controlled to change the selected energy on a periodic basis, and a target to which the beam is directed thereby to produce a beam of x-radiation, the target being non-homogenous and being driven to move periodically in synchrony with the change of the selected energy. In this way, the target can move so that a different part is exposed to the electron beam when different pulses arrive. This enables the appropriate target material to be employed depending on the selected energy. The easiest form of periodic movement for the target is likely to be a rotational movement.
US08306188B2 Method and device for the online determination of the ash content of a substance conveyed on a conveyor, and device for carrying out such an online determination
A method for the online determination of the ash content of a substance conveyed on a conveying device, includes a first measurement for determining the mass per unit area of the substance and a second measurement for determining the mean atomic number of the atoms present in the substance. An additional X-ray fluorescence measurement is carried out.
US08306186B2 Orthovoltage radiotherapy
Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.
US08306183B2 Detection setup for X-ray phase contrast imaging
The invention relates to a method and a device for generating phase contrast X-ray images of an object (1). The device comprises an X-ray source (10) that may for example be realized by a spatially extended emitter (11) behind a grating (G0). A diffractive optical element (DOE), for example a phase grating (G1), generates an interference pattern (I) from the X-radiation that has passed the object (1), and a spectrally resolving X-ray detector (30) is used to measure this interference pattern behind the DOE. Using the information obtained for different wavelengths/energies of X-radiation, the phase shift induced by the object can be reconstructed.
US08306182B2 X-ray CT apparatus and X-ray detecting apparatus thereof
A high-resolution X-ray apparatus and a high-resolution X-ray detecting apparatus includes a plurality of multi-slice X-ray detection packs held on the pair of guide rails by detachable tight fitting members. A detachable pressing board is provided on the pair of guide rails for fixing the plurality of detection packs so that edges of adjacent detection packs contact each other.
US08306180B2 Image reconstruction method for high-energy, dual-energy CT system
Disclosed is an image reconstruction method in a high-energy dual-energy CT system. The method comprises steps of scanning an objection with high-energy dual-energy rays to obtain high-energy dual-energy projection values, calculating projection values of base material coefficients corresponding to the dual-energy projection values on the basis of a pre-created lookup table or by analytically solving a set of equations, and obtaining an image of base material coefficient distribution based on the projection values of base material coefficients. The method provides a solution for reconstruction with high-energy dual energy CT technology and thus a more effective approach for substance identification and contraband inspection, thereby bringing a significant improvement on accuracy and efficiency in security inspection.
US08306177B2 Method of driving a gate line and gate drive circuit for performing the method
A pull-up driving part maintains a signal of a first node at a high level by receiving a turn-on voltage in response to one of a previous stage or a vertical start signal. A pull-up part outputs a clock signal through an output terminal in response to the signal of the first node. A first holding part maintains a signal of a second node at a high level or a low level when the signal of the first node is respectively low or high. A second holding part maintains the signal of the first node and a signal of the output terminal at a ground voltage in response to the signal of the second node or a delayed and inverted clock signal.
US08306176B2 Fine-grained gear-shifting of a digital phase-locked loop (PLL)
System and method for improving a digital PLL's performance by making fine grained adjustments to the loop gain. A preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of loop gain adjustors (such as loop gain adjustors 605, 606, 607, and 608) that can incrementally adjust the loop gain. The incrementally adjusted loop gains are sequentially brought on-line so that the loop gain of the digital PLL is slowly decreased. By slowly decreasing the loop gain, the digital PLL is less perturbed by smaller noise transients that would take time to settle. Hence, the digital PLL can quickly acquire a signal and then decrease its loop gain and hence its bandwidth when it only needs to track a signal. The reduced bandwidth also reduces the overall noise in the digital PLL that is due to the reference noise contribution.
US08306173B2 Clock regeneration circuit
A clock regeneration circuit according to the present invention that generates a clock signal that is synchronized to an input signal, includes: a detection section which detects points at which the input signal transitions; a histogram generation section which associates a plurality of partial periods with the transition points, and generates a first histogram indicating an incidence of the transition points for each of the partial periods, the partial periods being generated by dividing a reference period of the clock signal; a calculation processing section which generates a second histogram by calculation processing based on the first histogram, and calculates a phase adjustment value of the clock signal based on the second histogram; and a phase adjustment section which adjusts a phase of the clock signal based on the phase adjustment value.
US08306172B2 Electronic device, integrated circuit and method therefor
A wireless communication device comprises a number of sub-systems and clock generation logic arranged to generate at least one clock signal to be applied to the number of sub-systems. One of the number of sub-systems comprises sampling logic for receiving input data and performing initial sampling on an input data bit using multiple separated phases of a clock period of the at least one clock signal applied to the sampling logic thereby producing multiple phase separated sampled outputs of the input data bit. The sampling logic is configured to perform a number of re-sampling operations on the multiple phase separated sampled outputs at a number of intermediate phases thereby producing multiple phase separated intermediate sampled outputs prior to performing a final sample of the multiple phase separated intermediate sampled outputs at a single phase of the at least one clock signal to produce a sampled input data signal.
US08306169B2 Semiconductor devices, methods of operating semiconductor devices, and systems having the same
A semiconductor device includes a selection circuit and a phase detector. The selection circuit, in response to a first selection signal output from a controller, outputs as a timing signal a first clock signal output from the controller or an output signal of a PLL using the first clock signal as a first input. The phase detector generates a voltage signal indicating a phase difference between a second clock signal output from the controller and the timing signal output from the selection circuit. The semiconductor device further includes a data port, a memory core storing data, and a serializer, in response to the timing signal output from the selection circuit, serializing the data output from the memory core and outputting serialized data to the controller via the data port. The first selection signal is generated by the controller based on at least one of the voltage signal and the data output to the controller via the data port.
US08306166B1 System and method for detecting burst noise during quadrature amplitude modulation communications
A system and method for detecting burst noise during quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) communications are provided. A QAM signal is acquired at a receiver in communication with a network. The QAM signal is demodulated at the receiver to identify a plurality of symbols. Amplitudes for each of the plurality of symbols are determined, and are compared to a predetermined threshold. For each amplitude that is greater than the predetermined threshold, information is recorded at the receiver relating to a burst noise event. The magnitude of the burst noise can be determined by measuring a difference between a received constellation point and a perimeter constellation point closest to the received constellation point. The information about the burst noise event can be transmitted to an error correction module for reducing future burst noise in the network. Equalizer coefficients and tracking loop performance can be adjusted/enhanced using the burst noise information.
US08306164B2 Interference cancellation with a time-sliced architecture
Example embodiments include methods of interference cancellation at NodeB receivers of baseband antenna signals including physical channels. The methods include canceling interference from a received baseband antenna signal by removing a reconstructed baseband signal from the processed received baseband antenna signal. The processed reconstructed baseband signal includes users whose physical data channel signals were successfully decoded. Methods also include removing interference from a received baseband signal to form an interference cancelled baseband signal that will be processed by the receiver. The interference cancelled baseband signal is the received baseband antenna signal minus users' signal interference contributions whose demodulated physical data channel signals have a determined user symbol energy value that exceeds a threshold. Methods further include removing interference from a user's signal to be error corrected. The interference is symbol interference from an earlier successfully decoded user's symbols. The user symbol interference is determined by cross correlations.
US08306161B2 Robust packet detection, symbol timing, channel length estimation and channel response estimation for wireless systems
A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes producing a first signal match indication based on at least one match indication indicative of a match between at least one signal received in at least one band and a reference signal. The method also includes producing a first signal multipath combined signal based upon the first signal match indication, and detecting a first peak in the first multipath combined signal.
US08306160B2 Synchronization circuit and synchronization method, wireless communication device and wireless communication method, and computer program
A synchronizing circuit comprising: a coarse synchronizing circuit which determines temporary reception timing using a preamble consisting of a repetition of known training signals added to a reception packet; a synchronization candidate timing control section which sets up multiple synchronization candidates based on the temporary reception timing and controls synchronization of received signal s in each of the multiple synchronization candidates; a signal quality monitoring section which monitors signal quality of the received signal s synchronized in each of the multiple synchronization candidates; and a synchronization candidate selecting section which selects one of the synchronization candidates as a final reception timing based on a monitoring result of the signal quality in the signal quality monitoring section.
US08306158B2 Digital broadcasting transmission/reception devices capable of improving a receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
Disclosed is a digital broadcasting transmission/reception system having an improved reception performance and in a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a TS stream generator for inputting robust and normal packets having stuff bytes in predetermined positions and generating dual TS stream by inserting the robust packets between the normal packets; a randomizer for randomizing the dual TS stream; a stuff byte exchanger for replacing the stuff bytes of a randomized data streams from the randomizer to a predetermined known data; and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels.
US08306154B2 Multi-frequency band receiver
A multi-frequency band receiver has a first path configured to process first and second frequency bands, and a second path configured to process a third frequency band, the first and second frequency bands having a smaller distance than the first and third frequency bands, and having a smaller distance than the second and third frequency bands. In addition, the multi-frequency band receiver has an oscillator stage for providing a local oscillator signal having a frequency that is between the center frequencies of the first and second frequency bands, the first path having a mixer that may be supplied with the local oscillator signal, and the second path having a mixer that may also be supplied with the local oscillator signal. In addition, the multi-frequency band receiver has a baseband stage for processing output signals of the first and second paths so as to obtain a receive signal.
US08306148B2 Method to reduce peak to average power ratio in multi-carrier modulation receivers
Provided is a method for performing channel estimation in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) signal. The method includes performing the channel estimation based upon use of reserved tone channel carriers.
US08306147B2 4X over-sampling data recovery method and system
A 4× over-sampling data recovery system consists of a charge pump PLL, a 4× over-sampler, a data regenerator and a digital PLL. The charge pump PLL receives a clock signal and generates a plurality of multiplicative clock signals in response to the clock signal. The 4× over-sampler samples a serial data to generate a M-bit signal according to the plurality of multiplicative clock signals, wherein each bit in the serial data is sampled for four times. The data regenerator sequentially receives and combines two M-bit signals to generate a (M+N)-bit signal. The digital PLL divides the (M+N)-bit signal into (N+1) groups of M-bit data and selects a designated M-bit data from the (N+1) groups of M-bit data to generate a P-bit recovery data.
US08306145B2 Overlay modulation of COFDM using phase and amplitude offset carriers
Systems and methods are presented for transmitting additional data over preexisting differential COFDM signals by modulating existing data carriers with a phase and an amplitude offset. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, additional data capacity can be achieved for an COFDM signal which is completely backwards compatible with existing satellite broadcast communications systems. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention additional information can be overlayed on an existing signal as a combination of amplitude and phase offset from the original QPSK symbols, applied for each information bit of the overlay data. With two additional levels of modulation, a receiver can demodulate the information from each of the previous stages and combine the information into a suitable format for soft decoding. The first stage of demodulation will be recovery of overlay data from the amplitude modulated D8PSK. Because other amplitude variations due to multi-path are also expected, the data gathered from the FFT in the receiver must be equalized to the channel conditions. After channel equalization has been performed, soft overlay data can then be derived from the distance off the unit circle. In order to recover the phase modulated overlay data, the equalized symbols must first be differentially demodulated and corrected for any common phase error offset. After common phase removal, overlay phase information can be obtained.
US08306143B2 System and method of transmit diversity for wireless communications
A system and method of transmit diversity for wireless communication. The system includes a transmitting terminal having a plurality of transmission antennas and a receiving terminal having a plurality of receiving antennas. The method includes analyzing channel state information obtained by the transmitting terminal; selecting an antenna to be one in use from the receiving antennas; matching the selected antenna in use with the wireless signals that are to be transmitted; transmitting wireless signals that are matched to the receiving terminal for being calculated and determining the pre-selected antenna in use, thereby significantly reducing complexities of the receiving terminal.
US08306142B2 Method and system for transmitter beamforming for reduced complexity multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transceivers
Aspects of a method and system for transmitter beamforming for reduced complexity multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transceivers are presented. Aspects of the system may include a MIMO transmitter that computes a channel estimate matrix and decomposes the computed channel estimate matrix based on singular value decomposition (SVD). Singular values in a singular value matrix may be rearranged and grouped to generate a plurality of submatrices. In one aspect, each of the submatrices may be decomposed based on GMD at a MIMO transmitter, while a MIMO receiver may utilize a vertical layered space time (VLST) method. In another aspect, the MIMO transmitter may utilize Givens rotation matrices corresponding to each of the submatrices, while the MIMO receiver may utilize maximum likelihood (ML) detection.
US08306136B2 Communications system utilizing orthogonal linear frequency modulated waveforms
An orthogonal linear frequency modulation (OLFM) communications system has an OFDM transmitter and receiver communcating data on a series of multiplexed sub-carriers over a communications medium. A linear frequency modulator provided at the transmitter subjects the sub-carriers to linear frequency modulation to produce a series of sub-sweeps for transmission over the communications medium. A linear frequency demodulator at the receiver produces the sub-carriers from the received sub-sweeps for subsequent demodulation to recover the data.
US08306134B2 Variable gain control for high speed receivers
A high speed receiver is provided using two parallel processing paths to enable rapid variable gain control. The parallel processing paths include a first processing path using a high resolution Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), and a second processing path using a reduced DFT requiring fewer samples than the high resolution DFT. An initial sample of the data is processed using the second processing path with the reduced DFT by comparing a Fourier transform of the initial sample with predetermined threshold values. As a result of the comparison of the Fourier transform of the initial sample with the predetermined threshold values, a gain determination block determines whether a requirement exists for gain ranging. If gain ranging is needed, the gain of the data signal is adjusted and the gain ranging process repeats.
US08306131B2 Communications systems
In a multi user communication system, subcarriers are allocated to subchannels using a quality measurement for each subchannel. An initial sub carrier is allocated to each subchannel, and a quality metric measured. Subsequent subcarriers are allocated in dependence upon the quality measurement for each subchannel. The subchannel with the lowest quality measurement receives the first allocation, and the subchannel with the highest quality measurement receives the last allocation. The subsequent allocation is repeated, following a re-sort of the subchannel quality measurements, until all of the subcarriers are allocated.
US08306130B2 TFI-OFDM transmission/reception systems for UWB communication and methods thereof for mitigating interference from simultaneously operating piconets
A TFI-OFDM transmission system for a UWB communication that includes a data generator generating data having a rate corresponding to a transmission speed mode, a convolutional encoder convolutional-encoding the data into a certain number of data groups, an OFDM modulator outputting OFDM symbols by executing an IFFT the data groups a buffer temporarily storing the OFDM symbols to sequentially transmit the OFDM symbols in a time domain at least two times, and a frequency generator generating certain frequencies to transmit the OFDM symbols in a certain number of frequency bands corresponding to transmission channels.
US08306126B2 Moving picture encoding apparatus and moving picture decoding apparatus
A prediction control unit determines whether to use intra-prediction method or a method of prediction based on reduced image in which a predicted image is generated using a locally decoded image of a block as an object of coding that has been coded and reduced, according to the amount of high-frequency component contained in the block as the object of coding. When use of intra-prediction method is determined, locally decoded images of previously-encoded neighboring blocks stored in a frame memory are down-sampled by a down-sampling unit and subjected to intra-prediction by an intra-prediction unit, and coding is done using the prediction data. When use of prediction method based of reduced image is determined, inter-layer prediction is done using neighboring images obtained by reading locally decoded images resulting from a process of a lower layer from the frame memory, and coding is done using the prediction data.
US08306123B2 Method and apparatus to improve the convergence speed of a recursive motion estimator
A method and apparatus for motion estimation of at least a first and a second image frame by estimating at least one motion vector correlating a portion of pixels of the at least first and second image frame, the first and second image frame being part of an image frame sequence. The at least one motion vector is obtained by a predominant motion detection generating at least one global motion vector based on at least one previously determined motion vector, the previously determined motion vector correlating a portion of pixels of earlier image frames of the image frame sequence, and an estimation estimating the at least one motion vector based on the at least one global motion vector.
US08306122B2 Method and apparatus for processing image data
A method and apparatus of processing image data comprises receiving a video data signal where each pixel is represented by one or more digitized components, each digitized component being represented by a first set of binary digits and a second set of binary digits. The first set of binary digits is stored in a first memory plane and the second set of binary digits is stored in a second memory plane. The first set of binary digits is extracted and undergoes first and second processing. The second set of binary digits is extracted and undergoes second processing.
US08306115B2 Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding image
Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding an image capable of improving compression efficiency of the image by compensating for a loss due to quantization of a residual block in the frequency domain, and a method and apparatus for decoding the image. The method of encoding an image includes: generating a prediction macro block for a current macro block; generating a first residual block which is a difference between the prediction macro block and the current macro block; generating a compensation residual block by compensating for a quantization loss of the first residual block in the frequency domain; compensating for the prediction macro block by adding the compensation residual block and the prediction macro block.
US08306109B2 Method for scaling video content based on bandwidth rate
A method for scaling video content based on bandwidth rate is disclosed. Wherein, a plurality of target shots and non-target shots are recognized from shots of a video. A background and at least one foreground object are separated from the video frame of the target shot. The present invention method provides a plurality of bandwidth levels, and one among them is selected in advance. At least one foreground object is selected and pasted on the background based on the selected bandwidth level, so as to obtain at least one recombined target shot. The recombined target shot, the non-target shot or other recombined target shot can be merged to form a recombined video unit based on the selected bandwidth level. Therefore, the present invention proposes video content of scalability based on bandwidth rate to provide the different video bit-stream size, so that viewer can get the high quality video under the lower bandwidth rate.
US08306107B2 Syntax elements to SVC to support color bit depth scalability
This invention presents a scalable solution to encode the whole 12-bit raw video once to generate one bitstream that contains an H.264/AVC compatible base layer and a scalable enhancement layer. If an H.264/AVC decoder is available at the client end, only the base layer sub-bitstream is decoded and the decoded 8-bit video can be viewed on a conventional 8-bit display device; if the color bit depth scalable decoder is available at the client end, both the base layer and the enhancement layer sub-bitstreams will be decoded to obtain the 12-bit video and it can be viewed on a high quality display device that supports more than eight bit.
US08306104B2 Method and device for multi-dimensional processing using a single-state decision feedback equalizer
Various systems and methods providing high speed decoding, enhanced power reduction and clock domain partitioning for a multi-pair gigabit Ethernet transceiver are disclosed. ISI compensation is partitioned into two stages; a first stage compensates ISI components induced by characteristics of a transmitter's partial response pulse shaping filter in a demodulator, a second stage compensates ISI components induced by characteristics of a multi-pair transmission channel in a Viterbi decoder. High speed decoding is accomplished by reducing the DFE depth by providing an input signal from a multiple decision feedback equalizer to the Viterbi based on a tail value and a subset of coefficient values received from a unit depth decision-feedback equalizer. Power reduction is accomplished by adaptively truncating active taps in the NEXT, FEXT and echo cancellation filters, or by disabling decoder circuitry portions, as channel response characteristics allow. A receive clock signal is generated such that it is synchronous in frequency with analog sampling clock signals and has a particular phase offset with respect to one of the sampling clock signals. This phase offset is adjusted such that system performance degradation due to coupling of switching noise from the digital sections to the analog sections is substantially minimized.
US08306103B2 Systems and methods providing in-phase and quadrature equalization
Systems and methods which provide a multimode tuner architecture implementing direct frequency conversion are shown. Embodiments provide a highly integrated configuration wherein low noise amplifier, tuner, analog and digital channel filter, and analog demodulator functionality are provided in a single integrated circuit. A LNA of embodiments implements a multi-path configuration with seamless switching to provide desired gain control while meeting noise and linearity design parameters. Embodiments of the invention implement in-phase and quadrature (IQ) equalization and a multimode channelization filter architecture to facilitate the use of direct frequency conversion. Embodiments implement spur avoidance techniques for improving tuner system operation and output using a clock signal generation architecture in which a system clock, sampling clock frequencies, local oscillator (LO) reference clock frequencies, and/or the like are dynamically movable.
US08306102B2 Demodulation using serial localization with indecision
A receiver includes a constellation processing module and a plurality of demodulation stages. The constellation processing module groups points of a constellation associated with a transmitted signal into a plurality of subsets, were at least two adjacent ones of the subsets have one or more common constellation points so that the at least two adjacent subsets overlap. The constellation processing module also determines a centroid-based value for each of the subsets of constellation points and groups the centroid-based values into one or more sets. Each of the demodulation stages except for the last demodulation stage localizes a search for a final symbol decision using the set of centroid-based values input to or selected by the demodulation stage as constellation points. The last demodulation stage determines the final symbol decision using the subset of constellation points input to or selected by the last demodulation stage.
US08306101B2 Equalizer system
In an equalizer system with a plurality of equalizers, the variation and setting of various equalizer parameters (gains, center frequencies, Q factors) may be automated by an adjustment circuit that may utilize a procedure, for example, a nonlinear curve fitting. Upon each variation, a figure of merit (e.g., cost function) may be formed and the parameter variation may continue in the direction in which the cost function decreases until it reaches a predetermined level. After each new setting of the equalizers, the procedure can be performed and the desired parameter set can be passed on to an equalizer implementing routine. External control signals may be provided to the adjustment circuit which then generates corresponding internal control signals for setting the gains of the equalizers at the respective center frequencies, the internal control signals being modified relative to the associated external control signals in such a way that the interferences occurring between the equalizers are at least reduced. Additional external control signals may be provided to the adjustment circuit for setting the center frequency and Q factor of each of the equalizers. The adjustment circuit may generate corresponding internal control signals for changing the center frequencies and Q factors of the equalizers.
US08306099B2 Signal receiving device and frequency determining circuit
A signal receiving device is adapted for receiving a multi-bit signal-under-test that supports one of first and second base frequency types, and outputting a type indicator for indicating which one of the first and second base frequency types is supported by the signal-under-test. The signal receiving device includes a counter and a frequency determining circuit. The counter includes an accumulating unit for counting cycles of an operating clock so as to obtain a bit count. The frequency determining circuit is coupled to the counter for comparing the bit count to one of first and second preset values in accordance with a previous value of the type indicator so as to obtain a comparison result, and determining whether to update a value of the type indicator based on the comparison result.
US08306098B1 Method for error display of orthogonal signals
A method for displaying a plurality of error measures for an error-containing digitally modulated signal formed of a first and a second orthogonal component includes: determining for each digital value a value for an error-free version of the modulated signal; determining for each digital value a value for the error-containing version of the modulated signal; determining for each digital value a vector difference between the value for the error-containing version of the modulated signal and the respective value for the error-free version of the modulated signal; and displaying the vector differences on a two-dimensional display, each difference being displayed with respect to the respective value for the error-free version of the modulated signal, the display providing the plurality of error measures.
US08306092B2 Spreading sequences with dual low correlation windows for quasi-synchronous code-division multiple-access communications
Sequence generation in wireless communication is provided for sequences having good aperiodic correlation properties. In particular, dual window quasi-Barker sequences are generated that possess at least some properties of Barker sequences. In addition, the sequences can be orthogonal to mitigate multiple access interference. Dual windowing allows the sequences even after being phase modulated by data to be recognized, provided that delay in transmission is large as compared to the correlation zone. In this regard, the sequences can be utilized in quasi-synchronous spread spectrum and/or code division multiple access (CDMA) signal communication to provide orthogonality while substantially eliminating inter-user and inter-symbol interference. In addition, unlike the single window low periodic correlation sequences, system overheads, such as cyclic prefix, need not be utilized in transmission as the data modulation effect can be accounted for by the dual windowing.
US08306086B2 Algainn-based lasers produced using etched facet technology
A process for fabricating AlGaInN-based photonic devices, such as lasers, capable of emitting blue light employs etching to form device waveguides and mirrors, preferably using a temperature of over 500° C. and an ion beam in excess of 500 V in CAIBE.
US08306084B2 Laser light source
A laser light source comprises, in particular, a semiconductor layer sequence (10) having an active layer having at least two active regions (45) which are suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation during operation via a side area of the semiconductor layer sequence (10) along an emission direction (90), said side area being embodied as a radiation coupling-out area (12), a respective electrical contact area (30) above each of the at least two active regions (45) on a main surface (14) of the semiconductor layer sequence (10), and a surface structure in the main surface (14) of the semiconductor layer sequence (10), wherein the at least two active regions (45) are arranged in a manner spaced apart from one another in the active layer (40) transversely with respect to the emission direction (90), each of the electrical contact areas (30) has a first partial region (31) and a second partial region (32) having a width that increases along the emission direction (90) toward the radiation coupling-out area (12), the surface structure has, between the at least two electrical contact areas (30), at least one first depression (6) along the emission direction (90) and also second depressions (7), and the first partial regions (31) of the electrical contact areas (30) are in each case arranged between at least two second depressions (7).
US08306082B2 Group-III nitride semiconductor laser device, and method of fabricating group-III nitride semiconductor laser device
A group-III nitride semiconductor laser device comprises a laser structure including a support base and a semiconductor region, and an electrode provided on the semiconductor region of the laser structure. The support base comprises a hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor and has a semipolar primary surface, and the semiconductor region is provided on the semipolar primary surface of the support base. The semiconductor region includes a first cladding layer of a first conductivity type gallium nitride-based semiconductor, a second cladding layer of a second conductivity type gallium nitride-based semiconductor, and an active layer. The first cladding layer, the second cladding layer, and the active layer are arranged along a normal axis to the semipolar primary surface. The active layer comprises a gallium nitride-based semiconductor layer. The c-axis of the hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor of the support base tilts at a finite angle ALPHA with respect to a normal axis toward an a-axis of the hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor. The laser structure includes first and second fractured faces intersecting with an a-n plane defined by the normal axis and the a-axis of the hexagonal group-III nitride semiconductor. The laser cavity of the group-III nitride semiconductor laser device includes the first and second fractured faces. The laser structure includes first and second surfaces and the first surface is opposite to the second surface, and each of the first and second fractured faces extends from an edge of the first surface to an edge of the second surface.
US08306077B2 High output, mid infrared laser source assembly
A laser source assembly (10) for providing an assembly output beam (12) includes a first MIR laser source (352A), a second MIR laser source (352B), and a beam combiner (244). The first MIR laser source (352A) emits a first MIR beam (356A) that is in the MIR range and the second MIR laser source (352B) emits a second MIR beam (356B) that is in the MIR range. Further, the beam combiner (244) spatially combines the first MIR beam (356A) and the second MIR beam (356B) to provide the assembly output beam (12). With this design, a plurality MIR laser sources (352A) (352B) can be packaged in a portable, common module, each of the MIR laser sources (352A) (352B) generates a narrow linewidth, accurately settable MIR beam (356A) (356B), and the MIR beams (356A) (356B) are combined to create a multiple watt assembly output beam (12) having the desired power. The beam combiner (244) can includes a combiner lens (364) and an output optical fiber (366). In this embodiment, the MIR beams (356A) (356B) are directed at the combiner lens (364) and the combiner lens (364) focuses the MIR beams (356A) (356B) onto a fiber facet (366A) of the output optical fiber (366). Moreover, the output optical fiber (366) can include an AR coating (366B) on the fiber facet (366A).
US08306075B2 System and method for optical frequency conversion
A system and method for optical frequency conversion having asymmetric output include a coherent light apparatus. The coherent light apparatus includes a coherent light source that produces a first coherent light, a frequency converter optically coupled to the coherent light source, and a coupling optic optically coupled between the coherent light source and the frequency converter. The frequency converter converts the first coherent light to a second coherent light at a second frequency and includes an asymmetric frequency converter (AFC) that nonlinearly converts the first coherent light to the second coherent light with the frequency conversion being more efficient in a first direction than in a second direction. A resonant cavity formed about the AFC circulates the first coherent light and transmits the second coherent light propagating in the first direction.
US08306074B2 Beam quality of the monoblock laser through use of a 1.5 micron external cavity partial reflector
A monoblock laser cavity incorporates optical components for a short-pulse laser. These optical components are ‘locked’ into alignment forming an optical laser cavity for flash lamp or diode laser pumping. The optical laser cavity does not need optical alignment after it is fabricated, increasing the brightness of the monoblock laser.
US08306069B2 Interleaved cryptographic synchronization
The invention relates to synchronization applied to a data stream structured as super-frames. Each block in a super-frame comprises a slow synchronization part and at least one traffic frame. The slow synchronization parts in the super-frame result at least from a decomposition of a synchronization management word. Additional synchronization parts similar to the slow synchronization parts and distributed in place of traffic frame bits in the super-frame are inserted in the super-frame. The invention provides for fast synchronization coexisting with a pre-existing slow synchronization without increasing the bandwidth. The invention is particularly applicable to cryptographic synchronization between fixed and/or mobile terminal equipments operating in interconnected dissimilar networks whose synchronization time constants differ.
US08306063B2 Real-time transport protocol stream detection system and method
A system and method for identifying UDP packets on an IP network as candidates for characterization as packets of a RTP stream. UDP packets are identified at a point on the IP network, and for each identified UDP packet 1) it is determined if a version number in a RTP header field in the payload of the UDP packet equals a predetermined value, 2) determined if a packet length associated with the UDP packet is within a predetermined range, 3) determined if a payload type RTP header field within the payload of the UDP packet is within a predetermined range. If all the criteria are satisfied, then the identified UDP packet is characterized as a candidate RTP packet. It is then determined if the candidate RTP packet belongs to a previously detected RTP stream, or to a newly encountered RTP stream. A stream data store is then updated using the information in the RTP header of the candidate RTP packet.
US08306061B2 Method for retransmitting data unit using delivery status information
Disclosed is a radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and a terminal, and more particularly, to a method for retransmitting protocol data unit upon receiving a HARQ delivery failure notification with respect to a particular RLC data PDU by a RLC, only if the RLC did not receive a positive response (i.e., ACK) with respect to the particular RLC data PDU from a previous RLC status PDU within an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) that has evolved from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system.
US08306058B2 Communication system and techniques for transmission from source to destination
A system and method for transmitting and presenting streaming digital information signals that optimizes performance in the context of goodput, throughput, delay, receiver buffer requirements and tolerance to loss and jitter. The method provides ordering packets of information based on a priority associated with each of the packets; managing the flow of the packets into and out of a buffer; adjusting the rate at which the packets are provided to a communication medium; and transmitting and retransmitting the packets as needed.
US08306055B2 Method and system to support wireless multicast transmission
A method and system may include a source station to provide wireless multicast transmission to a plurality of destination stations according to a protocol adaptation layer multicast management protocol. The protocol adaptation layer may lie above the MAC layer. The multicast management protocol includes formation, maintenance, and termination procedures. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08306050B2 Smart adjustment of backoff counter and contention window for improved random access
A backoff counter is used to determine the start time of a contended allocation for a device. The backoff counter is set to an integer randomly drawn from the interval [1, CW], where CW is a contention window value selected based upon the priority of the traffic to be transmitted. The backoff counter is decremented for each idle contention slot detected. When the backoff counter reaches zero, the device attempts to transmit in the next contention slot. If the device receives no acknowledgement or an incorrect acknowledgment, then the transmission has failed. After a failed transmission, CW is set by alternately doubling the CW value up to a CWmax value for the user priority. CW is unchanged, if it was doubled in the last setting; and CW is doubled, if it was unchanged in the last setting.
US08306048B2 Method and apparatus for scalable virtual private network multicasting
In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for scalable virtual private network multicasting. In one embodiment a service network builds a new data multicast distribution tree for each high-bandwidth multicast data flow (e.g., multicast data flows that require an amount bandwidth meeting or exceeding a predefined threshold). However, if the multicast data flow is a low-bandwidth flow (e.g., if the required amount of bandwidth falls below the predefined threshold), the multicast data flow is routed over an existing multicast distribution tree in order to minimize an amount of state information that must be maintained by service provider core routers in the backbone network.
US08306042B1 Class-based deterministic packet routing
Aspects of the invention pertain to deterministic packet routing systems and methods in multiprocessor computing architectures. Packets are analyzed to determine whether they are memory request packets or memory reply packets. Depending upon the packet, it is routed through nodes in the multiprocessor computer architecture in either an XY or YX path. Request and reply packets are sent in opposing routes according to a deterministic routing scheme. Multiport routers are placed at nodes in the architecture to pass the packets, using independent request and response virtual channels to avoid deadlock conditions.
US08306038B1 Methods for enhancing TCP communications and systems thereof
A method, computer readable medium, and system for enhancing TCP communications includes transmitting a payload fragment for each of one or more of packets. A determination of which of the one or more packets to complete and reorder is made and a sequence in a completion fragment for one or more of the packets is adjusted based on the determination. One or more of the completion fragments are transmitted based on the determining to reassemble one or more of the transmitted payload fragments with one or more of the transmitted completion fragments based on the determination and adjustment.
US08306036B1 Methods and systems for hierarchical resource allocation through bookmark allocation
Methods and systems for efficient allocation of resources between child nodes of a parent node in a hierarchical system. The parent node has a limited number of resources available in a resource allocation phrase. The limited number of resources are allocated according to requests from the child nodes in the resource allocation phase. It is determined whether at least one of the child nodes has a request not met by the allocated resources. A bookmark associated with the child node is set for the additional required resources. Additional resources are allocated to the child node according to the bookmark in a subsequent resource allocation phase.
US08306033B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing traffic control services
A method, system, and computer program product for providing traffic control services is provided. The method includes detecting an occurrence of an activity and obtaining traffic management support information associated with a source of the activity. The method also includes subscribing to traffic messages provided by the source and implementing traffic management activities for the source based upon the traffic messages.
US08306032B2 System and method for acknowledgement packet transmitting and receiving
A communications method comprising the steps of receiving a data packet; processing the data packet; and transmitting an ack packet approximately at an end of a first defined time interval if the processing of the data packet is completed within the first defined interval, or transmitting the ack packet approximately at an end of a second defined time interval if the processing of the data packet is not completed within the first defined interval and is completed within the second defined interval. Another communication method comprising the steps of transmitting a data packet; scanning a channel for an ack packet approximately at an end of a first defined time interval from the transmission of the data packet; and scanning the channel for the ack packet approximately at an end of a second defined time interval from the transmission of the data packet if the ack packet was not received within the first defined interval.
US08306030B1 Vector based session security
A communication system comprises an origination system configured to transmit session traffic, a traffic processing system configured to receive the session traffic from the origination system, multiplex the session traffic to virtual channels based on a plurality of vectors, transmit the plurality of vectors to a destination system, and transmit the session traffic over the virtual channels to the destination system, and a destination system configured to receive the session traffic and de-multiplex the session traffic based on the plurality of vectors.
US08306028B2 Interconnect network for operation within a communication node
An interconnect network for operation within communication node, wherein the interconnect network may have features including the ability to transfer a variety of communication protocols, scalable bandwidth and reduced down-time. According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication node includes a plurality of I/O channels for coupling information into and out of the node, and the interconnect network includes at least one local interconnect module having local transfer elements for transferring information between the plurality of I/O channels; and scaling elements for expanding the interconnect network to include additional local interconnect modules, such that information can be transferred between the local interconnect modules included in the interconnect network.
US08306019B2 Method for providing local and toll services with LNP, and toll-free services to a calling party which originates the call from an IP location connected to a SIP-enabled IP network
A method for providing combined local, toll, toll-free services, and number portability, to a calling party originating calls from an IP-based communication devices which are coupled to an IP-based multi-media service provider. The method includes receiving a SIP INVITE message, which includes a multi-media service identifier, at the multi-provider. The SIP INVITE message represents a call request for a multi-media service. The SIP INVITE message is processed at the multi-media service provider for determining the call request can be satisfied. If the multi-media service provider includes resources for satisfying the call, the multi-media service identifier of the SIP INVITE message is set to a first predetermined state and the call is processed. If the multi-media service provider does not include resources for satisfying the call, the multi-media service identifier of the SIP INVITE message is set to a second predetermined state and the call is processed elsewhere.
US08306010B2 Systems and methods for uplink multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU MIMO) medium access and error recovery
Embodiments of systems and methods for uplink multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU MIMO) medium access and error recovery are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08306009B2 Method of selecting suitable frequency bands for data transmission between a network node and a user equipment within a mobile communications network
A method of selecting suitable frequency bands for data transmission between a network node and a user equipment within a mobile communications network. A method selects suitable frequency bands for data transmission between a network node and user equipment within a mobile communications network. A scheduler on the network node side selects data transmission mode depending on the user equipment capability of receiving data from at least two frequency bands simultaneously. The scheduler preferably selects the data transmission mode in the following way: simultaneous data transmission over at least two frequency with or without splitting traffic data or data transmission over only one available frequency band. For data transmission, a radio frame structure (Big MAC element) is dynamically established in the so-called medium access control layer, shortened so-called MAC-layer, by using concurrent radio resources from other frequency bands or other radio access technologies.
US08306008B1 Code processing distribution in a code division multiplexing communication system
In a communication system, a first base station transceiver receives first wireless signals in a code division multiplex format using a first code assigned to the first transceiver. The first transceiver determines a first noise indicator corresponding to the reception of the wireless signals and transfers the first noise indicator. A second base station transceiver receives second wireless signals in the code division multiplex format using a second code assigned to the second transceiver. The second transceiver determines a second noise indicator corresponding to the reception of the wireless signals. The second transceiver receives the first noise indicator. The second transceiver processes the first and second noise indicators to determine if it should receive third wireless signals using the first code assigned to the first transceiver. If so, the second transceiver receives the third wireless signals using the first code assigned to the first transceiver.
US08306005B1 Dynamic communication and method of use
A communication system and method for enhancing the effectiveness of wireless and wired systems. The communication system comprising a combination of (A) a communication device with two separate transceivers and a unique access number (B) said transceivers with a short-range wireless or wired transceiver and long-range wireless transceiver, (C) a communication management system from the group of local communication management system for individual coordinated device connectivity, distributed communication management system for management of multiple communication devices, (D) said communication management system performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers and dynamic addressing of communication devices within the network of communication devices. Suitable wireless medium include wireless optical means, wireless power-line carrier means, wireless radio-frequency means, and wireless radar means. Suitable wired medium include serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, optical fiber, and RS-485 communication means. The communication management system ensures seamless and ubiquitous communication between wired and wireless devices. The communication system, when utilizing dynamic communication for wireless or wired roaming communications in-conjunction with dynamic switching and addressing, enhances the performance and effectiveness that are beneficial to most communication devices.
US08306000B2 Method of optimising the rank of a MMSE channel equaliser
An estimator of the throughput of a channel equalizer in a wireless receiver, wherein the estimator is dependent on a number of NACK messages transmitted by the receiver.
US08305998B2 Method and apparatus for utilizing multiple carriers in high speed packet access communications
A method and an apparatus for utilizing multiple carriers are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) capable of receiving on a single downlink carrier at a time may tune the receiver to one downlink carrier and switch the downlink carrier in accordance with a configured pattern. The WTRU may switch the carrier from an anchor carrier to a non-anchor carrier at a high speed shared control channel (HS-SCCH) sub-frame boundary, and switches back at an end of a subsequent high speed physical downlink shared channel (HS-PDSCH) subframe. The WTRU may switch the carrier at an HS-PDSCH sub-frame boundary. A WTRU capable of receiving on multiple downlink carriers simultaneously may tune the receiver to an anchor carrier and a supplementary carrier, and switch the supplementary carrier to another carrier based on a carrier switching order. The carrier switching order may be received via an HS-SCCH or via layer 2 signaling.
US08305997B2 Dynamic time to trigger for UE measurements
A method, apparatus, and system are described relating to at time when a wireless terminal reports an event to a network. An event to be reported to the network is detected by the wireless terminal. A communications condition affecting a communication between the wireless terminal and the network is determined, and based on the detected communications condition, a dynamic time-to-trigger period is adjusted so that the event is reported by the wireless terminal to the network before the time-to-trigger period expires.
US08305996B2 Access point profile for a mesh access point in a wireless mesh network
A mesh access point that includes an access point profile storing one ore more parameters in non-volatile memory, and a method of using the mesh access point having the access point profile to select and carry out mutual authentication on a wireless mesh network to establish itself to the mesh network using information in the access point profile, and further to provide services to wireless clients according to information in the access point profile. Access point profiles can be pre-configured/configured/updated suitably in order to adapt the mesh access point in a mesh network according to its capabilities and requirements.
US08305993B2 Integration of a private cellular system into a unified communications solution
In one embodiment, a communication system includes a private cellular base station subsystem to communicate, using a cellular radio frequency air radio interface, with home cellular wireless devices and visiting cellular wireless devices located within a coverage area associated with the private cellular base station subsystem. Each of the home cellular wireless devices having associated therewith (i) a public cellular number from a home public land mobile network, and (ii) a private cellular number from a private network associated with the communication system. The communication system further includes a private cellular switching subsystem to provide cellular switching functionality within the private network for the home cellular wireless devices in connection with sessions that are associated with the respective private cellular numbers of the respective home cellular wireless devices. The communication system further includes unified communications (UC) functionality to interface the private cellular switching subsystem to a unified communications server in order to provide unified communications services using the home cellular wireless devices.
US08305992B2 Proactive seamless service provisioning in mobile networks through transferring of application context
A method supporting relocation of an Internet Protocol session during a network layer handover is provided. Application context information is sent to a device. The application context information indicates activities to be executed pro-actively before a network layer handover and includes a requested communication requirement. A first message is received from the device that includes a first indicator indicating whether or not the device can satisfy the requested communication requirement. If the first indicator indicates that the device cannot satisfy the requested communication requirement, the application context information is sent to another device, and a second message is received from the other device. The second message includes a second indicator indicating whether or not the other device can satisfy the requested communication requirement. If the second indicator indicates that the other device can satisfy the requested communication requirement, the other device is selected as a target access router for the network layer handover.
US08305990B2 Method for frequency division duplex communications
The high quality PCS communications are enabled in environments where adjacent PCS service bands operate with out-of-band harmonics that would otherwise interfere with the system's operation. The highly bandwidth-efficient communications method combines a form of time division duplex (TDD), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), spatial diversity, and polarization diversity in various unique combinations. The method provides excellent fade resistance. The method enables changing a user's available bandwidth on demand by assigning additional TDMA slots during the user's session.
US08305989B2 Method for allocating pilots
This is provided a method for allocating pilots to a sub-frame. The sub-frame includes a plurality of blocks in time domain. The method includes allocating a data demodulation (DM) pilot used for demodulating data to two blocks spaced not contiguous with each other, and allocating a channel quality (CQ) pilot. System capacity can be increased, and degradation of performance incurred by a channel estimation error can be minimized.
US08305987B2 Reference signal for a coordinated multi-point network implementation
A method of decoding a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) is presented. An indication of a resource element (RE) configuration allocated for transmission of CSI-RSs by a first cell is received from a second cell. The method includes at least one of using the indication of the RE configuration to decode a first CSI-RS received from the first cell, and using the indication of the RE configuration to mute one or more REs within a data channel transmission received from a third cell. The first cell, second cell and third cell may be associated within a CSI-RS group. In some cases, at least two of the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell are mutually interfering cells. The indication of the RE configuration may include a plurality of logical indices having incremental values, the plurality of logical indices identifying REs used to transmit CSI-RS.
US08305982B2 Method for assigning signature sequences for E-HICH channel
A method for assigning signature sequences for E-HICH channel which may avoid the unbalanced situation brought about by the codeword assignment is provided, wherein the use of User Equipment (UE) signature sequences on Enhanced Dedicated Channel Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgement Indicator Channel (E-HICH) is equalized, so as to drive the average detection performance toward equity for different UEs to detect their respective signature sequences on E-HICH channel, and to reduce the average false detection rate for the respective UE on the feedback information transmitted thereto. The method includes: firstly, assigning a E-HICH logical signature sequence index r for each UE; then, converting the logical signature sequence index r into a physical signature sequence index r′ varying with time by using a random permutation function; and after that, assigning a signature sequence corresponding to the physical signature sequence index r′ to the respective UE.
US08305976B1 Efficient wireless communication network entry for wireless communication devices
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless communication device. The method includes, when in a first mode of operation, transmitting an access request to a wireless access node at a first transmit power, starting a first countdown timer, and awaiting an access request acknowledge from the wireless access node. In the first mode of operation, if the access request acknowledge is received within the first countdown timer, the method includes halting the first countdown timer and awaiting a resource assignment message from the wireless access node, and if the access request acknowledge is not received within the first countdown timer, the method includes retransmitting the access request to the wireless access node at a second transmit power and restarting the first countdown timer. The method also includes receiving a control message to enter a second mode of operation from the wireless access node, and when in the second mode of operation, transmitting the access request to the wireless access node, starting a second countdown timer, and awaiting the resource assignment message from the wireless access node. In the second mode of operation, if the resource assignment message is received within the second countdown timer, the method includes halting the second countdown timer, and if the resource assignment message is not received within the second countdown timer, the method includes retransmitting the access request to the wireless access node and restarting the second countdown timer.
US08305973B2 Mobile communication system, base station device, mobile station device, and mobile communication method
A base station device (10) performs communications with multiple mobile station devices (20) by the OFDMA scheme. The base station device (10) includes an intra-frame region specifying unit (16) configured to specify a region in a downlink frame to be specified by at least the sub-channel and a transmitter (13) configured to transmit MAP region information indicating the specified downlink intra-frame region. The intra-frame region specifying unit (16) specifies a region in a frame that is to contain communication data. The base station device (10) further includes a MAP generator (121) configured to generate MAP indicating the specified intra-frame region, and the transmitter (13) transmits a downlink frame containing the generated MAP in all or a part of the downlink intra-frame region specified by the MAP region information.
US08305967B2 Method and system for scheduling subframe in mobile communication relay system
Provided is a subframe scheduling method in which a relay may transmit interval information of a service to a base station, and the base station may modify a location of a subframe based on the interval information, and thereby preventing a quality deterioration occurring due to a retransmission failure. The subframe scheduling method may include: setting and transmitting, by a base station, subframe information; setting and implementing, by a relay, a service based on the subframe information; transmitting, by the relay, interval information of the service to the base station; modifying, by the base station, the subframe information based on the interval information; and transmitting, by the base station, the modified subframe information to the relay.
US08305961B2 Method and related communications device for improving discontinuous reception functionality
A method for improving discontinuous reception (DRX) functionality for a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes steps of starting a DRX Retransmission Timer to monitor a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH); and stopping the DRX Retransmission Timer when a downlink transmission for a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process is indicated by the monitored PDCCH no matter whether the downlink transmission is successfully decoded.
US08305957B2 Apparatus, method and computer program product providing per-UE signaling technique for separately coded users
Apparatus, computer program products and methods operate an electronic device to determine an operating mode of a controlled electronic device operating in the wireless communications network; to generate a control signal in dependence on the operating mode of the controlled electronic device; to configure the control signal in a pre-determined manner in dependence on the operating mode of the controlled electronic device, wherein the pre-determined manner is known to both the electronic device and to the controlled electronic device; and to operate the radio apparatus to transmit the control signal to the controlled electronic device. In a variant, apparatus, computer program products and methods operate an electronic device to receive a control signal from a controlling electronic device operative in the wireless communications network, the control signal configured by the controlling electronic device in a predetermined manner known to both the controlling electronic device and the electronic device in dependence on an operating mode of the electronic device; and to decode the control signal using knowledge of the predetermined manner in which the control signal was configured by the controlling electronic device.
US08305954B2 Method and device for time synchronization in a TDMA multi-hop wireless network
The invention concerns a method for synchronizing clocks of a set of nodes in a TDMA (“Time Division Multiple Access”) communication network comprising a plurality of nodes, among which some called time reference (TR) nodes are synchronized to a common time reference through a predetermined out-of-band synchronization mechanism, other nodes being called non-TR nodes, each node comprising an internal clock, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: transmitting, at the level of at least one of said TR nodes, a broadcast beacon packet during a given time slot of sub-frames, each sub-frame comprising a plurality of time slots; propagating among the remaining nodes said beacon packet using the slotted structure of the TDMA protocol, each node being pre-assigned a conflict-free time slot in a sub-frame to broadcast said beacon packet received from another node in a previous slot of said sub-frame; and updating in at least two of said non-TR nodes the internal clock based on an updated offset estimate, upon reception of said beacon packet. The invention also concerns a communication device in a TDMA communication network.
US08305951B1 Conditional media access control address filtering
A system is provided comprising processor, memory, radio transceiver, and an application. The transceiver receives a first message containing a first source media access control address and a first destination address and associated with a first application type and receives a second message containing a second source address and second destination address and associated with the first application type, wherein the first and second destination addresses are associated with first and second members, respectively, of a physical wireless local area network. The application receives the first message, determines that the first message is associated with the first application type, confirms that the first source address is associated with the first application type, and based on the confirmation sends the first message to the first destination. The application receives the second message, determines the second address is not associated with the first application type, and does not forward the second message.
US08305950B2 Content synchronisation for mobile communication network
A method of forming RLC blocks for contents synchronization within a mobile radio communications network includes providing a control element for each of a plurality of SDUs within each RLC block. Each control element comprises a header element arranged to precede its respective SDU. A network device provides the RLC blocks and such blocks as having such a structure.
US08305948B2 Transmissions to multiple stations in wireless communication systems
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate coordinating and conducting transmissions to multiple stations in a wireless communication system during a single transmission opportunity. A holder of a transmission opportunity can communicate a request-to-send message or a self-addressed clear-to-send message to one or more stations to establish the transmission opportunity. Subsequently, data transmissions with respective stations can be initiated by transmitting request-to-send messages to the respective stations. At each receiving station, the source address of a received request-to-send message is compared to the address of the holder of the transmission opportunity. If the addresses match for a given request-to-send message, the receiving station transmits a clear-to-send message to the holder of the transmission opportunity in response to the request-to-send message.
US08305945B2 Method and apparatus for discontinuous transmission/reception operation for reducing power consumption in celluar system
A method and apparatus for discontinuously transmitting or receiving packets for low-power consumption of a terminal in a cellular system for packet transmission, for example, a method for performing discontinuous reception operation of a terminal in a wireless communication system, including: receiving parameters for performing the discontinuous reception operation from the base station; and performing, in a state being capable of transmitting or receiving data to or from the base station, the discontinuous reception operation based on the received parameters.
US08305939B2 Selective teleconference interruption
A system and method for controlling a peer-to-peer, unmoderated conference call, which allows a non-talking conferee to send an in-band interrupt request signal which is detected by the conference bridge, which automatically determines which conferee is currently talking, and continuously sends an alert signal to the talking conferee, but prevents transmission of alert signal and interrupt request signal to all other, non-speaking conferees. When the talking conferee quits talking, or acknowledges the interrupt request, or a timeout occurs, alert signal is discontinued, and the request conferee (or another conferee) may speak. Optionally, after a timeout occurs, the voice of the currently speaking conferee is removed from the conference summation, effectively muting the non-yielding conferee.
US08305937B2 Repeater and repeating method
A repeater stores retrieval situation of an address retrieved as an address identical with the transmission destination address of the reception frame in association with each address registered in the learning table, refers to, when the transmission source address of the received frame is registered in the learning table, the retrieval situation of the address stored in association with a port identical with the port that receives the frame from among retrieval situations, specifies an address to be overwritten by the transmission source address of the reception frame, overwrites and registers the transmission source address of the reception frame on the specified address, and updates, when the address identical with the transmission destination address of the received frame is retrieved from the learning table, the retrieval situation stored in association with the retrieved address.
US08305936B2 Method and system for dynamic information exchange on a mesh network in a vehicle
A method and system for dynamic information exchange on a mesh network in a vehicle. The dynamic information exchange includes determining if a vehicle needs immediate repair. And if so, automatically determining a nearest repair facility and sending a message to the nearest repair facility indicating the vehicle will be arriving shortly. The message also includes a list of parts required to repair the vehicle. The dynamic information exchange on the mesh network also includes information about vehicle movement, including, an accident impact, theft or illness or injury to an operator of the vehicle.
US08305934B2 Computer program, apparatus, and method for managing network
In response to a route-changing event, original routes on the network are changed to new routes. A destination-reachable range is identified as a range from which packets can reach an information processing device specified by a destination address. Modification of forwarding data is performed for a neighbor communication device which is located outside the destination-reachable range and adjacent to a communication device in the destination-reachable range, so as to enable forwarding of packets to that communication device in the destination-reachable range. The modified forwarding data is then transmitted to the neighbor communication device. The modification made to the forwarding data results in an additional destination-reachable range, which is thus added to the destination-reachable range. Another cycle of processing is then performed on the basis of the expanded destination-reachable range.
US08305932B2 Method and apparatus for growing next generation network using modular design
A method and system for growing a next generation network (NGN) using a modular design are disclosed. For example, the method defines a growth core module to support a specific number of subscribers, wherein the growth core module is assigned a module identifier (ID). The method upgrades existing network entities that will be impacted by an installation of the growth core module in the existing IMS network, and installs the growth core module in the IMS network.
US08305930B2 Hybrid clustering based data aggregation method for multi-target tracking in wireless sensor network
Provided are a sensor network structure, a data aggregation method, and a clustering method for efficient multi-target tracking. The multi-target tracking may be efficiently performed in a heterogeneous sensor network by combining clustering methods and adaptively varying the clustering methods. As such, an energy consumption problem in a sensor network may be reduced, and a data transmission delay problem or a data traffic problem may be solved by reducing the amount of data to be transmitted.
US08305923B1 Custom automatic remote monitoring for network devices
A network device including a port configured to exchange packets of data with one or more networks. The network device further includes a rule storing circuit is configured to store a plurality of event classification rules. Each of the event classification rules describes at least one event characteristic for an event in the network device. At least one of the event classification rules includes a change in state of the at least one port of the network device. The change in state of the at least one port is generated by a change in spanning tree mode. The network device further includes an event classifier is configured to identify events having the at least one event characteristic described by any of the event classification rules, and a plurality of event counters configured to count the events identified by the event classifier for a respective one of the event classification rules.
US08305922B2 Method for PCRF to autonomously respond to cell capacity shortage
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node and machine-readable storage medium including one or more of the following: determining network status; receiving an application request at the PCRN; generating a new PCC rule in response to the application request and network status; and providing the new PCC rule to a PCEN. Various exemplary embodiments further include receiving an event message, determining the network status from received event messages and isolating congestion using previously issued PCC rules and a network topology.
US08305921B2 Channel selection and interference suppression
Several adaptive techniques are described to combat interference in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. In addition to adaptive frequency selection, interference suppression techniques for a selected carrier frequency are presented. The interference suppression technique can be adaptively selected based on the availability and quality of channel state information (CSI) and interference statistics. Techniques to estimate interference statistics are also presented. Interference mitigation techniques are also presented for automatic gain control (AGC), intermittent interference, and interference caused to other networks.
US08305919B2 Dynamic management of end-to-end network loss during a phone call
A method and system of managing end-to-end loss in a manner that allows phone calls to be executed across many networks at desirable end-to-end loss levels, including networks having fixed-loss stratagems, by controlling devices to adjust their local loss or gain in order to establish target end-to-end loss.
US08305918B2 Method of configuring the quality-of-service profile of a given stream at an access node of a packet communications network
A method is provided for configuring the service quality profile of a given flow at the access node of a packet communication network to which is connected to the gateway of a receiving user of the flow. The method includes a step where the gateway determines on its own a service quality profile to be associated with the flow, that is triggered upon reception of a packet from the access node, and a step where the service quality profile thus determined is sent to the access node. The profile is used by the access node for transmitting packets intended for the gateway and belonging to the flow in question.
US08305914B2 Method for signal adjustment through latency control
A method for adjusting latency in a video conference signal originating from a video conference camera and encoder is described herein. Latency in a video conference connection between more than two video conference sites is measured. The latency between each of the more than two video conference sites is compared with a latency threshold. Parameters of the video conference camera and encoder associated with each video conference site are adjusted by a video controller to modify the image quality of the video signal if the measured latency of a respective video conference connection is below the threshold.
US08305912B2 Network and method providing an indication of network capabilities to a user for special number calls
Networks and methods are disclosed for providing an indication of the capability of a communication network for serving special number calls. Before a user places a special number call, the communication network determines the capability of the communication network for serving a special number call, and provides the indication of the network capability to the user. The user is thus kept aware of the quality of the special number service available to them through the communication network.
US08305911B2 System and method for identifying and managing service disruptions using network and systems data
A method for identifying disruptions using network and systems data includes receiving resource utilization information for a network component at a first time and receiving resource utilization information for the network component at a second time. The method also includes identifying a resource utilization pattern for the network component, predicting a resource utilization for the network component at a third time based on the resource utilization pattern, and determining whether the predicted resource utilization will breach a utilization threshold for the network component.
US08305910B2 Method and apparatus for configuring, and compiling code for, a communications test set-up
Computer-readable code stored on computer-readable media includes code to allocate at least one data structure in computer memory. The at least one data structure has a plurality of message parameter fields, and each of the message parameter fields has a deterministic position within the at least one data structure. The computer-readable code also includes code to navigate to different ones of the message parameter fields by interpreting non-compiled instructions. The instructions have a form that specifies a position of a particular message parameter field within the at least one data structure, and a number of bits in the particular message parameter field. The position of the particular message parameter field is specified in terms of a number of data offsets in the at least one data structure. The computer-readable code also includes code to configure a communications test-set following navigation to at least one of the message parameter fields.
US08305905B2 Multinode arrangement
The present invention provides a multinode arrangement that utilizes a plurality of nodes that communicate with each other by RF transmissions and hardwire communications. The use of both hardwire and RF transmission provides the advantages obtained with both forms of transmission.
US08305901B2 Method of generating a buffer status for a wireless communication system and related device
A method of generating a buffer state of a packet data convergence protocol, hereinafter called PDCP, layer for a user equipment in a wireless communication system includes including volume information of packets, which have been submitted to a layer lower than the PDCP layer and have not been confirmed by the layer or by a PDCP status report, in a buffer state report of the PDCP layer, where the packets have not been confirmed by the layer due to buffer clearing of the layer.
US08305896B2 Selective performance enhancement of traffic flows
In an example embodiment, a method for selective performance enhancement of traffic flows, such as a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) flow, on devices where enhancement of a limited number of concurrent flows is supported, or where a limited number of TCP accelerated or IP (Internet Protocol) compressed flows are supported. Flows are selected to be enhanced, accelerated or compressed based on configured priorities, including but not limited to type of the flow, importance of the flow, and availability of resources to enhance, accelerate or compress the flow. For example, a high-priority TCP session is accelerated for the lifetime of the session, while a low-priority TCP session is accelerated while there are available resources for the low-priority flow.
US08305895B2 Adaptive cross-network message bandwidth allocation by message servers
In one embodiment, a network device is described as including a rate monitor to monitor an actual individual message rate of event messages sent from each one of a plurality of sending devices operatively in communication with the network device, an allocator to allocate an individual message rate limit to each of the plurality of sending devices, and a communication module to communicate a rate limit instruction to at least one of the sending devices, the rate limit instruction to limit the transmission rate of event messages.
US08305894B1 Paging channel queue management based on load
A method and apparatus for more efficiently scheduling transmission of page messages over a paging channel in a radio access network (RAN). The RAN, which generally assigns slotted messages a higher transmission priority than non-slotted messages, may determine a level of occupancy of the paging channel either periodically, continuously, or responsive to a triggering event. Thereafter, the RAN may compare the level of occupancy to a load threshold, which may either be based on (i) a predicted probability of non-slotted messages that will result from slotted messages in the RAN, or (ii) a ratio of non-slotted messages to slotted messages in the RAN. If the load threshold is based on the ratio, the RAN may determine the load threshold before making the comparison. After making the comparison, the RAN may assign non-slotted messages a higher transmission priority than slotted messages if the level of occupancy exceeds the load threshold.
US08305890B2 Method and apparatus for prioritizing voice over internet protocol signaling messages
A method and apparatus for enabling prioritization of signaling messages in a communication network are disclosed. For example, the method receives at least one signaling message, and classifies each of the at least one signaling message. The method schedules each of the at least one signaling message for processing, and discards selectively one or more signaling messages that have been scheduled under an overload condition.
US08305888B2 System and method for improving transport protocol performance in communication networks having lossy links
Providing transport protocol within a communication network having a lossy link. The receiver distinguishes between packets received with non-congestion bit errors and packets having been not at all received due to congestion. When packets are received with non-congestion bit errors, the receiver sends selective acknowledgments indicating that the packets were received with bit errors while suppressing duplicate acknowledgments to prevent the invocation of a congestion mechanism.
US08305885B2 Control of quality of service in overlapping basic service sets in wireless local area networks
Access priority for wireless devices located in an area in which radiofrequency (RF) coverage areas of a first wireless access point and a second wireless access point overlap is controlled by coordinating operation of the first wireless access point and the second wireless access point. The wireless devices access a common RF channel via a collision sense multiple access/collision avoidance mechanism. The probability of accessing the RF channel may be varied by adjusting the length of interframe spacings and the length of contention windows. The length of the interframe spacings and the length of the contention windows associated with the first access point and associated with the second access point are configured such that the probability of wireless devices associated with the first wireless access point accessing the RF channel is greater than the probability of wireless devices associated with the second wireless access point accessing the RF channel.
US08305884B2 Systems and methods for a self-healing carrier ethernet topology
Systems and methods for self-healing Ethernet topologies which are compatible with PBT, which use standards-based protocols, which do not self-configure, and which use Ethernet OAM are provided. Interconnected nodes are configured with a primary and secondary path which is determined by VLANs, MPLS label, Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE) VLAN ID (VID), Frame Relay (FR), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Virtual Circuits (VCs), and the like. One or more head-end nodes are designated for terminating each path and for performing cross-connects between the primary and secondary paths. IEEE 802.1ag Continuity Check Messages (CCM) are transmitted by all nodes on both the primary and secondary routes. Responsive to a loss of a predetermined number of CCM messages, traffic is switched to the secondary route. In non-fault conditions, both the paths for the primary and secondary routes can carry traffic.
US08305882B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting and/or correcting faults in a multiprotocol label switching network by using redundant paths between nodes
Faults are detected and recovered from in a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network by communicating packets between a first node and a second node in the MPLS network using a set of prioritized label switch path (LSP) pairs. A failure to receive a relatively constant rate of packets during a predetermined time interval is detected at the first node. Packets are sent from the first node to the second node using a backup LSP pair responsive to detecting the failure. Packets are then sent from the second node to the first node using a backup LSP pair responsive to receiving packets at the second node on the backup LSP pair.
US08305875B2 Method for allocating frequency domain spread code in base station of MC-CDMA communication system
The present invention relates to a method for allocating a frequency domain spread code in a base station of a multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) communication system. A code allocation priority is established based on interference between previously allocated spread codes and a newly allocated spread code so as to minimize the interference caused by channel fading or a synchronization error according to a transmitting or receiving timing offset when a scheduler of the base station in the MC-CDMA communication system allocates a subcarrier group to the plurality of user terminals or channels, and the spread code is allocated to the plurality of user terminals or channels according to the established priority, by the scheduler of the base station.
US08305873B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting sequence in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting a sequence in a wireless communication system is provided. A transmitter generates a block sequence comprising a first sub-block sequence and a second sub-block sequence, generates a phase modulated block sequence by performing phase modulation on the block sequence, maps the phase modulated block sequence to a plurality of sub-blocks, and transmits the phase modulated block sequence mapped to the plurality of sub-blocks.
US08305867B2 Lens and optical pick-up
A lens including: a lens body having first and second surfaces; a flange part formed to protrude from a periphery of the lens body and to have a cylindrical outer circumferential surface; a lens installation surface formed at an outer edge part of the flange part; a recessed part formed as a part of the flange part such that a part of the cylindrical outer circumferential surface is recessed toward the optical axis; and a gate root part located at a central part of the recessed part. The gate root part has a flat surface which is in a same level with respect to the lens installation surface. The gate root part lies on an optical axis side with respect to a virtual curved surface formed by extending the cylindrical outer circumferential surface through the recessed part.
US08305858B2 Variable delay circuit, recording apparatus, and delay amount calibration method
Provided are a variable delay circuit, a recording apparatus, and a delay amount calibration method. The variable delay circuit includes a delay line in which a delay amount is variably set, a delay setting unit that performs delay setting of the delay line using a unit delay control value, in a calibration period, overlaps a test pulse with the input signal, and generates a comparison pulse, and a unit delay determining unit that sets the delay of the unit delay amount in the delay line by providing the unit delay control value to the delay setting unit in the calibration period, determines the unit delay control value equivalent to the unit delay amount based on a phase comparison result between the comparison pulse and the test pulse, and provides, to the delay setting unit, the determined unit delay control value as the unit delay control value of a calibration result.
US08305856B2 Disk-shaped record medium and producing method for same, disk recording method and device, and disk playback method and device
To record specific information to a disk-shaped record medium and reproduce the recorded specific information without any influence on the error correction capability. Copy protection information (CPID) having an error correction code appended thereto, shuffled and otherwise treated is sent as a CPID bit block to an EDC rewrite circuit (14). The EDC rewrite circuit (14) rewrites an error detection code appended to user data in each sector in accordance with bit information in the CPID bit block. Thereafter, the data in each sector is scrambled, and an ECC block including a plurality of sectors is modulated with an error correction code and sync signal appended thereto. The modulated signal is recorded in a reserve area of a lead-in area of the disk-shaped record medium. During reproduction, CPID is restored based on the result of error detection of each sector.
US08305853B2 Optical disc drive device
A hybrid BD drive 1 (1) of the present invention includes a flash control section (2) which (a) uses a flash memory (7) as a cache memory in a case where the hybrid BD drive (1) receives an address or data via an interface (13) and which (b) uses the flash memory (7) as a data memory in a case where the hybrid BD drive (1) receives an address or data via an interface (14). This makes it possible to provide an optical disc drive device having a nonvolatile memory capable of reducing an access time in random access and storing data except cache data.
US08305848B2 Timepiece movement fitted with an inertial coupling mechanism
A timepiece movement comprising a coupling mechanism including first and second coupling wheel sets, whereby the rotation of the first coupling wheel set causes the second coupling wheel set to rotate, whereby the coupling mechanism is a centrifugal coupling mechanism including an inertial click secured to the hub of the first coupling wheel set, and meshing with stop members secured to the second coupling wheel set.
US08305847B2 Ultra high resolution timing measurement
A method for high-resolution timing measurement includes a first oscillator generating a first clock with a first frequency. A second oscillator generates a second clock with a second frequency. A delay pulse generator generates a delayed pulse from the second clock. An oscillator tuner controls the second frequency to be as close as possible to the first frequency without being the same as the first frequency. A sampling module samples the delayed pulse at the first frequency. A counter generates a digital counter value by counting a number of samples made by the sampling module.
US08305846B2 Time piece with LED light means
A timepiece with LED lights uses a simple light-medium body with a very rough finish to allow light from LED(s) to pass though input-end(s) of the light-medium body and travel within the body and obtain a very even brightness on all surfaces of the light medium that are seen by a viewer. Combined with a milky/frosted front sheet overlay, the light-medium surface can get perfect area illumination effects. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a guilt-in light-medium on the top cover to achieve a super slim LED illumination for the time piece. For night light application, the sealed-unit may consist of prong-means and an LED related circuit sealed within a safety standard plastic material and assembled with the night light body to save a lot of cost enable use of all kinds of materials. The invention may also be adapted to an LCD display timepiece.
US08305843B2 Channel impulse response estimation
A human-machine interface system adapted to track movement of an object in air is disclosed. In one aspect, the human-machine interface includes an acoustic transmitter, an acoustic receiver, and logic configured to apply a calculated inverse matrix of an impulse signal transmitted by the acoustic transmitter to a signal received by the acoustic receiver, wherein movement of the object is used to control the machine.
US08305841B2 Method and apparatus for determining the topography of a seafloor and a vessel comprising the apparatus
A method and apparatus for determining the topography of a seafloor includes providing a vessel with a multibeam sonar device which transmits first pulses of first signals, and a pair of sidescan sonar devices, which transmit second pulses of second signals, spaced apart rearwardly from the multibeam sonar device on the vessel. The first and second pulses produced by the multibeam sonar device and the sidescan sonar devices, respectively, are interleaved, and the time duration between each second pulse and the next following first pulse, and between each first pulse and the next following one of the first and second pulses is determined as a function of the maximum time-of-flight of the first signals of one of the previous first pulses from the time of transmission thereof to the time of reception of the backscattered first signals.
US08305838B2 Semiconductor memory device for guaranteeing reliability of data transmission and semiconductor system including the same
A semiconductor device includes a system clock input unit configured to receive a system clock for synchronizing input times of an address signal and a command signal from a memory controller, a data clock input unit configured to receive first and second data clocks for synchronizing an input/output time of a data signal from the memory controller, wherein a phase of the second data clock is shifted according to a training information signal, and the second data clock having the shifted phase is inputted to the data clock input unit, and a phase detection unit configured to detect a logic level of the second data clock based on an edge of the first data clock, and generate the training information signal to transmit the generated signal to the memory controller according to the detected logic level.
US08305836B2 Semiconductor memory device highly integrated in direction of columns
First and second read word lines are provided in each set made of two adjacent rows. First, second, third, and fourth read bit lines are provided in each column. Each of the first and second read word lines is connected to memory cells in a corresponding one of the sets. Each of the first and third read bit lines is connected to a memory cell in one row in each of the sets, out of memory cells in a corresponding one of the columns. Each of the second and fourth read bit lines is connected to a memory cell in the other row in each of the sets, out of the memory cells in the corresponding one of the columns.
US08305835B2 Memory elements having configurable access duty cycles and related operating methods
Apparatus and methods are provided for accessing memory elements. An exemplary memory element includes an array of memory cells and a control module. Each memory cell of the array is coupled to an access line, wherein the control module is configured to assert a first signal for a write duty cycle on the access line to enable writing to a first memory cell of the array of memory cells, and the control module is configured to assert a second signal for a read duty cycle on the access line to enable reading from the first memory cell. The write duty cycle and the read duty cycle are each selected from a plurality of possible duty cycles. In an exemplary embodiment, the read duty cycle and the write duty cycle are chosen to optimize a performance parameter for the memory element.
US08305832B2 Integrated circuits, systems, and methods for reducing leakage currents in a retention mode
An integrated circuit includes at least one memory array for storing data. A first switch is coupled with the memory array. A first power line is coupled with the first switch. The first power line is operable to supply a first power voltage. A second switch is coupled with the memory array. A second power line is coupled with the second switch. The second power line is operable to supply a second power voltage for retaining the data during a retention mode. A third power line is coupled with the memory array. The third power line is capable of providing a third power voltage.
US08305831B2 Power management
An SRAM includes circuitry configured for the SRAM to operate at different operation modes using different voltage levels wherein the voltage level and thus the supply current leakage is regulated based on the operation mode. For example, the SRAM, in a normal operation mode, consumes power as other SRAMs. In a deep sleep mode the supply voltage (e.g., VDDI) for the bit cell in the SRAM macro is lowered by about 20-40% of the SRAM supply voltage (e.g., VDD), sufficient to retain the data in the bit cell. When access to the SRAM is not needed, the SRAM operates in the sleep mode, consuming little or no power.
US08305827B2 Dual rail memory
A memory array comprises a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. A column of the plurality of columns includes a first power supply node configured to provide a first voltage, a second power supply node configured to provide a second voltage, and a plurality of internal supply nodes electrically coupled together and configured to receive the first voltage or the second voltage for a plurality of memory cells in the column and a plurality of internal ground nodes. The internal ground nodes are electrically coupled together and configured to provide at least two current paths for the plurality of memory cells in the column.
US08305826B2 Method and apparatus for programming an anti-fuse element in a high-voltage integrated circuit
A method for programming a programmable block of a power IC device includes selecting an anti-fuse element of the programmable block to be programmed. The anti-fuse element includes first and second capacitive plates separated by a dielectric layer. A voltage pulse is then applied to a pin of the power IC device. The pin is connected to a drain of a high-voltage field-effect transistor (HVFET) that drives an external load via the pin during a normal operating mode of the power IC device. The voltage pulse, which is coupled to the first capacitive plate of the anti-fuse element, has a potential sufficiently high to cause a current to flow through the anti-fuse element that destroys at least a portion of the dielectric layer, thereby electrically shorting the first and second capacitive plates.
US08305821B2 Memory systems and methods for dynamically phase adjusting a write strobe and data to account for receive-clock drift
A memory system includes a memory controller that writes data to and reads data from a memory device. A write data strobe accompanying the write data indicates to the memory device when the write data is valid, whereas a read strobe accompanying data from the memory device indicates to the memory controller when the read data is valid. The memory controller adaptively controls the phase of the write strobe to compensate for timing drift at the memory device. The memory controller uses the read strobe as a measure of the drift.
US08305814B2 Sense amplifier with precharge delay circuit connected to output
Single-ended sense amplifier circuit. An example of the sense amplifier circuit includes an inverter coupled to a bit line to read a bit cell. The sense amplifier circuit also includes a first circuit responsive to a control signal to charge the bit line for a predefined time. Further, the sense amplifier circuit includes a second circuit coupled to the bit line and responsive to a read 1 operation to retain voltage of the bit line above a first threshold to render the inverter to read 1 from the bit cell.
US08305813B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a data latch unit configured to store data to be programmed into a memory cell or store data read from a memory cell, and page buffers each comprising a sense node discharge unit configured to selectively ground a sense node depending on data stored in the data latch unit and in response to a sense node discharge signal.
US08305811B2 Flash memory device and method of reading data
A flash memory device and method of reading data are disclosed. The method includes; performing a test read operation directed to test data stored in a memory cell array of the flash memory device by iteratively applying a sequence of test read retry operations, wherein each successive test read retry operation uses a respectively higher test read voltage level than a preceding test read retry operation, until one test read retry operation in the sequence of test read retry operations successfully reads the test data using a minimum test read retry voltage associated with the one test read retry operation, setting an initial read voltage for the flash memory device equal to the minimum test read retry voltage, and thereafter performing a normal read operation directed to user data stored in the memory cell array by iteratively applying a sequence of read retry operations, wherein an initial read retry operation in the sequence of read retry operations uses the initial read voltage.
US08305807B2 Detection of broken word-lines in memory arrays
Techniques and corresponding circuitry are presented for the detection of broken wordlines in a memory array. In an exemplary embodiment, a program operation of the memory circuit is performed on a first plurality of memory cells along a word-line, where the programming operation includes a series of alternating programming pulses and verify operations, with the memory cells individually locking out from further programming pulses as verified. The determination of whether the word-line is defective based on the number of programming pulses for the memory cells of a first subset of the first plurality to verify as programmed relative to the number of programming pulses for the memory cells of a second subset of the first plurality to verify as programmed, where the first and second subsets each contain multiple memory cells and are not the same.
US08305806B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for controlling word line or bit line thereof
A nonvolatile memory device includes global selection lines, local selection lines, a first selection circuit, and a second selection circuit. The local lines correspond respectively to the global selection lines. The first selection circuit is configured to connect to the global selection lines to select the global selection lines. The second selection circuit is connected between the global selection lines and the local selection lines and is configured to select the local selection lines. The first selection circuit is configured to select at least one global selection line, and the second selection circuit is configured to select the local selection lines corresponding to the selected global selection line while the at least one global selection line is continuously activated.
US08305804B2 Flash memory device and system including the same
The invention provides an operation method of a memory system including a flash memory device. The method includes programming at least one page included in a selected memory block of the flash memory device; and determining the selected memory block or the flash memory device to be invalid, according to whether a loop number of the programmed page is out of a reference loop range.
US08305795B2 Nonvolatile variable resistance memory element writing method, and nonvolatile variable resistance memory device
To provide a variable resistance element writing method that, even when a variable resistance element has a possibility of becoming a half LR state, can ensure a maximum resistance change window by correcting the variable resistance element to a normal low resistance state. In a method of writing data to a variable resistance element (10a) that reversibly changes between a high resistance state and a low resistance state according to a polarity of an applied voltage, as a voltage applied to an upper electrode (11) with respect to a lower electrode (14t): a positive voltage is applied in a high resistance writing step (405) to set the variable resistance element (10a) to a high resistance state (401); a negative voltage is applied in a low resistance writing step (406, 408) to set the variable resistance element (10a) to a low resistance state (403, 402); and a positive voltage is applied in a low resistance stabilization writing step (404) after the negative voltage is applied in the low resistance writing step (408), thereby setting the variable resistance element (10a) through the low resistance state to the high resistance state (401).
US08305793B2 Integrated circuit with an array of resistance changing memory cells
An integrated circuit includes an array of resistance changing memory cells, and a circuit configured to apply an initialization signal to a first one of the memory cells that is in a virgin resistance state. The initialization signal is configured to modify the first memory cell without switching an operation state of the first memory cell.
US08305790B2 Electrical anti-fuse and related applications
A first terminal and a second terminal of a FinFET transistor are used as two terminals of an anti-fuse. To program the anti-fuse, a gate of the FinFET transistor is controlled, and a voltage having a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined duration is applied to the first terminal to cause the first terminal to be electrically shorted to the second terminal.
US08305788B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit line pairs, a plurality of column selectors, a common signal line pair including one common line commonly connected to one of each of the plurality of bit line pairs, and the other common line commonly connected to the other of each of the plurality of bit line pairs, a sense amplifier amplifying the potential difference of the common signal line pair, and a plurality of capacitance adding circuits that balance with parasitic capacitances of the column selectors which are not selected, the capacitance adding circuits being provided respectively between the one of each of the bit line pairs and the other common line and between the other of each of the bit line pairs and the one common line.
US08305786B2 Power controller for electric vehicle
A controller calculates a total power fluctuation including a power fluctuation on a first unit and a power fluctuation on a second unit. The controller estimate a voltage fluctuation of the system voltage based on the total power fluctuation. Then, the controller calculates a control amount for a voltage converter by reflecting the estimated voltage fluctuation. The estimated voltage fluctuation can be used to correct a feed-forward control amount. As a result, a voltage stabilizing control is performed based on the estimated voltage fluctuation which could be occurred in response to the total power fluctuation if no stabilizing control is performed. Thereby, the stability of the system voltage can be improved without using a large size smoothing capacitor.
US08305785B2 Power source apparatus
Power source apparatus utilizing a synchronous rectification system including a main transformer having a primary coil, and two secondary coils connected to each other by a tap mutually electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil. The power source apparatus includes a gate driver generating a first drive signal and a second drive signal to a gate of a first field effect transistor and to a gate of a second field effect transistor, respectively. The first field effect transistor and the second field effect transistor are turned on and off alternative by the gate driver.
US08305784B2 High efficiency universal input switching power supply with switchable PFC circuits
A universal input switching power supply has a signal detecting unit, two DC converting units and a physical wiring and controlling unit. The DC converting units are respectively adapted to couple to an AC power source to convert the AC power source to two first DC power sources and changes a voltage of each of the first power sources according to different voltage of the AC power source. The physical wiring and controlling unit is connected to the outputs of the DC converting units and the signal detecting unit and automatically connects the outputs of the PFC circuits in parallel if a high line voltage range of the AC power source is coupled to the full bridge rectifier. On the contrary, the physical wiring and controlling unit automatically connects the outputs of the PFC circuits in serial. Accordingly, the universal input switching power supply has good transmitting efficiency at different AC power source conditions.
US08305778B2 Method and system to influence the power generation of an adjustable speed generator
A method and a system to influence the power generation of at least one adjustable speed generator. The system includes a first voltage source converter connected to a local AC bus. The local AC bus is provided with power by the at least one adjustable speed generator. A second voltage source converter connected to an AC grid. A DC link is connected between the first and the second voltage source converter. At least one control unit controls the first and the second voltage source converters. The at least one control unit performs the method to control the AC voltage in the local AC bus via the first voltage source converter and to modify a reference value for the AC voltage magnitude of the local AC bus in dependence on the AC voltage magnitude of the AC grid.
US08305771B2 Electromagnetic interference suppressing device and related electronic device
An electromagnetic interference suppressing device includes a plurality of signal guiding units coupled to a metal housing of an electronic component for receiving a plurality of signals transmitted from the metal housing (the electronic component is installed on a circuit board), a plurality of grounding units coupled to a plurality of ground pads of the circuit board for transmitting the plurality of signals to the plurality of ground pads, and a main body coupled to the plurality of signal guiding units and the plurality of grounding units for transmitting the plurality of signals between the plurality of signal guiding units and the plurality of grounding units so as to implement a return path.
US08305767B2 Printed wiring board reliably achieving electric connection with electronic component
Terminal pads are arranged on a first surface of the substrate for an electronic component to receive terminals of the electronic component. An electrically-conductive film is formed on a second surface defined on the back of the first surface over the back of a mounting area for the electronic component. The mounting area is contoured along the outer periphery of the arrangement of the terminal pads. The ratio of the area of the electrically-conductive material to the area of the surface of the substrate over the back of the mounting area is set appropriate to the ratio of the area of the electrically-conductive material to the area of the surface of the substrate over the mounting area for each electronic component. This results in suppression of flexure of the printed wiring board during reflow.
US08305765B2 Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a signal wiring and an electronic component. The signal wiring is provided on a first surface which is an inner surface of the housing. The electronic component is accommodated in the housing and includes a conductive member for electrical continuity with the signal wiring. The conductive member is formed on a surface of the electronic component facing the first surface of the housing. The electronic component is fixed to the first surface of the housing by a conductive adhesive agent having conductivity so that the conductive member has electrically continuity with the signal wiring. The electronic component is fixed to the first surface of the housing by a reinforcing adhesive agent having adhesive strength higher than the conductive adhesive agent.
US08305763B2 Housing case for electronic circuit board
In a housing case for housing an electronic circuit board, comprising a case body, a cover, a pedestal formed on the case body to support the board, a holder formed on the cover at a location to face the pedestal to hold the board from opposite side of the pedestal, a recess formed at the case body near the pedestal, and a convex formed on the cover at a position corresponding to the recess, it is configured such that the convex is inserted in and adhered to the recess to attach the cover to the case body. With this, it becomes possible to change the amount of adhesive member in accordance with the environment, etc., with the simple structure.
US08305762B2 Planar heat pipe for cooling
There is disclosed an apparatus of planar heat pipe for cooling, which may be embedded in a printed circuit board for cooling of heat-dissipating components.The apparatus includes two panels that are both metal clad on one side, at least one of the panels being grooved on its metal clad side, the panels being assembled by their metal clad sides to form a sealed cavity, the cavity being filled with a fluid, the fluid circulating by capillary action along the grooves towards zones exposed to heat where it vaporizes.Application: electronics, cooling, printed circuit boards
US08305758B2 Heat-dissipating module
A heat-dissipating module is disclosed, which is suitable for an electronic apparatus with a case and a heat source. The heat-dissipating module includes a set of dissipation fins and a fan. The set of dissipation fins is suitable to connect a heat source and there is a flow channel between the set of dissipation fins and the case. The fan is for producing an airflow flowing towards the set of dissipation fins, while the partial airflow flows through the flow channel.
US08305756B2 Spring-loaded doors to prevent air recirculation without need for additional space
The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to modular information handling systems configured to automatically adjust coolant flow upon insertion and/or removal of heat-releasing elements (e.g., blades). A system may comprise, for example, a chassis at least partially defining a cavity, at least one fan in fluid communication with the cavity and operable to move coolant through at least a portion of the cavity, and one or more bays. Each of the one or more bays (a) may be at least partially defined by a bay wall, (b) may be configured to receive a heat-releasing element, and/or (c) may comprise an obturator configured to conditionally block fluid communication between the bay and the chassis cavity, the fan, and/or a coolant, wherein the obturator allows fluid communication when a blade is present in the bay and blocks fluid communication when a blade is absent from the bay. A system may further comprise at least one heat-releasing element positioned in at least one of the one or more bays.
US08305755B2 Power modules, cooling devices and methods thereof
A jet impingement cooling device may include a jet structure and a target layer. The jet structure may include at least one fluid jet operable to produce an impingement jet of cooling fluid. The target layer may further include a heat receiving surface configured to be coupled to a heat generating device and a jet impingement target surface. The jet impingement target surface may further include at least one target structure having a wavy-fin topology with a fin peak, wherein the fluid jet and the target structure are arranged such that the fin peak of the target structure is aligned with a centerline of the impingement jet of cooling fluid during operation of the jet impingement cooling device.
US08305751B2 Vibration isolation within disk drive testing systems
A disk drive test slot includes a housing that defines a test compartment for receiving and supporting a disk drive transporter carrying a disk drive for testing. The housing also defines an open end that provides access to the test compartment for insertion and removal of disk drive transporter carrying a disk drive for testing. The disk drive test slot also includes a mounting plate connected to the housing. One or more isolators are disposed between the housing and the mounting plate. The one or more isolators are operable to inhibit transmission of vibrational energy between the housing and the mounting plate.
US08305747B2 Rotary hinge and a portable electronic device with the same
A rotary hinge for an electronic device with a cover and a body is mounted between a bottom of the cover and a top of the body and has a receiving assembly, a connecting assembly and a retaining assembly. The receiving assembly is connected to the cover. The connecting assembly is connected to the body and is attached pivotally to the receiving assembly. The retaining assembly is connected respectively to the receiving and connecting assemblies to selectively hold the cover at closed and open positions. With only one pivot between the rotary hinge and the cover, part of the body is exposed to allow the input unit being used when the cover is pivoted to open. Regardless of opening or closing the cover, the rotary hinge is hidden to prevent from damaging and foreign matters.
US08305746B2 Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus of the present invention includes a first case 1 including a keyboard 5 and a signal processing portion, a second case 2 including a liquid crystal display 21 that is capable of displaying visible information obtained by converting an input signal into a visible information signal in the signal processing portion, hinges 3 for rotatably supporting the first case 1 and the second case 2, and light source bodies 11, 12 that are capable of illuminating the keyboard 5 and located at both ends of the second case 2 in the axial direction of the hinges 3. With this configuration, the electronic apparatus can not only illuminate the input portion but also prevent light from entering the eyes of a user directly, thereby making it possible for the user to perform the input operation properly in a dark place.
US08305745B2 Display device and housing structure of the display device
A housing structure includes a casing unit for connection with a selected one of first and second display panels and defining a receiving space for receiving an electronic component module used for connecting electrically with one of the first and second display panels, and two side frames respectively connected to left and right sides of the casing unit at different height positions. When the casing unit and the side frames are connected to one of the first and second display panels, a third fastening hole set of each side frame is adapted to be aligned with a first or second fastening hole set of the first or second display panel so that the side frames can be connected to the selected one of the first and second display panels, thereby reducing the cost of making molds for the housing structure.
US08305743B2 Curved display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A curved display panel includes a display module, a first fixing substrate and an adhering material. The display module has a first glass plate. The first glass plate has a first curved surface. The first fixing substrate has a second curved surface facing the first curved surface. The adhering material is connected between the first curved surface and the second curved surface.
US08305742B2 Cycling computer attaching mechanism and method
There is provided an improved solution for a user interface of a cycling computer user interface unit and an improved solution for mounting a cycling computer to a bicycle. The user interface solution comprises a swing switch rotating about a shaft and the mounting solution comprises a cross element enabling mounting in 90 degree resolution.
US08305739B2 High density power/lighting panelboard
A panelboard supplies electricity to multiple loads, such as lighting fixtures and/or other electrical devices via one or more high-amperage circuit breakers and one or more low-amperage circuit breakers. The panelboard includes one or more vertical busbars and one or more horizontal busbars coupled together in a single housing. The one or more horizontal busbars are coupled to a main input breaker that receives electricity from a source. The main input breaker distributes the electricity to the horizontal busbars. The horizontal busbars distribute the electricity to the high-amperage circuit breakers coupled thereto and to the vertical busbars. The vertical busbars distribute the electricity to the low-amperage circuit breakers coupled thereto.
US08305738B1 Transfer switch housing having a strain relief member
A power transfer device adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a cabinet, a set of switches mounted to an upper panel of the cabinet, and wires adapted to connect the switches to an electrical distribution panel associated with a building electrical system. The power transfer device includes an upper compartment and a lower compartment partitioned from one another by an intermediate wall. The upper panel closes the upper compartment and a lower panel is adapted to selectively close the lower compartment. A strain relief member is mounted in the lower compartment and tightly holds the wires against the housing to prevent the unintentional disconnection of the wires from the switches.
US08305732B2 Dielectric ceramic and capacitor
Disclosed is a dielectric ceramic having crystal grains mainly composed of barium titanate and an intergranular phase formed among the crystal grains. The dielectric ceramic contains certain amounts of manganese and at least one rare earth element (RE) selected from magnesium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium and erbium, in terms of oxides, per 1 mole of barium constituting the barium titanate. The dielectric ceramic also contains a certain amount of yttrium in terms of oxides, per 100 parts by mass of the barium titanate. The crystal grains have an average grain size of 0.05-0.2 μm. By using the dielectric ceramic as a dielectric layer, there can be obtained a capacitor having high capacity and stable capacitance temperature characteristics.
US08305731B2 Lead and cadmium free, low temperature fired X7R dielectric ceramic composition and method of making
Multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCC's) which satisfy X7R TCC requirements and which are compatible with silver-palladium internal electrodes. The MLCC's exhibit desirable dielectric properties—high capacitance, low dissipation factor, high insulation resistance, stable TCC—and excellent performance on highly accelerated life testing, and good resistance to dielectric breakdown. The dielectric layers include a lead-free and cadmium-free barium titanate base material doped with other metal oxides such oxides of zinc, boron, bismuth, barium, titanium, praseodymium, cerium, tungsten, neodymium, tungsten, tin, niobium, copper, and/or manganese in various combinations. The dielectric ceramic materials herein can be fired at less than 1150° C. with an inner electrode having 70 wt % or more Ag and 30 wt % or less Pd to form an MLCC.
US08305725B2 Current limiting apparatus and method
A battery pack (200) includes a power limiting apparatus (230) comprising a power limiting resistor (232) in series with an overcurrent protection device (234). A switch (236) under the control of a data line (202) is placed in parallel with the series coupled power limiting resistor (232) and overcurrent protection device (234). When the switch (236) is enabled via the data line (202), current limiting is provided via the switch and a fuse. When the switch (236) is disabled via the data line (202) current limiting is provided via the overcurrent protection device (234) which limits the maximum battery system current.
US08305724B2 Circuit protector and electric connection box
An electric connection box 10 comprises an FET 32 for connection with a power supply B, a substrate side conduction path 18 connected with the FET 32 and connecting the FET 32 with a load L, a diode element D connected with the substrate side conduction path 18 electrically and to transfer heat and having a PN junction, and a CPU 19 for judging whether the voltage drop value between the input/output terminals 25 and 26 of the diode element D is larger than a threshold or not and delivering an off-command signal to the FET 32 if a judgment is made that the voltage drop value is smaller than the threshold.
US08305723B2 Motor drive ground fault detection
A motor drive ground fault detection device operates by computing the total RMS voltage of all the phases, and comparing the total RMS voltage to a threshold to determine if a ground fault has occurred.
US08305722B2 Dual-directional electrostatic discharge protection method
A two terminal ESD protection structure formed by an alternating arrangement of adjacent p-n-p-n-p semiconductor regions provides protection against both positive and negative ESD pulses. When an ESD pulse appears across the two terminals of the ESD protection structure, one of the inherent n-p-n-p thyristors is triggered into a snap-back mode thereby to form a low impedance path to discharge the ESD current.Some embodiments of the ESD protection structure of the present invention have an enhanced current handling capability and are formed by combining a number of standard cells. The standard cells include a corner cell, a center cell and an edge cell which are arranged adjacent each other to form an ESD protection structure which provides for current flow from across many locations therein.Some embodiments of the ESD protection structure of the present invention include a network consisting of a pair of current sources, e.g. back-to-back zener diodes, each connected in series with a resistor to control the trigger voltage of the ESD protection structure.
US08305721B2 Electrostatic discharge protection device and method thereof
An electrostatic discharge protection device for protecting an inner circuit, which is operated in a source voltage, is provided and includes a protection unit and a control unit. The protection unit provides a discharge path for transmitting an electrostatic signal from a pad to a ground line. According to a voltage level at a control end, the protection unit adjusts a holding voltage and a triggering voltage determining whether to conduct the discharge path. When the source voltage is supplied, the control unit transmits the input voltage to the control end of the protection unit, so as to raise the holding and the triggering voltages of the discharge path. When the source voltage is not supplied, the control unit switches the control end of the protection unit to a floating condition by the electrostatic signal, so as to lower the holding and the triggering voltages of the discharge path.
US08305710B2 Metal layer having aperture, method of forming the same, light delivery module including metal layer having aperture, and heat assisted magnetic recording head including the same
A metal layer having an aperture for delivering light, a method of forming the same, a light delivery module including the metal layer having the aperture, and a heat assisted magnetic recording head including the same are provided. The aperture of the metal layer has an inlet and an outlet of different sizes, and also has curved side surfaces. Also, the light delivery module includes the metal layer at an output end thereof, and the heat assisted magnetic recording head includes the light delivery module as an optical heating unit.
US08305709B2 Perpendicular magnetic head and magnetic recording system having non-magnetic region in shield layer
A perpendicular magnetic head for writing information on a magnetic recording medium comprises an ABS, a coil for generating a magnetic flux, a magnetic pole layer, a magnetic shield layer, and a gap layer disposed between the magnetic pole layer and the magnetic shield layer. Further the magnetic head has a non-magnetic region of a non-magnetic material. The non-magnetic region is disposed in the magnetic shield layer and positioned behind the ABS at a predetermined distance. The non-magnetic region is also disposed in the magnetic shield layer and has a predetermined width. With such a configuration, an undesirable concentration of the magnetic flux on the ABS is prevented.
US08305708B2 Disk drive having a disk clamp with openings directly radially outboard of fasteners
A disk drive includes a spindle motor attached to a disk drive base. The spindle motor includes a hub that rotates about a spindle rotation axis. An annular disk is mounted on the hub. A clamp contacts a top surface of the hub. The clamp includes first and second pluralities of openings therethrough. The clamp is attached to the hub by a plurality of fasteners, each of the plurality of fasteners passing through one of the first plurality of openings. Each of the second plurality of openings has a closed outer periphery within the clamp. Each of the first plurality of openings is disposed directly between the spindle rotation axis and a corresponding one of the second plurality of openings.
US08305705B1 Disk drive cross correlating track crossing signal with ideal signal to calibrate jog value
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk including a plurality of tracks, and a head actuated over the disk, wherein the head comprises a read element radial offset from a write element. A jog value corresponding to the radial offset is calibrated by writing data to a plurality of tracks, reading the plurality of written tracks to generate an actual track crossing signal, cross correlating the actual track crossing signal with an ideal track crossing signal to generate a cross correlation signal, and calibrating the jog value in response to the cross correlation signal.
US08305698B2 Imaging lens, imaging device, and portable terminal
An imaging lens good in mass-productivity, compact, low in manufacturing cost, good in aberration performance is provided by effectively correcting aberrations without greatly varying the variation of the thickness of a curing resin. An imaging device having such an imaging lens and a portable terminal are also provided. A third lens (L3) has a flat surface on the object side, a convex surface near the optical axis on the image side, and a concave aspheric surface around the peripheral portion within the region where a light beam passes. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the other optical aberrations such as distortion and simultaneously to design the imaging lens so that the astigmatism takes on a maximum value at the outermost portion. Hence, the resolutions at low to middle image heights are high. In addition, such a shape does not cause a large variation of the thickness of the third lens (L3) from the region along the axis to the periphery. Therefore, the thickness of the third lens (L3) can be small, and the material cost can be reduced.
US08305697B1 Image capturing lens assembly
This invention provides an image capturing lens assembly in order from an object side to an image side comprising: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface; a fourth lens element having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; and a fifth lens element having a concave image-side surface, the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric and at least one inflection point being formed on at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof. By such arrangement, it can effectively reduce the aberration as well as the total track length of the imaging lens system for obtaining higher image resolution.
US08305696B2 Inner focusing zoom lens
The present invention is directed to an improved inner focusing zoom lens barrel that implements a zoom ratio as high as 15×±α and that ensures a well-balanced cam configuration for the smooth zooming and focusing. The inner focusing zoom lens barrel includes a fixed barrel; a focusing cam barrel, a linear shuttle barrel, and a first cam barrel laid one over another in this order inside the fixed barrel; and a zoom linkage ring, a second cam barrel, and a 1st-lens-group sliding barrel laid one over another in this order outside the fixed barrel.
US08305694B2 Zoom lens system
A zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in this order from an object. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, the distance between the first and the second lens groups increases, and the distance between the second and the third lens groups decreases. The third lens group includes a positive first sub-lens group and a negative second sub-lens group, in this order from the object. The first sub-lens group comprises a positive lens element provided at the most object-side thereof and a cemented lens provided at the most image-side thereof. The cemented lens includes a positive lens element and a negative lens element, in this order from the object.
US08305690B2 Collimating optical member for real world simulation
A collimating image-forming apparatus comprising a first linear polarizer is disclosed. A first quarterwave plate (14) is disposed adjacent the first polarizer (12) and has its fast and slow axes at substantially 45° to the plane of polarization of the first polarizer. The apparatus further comprises a beam-splitting curved mirror (16) having a convex surface adjacent the first polarizer and facing towards the first quarter-wave plate, a second quarter-wave plate (22) adjacent the concave side of the curved mirror, the second quarterwave plate having its having its fast and slow axes oriented with respect to the corresponding axes of the first quarter-wave plate at angles substantially equal to a first integral multiple of 90°, and a reflective-transmissive polarizing member (24) adjacent the second quarter-wave plate. A second linear polarizer (26) is adjacent the reflective-transmissive polarizing member, the second linear polarizer having its plane of polarization oriented with respect to the plane of polarization of the first linear polarizer at an angle substantially equal to a second integral multiple of 90°, both of the multiples being even or both being odd.
US08305687B2 Telephoto zoom lens
A telephoto zoom lens having four lens groups in a P-N-P-P configuration arranged sequentially from an object side. The first lens group includes a front group which is fixed when focusing and has a positive refractive power, and a rear group which moves when focusing and has a positive refractive power. The entire first lens group, including the front and rear groups, is fixed during zooming, and the second and third lens groups move during zooming. The second lens group compensates for shaking of an image plane caused by hand-shaking, by moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and satisfies the following condition: 1.2
US08305681B2 Light source apparatus
The invention is directed to the provision of a wavelength conversion-type ultraviolet light source apparatus that can obtain a stable output. A light source apparatus according to one mode of the invention includes: a laser light source 1 which produces fundamental light L1; at least one nonlinear optical crystal 3 which takes the fundamental light L1 or a harmonic thereof as incident light and outputs wavelength-converted light L2; and polarization adjusting means 2 which is placed in an optical path of the incident light and causes an output of the wavelength-converted light L2 to change by changing its refractive index for a polarized component of the incident light. The polarization adjusting means 2 changes the amount of change of the refractive index in accordance with an electrical signal output from a photodetector 7.
US08305677B2 System and method for operating light processing electronic devices
A system and method for operating an electronic device used in light processing. A method comprises altering a spatial relationship between a spatial light modulator (SLM) and a light incident on the SLM, shifting light modulator states of a first portion of light modulators to a second portion of light modulators, and placing a third portion of light modulators in the SLM into a performance degradation-reducing mode. The amount of shifting performed is proportional to the amount of change in the spatial relationship. The method allows for a change in light modulators used to modulate the light, thereby preventing the overuse of some of the light modulators, which may help to prevent degradation of the light modulators. The performance degradation reducing mode may help to further reduce or even reverse the performance degradation of the light modulators.
US08305673B2 Light scanning unit
Disclosed is a light scanning unit that includes an imaging optical system disposed between a beam deflector and a surface to be scanned. The imaging optical system includes two adjacent imaging optical devices that are inclined with respect to the light path. The inclination directions of the two adjacent imaging optical devices may be determined according to the number of reflection units that are disposed on the light path between the two adjacent imaging optical devices. The disclosed light scanning unit of the above configuration may advantageously exhibit reduced ghost images, reduced bowing of the scan line, improved beam diameter uniformity, and/or improved color registration.
US08305672B2 Magnetically actuated system
A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current.
US08305664B2 Image forming apparatus and density correcting method
An image forming apparatus, comprises: a plurality of color image forming units each forming an image for correction for each different color on a different paper to output a correction chart; an operation unit for accepting an input of density correction instruction information corresponding to each of the plurality of color image forming units based on the correction chart; a control unit for setting color of the image for correction according to the density correction instruction information input by the operation unit, generating the image for correction for the set color, and causing the image for correction to be formed on the paper by the color image forming unit in order to output the correction chart; and a density unevenness correction unit for correcting density unevenness of each pixel in a main scanning direction for each of the plurality of color image forming units based on the density correction unevenness information input by the operation unit.
US08305662B2 Image reading device, method, and computer readable medium for the same
An image reading device comprising: a carrying unit; a reading unit; a first obtaining unit to obtain a first value representing a ground color of a first face of the document; a first judgment unit to judge whether to execute correction for the ground color of the first face; a first correction unit to correct the ground color of the first face; a second obtaining unit to obtain a second value representing a ground color of a second face of the document; a second judgment unit to judge whether the second value falls within a predetermined range including the first value; a third judgment unit to judge whether to execute correction for the second face of the document in accordance with a judgment result by the first judgment unit if the second judgment unit judges that the second value falls within the predetermined range; and a second correction unit.
US08305659B2 Sheet-fed double-sided document scanner capable of changing scanning modes dependent on power input
A sheet-fed double-sided document scanner is disclosed and includes a first image-capturing assembly, a second image-capturing assembly, a sheet-transporting mechanism, a power receiving interface, and a control circuit. The scanner switches scanning modes according to a power input. The sheet-transporting mechanism transports a document past the first image-capturing assembly and the second image-capturing assembly. The power receiving interface receives power. When a power level of the received power is less than a default threshold level, the control circuit controls the scanner to scan a first side and a second side of the document in a first mode. When the power level of the received power reaches the default threshold level, the control circuit controls the scanner to scan the first side and the second side of the document in a second mode.
US08305655B2 Image reading device and image forming apparatus
An image reading device includes: a foreign-matter image position detection unit that detects a predetermined foreign-matter image from the image read by a document reading unit when the document conveyed by a document conveying unit comes off from a document reading position and detects a main scanning direction position of the foreign-matter image in the main scanning direction; and a lighting control unit that lights up the light-emitting element group arranged in the main scanning direction and lights up the light-emitting elements within a predetermined range from the main scanning direction position of the foreign-matter image in a light emission mode that is different from a light emission mode of other light-emitting elements when the foreign-matter image is detected by the foreign-matter image position detection unit.
US08305653B2 Printing system with improved scanning functionality
A method and system including a scanning subsystem for scanning a plurality of documents with a plurality of corresponding images is presented. The system further includes an image generation subsystem for automatically generating (1) a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of documents scanned with the scanner, and (2) a mark sense area corresponding to each one of the plurality of thumbnail images. A printing subsystem is included for producing at least one print including the plurality of thumbnail images and a plurality of mark sense areas. A thumbnail selection module is also included that causes at least one of the plurality of corresponding images to be replaced when both the at least one print with one or more marked mark sense areas and at least one of the plurality of documents are scanned with the scanning subsystem.
US08305652B2 Image reading apparatus, image forming apparatus, and carriage positioning method
An image reading apparatus includes a carriage having mounted thereon a linear light source and an image sensor and a reference pattern member disposed at a reference position located toward the first direction from a home position. The current location of the carriage is judged relatively to first and second areas that are divided by a boundary defined in advance at a location toward the first direction from the reference position. The first area is located toward the first direction and the second area is located toward the second direction. Immediately after the power is turned ON, current location information indicating whether the carriage is currently located in the first area or the second area is read from the nonvolatile memory. The carriage is first moved to the reference position and then moved a predetermined distance in the second direction, so that the carriage is duly positioned at the home position.
US08305651B2 Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a sheet conveyance path on which a sheet of a document from which an image is to be read is conveyable; a light source that emits light to be irradiated on the sheet; a conductive unit through which heat generated at the light source is transferable; and a heat radiating unit that forms a part of the sheet conveyance path, through which the heat transferred from the light source to the conductive unit is propagable, and that radiates the heat propagated from the conductive unit to air flowing in the sheet conveyance path when the sheet is being conveyed.
US08305647B2 Printing device and printing method
The present invention provides an information printing method and a printing device, which assure a higher level of security when outputting printed matter. The present invention provides a printing device comprising a document storage means for storing electronic document data generated at a printing instruction issuing terminal operated by a printing instruction issuer and transmitted from the printing instruction issuing terminal, an ID setting means for setting a print retriever ID of a print retriever who is to execute processing for outputting the electronic document data stored at the document storage means onto paper, a watermark information superimposing means for superimposing the print retriever ID having been set at the ID setting means as watermark information onto the electronic document data and a printing means for outputting the electronic document data having the watermark information superimposed thereupon by the watermark information superimposing means onto paper.
US08305645B2 Image processing and/or forming apparatus for performing black generation and under color removal processes on selected pixels, image processing and/or forming method for the same, and computer-readable storage medium for storing program for causing computer to function as image processing and/or forming apparatus for the same
A segmentation process section classifies signals of pixels in input image data into respective signals of a black text/low density area, a black text/high density area, a color text area, and an area other than a text area. A black generation and under color removal section performs an under color removal process with respect to the signal of the black text/low density area so that an amount of UCR is a middle value (C, M, Y) of signals indicative of color component density levels. Consequently, it is possible to prevent color fringing and a white spot at a time when chromatic aberration occurs in the input image data.
US08305639B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product
A determining unit determines a color of a character. A color converting unit converts a chromatic color having a predetermined hue into the predetermined color and a chromatic color having a hue other than the predetermined hue and an achromatic color into a black color. A processing unit processes either one of a color character and a black character determined by the determining unit such that the color character having the chromatic color converted into the black color is relatively noticeable to the black character.
US08305631B2 Image processing to reduce image printing time based on image dimension and print pass thresholds of print apparatus
A method is provided for processing an image to optimize print time of the image by a print apparatus based on the size of the image to be printed and the print pass thresholds of the print apparatus. A dimension of the image corresponding to the dimension along the sub-scanning axis of the image as it will be printed by the print apparatus is obtained, along with the corresponding number of print passes required to print the image. An analysis is performed to determine whether the size of the image could be reduced to require one less print pass by the print apparatus in printing the reduced image based on the proximity of the determined dimension to the range of dimensions that will result in one less print pass by the print apparatus. If the size of the image may be reduced such that the image could be printed in one less print pass while also meeting optional criteria such as enforcement of a maximum image reduction threshold, the image is scaled prior to printing to reduce the number of print passes performed by the print apparatus in printing the image.
US08305629B2 Method and apparatus for forming image and recording medium
One or more among a PC document receive filter, a FAX document receive filter, a read filter, and a readout filter create a report on each of the corresponding functions in a format common to the functions. A report filter changes a format of the created report as desired by the user. Therefore, when a setting for a report output process is changed, it is not necessary to change the setting with respect to each of the functions. Thus, it is possible to reduce development man-hours for the report output process.
US08305624B2 Image formation system, image formation program recording medium, and image formation method
An image formation system includes I storage units, an assignment unit that assigns to the storage units storage destinations of color component data forming a part of image data, J color component image formation units that form color component images of corresponding colors based on color component data stored in the storage units, and an image formation unit that forms an image of the image data based on the formed color component image, wherein the assignment unit includes a J-color assignment unit that assigns to the I storage units storage destinations of J sets of color component data forming a part of J-color image data, and an L-color assignment unit that assigns a storage destination of L sets of color component data forming a part of L-color image data to N storage units among the I storage units, and each of I, J, and N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2, L is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, L
US08305619B2 Image processing device, image processing method and program
The present invention is intended to improve operability of an image processing device by reading a document with multiple pages at a time, changing a page addressed to each destination, and transmitting the page to each destination. In order to achieve this, an image processing device 1 for example comprises: a scanner unit 2 for reading a document with multiple pages and for generating image data; a destination setting part 52 for setting a plurality of destinations to which the image data generated by the scanner unit 2 are addressed; a transmission page setting part 53 for selecting at least one page addressed to each of the plurality of destinations from the multiple pages for which the image data are generated by the scanner unit 2, and for setting the selected page as a transmission page addressed to each destination; a file creation part 54 for creating a transmission file containing the image data of the selected page to be transmitted to each destination based on the transmission page set for each destination by the transmission page setting part 53; and a file transmission part 55 for individually transmitting the transmission file created by the file creation part 54 to each destination.
US08305616B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus sets print setting information applied to a document upon printing and finishing information applied to a printed matter of the document and designates a first printing apparatus for executing the printing. In the case where the first printing apparatus can execute a process regarding the set finishing information, the information processing apparatus transmits print data including the print setting information and the finishing information to the first printing apparatus. In the case where the first printing apparatus cannot execute the process regarding the finishing information, the information processing apparatus designates a second printing apparatus for executing the process regarding the finishing information, transmits the print data including the print setting information to the first printing apparatus and transmits the print data including the finishing information to the second printing apparatus.
US08305611B2 Multifunction system and its manufacturing method
The present invention provides a multifunction system and a control method thereof which enables output of conference materials of appropriate content at an appropriate timing and in an appropriate location, without making the conference organizer worry about the needs and rank of conference attendees. To accomplish this, the multifunction system of the present invention comprises a server which manages attribute information of members, a server which manages reservation information of conferences, and a print server which manages output of conference materials. The print server acquires attribute information corresponding to attendees of the conference included in the reservation information from the member management server, and outputs the conference material for each attendee based on the attribute information of each.
US08305610B2 Method for changing printer drivers in information processing apparatus
The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus comprises a determination unit that determines whether a combination of a source application and a destination printer driver is a combination of a first type application and a first type printer driver or a combination of a second type application and a second type printer driver; and a changing unit that changes the printer driver properties referenced by an operating system to properties value that satisfies the combinations in the event that the determination unit determines that the source application and the destination printer driver are neither of the combinations.
US08305605B2 Composition engine RFID data store and schema element system
A composition engine for a print shop includes a database having a unique identifier for each electronic data storage device associated with the print shop and print shop data. The composition engine also includes a schema element that associates a set of the data stored in the database with each print job and assigns the set of data to at least one electronic data storage device. The composition engine generates the print job and transmits the print job and the set of data to a printing device of the print shop as page description language. The set of data is stored on the electronic data storage device with a programming device associated with the printing device, the set of data including a unique identifier associated with the electronic data storage device on which the set of data is stored. The print job is printed and the electronic data storage device is attached to or printed on a page of the print job.
US08305603B2 Job processing apparatus coordinating update of software used in job execution and control method thereof
An object of this invention is to allow deleting/updating firmware at high speed and properly deleting/updating a software part for executing a job without posing any problem in a general job in an image processing apparatus which executes a job by combining a plurality of independent software parts. For this purpose, when updating one software part associated with an image processing job, it is determined whether a standby job as a job contains a software part to be updated. If it is determined that the standby job does not contain any software part to be updated, the software part is updated. If it is determined that the standby job contains the software part to be updated but a software part in another image processing apparatus on the network can replace the software part to be updated, software parts which execute the job are reconstructed to update the target software part. If it is determined that no alternative image processing apparatus exists, the update request is saved and held.
US08305601B2 Device information management system, computer and program
There is provided a device information management system, including a server, a client and a device in which the server and the client are configured to communicate with each other via a first communication channel while the client and the device are configured to communicate with each other via a second communication channel different from the first communication channel and device information is transmitted from the device to the client via the second communication channel and from the client to the server via the first communication channel and registered in a database of the server. The device includes a device-side information supplying unit configured to supply the device information to the client via the second communication channel.
US08305590B2 Driver of server managing image forming device drivers, and data printing method using the same
A driver of a server managing a plurality of image forming device drivers and a data printing method using the same are provided. The virtual driver includes an object information storage part for storing image forming device information to provide object information and objects of the image forming devices; an object information register for registering new object information and corresponding image forming device information in the object information storage part by searching another new object different from the objects stored in the object information storage part when the image forming device is connected to the server, and then a new object is found by recognizing the connection; a user interface unit for displaying the object information stored in the object information storage part when the client device requests a data output; and a job controller for outputting print data to the image forming device providing the object when the object is selected through the user interface unit.
US08305589B2 Image processing apparatus, method, and system for generating image data from prints
An image processing apparatus comprises: an image transformation section which generates, from print data, image data of character or line drawing of gradation value n1 and image data of a photographic image of gradation value n2 (n2>n1); an encoding section which encodes the image data of the character or the line drawing of the gradation value n1, and generates the encoded image data of the character or the line drawing of the gradation value n2; an attribute adding section which generates attribute data indicating an attribute of each of images with respect to the encoded image data of the character or the line drawing of the gradation value n2 and the generated image data of the photographic image of the gradation value n2, and adds the attribute data to each of the encoded image data of the character or the line drawing and the generated image data of the photographic image; and a synthesizing section which synthesizes the encoded image data of the character or the line drawing to which the attribute data is added and the generated image data of the photographic image to which the attribute data is added, and outputs the synthesized data.
US08305588B2 Position-measuring method and device adapted for the positioning of a wheel
A measuring method and a device are adapted for the positioning of a wheel for mash seam resistance welding in the butt-joining of steel strips on continuous processing lines. A rotary roller which is fastened to a movable frame is positioned in a measuring position that is vertically below a reference wheel. The reference wheel is lowered vertically to come into contact and bear on the rotary roller. A distance between an index on a measuring arm of the frame and an articulated column is repeatedly measured during the continuous lowering movement of the roller. The distance is compared with a distance threshold for each of the repeated measurements until the wheel reaches a first operating position where the distance equals a predefined distance threshold factor. The first operating position is recorded as a reference point in a system for the vertical movement of the reference wheel.
US08305587B2 Apparatus for the optical inspection of wafers
A metrology tool (1) for measuring the positions of structures (32) on a mask surface (31) is disclosed. On a measuring stage (33) a reflector (36) selective with respect to the wavelength is provided, which essentially reflects light within a first wavelength region emitted from a first illumination device (10), and essentially does not reflect light within a second wavelength region emitted from a second illumination device (20). The reflector (36) selective with respect to the wavelength preferentially is a dichroic mirror. By detecting the light within the first wavelength region reflected by the reflector (36) the position of predefined sections of outer edges (37) of the mask is determined. The light from the second wavelength region is used for determining the coordinates of structures on the mask. Due to the selectivity with respect to the wavelength of the reflector (36) this determination of coordinates is not perturbed by a reflection of the light within the second wavelength region from the reflector (36).
US08305586B2 Optical encoder, bending operation system, and method of detecting displacement of linear power transmission member
An optical encoder includes a linear power transmission member which moves longitudinally, a reflector which is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the linear power transmission member and which is longitudinally movable integrally with the linear power transmission member, the reflector including two kinds of reflecting portions different in reflectance are longitudinally arranged, and a light source which radiates light. Further, the optical encoder includes a linear light transmitter which guides the light from the light source to the reflector and to which reflection light reflected from the reflector is guided, and a calculation mechanism configured to calculate a longitudinal displacement of the reflector on the basis of an intensity of the reflection light from the reflector which is guided via the linear light transmitter.
US08305584B2 Measurement instrument of optical characteristics for sample flowing in passage
An optical property measurement apparatus includes a light source unit, a first optical coupler, a second optical coupler, a lens, a lens, a phase modulation unit, a drive unit, an optical path length difference adjustment unit, a control unit, a light receiving unit, a synchronization detection unit, and a measurement unit. The phase modulation unit carries out phase modulation with a frequency f. The synchronization detection unit outputs a first signal having a value corresponding to a magnitude of a component of the frequency f included in an electrical signal output from the light receiving unit, and also outputs a second signal having a value corresponding to a magnitude of a component of the frequency 2f included in the electrical signal. The control unit controls the optical path length difference adjusted by the optical path length difference adjustment unit to be a predetermined value based on the first signal or the second signal output from the synchronization detection unit.
US08305582B2 Methods and apparatus for analyzing samples and collecting sample fractions
Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample using at least one detector are disclosed.
US08305577B2 Method and apparatus for spectrometry
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, apparatus comprising a waveguide and a spectral dispersion element, the apparatus being configured to be moveably attachable to a portable device, the portable device comprising a radiation sensing element and a radiation source, the apparatus being configured to be moveably attachable to the portable device to provide a first configuration in which the waveguide is positioned to transmit radiation from the radiation source towards an analyte region and/or from the analyte region towards the dispersion element; and such that the dispersion element is positioned to disperse radiation from the analyte region to form a spectrum which is provided towards the radiation sensing element for spectral analysis, and a second configuration in which the radiation sensing element and radiation source are able to capture and illuminate a scene for image capture.
US08305574B2 Analyzer
This invention is to make the detection sensitivities as even as possible among a plurality of specimens to be inspected in an analyzer that leads light transmitted from the plurality of specimens to be inspected to a single spectrometer via optical fibers, the analyzer includes first and second light guide members provided for every first and second specimen to be inspected so as to lead the light obtained from each of the specimens to be inspected to a photo-detecting part, and light projection side end portions of a plurality of optical fiber elements composing the first and second light guide members are arranged in mixture.
US08305572B2 Wavelength dependent reflective sample substrates for Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy
A material which is generally transparent in the visible region of the spectrum but reflective at laser wavelengths reduces undesirable, substrate-induced Raman and fluorescence scattering. A substrate provides a surface for supporting the sample, with the material being disposed between the surface of the substrate and the sample. The material is substantially transparent in the visible region of the spectrum but reflective at the laser wavelength, thereby minimizing unwanted Raman or fluorescence scattering that would be produced by the substrate if the material were not present. The substrate will typically be a glass microscope slide or multi-cell well plate. The optical filter material is preferably a multilayer dielectric filter acting as a “hot mirror” that reflects near-infrared energy. An advantage of visible transmission is that it allows back illumination from behind/underneath the slide or well plate, thereby being visible to a microscope's eyepiece or video camera. Methods and article are also disclosed.
US08305569B2 Apparatus for optical inspection
An apparatus for optical inspection comprises a platform extending in a first direction, a transmitting unit for transporting at least one carrier in the first direction from an input port to an output port thereof, each of the at least one carrier to support one of at least one object to be inspected, a first detector disposed above the platform and extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction for inspecting the at least one object on the at least one carrier, the first detector including a first scanner extending in the second direction between the input port and the output port, and a first roller set between the first scanner and the input port to apply force onto a surface of each of the at least one object.
US08305566B2 Apparatus for detecting electromagnetic waves
An apparatus for detecting electromagnetic waves includes a first electromagnetic wave sensor, two first electrodes, a second electromagnetic wave sensor, and two second electrodes. The two first electrodes are electrically connected to different portions of the first electromagnetic wave sensor. The second electromagnetic wave sensor crosses with and is spaced from the first electromagnetic wave sensor. The two second electrodes are electrically connected to different portions of the second electromagnetic wave sensor.
US08305565B2 System, method, and product for multiple wavelength detection using single source excitation
An embodiment of a method for adjusting system gain of a biological probe array scanner for a plurality of fluorophore species is described that comprises setting an excitation beam comprising an excitation wavelength at a first power level that elicits an optimal signal to noise ratio response from a first fluorophore species; scanning a biological probe array with the excitation beam; setting the excitation beam comprising the excitation wavelength at a second power level different than the first power level that elicits the optimal signal to noise ratio response from a second fluorophore species; and scanning the biological probe array with the excitation beam.
US08305560B2 Exposure apparatus, device manufacturing method, and aperture stop manufacturing method
A projection exposure apparatus includes an aperture stop that includes a light attenuation part that is located between a light shielding part and an opening part, and has a transmittance larger than that of the light shielding part and smaller than that of the opening part. A width of the light attenuation part is set within a range from a wavefront splitting period of the wavefront splitting device or a value of Z×tan(arcsin(α))/2 to a length that is five times as long as the wavefront splitting period of the wavefront splitting device, where α is a numerical aperture on an exit side of the wavefront splitting device, and Z is a distance between the focal plane of the wavefront splitting device on the exit side and the aperture stop.
US08305556B2 Projection optical system, exposure apparatus, exposure method, display manufacturing method, mask, and mask manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus of the present invention is an exposure apparatus for, while moving a first object M and a second object P along a scanning direction, performing projection exposure on the second object, which has a first projection optical system PL10 for forming an enlargement image of a portion on the first object in a first region being a partial region on the second object, and a second projection optical system PL11 for forming an enlargement image of a different portion from the portion on the first object in a second region different from the partial region on the second object, and which also has a first stage MST holding the first object and making at least one of the portion and the different portion of the first object movable along the non-scanning direction, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged at a predetermined interval along the non-scanning direction intersecting with the scanning direction.
US08305554B2 Roll-to-roll type apparatus for forming thin film pattern
An apparatus for forming a thin film pattern according to an aspect of the invention may include: an unwinding roll and a winding roll running a sheet; a rotary drum having an elastic layer provided on a circumferential surface thereof, and disposed between the winding roll and the unwinding roll to run the sheet along the circumferential surface; a source containing unit accommodating a deposition source and mounted such that the deposition source is evaporated and the evaporated deposition source moves toward the sheet located on the rotary drum; a shutter selectively preventing the movement of the deposition source toward the rotary drum from the source containing unit; a mask having a pattern defining a pattern of a thin film to be deposited onto the sheet and making tight contact with the sheet located on the rotary drum during thin-film deposition; and a tensioning unit pressurizing the sheet in a direction of the rotary drum to allow the sheet to run after the thin-film deposition and separating the sheet from the mask by a reduction in thickness.
US08305552B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and method for producing device
A part of exposure beam through a liquid(LQ) via a projection optical system(PL) enters a light-transmitting section(44), enters an optical member(41) without passing through gas, and is focused. The exposure apparatus receives the exposure light from the projection optical system to perform various measurements even if the numerical aperture of the projection optical system increases.
US08305550B2 Electrically-driven liquid crystal lens and stereoscopic device using the same
An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, and a stereoscopic display device using the same, including first and second substrates arranged opposite each other and including an active region having a plurality of lens regions and a pad region defined at an outer rim of the active region, a plurality of first electrodes formed on the first substrate to correspond to the respective lens regions and spaced apart from one another, a second electrode formed on the entire surface of the second substrate, a voltage source to apply different voltages to the plurality of first electrodes, respectively, and to apply a ground voltage to the second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08305542B2 Thin film transistor array substrate with improved test terminals
A thin film transistor array substrate comprises thin film transistors and pixel electrodes formed at respective pixels that are defined by gate lines and data lines that orthogonally intersect each other. The thin film transistor array substrate further comprises a plurality of gate pad units that group a plurality of gate pads extended from the gate lines, and a plurality of data pad units that groups a plurality of data pads extended from the data lines. The thin film transistor array substrate further includes a plurality of gate test terminals connected to the gate pad units and beside at least one side of the respective gate pad units, and a plurality of data test terminals connected to the data pad units and located beside at least one side of the respective data pad units.
US08305541B2 Tape carrier package and liquid crystal display device having the same
A tape carrier package (TCP) includes a base film, an integrated circuit (IC) chip and an output pad group. The IC chip is formed on the base film. The output pad group is formed on a first end of the base film. The output pad group includes a plurality of output blocks having a plurality of output pads, wherein the plurality of output pads in an output block have substantially the same width as each other. The widths of the output pads from one output block to another output block are different from each other.
US08305535B2 Liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal layer disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, a pixel electrode in a reflection region and a transmission region over the first substrate, a film for adjusting a cell gap in the reflection region over the first substrate, and an opposite electrode in the reflection region and the transmission region over the second substrate. The pixel electrode in the reflection region is provided over the film and reflects light. The pixel electrode in the transmission region transmits light. The pixel electrode in the reflection region and the transmission region includes a slit. The slit is overlapped with at least a part of a step portion which is provided by the film between the reflection region and the transmission region.
US08305532B2 Liquid crystal display having wide viewing angle
Saw-shaped protrusions, which are parallel to each other, are formed on the common electrode and the pixel electrode in two substrates. Protrusions in two substrates are arranged alternately and the bent portions of the saw-shaped protrusions are placed on the line transverse passing through the center of a pixel. Branches extend from the convex point of one saw-shaped protrusion toward the apex to the other saw-shaped protrusion, and another branch extend from the point where the protrusion meets the boundary of the pixel electrode toward the point where the boundary of the pixel electrode and the saw-shaped protrusion make an acute angle. A liquid crystal layer between two electrodes are divided to four regions where the directors of the liquid crystal layer have different angles when a voltage is applied to the electrodes, and then, wide viewing angle is obtained. In most regions, protrusions are formed straight and the protrusions have only obtuse angles at the bent points. Therefore, fast response time is shortened, disclination is removed and luminance increases.
US08305529B2 Process and apparatus for producing optical compensation film, optical compensation film, polarizer, and liquid-crystal display
A process for producing an optical compensation film comprises a liquid crystal layer application step (10) of applying a liquid crystal layer coating solution containing a liquid crystal compound to an alignment layer on a surface of a transparent substrate (4c) that is continuously transported; a liquid crystal layer drying step (11) of drying the liquid crystal layer; a cooling and curing step of curing the liquid crystal layer while cooling the liquid crystal layer to a temperature lower than a drying temperature used in the drying step; and a heating and curing step of curing the alignment layer while heating the alignment layer to a temperature higher than a cooling temperature used in the cooling and curing step. The process enables the durability and damage resistance as well as the optical characteristics of the optical compensation film to be independently controlled.
US08305525B2 Liquid crystal display device, method for manufacturing the same, and image display device
There is provided a liquid crystal display device that diminishes flickers caused by crosstalk of a three-dimensional image (an overlap of images) or reflection of external light. A liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates, at least one of the pair of substrates having an electrode and the pair of substrates being placed opposite each other, and a first polarizing plate placed on a light source side and a second polarizing plate placed on a view side with the liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, in which a protective film on the view side of the second polarizing plate includes a transparent support satisfying 0≦|Re(550)|≦10 and an optically anisotropic layer having a λ/4 function, and Rth of the protective film on the view side of the second polarizing plate is |Rth|≦20.
US08305524B2 Liquid crystal display polarizing plate, method for producing liquid crystal display polarizing plate, and liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display polarizing plate that can reliably exhibit optical properties and be bonded to a liquid crystal cell without causing degradation of the optical properties. The liquid crystal display polarizing plate includes: a retardation film which has a substrate including a cellulose derivative and a retardation layer formed directly on the substrate and containing the cellulose derivative and a rod-like compound having refractive index anisotropy; a polarizer bonded to the retardation layer of the retardation film and including polyvinyl alcohol; and a polarizing plate protection film bonded to the polarizer.
US08305522B2 Plasma display panel and display device
With the objective of achieving increased luminous efficiency while suppressing a rise in discharge voltage in a high-definition PDP, a PDP is configured with ribs at intervals between a front plate and a back plate, the ribs partitioning a gap between the front plate and the back plate into spaces. Each space constitutes a discharge cell. A minimum width of a discharge space in the discharge cell is in a range from 65 μm to 100 μm at a position adjacent to a pair of discharge electrodes. A ternary discharge gas of xenon, neon, and helium is enclosed in the discharge space. The partial pressure ratio of xenon in the discharge gas is in a range of 15% to 25%, and the partial pressure ratio of helium is in a range of 20% to 50%. The total pressure of the discharge gas is set between 60 kPa and 70 kPa.
US08305517B2 Light bar structure, and backlight module and liquid crystal display applying the same
A light bar structure including a circuit board provided with two hollow frames disposed thereon and a conductive material filled in the two hollow frames; and a light emitting device disposed above the two hollow frames. The conductive material is used for electrically connect the circuit board with the light emitting device so as to prevent misalignment of the light emitting device. A backlight module and a liquid crystal display both applying the light bar structure is also provided.
US08305516B2 Liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display (LCD) device capable of improving a use efficiency of light emitting diode (LED) printed circuit boards (PCBs) by configuring the existing plate type LED PCBs in a bar type so as to reduce an area used, the LCD device including, an LCD panel configured to display images, a backlight unit disposed at a lower portion of the LCD panel for providing light to the LCD panel, and provided with a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) printed circuit boards (PCBs) formed in a bar type, and a plurality of LEDs disposed on each of the LED PCBs to be spaced apart from each other, and casing components including a mold frame for receiving and fixing the LCD panel and the backlight unit, an upper cover and a bottom cover.
US08305513B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device in which a light transmitting conductive layer formed on a surface of a color filter substrate is electrically connected with a backlight lower frame using conductive rubber. One end of the conductive rubber is connected with the light transmitting conductive layer, and another end of the conductive rubber is connected with the backlight lower frame through a hole which is formed in a backlight upper frame. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention can remove static electricity charged in a surface of a display panel and, at the same time, can realize the narrowing of a picture frame and the reduction of thickness thereof.
US08305511B2 Backlight module, stereo display apparatus, and beam splitting film
A beam splitting film including a light transmissive plate and a plurality of strip protrusion groups is provided. The light transmissive plate has a first surface and a second surface. The strip protrusion groups are disposed on the second surface. Each of the strip protrusion groups includes a first strip protrusion and a second strip protrusion. The first strip protrusion has a first strip surface and a second strip surface inclined relative to the second surface. The second strip protrusion has a third strip surface and a fourth strip surface inclined relative to the second surface. An average slope of the first strip surface is not equal to an average slope of the third strip surface. An average slope of the second strip surface is not equal to an average slope of the fourth strip surface. A backlight module and a stereo display apparatus are also provided.
US08305510B2 Liquid crystal display device with notched gate line and gate electrode
An LCD device has data lines and drain electrodes that are not open at crossing areas overlapped with gate lines and gate electrodes. The LCD device includes a gate line arranged on a substrate and having a portion bent angularly and inwardly; a gate electrode projecting from the gate line; a gate insulating layer on the surface of the substrate; a data line overlapped with some of the bent portion of the gate line, the data line perpendicular to the gate line to define a pixel region; a source electrode projecting from the data line; a drain electrode on the gate insulating layer at a fixed interval from the source electrode; an active layer below the data line, the source electrode and the drain electrode; and a pixel electrode in the pixel region.
US08305507B2 Thin film transistor array panel having improved storage capacitance and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes a gate line, a data line intersecting the gate line, a storage electrode apart from the gate and data lines, a thin film transistor connected to the gate and data lines and having a drain electrode, a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode, a first insulating layer over the thin film transistor and disposed under the pixel electrode, and a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer and having an opening exposing the first insulating layer on the storage electrode.
US08305506B2 Pixel set
A pixel set including two scan lines parallel to each other, a data line intersected with the scan lines, and two pixels located between the scan lines is provided. The pixels are at two sides of the data line, respectively. Each pixel includes an active device disposed adjacent to the data line, a pixel electrode, a storage capacitance electrode partially overlapped with the pixel electrode, and a drain compensating pattern including a branch. The branch is located at a side of the pixel electrode away from the data line, and has a concavity located at a side of the branch adjacent to the data line. The drain compensating pattern is connected to a drain of the active device. A portion of the drain compensating pattern is located inside the concavity. The branch is not overlapped with the drain compensating pattern at a side of the concavity away from the gate.
US08305505B2 Optoelectronic patterned transient electrodes for particulate manipulation
An optically based transport system and method for transporting particles across a virtual electrode array are disclosed. The system comprises a photoconductor layer where optically induced electrodes are projected thereon through sequential light images in a traveling wave grid pattern in order to transport particles across the virtual electrode array with a traveling wave.
US08305503B1 Phase difference element and display device
A phase difference element and a display device having the phase difference element are provided. A base film 31 of the phase difference element 30 includes, for example, a thin resin film having optical anisotropy. A slow axis AX3 of the base film 31 points in a vertical or horizontal direction, and points in a direction intersecting with a slow axis AX1 of a right-eye region 32A of the phase difference element 30 and with a slow axis AX2 of a left-eye region 32B thereof. Thus, influence due to optical anisotropy of the base film 31 is exerted on each light being transmitted by the base film 31, so that the influence is not extremely greatly exerted on only one of light corresponding to a right eye and light corresponding to a left eye, the respective light being transmitted by the base film 31.
US08305495B2 Video processing device, video display device, and video processing method
A video processing device that divides and processes video data representing a video for one screen includes: an input unit that receives input of the video data; plural image processing units that are provided to correspond to respective plural areas obtained by dividing the video data, receive image data corresponding to the areas, and apply predetermined image processing to image data; an image-data extending unit that acquires image data, which is required by the image processing unit that processes an area adjacent to each of the areas, prior to the image processing by each of the image processing units from the image data corresponding to the area received by each of the image processing units, inputs the image data to the adjacent image processing unit, extends the image data corresponding to the area received by each of the image processing units, and sets the image data as a target of the predetermined image processing by each of the image processing units; and an image combining unit that receives the image data processed by the plural image processing units and reconfigures the screen.
US08305493B2 Receiver, signal processing apparatus, and video display apparatus
A receiver for receiving signals in a plurality of transmission schemes, reducing the circuit size thereof successfully. The receiver for receiving a baseband signal and a modulated signal, includes a first PLL circuit configured to generate a first internal clock based on an external clock synchronized with the baseband signal; a demodulator configured to demodulate the modulated signal to output the demodulated signal; a selector configured to select one of the baseband signal or the demodulated signal; and a first CDR circuit configured to generate a recovered clock and recovered data from the signal selected by the selector, by using the first internal clock.
US08305489B2 Video conversion apparatus and method, and program
A video conversion apparatus includes: a video format conversion unit configured to interpolate, in the case that video signals, which are made up of a luminance component and color difference components and of which the video format is the interlace format, have been supplied, the luminance component and color difference components of the video signals, thereby converting the video format of the video signals into the progressive format; and a color difference format conversion unit configured to interpolate the color difference components of the video signals obtained with the conversion by the video format conversion unit, thereby converting the color difference format of the video signals from a first color difference format to a second color difference format that includes more color difference components than the first color difference format.
US08305488B2 Time-sliced multiplexed image display
A device for displaying multiple image streams each comprising multiple image frames that entertains multiple viewers includes at least three image generators for generating at least three separate image streams that each include multiple image frames. At least one of the image generators is configured for at least one viewer input. An image multiplexer is provided for interleaving image frames of each image stream to produce an interleaved image stream and a display is provided for showing the interleaved image stream. A method of displaying multiple image streams is also presented.
US08305475B2 Solid-state image sensing device and image signal output circuit
A solid-state image sensor element outputs either n bits or in a bit number of an integral multiple of n in synchronization with an output clock. An allocating unit allocates respective bit data of pixel signals obtained by the solid-state image sensor element into at least two series of bit data alternately, in synchronization with a clock converted by a clock converting unit. A first selector selects an output from the bit data allocated by the allocating unit and the bit data not allocated by the allocating unit. A second selector selects an output from a clock with a frequency converted by the clock converting unit and a clock with a frequency not converted by the clock converting unit.
US08305474B2 Analog-to-digital conversion in image sensors
An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors allowing a comparator circuit to perform correlated double sampling. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential input being connected to the junction of the two capacitors and being biased by a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential input as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. Connectivity of the differential input stage allows the ramp signal to see a constant capacitive load thus reduce image artifacts referred to as smear.
US08305472B2 Image capturing system
An image capturing system includes an image sensor and a mechanical shutter. A charge accumulation operation of the pixels of each row of the image sensor starts at the end of a reset operation, and ends when the mechanical shutter sets the pixels of each row to a light shield state. The reset operation of the pixels of each row of the image sensor is performed to select rows sequentially in a first direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of a housing. The mechanical shutter ends exposure of the image sensor while causing a shutter curtain to run in the first direction, and a readout operation of the pixels of each row of the image sensor is performed to select rows sequentially in a second direction that is the reverse of the first direction.
US08305469B2 Image pickup apparatus having a dummy signal readout circuit
An image pickup apparatus is provided that is capable of obtaining a correction value effective for horizontal noise correction, while suppressing increase in chip area of an image pickup device. The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device (101) for converting an object image into electrical signals, and a correcting section for correcting a picked-up image. The image pickup device includes a pixel signal readout circuit (204) for reading out pixel signals from a pixel region on a line-by-line basis via vertical signal lines, a dummy signal readout circuit (209) for reading out dummy signals, and a horizontal transfer circuit (205) for transferring outputs of the pixel signal readout circuit and the dummy signal readout circuit. The correcting section corrects the outputs of the pixel signal readout circuit on a line-by-line basis using the outputs of the dummy signal readout circuit.
US08305468B2 Image acquisition apparatus and image acquisition program
A plurality of preliminary image signals is acquired by carrying out preliminary image acquisition of a subject, before actual image acquisition, with different amounts of light received by an image acquisition device. Subsequently, a dynamic range and an amount of noise, or an S/N ratio, for a case in which the plurality of preliminary image signals is combined is calculated, and a received-light-level difference of the image acquisition device among a plurality of actual image signals acquired through the actual image acquisition is calculated on the basis of the dynamic range and the amount of noise, or the S/N ratio. Then, by carrying out the actual image acquisition on the basis of the calculated received-light-level difference, a plurality of actual image signals with different received light level is acquired. These actual image signals are combined to acquire a combined image.
US08305464B2 Imaging apparatus, image processing apparatus, zoom control method, and zoom control program
An imaging apparatus is provided which includes an image recording range extraction unit for extracting, from a video of a subject to be imaged, an image corresponding to a first imaging region configured by a predetermined first aspect ratio and an image corresponding to a second imaging region configured by a predetermined second aspect ratio different from the first aspect ratio, a zoom control unit for magnifying or reducing the video of the subject to be imaged, and a zoom restriction setting unit for setting a zoom restriction on either one of or both of the first imaging region and the second imaging region. A predetermined process for preventing the predetermined subject from being image-defected from an imaging region set with the zoom restriction is executed according to a relationship of the predetermined subject magnified or reduced by the zoom process and the imaging region set with the zoom restriction.
US08305463B2 Video data saving device and video data saving method
A video data transmitting device 30 manages storage areas 31a, 31b of a memory card 31 by equally segmenting these storage areas into partitions whose capacities are equal to each other. Image data forming video data is stored piece by piece in each partition in the sequence from a head partition toward a tail partition. Then, the image data is overwritten sequentially from the oldest, whereby the storage areas 31a, 31b are always temporarily stored with N-pieces of image data starting from a point of the time when recording the image data and ending to a point of time tracing back for a predetermined period of time.
US08305462B2 Image reproduction apparatus
An image capturing apparatus 100 comprising a built-in memory 8 which stores a plurality of images captured by an image capturing unit 1 and a system file F2 that registers reproduction control information involving a position where reproduction of each of the images by a display 5 is permitted or prohibited, a GPS unit 2 to position the current position of the image capturing apparatus, and a CPU 9 which compares the positioned current position of the image capturing apparatus with the reproduction control information registered in the system file to control reproduction of the image by the display.
US08305461B2 Information display device
The present invention provides an information display device including an imaging unit that executes an imaging process to image a subject to output an imaging signal; a monitor capable of displaying an image of the subject based on the imaging signal; a switching part located near the monitor; a first display controller for displaying, in a menu on the monitor, each of a first group of items consisting of a plurality of items associated with the imaging process, whereby first setting data can be set; and a second display controller for displaying, in a menu on the monitor, each of a second group of items associated with a plurality of particular items in the first group and having fewer items than the first group, whereby second setting data can be set, wherein switching between the first and second display controllers is performed by operating the switching part.
US08305460B2 Detection device and image capture system using the same
A detection device includes an image capture element, a control signal generator, and a processor. The image capture element is used for capturing an optical signal, and outputting an image signal. The control signal generator is used for generating a control signal. The processor selectively converts the image signal into an object feature or an image feature in response to the control signal. Such a detection device can appropriately convert an operation mode, so as to have both efficacies of reducing the amount of transferred data and processing complex image data.
US08305459B2 Image processing apparatus and camera module
According to the Embodiments, an Image Processing apparatus includes a pixel interpolation processing unit. The pixel interpolation processing unit generates a sensitivity level value through addition of a first frequency range component of an image signal for a lacking color component and a second frequency range component of a frequency band lower than the first frequency range component. The pixel interpolation processing unit adjusts a ratio of the first frequency range component to be added to the second frequency range component.
US08305458B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and storage medium for correcting chromatic aberration
There is a problem in that when magnification chromatic aberration correction is carried out, the difference in reproducibility of high-frequency components, depending on the spatial position, between a color for which position shift correction is not performed and a color for which position shift correction is performed may influence the image quality of an output image. In order to perform magnification chromatic aberration correction, high-frequency components, which are lost due to the position shift correction of a color for which position shift correction is carried out, are extracted from a color for which position shift correction is not carried out, and are added to the color for which position shift correction is carried out. Therefore, the high-frequency components are restored in a pseudo manner.
US08305457B2 Image processing apparatus, dynamic picture reproduction apparatus, and processing method and program for the same
A dynamic picture storage section (200) stores a picked up dynamic picture picked up by an image pickup apparatus. A metadata storage section (210) stores transformation information for transforming, with reference to at least one of picked up images, a different picked up image. An arrangement information calculation section (230) calculates a display range for a synthesized image based on the transformation information and calculates an arrangement position and a size for a top image in an image memory (250) such that the display range is smaller than the size of the storage region of the image memory (250). An image transformation section (240) arranges the top image at the arrangement position and with the size calculated by the arrangement information calculation section (230) in the image memory (250) and synthesizes the transformed picked up images with history images to form a synthesized image. Consequently, where a dynamic picture picked up by the image pickup apparatus is to be accessed, the contents of the dynamic picture can be grasped readily.
US08305456B1 Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving array camera image data
Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving image data captured by an imager array including a plurality of focal planes are described. One embodiment of the invention includes capturing image data using a plurality of active focal planes in a camera module, where an image is formed on each active focal plane by a separate lens stack, generating lines of image data by interleaving the image data captured by the plurality of active focal planes, and transmitting the lines of image data and the additional data.
US08305454B2 Image-blur correction device and corresponding method for controlling compensation within an octogon region
An image-blur correction device includes a vibration detection unit which detects vibrations of two different detection axes in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, a correction unit which corrects vibration using a correction optical system which is displaced in directions of at least two correction axes different from the detection axes in the plane, a calculation unit that calculates amounts of displacements used to drive the correction optical system so that image-blur generated due to the vibrations is corrected based on amounts of vibrations obtained using the vibration detection unit, a coordinate conversion unit which rotates amounts of vibrations in the two detection axes relative to the corresponding at least two correction axes for conversion through calculations, and a restriction unit which restricts a driving range of the correction unit based on a displacement-amount restriction value obtained from a performance limitation region of the correction optical system.
US08305451B2 Adapter apparatus and control method thereof, and computer program
Media data, which includes an image file recorded on a disk recording medium of a connected image sensing apparatus, management information including the recording position of the image file on the disk recording medium, and backup information of the management information, is received from the image sensing apparatus. Finalize processing of the disk recording medium is virtually executed using the received media data, and a generated disk image is stored on a memory. In response to a request from a data receiving terminal, the media data of the virtual disk image on the memory is transmitted to the data receiving terminal via a communication unit.
US08305448B2 Selective privacy protection for imaged matter
An image processing device includes a face detector configured to detect a face based on a taken image, and an output processor configured to have a function to execute privacy-mask processing for privacy protection for an image of a face detected by the face detector or an image of a background of the face. The output processor includes a function to separately output an image of a face detected by the face detector and an image of a background of the face which are each subjected to or not subjected to the privacy-mask processing.
US08305442B2 Entry control point device, system and method
The present invention provides an entry control device, system and method which can recognize a vehicle by its undercarriage image only. The present invention compares a new vehicle undercarriage image with those stored in a reference database to facilitate the automatic search of a vehicle's undercarriage. The present invention can compare the new undercarriage image to the same or similar undercarriage image previously entered in the reference database, highlighting any anomalies such as, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernalia and other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices.
US08305441B2 Data processing apparatus
Data processing apparatus comprising a video data receiver configured to receive video data, and an audio data receiver configured to receive audio data. The apparatus further comprises an alarm engine configured to analyse said received video and audio data and generate an alarm signal based on an output signal generated by said analysis.
US08305435B2 Image processing system and scanning electron microscope
The present invention achieves the process of easily registering a template which is prepared for a size change in pattern matching for specifying a measurement point, and high-speed pattern matching by which adequate position accuracy can be obtained in measurement. The present invention includes means for automatically calculating the size and position of a positioning template different from a measurement point itself when the measurement point is designated, to display a template having the calculated size and position. The present invention further includes means for performing pattern matching by using all or some of a plurality of divided templates and extracting templates having a similar positional relationship to the original positional relationship.
US08305434B2 Photographing apparatus and microscope system
A photographing control unit comprising a drive signal generator, an analog front end, a synchronization signal generation unit, and a system control unit controls an imager under a predetermined photographing condition, so that the imager photographs an observation image of a sample observed by a microscope and formed on a light receiving surface of the imager. A computing unit obtains inputs of a plurality of photographing parameters, determines a photographing condition based on the obtained photographing parameters, and sets the photographing condition for the photographing control unit. A display unit displays the designable ranges of the photographing parameters. Here, when the computing unit obtains the input of a priority parameter, it changes the designable range of the plurality of photographing parameters other than the priority parameter based on the priority parameter and causes the display unit to display the designable range after the change.
US08305424B2 System, apparatus and method for panorama image display
Camera sections pick up divided images obtained by dividing a panorama image to generate image data at a high resolution. Image data processing sections perform compression encoding on the image data at the high resolution through encoder to obtain first compressed image data. The image data processing sections perform size change to obtain image data at a low resolution and perform compression encoding on the image data through another encoder to obtain second compressed image data. A data transfer section transmits the first and second compressed image data through a network to an image display apparatus.
US08305421B2 Automatic determination of a configuration for a conference
Determining a configuration for a conference. Input may be received specifying a plurality of devices for use in the conference. A configuration may be automatically determined for the plurality of devices for the conference. The configuration may be automatically determined based on the specified plurality of devices and may specify usage of the plurality of devices during the conference. The configuration may specify a first device of the plurality of devices as a control unit. Automatic determination may include obtaining information regarding capabilities of each of the plurality of devices, and creating the configuration based on the capabilities of each of the plurality of devices. Finally, the configuration may be displayed on a display device.
US08305419B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, including: an image carrier; an exposure section, having a light emitting surface which is positioned above the image carrier, to focus the light rays on the surface of the image carrier; a cleaning section, having a cleaning member, to make the cleaning member to come into contact with the light emitting surface and to move the cleaning member on the light emitting surface, so that the cleaning member removes dust particles accumulated on the light emitting surface, wherein the cleaning section makes the cleaning member to move to an outside of an end portion of the light emitting surface; and a dust receiving section, mounted under the outside of the end portion of the light emitting surface, to receive the dust particles removed from the light emitting surface by the cleaning section.
US08305416B2 Image forming apparatus, optical writing process control method, and optical writing process control program
An image forming apparatus includes light sources, a light intensity controller, an optical writing unit, a controller, and an image forming unit. The light sources are switchable between activated and deactivated conditions according to supplied image data. The light intensity controller controls light intensity of the light sources. In the optical writing unit, light beams output from the light sources are deflected in a main scanning direction. The controller sets a given number of light sources to activated condition to write a latent image on an image bearing member according to an image forming line speed. The controller instructs the given number of light sources to emit light beams onto an image area on the image bearing member, and instructs all of the light sources to emit light beams at a blank area on the image bearing member to execute a light intensity control for all of the light sources.
US08305413B2 Optical writing apparatus and image forming apparatus, configured to include synchronous detector
An optical scanner unit includes an LD unit, a polygon mirror deflecting a light beam, an optical scan system focusing the light beam from the polygon mirror on a photoconductive drum to form an electrostatic latent image, and a synchronous detector receiving a part of the light beam to detect a write start position on the photoconductive drum in main scan direction. The synchronous detector is fixed on a portion of a housing at predetermined angles in main and sub scan directions relative to an incidence angle of the light beam on the synchronous detector.
US08305410B2 Thermal head unit and thermal printer with driver IC on flexible substrate
A thermal head unit includes a head substrate having a heating element serving as a thermal head formed thereon, a flexible substrate, a driver IC disposed on the flexible substrate to drive the thermal head, and a heat sink attached to the head substrate and to the flexible substrate, wherein the driver IC and the flexible substrate are electrically connected to each other, and the driver IC and the head substrate are electrically connected to each other.
US08305407B2 Exposure device and image-forming apparatus
There is provided an exposure device including: plural exposure heads having plural light-emitting elements arranged in a first direction, the plurality of exposure heads also being arranged in the first direction; plural temperature detecting units for detecting temperature arranged at both ends in the first direction of each of the plural exposure heads; and a correction unit for correcting quantities of light emitted from the exposure heads based on temperature data detected by the temperature detecting units.
US08305401B1 Digital light management controller
A light management unit (LMU) includes multiple brightness compensation modules and algorithms mixed together in a digital domain. The LMU is configured to receive content data, such as gamma correction data generated by a graphics or video processor and corresponding to frames of video data, ambient light data obtained using a light sensor, ambient temperature data using a temperature sensor, and a manual brightness setting. An ambient light compensation value is multiplied into the manual brightness settings so the resulting compensation value is a percent of the manual settings. A content adjustment interface (CAI) module is configured to compensate the backlight brightness according to real-time video data. The content adjustment performed by the CAI module is combined with the ambient light adaptive dimming. A final stage step generator enables a gradual brightness transition to minimize, if not eliminate jitter and jump.
US08305394B2 System and method for improving the quality of halftone video using a fixed threshold
A system and method for processing video data are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes generating halftone data for a first video frame and generating halftone data for a second video frame. The method further includes, to reduce at least one visual artifact, selectively copying the halftone data for the first video frame into the halftone data for the second video frame, the selective copying being based upon a comparison between a predetermined fixed threshold and the difference in the human visual system model-based perceptual error of the originally generated halftone data for the second video frame and the human visual system model-based perceptual error of the halftone data for the second video frame after the copying is done.
US08305382B2 Multi-thread graphics processing system
A graphics processing system comprises at least one memory device storing a plurality of pixel command threads and a plurality of vertex command threads. An arbiter coupled to the at least one memory device is provided that selects a command thread from either the plurality of pixel or vertex command threads based on relative priorities of the plurality of pixel command threads and the plurality of vertex command threads. The selected command thread is provided to a command processing engine capable of processing pixel command threads and vertex command threads.
US08305380B2 Managing resources to facilitate altering the number of active processors
A method of managing resources is provided. The method includes identifying a resource associated with a processor responsive to an impending transition, and copying the identified resource from a memory associated with the GPU or to the memory associated with the GPU.
US08305379B2 Method for managing animation chunk data and its attribute information for use in an interactive disc
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and system of managing animation data and related control data for recording on an enhanced navigation medium is provided. The method comprises constructing animation data comprising first image data into a first graphic MNG file in chunk data format, wherein the first graphic file comprises a first header portion, a second end portion, first control data and a frame containing additional data; and recording the first graphic file on an enhanced navigation medium.
US08305371B2 Apparatus and method for generating VCOM voltage in display device with buffer amplifier and charge pump
An apparatus for generating a VCOM voltage in a display device includes first and second buffer amplifiers and a charge pump. The first buffer amplifier is biased with high and low rail voltages for generating the VCOM voltage. The second buffer amplifier generates the high rail voltage at an output node not connected to an external capacitor. The charge pump generates the low rail voltage by charge pumping directly from an external power supply voltage. Alternatively, a charge pump and a comparator are used for generating the VCOM voltage at an output of the charge pump. The comparator generates a charge pump control signal from comparing the VCOM voltage with a reference voltage.
US08305370B2 Organic light emitting display, controller therefor and associated methods
A display driven by a data signal and a light emission signal may be controlled by a control system including a first through fourth controller. The first controller may select a gamma value in accordance with ambient illumination and output a corresponding gamma compensation signal to control a gradation voltage of input image data. The second controller may compare the ambient illumination with a reference value, generate a selection signal in response thereto, and provide changed image data obtained by changing input image data in accordance with the selection signal as the data signal. The third controller may apply a scaling factor to the input image data generated from extracted features related to the input image data and a scale ratio obtained from the extracted features, and output scaled image data as the data signal. The fourth controller may control a pulse width of the emission control signal.
US08305369B2 Display drive circuit, display device, and display driving method
One embodiment of the present invention includes: a gate line drive circuit that outputs, in a horizontal scanning period which is sequentially allocated to each one of rows, a gate signal for turning on the switching element on one row; a source bus line drive circuit that outputs a source signal of which polarity is reversed in sync with the horizontal scanning period for each of the rows and of which polarity is opposite in an adjacent horizontal scanning period on one and the same row; a CS bus line drive circuit that outputs, after the horizontal scanning period for each of the rows, a CS signal of which potential is switched along a direction (from low level to high level or from high level to low level) determined according to the polarity of the source signal in the horizontal scanning period concerned, wherein the CS bus line drive circuit outputs the CS signal in a first frame so that a potential of the CS signal at a time of on-to-off switching of the switching element on the one row is different from a potential of a CS signal on an adjacent row. This eliminates the occurrence of lateral stripes in the first frame from which display corresponding to a video signal is started in CC driving premised on line inversion driving.
US08305368B2 Method for determining an optimum skew and adjusting a clock phase of a pixel clock signal and data driver utilizing the same
A data driver including a receiver, a skew adjusting circuit and a processing device is provided. The receiver samples image data on a data bus according to a processed pixel clock signal. The image data includes pixel data during active periods and a test pattern repeatedly inserted in the image data during blanking periods. The skew adjusting circuit receives a pixel clock signal and adjusts a clock phase of the pixel clock signal by delaying the pixel clock signal with a controllable skew according to a feedback control signal so as to generate the processed pixel clock signal. The processing device stores a predetermined test pattern synchronized with the inserted test pattern, determines an optimum skew by comparing the sampled test patterns with the predetermined test pattern, and generates the feedback control signal including information indicating the optimum skew.
US08305366B2 Flat panel display having a multi-channel data transfer interface and image transfer method thereof
A flat panel display includes a scaler, a first transmitter, a second transmitter, a first receiver, a second receiver, a compensated driving unit, a timing controller, a data driver, a scan driver and a panel. The scaler generates first and second adjusted image data according to an image signal, and outputs the first and second adjusted image data to the first and second receivers through the first and second transmitters, respectively. The compensated driving unit outputs compensated driving data according to the first and second adjusted image data. The timing controller receives the compensated driving data, and outputs the compensated driving data to the data driver and a scan-starting signal to the scan driver according to timing so as to control each row of pixels on the panel sequentially. The data driver receives the compensated driving data and then outputs a driving voltage to each row of pixels.
US08305361B2 Device and method for detecting position of object and image display system having such device
An object position detecting device includes a touch film, a first electrode set, a second electrode set, and a sensing and computing circuit. An object position detecting method includes the following steps. Firstly, an object is provided on the touch film. Then, first equivalent capacitance values of multiple first electrode groups of a first electrode set under the touch film are sensed, wherein each first electrode group includes n adjacent first electrodes that are parallel with and connected with each other. Then, second equivalent capacitance values of multiple second electrode groups of a second electrode set under the touch film are sensed, wherein each second electrode group includes m adjacent second electrodes that are parallel with and connected with each other. According to the first equivalent capacitance values and the second equivalent capacitance values, first position information of the object is calculated.
US08305359B2 Capacitive sensing device for use in a keypad assembly
One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a capacitive sensing device for use in a keypad assembly of an electronic system. The capacitive sensing device includes a substantially transparent single sheet capacitive sensor. The substantially transparent single sheet capacitive sensor is configured to be disposed within the keypad assembly without requiring the formation of key post holes therethrough. Additionally, the substantially transparent single sheet capacitive sensor has a flexibility which enables desired tactile response during use of keys of the keypad assembly.
US08305358B2 Sensor, display including a sensor, and method for using a sensor
A sensor includes an insulating support defining a front side; a membrane arranged on the front side of the support, the membrane including at least one layer including a pattern of electrically conductive material; at least one capacitance measuring unit configured for measuring a capacitance between at least a portion of the pattern of one of the at least one layer and its surrounding environment; and at least one resistance measuring unit configured for measuring a resistance between a pair of points of the pattern of one of the at least one layer. A display including the sensor and a method of using the sensor are also disclosed.
US08305353B2 Glare-resistant touch panel
A glare-resistant touch panel has a touch-sensing layer, a polarizing filter, a diffraction layer and an anti-reflection layer. The polarizing filter is mounted on the touch-sensing layer. The diffraction layer is mounted on the polarizing filter and splits lights into different polarized angles. The anti-reflection layer is mounted on the diffraction layer. With the diffraction layer, light polarized at a specific angle are split to be polarized at different angles and are allowed to partly pass through polarized sunglasses. Hence a sunglasses wearer can still see what the screen from the touch panel displays even if the sunglasses and the polarizing filter are oriented perpendicular to each other.
US08305348B2 Display device, method of manufacturing the same and mobile communication terminal having the same
A display device includes a display panel, an integral type printed circuit board electrically connecting the display panel and a signal transmission member formed on a rear side of the integral type printed circuit board to transmit the input signal. The integral type printed circuit board comprises a driving circuit member applying a driving signal to the display panel, and an input circuit member integrally formed with the driving circuit member to generate an input signal.
US08305345B2 Multimedia playing device
A multimedia playing device includes a central processing unit, a plurality of sensors electrically coupled to the central processing unit, and an output unit electrically coupled to the central processing unit. The plurality of sensors are operated together with the central processing unit, such that after the sensors detect different hand movements of a user, the central processing unit reads and determines the hand movement and transmits related control signals to the output unit according to different hand movements to achieve the effects of using a hand posture to control related functional movements and enhancing the convenience of using the multimedia playing device.
US08305341B2 Dielectrophoretic displays
A dielectrophoretic display comprises a substrate having walls defining at least one cavity, the cavity having a viewing surface and a side wall inclined to the viewing surface; a suspending fluid contained within the cavity; a plurality of at least one type of particle suspended within the suspending fluid; and means for applying to the fluid an electric field effective to cause dielectrophoretic movement of the particles to the side wall of the cavity.
US08305340B2 Touch sensitive display device and method thereof
The present invention relates to a touch sensitive display device, the display device including a display panel unit, a sensing unit formed on the display panel unit, receiving a sensor control signal, and generating a sensor data signal based on a touch exerted on the display panel unit, an output unit generating a sensing signal based on the sensor data signal from the sensing unit, and a compensation unit adjusting the sensor control signal such that the sensing signal is bounded in a predetermined range.
US08305339B2 Image processing apparatus and image displaying apparatus
There is provided an image displaying apparatus in which a light-source luminance calculator calculates light-source luminance of the light emitted by a backlight based on pixel values of an input image, a cumulative light-emission amount calculator calculates a cumulative light-emission amount by summing up light-source luminance for an arbitrary period for which an image is displayed at a time before the input image is displayed, the cumulative light-emission amount is compared with a reference light-emission amount determined in advance, and if the difference between the cumulative light-emission amount and the reference light-emission amount is smaller than a reference, a light-source luminance correcting unit corrects the light-source luminance to a smaller value to obtain corrected light-source luminance corrected.
US08305338B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus and backlight adjustment method
A liquid crystal display apparatus and backlight adjustment method are provided.Backlight luminance sensors 111A to 111D are disposed in the vicinity of four outer corners of an effective screen of an LCD panel 121. Each of the backlight luminance sensors 111A to 111D detects the luminance of each of three primary colors. A backlight unit is composed of a three-primary LED array and a light diffusion unit. Transistors of the backlight luminance sensors and transistors of a pixel portion are formed on the same substrate in the same process. When a transistor is irradiated with backlight in its sufficient off region, an off current occurs due to light excitation. Since the value of the off current corresponds to the luminance of the rays of backlight that irradiates the transistor, the luminance of the backlight is detected with an output voltage into which the off current is converted. As a result, the luminance of the backlight is kept constant.
US08305337B2 Method of driving a light source, display apparatus for performing the method and method of driving the display apparatus
In method of individually driving a plurality of light-emitting blocks of a light source module providing light to a display panel including a unit pixel, luminance of a first light-emitting block corresponding to a first image block that includes an out of gamut (OOG) data among a plurality of image blocks corresponding to the light-emitting blocks is boosted. A second light-emitting block corresponding to a second image block that does not include the OOG data is driven so that the second light-emitting block has luminance corresponding to a representative gray-scale of the second image block.
US08305331B2 LCD device power saving system and method of reducing power consumption of LCD device
A control system for a portable display device includes a battery power supply powering a display panel of the portable display device, a backlight controller and a video processor connected to the display panel for displaying images, an adaptive controller providing output signals to the backlight controller and the video processor, a video analyzer providing a first input to the adaptive controller, and a remaining display time estimator providing a second input to the adaptive controller, wherein the remaining display time estimator determines a remaining display time of the portable display device and controls the adaptive controller to adjust one of the backlight controller and the video processor based upon the determined remaining display time.
US08305330B2 Gate driving circuit of display panel including shift register sets
A gate driving circuit of a display panel including a plurality of shift register sets coupled in series is provided. Every shift register set includes a shift register unit and a transistor coupled therewith. The shift register units receive a gate timing signal and an inverted gate timing signal, and one of a first level shift register unit and a last level shift register unit further receives a threshold driving signal. The shift register units respectively output a plurality of gate driving signals sequentially according to the threshold driving signal, the gate timing signal and the inverted gate timing signal. A gate and a first source/drain of each transistor are coupled to receive a gate controlling signal, and a second source/drain of each transistor is coupled to the corresponding shift register unit to output one of the gate driving signals.
US08305325B2 Color display apparatus and active matrix apparatus
A color display apparatus includes a display unit having electro-optical elements arranged in a row direction and a column direction, scanning lines provided in respective rows of the electro-optical elements to select respective rows, and data lines provided in respective columns and supplying data signals to electro-optical elements in the row which the scanning lines select, and conversion circuits each of which receives a digital video signal and converts the digital video signal to an analog video signal. In addition, a first dispersion circuit receives the analog video signals outputted from the conversion circuits and exchanges an arrangement of the analog video signals to output to bus lines, column drive circuits sample the analog video signals in the bus lines in a time sharing manner and generate and output the data signals, and a second dispersion circuit receives the data signals outputted from the column drive circuits and rearranges the data signals to output to the data lines. The rearranging of the data signals by the second dispersion circuit restores the exchanging of the arrangement by the first dispersion circuit.
US08305320B2 Liquid crystal display and two-frame overdriving method using LSB to indicate modulation status
A liquid crystal display and a driving method thereof are provided. The liquid crystal includes a liquid crystal display panel, a data driving circuit, a gate driving circuit, a timing controller, and an over-driving controller. The over-driving controller, if a difference between input data input during a (N)th frame period (N is a positive integer) and (N−1)th frame data read from a memory is more than 2 gray levels, modulates the data at an over/under shoot ratio of 20 to 80% and supplies the modulated data to the timing controller, if the difference is less than 2 gray levels, differently supplies the input data to the timing controller and converts the least significant bit of the data stored in the memory according to whether or not the data is modulated.
US08305319B2 Liquid crystal display device having look up table for adjusting common voltages and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes an LCD panel, and a common voltage generating circuit configured for providing common voltages to the LCD panel. The common voltage generating circuit includes a microprocessor, a timer, a voltage adjustment circuit, and a look up table. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the timer, the look up table, and the voltage adjustment circuit. The timer is configured for recording a continuous operated time of the LCD panel. The look up table is configured for storing optimal common voltages corresponding to each continuous operated time. The microprocessor is configured for reading the optimal common voltage at set intervals corresponding to the continuous operated time, and controlling the voltage adjustment circuit to provide the corresponding optimal common voltage to the LCD panel.
US08305317B2 Method for addressing an LCD display in color sequential mode
In a method for addressing an LCD display in color sequential mode, the color frames of a received video sequence are rearranged to form a display sequence applied to the LCD display. The arrangement of the color frames in the display sequence is such that the succession of the colors of the color frames and/or the duration of the color frames is random. Such a method may find application to direct view screens.
US08305309B2 Display device with power source supply scan circuits and driving method thereof
A display device includes a pixel array unit having pixels disposed in a matrix shape, each pixel including an electro-optical element, a write transistor for sampling and writing an input signal voltage, a holding capacitor for holding a signal voltage written by the write transistor, and a driver transistor for driving the electro-optical element in response to the signal voltage held in the holding capacitor. The display device further includes a scan circuit for selectively scanning each pixel in the pixel array unit at a row unit basis and a plurality of power source supply scan circuits for selectively supplying a first potential and a second potential lower than the first potential to a power supply line wired per each pixel row of the pixel array unit to supply current to the driver transistors, synchronously with scanning by the scan circuit.
US08305308B2 Display device and method of driving the same
The display device including pixels has formed therein at least two drive blocks each made up of pixel rows. Each of the pixels includes: a drive transistor; a capacitor element, a luminescence element; a first switching transistor which causes conduction between the gate of the drive transistor and a fixed potential line; and a second switching transistor which causes conduction between the source of the drive transistor and the capacitor element. Each of the pixels further includes a third switching transistor which connects a pixel in a k-th drive block and a first signal line or a fourth switching transistor which connects a pixel in a (k+1)-th drive block and a second signal line.
US08305306B2 Light-emitting device and driving method thereof
In a light emitting device, luminance irregularities caused by fluctuation in threshold of TFTs for supplying a current to EL elements among pixels hinder the light emitting device from improving the image quality. A voltage equal to the threshold of a TFT 110 is held in capacitor means 111 in advance. When a video signal is inputted from a source signal line, the voltage held in the capacitor means is added to the signal, which is then applied to a gate electrode of the TFT 110. Even when threshold is fluctuated among pixels, each threshold is held in the capacitor means 111 of each pixel, and therefore, influence of the threshold fluctuation can be removed. Since the threshold is stored in the capacitor means 111 alone and the voltage between two electrodes is not changed while a video signal is written, fluctuation in capacitance value has no influence.
US08305297B2 Spectacles-type image display device
A spectacles-type image display device comprises an image output unit for outputting image light of images to be displayed and a reflection unit disposed in a field of view of at least one eyeball of a viewer. The reflection unit is adapted to reflect the image light output from the image output unit toward the eyeball of the viewer so that the viewer can see virtual images of the images. The minimum value of a width of a projection cross-section of the reflection unit in an output direction of the image light to the eyeball is smaller than a dark-adapted pupil diameter of human and is larger than a light-adapted pupil diameter of human.
US08305290B2 Planar antenna array and article of manufacture using same
A planar antenna array and articles of manufacture using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, close-packed antenna elements, disposed on a substrate, number N where N=3x and x is a positive integer. Each of the close-packed antenna elements includes a substantially continuous photonic transducer arranged as an outwardly expanding generally logarithmic spiral having six turns. Each of the outwardly expanding generally logarithmic spirals may be a golden spiral. As an article of manufacture, the planar antenna array may be incorporated into a chip, such as a cell phone, or an article of clothing, for example.
US08305287B2 Method and apparatus for propping devices
Apparatus for propping a device, comprising a platform, a bracket, a carriage and a backstay. The backstay is rotatable relative to the carriage and to the device. The carriage can be moved in a first direction, which can causes a device to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. Apparatus comprising a rotatable assembly and a device movable between stowed and deployed positions, a center of rotation of the device in the deployed position being at or displaced only substantially vertically from a center of gravity of the rotatable assembly. Apparatus comprising a platform mounting portion, a platform structure rotatably mounted thereon, a duct extending through the platform mounting portion and into a space within the platform structure, whereby fluid can be passed through the duct and into the enclosed space while the platform structure is rotating relative to the mounting portion. Methods of propping a device.
US08305283B2 Coplanar differential bi-strip delay line, higher-order differential filter and filtering antenna furnished with such a line
This coplanar differential bi-strip delay line includes two conducting strips disposed on one and the same face of a dielectric substrate and each comprising a first and a second end. The two first ends of the two conducting strips are respectively joined to two conductors of a first bi-strip port for connection to a first external differential device. The two second ends of the two conducting strips are respectively joined to two conductors of a second bi-strip port for connection to a second external differential device.
US08305282B2 Field probe
In a stalk-type field probe, each of three resistive dipoles is formed with a resistive feedline on a common circuit board. Each circuit board comprises an elongated feedline section that extends through a cylindrical stalk, and a cross-arm that is disposed at a 54.7° angle relative to the elongation of the feedline section. The feedline sections are arranged to form an equilateral triangular prism, and the cross arms are arranged so that the dipole on each cross-arm is perpendicular to an imaginary plane to which the lines along which the elements of both of the other dipoles extend are parallel.
US08305281B2 Core-shell magnetic material, method of manufacturing core-shell magnetic material, device, and antenna device
The present invention provides a core-shell magnetic material having an excellent characteristic in a high frequency band, particularly, in a GHz band. The core-shell magnetic material includes: core-shell magnetic particles including magnetic metal particles and an oxide coating layer, the magnetic metal particle containing magnetic metal selected from the group of Fe, Co, and Ni, nonmagnetic metal selected from the group of Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Zr, Ti, Hf, Zn, Mn, a rare-earth element, Ba, and Sr, and an element selected from carbon and nitrogen, and the oxide coating layer being made of an oxide containing at least one nonmagnetic metal as one of the components of the magnetic metal particle; and oxide particles existing at least a part between the magnetic metal particles and containing nonmagnetic metal selected from the group of Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Zr, Ti, Hf, Zn, Mn, a rare-earth element, Ba, and Sr, and in which nonmagnetic metal/magnetic metal (atomic ratio) in the particles is higher than that in the oxide coating layer.
US08305280B2 Low loss broadband planar transmission line to waveguide transition
A transition for coupling a microwave signal between a transmission line formed on a planar dielectric substrate and a hollow waveguide may include a half-notch antenna formed on a portion of the dielectric substrate extending into an open end of the hollow waveguide.
US08305275B2 Mobile wireless communications device having diversity antenna system and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device has a portable handheld housing. A circuit board is carried by the portable handheld housing. RF circuitry is carried by the circuit board. A diversity antenna and main antenna are carried by the portable handheld housing and coupled to the RF circuitry and operative together. The RF circuitry tunes the diversity antenna into a diversity communications frequency band to achieve a diversity mode of operation with the main antenna and tunes the diversity antenna into a non-diversity communications frequency band when cross-coupling has occurred from the diversity antenna to the main antenna when operating in the diversity communications frequency band. A switch is carried by the portable handheld housing and connected to the RF circuitry and coupled between the diversity and main antennae and disconnects the diversity antenna when operating in the non-diversity band to prevent cross-coupling from the diversity antenna to the main antenna.
US08305272B2 Multi-band antenna structure
A multi-band antenna structure includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, a first metal strip and a second metal strip formed on the first surface, a third metal strip formed on the second surface, and a metal part located on the substrate. The first metal strip has a first strip and a second strip and the second strip has an inductance characteristic. The first strip of the first metal strip and the third metal strip define a first overlap area in the direction vertical to the substrate. The first overlap area has a first capacitor characteristic. The second metal strip and the third metal strip define a second overlap area in the direction vertical to the substrate. The second overlap area has a second capacitor characteristic.
US08305268B2 Method and apparatus for a GPS receiver capable of reception of GPS signals and binary offset carrier signals
A system and method capable of mitigating the migration from the current GPS system to the Galileo system and allow a single satellite system positioning receiver to process both GPS signals and Galileo signals.
US08305262B1 Mismatched pulse compression of nonlinear FM signal
A signal processing method includes transforming a received NLFM waveform from a first domain to a second domain, multiplying the transform of the received NLFM waveform with a complex conjugate of a low-pass filtered and transformed reference signal, and inverse transforming a product of the multiplication from the second domain to the first domain.
US08305257B2 Method and apparatus for coherent marine radar measurements of properties of ocean waves and currents
A method and apparatus of determining a wave height directional spectrum of an ocean wave field using the intermediate-frequency (IF) signal from marine radars with a rotating antenna, using either a fully coherent or a standard non-coherent transmitter/receiver modified for coherent-on-receive use. The method may include receiving the IF radar ocean surface echo signal for a series of transmit pulses, at a sequence of azimuthal antenna positions, and a number of antenna rotations covering several minutes, then generating a matrix of complex IF signal samples from these, deriving phases for each sample, generating the difference in phase for consecutive azimuths, then Doppler shifts, and finally radial velocities. These are interpolated to a Cartesian-transformed representation cube of samples, a subset of which is Fourier transformed in three dimensions, filtered, and the resulting power spectrum generated is used to derive ocean wave height directional spectra, frequency spectra, and root-mean-squared wave height.
US08305255B2 Dual-band antenna array and RF front-end for MM-wave imager and radar
The radar includes a PCB having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a processor mounted on the bottom surface of the PCB. The radar includes a second liquid crystal polymer layer formed on the top surface of the printed circuit board, a second microstrip array printed on the second liquid crystal polymer layer, the second microstrip array having a patch, a first liquid crystal polymer layer formed on the second liquid crystal polymer layer, a first microstrip array printed on the first liquid crystal polymer layer, the first microstrip array having a perforated patch, an antenna positioned underneath the patch and connected to the second microstrip array, and a transmit/receive module connected to a bottom surface of the second liquid crystal polymer layer and configured to transmit a first frequency signal to the first microstrip array and a second frequency signal to the second microstrip array.
US08305251B2 Wireless remote control system
A wireless remote control system is provided. This system includes a remote controller, plural detectors, and a decision module. The detectors are used for detecting the frequency a wireless signal emitted by the remote controller and respectively generate a detecting result. Based on at least one frequency difference between the detecting results, the decision module determines how the remote controller is moving and thereby generates a control signal. Because the decision module needs no knowledge of the frequency of the emitted wireless signal, the wireless remote controller has the advantages of small size, low cost, and low power consumption.
US08305249B2 Systems and methods for controlling power consumption in electronic devices
A method of controlling power consumption in an electronic device may include selecting between an on mode of the electronic device in which first circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a first operation, an off/standby mode in which second circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a second operation, and a sleep/vacation mode in which the second circuitry is controlled to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation. An electronic device may include: first circuitry configured to perform a first operation when the electronic device is in an on mode; second circuitry configured to perform a second operation when in an off/standby mode; and a circuitry controller configured to control the second circuitry to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation when in a sleep/vacation mode.
US08305248B2 Sub-exponent time-to-digital converter using phase-difference enhancement device
A time-to-digital converter includes a phase-difference enhancement section configured to receive first and second input signals having a reference phase difference Δt, and to output first and second output signals having an enhanced phase difference; and a comparison section configured to receive the first and second output signals, to compare a phase difference between the first and second output signals with a reference delay time τ, and to output a comparison signal. The time-to-digital converter has a high resolution. That is to say, the time-to-digital converter has a resolution less than the minimum phase delay time of a delay element, which is obtainable in a corresponding semiconductor process.
US08305247B2 Low voltage digital to analog converter, comparator and sigma-delta modulator circuits
Circuits that operate with power supplies of less than 1 Volt are presented. More particularly, circuits that operate with supply voltages near or lower than the threshold voltage of the transistors in those circuits are presented. Various circuits embodiments such as operational transconductance amplifiers (1101, 1102, 1103), biasing circuits, integrators (1113, 1123, 1133), continuous-time sigma delta modulators, track-and-hold circuits, and others are presented. The techniques and circuits can be used in a wide range of applications and various transistors from metal-oxide-semiconductor to bipolar junction transistors may implement the techniques presented herein.
US08305237B2 Aircraft tire pressure loop link
The aircraft tire pressure loop link is formed of first and second single metal loops connected by parallel spaced apart metal shafts, and provides for coupling a magnetic field between a wheel hub coil and a tire pressure sensor coil to provide electromagnetic communication between a control unit connect to the wheel hub coil and a tire pressure sensor connected to the tire pressure sensor coil. The current induced in the first single metal loop travels the distance from the edge of the wheel axle coil to the periphery of the of the wheel rim to the second single metal loop, which generates the flux in the tire pressure sensor receiver coil necessary to power the tire pressure sensor.
US08305236B2 Optical receiving apparatus, shield plate, computer product, transit support method, and transit support apparatus
An optical receiving apparatus is provided on a mobile object and includes a receiving unit that receives an optical signal transmitted from a transmitting unit of a communication device disposed apart from the mobile object; and a blocking unit that blocks the optical signal when an incident angle of the optical signal relative to a disposition surface of the receiving unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined incident angle.
US08305235B2 Exterior mirror reflective element sub-assembly with signal indicator
A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and a signal indicator. The mirror back plate includes (i) a generally planar portion and (ii) an indicator receiving portion. The indicator receiving portion has a wall structure extending at an angle from the generally planar portion adjacent to an aperture established through the mirror back plate. The signal indicator has a light source disposed at a circuit element and a housing substantially encases the circuit element therein. An electrical connector protrudes from the circuit element and is accessible at a connector portion of the housing for connecting to electrical wiring of the vehicle. The signal indicator includes an indicia element at a forward end thereof. When the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source emanates through the aperture and through the mirror reflective element and is transmitted through the indicia element.
US08305226B2 Drinking water level alarm lamp
A drinking-water level alarm lamp for being placed in a water feeder includes a watertight casing including therein a lamp, a rolling ball tilt switch, a battery and a weight. When the water feeder contains drinking water, the drinking-water level alarm lamp half floats above the water by virtue of the inner space of the watertight casing and the weight. When the water feeder contains no drinking water, the drinking-water level alarm lamp lies at a bottom of the water feeder. The drinking-water level alarm lamp uses the presence and absence of the drinking water in and from the water feeder to change a position of the drinking-water level alarm lamp, so that the rolling ball tilt switch in the drinking-water level alarm lamp is accordingly switched to turn on or off the lamp.
US08305222B2 Device for detecting and signalling malfunctions in the use of electrical appliances
A device for detecting and signaling malfunctions in use of electrical appliances which have a cyclical or a continuous central measuring and processing unit connected to two input/output ports for connecting between a source of electrical power and an electrical appliance respectively. The central unit is connected to at least one signaling element controlled by a malfunction occurrence signal that is processed by the central unit.
US08305221B2 Programmable MIT sensor using the abrupt MIT device, and alarm apparatus and secondary battery anti-explosion circuit including the MIT sensor
Provided are an abrupt MIT device with variable MIT temperature or voltage, an MIT sensor using the abrupt MIT device, and an alarm apparatus and a secondary battery anti-explosion circuit including the MIT sensor. The MIT device includes an abrupt MIT layer undergoing an abrupt MIT at a transition temperature or a transition voltage and at least two electrode layers contacting the abrupt MIT layer. The transition temperature or the transition voltage varies with at least one of factors including a voltage applied to the electrode layers, a temperature, an electromagnetic wave, a pressure, and a gas concentration that affect the abrupt MIT layer. The MIT sensor is a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a gas-concentration sensor, or a switch. The alarm apparatus includes the MIT sensor and an alarm-signaling unit connected in series with the MIT sensor. The secondary battery anti-explosion circuit includes a secondary battery, the MIT sensor attached to the secondary battery to sense the temperature of the secondary battery and thus to prevent the possible explosion of the secondary battery, and a protection circuit body powered by the secondary battery.
US08305220B2 Monitoring and displaying activities
Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring and displaying the activities and behaviours of animals over a period of time. The display includes a sequence of visual representations correlating to the activities of the animal.
US08305219B2 EAS tag using tape with conductive element
An electronic article surveillance apparatus for monitoring large objects is comprised of a base, at least one segment of tape, and an electronics housing. The segment of tape has a least one electrically conductive element running the length of the tape. The base rests on an object to be monitored, and the housing releasably latches onto the base, while each tape segment wraps around the object with each end of tape segment being fixed between the base and housing. Electronics within the housing complete a circuit through each tape segment and monitor the tape segments for electrical continuity. If electrical continuity is lost, either by cutting a tape segment, or unauthorized unlatching of the housing, an alarm can be sounded by the electronics within the housing. The electronic housing may be disarmed by a remote device and delatched from the base. Both base and tape segments may have adhesive elements.
US08305218B2 System and program product for automatic RFID attenuation and recovery
The invention provides a system and program product for attenuating a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. In one embodiment, the system includes optimizing a coverage area of an RFID reader.
US08305214B2 Electronic tag configured to sense a plant environment
A system for tracking at least one plant includes an electronic tag including an interrogation interface and memory circuitry and a package for the electronic tag, the package being configured for physical association with at least one corresponding plant.
US08305213B2 Film-like article and method for manufacturing the same
Since the chip formed from a silicon wafer is thick, the chip is protruded from the surface or the chip is so large that it can be seen through the eyes, which affects the design of a business card or the like. Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new integrated circuit which has a structure by which the design is not affected. In view of the above problems, it is a feature of the invention to equip a film-like article with a thin film integrated circuit. It is another feature of the invention that the IDF chip has a semiconductor film of 0.2 mm or less, as an active region. Therefore, the IDF chip can be made thinner as compared with a chip formed from a silicon wafer. In addition, such an integrated circuit can have light transmitting characteristic unlike a chip formed from a silicon wafer.
US08305211B1 Method and apparatus for surveillance system peering
A security installation positions a peering ability with a peer installation by establishing a peering agreement to define the conditions constituting a situation for which peering applies, and identifies the resources and assets which will be shared, as well as the duration of the peering, typically until the resolution of the exigent situation or circumstances that prompted the peering. Peering selectively couples security installations for monitoring a particular upon determining that a situation responsive to mediation has occurred within an area monitored by the security installation for monitoring an area. The security installation initiates a peering invitation to a peer installation, in which the peer installation is configured to share resources with the security installation for mitigating the cause of the situation. The resulting peered access provides communication between the peer installation and the security installation, the access being temporary and conditional on the exigency of the determined situation.
US08305209B2 Alarm device
Provided is an alarm device capable of performing transmission and reception reliably while suppressing an amount of current consumption. An alarm device (100) includes: a fire detection circuit (7); a control circuit (1); and a transmitting/receiving circuit (5). The transmitting/receiving circuit (5) transmits the status signal to the another alarm device (100) with a transmission pattern formed by combining transmission periods and transmission suspension periods a predetermined number of times, and receives the status signal transmitted by the another alarm device (100) in an intermittent reception cycle. A time length of each of the transmission periods and the transmission suspension periods is set so that the another alarm device (100) that has failed to receive the status signal transmitted in a first intermittent reception cycle can receive the status signal in a second intermittent reception cycle and subsequent intermittent reception cycles.
US08305208B2 Aircraft uplink message response prompt
A method for prompting an operator to reply to a first data link message before it expires includes receiving the first data link message, storing the first data link message, starting a timer at an initial timer value when the first data link message is received, determining whether a response to the first data link message has been input, determining whether the timer will expire in less than a predefined amount of time, requesting an input from the operator before the timer expires, determining whether the input has been received since requesting input, and determining whether the timer has expired before the input is received. In cases where the input is received before the timer expires, a second data link message is sent. In cases where the input is not received before the timer expires, a status for the first data link message is set to expired.
US08305203B2 Device for setting the wheel size of a bicycle on a bicycle computer
The present invention relates to an apparatus for setting the wheel size of a bicycle (1, 2) on a bicycle computer (3) using input means (4, 5) on the bicycle computer (3). The aim is to be able to set the bicycle computer to the correct wheel size in a simpler and more reliable, virtually automatic, manner. This is achieved in that the bicycle computer (3) has at least two input means (4, 5) for at least two wheel sizes, in that a transmission means (6, 7), which can be assigned to the bicycle (1, 2), is provided for transmitting the wheel size of the bicycle (1, 2), and in that the transmission means (6, 7) interacts exclusively with that input means (4, 5) of the bicycle computer (3) which corresponds to the wheel size of the bicycle (1, 2).
US08305202B2 Antitheft apparatus for equipment with prime mover
In an apparatus for preventing theft of equipment having a prime mover, an prime mover controller, and an authenticator that acquires ID information from an electronic key when the key is brought close thereto by an operator, and permits the prime mover controller to start the prime mover when the acquired ID information is determined to correspond with authentication ID information, data indicating a number of times the key is updated is included in the ID information, and the authenticator determines whether the number of times indicated in the data is greater than that in the authentication ID information, and when the number of times indicated in the data is greater than that in the authentication ID information, updates the authentication ID information such that it is equal to the number of times indicated in the data, thereby enabling to easily update authentication ID information of the equipment.
US08305200B2 Reactive networks to reduce acoustic noise and ensure maximum efficiencies in driving piezoelectric elements in haptic applications
A device and method are provided to drive piezoelectric elements in haptic applications. In one embodiment, a pattern generator provides user programmable PWM waveforms to a driver. The load of the driver is an inductor in series with the piezoelectric element. The filtration of the inductor in series with the capacitance of the piezoelectric element suppresses the high-frequency components of the PWM pulse train, and recovers a value commensurate with the duty cycle of the PWM pulse train. The resulting waveform across the piezoelectric element is converted to physical motion, thereby creating a haptic effect on a user interface. Advantageously, there is reduced power loss, reduced switching induced noise, and a more haptic rich environment.
US08305192B2 RFID reader with automatic near/far field interrogation mode switching, and related operating methods
A dual-mode RFID reader is capable of automatically switching from a far-field interrogation mode to a near-field interrogation mode upon the detection of certain operating or handling conditions. The RFID reader includes an RFID radio module configured to support a far-field interrogation mode and a near-field interrogation mode, an antenna arrangement coupled to the RFID radio module, and a mode-switch sensor architecture coupled to the RFID radio module. The mode-switch sensor architecture is configured to detect conditions indicative of near-field interrogation, and the RFID radio module automatically configures itself for operation in the near-field interrogation mode upon detection of such conditions.
US08305188B2 System and method for logging in multiple users to a consumer electronics device by detecting gestures with a sensory device
A system and method of maintaining login state information is disclosed. In one embodiment a system comprises a memory configured to store login state information, a camera configured to capture an image, and a processor configured to determine, based at least in part on the image data, a location of a central object associated with the user, to determine, based at least in part on the image data, a location of a satellite object associated with the central object, to determine, based at least in part on the location of the central object and the location of the satellite objection, an angle, and to modify, based at least in part on the angle, the login state information to indicate that the user has logged in.
US08305183B2 Transformer for multi-output power supplies
This invention relates to a transformer (1) for multi-output power supplies such as those commonly found in electronic equipment. The transformer comprises a magnetic core (3) and a plurality of windings (5, 7, 9) at least some of which are fractional windings, arranged about the magnetic core. The transformer comprises a dual transformer structure with a pair of transformers, a main transformer (11) and an auxiliary transformer (13). In a preferred embodiment, the main transformer and the auxiliary transformer are connected together. In this way, readily available magnetic components may be used in the construction of the transformer and the simple construction allows for a large cross-sectional area of transformer to be deployed so that reduced turn counts of windings may be used.
US08305182B1 Symmetric differential inductor structure
A symmetric differential inductor structure includes first, second, third and fourth spiral conductive wirings disposed in four quadrants of a substrate, respectively. Further, a fifth conductive wiring connects the first and fourth spiral conductive wirings, and a sixth conductive wiring connects the second and third spiral conductive wirings. The first and second spiral conductive wirings are symmetric but not intersected with one another, and the third and fourth spiral conductive wirings are symmetric but not intersected with one another. Therefore, the invention attains full geometric symmetry to avoid using conductive wirings that occupy a large area of the substrate as in the prior art and to thereby increase the product profit and yield.
US08305177B2 Multi function magnetic decoupler
A magnet assembly for decoupling a plurality of different types of magnetically operated security devices includes a center pole magnet having a magnetic orientation along a first direction. A plurality of magnets adjacent to and surrounding the center pole magnet define an opening above the center pole magnet. Each adjacent magnet has a magnetic orientation orthogonal to the first direction. An end pole magnet is disposed adjacent to one of the magnets adjacent to the center pole magnet. The end pole magnet has magnetic orientation opposed to the first direction.
US08305174B2 Superconducting coil cast in nanoparticle-containing sealing compound
A superconducting coil for a magnetic resonance apparatus is formed by one or more wound superconducting conductors that are embedded in a cured sealing compound, with a filler composed only of nanoparticles added to the sealing compound.
US08305172B2 Toggle switch with magnetic mechanical and electrical control
A switch includes magnets that provide both mechanical actuation of the switch as well as electrical operation of the switch. A system controller detects a state of the switch and controls operation of one or more systems in a structure based on the state of the switch. The system controller can detect the state of the switch by detecting a position of a magnet of the switch.
US08305168B2 Forced return solenoid
A forced return solenoid that includes an electrical winding configured to create an electromagnetic field when electrical current flows through the winding, an electrical terminal configured to be connected to a source of electrical energy, and a moveable contact plate configured to be moved into contact with the electrical terminal. Embodiment of the forced return solenoid include a plunger configured to move axially in response to the electromagnetic field generated by the electrical winding. Movement of the plunger in one direction causes the moveable contact plate to connect with the electrical terminal. Movement of the plunger in the opposite direction causes an impact intended to break the connection between the moveable contact plate and the electrical terminal. Embodiments of the forced return solenoid further include a return spring configured to move the plunger in the second direction, wherein the impact means comprises a removable snap ring affixed to the plunger.
US08305167B2 Electromagnetic relay
To provide a twin-type power electromagnetic relay having high reliability, having a reduced size and low mounting height, and suitable for surface mounting.By inserting projections provided in a coil spool, which is a component constituting an electromagnetic relay block, into projection insertion holes 5a and 5b formed in a base plate 5, two electromagnetic relay blocks 4A and 4B are arranged side by side on the base plate 5 such that their central axes are nearly parallel to the base plate. A base protective wall 5c is provided on the base plate 5, and a coil wire winding terminal portion of a spool is covered by the base protective wall and by a fixed terminal protective wall on the fixed terminal block when assembled, preventing foreign matters such as flux from entering between the contacts from the winding terminal portion.
US08305160B2 Elastic wave device and duplexer
An elastic wave device includes an unbalanced terminal and first and second balanced terminals. A longitudinally-coupled-resonator-type first elastic wave filter is provided between the unbalanced terminal and the first balanced terminal. An elastic wave filter, which is connected in parallel with the first elastic wave filter, is connected between the unbalanced terminal and the second balanced terminal. The current paths through which IDT electrodes of the elastic wave filters of the elastic wave device are connected to ground terminals, are not symmetrical.
US08305155B2 Phase locked loop circuit with variable voltage sources
A PLL circuit comprises a phase detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), and two variable voltage sources. The phase detector and the charge pump each comprises low-voltage transistors, and operates with a fixed supply voltage VCC1 (e.g., 5 V) which is a potential difference applied from the variable voltage source of a power-supply voltage VL and the variable voltage source of a power-supply voltage VDC (=VL+VCC1). A tuning control signal VC generated by integrating an output current signal of the charge pump using the loop filter is input to the VCO having an input voltage range of the tuning control signal from 0 V to VCC2 (e.g., 16 V). At this time, the output voltage range of the tuning control signal is from VL to VDC, but the output voltage range is expanded to cover the full input voltage range from 0 V to VCC2 by controlling the output voltages VL, VDC of the variable voltage sources, thereby allowing the VCO to output an output signal with a desired oscillation frequency.
US08305154B1 Parametrically driven quartz UHF oscillator
The present invention is a piezoelectric crystal oscillator using parametric amplification to enhance the Q. Parametric amplification is accomplished by driving the same region of the crystal as used for the oscillator with an overtone of the crystal resonator.
US08305149B2 Semiconductor circuit apparatus and delay difference calculation method
A semiconductor circuit apparatus having a clock oscillating circuit includes a first inverter circuit having a power supply terminal connected to a power supply potential via a first power supply potential connection transistor and a ground terminal connected to a ground potential via a first ground potential connection transistor, an inverter circuit block having a second inverter circuit connected to the power supply potential via a second power supply potential connection transistor and to the ground potential via a second ground potential connection transistor and connected to the first inverter circuit in parallel and a selection circuit block that outputs a power supply potential connection signal to any one of gate terminals of the first and second power supply potential connection transistors and a ground potential connection signal to any one of gate terminals of the first and second ground potential connection transistors.
US08305147B2 Power amplifier
A power amplifier according to the embodiments includes: a silicon substrate; an input terminal configured to receive an input of a RF signal; a power dividing unit configured to divide the RF signal into a first signal and a second signal; a phase modulating unit configured to modulate a phase of the second signal; an N well formed in the silicon substrate; a P well formed in the N well and configured to receive an input of the second signal of a modulated phase; a gate insulating film formed on the P well; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film and configured to receive an input of the first signal; source and drain electrodes formed on both sides of the gate electrode in the silicon substrate; and an output terminal configured to output a RF signal obtained from the drain electrode.
US08305146B2 Multi stage amplifier
A multi-stage amplifier includes a first, a second, and a third sub-amplifier, each with respective input and output ports. The multi-stage amplifier also includes a common output port. The output port of the second sub-amplifier is connected to the output port of the first sub-amplifier as well as to the common output port of the multi-stage amplifier, and the output port of the third sub-amplifier is connected to the common output port. The electrical lengths of the connections from the second sub-amplifier's output port both to the first amplifier's output port and to the common output port are longer or shorter than one quarter of a wavelength (λ) of the frequency for which the multi-stage amplifier is intended to operate.
US08305145B2 Receiving circuit
A receiving circuit in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a first voltage-dividing circuit that outputs a first input signal obtained by voltage division of one of differential signals based on the resistance ratio between first and second resistors, a second voltage-dividing circuit that outputs a second input signal obtained by voltage division of the other of the differential signals based on the resistance ratio between third and fourth resistors, a differential amplifier that amplifies the differential component between the first and second input signals, a common-mode voltage detection circuit that detects the common-mode voltage of the differential signals, and a bias voltage switching circuit that switches the voltage value of a bias voltage based on the common-mode voltage.
US08305144B1 Circuits and methods for controlling quiescent current in amplifiers
A power amplifier provides relatively stable quiescent current while maintaining relatively high signal gains and peak to quiescent current ratios. The power amplifier has an input stage and a current mirror stage and incorporates a control transistor between these stages. The control transistor transitions to the triode mode for small inputs and offset voltages thereby reducing the amplifier circuit's gain. However, the control transistor transitions from the triode region to saturation as the input signal becomes larger thereby allowing the amplifier circuit to maintain a relatively high gain for large inputs. Accordingly, better quiescent current characteristics can be obtained without significantly sacrificing performance.
US08305139B1 Methods and apparatuses for high power and/or high frequency devices
Driver circuits and methods related thereto for driving high power and/or high frequency devices are described. The driver circuits comprise transistor stacks and capacitors coupled with the transistor stacks. Voltages across the capacitors depend on state (on or off) of each transistor in the transistor stacks. These voltages in turn determine output voltages generated by the driver circuits.
US08305137B2 Isolating interface with a differentiating circuit comprising a capacitive barrier and method for transmitting a signal by means of such isolating interface
A known method for parallel two-way symmetrical signal transmission by means of an isolating interface with a differentiating circuit comprising a capacitive barrier is improved. When restarting communication in the selected direction after a longer break, a pilot signal is conducted via the transmitting plates for the communication in the reverse direction and capacitive compensators to one of the receiving plates for communication in the selected direction. Threshold levels for comparisons of the signals of the first and second time derivative are decreased, the capacitance of capacitive compensators is then set to reduce output the output signal and finally communication is reestablished. Transmitting plates for communication in the reverse direction are now connected to the receiving plates for communication in the selected direction through the capacitive compensators with the capacitance adjusted as described above. This provides satisfactory signal transmission even when a thick layer of an electrically well conductive liquid appears between the plates of the isolating interface.
US08305136B2 Switchable capacitive element with improved quality factor, and method of production
A switchable capacitive element having an adjustable capacitance and an improved quality factor is specified. To this end, the characteristic variables of the switchable capacitive element are optimized in accordance with the equations cited in the description.
US08305134B2 Reference current source circuit provided with plural power source circuits having temperature characteristics
A reference current source circuit outputs a constant reference current even if surrounding environments such as temperature and power source voltage change in a power source circuit that operates in a minute current region in an order of nanoamperes. The reference current source circuit includes an nMOS-configured power source circuit, a pMOS-configured power source circuit, and a current subtracter circuit. The nMOS-configured power source circuit includes a current generating nMOSFET, and generates a first current having temperature characteristics of an output current dependent on an electron mobility. The pMOS-configured power source circuit includes a current generating pMOSFET, and generates a second current having temperature characteristics of an output current dependent on a hole mobility. The current subtracter circuit generates a constant reference current by subtracting the second current from the first current.
US08305132B2 Low-pass filter with adjustable cut-off frequency
A low-pass filter includes an integrator having an adjustable unity frequency. The integrator includes a first input, first output and feedback loop between the first input and output of the integrator. The first input is connected to a branch that includes a first impedance, to which is applied a first input voltage of the low-pass filter. The feedback loop includes a second impedance and the first output of the integrator is the first output of the low-pass filter.
US08305129B2 Internal clock generating circuit and method for generating internal clock signal with data signal
An internal clock generating circuit and a method for generating an internal clock signal are disclosed. The internal clock generating circuit includes a transition detecting block for detecting transitions in a data signal and generating data transition information, and an internal clock generating block for generating and storing a period digital data while detecting the unit period of the data signal in a period confirming mode. In the internal clock generating circuit, the internal clock signal can be generated without the external clock signal, so that the internal clock generating circuit can be implemented with a simple constitution. Additionally, an extra locking time is not required for locking the extra clock signal, so that the operating speed of the internal clock generating circuit is improved. The internal clock signal is dependent on the data signal, so that it is easy to control the set-up and hold for data.
US08305127B2 Data delay control circuit and method
A data delay control circuit and method that can adaptively reflect changes in an operating environment, such as an operating temperature, an operating voltage and a manufacturing process of a semiconductor chip. The data delay control circuit is designed to be able to adaptibly delay data when an expected delay of a predetermined period should be required when the semiconductor chip is designed. The data delay circuit includes a clock oscillation unit that can reflect changes in a delay period of a delay cell and automatically adjust the delay period of the delay cell. Since the data delay circuit includes a monitoring circuit and a plurality of delay paths, the data delay circuit can provide a delay path having a desired delay value. Therefore, even when the operating environment of a semiconductor device changes, the data delay circuit can control the delay period of a data signal. Consequently, the data delay circuit can automatically generate a data delay signal according to the changes in the operating environment.
US08305125B2 Low latency synchronizer circuit
A synchronizer circuit includes a master stage and a slave stage. The master stage may include a first master latch coupled to receive a data input signal, and a clock signal. The master stage may also include a second master latch coupled to receive the data input signal, and a delayed version of the clock signal. The master stage may further include a pull-up circuit that may drive an output line of the master stage depending upon an output of each of the first master latch and the second master latch. The slave stage may include a slave latch having an input coupled to the output line of the master stage. The slave stage may provide an output data signal that corresponds to the captured input data signal and is synchronized to the receiving clock signal.
US08305118B2 Power supply system
A power supply system, for discharging a resume and reset (RSMRST) signal during the RSMRST signal pull down, includes a voltage regulating circuit, a delay circuit, a switch circuit, and a discharge circuit. The voltage regulating circuit receives a first voltage signal and converts the first voltage signal to a second voltage signal. The delay circuit is charged by the second voltage signal and outputs the second voltage signal once fully charged. The switch circuit receives the second voltage signal and then outputs a RSMRST signal. The discharge circuit discharges the delay circuit. The delay circuit is charged during a first state and discharged during a second state.
US08305115B2 Elimination of fractional N boundary spurs in a signal synthesizer
A portable frequency synthesizer is provided with fine tuning over a broad bandwidth using a Fractional N type Delta Sum Phase Locked Loop circuit that enables elimination of boundary value spurs. In the system, frequencies where spurs occur are calculated to define a region of fractional N values that cannot be used with a first time base. To avoid the boundary spurs, a second time base reference is selected that can generate boundary spurs that do not overlap with the first time base. Circuitry is provided to select the appropriate time base and the fractional N values to generate desired output frequencies throughout the synthesizer range while avoiding the boundary spurs.
US08305113B1 Intra-pair skew cancellation technique for differential signaling
A method for deskewing a differential signal is provided. A common-mode voltage of a differential signal and an average for the common-mode voltage of the differential signal are measured. A difference between first and second portions of the differential signal is determined, and deskew information is derived from the common-mode voltage and the average. The deskew information can then be combined with the difference to deskew the differential signal.
US08305112B2 Power reducing logic and non-destructive latch circuits and applications
In some embodiments, a logic circuit is provided that has a plurality of gates with gate inputs. Also provided is one or more latch circuits coupled to the logic circuit to provide operational data when in an operational mode and to cause at least some of the gate inputs to be at values resulting in reduced leakage during a sleep mode. Additionally provided are embodiments of non-destructive latch circuits, which may be used to implement the latch circuits just discussed. Other embodiments are disclosed and/or claimed herein.
US08305109B2 Logic circuit, light emitting device, semiconductor device, and electronic device
An object is to obtain a desired threshold voltage of a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor. Another object is to suppress a change of the threshold voltage over time. Specifically, an object is to apply the thin film transistor to a logic circuit formed using a transistor having a desired threshold voltage. In order to achieve the above object, thin film transistors including oxide semiconductor layers with different thicknesses may be formed over the same substrate, and the thin film transistors whose threshold voltages are controlled by the thicknesses of the oxide semiconductor layers may be used to form a logic circuit. In addition, by using an oxide semiconductor film in contact with an oxide insulating film formed after dehydration or dehydrogenation treatment, a change in threshold voltage over time is suppressed and the reliability of a logic circuit can be improved.
US08305107B2 System for testing a power supply unit
A system for testing a power supply unit includes a test sub-system and a test control sub-system connected to the test sub-system and the power supply unit. The test sub-system perform tests and record the results. The test control sub-system is capable of selecting test items to test the power supply unit and setting an execution sequence of the test items. The test items includes a standby test item for testing the power supply unit at a standby state, a normal test item for testing the power supply unit at a normal state, and an over temperature protection test item for testing the power supply unit at an over heated state. The test control sub-system is further capable of automatically switching the standby test item to the normal test item, and switching the normal test item to the over temperature protection test item.
US08305106B2 Electronic self-healing methods for radio-frequency receivers
Systems and methods for providing self-healing integrated circuits. The method is characterized in that the behavior of a circuit or a device in response to an input signal is observed. One or more operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or the device are derived. A corrective action to bring the operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or device within a desired range is deduced, if needed. The corrective action can be the application of a correction signal or a modification of one or more parameters or characteristics of an element in the circuit. The calculated corrective action, if needed, is applied to bring the operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or device within the desired range. Optionally, the operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or the device after the correction is effectuated can be checked.