| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08452610B2 |
Method and system for determining a fair benchmark for physicians' quality of patient care
Described herein are systems, methods and computer-program products for application of both the Angoff standard-setting procedure with the Dunn-Rankin scaling method to determine standards (or cutscores) for practice-based performance assessments. In addition, reliability of measures and overall performance scores, and estimates of the decision consistency of the resulting performance standard can be calculated. |
| US08452608B2 |
Wireless cellular systems and methods for prescription drug discounts and therapy delivery
A method of delivering a prescription drug discount via a cellular message on a cellular carrier network includes capturing a prescription token in a memory of a cellular device. The cellular device processes the prescription token to sending a message artifact as a cellular message, such as SMS message, over a carrier network to a discount service computer. The discount service computer receives and parses the message artifact, and reconstructs the prescription token. The discount service computer includes an eligibility database of prescription drug patients, cell numbers, and prescription drug identities. The prescription token is matched to a record, and otherwise a corresponding record is generated for the prescription token. The discount service computer accesses a discount database to retrieve a discount coupon relevant to the record of the eligibility database and the prescription drug identity. The discount coupon is sent by response text message to the cellular device. |
| US08452596B2 |
Speaker selection based at least on an acoustic feature value similar to that of an utterance speaker
To enable selection of a speaker, the acoustic feature value of which is similar to that of an utterance speaker, with accuracy and stability, while adapting to changes even when the acoustic feature value of the speaker changes every moment, a long-time speaker score is calculated (log likelihood of each of a plurality of speaker models stored in a speaker model storage with respect to the acoustic feature value) based on an arbitrary number of utterances, for example, and a short-time speaker score is calculated based on a short-time utterance, for example. Speakers are selected corresponding to a predetermined number of speaker models having a high long-time speaker score. Speakers are selected corresponding to the speaker models, the number of which is smaller than the predetermined number and the short-time speaker sore of which is high, from among the speakers having a high long-time speaker score. |
| US08452592B2 |
Signal separating apparatus and signal separating method
Provided are a signal separating apparatus and a signal separating method capable of solving the permutation problem and separating user speech to be extracted. The signal separating apparatus separates a specific speech signal and a noise signal from a received sound signal. First, a joint probability density distribution estimation unit of a permutation solving unit calculates joint probability density distributions of the respective separated signals. Then, a classifying determination unit of the permutation solving unit determines classifying based on shapes of the calculated joint probability density distributions. |
| US08452590B2 |
Fixed codebook searching apparatus and fixed codebook searching method
A fixed codebook searching apparatus, includes a convolution operator, implemented by at least one processor, that convolves an impulse response of a perceptually weighted synthesis filter with an impulse response vector that has values at negative times, to generate a second impulse response vector that has values at negative times. A matrix generator, implemented by at least one processor, generates a Toeplitz-type convolution matrix using the second impulse response vector generated by the convolution operator. A searcher, implemented by at least one processor, performs a codebook search by maximizing a term using the Toeplitz-type convolution matrix. |
| US08452589B2 |
Method and apparatus to prepare listener-interest-filtered works
An embodiment of the present invention is a method of storing a speed contour for use in playback of at least a portion of an audio or audio-visual work including: (a) generating one or more speed contours and/or average speed contours and/or democratic speed contours for the audio or audio-visual work; (b) storing the one or more speed contours and/or average speed contours and/or democratic speed contours in a database; and (c) associating retrieval information with the one or more stored contours in the database. |
| US08452588B2 |
Encoding device, decoding device, and method thereof
It is possible to improve quality of a decoding signal in a band spread for estimating a high band from a low band of a decoding signal. A first layer encoder encodes a lower band portion below a predetermined frequency of an input signal so as to generate first layer encoded information. A first layer decoder decodes the first layer encoded information so as to generate a first layer demodulated signal. A second layer encoder divides a high band portion higher, than a predetermined frequency, of an input signal into a plurality of sub-bands and estimates each of the sub-bands from the input signal or the first layer decoded signal by using the estimation result of the sub-band adjacent to the lower band side so as to generate second encoded information including the estimation results of the sub-bands. |
| US08452586B2 |
Identifying music from peaks of a reference sound fingerprint
Components of a method and system that allow identification of music from the song or sound using only the sound of the audio being played. A system built using the method and device components disclosed processes inputs sent from a mobile phone over a telephone or data connection, though inputs might be sent through any variety of computers, communications equipment, or consumer audio devices over any of their associated audio or data networks. |
| US08452584B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method employing logical proximity of characters in spell checking
An improved handheld electronic device and associated method employing an improved spell checking routine enable proposed spelling corrections having a close logical proximity to an active input to be output at a position of preference for easy selection by the user. By way of example, a base character and the various accented forms thereof can be said to have a logical proximity to one another that is closer than their logical proximity to any character having a different base character, whether additionally having a diacritical element or not. |
| US08452582B1 |
System and method for adapting behavioral models to fluctuations in parametrically integrated environment
A method and system are provided for parametrically adapting a behavioral model pre-configured for a preset supply reference level to fluctuations therein. The behavioral model is adaptively scaled for deviation of the electronic system supply reference from its preset level. The scaling includes reconstructing a surrogate device parametrically representative of a portion of the behavioral model's undisclosed circuit. The reconstruction includes pre-setting a transistor type for the surrogate device, such that the surrogate device is configured with a conductive channel current-voltage characteristic of the preselected transistor type. Device-specific properties for the surrogate device are generated based on selective cross-correlation of operating points between the conductive channel current-voltage characteristic and V-t and I-V curves associated with the behavioral model. An instantaneous value for a modeled current parameter may then be replaced with a scaled channel current value generated for the surrogate device responsive to supply reference deviation from its preset level. |
| US08452576B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program for simulating behaviour of thermodynamic systems
A method and system thereof for simulating behavior of a thermodynamic system over time, including a momentum refreshment process and a conservative dynamics process, where the momentum refreshment process includes partially refreshing a momentum to define refreshed momentum by considering solutions for a starting momentum determined by a numerical implementation for integrating a generating linear differential equation. |
| US08452574B2 |
System and method of generating atmospheric turbulence for testing adaptive optical systems
A system and method for simulating atmospheric turbulence for testing optical components. A time varying phase screen representing atmospheric turbulence is generated using Karhunen-Loeve polynomials and a splining technique for generating temporal functions of the noise factor for each Zernike mode. The phase screen is input to a liquid crystal spatial light modulator. A computer display allows the user to set geometric characteristics, and select between methods for generating atmospheric turbulence including Karhunen-Loeve polynomials, Zernike polynomials, and Frozen Seeing. |
| US08452568B2 |
Method for calibrating cameras installed on vehicle
A method for calibrating vehicle cameras is simplified by providing painted patterns on a road surface and by capturing those patterns by the cameras to be calibrated. According to a predefined positional relationship of the cameras with the painted patterns, captured images of the painted patterns are bird's-eye converted and matched with reference to calculate camera positions in a vehicle, thereby enabling an automatic calibration of camera directions and the like. |
| US08452567B1 |
Test recipe distribution method and system
Provided is a method and system for distributing a test recipe to a tester for conducting a test to determine if a device under test operates as designed. The method includes storing an active test recipe in an active memory in local communication with the tester, and initiating the test of the device under test to be performed by the tester according to a parameter included in the active test recipe stored in the active memory. A second parameter included in a second test recipe is received by the tester while conducting the test of the device under test according to the parameter included in the active test recipe. The method further includes storing the second parameter in a buffer memory in local communication with the active memory, and initiating a transfer of the second parameter from the buffer memory to the active memory. After initiation of the transfer of the second parameter to the active memory, a subsequent test to be performed by the tester according to the second parameter included in the second test recipe is initiated. |
| US08452564B2 |
Method of determining geometric errors in a machine tool or measuring machine
Disclosed is a method of determining geometric errors in a machine tool or measuring machine having a mobile unit for moving a target within a measuring volume. The method includes the steps of generating a succession of laser beams in different directions by means of an interferometer, and, for each direction, moving the target into a number of points along the beam; measuring, by means of the interferometer, the abscissa of each of the points from an origin located along the direction of the beam; acquiring the coordinates of each of the points by means of the machine; and determining error parameters of the machine on the basis of the abscissas measured by the interferometer, and the coordinates of the points acquired by the machine. |
| US08452563B2 |
Apparatus for measuring and calibrating error of wafer prober
Provided is an error measurement and correction device of a stage of a wafer prober. The error measurement and correction device includes a jig member, a vision module, a central processing unit, and an interface unit. The jig member is disposed on a chuck on the stage, and the vision module is disposed on an upper plate of the wafer prober disposed at a position facing the jig member to enable the camera of the vision module to acquire images of the patterns of the jig member and transmits the acquired images to the central processing unit. The central processing unit acquires images of the patterns of the jig member disposed on the chuck by using the vision module to extract reference position information, moves the stage at a unit interval of the pattern, acquires images of the patterns of the jig member again to extract measured position information, and generates and stores mapping data by calculating difference between the measured position information and the reference position information. The central processing unit corrects the movement position information on the stage to be moved by using the mapping data when the stage is moved, so that irrespective of physical deterioration of the stage, the stage can be moved to an accurate position. |
| US08452562B2 |
Method of automated calibration and diagnosis of laboratory instruments
Method and system providing an automated workflow for installing and/or calibrating laboratory equipment. The workflow empowers an end user to perform installation and calibration thereby reducing the costs associated with such activities. The automated workflow taught herein, can greatly reduce the incidence of calibration error by providing for verification of certain events during the calibration process. |
| US08452558B2 |
Test circuit for testing flexible printed circuit
A test circuit for testing a flexible printed board (FPC) is provided, the test circuit includes a parameter preset module, a comparison module, and a prompt module. The parameter preset module is used to preset a parameter range indicating the suitable range of the resistance value of the FPC, and is further configured to connect to the FPC and convert the resistance value of the FPC to a related parameter. The comparison module compares the related parameter with the parameter range preset by the parameter preset module, and produces a comparison result. The prompt module produces a corresponding prompt signal according to the comparison result. |
| US08452557B2 |
Apparatus and method for impedance measurement
A system is provided which includes a signal generator for generating a periodic excitation signal and an analog to digital converter, wherein the system is configured to apply the periodic excitation signal to a network including a known first impedance and a second impedance and to take a first set of M digital samples of a first signal relating to the first impedance and a second set of M digital samples of a second signal relating to the second impedance with a sampling frequency that is an integer multiple of the frequency of the periodic signal. The system is further configured to determine the impedance value of the second impedance by calculating a relative phase difference between the first signal and the second signal using the first set of digital samples and the second set of digital samples. |
| US08452556B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating SOC of a battery
A method of determining a state-of-charge for a battery is provided. A startup state-of-charge of the battery is determined as a function of a present open circuit voltage measurement for a present ignition startup, at least one open circuit voltage observation of a previous ignition startup, and a current draw integration over a time period from a previous ignition startup event to a present ignition startup event. A run state-of-charge change of the battery is determined for an ignition key-on operation. The run state-of-charge change comprises a difference between the present open circuit voltage measurement and the at least one previous open circuit voltage observation, and is determined in response to of a current draw integration over a respective period of time. The state-of-charge of the battery is calculated based on a function of the startup state-of-charge and the run state-of-charge change of the battery. |
| US08452553B2 |
Device and method for testing a circuit
A device and a method. The device includes: (i) a processor, connected to the receiver, (ii) an interface adapted to receive a test vector and to output a test response, the test vector includes a first group of signals that include idle signals and at least one information frame and a second group of signals that include timing signals and data signals; and (iii) a receiver, connected to the interface. The receiver is adapted to receive the first group of signals and filter out the idle signals and at least one instruction frame delimiters to provide at least one instruction. The device is adapted to send the at least one instruction to at least one instruction buffer. The processor is adapted to execute at least one instruction stored in the at least one instruction buffer and to respond to the second group of signals such as to provide test responses. |
| US08452552B2 |
Method for testing a vibration damper of a motor vehicle in the installed state, and vibration damper-test system for a motor vehicle
A method for checking a vibration damper of a motor vehicle in the installed state includes setting start values of the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA for a wheel of a motor vehicle; inducing a vertical vibration of the motor vehicle with the aid of a defined excitation sRreal; determining the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel; optically detecting the positions of the wheel and the body shell of the motor vehicle at a plurality of detection instants during the vibration; minimizing the error function formed from the deviations between the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel and the observed body vibration excursion sAreal at the detection instants, and determining the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA therefrom; and determining the damping measure θ of the vibration damper. |
| US08452551B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring multiphase fluid flow
A method and apparatus for monitoring multiphase fluid flow passing within a pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a flow pressure value and a flow temperature value for the multiphase fluid flow within the pipe; b) providing a fluid flowmeter operable to be attached to an exterior of the pipe, the flowmeter including a spatial array of at least two sensors disposed at different axial positions along the pipe, which flowmeter is adapted to produce flow velocity signals indicative of a velocity of the fluid flow traveling within the pipe; c) providing a processor adapted to include an equation of state model for the pressure, volume, and temperature properties for the multiphase fluid flow, and further adapted to receive composition data values for the multiphase fluid flow, the flow pressure value, and the flow temperature value, and the flow velocity signals from the flowmeter; and d) determining a volumetric flow rate of one or both the gas phase and liquid phase of the fluid flow. |
| US08452547B2 |
Systems and methods for particle size determination and control in a fluidized bed reactor
Systems and methods are provided for determining the size of particles within a fluidized bed reactor. The pressure of gas adjacent a gas inlet and adjacent a gas outlet of the reactor are measured with pressure sensors. An algorithm is applied to at least one of the pressure measurements to determine the size of particles within the reactor. The determined size of the particles can be used to control the operation of the reactor. A dosing system and method is provided for measuring defined volumes of particles for transport to the reactor. |
| US08452545B2 |
Method and system for determining the difference between pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose values
A method and system is disclosed that enables a less error-prone and preferably automatic assignment of pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose values associated with a meal to improve determining the difference between pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose measurements as follows. Blood glucose measurements are read and provided with a relative or absolute time mark and labeled as pre-prandial and reading out post-prandial blood glucose measurements provided with a relative or absolute time mark from the memory of a blood glucose measuring instrument. The chronological sequence of the blood glucose measurements labeled as pre-prandial are determined. The post-prandial blood glucose measurements that correspond to each of the pre-prandial blood glucose measurements are determined by applying a time selection criterion. The difference between corresponding pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose measurements is determined. The difference values are displayed that have improved diagnostic value. |
| US08452531B2 |
Route guiding system and method thereof
The present invention discloses a route guiding system and a method thereof. The route guiding system in accordance with the present invention determines whether a user is approaching a crossway point based on the user's current position. In case the user is determined to approach a crossway point, other crossway points having a road connecting to this crossway point and scenic spots along such crossway points are searched from the electronic map. Finally, such roads connecting to these crossway points and relevant information concerning these scenic spots are displayed. In this fashion, the user can move randomly for promenade along the streets according to the scenic spot information displayed on the route guiding system without specifically setting any destination. |
| US08452530B2 |
Navigation device that performs pathfinding in consideration of congestion information in plural areas using average speed in the plural areas
A navigation device divides a pathfinding range into plural areas and performs pathfinding in consideration of congestion information. The navigation device includes a forecast congestion information generating unit configured to generate forecast congestion information corresponding to a predetermined time based on traffic information; and a forecast congestion information applying unit configured to apply, to each of the areas, the forecast congestion information corresponding to a time when a vehicle arrives in each of the areas. The navigation device includes an area setting unit configured to set regions divided by concentric circles centering around a present location, as the plural areas. The radius of the concentric circles is incremented by a fixed length that is set beforehand for each region or each time zone. |
| US08452529B2 |
Adaptive navigation system for estimating travel times
An estimated travel time for a route generated by a navigation system can be modified using a route-specific, custom travel factor computed from data collected by the navigation system while the user is traveling the route. In one aspect, the data can be stored in a local or remote database accessible by the navigation system. The data can be used to classify routes so that custom travel factors computed for a route in a given class can be used to estimate travel times for other routes in the same class. In another aspect, the classified custom travel factors can be shared with other users. |
| US08452523B2 |
Method of controlling an automatic switch-off and switch-on procedure of a drive unit in a motor vehicle
A method of controlling an automatic switch-off and switch-on procedure of a drive unit in a motor vehicle via a start-stop device is provided, by which, when the motor vehicle stops, the drive unit is automatically switched off if predefined switch-off conditions have been met, and by which an automatically switched-off drive unit is automatically switched on if at least one driver-side or system-side switch-on request is made. When a system-side switch-on request takes place, the automatic switch-on procedure will be suppressed at least temporarily if a delay condition exists. |
| US08452522B2 |
Control method and device for engine
A control method and a control device of an engine are introduced. During the process of the engine controlling, the control unit does the adaptive learning for the actual target value of the feedback of different aims, and following the dynamic spectrogram generation strategy optimizing compares the adaptively learning parameter of the same working status and the same time with the basic spectrogram parameter. If the compared result doesn't meet the condition, then keep the basic spectrogram parameter. And if it meets the condition, then the engine generates the dynamic spectrogram parameter. Based on the dynamic spectrogram combination strategy, the engine combines the basic spectrogram parameter and the dynamic spectrogram parameter generated to the combined spectrogram parameter instead of the basic spectrogram parameter. |
| US08452521B2 |
Inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance determination apparatus for an internal combustion engine
An inter-cylinder air-fuel imbalance determination apparatus according to the present invention obtains, based on the output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor, an air-fuel ratio fluctuation indicating amount whose absolute value becomes larger as a fluctuation of the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas passing through the air-fuel ratio sensor becomes larger, and further obtains an imbalance determination parameter which becomes larger as an absolute value of the air-fuel ratio fluctuation indicating amount becomes larger. In addition, the determination apparatus obtains an average value of the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas when the imbalance determination parameter is being obtained, and obtains an imbalance determination threshold which becomes smaller as the average value of the air-fuel ratio is closer to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. The determination apparatus determines that an inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance state has been occurring when the imbalance determination parameter is larger than the imbalance determination threshold. |
| US08452512B2 |
Slip suppression control system for vehicle
A slip suppression control system for a vehicle comprises a monitored value detecting device for detecting a monitored value corresponding to a difference between a rotational speed of a front wheel of the vehicle and a rotational speed of a rear wheel of the vehicle; a threshold determiner unit configured to determine a relationship between the monitored value detected by the monitored value detecting device and plural thresholds; and a controller configured to execute traction control for reducing a driving power of a drive wheel based on determination of the threshold determiner unit; wherein the plural thresholds have at least first and second thresholds, and the second threshold is set larger than the first threshold; and wherein the traction control includes an amount-change-based control. |
| US08452509B2 |
System and method of vehicle speed-based operational cost optimization
A vehicle speed-based operational cost optimization module provides an optimized velocity profile over a given route while also considering imposed constraints such as deviation from time targets, deviation from maximum governed speed limits, etc. Given current vehicle speed, engine state and transmission state, the present disclosure optimally manages the engine map to provide a recommended vehicle speed that optimizes fuel consumption. Exemplary embodiments provide for offline and online optimizations relative to fuel consumption. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability. |
| US08452506B2 |
Method for monitoring the environment of an automatic vehicle
A device, program and method for monitoring the environment of a vehicle capable of moving according to a path. The device, program and method comprises the steps of calculating a plurality of critical levels of driving depending on detection sensors, parameters related to the vehicle and an obstacle being in the environment of the vehicle, determining if an obstacle is on the path of the vehicle and depending on the calculated critical levels of driving and determination of an obstacle on the path of the vehicle, making a decision concerning the braking of the vehicle. |
| US08452504B2 |
Control system and method for automatic control of selection of on-demand all-wheel drive assembly for a vehicle drivetrain
A vehicle drivetrain can include various structures, such as a multi-ratio transmission, a two-speed final drive assembly connected in series with the multi-ratio transmission and including a low speed final drive ratio and a high speed final drive ratio, a pair of front driveshafts driven by the two-speed final drive assembly, a pair of rear driveshafts, a rear differential assembly connected to the two-speed final drive assembly, and a control assembly including. The control assembly can include a controller in electrical communication with portions of the rear differential assembly, such as a variable displacement pump and purge valve. An input array can be in electrical communication with the controller and can include a plurality of sensors, and at least one switch accessible to an operator of the vehicle. Various related methods can also be executed for control and operation of such a drivetrain. The methods can incorporate a number of variables in order to control the drivetrain, and the variables can include but are not limited to road grade, vehicle acceleration, vehicle speed, presence of towing apparatus, road surface conditions, switch condition(s), etc. |
| US08452501B1 |
Sugar cane harvester automatic cutter height control
Sugar cane harvester automatic cutter height control systems maintain consistent cutter heights even as a harvesting machine traverses changing field conditions. After an operator chooses an initial cutting height the automatic systems maintain that height even as ground conditions change. |
| US08452497B2 |
Method for actuating a shifting operation in an automatic transmission of a utility vehicle
A method of controlling a shifting operation in an automatic transmission of a commercial vehicle. A targeted gear and an associated target rotational speed are determined, via a transmission control, depending on predetermined parameters, and the shifting operation is executed upon reaching a determined shifting rotational speed. A shift interlock is activated, at least temporarily, during a downshifting operation when, upon reaching the shifting rotational speed, the determined target rotational speed lies below a predetermined rotational speed limit. |
| US08452494B2 |
Method and system for improving curtain air bag deployment using an actuator attached to a headliner
The present invention is a method and system for improving curtain air bag deployment using an actuator attached to a headliner. The present invention can include an automobile having a roof, a headliner, an actuator, a curtain air bag, a door, a sensor, and/or a processor. The roof can also include a roof rail. The roof rail and the headliner enclose the curtain air bag. The actuator is attached to the headliner. The sensor is located within the door and detects collision data. The processor analyzes the collision data to determine when to deploy the curtain airbag. In deploying the curtain airbag, the processor activates the actuator, which reduces the overlap between the headliner and the roof rail. The curtain airbags deploys by either pushing through the reduced overlap between the headliner and the roof rail or by easily forming through a gap between the headliner and the roof rail. |
| US08452493B2 |
Methods and systems involving return torque
A method of controlling a motor of a power steering system is provided. The method includes: estimating a scale factor based on a vehicle speed and a hand wheel torque; applying the scale factor to a return command; and generating a motor command signal based on the applying the scale factor. |
| US08452485B2 |
Method for preparing error entries
A method for preparing error entries of the user of a data bus in a motor vehicle is provided. When an error is detected, the detecting user is put into an error state and outputs an error message to a second user, a request to prepare an error entry is output by the second user to the detecting user after receiving such an error message as a function of at least one predefined condition, and an error entry is instigated by the detecting user in case of receiving such a request. |
| US08452484B2 |
Wireless network and methodology for automotive service systems
A method and apparatus are provided for forming a wireless communications network using a standard communications link between a master controller and at least one slave device. In one example, a list of available slave devices for the network is generated, valid slave devices are determined from the list of available slave devices based on an identification protocol of the standard communications link, and the at least one slave device is selected from the valid slave devices. A network identification is established between the master controller and the at least one slave device, and the network identification is used to establish a network comprising only the master controller and the at least one slave device. |
| US08452480B2 |
Method for authorizing external devices
A method of authorizing external devices that can be optionally connected with a data bus of a motor vehicle is provided. At least a first code can be entered by an operator in an external device that can be connected with the data bus, and is sent by the external device by way of the data bus to an authorization device of the motor vehicle. The first code is compared with a second code by the authorization device and, if the first code corresponds to the second code, the device connected with the data bus is authorized for coupling to the data bus. The second code is defined on the motor vehicle side independently of the external device. The second code, or a replacement code suitable for its determination, is emitted by an output unit in the motor vehicle interior. |
| US08452476B2 |
Dialogue system
In a dialogue system for a motor vehicle, the dialogue system including a plurality of control keys, assigning a function from a predefined set of functions to at least one of the control keys in such a manner that the function is executed upon actuation of the control key. At least one of the functions which can be assigned to the control key is configured as the master function. During the execution of the master function the current value of at least one parameter of a subordinate function that correlates with at least one state of the motor vehicle is determined, and the subordinate function is executed as a function of this value. |
| US08452473B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing torque in a hybrid powertrain system
A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine and an electric machine coupled via a torque transfer device to a transmission. A method for operating the powertrain system to transfer torque to a driveline includes establishing an operating torque security limit that is a default torque security limit. The operating torque security limit is set to an override limit when engine speed is less than a threshold speed. A torque security fault is detected only when a combined torque output from the internal combustion engine and the electric machine to the torque transfer device deviates from an operator torque request by an amount greater than the operating torque security limit. |
| US08452470B2 |
System and method for starting control of hybrid vehicle
The present invention relates to a system and a method for starting control of a hybrid vehicle which secures robust drivability when the hybrid vehicle starts. A method for starting control of a hybrid vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention may include: deciding a target torque according to starting demand; analyzing an engaging state of a clutch; calculating a clutch slip torque in a case that the clutch slips; requesting correction of an engine output torque according to the clutch slip torque; and correcting the engine output torque through control of air amount and feedback control of ignition timing according to the correction request of the engine output torque. |
| US08452468B2 |
Vessel steering system
A steering system includes: a steering wheel; a steering wheel sensor configured to detect an operation angle of the steering wheel; an actuator configured to turn an outboard engine; a plurality of turn angle sensors including a first turn angle sensor configured to detect a turn angle; and a control unit configured to calculate a controlling turn angle, and to drive the actuator to turn the outboard engine in accordance with a difference between the controlling turn angle and the turn angle. If an anomaly of the first turn angle sensor is detected, the control unit continues to drive the actuator based on information from a second turn angle sensor in a normal state, and drives the actuator so as to limit the turn angle of the outboard engine as compared with a case in which the first turn angle sensor is in a normal state. |
| US08452467B2 |
System and method for verifying track database information
The system comprises a track profile database stored in a memory that has data relative to the identity of one or more wayside devices for a track and data relative to a location associated with each of the one or more wayside devices on the track. A camera generates visible spectral data of the wayside equipment as the vehicle travels on the track. A data storage device is provided for storing the spectral data received from the camera and data relative to a location of the powered vehicle when the camera generates the spectral data of the wayside equipment wherein the location of the powered vehicle represents the location of the wayside equipment. A controller is configured to compare the location data of the wayside equipment in the database to the location data associated with the spectral data of the wayside equipment stored in the data storage device. |
| US08452465B1 |
Systems and methods for ECU task reconfiguration
Systems and methods for reconfiguring ECU tasks for ensuring that a vehicle is operational upon failure of a task or an ECU. A first on-board reconfiguration strategy is generated and executed by an on-board unit of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a safe state and a second off-line reconfiguration strategy is generated by a remote center unit and then executed by the on-board unit. |
| US08452464B2 |
Steer correction for a remotely operated materials handling vehicle
A materials handling vehicle automatically applies a steer correction maneuver if an object is detected in a steer bumper zone in front of the vehicle. A controller detects whether an object is in front of the materials handling vehicle and automatically determines whether a steer correction maneuver should be to the right or left of the traveling direction of the materials handling vehicle. The materials handling vehicle automatically steer corrects the vehicle, e.g., at a determined steer angle that is opposite the direction to the detected position of the object, and accumulates the distance traveled by vehicle while steer correction is being performed. The vehicle then automatically counter steers the vehicle, e.g., by a determined steer amount, in the opposite direction as the steer correction for a percentage of accumulated steer distance traveled. After performing the counter steer maneuver, the vehicle may, for example, resume a substantially straight heading. |
| US08452458B2 |
Method and system for real time interactive dynamic alignment of prosthetics
An objective method and system for dynamic analysis of prosthesis-bound subjects for determining optimal prosthesis alignment adjustments consists of a motion detection system, motion database, blending engine and algorithms, and a graphical user interface with suitable program controls whereby manual, semi-automatic, or fully automated analysis of a prosthesis-equipped subject's motion performance can be done in real time to determine objectively the optimal adjustments for the subject's prosthesis in a precise clinical protocol context. |
| US08452457B2 |
Intelligent controller providing time to target state
The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently calculate and display the time remaining until a control task is projected to be completed by the intelligent controller. In general, the intelligent controller employs multiple different models for the time behavior of one or more parameters or characteristics within a region or volume affected by one or more devices, systems, or other entities controlled by the intelligent controller. The intelligent controller collects data, over time, from which the models are constructed and uses the models to predict the time remaining until one or more characteristics or parameters of the region or volume reaches one or more specified values as a result of intelligent controller control of one or more devices, systems, or other entities. |
| US08452456B2 |
System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
The disclosure provides systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments, the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab, wherein invoking the indoor humidity tab advances to a humidity screen which displays at least a current indoor humidity, wherein the humidity screen interprets a percentage of humidity for a user. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided. |
| US08452453B2 |
Robot and control device for same
A robot is provided with: a base section; three motors set on the base section; a support so set that an axial centerline is perpendicular to a surface of the base section; pulleys; three wires into which nonlinear springs are incorporated; an output shaft connected to a load; a differential mechanism having a pinion gear connected to the output shaft and also having an affixation member disposed at the upper end of the support; a universal joint disposed at the ring of the differential mechanism; and a wire guide disposed at the affixation member of the differential mechanism. Two side gears of the differential mechanism and two motors are connected in one-to-one correspondence by means of two wires through the pulleys, and the remaining motor and the universal joint are connected by means of the remaining wire which is passed through the wire guide. |
| US08452452B2 |
Grip position calculator and method of calculating grip position
The grip position calculator determines a grip position where the fingers can grip a workpiece in any orientation of the workpiece. The calculator then determines an initial position where the finger tips can grip the workpiece and set the initial position as a point of calculation. Then an allowable gripping force is calculated which is an index that indicates an allowable force to be applied to the workpiece at point. Then other allowable forces are calculated for a plurality of points near the point of calculation. Then the point of calculation is selected as a possible gripping position if the allowable force a point is greater than any of the allowable forces. Otherwise, one of the points is selected for another point of calculation where the greatest allowable force (De) has been calculated and return to calculating an allowable gripping force. |
| US08452450B2 |
Application of localization, positioning and navigation systems for robotic enabled mobile products
A robotic cleaner includes a cleaning assembly for cleaning a surface and a main robot body. The main robot body houses a drive system to cause movement of the robotic cleaner and a microcontroller to control the movement of the robotic cleaner. The cleaning assembly is located in front of the drive system and a width of the cleaning assembly is greater than a width of the main robot body. A robotic cleaning system includes a main robot body and a plurality of cleaning assemblies for cleaning a surface. The main robot body houses a drive system to cause movement of the robotic cleaner and a microcontroller to control the movement of the robotic cleaner. The cleaning assembly is located in front of the drive system and each of the cleaning assemblies is detachable from the main robot body and each of the cleaning assemblies has a unique cleaning function. |
| US08452448B2 |
Robotics systems
A method of controlling a robot includes running multiple applications on a processor, where each application has a robot controller and an action selection engine. Each application is in communication with at least one behavior and at least one action model of at least part of the robot. The method includes running periodic action selection cycles on each action selection engine. Each action selection cycle includes selecting a command for each action space of each action model, generating a single overall command based on the accumulated commands for each action model, and sending the overall command to the robot controller for execution on the robot. |
| US08452447B2 |
Tool grip calibration for robotic surgery
Telerobotic, telesurgical, and surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods selectively calibrate end effector jaws by bringing the jaw elements into engagement with each other. Commanded torque signals may bring the end effector elements into engagement while monitoring the resulting position of a drive system, optionally using a second derivative of the torque/position relationship so as to identify an end effector engagement position. Calibration can allow the end effector engagement position to correspond to a nominal closed position of an input handle by compensating for wear on the end effector, the end effector drive system, then manipulator, the manipulator drive system, the manipulator/end effector interfacing, and manufacturing tolerances. |
| US08452445B2 |
Method and computer program product for distinguishing and sorting seeds containing a genetic element of interest
A method for distinguishing and sorting seeds containing a genetic element of interest from a bulk sample. In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an photonic emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker. In various other embodiments, the method may comprise associating a red fluorescent protein marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker using an evaluating device, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker. In some embodiments, the red fluorescent protein marker is discernable when excited by a certain energy and the evaluating step comprises exciting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest with the certain energy and detecting an emission resulting at least in part from the exciting step. |
| US08452444B1 |
System and method for enterprise content management
A method for enterprise content management to ensure enterprise records retention compliance based on an automated document storage system and an automated document destruction mechanism. |
| US08452443B2 |
Method for controlling a plurality of axes in an industrial robot system and an industrial robot system
An industrial robot system including a workcell including a load area and a process area. A detector detects when a human enters the load area. A manipulator is located in the workcell. At least one positioner is adapted to hold a workpiece and to change the orientation of the workpiece about at least one axis while the manipulator processes the workpiece. A station exchanger is movable about an axis and adapted to move, upon command, the manipulator or the positioner between the load and process area. Each of the axes is provided with a motor and a drive unit. An axis controller is adapted to switch between executing a first task in which the axes of the positioner and the station exchanger are commanded to a standstill, and a second task in which the axes of the positioner and the station exchanger are allowed to move. A safety controller is adapted to supervise, upon detecting that a human is entering the load area, whether any of the station exchanger or the positioner is moving, and to generate a signal which disables the drive unit of the moving axis if it is detected that any of the supervised axes is moving. |
| US08452437B2 |
Product release control into time-sensitive processing environments
A method identifies time sensitive processing sequences within a production environment using a computerized device. The processing sequences perform operations utilizing one or more tools. The method also identifies non-committed work in process items that are grouped in non-committed lots for release into one or more of the time sensitive processing sequences, and identifies committed work in process items that are being processed in committed lots within the time sensitive processing sequences, using the computerized device. The method sorts the non-committed lots by a predetermined priority, again using the computerized device. Starting with the highest priority non-committed lot (and continuing with others of the non-committed lots in priority order) the method determines whether there is available tool capacity to process a non-committed lot through each corresponding time sensitive processing sequence using the computerized device. If the tool capacity is available for the non-committed lot, the method releases the non-committed lot to begin the corresponding time sensitive processing sequences, using the computerized device. |
| US08452435B1 |
Computer system and method for providing exploded views of an assembly
In response to user selection of automatic generation of an exploded view of a data element at a level in a hierarchical representation of an assembly, an exploded view of at least part of the assembly at the selected level can be generated automatically and the exploded view presented to the user. |
| US08452431B2 |
Effective deployment of temporal noise shaping (TNS) filters
The MPEG2 Advanced Audio Coder (AAC) standard limits the number of filters used to either one filter for a “short” block or three filters for a “long” block. In cases where the need for additional filters is present but the limit of permissible filters has been reached, the remaining frequency spectra are simply not covered by TNS. Two solutions are proposed to deploy TNS filters in order to get the entire spectrum of the signal into TNS. The first method involves a filter bridging technique and complies with the current AAC standard. The second method involves a filter clustering technique. Although the second method is both more efficient and accurate in capturing the temporal structure of the time signal, it is not AAC standard compliant. Thus, a new syntax for packing filter information derived using the second method for transmission to a receiver is also outlined. |
| US08452429B2 |
Audio processor with internal oscillator-generated audio intermediate frequency reference
An integrated circuit audio processor having an internal-oscillator generated intermediate frequency reference provides for operation of an audio processor without requiring an external master clock. Input audio streams are sample-rate converted to an intermediate sample rate derived from the internal oscillator, which may be an LC oscillator. One or more output audio streams are generated from the one or more input audio streams at the intermediate sample rate and are converted from the intermediate sample rate to corresponding output sample rates. A divider generates the intermediate sample rate from the oscillator output, and is programmed to control the intermediate sample rate to ensure that the intermediate sample rate is in the proper range for operation of the integrated circuit. The divider can be programmed to accommodate changes in process, voltage and/or temperature of the IC, so that the intermediate sample rate is maintained near an expected frequency. |
| US08452428B2 |
Method and system for detecting and identifying electronic accessories or peripherals
Aspects of a method and system for detecting and identifying electronic accessories or peripherals utilizing a hardware audio CODEC are provided. In this regard, a hardware audio CODEC may be operable to compare one or more voltages on one or more biased pins of an accessory or peripheral port to one or more reference voltages and generate one or more digital representations of the one or more voltages on the biased one or more pins. An accessory or peripheral attached to the accessory or peripheral port may be identified based on the comparison and/or the generated one or more digital representations. The one or more bias voltages may be controlled based on a result of the comparison and/or the generated digital representations. The one or more bias voltages may be reduced after an attached accessory or peripheral has been identified. |
| US08452426B2 |
Lighting control console for controlling a lighting system
A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system, wherein digital adjustment commands are generated in the lighting control console and can be transmitted to the lighting devices of the lighting system via data connections includes at least one digital processor and at least one digital memory for generating, managing and storing the adjustment commands, and at least one display unit. Graphical elements can be displayed graphically for the operator at the display unit on a display surface. The display unit is made of an at least partially transparent material in the region of the display surface, wherein the display unit can be switched between a transparency mode and a display mode, and wherein the display unit (06) is partially transparent upon activation of the transparency mode in the region of the display surface and enables the operator to look through the display surface. The display unit enables the graphical representation of graphical elements on the display surface for the operator upon activation of the display mode in the region of the display surface. |
| US08452420B2 |
Implantable catheter lead or electrode lead
An implantable catheter lead or electrode lead includes an elongated flexible lead body with the fixation means attached to the lead body, for the purpose of effecting fixation of the catheter lead or electrode lead in a predetermined position within a vessel or a bodily cavity of a patient. A releasable attachment is provided between the lead body and the fixation means such that an explantation of the catheter lead or electrode lead is possible after the attachment is released while the fixation means remains in place within the body of the patient. |
| US08452418B2 |
Neural probe array and method of use
A neural probe device includes a housing configured to receive a nerve fiber of a subject and an anchor disposed within the housing and configured to fix the nerve fiber relative to the housing. The device further includes a plurality of actuatable, moveable electrodes disposed in the housing along a length of the nerve fiber, each moveable electrode comprising a plurality of projections containing one or more electrodes thereon, wherein actuation of the moveable electrode causes the moveable electrode to move generally transverse to a long axis of the nerve fiber and penetrate the nerve fiber with the plurality of projections. The device is also optionally configured to inject a growth factor into the nerve fiber to maintain the viability of the nerve fiber. |
| US08452416B2 |
Medical lead assembly and method for implantation thereof
An assembly includes a medical implantable lead adapted to be attached with a distal end of the lead to an organ inside a human or animal body, the medical implantable lead being formed with an inner lumen extending along essentially the entire length of the lead. The assembly also includes a support core that has a desirable stiffness and a suitably cross sectional dimension such that it is insertable into the lumen (7) in order to increase the stiffness of the lead along its length during its working life when being implanted into a body. A method for implanting a medical implantable lead into a human or animal body makes use of such an assembly. |
| US08452414B2 |
Steering stimulation current by employing steering current
Stimulation current is steered further outward and/or inward from a plane of the stimulating electrodes by using one or more steering currents. The steering current may be used to occupy space in the tissue where stimulation is not desired and to force the stimulation current to pass through target tissue. The steering current may be present in various locations such as in tissue that is immediately adjacent the plane of the electrodes to force the stimulation current away from the immediately adjacent area and deeper into surrounding target tissue. The steering current may be present in tissue that is beyond the target tissue to confine the outward reach of the stimulation current to that target tissue. The stimulation current may be produced by one power source while the steering current may be produced by one or more other power sources, each of the power sources being unreferenced to each other. |
| US08452412B2 |
Measurement of transmitter/receiver separation
A method and apparatus for determining a position of an external transceiver (24) relative to an implanted transceiver (23) comprising means (30) for measuring the strength of a magnetic field proximal to the external transceiver (24) and means for determining a position of the external transceiver (24) relative to the implanted transceiver (23) from said measured magnetic field strength. Furthermore there is disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining a skin flap thickness of a recipient of a prosthesis including a transcutaneous link between the external transceiver (24) and the implanted transceiver (23). A skin-flap thickness meter is also provided. |
| US08452408B1 |
Promotion of brain self-repair mechanisms by stereotaxic micro-stimulation
A method of treating neurological deficit in which the brain area affected is focally and precisely stimulated by the transient insertion and subsequent removal of a micro-needle. This insertion and subsequent removal of the micro-needle induces endogenous stem cells to proliferate, migrate and promote the brain's self-repair mechanisms. The micro-needle stimulation causes the birth of new neural cells within the brain as well as mobilizes bone marrow derived cells with a neuronal phenotype to migrate to the site of stimulation to repair and replace damaged neural cells. By repairing and/or replacing injured or dead cells, this approach will slow down the degenerative course of the disease and may result in reversal of symptoms. |
| US08452407B2 |
Methods for treating gastrointestinal disorders
A small implantable stimulator(s) having at least two electrodes is implanted adjacent to a gastrointestinal nerve and/or muscle for the stimulation treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, including gastrointestinal motility, sphincteric disorders, and/or eating disorders. The stimulator provides a means of stimulating tissue at a stimulation site when desired, and may be implanted via a minimal surgical procedure. |
| US08452406B2 |
Automatic selection of lead configuration for a neural stimulation lead
A neurostimulation system includes a neural stimulation lead having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a plurality of electrodes along the distal portion. The plurality of electrodes are configured for positioning proximate a portion of the autonomic nervous system. A neural stimulation circuit, coupled to the plurality of electrodes, delivers neural stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrodes. A processor and controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver first neural stimulation pulses to each of a plurality of electrode configurations. Each electrode configuration includes one or more of the plurality of electrodes. The processor and controller is further configured to receive information related to motor fiber activity that is induced in response to delivery of the first neural stimulation pulses to each of the plurality of electrode configurations and to identify the electrode configurations that induce the motor fiber activity. |
| US08452399B2 |
Constant current pacing apparatus with protection from high voltage pulses
A constant current pacing apparatus and method for pacing uses, for example, H-bridge circuitry and a constant current source connected to the H-bridge circuitry. Further, for example, protection is provided from high voltage pulses applied to the patient via one or more other medical devices. |
| US08452397B2 |
Implantable pacemaker
A pacemaker comprises an implantable pacemaker housing and a pacemaker electrode which is provided for the transmission of stimulation pulses. A switching element, in particular a reversibly actuatable switching element, is provided for interrupting, reducing or limiting a current flowing through the pacemaker electrode, said current being inducible by an external magnetic field. Parts of the pacemaker are coated with a material, in particular a nanostructured material, which counteracts magnetic effects. |
| US08452395B2 |
Battery longevity estimator that accounts for episodes of high current drain
System and method for estimating a remaining capacity of a battery of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device has a battery producing a current and having a remaining battery capacity, the implantable medical device being configured to utilize a relatively low amount of the current and, in specific instances, a relatively large pulse of the current. The processor is coupled to the battery and configured to calculate an estimate of the remaining battery capacity based, at least in part, on a measured battery parameter and occurrences of the specific instances of delivery of the relatively large pulse of the current. |
| US08452394B2 |
Implantable medical device crosstalk evaluation and mitigation
Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. |
| US08452390B2 |
Apparatus and method for bioelectrical impedance measurements
The present invention provides bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus for determining composition data of the human body, the apparatus including at least eight electrodes, a pair of electrodes being assigned to each of four limbs, measuring circuitry having current sources and current and voltage measuring circuitry which may selectively be coupled to the electrodes, and a control and analysis unit which is arranged to apply, according to a plurality of predetermined measuring programs, current to two electrodes and to determine the resulting voltages with two other electrodes on different limbs and to determine the impedance of body segments based thereon. The control and analysis unit is further arranged to determine, in an advance measurement by applying current via two electrodes and measuring the resulting current through the applying electrodes and/or voltages on the other electrodes, which electrodes have contact, and to select, on the basis of the determined configuration of electrodes with contact, such matching measuring programs, in which matching measuring programs only electrodes are used for current application and voltage measurement which are contained in the determined configuration of electrodes having contact. |
| US08452388B2 |
Apparatus and method for assessing vascular health
Apparatus and methods for utilizing conductivity measurements to assess vascular health or to diagnose vascular conditions are disclosed. An exemplary method includes performing a first conductivity measurement of an extremity at a first elevation; elevating the extremity to a second elevation; performing a second conductivity measurement at the second elevation; and comparing the first conductivity measurement and the second conductivity measurement to determine a conductivity displacement Δσ. Another exemplary method includes maintaining a conductivity sensor adjacent to an individual for a period of time; performing a series of conductivity measurements; using the series of conductivity measurements to determine the transient behavior of the conductivity over the period of time; and using the transient behavior of the conductivity to assess the vascular health of the individual. A conductivity sensor and platform unit for performing conductivity measurements are also disclosed. |
| US08452384B2 |
Systems and methods for sidesstream dark field imaging
The present application discloses systems and methods for the comprehensive monitoring of the microcirculation in order to assess the ultimate efficacy of the cardiovascular system in delivering adequate amounts of oxygen to the organ cells. In some cases, system embodiments may utilize reflectance avoidance by reflectance filtering, such as OPS imaging or Mainstream Dark Field imaging, or by Sidestream Dark Field imaging, which utilizes external direct light on the tip of the light guide to achieve reflectance avoidance whereby incident and reflected light do not travel down the same pathway. |
| US08452381B2 |
Gantry system
A apparatus particularly well suited for use in medical imaging includes radiation sensitive detectors (40, 50) which detect gamma radiation indicative of radionuclide decays in an examination region (30). The detectors (40, 50) are supported by generally c-shaped support (70) for rotation about a detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) is farther attached to a pivot joint (77) which allows adjustment of the detector rotation axis (35). The support (70) may also be translated in two degrees of freedom to so that the detectors (40, 50) orbit the examination region (20) in a non-circular orbit. |
| US08452378B2 |
Method for determining attenuation values for PET data of a patient
A method is disclosed for determining attenuation values for PET data of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes detecting at least one accessory of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner and detecting the position and/or alignment of the accessory by way of an imaging measuring method; comparing the detected accessory with data from a database; and assigning an attenuation map, which is contained in the database, to attenuation values of the detected accessory and adapting the attenuation map to the detected position and/or alignment of the accessory. |
| US08452376B2 |
Electromagnetic localization system
A localization system to localize an interventional instrument in the body of a patient. The localization system includes an electromagnetic wave source which splits an electromagnetic signal into components propagating along a probe path and a reference path, respectively. The probe path includes a signal outlet for emitting the signal at the point to be located and at least one detector for picking up the emitted signal. A correlator is used to determine the correlation between the signal components that propagated along the probe path and the reference path respectively. Knowing the length of the reference path, the unknown distance between the signal outlet and the detector in the probe path can be estimated based on the correlation information. |
| US08452374B2 |
Apparatus and method for substantially immobilizing a breast for medical imaging procedure
Apparatus and methods are described for substantially immobilizing a breast for use in medical imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for substantially immobilizing a breast is provided, including a first support member connected to a first and second base, the bases capable of engagement with the torso of a patient, the first support member defining an inner area substantially covered by a first membrane. A corresponding second support member, defining a second inner area substantially covered by a second membrane, is engageable to the first support member such that the inner areas are substantially aligned to substantially immobilize a breast, the membranes defining a pocket to receive a breast. |
| US08452372B2 |
System for laser coagulation of the retina from a remote location
An integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow an ophthalmologist to perform laser retinal surgical procedures with an integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus disposed at a first (i.e. local) location from a control system disposed at a second (i.e. remote) location, e.g., a physician's office. In some embodiments, communication between the integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus and control system is achieved via the Internet®. |
| US08452371B2 |
Artery imaging system
Techniques for imaging a blood vessel are described. A transducer attached to a catheter is guided to a first site within a blood vessel. The catheter is moved to a second site proximal to the first site at a speed selected to enable the transducer to generate a signal indicative of a geometry wall, the lumen, and a portion of the side branch. A first image of the blood vessel obtained from the signal is oriented with a second image of the blood vessel such that a first portion of the first image aligns with a second portion of the second image. |
| US08452359B2 |
Method for building an algorithm for converting spectral information
A system for determining the concentration of an analyte in at least one body fluid in body tissue comprises an infrared light source, a body tissue interface, a detector, and a central processing unit. The body tissue interface is adapted to contact body tissue and to deliver light from the infrared light source to the contacted body tissue. The detector is adapted to receive spectral information corresponding to infrared light transmitted through the portion of body tissue being analyzed and to convert the received spectral information into an electrical signal indicative of the received spectral information. The central processing unit is adapted to compare the electrical signal to an algorithm built upon correlation with the analyte in body fluid, the algorithm adapted to convert the received spectral information into the concentration of the analyte in at least one body fluid. |
| US08452357B2 |
Non-invasive methods of using spectral information in determining analyte concentrations
A non-invasive method of determining the concentration of an analyte uses Raman or fluorescence spectral information. A high-intensity band of light is applied to one side of skin tissue. The high-intensity light enters the skin tissue and generates a Raman or fluorescence signal. A Raman-generating material or fluorescence-generating material is placed in a location nearest the other side of skin tissue. The Raman-generating or fluorescence-generating material is located generally opposite of the entry of the applied high-intensity light. The Raman or fluorescence signal is collected and the analyte concentration is determined using the collected Raman signal. |
| US08452353B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing intelligent battery management
Various embodiments for providing enhanced battery conservation in mobile devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may include a processor and a battery to supply power to the processor. The device may store user pattern data and/or user preference data. The device may further include a power management module coupled to the processor. The power management module may monitor a location of the device, wireless signal strength, and date/time. The power management module may also monitor and analyze user operation of the device to identify scenarios in which wireless communications can be suspended. The power management module may suspend wireless communication according to these monitored conditions, and analyzed user operations, to reduce battery consumption. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08452350B2 |
Portable communication terminal and a control method for the portable communication terminal
A portable communication terminal comprising of the present invention includes a first wireless communication unit 102 corresponding to a first wireless communication system, an interface 107 to which an external apparatus 200 can be removably connected, a determination unit 111 for determining whether the external apparatus 200 connected to the interface 107 includes a second wireless communication unit 202 corresponding to a second wireless communication system, a battery voltage detection unit 104 for detecting a battery voltage of a power supply unit 103 including a battery, and a control unit 111 for controlling the external apparatus 200 based on whether a communication by the first wireless communication unit 102 is present, a determination result of the determination unit 111, and the battery voltage detected in the battery voltage detection unit 104. Thereby, an influence on the main communication system due to the addition of the sub-communication system is reduced, so that a multi mode communication depending on the battery voltage can be efficiently carried out without any unpredictable situation for a user to occur. |
| US08452348B2 |
Hands-free apparatus
A hands-free apparatus in a vehicle has two cellular phones connected through simultaneous HFP connections, with one of the two cellular phones having a private call and the other of the two cellular phones receiving a voice call. The hands-free apparatus displays on a touch screen a call transfer switch for switching the private call to the hands-free call regarding the call of the first cellular phone and a response switch for responding to the voice call to the second cellular phone. In this manner, both of the private call and the voice call are appropriately handled by a user without any restriction even when the voice call is received by the second cellular phone during the hands-free call of the first cellular phone. |
| US08452339B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a touch screen displaying at least one item and a scroll bar that receives a first touch signal for renewing at least one of the at least one item and displaying the item, and a controller changing the appearance of the scroll bar when receiving a second touch signal for selecting at least one of the item and moving the selected item to the scroll bar. When a touch signal for moving an item to the scroll bar is input, the display state of the scroll bar is changed, and thus it is possible to easily indicate whether an item is selected without setting an additional region. |
| US08452337B2 |
Navigation method and apparatus for mobile terminal
A method of controlling a navigation apparatus and which includes determining whether a phone call mode has been selected on the navigation terminal, displaying phone call information corresponding to the phone call mode when the determining step determines the phone call mode has been entered, and displaying traveling route guidance information on the phone call information during the phone call mode. |
| US08452336B2 |
Mobile terminal and call content management method thereof
A method for operating a mobile terminal, and which includes performing voice recognition on call content to produce recognized call content, converting the recognized call content into one or more units of character information, registering the one or more units of character information to one or more particular functions of the mobile terminal based on a type of the character information or a field of the character information, inputting a search parameter, searching one of a plurality of file types and identifying a file related to both the search parameter and the one or more registered units of character information, and displaying or automatically executing the identified file. |
| US08452332B2 |
Switching between different transmit/receive pulse shaping filters for limiting adjacent channel interference
A femtocell base station includes a transmitter that transmits downlink signals to a mobile station, a receiver that receives uplink signals from the mobile station, a standard transmit pulse-shaping filter, and a narrower transmit pulse-shaping filter that limits the bandwidth of the downlink signals to a greater extent than the standard transmit pulse-shaping filter. The femtocell base station also includes a standard receive pulse-shaping filter and a narrower receive pulse-shaping filter. The femtocell base station is configured to switch between the standard transmit pulse-shaping filter and the narrower transmit pulse-shaping filter, and to switch between the standard receive pulse-shaping filter and the narrower receive pulse-shaping filter. A mobile station may switch from a standard transmit pulse-shaping filter to a narrower transmit pulse-shaping filter to limit uplink interference. A mobile station may switch from a narrower transmit pulse-shaping filter to a standard transmit pulse-shaping filter to achieve a higher data rate. |
| US08452331B2 |
Method and system for implementing mobile switch center dual homing
A method for implementing Mobile Switch Center (MSC) dual homing includes: dividing a first physical MSC Server into a plurality of virtual MSC Servers; establishing a dual homing relation between a first virtual MSC Server of the plurality of virtual MSC Servers and a second physical MSC Server; switching by the first virtual MSC Server from idle state to activate state if determining by the first virtual MSC Server that state switching is needed The scheme may implement the Mobile Switch Center (MSC) dual homing, and improve the reliability of mobile communication network; the implementation is simple and flexible. |
| US08452330B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for providing terminal related information in power-off state
A mobile terminal and method for providing terminal related information in a power-off state of the terminal are discussed. According to an embodiment, the mobile terminal includes at least one storage unit; and a contactless controller configured to receive a request for information related to the mobile terminal from a requesting device in the power-off state, to obtain the requested information from the storage unit in the power-off state, and to transmit the obtained information to the requesting device in the power-off state. |
| US08452329B2 |
Multilayer correlation profiling engines
A profiling engine is disclosed. The profiling engine collects information from a variety of sources in real time and stores the information in a profile. The profile may have a number of layers, each layer having a number of categories. The profile is made available for use by applications and services. |
| US08452321B2 |
Method and arrangement for controlling uplink transmit power
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for controlling uplink transmit power to be used by the UE. The UE comprises multiple radio interfaces wherein at least one of the multiple interfaces is a cellular radio interface. The UE stores information comprising a total transmit power budget set aside for use over the multiple radio interfaces of the UE and receives transmit power control commands from a network node on the cellular radio interface indicating whether the UE should increase or decrease or maintain the uplink transmit power on the cellular radio interface. Transmit power levels to be used for uplink transmissions over the multiple radio interfaces based on the received transmit power control commands are calculated, wherein the said total transmit power budget for the multiple radio interfaces is taken into account. |
| US08452320B2 |
Method and a device for controlling signals transferred by a wireless telecommunication device
The present invention concerns a method for controlling signals transferred by a wireless telecommunication device. A first and at least one second physical cell identifiers are allocated to the wireless telecommunication device, the first physical cell identifier being intended to identify the cell of the wireless telecommunication device and to characterize a code for scrambling data, the at least one second physical cell identifier being not intended to characterize a code. The method comprises the steps of: determining a power pattern for transferring the first physical cell identifier, determining another power pattern for transferring the at least one second physical cell identifier which is strictly lower than the first power pattern, transferring the physical cell identifiers and the power patterns to the wireless telecommunication device and/or transferring in parallel signals representative of the physical cell identifiers according to the power patterns to mobile terminals. |
| US08452317B2 |
Methods and apparatus related to power control and/or interference management in a mixed wireless communications system supporting WAN signaling and peer to peer signaling
Methods and apparatus related to the sharing of wide area network (WAN) uplink bandwidth with peer to peer communication signaling usage are described. The base station regulates the level of interference from the peer to peer signaling by generating and transmitting peer to peer transmission power control signals intended for peer to peer wireless terminals in the local vicinity. A base station transmits into a downlink frequency band a signal, e.g., a beacon or broadcast channel signal, to be used by a peer to peer wireless terminal in controlling its peer to peer transmit power level into the corresponding uplink frequency band. The peer to peer wireless terminal receives and evaluates the base station signal. The determined information from the evaluation is used in determining whether or not peer to peer signal transmission is permitted and/or in determining a peer to peer transmission power level. |
| US08452316B2 |
Power control for a wireless communication system utilizing orthogonal multiplexing
Techniques for adjusting transmit power to mitigate both intra-sector interference to a serving base station and inter-sector interference to neighbor base stations are described. The amount of inter-sector interference that a terminal may cause may be roughly estimated based on the total interference observed by each neighbor base station, channel gains for the serving and neighbor base stations, and the current transmit power level. The transmit power may be decreased if high interference is observed by a neighbor base station and increased otherwise. The transmit power may be adjusted by a larger amount and/or more frequently if the terminal is located closer to the neighbor base station observing high interference and/or if the current transmit power level is higher, and vice versa. The intra-sector interference is maintained within an acceptable level by limiting a received SNR for the terminal to be within a range of allowable SNRs. |
| US08452314B2 |
Terminal client and a client device for managing messages in a network infrastructure of a telecommunications system
The present invention relates to a terminal client (101), a client device (100, 200, 300, 400) and a network infrastructure for enabling management of messages in a telecommunications network. According to the invention, the terminal client (101) comprises a distributed inbox client component (103) that is configured to synchronize all incoming and outgoing messages with at least one other client device (200, 300) that is associated with a user of a first client device (100). The terminal client (101) further comprises a connector component (104) configured at least as an interface between the distributed client component (103) and a network infrastructure (20) suitable for forwarding and receiving messages. With the terminal client (101) incorporating in client devices associated with a user, the user is able to experience synchronized chat in real-time and can further utilize a device independent synchronous messaging service anywhere and anytime. |
| US08452313B2 |
Accessing textsites using text messaging service
A method for providing access to content using a global textsite platform (GTP) including receiving a user message identifying a registered unique keyword maintained by the GTP, wherein the registered unique keyword is registered with the GTP by a publisher for accessing a textsite comprising a plurality of text pages published by the publisher and indexed based on a plurality of navigating keywords defined by the publisher, retrieving authored content associated with the textsite based on the registered unique keyword, accessing the textsite based on the authored content to retrieve a navigating keyword indexing a text page, and sending a GTP message comprising the navigating keyword for the user to access the text page, wherein the user message and the GTP message comprise a text message transmitted using a text messaging service (TMS). |
| US08452309B2 |
Method and system for sending ring setting reminders to mobile devices within a predetermined area
A method and a system for sending a ring setting reminder to one or more mobile devices within a predetermined area are provided. The ring setting reminder may be a reminder signal sent to cell phones and other mobile devices within a movie theater complex or other predetermined area to remind the users of the mobile devices to silence the ringers of the mobile devices before the start of the movie or other event. The identification of the mobile devices may occur at the predetermined area or through a wireless communication network. The wireless communication network may be configured to identify the predetermined area within the wireless communication network, identify one or more of the mobile devices located within the predetermined area, and send the reminder signal to correspond with the start of an event at the predetermined area. |
| US08452307B1 |
Communication device
The system comprising a communication device and an another device, (a) wherein when the communication device is identified to be located in a 1st geographic area, a pin-point location of the communication device is notified to the another device, (b) wherein when the communication device is identified to be located in a 2nd geographic area, a specific zone in which the communication device is located is notified to the another device, (c) wherein when the communication device is identified to be located in a 3rd geographic area, a false location is notified to the another device, (d) wherein when the communication device is identified to be located in a 4th geographic area, a current geographic location unknown notice is sent to the another device, and (e) wherein when the communication device is identified to be located in a 5th geographic area, a previous location which indicates the location of the communication device at a certain previous time is notified to the another device. |
| US08452306B2 |
GPS-based location system and method
A system for locating an object, comprising one or more of a first GPS receiver and a first long and short range transceiver onboard a subject object at a first location; one or more of a second GPS receiver and a second long and short range transceiver onboard a secondary object at a second location; a control center for transmitting a location query message requesting first location information; the first long range transceiver transmitting the first location information to the control center, or the first short range transceiver transmitting the first location information and a subject object identification to the second short range transceiver, that transmits the first location information and the subject object identification to the control center, or the second long range transceiver transmitting the second location information to the control center when the subject object and the secondary object are within a predetermined distance. |
| US08452304B2 |
System and method for locating a mobile communication terminal in a geographical area
A method, and corresponding system, for locating mobile communication terminals associated with a mobile radio network covering a geographical area. Antenna probabilities for a plurality of sub-areas of the geographical area are determined and stored, and locations of mobile communication terminals are estimated based on antennas used by the mobile communication terminals and the antenna probabilities for the sub-areas. The antenna probabilities are determined based on expected field strength. In this regard, the antenna probabilities indicate for at least some of the antennas the probability that in a respective sub-area the field strength of the corresponding antenna is higher than the field strength of other antennas, and the antenna probabilities indicate the probability that the mobile communication terminal, located in the respective sub-area, uses the corresponding antenna for at least one of registering or communicating with the mobile radio network. |
| US08452298B2 |
Method and device for managing interface circuits between access network and core network
A method of a device for managing interface circuits between an access network and a core network that relate to a telecommunication technology field includes: sending, by a resource management entity, a circuit management message to a control function entity, converting in format and sending, by the control function entity, the circuit management message to a resource coordination entity, wherein the circuit management message is configured to instruct the resource coordination entity to implement a circuit management operation; or receiving, by the resource management entity, a circuit management message sent by the resource coordination entity, converted in format and forwarded by the control function entity, and implementing, by the resource management entity, the circuit management operation according to the resource management message. |
| US08452296B2 |
Method and apparatus to facilitate use of default transmitter-receiver configurations
A wireless communications system base station (101), upon receiving (202) from a mobile station (102) a wireless transmission that comprises a suggested transmitter-receiver configuration, can respond (in appropriate instances) by automatically transmitting (203) to the mobile station a wireless transmission comprising an indication to use instead a default transmitter-receiver configuration. By one approach, the latter action can be based, at least in part, upon a determination regarding reliability (301) of that suggested transmitter-receiver configuration (which might comprise, for example, a direct or indirect measure of quality of the channel by the default transmitter-receiver configuration was received) to provide a corresponding reliability assessment. The latter can then be used (302) to determine whether to use this suggested transmitter-receiver configuration for a subsequent communication with the mobile station. |
| US08452293B2 |
Methods for enhancing performance of open-access and closed-access femtocells
In a system including one or more femtocells within a service area of a macrocell, a method includes: (a) receiving from a base station information regarding available resources at each femtocell; (b) measuring a signal-interference-to-noise ratio (SINR) at a mobile station relative to the macrocell and each femtocell; and (c) selecting for the mobile station one of the femtocells for a hand-off, wherein the femtostation is selected based on the combined capacity of the macrocell and the femtocells after the hand-off. |
| US08452291B2 |
System and method for alternating between in-band and out-of-band communication path
Systems, methods and devices are disclosed useful for enabling wireless signals representing control messages to be sent between a wireless handheld telephony device and a call control server during an ongoing communication session when an out-of-band path becomes unavailable, the communication session being controlled by the call control server. |
| US08452284B2 |
Base station apparatus, mobile communication system and cell selection communication method
Provided are a base station apparatus and a cell selection communication method which suppresses wasteful consumption of wireless resources. The base station apparatus is provided with a basic antenna for forming a first cell, and a switching unit. The switching unit is connected to a boundary antenna, which has an area in the vicinity of a cell boundary between the first cell and a second cell adjacent to the first cell as a propagation area (an area smaller than the second cell) by directivity. The switching unit switches an antenna for transmitting wireless signals (data) to a terminal device in the propagation area of the boundary antenna, between the basic antenna and the boundary antenna. |
| US08452281B2 |
Adjustment of background scanning interval based on network usage
In a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), roaming from one access point to another by a mobile station without interruption to network service may be facilitated by frequently performing background scans to find neighboring access points while the mobile station is associated to the WLAN. Frequent background scanning, however, depletes battery life. By dynamically adjusting the background scanning interval during the mobile station's association to the WLAN, the mobile station's immediate need for network connectivity performance may be met, while simultaneously prolonging battery life. For example, by using a shorter background scanning interval during a telephone conversation, network connectivity performance may be maintained throughout the call. Longer background scanning intervals may be used during periods when interruptions to network connectivity may be better tolerated. |
| US08452279B2 |
Traffic redirection on data roaming traffic
The present invention is directed towards a method for directing roaming traffic associated with a subscriber of an HPMN. The method includes detecting a location update message from the subscriber at a non-preferred VPMN. The subscriber has an established data context with the non-preferred VPMN. The method further includes sending one or more location update messages to one or more elements associated with the non-preferred VPMN, thus causing the subscriber to associate with a preferred VPMN. |
| US08452277B2 |
Data delivered to targeted mobile device
A data management system for a mobile device includes a communications module storing content created by a user of the system for delivery to a customer. A database module is connected to the communications module, matching customer data with user data and an identified geographic location of the customer in three-dimensional space to calculate a target customer for content delivery. A streaming module is connected to the database module which serves the content to the target customer. A priority module is connected to the streaming module for prioritizing the delivery of content to the target customer. The priority module determines an appropriate schedule for the delivery of the content to the target customer. The streaming module sends a notification to the mobile device that the content is available. The priority module receives, and authenticates with the database module, a first authorization by the target customer to deliver the content. |
| US08452276B2 |
Differentiated services code point mirroring for wireless communications
The DSCP Mirroring System enables the automatic reuse of the Differentiated Services Code Point header by the user devices that are served by a network to enable delivery of wireless services to the individually identified user wireless devices and manage the various data traffic and classes of data to optimize or guarantee performance, low latency, and/or bandwidth without the overhead of the management of the Differentiated Services Code Point header. |
| US08452266B2 |
Delayed user notification of events in a mobile device
A sender-specified courtesy notification scheme to delay notification by a receiving device of the receipt of a data message is disclosed. A sender may specify a notification parameter defining a delay and send the parameter in association with the data message to a recipient. The recipient's receiving device evaluates the parameter and notifies in response. Local notification data defined by the recipient may also be evaluated. Received data messages subject to delayed notification may be hidden by the receiving device or quietly displayed (e.g. as per other received messages) until the expiry of the delay. Notification parameters and data can be formulated as one or more rules which may take into account the current location of the receiving device. A notification delay may be ignored in certain situations depending on recent use of the receiving device. |
| US08452264B1 |
Presenting messaging prior to answering a call
Systems, products, and methods are disclosed for enabling a user to receive a message at the time of an incoming call. One embodiment of the method includes receiving a set of dialed digits from a calling device, recognizing a code in the dialed digits, and sending display information (based on the code) to a target device, which presents the display information before the call is answered. |
| US08452263B2 |
End of call services
A method may include receiving user preference information associated with display of content items. A triggering activity may be identified at a user device. Context information associated with the user device may be determined. A content item may be selected for display on the user device from a plurality of available content items based on the user preference information and the context information. The selected content item may be displayed on the user device. |
| US08452261B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods to communicate authorized programming between a receiving device and a mobile device
A mobile device embodiment communicates program distribution account information to a program distributor. The mobile device embodiment receives from the program distributor, authorization to use programming that is conditioned on the communicated program distribution account information. The mobile device embodiment communicates the authorization to a receiving device. |
| US08452254B2 |
Selecting and routing sub-signals from a common signal path
According to certain embodiments, a system comprises a main transmission line, one or more piezoelectric filters coupled to the main transmission line, and one or more sub-signal transmission lines coupled to the one or more piezoelectric filters. The main transmission line communicates a main signal from an antenna to a main receiver. Each piezoelectric filter selects a sub-signal of a specific center frequency. Each sub-signal transmission line communicates a sub-signal to a sub-signal receiver. |
| US08452252B2 |
Low noise, low power subsampling receiver
Techniques for a receiver includes a low noise amplifier, a Q-enhanced bandpass filter on a chip, and an analog to digital converter (ADC) at a sub-sampling speed suitable for an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In some embodiments, a temperature compensation circuit is included. The receiver has an effective noise level less than 7 dB. In some embodiments a 1-bit ADC is used. In some of these embodiments, one or more switches in the ADC are inverted to cancel charge injection. |
| US08452244B2 |
Discontinuous reception/transmission for mobile communication system
The present invention provides for a method of controlling discontinuous reception cycles in a mobile radio communications device, and discontinuous transmission cycles in a mobile radio communication network device, and comprising the steps of monitoring the number of consecutive discontinuous reception and transmission periods within which no data is received, monitoring the number of consecutive discontinuous reception and transmission periods within which data is received, and varying the said discontinuous reception cycle responsive to the result of said monitoring. |
| US08452243B2 |
System and method for power detection in a power amplifier using an adjustable load
A power amplifier system includes a first power detector configured to detect a forward power output of a power amplifier, the first power detector configured to provide a first power detector output and an adjustable load coupled to the output of the power amplifier and configured to receive the first power detector output, the adjustable load configured to provide an adjustable impedance at the output of the power amplifier in response to one of the output of the power amplifier and the first power detector output. |
| US08452242B2 |
Functional identifiers on wireless devices for gaming/wagering/lottery applications and methods of using same
A user interface provided for helping a consumer interact with a company, its products or services, such as conducting a business-related action and/or transaction, by interacting with a functionally identified functional component(s) on a wireless device. The functional component is functionally identified via the company's mark, including logos, trademarks, brand, name, etc. In addition, the invention provides for a method for gaming, wagering, betting, gambling, and/or lottery play through a wireless device interface by strategic placement of functional identifiers in or on components of a wireless device and a method of using the interface. |
| US08452233B2 |
System for signal transmission by magnetic induction in a near-field propagation mode, with antenna tuning for link budget optimization
A signal transmission system (STS) comprises a transmitter (T) with a first LC circuit comprising a first coil (C1) intended to be fed with signals having a chosen carrier frequency, and a receiver (R) with a second LC circuit comprising a second coil (C2) and coupled to a circuit front-end (FE). The first coil (C1) is arranged to transfer energy to the second coil (C2) by magnetic induction in a near-field propagation mode. The first LC circuit (C1) has an increased quality factor and is tuned to a first frequency which is shifted in a first direction from the carrier frequency by a first value, and the second LC circuit (C2) has an increased quality factor and is tuned to a second frequency which is shifted in a second direction, opposite to the first one, from the carrier frequency by a second value. |
| US08452226B2 |
Method of controlling connection establishment in a wireless network
A method of controlling connection establishment to transmit or receive A/V data in a wireless network is provided. The method of controlling connection establishment to transmit or receive A/V data in a first device of a wireless network that includes a coordinator and at least one device comprises transmitting connection request information required to request connection establishment with a second device and a connection request message which includes capability information of the first device to the second device and receiving a connection response message from the second device in response to the connection request message. |
| US08452221B2 |
Fixation fluid, fixation method, image forming method, fixation device, and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a fixation fluid, including a softening agent(s), the softening agent(s) being a saturated aliphatic carboxylic acid ester(s) of a saturated aliphatic alcohol(s) and/or a carbonic acid ester(s) of a dihydric saturated aliphatic alcohol(s), a foaming agent(s), the foaming agent(s) being a non-ionic surfactant(s) and/or an amphoteric surfactant(s), water, a pH adjustor(s), the pH adjustor(s) being an acid(s) and/or a salt(s) of the acid(s), and a pH of the fixation fluid being 6 or more and 7 or less. |
| US08452218B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device includes a tubular fusing film, a heater, a nip member, a backup member, a first supporting member, and a second supporting member. The heater may be disposed inside the tubular shape of the fusing film. The nip member may be disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the inner surface of the fusing film and heated by the heater. The backup member may form a nip portion between the backup member and the fusing film with the fusing film between the backup member and the nip member. The first supporting member may be configured to support the nip member. The second supporting member may be configured to support the heater and movably support the first supporting member so that the nip member moves relative to the backup member and the heater. |
| US08452217B2 |
Toner supply and cleaning roller comprising electroconductive elastic layer supported by means of adhesive layer and image forming apparatus using the same
The invention provides a toner supply and cleaning roller that secures sufficient density especially at an initial stage of printing, and an image forming apparatus using the same.The toner supply and cleaning roller has a shaft (1) and an electroconductive elastic layer (3) made of a urethane foam and supported on the circumference of the shaft (1) by means of an adhesive layer (2) in between. The resistance of the roller at an applied voltage of 100 V is 105Ω or lower, preferably 104.5Ω or lower, and the resistance of the roller at an applied voltage of 5 V is 106 to 108Ω. The adhesive layer (2) contains a hot-melting polymeric adhesive and is formed preferably at a temperature not exceeding the melting point of the hot-melting polymeric adhesive. |
| US08452216B2 |
Image forming apparatus which mixes new unused toner with used old toner
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier on which a latent image is formed, a charging device that charges the image carrier, an exposing device that irradiates the image carrier, thereby forming a latent image on the image carrier, a developing device that develops the latent image into a visible image by using a monocomponent developer that is carried and transferred by a developer carrier and that is charged to a predetermined polarity, and a toner supply container that is installed in the developing device for toner supply. Used old toner is conveyed from the developing device to the toner supply container and mixed with unused new toner within the toner supply container and thus a mixed toner is produced, and the mixed toner is supplied to the developing device. |
| US08452212B2 |
Charging member, process unit cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A charging member includes a conductive metal shaft and a conductive elastic layer. The conductive elastic layer comprises a rubber material containing 50% to 100% by weight of epichlorohydrin rubber containing 56 mol % or more of an ethylene oxide and a calcium oxide having an average particle size D50 of 18 μm or smaller. |
| US08452199B2 |
Waste toner collector, image forming apparatus, and waste toner collection container
An image forming apparatus, including an image former forming a toner image on an image bearer; a transferer transferring the toner image onto a recording medium; a cleaner collecting a waste toner remaining on the image bearer after transfer of the toner image; a waste toner collection container accumulating the waste toner therein; a detector detecting whether the container is properly set in the image forming apparatus; and another detector detecting that the container is nearly full of the waste toner, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a determiner determining a quantity of the waste toner in the container; another determiner determining whether the container is properly exchanged with a vacant container; and a limiter limiting a printable quantity after the container is detected to be nearly full of the waste toner, based on the another determiner. |
| US08452194B2 |
System, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and method thereof
A system having an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus includes setting whether the status of the image forming apparatus is immediately confirmed by a user, transmitting a file containing a status log based on the status change of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus to an external file server, and displaying a list of the image forming apparatus to be contained in the system on a screen in the information processing apparatus, wherein with respect to the image forming apparatus as to which a setting is made to immediately confirm the status, a button to instruct confirmation of the status of the apparatus is displayed in the list, and wherein when an instruction to confirm the status is executed from the list, status of the image forming apparatus is displayed based on the status log to be contained in the file transmitted from the image forming apparatus. |
| US08452189B2 |
Source-multiplexed pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) optical data communication system and method
An optical signal representing digital data is produced by an opto-electronic semiconductor device having a group of three or more opto-electronic light sources that emit optical signals in accordance with a pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) scheme. The optical signal can be transmitted through an optical fiber coupled to an assembly containing the opto-electronic semiconductor device. |
| US08452184B2 |
Radial optical data interchange packaging
A radial optical data interchange packaging comprises a central core; a plurality of central core photo transceivers emerging from an exterior side surface of the central core; a mother board coupled to the central core, wherein the mother board is perpendicularly oriented below and abutting the central core; a plurality of retention slots on the mother board, wherein the retention slots radially extend away from the central core; and a plurality of cards held by the retention slots, wherein each of the plurality of cards comprises a set of card photo transceivers that optically communicate with the central core photo transceivers. |
| US08452181B2 |
Combined optical and electrical transmission assembly and module
A combined optical and electrical transmission assembly includes a combined optical, electrical and power cable having an optical fiber, electrical wiring and a power line combined therein or a combined optical and electrical cable having an optical fiber and electrical wiring combined therein, and a combined optical and electrical transmission module that includes an electrical-to-optical conversion unit having a laser for converting electrical signals to optical signals and a driving IC for driving the laser, and/or an optical-to-electrical conversion unit having a photodiode for converting optical signals to electrical signals and an amplification IC for amplifying electrical signals from the photodiode. The combined optical and electrical transmission module is connected to both ends of the combined optical, electrical and power cable or the combined optical and electrical cable. |
| US08452174B2 |
Measuring differential group delay in an optical fiber
A system includes an optical transmitter configured to generate an optical signal that includes a scrambled polarization state; and output the optical signal via an optical fiber associated with a network path that is transporting network traffic. The system also includes an optical receiver configured to receive the optical signal; measure a polarization associated with the optical signal; determine, based on the polarization, a degree of polarization associated with the test signal; identify a differential group delay associated with the test signal based on the degree of polarization; output a notification that the optical fiber is available to carry high capacity traffic when the differential group delay is less than a threshold, where the high capacity traffic includes a data rate that his greater than another threshold; and output a notification that the optical fiber is not available to carry the high capacity traffic when the differential group delay is not less than the threshold. |
| US08452173B2 |
Optical network, monitoring unit and monitoring method
An optical network having a tree-like structure with a main line and a plurality of branches, at least two of the branches comprising a monitoring unit for upstream signalling to the main line, wherein each of the monitoring units comprises a signal generation unit with a light source for generation of a pre-defined optical signal, and the monitoring units are construed to generate pre-defined optical signals which are different from each other, as well as a monitoring unit for generating a periodic upstream signal in such an optical network and a method for monitoring such an optical network. |
| US08452162B2 |
Order of titles
A method of recording an encoded bit stream that represents video objects includes recording a collection of contiguously arranged video objects and management information about recorded video objects. The collection is partitioned into adjacent recordings that represent playable titles, where a playable title is defined as a playback sequence of all complete cells or a subset of complete cells of a recording in the order of allocation within the video object storage area on the disc. The method further includes generating a title list of titles sorted in the order of arrangement within the video object area on the disc. The method further includes defining a free space title that represents free space within the video object area and includes the free space title in the title list. |
| US08452161B2 |
Recording and reproducing apparatus and recording and reproducing method
A recording and reproducing apparatus which records and reproduces data with respect to a plurality of recording media includes a display unit for simultaneously displaying, on a display screen having a display area for each recording medium, data recorded onto recording media in corresponding display areas, a selection unit for selecting specific data from the data displayed on the display screen, and a designation unit for designating a moving destination of the selected data. If a display area other than a recording medium as a recording source of the selected data exists in the moving destination designated by the designation unit, the selected data is duplicated or moved to a recording medium corresponding to the display area. |
| US08452160B2 |
System and method for portrayal of object or character target features in an at least partially computer-generated video
Consumers may appear to be featured in videos by being appropriately photographed and their image mapped onto a character in a video. A pre-existing video file has a computer-generated (“CG”) actor rendered throughout, except in, e.g., a head region, where a consumer's image data will be mapped. The consumer's image data is mapped onto the CG actor, and the CG actor's animation track is mixed with the remainder of the video, completing the same. The consumer may choose from among several videos, depending on the genre they prefer. The system and method may also apply to marketing and advertising methods, especially with regard to targeted advertising and product placement. |
| US08452152B2 |
Fixed attenuation air gap interface for a multimode optical fiber interconnection
A fiber-to-fiber connector system that includes a first connector for housing a portion of a first fiber, where the first fiber is terminated by a first end-face. The fiber-to-fiber connection system also includes a second connector for housing a portion of a second fiber, where the second fiber is terminated by a second end-face, where the first connector and the second connector permit the first fiber and the second fiber to be interconnected to form an air gap interface between the first end-face and the second end-face; the air gap interface defines a spacing between the first end-face and the second end-face; and the air gap interface enables, based on the defined spacing, an optical signal to be transmitted between the first fiber and the second fiber with a fixed quantity of attenuation. |
| US08452151B2 |
Cable retainer assembly and method for positioning the same
A cable retainer assembly comprising a cable retainer and a cable retainer bracket for retaining a cable to a fixed location. The cable retainer is positioned on an arbitrary portion of the cable and then secured to a cable retainer assembly such that one or more cables can be secured and organized. |
| US08452149B2 |
Drawer arrangement with rack and pinion
A cable management panel including chassis, a sliding drawer, and a rack and pinion arrangement. The rack and pinion arrangement including a first length of track located on an interior surface of the chassis, a second length of track provided on a drawer slide, and a gear that engages both the first track and the second track to control the movement of a sliding radius limiter mounted to the drawer. |
| US08452145B2 |
Triple-clad optical fibers and devices with triple-clad optical fibers
According to some embodiments the triple-clad optical fiber comprises a core, a first inner cladding, a second inner cladding, and an outer cladding wherein: (i) the core comprises a radius r0 a first index of refraction n0; (ii) the first inner cladding surrounds the core and has a numerical aperture of at least about 0.12, and a second index of refraction n1 such that n1 |
| US08452139B1 |
Wide-band RF photonic receivers and other devices using two optical modes of different quality factors
This document provides techniques, apparatus and designs for using electro-optic WGM resonators that support two different families of optical WGM modes with different quality factors in various applications. A radio frequency (RF) resonator is formed on the optical resonator and structured to supply an RF field and spatially overlaps the RF field of the RF resonator with the first and second optical whispering gallery modes to cause RF energy in the RF field at a first RF carrier frequency to couple with the first optical whispering gallery mode and RF energy in the RF field at a second RF carrier frequency to couple with the second optical whispering gallery mode. |
| US08452136B2 |
Suspension board with circuit and producing method thereof
A suspension board with circuit includes a circuit board including a metal supporting board, an insulating layer formed on the metal supporting board, and a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer; and an optical waveguide provided in the circuit board. The optical waveguide is provided with a positioning portion for positioning the optical waveguide and a near-field light generation portion for generating a near-field light by a light applied from the optical waveguide. |
| US08452134B1 |
Frequency selective infrared sensors
A frequency selective infrared (IR) photodetector having a predetermined frequency band. The exemplary frequency selective photodetector includes: a dielectric IR absorber having a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface; an electrode electrically coupled to the first surface of the dielectric IR absorber; and a frequency selective surface plasmonic (FSSP) structure formed on the second surface of the dielectric IR absorber. The FSSP structure is designed to selectively transmit radiation in the predetermined frequency band that is incident on the FSSP structure substantially independent of the angle of incidence of the incident radiation on the FSSP structure. |
| US08452132B2 |
Automatic file name generation in OCR systems
Methods and system for processing document images in OCR systems, particularly for selecting a proper file name for a recognized document. The method comprises generating at least one document type hypothesis for the document; verifying each document type hypothesis; selecting a best document type hypothesis and saving the document with a proper name based on the best type hypothesis and unique features. The method further includes determining a logical structure of a document and selecting a best document model hypothesis that has the best degree of correspondence with the selected best block hypotheses for the document. On the basis of the best document model hypothesis the text document reflecting the logical structure of the source document in extended computer-editable format is formed and saved with a proper file name. |
| US08452131B2 |
Iris recognition system and method
A system and method for performing an identity search in a database of iris images for a probe iris image includes generating a full-length iris code and a compact iris code for iris images in a database, and generating a full-length iris code and a compact iris code for a probe iris image. The compact iris code for the probe image is scored against all compact iris codes in the database. A fraction of the database is retained based on score data. The full length iris code for the probe image is scored against all the full length iris codes in the retained portion of the database. |
| US08452128B2 |
Compositing in multiple video processing unit (VPU) systems
The systems and methods include multiple processors that each couple to receive commands and data, where the commands and/or data correspond to frames of video that include multiple pixels. Additionally, an interlink module is coupled to receive processed data corresponding to the frames from each of the multiple processors. The interlink module selects pixels of the frames from the processed data of one of the processors based on a predetermined pixel characteristic and outputs the frames that include the selected pixels. |
| US08452126B2 |
Method for automatic mismatch correction of image volumes
A method for automatic mismatch correction is presented. The method includes identifying a feature of interest in a reference image volume and a target image volume. Furthermore, the method includes computing a cost matrix based on one or more pairs of image slices in the reference image volume and the target image volume. The method also includes identifying one or more longest common matching regions in the reference image volume and the target image volume based on the computed cost matrix. In addition, the method includes aligning the reference image volume and the target image volume based on the identified one or more longest common matching regions. A non-transitory computer readable medium including one or more tangible media, where the one or more tangible media include code adapted to perform the method for automatic mismatch correction is also presented. Systems and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the method for automatic mismatch correction of image volumes are also presented. |
| US08452125B2 |
Mosaic oblique images and methods of making and using same
A system, including a computer system running image processing software, receives an identification of a desired area to be imaged and collected into an oblique-mosaic image, creates a mathematical model of a virtual camera having a sensor higher in elevation from which the source oblique images were captured and looking down at an oblique angle, the mathematical model having an oblique-mosaic pixel map for the sensor of the desired area encompassing multiple source images, determines geographic coordinates for pixels, and selects source oblique images of the geographic coordinates captured at an oblique angle and compass direction similar to the oblique angle and compass direction of the virtual camera. The computer system reprojects at least one source oblique image pixel of the area to be imaged for each pixel included in the oblique-mosaic pixel map to create the oblique-mosaic image. |
| US08452123B2 |
Distortion calibration for optical sensors
A method for calibrating an imaging instrument, possibly located on an aircraft or satellite, is described. According to the method, an image acquired by the instrument is ortho-rectified, and then co-registered and correlated with a reference image. In this way, ground disparities between the acquired image and the reference image are measured. Updated instrument pointing directions that correct for the disparities measured are then determined and adopted as corrective calibrations for the distortions of the instrument. |
| US08452122B2 |
Device, method, and computer-readable medium for image restoration
An image processing apparatus includes: an assumed deteriorated image pixel value computing unit configured to calculate a pixel value of an assumed deteriorated image, wherein deterioration of a target image configured of multiple channels is assumed, for each of the channels as an assumed deteriorated image pixel value; a pseudo target image pixel value computing unit configured to calculate, regarding a pixel of interest that is a pixel of the target image corresponding to the assumed deteriorated image, a pixel value estimated for each of the channels as a pseudo target image pixel value for each of the channels based on the pixel values of the pixel of interest, and pixels adjacent thereto; and a restored image creating unit configured to create a restored image restored from the target image based on the calculated assumed deteriorated image pixel value and the calculated pseudo target image pixel value. |
| US08452120B2 |
Image processing device and method
An image processing device includes: a level difference calculation means for calculating the difference of pixel values between each pixel and a neighborhood pixel as a level difference; a classification means for classifying respective pixels into classes in each range of the level difference; a boundary proportion calculation means for calculating proportion of the number of pixels at a block boundary as a boundary proportion according to the respective classes; and a block noise intensity determination means for determining a level difference of the class in which the boundary proportion is higher than a given threshold as well as the maximum value as block noise intensity in the image. |
| US08452119B2 |
Image processing device and image display system
The present invention provides an image processing device and an image display system achieving image quality improvement in moving picture by suppressing a motion blur in a hold-type display device, while maintaining low cost. The image processing device processes image data provided from outside and outputting the image data to a hold type display device. The image processing device includes a correction processing section performing a correction process to correct a pixel value in the image data for each pixel through performing a spatial LPF (low pass filter) process on the image data in a frame to be displayed in the display device according to a magnitude of a motion vector in the image data, the spatial LPF process allowing a slope of a changing edge portion in the image data to be more gentle. |
| US08452118B2 |
Noise filter
A noise filter according to an embodiment includes: a first filter that functions as an edge detector to detect a high-frequency component area of an image; a second filter that performs a noise filtering function for the remaining areas of the image while conserving the high-frequency component area detected by the first filter; and a function processor that controls operations of the first filter and the second filter. According to an embodiment, since noise filtering for only a noise component area is performed by dividing the image into a high-frequency component area and a noise component area, it is possible to minimize deterioration of the high-frequency area and improve the resolution and quality of the image. |
| US08452116B1 |
Estimating sensor sensitivity
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium for determining an estimate of sensor sensitivity associated with an image. A noise level of an image is determined, then an estimate of sensor sensitivity associated with the image is automatically determined, e.g., by a trained classifier based on the determined noise level. Additionally, the sensor sensitivity estimate can be used to determine scene brightness. |
| US08452112B2 |
Image encoding apparatus and method of controlling the same
This invention provides an apparatus which re-encodes encoded image data to generate encoded data at a higher compression ratio while suppressing any increase in the load of re-encoding. A decoder decodes each block stored in a storage, stores the decoding result in a buffer, and stores, in a holding unit, block information representing the location of the encoded data of each block in the storage. A discrimination unit discriminates a text area in the decoded image data. The image in the text area undergoes binarization and then character image data encoding. A fill-up unit replaces the value of a character/line art pixel in the text area with the average of non-character/line art pixel values. A re-encoder encodes the blocks after replacement. Inside the text area, a selector selects and outputs encoded data generated by the re-encoder. Outside the text area, the selector selects and outputs encoded data in the storage. |
| US08452111B2 |
Real-time compression and decompression of wavelet-compressed images
Arrangements are provided for real-time variable compression and decompression schemes. In one arrangement, compressed images are stored as collections of tiled line textures representing breadth-first trees. In another arrangement, an image is decompressed directly on a GPU employing a microcode pixel shader. The arrangements allow for variable compression that can take into account complex local variations in light and shadowing. In this way, areas of high contrast may have significant detail preserved. The arrangement may be employed in a number of applications, including real-time shader image decompression, lighting and relighting, static shadow maps, dynamic texture packing, geometric representations, displacement maps, and so on. |
| US08452110B2 |
Classifying an image's compression level
A method of classifying a compressed input image's compression level, comprising applying inverse quantization to DCT coefficients extracted from the compressed input image, giving rise to dequantized DCT coefficients, applying a threshold to the dequantized DCT coefficients, and determining a compression level classification for the compressed input image according to a relation among the threshold and at least one of the dequantized DCT coefficients. |
| US08452108B2 |
Systems and methods for image recognition using graph-based pattern matching
A method for creating a modeling structure for classifying objects in an image comprises converting an image into digital image data; using a processor, simplifying the digital image data; using the processor, isolating objects in the simplified digital image data; using the processor, creating graphs of the isolated objects, the graphs comprising vertices and edges; using the processor, converting the graphs into representative graph data structures, the graph data structures comprising a database key based on the vertices and edges. |
| US08452106B2 |
Partition min-hash for partial-duplicate image determination
Images in a database or collection of images are each divided into multiple partitions with each partition corresponding to an area of an image. The partitions in an image may overlap with each other. Min-hash sketches are generated for each of the partitions and stored with the images. A user may submit an image and request that an image that is a partial match for the submitted image be located in the image collection. The submitted image is similarly divided into partitions and min-hash sketches are generated from the partitions. The min-hash sketches are compared with the stored min-hash sketches for matches, and images having partitions whose sketches are matches are returned as partial matching images. |
| US08452103B2 |
Scene matching reference data generation system and position measurement system
A scene matching reference data generation system inputs a set of probe data. The set of the probe data includes captured images sequentially obtained by a plurality of probe cars and the vehicle positions of the probe cars. The system temporarily stores the captured images, evaluates accuracy reliability degrees of the image-capturing positions of the captured images, and assigns the accuracy reliability degrees to the captured images. The system selects, as a plurality of processing target captured images, a plurality of the captured images having accuracy reliability degrees equal to or higher than a first predetermined degree, extracts image feature points from the selected processing target captured images, and generates image feature point data based on the extracted image feature points. The system generates reference data for scene matching by associating the generated image feature point data with a reference image-capturing position corresponding to the generated image feature point data. |
| US08452101B2 |
Feature extraction method, and image recognition method and feature database creation method using the same
A feature extraction method includes: the step of grouping a cluster of features, in which an internal of the respective features is less than or equal to a predetermined grouping interval, to form a feature group, for a plurality of features of which feature information including at least information of a position and a feature type is included in a predetermined feature information storage unit; the step of excluding the feature, not suitable for use in an image recognition process of the feature with respect to image information, from the cluster of the features within the feature group; and the step of extracting a part or all of one or more of the features within the feature group remaining as a result of the exclusion step as a target feature suitable for the use in the image recognition process. |
| US08452099B2 |
Optical character recognition (OCR) engines having confidence values for text types
An image of a known text sample having a text type is generated. The image of the known text sample is input into each OCR engine of a number of OCR engines. Output text corresponding to the image of the known text sample is received from each OCR engine. For each OCR engine, the output text received from the OCR engine is compared with the known text sample, to determine a confidence value of the OCR engine for the text type of the known text sample. |
| US08452098B2 |
Method for applying a signature simplicity analysis for improving the accuracy of signature validation
The present invention provides a method for applying a signature simplicity analysis for improving the accuracy of signature validation, the method including the steps of generating a plurality of synthetic fraudulent signatures for a person, encoding authentic signatures of the person using signature simplicity and validating the signatures using signature simplicity. |
| US08452092B2 |
Image processing device, endoscope system, program, and image processing method
An image processing device includes a demosaicing section that receives an image that includes a first color signal, a second color signal, and a third color signal, and performs an interpolation process that interpolates a missing color signal among the first color signal, the second color signal, and the third color signal on each pixel of the image, and an image output section that outputs an output image based on an image obtained by the interpolation process and output from the demosaicing section. The demosaicing section performs a space-variant interpolation process that implements a different interpolation process depending on a pixel position on a first image that has information within a first wavelength band. The demosaicing section performs a space-invariant interpolation process that implements an interpolation process independently of a pixel position on a second image that has information within a second wavelength band. |
| US08452090B1 |
Bayer reconstruction of images using a GPU
A system and method for performing Bayer reconstruction of images using a programmable graphics processing unit (GPU) are described herein. A Bayer filtered image in RAW format is uploaded to the GPU, unpacked, and reconstructed. Optionally, the reconstructed image may be transformed into any desired color space and/or displayed by a video card in which the GPU resides. The reconstruction is performed independently on each of the red, blue, and green image fields. The red and blue image fields are reconstructed using first and second interpolation passes in first and second orthogonal directions. Each reconstruction pass preferably employs a two-lobed Lanczos filter. The green image field is interpolated using a single interpolation pass in a direction diagonal to the first and second orthogonal directions, and preferably employs a box filter. |
| US08452089B2 |
System and method for effectively performing an image identification procedure
A system and method for effectively performing an image identification procedure includes an image matching manager that derives source characteristics for a source image and target characteristics for target images. The image matching manager compares the source characteristics and the target characteristics to determine whether the source image matches any of the target images. The source characteristics and the target characteristics may include color-space characteristics and curve-space characteristics from the respective images. A processor of an electronic device typically controls the image matching manager to effectively perform the image identification procedure. |
| US08452087B2 |
Image selection techniques
Tools disclosed herein comprise progressive, paint stroke based region recognition and selection tools. Using these tools, a user may partially paint a region of interest directly on an image (by using a paint brush or other similar tool). Unlike conventional selection tools, a user is not required to paint the entire region pixel-by-pixel. Rather the desired region is automatically and intelligently recognized based on the partial selection. This is accomplished via a progressive selection algorithm. In addition, these tools provide the ability to quickly execute such region selections on multi-megapixel images. |
| US08452080B2 |
Camera pose estimation apparatus and method for augmented reality imaging
An apparatus for providing an estimate for a 3D camera pose relative to a scene from 2D image data of 2D image frame provided by said camera. A candidate 2D key points detector determines candidate 2D key points from the 2D image frame. A detected 3D observations detector determines detected 3D observations from pre-recorded scene data and the candidate 2D key points. A detected 3D camera pose estimator determines a detected 3D camera pose estimate from the camera data, the detected 3D observations and the candidate 2D key points. A first storage stores the detected 2D candidate key points and the 2D image data, and outputs in response to a 3D camera pose estimate output previous 2D image data and candidate 2D key points related to a previous 3D camera pose estimate output. A second storage stores and outputs a previous 3D camera pose estimate. A tracked 3D observations detector determines tracked 3D observations from the 2D image data, the candidate 2D key points, the camera data, the previous 2D image data and candidate 2D key points, the previous 3D camera pose estimate and 3D scene model data. A pose estimate selector outputs a selected one of the detected camera pose estimate and the previous 3D camera pose estimate. A 3D camera pose estimator computes and outputs the 3D camera pose estimate from the camera data, the detected 3D observations, the tracked 3D observations and the selected 3D camera pose estimate. |
| US08452076B2 |
Defect classifier using classification recipe based on connection between rule-based and example-based classifiers
In apparatuses for automatically acquiring and also for automatically classifying images of defects present on a sample such as a semiconductor wafer, a classifying system is provided which are capable of readily accepting even such a case that a large number of classification classes are produced based upon a request issued by a user, and also even such a case that a basis of the classification class is changed in a high frequency. When the user defines the classification classes, a device for designating attributes owned by the respective classification classes is provided. The classifying system automatically changes a connecting mode between an internally-provided rule-based classifier and an example-based classifier, so that such a classifying system which is fitted to the classification basis of the user is automatically constructed. |
| US08452074B2 |
Apparatus and method for pattern inspection
A pattern inspection apparatus includes a light source, a stage configured to mount thereon a substrate with a pattern formed thereon, a first laser measuring unit configured to measure a position of the stage by using a laser beam, a sensor configured to capture a pattern image obtained from the pattern, formed on the substrate, irradiated by light from the light source, an optical system configured to focus the pattern image on the sensor, a second laser measuring unit configured to measure a position of the optical system by using a laser beam, a correction unit configured to correct a captured pattern image by using a difference between the position of the stage and the position of the optical system, and an inspection unit configured to inspect whether there is a defect of the pattern by using a corrected pattern image. |
| US08452071B2 |
Self-service terminal and method for storing currency in self-service terminal
A self-service terminal for storing currency, includes a detection unit, an image capturing unit, a database, and a serial number reading unit. The detection unit detects the currency. The image capturing unit is connected to the detection unit, and captures an image of a side of the currency on which a string of serial numbers are printed. The database is connected to the image capturing unit. The database includes depositor's information stored therein. The database saves the image therein. The serial number reading unit is connected to the database. The serial number reading unit captures the string of serial numbers from image. The database saves the string of serial numbers therein, and associates the string of serial numbers with the information of the depositor. |
| US08452069B2 |
Method of eliminating effect of afterglow on radiation image read out of photostimulable phosphor screen
Method of eliminating the effect of afterglow on a radiation image read out of a photostimulable phosphor screen. For each pixel the amount of afterglow generated by previously scanned pixels in the same line of pixels is determined and subtracted from the digital signal representation of that pixel. |
| US08452068B2 |
Hybrid registration method
A registration method whereby a sensor-based approach is used to establish initial registration and whereby upon the commencement of navigating an endoscope, image-based registration methods are used in order to more accurately maintain the registration between the endoscope location and previously-acquired images. A six-degree-of-freedom location sensor is placed on the probe in order to reduce the number of previously-acquired images that must be compared to a real-time image obtained from the endoscope. |
| US08452067B2 |
Method for generating bone mask
The present invention discloses a method for generating a bone mask. The method comprises the following steps: performing a noncontrast computed tomography scan on a subject in axial mode to get a first data set; after the subject injected with a contrast medium, performing a postcontrast computer tomography angiography scanning on the subject in helical mode to get a second data set; reconstructing the two mentioned data set to acquire a first reconstruction image and a second reconstruction image respectively; resampling the first reconstruction image based on the second reconstruction image by using a computer to get a third reconstruction image; and thresholding values of data which are greater than or equal to a scheduled Hounsfield unit in the third reconstruction image to get a bone mask. |
| US08452066B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
A processing is executed for identifying an image area which blocks an observation target, and removing the identified area. An image processing apparatus 10 is provided, which allows multiple projection drawings to be generated by projecting a three-dimensional image from any projecting direction and determines a removal target area, out of the designated area in each projection drawing. The image processing apparatus 10 is provided with an input section 40 for allowing a user to roughly specify an image area that blocks the observation target, the image area forming a maximum area, and an area judgment section 32 for identifying a removal target image area, and an image processing section 31 for constructing an image where the removal target image area has been removed. |
| US08452058B2 |
Method and apparatus for repeatable facial distortion
In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for repeatable facial distortion. One embodiment of a method for generating a secure facial image from an original facial image includes receiving the original facial image and a key, the key being associated with a subject depicted in the original facial image, and distorting the original facial image, in accordance with the key, to produce the secure facial image, where the distorting includes transforming at least one of: the albedo of the original facial image or the shape of the original facial image. |
| US08452056B2 |
Image-processing camera with application processing using acquired image data
An image pickup device that acquires images is controlled by an image pickup device controller that accepts image acquisition requests from multiple application programs, and an application scheduler selects application programs to be executed. Information indicative of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates required for each of the multiple application programs is stored and used to select multiple concurrently executable application programs on the basis of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates. An image acquisition scheduler determines the timing and intervals at which the multiple executable application programs repeat receiving image data from the image pickup device, without overlapping in terms of time. In addition, an operations section, which explicitly presents concurrently executable application programs to a user and commands the startup of these programs, is displayed on a navigation screen menu. |
| US08452054B2 |
Obstacle detection procedure for motor vehicle
An obstacle detection procedure within the area surrounding a motor vehicle comprising the following stages: carrying out a first obstacle detection by image processing resulting in a definition of at least one region of interest, classifying the detected obstacle with an index of confidence applied to the region of interest in relation to given characteristics, carrying out a second obstacle detection by sensor/s with detection range below a first threshold resulting in a determined position, projecting the determined position into a reference marker, projecting the region of interest into this reference marker and aligning the two projections obtained and attributing a determined position to the obstacle classified in accordance with the alignment. |
| US08452053B2 |
Pixel-based texture-rich clear path detection
A method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle utilizing analysis of a plurality of images generated by a camera device located upon the vehicle includes monitoring the images wherein each image comprises a plurality of pixels, identifying a set of interest points from the plurality of pixels in a current image, finding their corresponding points in a preceding image through correspondence matching, filtering the matched pairs of interest points to select a preferential set of matched pairs, generating a three dimensional map of features in the view based upon the preferential set of matched pairs, determining the clear path based upon the mapped features, and utilizing the clear path to operate the vehicle. |
| US08452052B2 |
Modeling motion capture volumes with distance fields
A k-covered motion capture volume is modeled. The modeling includes representing the k-covered motion capture volume with a distance field. |
| US08452051B1 |
Hand-location post-process refinement in a tracking system
A tracking system having a depth camera tracks a user's body in a physical space and derives a model of the body, including an initial estimate of a hand position. Temporal smoothing is performed in which some latency is imposed when the initial estimate moves by less than a threshold level from frame to frame, while little or no latency is imposed when the movement is more than the threshold. The smoothed estimate is used to define a local volume for searching for a hand extremity to define a new hand position. Another process generates stabilized upper body points that can be used as reliable reference positions, such as by detecting and accounting for occlusions. The upper body points and a prior estimated hand position are used to define an arm vector. A search is made along the vector to detect a hand extremity to define a new hand position. |
| US08452043B2 |
System for identifying motion video content
A system for identifying motion video content, with a registered fingerprint database in advance for video contents of broadcasting video signals, wherein said system at least comprises a frame buffer into which a consecutive of video frame images of a motion video content to be identified are stored; a frame sampler by which sample values on the video frame images are obtained; a fingerprint store in which the sample values are held as a fingerprint A for search in the fingerprint database; and a matcher which performs a fingerprint pattern matching algorithm between the fingerprint A for search in the fingerprint database and fingerprints B contained in the fingerprint database so as to determine whether the motion video content has ever been broadcasted before. The system according to the present invention can effectively organize, archive, and search video content; lower the cost of digital storage devices; and identify video content efficiently and with minimal or no human interactions. |
| US08452041B2 |
Opposing dual-vented woofer system
Described is a vented speaker driver assembly utilizing a speaker driver having a pole piece that defines therein a vent that is not covered by a dust cap. The frame of the speaker driver is configured to be mounted to a structure's surface such that the pole piece of the driver is located within the structure's interior space. The vented speaker driver is configured to be utilized in a back-to-back vented driver assembly wherein the sound of more than one speaker driver is achieved in a footprint of only one driver and with minimized generation of physical vibrations from the assembly. |
| US08452039B2 |
Wearable personal sound delivery apparatus
A personal sound delivery apparatus which can be worn by a person has speakers held close to the ears and does not include any insert into the auditory canal or any ear muff that could muffle or suppress other ambient sounds. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a wireless speaker is anchored by an arcuate hanger shaped and dimensioned to rest behind the ear. The speaker is positioned within a range from 0 to 20 centimeters (0 to 8 inches) from the auditory canal and may be surrounded by baffles that focus the incoming sound toward the entrance of the auditory canal. In other embodiments, a pair of speakers are embedded into the collar of a garment, a scapulary that rests upon the shoulders, a clamp that is bridging the nape of the neck, in pendants suspended from the neck, or hidden in a pair of earrings. |
| US08452037B2 |
Speaker clip
Certain embodiments may take the form of an electronic device having a main housing encapsulating operative circuitry for the device. The electronic device includes an attachment member moveably coupled to the metal housing. The attachment member has an acoustical device located therein that is communicatively coupled to the operative circuitry in the main housing. The attachment member includes a recessed portion for positioning the acoustical device within the attachment member. |
| US08452036B2 |
System and method for sharing network resources between hearing devices
This invention relates to a system (100, 200) for enabling a hearing device (106, 202) wireless access to a communication network (114). The system (100, 200) comprises a first transceiver unit (108) in said hearing device (106, 202) communicating according to a first communication protocol. The system (100, 200) further comprises a server device (112, 204) comprising an input/output unit (122), which is connected to the communication network (114) and communicates according to a second communication protocol, a second transceiver unit (118), which is connected wirelessly to the first transceiver unit (108) and communicates according to the first communication protocol, and comprising a translator unit (120), which interconnects the second transceiver unit (118) and the input/output unit (122) and translates between the first and second communication protocol. |
| US08452035B2 |
Hearing device and method for setting the hearing device for feedback-reduced operation
Sound from the receiver of a hearing device may be fed back to its microphones via acoustic feedback paths, which may cause undesirable whistling. It is particularly difficult to predict the creation of feedback in a microphone array with adjustable directional characteristic. This is because the stability of the system then is dependent on a directional parameter by way of which the directional characteristic is fixed. The invention enables feedback-free operation of such a hearing device. A prescribed stability condition is used to establish for which values of the directional parameter feedback-free operation is possible. The directional parameter is then restricted to these values during operation of the hearing device. As an alternative thereto, a value for a strength of a feedback effect is established for a current value of the directional parameter and the directional parameter or a control parameter for the purpose of feedback suppression is then set as a function of the established value. |
| US08452023B2 |
Wind suppression/replacement component for use with electronic systems
Systems and methods to reduce the negative impact of wind on an electronic system include use of a first detector that receives a first signal and a second detector that receives a second signal. A voice activity detector (VAD) coupled to the first detector generates a VAD signal when the first signal corresponds to voiced speech. A wind detector coupled to the second detector correlates signals received at the second detector and derives from the correlation wind metrics that characterize wind noise that is acoustic disturbance corresponding to at least one of air flow and air pressure in the second detector. The wind detector controls a configuration of the second detector according to the wind metrics. The wind detector uses the wind metrics to dynamically control mixing of the first signal and the second signal to generate an output signal for transmission. |
| US08452020B2 |
Adjustment of acoustic properties based on proximity detection
One or more acoustic transducers of a device may be adjusted based on automatic detection of device proximity to the user. In a mobile telephone, when the user is using the receiver and holding the telephone against his/her ear, if the telephone detects that the user has moved the telephone further from his/her ear, the telephone will raise the receiver volume. Similarly, if the user is using the speaker, the telephone will adjust the speaker volume as user distance from the telephone changes. In another embodiment the telephone may fade between the receiver and the speaker. Volume is not the only acoustic property that could be adjusted according to user proximity. Frequency response is another property that could be adjusted, such as using appropriate electronic filtering, or by turning on another transducer that is not otherwise being used. |
| US08452019B1 |
Testing and calibration for audio processing system with noise cancelation based on selected nulls
A test system is configured to perform testing and calibration on a sound processing system by generating a test sound signal and measuring the outputs of the sound processing system in response to the test sound signal. The test system includes precision measurement instrumentation for measuring amplitudes and phases of signals generated by the sound processing system. The test system transmits configuration signals to the sound processing system to programmatically adjust one or more programmable gains and delays of the sound processing system. |
| US08452017B2 |
Methods and systems for secure channel initialization transaction security based on a low entropy shared secret
Methods and systems for secure channel initialization transaction security between a client network element and a server network element are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes: choosing a random client ephemeral private key at a client network element; utilizing the client ephemeral private key and the shared secret to create a client ephemeral public key at the client network element; forwarding the client ephemeral public key in a channel initialization request to a server network element; selecting a random server ephemeral private key at the server network element; using the server ephemeral private key and the shared secret to create a server ephemeral public key at the server network element; creating a high entropy shared secret based on the client ephemeral public key and the server ephemeral private key; creating a message authentication code ‘MAC’ and encrypting a payload with the high-entropy shared secret; sending the encrypted payload and the server ephemeral public key to the client network element; utilizing the server ephemeral public key and the client ephemeral private key to derive the high-entropy shared secret; and decrypting the payload and verifying the MAC with the high-entropy shared secret. |
| US08452011B2 |
Method and apparatus for billing and security architecture for venue-cast services
A security system is applied to venue-cast content transmissions over a broadcast/multicast network infrastructure. The broadcast network infrastructure may be Evolution-Data Only Broadcast Multicast Services (BCMCS) that facilitates distribution of a subscription-based content delivery service. A venue-cast service can be part of the subscription-based content delivery service and has an associated service key. Upon subscribing to the content delivery service, the subscriber access terminal is given the service key. Such service key may be associated with a particular subscriber package and/or venue location. The same service key is provided to the broadcast network infrastructure that broadcasts venue-cast content. A broadcast access key is generated by the broadcast network infrastructure and used to encrypt venue-specific content to be broadcasted. Consequently, only access terminals that have received the service key (e.g., subscribe to the associated subscription package and/or are located at a specific venue or location) can decrypt the broadcasted content. |
| US08452010B2 |
Video slice and active region based multiple partial encryption
A television set-top box has a receiver receiving a digital television signal comprising: a plurality of unencrypted packets and a plurality of encrypted packets, where the encrypted packets carry data describing an active region of a video frame. A decrypter decrypts the encrypted packets. A decoder decrypted packets to produce a signal suitable for play on a television set. This abstract is not to be considered limiting since other embodiments can include more, fewer or different features than those described in this abstract. |
| US08452000B2 |
System and methods for managing tandem switch information
A system and associated methods for automation and management of trunk routing among switches in a telecommunications network between carriers connected to a third party tandem services provider or manager (a “neutral tandem network.”) The system and methodology can be used to, among other things, effectuate a business model for providing preferred rates, or other preferences, to a defined group of members or subscribers by managing and directing subscriber-associated call traffic from subscriber-owned switches to one or more tandem switches owned by a third-party tandem managing entity other than a LEC or ILEC. |
| US08451997B2 |
Safe conversation park and retrieval
Safe parking and retrieval of multimodal conversations is enabled through a park server generating a token and encoding it in an address identifier associated with a parking slot. A client application can display the address identifier with the token as a link in a text-based message or in conversation history items. The identifier encoded link may ensure that the intended call can be retrieved from a given parking slot without being confused with another parked call. If another call is parked at the same orbit, the encoded token does not match, and the park server may reject the retrieval attempt with an error message. |
| US08451996B2 |
Automatic mute detection
A system and methodology for managing a mute function muting a connection to a conference call is disclosed. The system is implemented when the mute function is activated on a line connected to a conference call through a telecommunications network. The method includes receiving a sound, determining whether the sound meets predetermined criteria and if the sound meets predetermined criteria then performing a mute status operation. |
| US08451993B2 |
Dial-up connection method and device of mobile data terminal
The present disclosure provides a dial-up connection method of a mobile data terminal, which includes: the mobile data terminal sets a value of a wireless dial-up state variable as “connected” after receiving an initial dial-up connection request from a user equipment and sets dial-up information, and maintains the value of the wireless dial-up state variable as “connected” after the user equipment disconnects an initial connection with the mobile data terminal; and the mobile data terminal sends a “successfully connected” message to the user equipment when determining, after receiving a non-initial dial-up connection request from the user equipment, the value of the wireless dial-up state variable is “connected” and dial-up information in the non-initial dial-up connection request is identical with the set dial-up information. The present disclosure also provides a dial-up connection device of a mobile data terminal. With the method and device, a mobile data terminal can realize a fast dial-up connection, thereby greatly shortening the time spent on the dial-up connection. |
| US08451992B2 |
Multimedia call platform
A network device may maintain an association of a telephone number with information identifying a rule and information identifying multimedia content, where the telephone number is associated with the network device, and where the rule specifies when the multimedia content is to be provided in connection with a telephone call to the telephone number. The network device may further receive a telephone call from a user device, where the telephone call is directed to the telephone number; detect, in connection with the telephone call, that the rule has been satisfied; and provide the multimedia content to the user device in response to detecting that the rule has been satisfied. |
| US08451991B2 |
System and apparatus for managing calls
A system and apparatus for managing calls to voice mail is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a voicemail system having a controller element that receives a call redirected away from a targeted communication device without providing the targeted communication device notice of the call responsive to a voicemail redirection request supplied by signaling information associated with the call. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08451990B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for storing voicemail
A method and apparatus, and system for storing voicemail data are provided. Voicemail data is generated at a telephony device engaged in a communication session with a calling telephony device, the voicemail data comprising a voice message. E-mail data is then automatically generating after the voicemail data is generated, the e-mail data comprising data identifying the voicemail data, the e-mail data further comprising the voicemail data. The e-mail data is then transmitted to a network address associated with a remote e-mail server, such that the e-mail data, including the voicemail data, is stored at the remote e-mail server. |
| US08451989B2 |
Telephone communication system network integrated with sales promotion media
Methods of playing audio commercials to telephone users while waiting for a connection to be completed are known. This disclosure relates to better targeting such commercials. In the proposed telephone network, the service provider makes use of data relating to the personal profile of any contacting subscriber, previously collected during a registration process. A database is used to select the commercial best matching the profile. |
| US08451984B2 |
Remotely actuated two-way speakerphone for use with call-for-help systems
A system and method for providing a call-for-help capability is provided by the invention. The system comprises a central location having a dedicated telephone line having a specified caller identification known to a speakerphone system located in the general location of a person who uses the system for emergency signaling. The person is provided with the speakerphone system and a pendent for generating an emergency signal containing the person's identifier. When received at the central location, a telephone number of the speakerphone system corresponding to the identifier is determined and a telephone call is made on a telephone channel having the specified caller identification. When any call is received by the speakerphone system, its caller identification is examined to determine if the caller identification of the telephone call is the same as the specified caller identification. If so, the telephone line is automatically made to go offhook and the call is directed to a speaker associated with the speakerphone system for hands-free operation. If not, the telephone receiver associated with the speakerphone system is allowed to ring-in in the normal way for manual activation by the person. |
| US08451979B2 |
System for correlating a subscriber unit with a particular subscriber in a passive optical network
A system for correlating a subscriber unit to a physical port in a point to multipoint wire line network is disclosed. An installer is prompted to manually input a location code associated with the subscriber. The location code in the subscriber unit is received, and is transmitted via the network to a central repository. The location code is stored in the central repository toward associating the location code with the physical port. |
| US08451977B2 |
Collimator module, X-ray detector, X-ray CT device, and assembling method of collimator module
A collimator module (10A) comprises a plurality of collimator single plates (11) having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides and a pair of blocks (12) including a plurality of first grooves (125) extending along an irradiation direction of the X-rays. The short sides are inserted into the first grooves to support the collimator single plates. A supporting member is configured to cover the long sides from an incident side and an emission side of the X-rays. The supporting member includes an incident side fixing sheet (13) and an emission side fixing sheet (15) each having a plurality of second grooves into which the long sides are inserted to support the plurality of collimator single plates. The fixing sheets cover the first grooves and at least a portion of each of the long sides. |
| US08451975B2 |
Radiographic system, radiographic method and computer readable medium
A radiographic system which detects a radiation image transmitted through a subject with a radiation image detector and generates a phase contrast image of the subject, includes: a calculation section that calculates a distribution of refraction angles of radiation incident on the radiation image detector and generates the phase contrast image on the basis of the distribution of refraction angles; and a storage section that stores a correction coefficient of each pixel for making sensitivities of pixels equal. The calculation section performs sensitivity correction on a refraction angle of radiation incident on each pixel of the radiation image detector, which is calculated by imaging the subject, using the correction coefficient of the pixel stored in the storage section and generates the phase contrast image of the subject on the basis of the distribution of corrected refraction angles. |
| US08451974B2 |
X-ray tomographic inspection system for the identification of specific target items
The present invention provides for an improved scanning process with a stationary X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from a plurality of X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, and at least one processor arranged to process outputs from the first set of detectors to generate tomographic image data. The X-ray screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray diffraction based screening, X-ray back-scatter based screening, or Trace Detection based screening. |
| US08451972B2 |
Methods, circuits, devices, apparatus, assemblies and systems for computer tomography
Disclosed are methods, circuits, devices, assemblies and systems for performing Computer Tomography (CT)—for example of a periodically moving object such as a heart. According to some embodiments, there is provided a Computer Tomography scanner which includes an x-ray source adapted to generate an x-ray scan beam and a electromechanical assembly to which the x-ray source is mounted. The assembly may be adapted to move one or more electromechanical elements such that the scan beam is moved around the periodically moving object with a velocity profile having both constant and cyclically alternating rotational velocity components, and wherein the cyclically alternating velocity components are synchronized with the periodic motion of the object. |
| US08451971B2 |
Communication systems, clock generation circuits thereof, and method for generating clock signal
A clock generation circuit is provided and includes a phase locked loop (PLL) and a calibrator. The PLL is arranged to receive a first clock signal and generate the output clock signal. The PLL adjusts the frequency of the output clock signal according to a control signal. The calibrator is arranged to receive the output clock signal and a second clock signal, execute a frequency calibration between the output clock signal and the second clock signal, and generate the control signal according to results of the frequency calibration. |
| US08451969B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for timing recovery
Described herein are an apparatus, system and method for timing recovery in processors by means of a simplified receiver architecture that consumes less power consumption, has lower bit error rate (BER), and higher jitter tolerance. The apparatus comprises a phase interpolator to generate a clock signal; a first integrator to integrate a first portion of a data signal over a duration of a phase of the clock signal; a first sampler to sample the first integrated portion by means of the clock signal; a first circuit to store a first edge sample of the data signal; a second sampler to sample the stored first edge sample by means of the clock signal; and a clock data recovery unit to update the phase interpolator based at least on the sampled first integrated portion and sampled stored first edge sample of the data signal. |
| US08451967B2 |
Method and apparatus for clock checking
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for clock checking, to solve the problem of high resource occupation in existing clock checking methods. The method includes: a programmable device for performing frequency division on the source clock signal to obtain a reference clock signal; treating the source clock signal as a counting work clock to determine the counting value of rising edges and counting value of high levels of a clock signal being checked during each high level period out of N continuous high levels of the reference clock signal; and determining whether the clock signal being checked is valid according to the magnitude relationship between the counting value of the high levels of the clock signal being checked during each high level period and a first expected value, as well as the magnitude relationship between the counting value of the rising edges and a second expected value. |
| US08451963B2 |
Method and system for interference cancellation
Systems and methods for interference cancellation at a receiver in a wireless communication system are provided. In one aspect, a method for interference cancellation is provided. The method comprises providing total received chips received from a plurality of cells. The method also comprises successively estimating received chips for each of the plurality of cells in a plurality of iterations, wherein each of the plurality of iterations after a first iteration comprises canceling previously estimated received chips for one or more of the plurality of cells from the total received chips, and estimating received chips for one of the plurality of cells using the total received chips with the previously estimated received chips for the one or more of the plurality of cells cancelled out. |
| US08451959B2 |
Blind frequency-offset estimation for spatially correlated signal
An iterative, blind, frequency-offset estimation process that does not require any training signal or demodulated information symbols is disclosed. Receivers embodying the disclosed processes can produce periodic frequency-offset estimates, without running computationally intensive equalization or demodulation algorithms, by exploiting the temporal correlation of the received signal in the time domain, as well as the received signal's correlation across in-phase and quadrature dimensions, in some embodiments, to find a frequency-offset estimate that best fits the received signal in a maximum-likelihood sense. In an exemplary method of estimating receiver frequency offset, a spatially stacked signal block is formed from multi-branch signal samples corresponding to each of two or more time-separated samples of the received signal. The spatially stacked signal block is used in computing a maximum-likelihood joint estimate of the receiver frequency offset and the spatial covariance of the spatially stacked signal block de-rotated by the receiver frequency offset. |
| US08451958B2 |
Coarse time synchronization
A system for determining the burst start timing of a signal includes logic configured to receive the signal, generate correlation moduli and generate a first timing output based on the correlation moduli. The logic may also be configured to receive operating mode information and timing information and generate search controls. The logic may further be configured to identify a maximum of the correlation moduli using the search controls and determine a second timing output associated with the maximum correlation modulus. The second timing output represents a more accurate approximation of a burst start time than the first timing output. |
| US08451949B2 |
Clock-data recovery and method for binary signaling using low resolution ADC
A binary signal detection based on low resolution ADC includes: a variable-gain amplifier for amplifying an input signal with a gain factor controlled by a gain setting to generate an amplified signal; an ADC for converting the amplified signal into a converter output in accordance with a timing provided by a recovered clock, wherein the converter output has N levels; a timing detection circuit for generating a timing error signal based on the converter output; a filter for filtering the timing error signal to generate a control signal; a controllable oscillator for generating the recovered clock under a control of the control voltage; an automatic gain control for processing the converter data to set the gain setting to control the gain factor; and a data recovery circuit for generate a recovered data based on the converter output. |
| US08451945B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting data with time diversity and/or time-frequency diversity, and pattern-generating method to be used in the same
A method and apparatus for transmitting data having time diversity and data having time-frequency diversity, and a pattern generating method for the same are disclosed. The apparatus enables Tx data to have time diversity or time frequency diversity using a predetermined pattern multiplied by Tx data of a time domain or Tx data of time and frequency domains. The apparatus makes a cyclic delay diversity (CDD) scheme to have the diversity of time and frequency domains, and may acquire an additional diversity gain by a combination of the above-mentioned methods. |
| US08451941B2 |
Communications device with separate I and Q phase power amplification having selective phase and magnitude adjustment and related methods
A communications device may include an In-phase (I) circuit having an In-phase modulator and mixer circuit, and an I power amplifier circuit coupled thereto, the I circuit configured to modulate and amplify a digital baseband I signal to generate an amplified I signal, and a Quadrature (Q) circuit having a Q modulator and mixer circuit, and a Q power amplifier circuit coupled thereto, the Q circuit configured to modulate and amplify a digital baseband Q signal to generate an amplified Q signal separate from the amplified I signal. The communications device may include a processor configured, for example, to selectively switch the digital baseband signal and the digital baseband Q signal between the I and Q signal inputs to provide selective phase shifting for the digital baseband I and Q signals. For example, the controller may selectively phase shift the digital baseband I and Q signals, and control the I and Q power amplifier circuits to vary an amplitude of the amplified I and Q signals. |
| US08451940B2 |
Interactive compression with multiple units of compression state information
There is provided a method of interactive compression using multiple compression state information entries. The method comprises receiving a request for data from a communicating party; retrieving the data; identifying, for use in compressing the data, at least two compression state information entries shared between the parties to the communication; compressing the data with each of the at least two compression state information entries; determining, from the set of compression state information entries, a preferred compression state information entry that provides a greatest compression ratio; and transmitting the data, compressed in accordance with the preferred compression state information entry to the communicating party. |
| US08451938B2 |
Method and apparatus of telecommunications
Generating codewords and determining an information symbol from a codeword for transmission in a telecommunication system is disclosed. The method and apparatus provided by the embodiments of the invention allow up to a maximum number of codewords to be generated given the code alphabet size. Embodiments of the invention also provide method and apparatus for determining an information symbol from a codeword. |
| US08451937B2 |
Time slicing techniques for variable data rate encoding
The disclosure is directed to a multi-channel encoder. The multi-channel encoder is configured to generate an encoded data stream. The multi-channel encoder includes a plurality of channel encoders, and a processor configured to allocate time slots in the encoded data stream to each of the channel encoders to vary the rate of data provided by each of the channel encoders into the encoded data stream. |
| US08451934B1 |
Method and system for increasing throughput of a wireless channel using multipath transmission
A method and system for increasing the throughput of a wireless channel that sends different data on different multi-path components. The channel can be pre-mapped or dynamically mapped, and the different transmissions can be modulated by different complexity signals such as adaptive quadrature amplitude modulation (AQAM). Each multipath component is coded with a signature that will allow it to be separated at a receiver that has an omni-directional antenna. Common signature techniques can be offset PN codes, orthogonal spreading vectors, orthogonal alphabets and other signature techniques. The received channels can be combined for an overall increase in data-rate or used separate as multiplexed data. |
| US08451926B2 |
Method and device for pre-coding in multiple input multiple output system
A signal processing method in an MIMO multi-carrier system is disclosed comprising: receiving by a receiver signals of a plurality of sub-carriers transmitted from a transmitter; dividing the sub-carriers into a plurality of sub-carrier blocks according to the correlation between adjacent sub-carriers, each sub-carrier block containing K sub-carriers; selecting a feedback sub-carrier pre-coding matrix ( ) and a rotation matrix ( ) for each sub-carrier block, and then sending the information on the pre-coding matrix and the rotation matrix back to the transmitting end. The present invention provides the method and device for effectively settling the feedback problem in an MIMO/OFDMA system, thereby greatly reducing the number of pre-coding weight matrices needed to feed back to the transmitting device. |
| US08451923B2 |
MIMO transmission mode selecting method and wireless communication equipment
In a radio communication apparatus, a MIMO system deciding section of a transmitter unit decides an object MIMO communication system with reference to a CQI value and a measured rate table while an AMC table controlling section selects an object MCS value according to the decided MIMO communication system and CQI value. The AMC table controlling section changes the MCS value step by step according to a transmission count and a result (success/failure) of the communication. If the communication (receiving) is successful or if the transmission count reaches the maximum value, the controlling section updates the mean value of the measured rate table. At this time, based on a value estimated from the combination of the MIMO communication system, the encoding system, and the modulating system that are used currently, the controlling section changes the reference for selecting another combination that are not used currently. |
| US08451916B2 |
Relay-based communication system and method processing signal without cyclic prefix
A relay-based communication system and method processing a signal without a cyclic prefix is provided. An apparatus for generating a relay signal includes a signal receiving unit which receives a source signal transmitted from a source node to a relay node and detects a received signal, a signal conversion unit which extracts samples corresponding to a first time duration from the received signal, sums the received signal and the extracted samples in a second time duration, and generates a converted received signal, a relay signal generation unit which generates a relay signal cooperating with the source signal based on the converted received signal according to a space frequency block code (SFBC) scheme, and a signal transmission unit which transmits the generated relay signal to a destination node. |
| US08451915B2 |
Efficient uplink feedback in a wireless communication system
A method for transmitting control information by transmitting a reference signal from a first transceiver to a second transceiver, in response to the reception of the reference signal, determining at the second transceiver a plurality of control channel elements based upon the received reference signal, jointly encoding the plurality of control channel elements at the second transceiver to generate a control signal, and transmitting the control signal from the second transceiver to the first transceiver. |
| US08451914B2 |
Methods and apparatus for using tones in a wireless communication system
Methods and apparatus for allocating repeating time periods in a wireless, communication system. A timing reference, such as a beacon is identified. An overhead set of repeating time periods is identified, the overhead set of repeating time periods having an overhead signal periodicity related to the beacon. A data payload set of repeating time periods having a data payload periodicity related to the beacon time period is identified. The overhead set of repeating time periods is divided into a fixed bit-use subset of repeating time periods and a flexible bit use subset of repeating time periods. |
| US08451906B1 |
Reconstructing efficiently encoded video frames in a distributed video coding environment
Systems and methods are presented for reconstructing sequences of video frames received from a sending device in a distributed video coding environment. Some of the video frames are received as key video frames fully encoded at the sending device. Others are received as non-key video frames partitioned into pixel blocks. Some of the pixel blocks are indicated for reconstruction via a corresponding previous pixel block of a previous video frame, while other pixel blocks are to be reconstructed by decoding encodings of those pixel blocks received from the sending device. Each received encoding of a pixel block is based on contents of the non-key video frame that contains the pixel block and not on contents of the previous key video frame, nor on contents of any other video frame positioned between the previous key video frame and the non-key video frame in the sequence of video frames. |
| US08451904B2 |
8-point transform for media data coding
In general, techniques are described for implementing an 8-point discrete cosine transform (DCT). An apparatus comprising an 8-point discrete cosine transform (DCT) hardware unit may implement these techniques to transform media data from a spatial domain to a frequency domain. The 8-point DCT hardware unit includes an even portion comprising factors A, B that are related to a first scaled factor (μ) in accordance with a first relationship. The 8-point DCT hardware unit also includes an odd portion comprising third, fourth, fifth and sixth internal factors (G, D, E, Z) that are related to a second scaled factor (η) in accordance with a second relationship. The first relationship relates the first scaled factor to the first and second internal factors. The second relationship relates the second scaled factor to the third internal factor and a fourth internal factor, as well as, the fifth internal factor and a sixth internal factor. |
| US08451902B2 |
Template-based pixel block processing
An adaptive filter to use in connection with prediction-based pixel block encoding and decoding is determined independently at the encoder and decoder side through a template-based procedure. A pixel block (12) has an identified reference pixel block (22) in a reference frame (20). A template (16) of multiple pixels (18) adjacent the pixel block (12) and a reference template (26) of multiple pixels (28) adjacent the reference pixel block (22) are used for determining the filter parameters of the adaptive filter. The determined adaptive filter is then applied to the reference pixel block (22) and is used for generating an encoded representation (40) of the pixel block (12) during encoding and or generating a decoded representation of the pixel block (12) during decoding. |
| US08451900B2 |
System and method for global motion estimation using profile matching
In a global motion estimation, profiles (Prof1, Prof2, ProO, Prof4) are determined of frames (FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4) of an input video signal. Each profile comprises a value, for each pixel in a first direction of the frame, which is obtained by combining pixels in a second direction of the frame. The profiles are updated (Upd Prof) with a first shift (Δx′12, Δx′2, Δx′34) to obtain updated profiles (Prof1′, Prof2′, Pro3′), and the updated profiles are matched (S/M) to obtain a secondary shift (Δx′12, Δx′23). Preferably, the first shift is a zero shift. The updating may be effected by shifting one of the profiles over the first shift to obtain a shifted profile, and subtracting another one of the profiles from the shifted profile. If the second direction is the vertical direction, the profile may comprise a vertically combined (e.g. averaged) pixel value for each pixel in the horizontal direction. |
| US08451899B2 |
Inter-layer prediction method for video signal
The present invention relates to a method for conducting interlayer motion prediction in encoding or decoding of video signal. The present method sets motion information of an intra-mode macro block of a base layer with motion information of an inter-mode macro block that is vertically adjacent to the intra-mode macro block, derives motion information of a pair of macro blocks adjacent vertically each other from the two macro blocks, and uses the pair of macro blocks in inter-layer motion prediction. |
| US08451892B2 |
Method and system for linear quantization and dequantization
A method including receiving a set of input data in a first matrix format. The method further includes compressing the set of input data to obtain a first set of compressed data in a second matrix format, where compressing the set of input data includes using a quantization equation, the quantization equation including Yq(i,j)=[(Y(i,j)+offset)< |
| US08451891B2 |
Rate control method for video encoder using Kalman filter and FIR filter
A rate control method per block for a video encoder, includes estimating an average bit rate of a block; and determining a variation of a quantization coefficient such that an objective function based on the difference between an objective bit rate and the estimated average bit rate is minimized. |
| US08451888B2 |
Communication apparatus
An impulse communication apparatus includes an impulse train generating part generating an impulse train from one modulated pulse by on-off keying, and an impulse train sending part sending the impulse train generated by the impulse train generating part. |
| US08451883B1 |
On-chip full eye viewer architecture
Systems, methods, and devices for determining an eye diagram of a serial input signal to an integrated circuit without an oscilloscope are provided. For example, one embodiment of an integrated circuit device may be capable of determining an eye diagram associated with an equalized serial input signal. The device may include an equalizer and eye viewer circuitry. The equalizer may receive and perform equalization on a serial input signal to produce the equalized serial input signal, and the eye viewer circuitry may determine horizontal and vertical boundaries of the eye diagram associated with the equalized serial input signal. |
| US08451882B2 |
OFDM modulation/demodulation method, OFDM modulation device, OFDM demodulation device, and OFDM modulation/demodulation system
An OFDM modulation/demodulation method in a transmission system that transmits data from a transmission source to a transmitting destination through OFDM modulation/demodulation is provided, which includes an extension step of extending, by the transmission source, a symbol period by copying an OFDM-modulated symbol in a predetermined place of the OFDM-modulated symbol for a predetermined length; a transmission step of transmitting, by the transmission source, the OFDM-modulated symbol that includes the extended symbol period to the transmitting destination; a demodulation performance step of receiving, by the transmitting destination, the OFDM-modulated symbol from the transmission source and performing OFDM demodulation of the received OFDM-modulated symbol from a plurality of time points; and a selection step of selecting, by the transmitting destination, the demodulation result of the OFDM demodulation to be adopted on the basis of the demodulation results of the OFDM demodulation from the plurality of time points. |
| US08451877B1 |
High efficiency III-nitride light-emitting diodes
Tailored doping of barrier layers enables balancing of the radiative recombination among the multiple-quantum-wells in III-Nitride light-emitting diodes. This tailored doping enables more symmetric carrier transport and uniform carrier distribution which help to reduce electron leakage and thus reduce the efficiency droop in high-power III-Nitride LEDs. Mitigation of the efficiency droop in III-Nitride LEDs may enable the pervasive market penetration of solid-state-lighting technologies in high-power lighting and illumination. |
| US08451875B2 |
Vertical cavity surface emitting laser having strain reduced quantum wells
A VCSEL with nearly planar intracavity contact. A bottom DBR mirror is formed on a substrate. A first conduction layer region is formed on the bottom DBR mirror. An active layer, including quantum wells, is on the first conduction layer region. A trench is formed into the active layer region. The trench is formed in a wagon wheel configuration with spokes providing mechanical support for the active layer region. The trench is etched approximately to the first conduction layer region. Proton implants are provided in the wagon wheel and configured to render the spokes of the wagon wheel insulating. A nearly planar electrical contact is formed as an intracavity contact for connecting the bottom of the active region to a power supply. The nearly planar electrical contact is formed in and about the trench. |
| US08451873B2 |
Method and apparatus for reliably laser marking articles
Disclosed is a method for creating a mark desired properties on an anodized specimen and the mark itself. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a controllable laser pulse parameters, determining the laser pulse parameters associated with the desired properties and directing the laser marking system to mark the article using the selected laser pulse parameters. Laser marks so made have optical density that ranges from transparent to opaque, white color, texture indistinguishable from the surrounding article and durable, substantially intact anodization. The anodization may also be dyed and optionally bleached to create other colors. |
| US08451872B2 |
Wavelength tunable filter and wavelength tunable laser module
A wavelength tunable filter and a wavelength tunable laser module are a codirectional coupler type whose characteristics do not vary significantly with a process error. They are structured so as to include a semiconductor substrate which has a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide. The first and the second optical waveguides are extended from a first side of the semiconductor substrate to an opposing second side thereof. The first optical waveguide includes a first core layer, which has a planar layout having periodic convexes and concaves, and a pair of electrodes, which vertically sandwich the first core layer. The second optical waveguide includes a second core layer, which has a lower refractive index than the first core layer. Further, a layer having the same composition and film thickness as the second core layer is placed under the first core layer. |
| US08451870B1 |
Method and system for phase and byte alignment on a multiplexed high speed bus
A method and system for multiplexing data signals is provided. A first circuit is operable to generate a plurality of serialized data signals and is operable to adjust a phase of at least one of the serialized data signals to adjust bit and byte alignment. A second circuit is coupled to the first circuit to receive the plurality of serialized data signals from the first circuit. The second circuit has a multiplexer operable to generate a multiplexed output signal from the received serialized data signals. The first circuit is further coupled to the second circuit by a back channel operable to carry information regarding bit alignment and byte alignment of the received serialized data signals. |
| US08451868B2 |
Systems and methods for transmitting media content via digital radio broadcast transmission for synchronized rendering by a receiver
Systems, methods, and processor readable media are disclosed for encoding and transmitting first media content, second media content and triggering instructions to a digital radio broadcast receiver such that the triggering instructions arrive for immediate execution to trigger immediate rendering of the second media content in synchronization with the first media content. |
| US08451867B2 |
Network time protocol precision timestamping service
Embodiments of the present invention set forth a method and system for reducing uncertainty in receive and transmit timestamps created by an NTP server. The uncertainty in the receive timestamps is removed by recording the time-of-arrival in the hardware clock of the NTP server before the incoming packets may be delayed by traversing the various layers of software in a timestamping system. The uncertainty in the transmit timestamps is removed by giving the outgoing packets a timestamp in the future using an estimate of the transmission latency calculated by the latency estimator filter. Subsequently, the actual time-of-departure is used to re-calculate and update the estimate of the transmission latency. In this fashion, superior control of the timestamping function may be implemented in existing NTP servers in a manner that retains interworking compatibility with the current NTP standards. |
| US08451866B2 |
Apparatus and method for composing diversity subchannel in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for composing a subchannel in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes performing a subband-based permutation on resources for composing a subchannel; selecting one or more subbands as resources for a band selection subchannel from the resources passing through the subband-based permutation; composing the band selection subchannel using at least one of the selected subbands; performing a resource allocation unit based permutation on resources not selected for the band selection subchannel; composing a resource allocation unit based diversity subchannel using subband remained in the selected subbands after the band selection subchannel is composed and at least one of the resource allocation units of the resources passing through the resource allocation unit based permutation; and composing a tone-based diversity subchannel by performing a tone-based permutation on resources remained after the resource allocation unit based diversity subchannel is composed. |
| US08451865B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and method, recording medium and program
A signal processing apparatus capable of minimizing the required processing so that a data packet containing a described discontinuity information table can be inserted preferably in a transport stream (partial stream). In this apparatus, a stream layer model storage has a model of the table to be stored in a DIT (Discontinuity Information Table) packet indicating a discontinuity point of a stream layer. A DIT packet insertion controller refers to the information set in an insertion timing setting register and, upon arrival of the timing to insert the DIT packet, the information preset in a description contents setting register is inserted into the model to thereby generate the DIT packet, and then the generated packet is inserted at the discontinuity point of the transport stream (partial stream). |
| US08451859B2 |
Packet type retransmission system for DMB service and retransmission device of DMB terminal
A packet type retransmission system for DMB services includes a DMB device for receiving multimedia data from a content provider, for converting the multimedia data to DMB data for DMB transmission, and for transmitting the DMB data. A broadcasting transfer medium transfers the DMB data transmitted through the DMB device. A DMB-IP converter receives the DMB data transferred through the broadcasting transfer media and converts the DMB data to packet based data. An IP based multimedia transmitting device outputs the packet based multimedia data converted through the DMB-IP converter to user devices. |
| US08451858B2 |
Collision avoidance in multiple protocol communication networks using a shared communication medium
A method for collision avoidance in multiple protocol networks using a shared communication medium begins by determining a first protocol probable active time period. The method continues by determining a first protocol probable inactive time period. The method continues by generating a transmit blocking indication based on the first protocol probable active time period and the first protocol probable inactive time period. |
| US08451851B2 |
Enhanced encapsulation mechanism using GRE protocol
Wireless gateway nodes are enabled to support mobile node services, such as content based billing, when a data treatment server is present in the system. Using one of a defined Content Flow Label (CFL), an Application Program Interface (API), and a compression protocol header, content based billing is provided such as by exchanging content and byte count information with the data treatment server. |
| US08451842B2 |
Media access control bridging in a mesh network
A network comprising a switch configured to learn a source address (SA) for a source node with a source port that receives a frame comprising the SA if the SA is not previously learned on another port and to subsequently forward any frame comprising a destination address (DA) for a destination node that matches the learned SA on the source port associated with the SA. A network comprising a switch configured to flood a frame received on a receiving port if the frame comprises a DA that is not previously learned on a source port and to distinguish the flooded frame from other forwarded frames by labeling the flooded frame, wherein the frame is flooded on a plurality of ports. A method comprising disabling a plurality of filtering database (FDB) entries that correspond to a plurality of addresses that are associated with a port, and sending the addresses in a control frame. |
| US08451840B2 |
Mobility in IP without mobile IP
Not Mobile IP (NMIP) comprises methods for implementing macro-mobility in an IP network, wherein macro-mobility means the ability of a node to change its network-layer, e.g., IP, address without disturbing existing transport-layer and application-layer sessions, e.g., conversations. When two NMIP nodes establish a new NMIP session, they exchange pseudo-random numbers, or nonces, and store the nonces in a session table. When a first node changes its IP address, the first node sends to the second node an address-update message that contains the new IP address and the first node's nonce. If the received nonce matches a nonce in the session table, then the second node updates its protocol control blocks with the new IP address, and sends an address-update reply message to the first node. Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) can be used to secure or replace the exchange of nonces. |
| US08451838B2 |
Apparatus and method for forwarding packet in packet switch system
A packet forwarding apparatus forwards packets by hardware implementation in a packet switch system for an internet protocol service. In the packet forwarding apparatus, an interface transmits/receives a packet through interfacing with a data link layer. A bus operator converts the packet received from the interface by a pre-set logic. A header parser parses a header of the converted packet. A network search engine controller receives a parsed result and the packet from the header parser and controls a command for forwarding the packet by interworking with an external network search engine and a processor. |
| US08451836B2 |
Method, device, and system for transmitting constant rate data stream
In the field of optical network communication technologies, a method, a device, and a system for transmitting a constant rate data stream are provided. The method for transmitting the constant rate data stream by the first network device includes: receiving a constant rate data stream; calculating an input rate of the constant rate data stream or a rate difference between the input rate and a standard rate of the constant rate data stream in each cycle of a reference clock; encapsulating the constant rate data stream into a Gigabit-Passive Optical Network (GPON) Encapsulation Method (GEM) frame by using a bit as a minimum encapsulation unit; and encapsulating the GEM frame into a GPON Transmission Convergence Layer (GTC) frame, and sending the GTC frame to the second network device through a GPON network. Therefore, the technical solutions may be widely applied to the GPON network. |
| US08451835B2 |
Voice optimization in a network having voice over internet protocol communication devices
An apparatus and a method of optimizing voice quality on a network having end-points that are voice over Internet Protocol (IP) devices. Default parameters of the end-points are initialized. Network performance parameters are measured and evaluated to determine whether they signify that connection to the network is below a desired level of operation. If so, the default parameters of the end-points are re-set based on the evaluation. The adjustment may entail re-negotiating the CODEC connection and re-setting parameters for packet size and resetting parameters for jitter buffer size. |
| US08451834B2 |
Determining availability of a destination for computer network communications
Determining availability of a destination for computer network communications that include providing on a caching device a destination availability cache comprising at least one cache entry representing availability of a destination and providing, from the caching device to a source, through computer network communications, information indicating the availability of the destination. In typical embodiments, the cache entry comprises a network address of a destination device and a time limitation for the cache entry. |
| US08451833B2 |
System and method for transparent virtual routing
A transparent routing device disposed within an access network configured in accordance with one or more lower-layer protocols is disclosed herein. The device includes a set of subscriber-side ports. Each of the subscriber-side ports is associated with a plurality of virtual subscriber-side interfaces disposed to effectively terminate a corresponding plurality of subscriber-side connections with subscriber host devices served by the access network. The device further includes at least one network-side port through which communication occurs with an external network in accordance with a higher-layer protocol. A routing table is configured to establish a correspondence between network addresses of the subscriber host devices and the plurality of virtual subscriber-side interfaces. During operation of the device, packets received through the at least one network-side port are forwarded to corresponding ones of the virtual subscriber-side interfaces based upon network addresses of the packets. |
| US08451832B2 |
Content using apparatus, content using method, distribution server apparatus, information distribution method, and recording medium
A content using apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain delimiter information for content data recorded on a recording medium; an accepting unit configured to accept input of an instruction by a user; and a generating unit configured to generate content data from content data subject to processing to allow playback of content in a new manner, on the basis of the delimiter information obtained by the obtaining unit and the instruction accepted by the accepting unit. |
| US08451824B2 |
Method and system of providing an integrated set-top box
An approach is provided for voice, video and data services using an integrated set-top box. A packetized voice call is received (or placed) using a set-top box, wherein the set-top is configured to present video content on a display for viewing by a user. The set-top box includes a speakerphone for the user to participate in the voice call. |
| US08451822B2 |
Method and apparatus for co-socket telephony
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a wireless mobile device comprising first and second wireless air interfaces that enable both circuit-switched and packet-switched wireless communications between the wireless mobile device and one or more remote stations that can be computer telephony integration servers, or peer devices such as smart telephones or wireless smart telephones, or wireless mobile devices. |
| US08451821B2 |
Method for transmitting response information in mobile communications system
A method for a user equipment to perform a random access to a network in a mobile communication system includes transmitting a random access preamble to the network; receiving a medium access control packet data unit (MAC PDU) via a downlink shared channel, wherein the MAC PDU comprises one or more sub headers in a first part of the MAC PDU and one or more random access responses in a second part of the MAC PDU subsequent to the first part, and wherein the random access responses include first uplink resource allocation information; transmitting a first uplink data based on the first uplink resource allocation information in one of the random access responses; and transmitting a second uplink data based on second uplink resource allocation information when the second uplink resource allocation information is received via a downlink control channel. |
| US08451819B2 |
Methods and apparatus for uplink frame synchronization in a subscriber station
A method for uplink frame synchronization in a subscriber station may include recording a first time stamp corresponding to a first downlink frame and recording a second time stamp corresponding to a second downlink frame. The first time stamp and the second time stamp may be used to determine a propagation delay change. Uplink transmission timing may be adjusted based on the propagation delay change that is determined. |
| US08451817B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing duplicate packets
A method and apparatus for determining if a packet is a duplicate packet are disclosed. The method includes determining if a field of a duplicate packet map (DPM) indicates the packet is the duplicate packet. The determination is made using a packet summary value (PSV) corresponding to the packet. The apparatus (a network device, for example) includes a duplicate packet map (DPM), which can be used to make the foregoing determination. |
| US08451816B2 |
Multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC
Multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC. A novel solution is presented in which a MAC (Medium Access Controller) is implemented that includes multiple functionality types. This MAC may include functionality supporting communication according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) related standards and also to one or more of the standards generated by the IEEE 802.15.3 PAN (Personal Area Network) working group. By providing this dual functionality of a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC, a communication device may adaptively change the manner in which it communicates with other communication devices. For example, in an effort to maximize throughput and overall efficiency of communication within a communication system, certain of the various devices may change from using the WLAN related standards to using the PAN related standards, and vice versa, based on any one or more of a variety of operational parameters including system configuration. |
| US08451810B2 |
Wireless LAN system, a terminal and a recording medium readable by a computer
In a wireless LAN system, a terminal that includes a device for wireless LAN connection is capable of simple connection setting for wireless LAN. In said terminal, a simple connection setting recorder records each methods of simple connection setting that easily sets the simple connection setting for the wireless LAN, and an access point identifier identifies connected access point by detecting an information that is output by the access point. And a connection setting selector selects a simple connection setting corresponding to the access point, which the access point identifier identified from the simple connection settings recorded in the simple connection setting recorder. Finally, a connection setting processor processes connection setting, which corresponds to each method of the simple connection settings that the connection setting selector selected. |
| US08451809B2 |
Wireless gateway in a process control environment supporting a wireless communication protocol
A wireless gateway for use in a process control environment includes a wireless interface for communicating with a first wireless network using a first wireless communication protocol, such that the wireless network includes a plurality of field devices operating in the process control environment. The wireless gateway further includes a host interface for communicating with an external host disposed outside the wireless network using a second communication protocol and a protocol translator to enable an exchange of data between the first interface and the second interface. |
| US08451807B2 |
Configuration aware packet routing in an ad-hoc network
A method of routing a packet in an ad-hoc network is provided. The method provides a packet at a first node, the first node being one of a plurality of nodes. A destination node is determined for the packet, the destination node being one of the plurality of nodes. Configuration information is also provided, the configuration information representing the location of each of the plurality of nodes. Finally, at least one forward node in a direction towards the destination node is selected based on the configuration information, and packets are sent to the at least one forward node. |
| US08451806B2 |
Systems and methods for pinging a user's intranet IP address
The intranet IP address management solution of the appliance and/or client described herein provides an environment for efficiently assigning, managing and querying virtual private network addresses, referred to as intranet IP (IIP) addresses of virtual private network users, such as a multitude of SSL VPN users on an enterprise network. The appliance provides techniques and policies for assigning previously assigned virtual private network addresses of a user to subsequent sessions of the user as the user logs in multiple times or roams between access points. This technique is referred to IIP stickiness as the appliance attempts to provide the same IIP address to a roaming VPN user. The appliance also provides a configurable user domain naming policy so that one can ping or query the virtual private network address of a user by an easily referenceable host name identifying the user. The appliance and/or client agent also provide techniques to allow applications to seamlessly and transparently communicate on the virtual private network using the virtual private network address of the user or client on the private network. |
| US08451805B2 |
Spread spectrum transmitting and receiving apparatus using a beacon signal for carrier sensing
A radio wave detecting apparatus that can perform carrier sense of radio waves subjected to spread spectrum with a simple configuration, in which a spread code is multiplied by an information signal, the band is spread, and a spread information signal is generated. A beacon signal in a predetermined band is synthesized with the spread information signal, and a synthesized signal is transmitted as a radio wave. Furthermore, only a signal component in a predetermined band is extracted from a received radio wave, so that a beacon signal is separated. The presence of a radio wave is detected based on the receiving power of the separated beacon signal. If the presence of the radio wave is detected, the transmission of the radio wave is stopped. |
| US08451800B2 |
Session handover in mobile-network content-delivery devices
An application mobility-management entity (“AME”) in a radio-access network detects movement of a mobile device and routes application data for already-active application streams associated with the mobile device to the device's new location by establishing a connection to a second AME in the radio-access network. The second AME merges forwarded application data from/to the first AME for previously active application streams with the new application streams (e.g., new TCP connections) locally and forwards to/from the mobile device through the radio access network elements. |
| US08451798B2 |
Carrier configuration method for multi-carrier communication system
A carrier configuration method for a multi-carrier communication system having a base station (BS) and a terminal is described. The BS divides multiple component carriers (CCs) of the terminal to multiple CC groups, wherein the CCs using at least one identical configuration parameter are divided into the same CC group. The BS transmits a CC configuration message comprising at least one configuration parameter data to the terminal, wherein the configuration message comprises or does not comprise at least one CC configuration indicator. If the configuration message comprises the CC configuration indicator, the terminal will receive the CC configuration message, and configure the configuration parameter of the configurations of the CCs indicated by the CC configuration indicator according to the configuration parameter data; otherwise, the terminal will configure the configuration parameter of the configurations of the default CCs (e.g. all of the CCs currently used by the terminal, or primary CCs). |
| US08451797B2 |
Method and system for mobility across heterogeneous address spaces
A mobile node includes a processor, a network interface, and a storage device having computer program code for execution by the processor. The computer program code includes a network layer for transmitting and receiving packets and an intermediate driver that transmits packets to the network layer and receives packets from the network layer using a virtual interne protocol (IP) address to identify the mobile node. The intermediate driver transmits packets to the network interface and receives packets from the network interface using a routable actual IP address to identify the mobile node. The intermediate driver permits the actual IP address to change when the mobile node moves from a first subnet to a second subnet without a corresponding change in the virtual IP address. A corresponding NAT associates the virtual IP address with a second actual IP address when the NAT is notified that the mobile node is in the second subnet. |
| US08451796B2 |
Wireless communication system and its method, and device and program used for same
Wireless LAN base station devices (107 to 109) monitored by a wireless LAN base station monitoring server device (105) send wireless LAN base station information on themselves to the wireless LAN base station monitoring server device (105). A combined wireless terminal (110) which is to start communication requests the wireless LAN base station information on connectable wireless LAN base station devices. The wireless LAN base station monitoring server device (105) sends information on whether or not there is any connectable base station device and, if any, the connectable wireless LAN base station information according to information acquired from the combined wireless terminal (110) having requested the wireless LAN base station information via a 3G network (102). The combined wireless terminal (110) having received the wireless LAN base station information determines whether or not to set up a connection to a wireless LAN network (103) from the wireless LAN base station information. |
| US08451795B2 |
Handover in a wireless data packet communication system that avoid user data loss
An apparatus, method, processor(s), and computer program product avoids user data loss by network-controlled, user equipment assisted handover in a wireless data packet communication system. A wireless receiver receives radio link control (RLC) packet data units (PDUs) from user equipment (UE) being served by a source node. A wireless transmitter commands the UE to handover. A network communication interface transmits RLC Uplink (UL) context from the source node to the target node, and transmits RLC Downlink (DL) initialization message and buffered in-transit DL RLC PDUs from the source node to the target node. |
| US08451791B2 |
Allocation of uplink reference signals in a mobile communication system
A mobile communication system network node (NN) that serves user equipments (UEs) has fewer orthogonal reference signals (RSs) than a maximum number of UE antenna ports (APs) that can be served by the NN. A channel quality of a channel between the AP and the network node is ascertained for each of the APs. Whenever a number of APs of UEs served by the NN exceeds the number of RSs, all RSs are allocated to a subset of all of the APs by means of an allocation process such that: each RS is allocated to only one of the APs; each AP has no more than one RS allocated to it; and allocation decisions are a function of the channel qualities of the respective APs such that the higher the channel quality, the higher priority the corresponding AP is given as a candidate for receiving an RS allocation. |
| US08451789B2 |
Method to request resources in TV white spaces type environment
Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed for independent wireless resource sharing on a fair basis to enable selecting the most suitable coexistence between wireless networks. Example embodiments of the invention include a hierarchical resource request process that enables reallocation of radio resources in a coexistence band. When new resources are requested by a network, a search is made for free resources in the coexistence band. If this does not succeed, a check is made for any allocated but unused resources in the coexistence band that have been advertised by neighboring networks. If there are insufficient advertised resources, then the allocation of resources in neighboring networks is analyzed and compared with the requesting network's need for network resources. There are two graduated stages to the analysis. In an example light analysis stage, an analysis of the allocation of resources is limited to neighboring networks within the same network allocation group as the requesting network's. In a more extensive analysis stage, all of the neighboring networks are analyzed. In this manner, a more complete resource reallocation may be achieved. |
| US08451788B2 |
Method for allocating preamble sequence subblock for supporting irregular system bandwidth in wireless communication system and an apparatus therefor
A method for transmitting a secondary advanced-preamble (SA-preamble) from a base station in a wireless communication system is disclosed, wherein the SA-preamble supporting an irregular system bandwidth. The method comprises allocating a plurality of sequence subblocks corresponding to a regular system bandwidth; configuring the SA-preamble by dropping one or more sequence subblock pairs among the plurality of sequence subblocks symmetrically in base of a DC component; and transmitting the SA-preamble to a mobile station, wherein a bandwidth of the SA-preamble is same as or narrower than the irregular system bandwidth. |
| US08451784B2 |
Virtual neighbor objects for managing idle mode mobility in a wireless network
Systems, methods, and apparatus that facilitate optimal idle mode reselection are presented herein. A virtual neighbor component can be configured to create at least one virtual neighbor object and associate the at least one virtual neighbor object with at least two wireless access points. A reselection component can be configured to facilitate idle mode reselection between a wireless access point of the at least two wireless access points and another wireless access point based on, at least in part, the at least one virtual neighbor object. |
| US08451781B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating radio resource using random access procedure in a mobile communication system
A method for transmitting a random access preamble using a random access procedure in a mobile communication system. The random access preamble transmission method includes selecting, upon triggering of the random access procedure, one of random access preamble sets predefined between a User Equipment (UE) and an Evolved Node B (ENB) according to whether a radio channel condition is greater than a radio channel condition threshold and a size of a message that the UE will transmit after transmission of the random access preamble is greater than a minimum message size, randomly selecting a random access preamble from the selected random access preamble set, and transmitting the selected random access preamble to the ENB over a random access channel. |
| US08451769B2 |
Method of receiving message in communication system using relay process being limited to wireless interface and apparatus of the same
A method of receiving a message by a relay node in a mobile communication system is disclosed. The present invention includes receiving control information including a first group identifier on a backhaul subframe, and receiving the message based on the control information if the received first group identifier indicates the relay node, wherein the message includes a second group identifier, the second group identifier being corresponded to the first group identifier. |
| US08451768B2 |
Adaptive modulation for cooperative coded systems
A system, method, and apparatus are provided for a source to choose a partner/relay from at least one candidate to transmit at least part of a message from the source to destination. The choice depends on the channel conditions of the source and when the source is experiencing poor channel quality to the destination, the source selects the candidate and the modulation modes of the source and partner/relay such that the frame error rate (FER) of the source is lowered. Otherwise, a modulation mode is selected for each of the source and the partner/relay that most improves the gain in throughput of the source. The present invention applies to modes consisting of binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), and 16-state quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM). |
| US08451760B2 |
Power savings in access points
Embodiments of the invention are directed to power savings in Access Points (APs). Legacy 802.11 modes such as 802.11a/b/g use one transmitter/receive chain per radio. High Throughput (HT) 802.11n modes use multiple (2, 3, or more) transmit/receive chains per radio. Power consumed by the AP may be reduced by powering off unused transmit and/or receive chains. Multiple transmit chains are only powered up when HT 802.11n transmissions requiring them are made. Using protected mode signaling, the AP powers up multiple receive chains needed for HT 802.11n reception on receiving a Request to Send (RTS) packet indicating that an 802.11n client wishes to send 802.11n HT data. Transmit and/or receive chains may be powered up with minimum on times. Only certain elements of a chain may be powered up and down, with those elements requiring a great deal of settling time left powered on. Transmit chains may be powered up on the reception of RTS-based information indicating arrival of HT 802.11 data. |
| US08451759B2 |
WCDMA device and method for discontinuous reception for power saving in idle mode and flexible monitoring of neighboring cells
A WCDMA enabled user equipment device configured to have functions collectively or selectively idle to conserve power. A discontinuous receiver is used to detect and read network messages and report the messages to the computer within the WCDMA enabled user equipment device. The computer then activates functions previously powered down to receive incoming messages for the user of the device. The discontinuous receiver is also used when the device is active to read network messages, freeing a modem of the device to operate on user messaging; and therefore, enhancing user related performance. |
| US08451758B2 |
Method and device for operating of two wireless services
The invention relates to a method and a device for operation of two wireless services whereas a first service is broadcasting signals within burst with known time distances between the bursts and a second service is transmitting signals at least between a first partner and a second partner. The problem to be solved by the invention is to enable a user to use applications of at least to services concurrently at the same time with the same device. The problem is solved by an operation of one and the same device which is receiving bursts in a first mode of the first service and is switched from the first mode into a mode of the second service during the time between the bursts of the service. |
| US08451753B2 |
Systems and methods for the configuration of substation remote terminals with a central controller
Systems and methods for the configuration of substation remote terminals with a central controller are provided. A message identifying a current status of a remote terminal unit (“RTU”) associated with a remote power substation may be received by a central controller associated with a power system. Based upon an analysis of the received message, a request for configuration data associated with the RTU may be communicated by the central controller to the RTU. In response to the request, the configuration data may be received by the central controller from the RTU. Based upon the received configuration data, the central controller may update a configuration database comprising information associated with the configuration of the RTU. In this regard, supervisory control and data acquisitions operations with the RTU by the central controller may be facilitated. |
| US08451747B2 |
Method and device for transmitting data based on time division duplexing (TDD) standard
The present disclosure discloses a method for transmitting data based on a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) standard, the method includes: setting a control parameter for analyzing and processing IP packet; receiving the IP packet from an IP layer and storing the IP packet into a receiving buffer according to the control parameter; scanning the IP packet in the receiving buffer, analyzing packet header information of the IP packet, adjusting a sending order of the IP packet according to the control parameter and sending the IP packet to a sending buffer according to the sending order; and sending the IP packet in the sending buffer to a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity according to the sending order. The present disclosure further discloses a method for transmitting data based on a TDD standard. |
| US08451745B2 |
Auto probing endpoints for performance and fault management
In one embodiment, a method for automatically probing endpoint in a network for performance and fault management is provided. The method may comprise receiving instructions to auto probe endpoints, the instructions comprising probe characteristics and endpoint indicators. The method may further comprise querying an information base to identify endpoints and to obtain information on the identified endpoints that conform to the endpoint indicators. Based on the instructions and the information obtained for the identified endpoints, one or more probe packets may be generating to be transmitted to the identified endpoints. The generated probe packets may further be scheduled for transmission to the identified endpoints. New endpoints may continue to get discovered based on a notification mechanism which exists. Likewise, endpoints leaving the discovery domain may be identified. |
| US08451742B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling data communication
A communication apparatus includes an input interface to receive a flow of segmented data, and an output interface to transmit the received data from a plurality of physical links. The output interface includes storage units corresponding to the respective physical links to store transmission data. A link monitor unit observes how much data is accumulated in each storage unit. A distribution unit selects which physical link is to be used to output the received data. Based on the observations by the link monitor unit, the distribution unit changes the selection to an alternative physical link that has a larger amount of stored data than the currently selected physical link. |
| US08451737B2 |
Method for processing information reporting, information reporting device and system
A method for processing information reporting, including: obtaining event information when an REFE detects an event; and processing reporting of event information according to a control policy. An information reporting device, which is configured with: an event detecting unit, adapted to detect an event; a policy controlling unit, adapted to obtain a control policy corresponding to the event, and instruct a reporting processing unit to perform processing according to the control policy; and a reporting processing unit, adapted to generate and send the information report. |
| US08451736B2 |
Network assessment and short-term planning procedure
A method for relieving network node congestion includes determining a moving average of an aggregated load on a network node that routes network traffic using historical data for a period of time for a portion of a communication network that includes the network node. Demand on the network node is projected based on the moving average. A current level of congestion on the network node is determined. A level of congestion on the network node is projected based on the projected demand and the current level of congestion. Available capacity of other network nodes in the portion of the communication network is estimated. A determination is made whether the projected level of congestion can be relieved using the estimated available capacity of the other network nodes. The communication network is reconfigured to relieve the projected level of congestion when the projected level of congestion can be relieved. |
| US08451732B2 |
Inter-vehicle communication apparatus and method capable of detecting packet collision
In inter-vehicle communication, a communication apparatus may not normally receive a packet having a sufficient reception power level. Under such circumstances, a control circuit in the apparatus determines that the received packet has collided with other packet if a condition is met that a time period for a receiver circuit to receive a packet having a reception power level of equal to or more than a set value is longer than a time period required for the receiver circuit to receive a packet having a predetermined packet length. |
| US08451727B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling congestion occurrence in a communication network
Congestion occurrence in a communication network is controlled when performing data transmission based on a first protocol between a first edge node and a second edge node. The first edge node detects a first congestion state identifying a congestion state of the first edge node, and sets first congestion information identifying the detected first congestion state to a packet that is to be transmitted from the first edge node to the second edge node. The first edge node transmits the packet having the first information to the second edge node at the time when the first edge node performs data transmission based on a second protocol from the first edge node to the second edge node, wherein the second protocol is a connectionless protocol positioned at a protocol layer higher than the first protocol. |
| US08451724B2 |
Transparent network traffic inspection
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing parties with levels of transparency into filtering functionality of network traffic inspection implementations. Embodiments include receiving a filter change request from a subscriber over a network that defines a modification to a set of filter criteria for filtering network traffic, the filter criteria being stored in association with the subscriber in a filter criteria data store; updating the set of filter criteria in the filter criteria data store as a function of the filter change request; receiving a content dataset relating to the network traffic; identifying the content dataset as being associated with the subscriber; retrieving the set of filter criteria associated with the subscriber from the data store; and filtering the network traffic as a function of the set of filter criteria. Embodiments further provide layers of access for different entities to the filtered traffic. |
| US08451723B2 |
Soft packet dropping during digital audio packet-switched communications
A method of packetizing digital audio information for packet-switched communications includes separating a digital audio sample into at least one most significant bit and at least one least significant bit. The at least one most significant bit of the digital audio sample is placed into a variable-length most significant bit packet having a high transmission priority for transmission over a packet-switched network in which at least one node receives the packet and independently determines how to route the packet. The at least one least significant bit of the digital audio sample is placed into a variable-length least significant bit packet having a low transmission priority for transmission over the packet-switched network. Prioritization of packets as having a high transmission priority or low transmission priority is independent of speech characteristics of digital audio samples with elements contained therein. |
| US08451717B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapid switchover from primary to standby multicast trees
A capability is provided for switching between primary and standby multicast trees on a network egress node of a multicast network. The network egress node includes a first MPLS LABEL Record including a first tree identifier of the first multicast tree, a second MPLS LABEL Record including a second tree identifier of the second multicast tree, and a MULTICAST Record including a plurality of primary tree identifiers and a plurality of standby tree identifiers. The MPLS LABEL Records include parameters, respectively, where the values of the parameters are indicative of respective packet processing rules to be applied for determining whether to accept or discard packets. When the parameter of an MPLS LABEL Record is set to a first value, a determination as to whether to accept or discard a packet received via the associated multicast tree is performed by comparing the tree identifier of the MPLS LABEL Record only to primary tree identifiers of the MULTICAST Record. When the parameter of an MPLS LABEL Record is set to a second value, a determination as to whether to accept or discard a packet received via the associated multicast tree is performed by comparing the tree identifier of the MPLS LABEL Record to primary tree identifiers of the MULTICAST Record or standby tree identifiers of the MULTICAST Record. |
| US08451716B2 |
System and method for assisting in controlling real-time transport protocol flow through multiple networks
Methods and systems for routing call signaling messages are disclosed. One such method is performed in a session router. The method includes: maintaining a telephony route information base (TRIB) stored in the session router as a result of participation of the session router in telephony routing over internet protocol (TRIP). The TRIB allows multiple routes to the same destination. The method further comprises: using the TRIB to route the received call signaling messages to another session router. One such system includes memory and a processor. The processor is configured by instructions retrieved from the memory to: build and maintain, as a result of participation of the router in telephony routing over internet protocol (TRIP), a telephony route information base (TRIB) that allows multiple routes to the same destination; and use the TRIB to route a received call signaling message to another router. |
| US08451711B1 |
Methods and apparatus for redirecting traffic in the presence of network address translation
The invention is directed to techniques for processing messages to be transferred from a first network to a second network, the method comprising the steps of receiving a message at a second data communications device coupling the first and second networks, determining that the message is associated with a data path through a first data communications device that couples the first and second networks independently from the second data communications device and processing the message to maintain a connection associated with the message, the connection existing between a first computerized device operating in the first network and a second computerized device operating in the second network. |
| US08451708B2 |
Manufacturing method for optical recording medium, optical recording medium, optical information device, and information reproducing method
Shape-wise thicknesses of a cover layer and first through (N−1)th intermediate layers of an optical recording medium having refractive indexes nr1, nr2 are converted into thicknesses t1, t2 of the respective layers having a predetermined refractive index which makes a divergent amount equal to a divergent amount of a light beam resulting from the thicknesses tr1, tr2, a difference DFF between the sum of a thickness “ti” through a thickness “tj”, and the sum of a thickness “tk” through a thickness “tm” is set to 1 μm or more (where i, j, k, and m are each any positive integer satisfying i≦j |
| US08451702B2 |
Direct read after write for optical storage device
Systems and methods for data storage on an optical medium having a plurality of tracks include splitting a light beam into a higher power main beam and at least one lower power side beam that form corresponding spots spaced along a selected one of the plurality of tracks and selectively positioning and aligning the beams/spots along the selected one of the plurality of tracks using the higher power main beam to write data while reading previously written data using the at least one lower power side beam. The systems and methods may include correlating the read signal with a time-shifted write signal to provide a direct read after write capability to verify data written to the optical medium. In one embodiment, an optical tape drive includes an optical pickup unit (OPU) that generates a lower power satellite beam to read data directly after writing by a higher power main beam. |
| US08451700B2 |
Optical pickup device and optical read/write apparatus
In one embodiment, the optical pickup device includes: a light source that emits a light beam; a diffractive element that diffracts the light beam and generates a zero-order and ±first-order diffracted light beams; an objective lens that converges the diffracted light beams onto the same track on the storage medium; and a photodetector that receives the diffracted light beams reflected from the storage medium. If a distance from a light beam spot left by the zero-order diffracted light beam on the track to light beam spots left by the ±first-order diffracted light beams on that track is d [μm], the scanning linear velocity of the storage medium is v [m/s], and a time it takes for a phase-change material of the storage medium that has once been melted by the zero-order diffracted light beam to solidify is T [μs], vT≦d is satisfied. |
| US08451691B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a launch position of a projectile
A method and apparatus for detecting the launch position of a projectile is described. The apparatus includes at least one wideband microphone array positioned so as to be responsive to acoustic emissions generated by the launch and flight of a projectile. The apparatus includes signal processing means, for processing the signals generated by the microphone array or arrays, the output of which provides an estimate of launch position and kinematic information relating to the projectile. |
| US08451690B2 |
Method of controlling a lighting system with an ultrasonic transceiver
A control method for use with a lighting system is provided. The lighting system includes a light source and an ultrasonic transceiver. The control method includes steps of: measuring the time of an ultrasonic signal emitted from the ultrasonic transceiver and reflected by the object to reach the ultrasonic sensor to obtain a time of flight; calculating a distance between the object and the ultrasonic transceiver according to the time of flight; defining at least one control region according to the distance; and moving the object to the control region, thereby performing a controlling operation corresponding to the control region and adjusting an optical characteristic. |
| US08451688B2 |
Methods and apparatus to combine monopole and multipole acoustic logging measurements to determine shear slowness
Methods and apparatus to combine monopole and multipole acoustic logging measurements to determine shear slowness are disclosed. An example method to determine shear slowness of a formation from acoustic logging data disclosed herein comprises determining a plurality of mixed coherence values corresponding to a respective plurality of possible shear slowness values, each mixed coherence value determined by combining a monopole coherence value determined from monopole logging data and a multipole coherence value determined from multipole logging data, the monopole and multipole coherence values each being determined for a particular possible shear slowness value corresponding to the mixed coherence value, and using the particular shear slowness value corresponding to a maximum mixed coherence value in the plurality of mixed coherence values to represent the shear slowness of the formation. |
| US08451687B2 |
Imaging with vector measurements
A technique includes receiving seismic data, which are indicative of pressure measurements and pressure gradient measurements acquired in a seismic survey of at least one subterranean formation. The technique includes modeling an image of the subterranean formation(s) as a function of the pressure measurements and the pressure gradient measurements. The technique includes determining the image based on the modeling. |
| US08451686B2 |
Process and system for the acquisition of seismic data
The invention relates to a method for the acquisition of seismic data that uses sources operable to produce, when they are in a shooting station, seismic vibrations according to a sweep type shooting sequence, of predetermined duration and variable frequency. According to this method, the source and recording device clocks are synchronized, shooting is authorized for each of the sources at a series of predetermined shooting times tk,n, with k being an order number for a given source and n a source order number, between 1 and the number of sources Ns, and carried out on condition that the source is in a state to produce vibrations at such time tk,n, and the signals produced by the receivers are continuously recorded. The invention also relates to a system for seismic acquisition that implements this method. |
| US08451685B2 |
Time reverse reservoir localization
A method and system for processing synchronous array seismic data includes acquiring synchronous passive seismic data from a plurality of sensors to obtain synchronized array measurements. A reverse-time data process is applied to the synchronized array measurements to obtain a plurality of dynamic particle parameters associated with subsurface locations. These dynamic particle parameters are stored in a form for display. Maximum values of the dynamic particle parameters may be interpreted as reservoir locations. The dynamic particle parameters may be particle displacement values, particle velocity values, particle acceleration values or particle pressure values. The sensors may be three-component sensors. Zero-phase frequency filtering of different ranges of interest may be applied. The data may be resampled to facilitate efficient data processing. |
| US08451681B2 |
Semiconductor storage device including memory cells each having a variable resistance element
A semiconductor storage device includes a memory cell array having memory cells positioned at respective intersections between a plurality of first wirings and a plurality of second wirings, each of the memory cells having a rectifier element and a variable resistance element connected in series, and a control circuit selectively driving the first and second wirings. The control circuit applies a first voltage to the selected first wiring and applies a second voltage to the selected second wiring to apply a certain potential difference to a selected memory cell positioned at a intersection between the selected first and second wirings, and brings at least one of nonselected first wirings into a floating state. |
| US08451677B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of refreshing the same
A semiconductor device according to the present invention has an address scrambling circuit for performing address scrambling operation of an address and a redundancy judging circuit for judging that redundancy judgment is performed about the address scrambled by the address scrambling circuit. This structure makes it possible to completely refresh operation concerned with normal word lines and redundancy word lines. |
| US08451673B1 |
RFID IC with tunneling-voltage profile calibration
RFID tag ICs employ tunneling-voltage profile calibration during IC manufacturing to determine and store, typically in nonvolatile memory, a tunneling-voltage profile for writing data to the IC's nonvolatile memory. The IC may subsequently read the profile at power-up, prior to writing the memory, or at other times as determined by the IC or by an interrogating reader. By using the stored profile when writing to the nonvolatile memory the IC may reduce nonvolatile memory write time and oxide stress. |
| US08451672B2 |
Semiconductor storage device
A memory cell stores therein data, a dummy cell replicates an operation of the memory cell, a write control unit makes the dummy cell to perform writing in synchronization with write timing of the memory cell, and a row decoder performs opening and closing of a word line that performs a row selection of the memory cell based on a monitored result of a write condition of the dummy cell. |
| US08451671B2 |
Multiplexing circuit for high-speed, low leakage, column-multiplexing memory devices
A multiplexing circuit includes a plurality of first circuits and a second circuit coupled to outputs of the plurality of first circuits. A first circuit of the plurality of first circuits is configured to receive a first data line as a first input and a clock signal as a second input, and provide an output signal to a first circuit output. After the first circuit is selected for use, the clock signal, a first sub-circuit of the first circuit coupled to the second circuit, and the second circuit are configured to provide a first output logic level to the output signal based on a first data logic level of the first data line; and a second sub-circuit of the first circuit coupled to the first circuit output is configured to provide a second output logic level to the output signal based on a second data logic level of the first data line. |
| US08451668B1 |
Implementing column redundancy steering for memories with wordline repowering
A method and circuit for implementing column redundancy steering for memories with wordline repowering, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. Each respective data column receives a precharge signal applied to an associated precharge function. An inverting multiplexer is provided in a precharge path after the wordline repowering having inputs coupled to the respective precharge functions before and after the wordline repowering. The inverting multiplexer passes the precharge signal from the precharge function before the wordline repowering or from the precharge function after the wordline repowering. The inverting multiplexer is controlled by the redundancy steering control signal that activates redundancy steering. |
| US08451665B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and method for operating the same
A method for operating a non-volatile memory device includes selecting a word line of a plurality of word lines in response to a program command and an received address, determining whether the selected word line is a word line set among the word lines, performing an erase operation on a second word line group of the word lines in response to a result of the determining, and performing a program operation on the selected word line. |
| US08451664B2 |
Determining and using soft data in memory devices and systems
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for determining and using soft data in memory devices and systems. One or more embodiments include an array of memory cells and control circuitry coupled to the array. The control circuitry is configured to perform a number of sense operations on the memory cells using a number of sensing voltages to determine soft data associated with a target state of the memory cells, and adjust a sensing voltage used to determine the target state based, at least partially, on the determined soft data. |
| US08451660B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor memory device includes a first conductive type well and a second conductive type well disposed on and/or over a semiconductor substrate; a first gate and a second gate disposed on and/or over the first conductive type well and the second conductive type well, respectively; a second conductive type first ion implantation region disposed in the first conductive type well at one side of the first gate and a second conductive type second ion implantation region disposed in the first conductive type well at the other side of the first gate; a first conductive type first ion implantation region disposed in the second conductive type well at one side of the second gate and a first conductive type second ion implantation region disposed in the second conductive type well at the other side of the second gate; and a line electrically connecting the second conductive type second ion implantation region with the first conductive type first ion implantation region. |
| US08451659B2 |
Method for driving a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A method for driving a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device is provided. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device has source/drain diffusion layers spaced from each other in a surface portion of a semiconductor substrate, a laminated insulating film formed on a channel between the source/drain diffusion layers and including a charge storage layer, and a gate electrode formed on the laminated insulating film, the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device changing its data memory state by injection of charges into the charge storage layer. The method includes, before injecting charges to change the data memory state into the charge storage layer: injecting charges having a polarity identical to that of the charges to be injected; and further injecting charges having a polarity opposite to that of the injected charges. |
| US08451656B2 |
Multi-level memory devices and methods of operating the same
The present invention provides a multi-level memory device and method of operating the same. The device comprises a memory structure in which a distribution density of resistance levels around its minimum value is higher than that around its maximum value. |
| US08451654B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
In two inverters included in a latch in a memory cell, the source or drain of a PMOS load transistor connected to a memory node is cut off, and the source or drain of an NMOS drive transistor connected to another memory node is cut off, whereby internal data is fixed or permanently stored in the memory cell while ensuring a resistance to damage to the gate of the transistor and without impairing the regularity of the layout. |
| US08451652B2 |
Write assist static random access memory cell
Static random access memory (SRAM) cells are disclosed. In one example embodiment the SRAM cell includes a latch having a first node and a second node for storing bit information at the first node and a complement of the bit at the second node. The SRAM cell further includes a first switch controlled by a write operation signal, connected between a supply voltage and a first pull-up transistor of the latch and a third switch controlled the write operation signal, connected between the second node and a ground voltage. The SRAM cell further includes a second switch controlled by the write operation signal, connected between the supply voltage and a second pull-up transistor and a fourth switch controlled by the write operation signal, connected between the second node and the ground voltage. The write operation signals are generated by a first complex gate and a second complex gate. |
| US08451650B2 |
Capacitor-less memory cell, device, system and method of making same
A capacitor-less memory cell, memory device, system and process of forming the capacitor-less memory cell includes forming the memory cell in an active area of a substantially physically isolated portion of the bulk semiconductor substrate. A pass transistor is formed on the active area for coupling with a word line. The capacitor-less memory cell further includes a read/write enable transistor vertically configured along at least one vertical side of the active area and operable during a reading of a logic state with the logic state being stored as charge in a floating body area of the active area, causing different determinable threshold voltages for the pass transistor. |
| US08451649B2 |
Self pre-charging and equalizing bit line sense amplifier
A bit-line sense amplifier includes a latching unit and a control unit. The latching unit has a plurality of field effect transistors coupled between first and second bit lines. The control unit controls application of a bias voltage to a set of the field effect transistors such that respective pre-charge voltages are generated at the first and second bit lines with drain currents flowing in the field effect transistors during a pre-charge time period, without a bit line bias voltage and with a minimized number of transistors. |
| US08451647B2 |
Resistance control method for nonvolatile variable resistive element
A resistance control method for a nonvolatile variable resistive element in a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device is provided. The device includes a memory cell array in which unit memory cells having nonvolatile variable resistive elements and transistors are arranged in a matrix. The memory cells that are targets of a memory operation are selected by first selection lines (word lines), second selection lines (bit lines) and third selection lines (source lines). The method includes steps of selecting one or more first selection lines, selecting a plurality of second selection lines, and applying a compensated voltage in which a change in potential of the third selection lines caused by current flowing into the third selection lines through the second selection lines is compensated in a voltage that is necessary for the memory operation, such that the voltage necessary for the memory operation is applied to all of the selected memory cells. |
| US08451642B2 |
Hybrid MRAM array structure and operation
This invention relates to MRAM technology and new variations on MRAM array architecture to incorporate certain advantages from both cross-point and 1T-1MTJ architectures. The fast read-time and higher signal-to-noise ratio of the 1T-1MTJ architecture and the higher packing density of the cross-point architecture are both exploited by combining certain characteristics of these layouts. A single access transistor 16 is used to read the multiple MRAM cells in a segment of a column, which can be stacked vertically above one another in a plurality of MRAM array layers arranged in a “Z” axis direction. |
| US08451641B2 |
Memory array no common source region and method of fabricating the same
A memory array including a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of word lines, a dummy word line, and a plug is provided. Each word line is coupled to corresponding memory cells. A dummy word line is directly adjacent to an outmost word line of the plurality of word lines. The plug is located between the dummy word line and the outmost word line. |
| US08451640B2 |
System for reducing power consumption and increasing speed of content-addressable memory
A content addressable memory (CAM) system configured for reduced power consumption and increased speed includes a plurality of bit cells implementing a stacked architecture. Each bit cell comprises a pair of stacked storage elements in a first column and a compare circuit, coupled to the pair of stacked storage elements and a matchline of the CAM system, situated in a second column. The stacked architecture results in a reduced matchline length, thereby reducing CAM system power consumption and increasing CAM system speed. In a further embodiment, a content addressable memory (CAM) system configured for reduced power consumption and increased speed includes storing encoded data in a pair of stacked storage elements. |
| US08451634B2 |
Circuit and method of output power detection for a converter circuit
A circuit and method of determining the power output for a converter circuit includes determining a time averaged voltage from a rectified voltage of a winding of the transformer and multiplying the time averaged voltage by a constant determined at least in part by an average current of a winding of the transformer. By one approach, a rectified voltage from a primary side of the transformer is time averaged using a filter circuit. The current can be known or preset or controlled by the converter circuit such that the time averaged voltage reading, assuming a constant current, can be compared to a preset voltage such that the voltage reading approximates a power reading for the transformer. By another approach, the time averaged voltage is multiplied by the current to obtain a power output reading. |
| US08451631B2 |
Control apparatus of power converter circuit
To detect a peak time of an exciting current of a transformer, a primary current corresponding to the peak time, or a variation time of the primary voltage, and to switch a switch after expiration of a predetermined period from the peak time, after the peak time occurs. A control apparatus 1 is applied to a power conversion circuit 2 which includes a switch circuit 23 including one switch or a plurality of switches and a transformer 21. The control apparatus includes: an output voltage detector 11 detecting a value of an output voltage of the power conversion circuit; an exciting current peak time generator 12 detecting a peak time of an exciting current of the transformer; a timing generator 13 generating a switching timing of the one switch or the plurality of switches. The timing generator 13 generates the switching timing of the one switch or the plurality of switches on the basis of the output voltage and the peak time. |
| US08451628B2 |
Switching converter systems with isolating digital feedback loops
Switching converter systems are provided to control output voltage across a load by means of a converter forward path and a converter feedback path. The forward path preferably includes a transistor, an inductive element, a diode and a capacitor arranged to switchably exchange energy with the capacitor to thereby generate the output voltage. The feedback path preferably extends from the capacitor and is configured to digitally control a duty cycle of the transistor in response to the output voltage. In a system embodiment, the feedback path includes at least one comparator arranged to provide a digital error signal in response to a comparison of the output voltage to a reference voltage; a first isolation channel configured to isolatably transport a clock signal to digitally gate the error signal; a second isolation channel configured to isolatably transport the error signal; and a controller coupled to the first and second isolation channels and configured to control the duty cycle in response to the error signal. A transformer is preferably inserted into the first and second isolation channels to enhance isolation and, preferably, the first and second isolation channels respectively include first and second digital gates that each have an output port coupled to an input port of the other. |
| US08451626B2 |
Gate driver power and control signal transmission circuits and methods
Methods, systems, and devices are described for both power and control signal transmission through a single coupled inductor. A current driver generates a cyclical current signal on a primary winding of a coupled inductor, to induce a voltage signal at the secondary winding corresponding to the cyclical current signal. A rectifier module is coupled with the secondary winding and configured to rectify the signal induced at the secondary winding. A control timing signal module is coupled with the primary winding and configured to induce voltage pulses on the secondary winding, the induced voltage pulses having an insubstantial impact on the output of the rectifier module. A switching module coupled with the secondary winding is configured to receive the voltage pulses and control a switching signal for a power switch coupled with the output of the rectifier and provide power to a load coupled with the output of the rectifier. |
| US08451625B2 |
Electronic device with fixing mechanism
An electronic device includes a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) defining a mounting hole and one or more fixing mechanisms. The fixing mechanism includes a fixing member and a screw. The fixing member includes a main body and a number of elastic connection portions interconnecting the housing and the main body for adjusting a position of the main body relative to the housing. The main body defines a threaded hole. The screw passes through the mounting hole of the PCB and is threaded into the threaded hole of the main body, to fix the PCB on the main body. |
| US08451624B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a casing, an electronic module, at least one flexible arm, and at least one latch. The casing has a containing portion, at least one sliding slot, and at least one positioning structure. The electronic module is configured in the containing portion and has at least one locking slot. The flexible arm is connected to the casing and located between the sliding slot and the electronic module. Besides, the flexible arm has a position-limiting protrusion. The latch has a first bump and at least one second bump. When the latch slides into the sliding slot, the first bump interferes with the positioning structure, so that the latch is positioned, and the second bump pushes the position-limiting protrusion into the locking slot, so that the electronic module is restricted within the containing portion. |
| US08451620B2 |
Package including an underfill material in a portion of an area between the package and a substrate or another package
Embodiments include but are not limited to apparatuses and systems including semiconductor packages, e.g. memory packages, having a substrate or a first package, and a second package coupled to the substrate or the first package, wherein the second package includes at least one die and an underfill material disposed in a portion, but not an entirety, of an area between the package and the substrate or the first package. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08451619B2 |
Printed wiring board and method of suppressing power supply noise thereof
Disclosed is a printed wiring board having signal layers each interposed between a power supply layer and a ground layer, wherein the signal layer includes at least one of a wiring region for a ground potential and a wiring region for a power supply potential. |
| US08451615B2 |
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a top layer and a bottom layer. A power supply and an electronic component are located on the top layer. The power supply is connected to the top layer and the bottom layer through a first via. A number of second vias extends through the top layer and the bottom layer, and is electrically connected to the top layer and the bottom layer. A right-angled triangular void area without vias defined therein is formed on the printed circuit board, between the second vias and the electronic component. The second vias are arranged on a hypotenuse of the void area. |
| US08451613B2 |
Television and electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a module in the housing, and an electrical interconnection. The housing includes a first portion, a second portion including a step between the first portion and the second potion, and a slope between the first portion and the second portion. The electrical interconnection extends from the first portion to the second portion via the slope and is electrically connected to the module. |
| US08451611B2 |
Integrated-inverter electric compressor
An object is to achieve a compact design by using a dead space in an inverter box effectively, to improve cooling properties of heat-generating electrical components disposed on a control circuit board of an inverter, and to increase flexibility of wiring layout. In an inverter box provided at a periphery of a housing, a heat-dissipating flat portion that is parallel to a control circuit board of an inverter is formed, and electrical components are disposed in a space between the heat-dissipating flat portion and the control circuit board. Preferably, the electrical components are installed so that the back faces thereof abut against the heat-dissipating flat portion either directly or via a heat-conducting member. More preferably, faces of the electrical components on the board side abut against the control circuit board. |
| US08451609B2 |
Cooling device for a plurality of power modules
The invention relates to a cooling device for a plurality of power modules (16), comprising a heat-conducting body (15) through which a coolant flows. The cooling device comprises external cooling ribs (14) on a first housing shell of the body through which a coolant flows for receiving the plurality of power modules adjacent to each other. Each individual cooling rib is aligned to come into fixed heat-conducting contact on at least one upper or lower side of one of the plurality of power modules, and the housing shell, on the inner side in the region of the respective cooling rib(s), comprises means for the fluidic communication with the volume of the coolant in the inside the body through which the coolant flows. |
| US08451608B2 |
Temperature control within storage device testing systems
A storage device testing system cooling circuit includes a plurality of test racks. Each of the test racks include a test slot compartment and a test electronics compartment. Each of the test slot compartments includes multiple test slots, and one or more cooling conduits configured to convey a cooling liquid toward the test slots. Each of the test electronics compartments includes test electronics configured to communicate with the test slots for executing a test algorithm, and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the one or more cooling conduits. The heat exchanger is configured to cool an air flow directed toward the test electronics. |
| US08451601B2 |
Double hinge axial cams
In embodiments of double hinge axial cams, a portable device includes a first housing integrated with a display device, and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing. The first housing is operable to open and close relative to the second housing, and the first and second housings can be rotated from a closed position at approximately zero degrees (0°) to an open position at approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees (180°), as well as rotated through approximately three-hundred and sixty degrees (360°). Double hinges are operable to movably couple the first housing and the second housing. The double hinges include axial cams that apply a holding torque in the open position that resists the first and second housings closing. |
| US08451596B2 |
Electronic device with cleaning mechanism capable of cleaning display panel thereof
An electronic device with a cleaning mechanism that is capable of cleaning a display panel thereof is provided. The electronic device includes a display panel, a main portion, a hinge structure, a sliding device, and a first spring. The hinge structure includes a fixing portion, a rotating portion having a first contact surface, and a spring holder having a second contact surface. When the rotating portion rotates on the fixing portion, the first contact surface contacts the second contact surface and presses against the spring holder so that it rotates with the rotating portion. The sliding device includes a cleaning material contacting the display panel. Two end portions of the first spring are respectively fixed to the spring holder and the sliding device. When the spring holder stretches the first spring to move the sliding device, the cleaning material cleans the display panel. |
| US08451595B2 |
Mobile device with a concealed keyboard
An electronic device having a concealed keyboard includes a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled to the first housing, and a concealment cover coupled to a rear of the first housing. The first housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the first housing. The second housing has a coupling edge and two sides that are substantially perpendicular to the coupling edge of the second housing. A receiving portion is formed on a rear surface of the first housing and is configured to receive the second housing. When the second housing is in the receiving portion, each respective side of the first housing and the second housing are co-terminal with one another. The concealment cover is exteriorly positioned with respect to the second housing when the second housing is in the receiving portion. |
| US08451594B2 |
Universal stand for multivision
Provided is a universal stand for multivision for forming the multivision using a plurality of display devices. The universal stands includes: a plurality of base frames arranged horizontally and vertically in lines; and a support frame which is mounted on each of the base frames to move vertically or horizontally and supports the display device. |
| US08451593B2 |
Electronic device with a fixing member
An electronic device includes an enclosure and a fixing member. The enclosure defines an accommodating hole and includes a bottom wall defining a pair of receiving portions. Centers of the pair of receiving portions define a straight line. The accommodating hole is configured on a perpendicular bisector of the straight line. The fixing member includes a guiding part, a pair of sliding portions, a control portion and a resilient member. The guiding part and the bottom wall cooperatively define a receiving room receiving the sliding portions. Each of the pair of sliding portions includes a hooking portion and a blocking portion. The control portion includes a fixing portion received in the receiving room and an operating portion passing through the accommodating hole. The resilient member includes a pair of driving ends engaging with the hooking portions and a triggering end engaging with the fixing portion. |
| US08451589B2 |
Multi-access switchgear assembly
A metal clad switchgear assembly comprising multiple compartments defined within an electrical enclosure is provided. The compartments interchangeably accommodate electrical components, for example, current transformers, a circuit breaker, a control power transformer, an epoxy encapsulated potential transformer, etc., electrical cables, and bus bars in predetermined positions for allowing front access and/or rear access to them. One or more compartments are configured for enabling the electrical cables to enter into and/or exit out from the electrical enclosure for allowing front and/or rear access to the electrical cables. A mounting block assembly is positioned in one or more of the compartments for mounting, enclosing, and providing front access to the electrical components. One or more infrared windows and inspection windows are positioned on a front side and/or a rear side of the switchgear assembly for scanning and providing a visual indication of the electrical components, the electrical cables, and the bus bars. |
| US08451574B2 |
Method and system for through fault detection in electrical devices
The present invention is directed to a method and a system for fault detection analysis in a power device which is operatively associated with a differential protection unit. The power device has one input side and one output side through which an input current and an output current flows into and out from it, respectively. Signals representative of the input and output currents are processed in order to verify if an occurring fault is external to the power device. Under a condition of an external fault, the differential protection unit is disabled for a determined interval of time. |
| US08451571B2 |
Overheat protection circuit and power supply integrated circuit
Provided is a power supply integrated circuit including an overheat protection circuit with high detection accuracy. The overheat protection circuit includes: a current generation circuit including: a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor including a gate terminal and a drain terminal that are connected to each other, the first MOS transistor operating in a weak inversion region; a second MOS transistor including a gate terminal connected to the gate terminal of the first MOS transistor, the second MOS transistor having the same conductivity type as the first MOS transistor and operating in a weak inversion region; and a first resistive element connected to a source terminal of the second MOS transistor; and a comparator for comparing a reference voltage having positive temperature characteristics and a temperature voltage having negative temperature characteristics, which are obtained based on a current generated by the current generation circuit. |
| US08451570B2 |
Method for production of an oscillating signal and of an electrical protection device or measurement instrument having an oscillation identification device
A method for producing an oscillation signal which indicates oscillation in an electrical power supply system, in which measured values that characterize current and voltage at a measurement point in the electrical power supply system are detected and are converted to digital current and voltage vector measured values. Impedance values are calculated in the complex numerical domain from the current vector measured values and the voltage vector measured values. A curve profile formed by the impedance values is considered and, if appropriate, the oscillation signal is produced using characteristic properties of the curve profile. In order to provide a method in which an oscillation can be identified as reliably as possible, a first oscillation supposition signal is produced when the separation of the impedance values from an oscillation center point remains substantially the same and a second oscillation supposition signal is produced when the rate at which the impedance values approach the curve profile remains substantially the same. The oscillation signal is produced when both the first and the second oscillation supposition signal are present. A protective device or measurement instrument has a corresponding oscillation identification device. |
| US08451569B2 |
High voltage tolerant, small footprint BJT-CMOS active clamp
In an active clamp implemented in a 5V complementary BiCMOS process, the footprint of the active clamp, which includes at least one NMOS clamp stack, is reduced by introducing a BJT into the circuit to allow the number of NMOS clamp stacks to be reduced. |
| US08451563B1 |
Method for providing a side shield for a magnetic recording transducer using an air bridge
A method fabricates a side shield for a magnetic transducer having a nonmagnetic layer and an ABS location corresponding to an ABS. The nonmagnetic layer has a pole trench therein. The pole trench has a shape and location corresponding to the pole. A wet etchable layer is deposited. Part of the wet etchable layer resides in the pole trench. A pole is formed. The pole has a bottom and a top wider than the bottom in the pole tip region. Part of the pole in the pole tip region is in the pole trench on at least part of the wet etchable layer. At least parts of the wet etchable layer and the nonmagnetic layer are removed, forming an air bridge. The air bridge is between part of the pole at the ABS location and an underlying layer. Side shield layer(s) that substantially fill the air bridge are deposited. |
| US08451562B2 |
Method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a wrap around trailing magnetic shield with a tapered side gap
A magnetic write head having write pole and a wrap-around-trailing magnetic shield having side portions that are separated from the write pole by tapered non-magnetic side gap layers. The tapered non-magnetic side gap layers provide a non-magnetic side gap width that increases with increasing distance from the ABS, thereby providing optimal protection against adjacent track interference at the ABS while minimizing write field loss to the shield in regions away from the ABS. |
| US08451561B2 |
Servo write head, servo writer, and method for manufacturing magnetic tape with servo signal written thereon
A servo write head for writing a servo pattern on a magnetic tape is provided. A flat magnetic pattern writing surface has a magnetic gap contoured to correspond to the servo pattern, and is disposed to allow the magnetic tape to slidably contact therewith. Sloped surfaces are disposed upstream and downstream of the magnetic pattern writing surface in a magnetic tape transport direction at positions retreated from a position of the magnetic pattern writing surface. The sloped surfaces extend obliquely relative to the magnetic pattern writing surface. Connecting surfaces curved gently to smoothly connect the sloped surfaces to the magnetic pattern writing surface are disposed between the magnetic pattern writing surface and each of the sloped surfaces. |
| US08451553B2 |
Lens driving apparatus
Disclosed is a lens driving apparatus. The lens driving apparatus includes a base, a yoke coupled to the base, having an upper surface formed with a hole, a closed side surface, and an opened bottom surface, a bobbin movably installed in an inner portion of the yoke, a lens module coupled to the bobbin to go in and out the hole according to movement of the bobbin, a magnet fixed to an inner portion of the yoke, a coil fixed to an outer portion of the bobbin while facing the magnets, and springs coupled to the bobbin to provide restoration force to the bobbin. |
| US08451548B2 |
Projection lens system with high resolution and compact size
A projection lens system includes, in order from the magnified side to the reduced side thereof, a first lens group with negative refractive power, a second lens group with a positive refracting power, and a spatial light modulator. The projection lens system satisfies the following condition: 3.478 |
| US08451546B2 |
Image pickup lens, image pickup device using same, and portable device equipped with image pickup device
An image pickup lens compatible with small high-pixel image pickup elements (e.g., from CCD and CMOS image sensors having a pixel pitch of 1.75 μm and a pixel count of 5 mega pixels to CCD and CMOS image sensors having a pixel pitch of 1.4 μm and a pixel count of 8 mega pixels) is provided. An image pickup lens 7 includes, in order from an object side to an image surface side: an aperture stop 5, a first lens 1 having positive power; a second lens 2 that is a meniscus lens having negative power and whose lens surface facing the image surface side is concave; a third lens 3 that is a meniscus lens having positive power and whose lens surface facing the image surface side is convex; and a fourth lens 4 that has negative power, whose lens surfaces are both aspherical and whose lens surface facing the image surface side is concave near the optical axis. A diffractive optical element is formed on one of the lens surfaces of the first lens 1 or the second lens 2. |
| US08451545B2 |
Image capturing optical system
This invention provides an image capturing optical system 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; a third lens element; a fourth lens element with both the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric, and the fourth lens element is made of plastic; and a fifth lens element with negative refractive power, both the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric, at least one inflection point is formed on at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof, and the fifth lens element is made of plastic. By such arrangement, photosensitivity and total track length of the system can be reduced, and better image quality can be obtained. |
| US08451540B2 |
Retardation film
Disclosed is a film suitable for improvement of luminance, contrast and view angle of a liquid crystal display. Specifically disclosed is a retardation film having a thickness of 30-500 μm, a light transmittance of not less than 85%, and an Nz factor of not less than 10. |
| US08451530B2 |
Laser source
A laser source includes a laser device configured to emit laser light at a given angle with respect to a normal of an output end face; and an optical device configured to include an optical waveguide that guides and outputs the laser light. The output end face of the laser device is parallel to an input end face of the optical device, and the optical waveguide extends in a direction of θw1 that is given by θw1=arcsin(sin θa1/nF), where θa1 denotes an outgoing angle of the laser light from the laser device, and nF denotes an effective refractive index of the optical waveguide for the laser light. |
| US08451529B2 |
Method and system for optical conversion
A cA crystal configured to change a frequency of a laser through an optical parametric oscillation (OPO) process and a difference frequency generation (DFG) process is provided. The crystal includes: an OPO-DFG segment that is quasi-periodically poled to yield (i) a conversion of a laser pump light applied thereto, to a first signal and an idler, and (ii) a conversion of a first signal applied thereto, to a second signal and to the idler, by phase-matching a difference frequency generation (DFG) process and an OPO process therein simultaneously, wherein the laser pump light has a frequency that equals a sum of a frequency of the first signal and a frequency of the idler and wherein the frequency of the first signal equals a sum of a frequency of the second signal and the frequency of the idler. |
| US08451526B2 |
Shutter device
An exemplary shutter device includes a base having an aperture defined therein, a shaft mounted on the base, a magnetic element, a shutter blade, a first wire coil and a second wire coil. The magnetic element is connected to the shaft and rotatable around the shaft. The shutter blade is coupled to the shaft and jointly rotatable with the magnetic element. The first wire coil and the second wire coil are mounted on the base arranged on two sides of the magnetic element. The first and second wire coils are configured for driving the magnetic element to rotate, thereby moving the shutter blade to selectively expose the aperture or cover the aperture. |
| US08451523B2 |
Light source device and optical scanner
A light source device includes a light source, a coupling lens configured to convert light emitted from the light source into a beam of light, a holding member configured to hold the coupling lens, and a frame to which the holding member is fixed. The holding member includes a tubular main body portion for holding the coupling lens, and a pair of first protrusions sticking out from an outer peripheral surface of the main body portion. The pair of first protrusions have fixing surfaces lying in the same plane and fixed to the frame. |
| US08451522B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
An optical scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus using the same, overcoming spot rotation due to scanning line curvature and wavefront aberration deterioration, including an incident optical system for guiding beam emitted from a light source to a deflector, and an imaging optical system for forming image of the beam deflected by the deflector on a scanning surface. In sub-scanning section, the beam enters the deflecting surface obliquely to plane perpendicular to a deflector axis. Each of incident and exit surfaces of an imaging optical element is a surface in which a tilt angle of sagittal line changes from on-axis toward off-axis in sub-scanning direction, the tilt angle indicating gradient of normal to sagittal line on meridian line with respect to main scanning section. The incident and exit surfaces each have the same sign for a difference between change rates of axial and off-axial tilt angles of sagittal line. |
| US08451521B2 |
Finding a locus of colorant formulations that produces a desired color
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for converting a set of L*a*b* values to CMYK color space in which all CMYK formulations that produce each L*a*b* value are found and enumerated. The CMYK formulations are found through a search algorithm starting with the lightest L*a*b* values then visiting neighboring L*a*b* values until the entire L*a*b* color set has been processed. The CMYK space is tessellated into a set of pentahedrons, and for each L*a*b* value, an enclosing pentahedron is found and the CMYK values corresponding to where the locus of this point penetrates each surface is recorded. Adjacent pentahedrons are then visited and this process continues until the gamut boundary is reached. The result is a piecewise linear representation of the CMYK locus containing all values that will give the target L*a*b* value. The present method provides a flexible and powerful approach for solving color management problems. |
| US08451519B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling color in multicolor marking platform
A multicolor marking platform may include a marking engine with a storage device storing color standard data, a non-black color separation station, marking process stations to selectively mark a color test pattern on a target substrate, and a color control logic with color control applications to selectively control color characteristics of the marking engine by controlling the non-black color separation station or a marking process station; and a spectral sensor to detect each color test pattern on the target substrate and provide corresponding color measurement data to the color control logic. The color control logic may selectively control the non-black color separation station or a marking process station in response to the color measurement data and the corresponding color standard data in relation to the selected color control application. Various embodiments of the multicolor marking platform and a method for controlling color in same are also provided. |
| US08451516B2 |
Apparatus and method for scanning bound document
An apparatus for scanning a bound document is provided. The apparatus comprises a casing, an image-capturing assembly, at least a sensor and a controller. The casing has a first platen and a second platen disposed adjacent to each other, wherein the first platen having a scanning region is provided to support the bound document. The image-capturing assembly is disposed under the first platen for capturing an image of the bound document within the scanning region and generating an image signal. At least a sensor is disposed on the second platen for detecting the presence of the bound document. The sensor transmits a detection signal responsive to detection of the document presence. The controller is electrically connected to the image-capturing assembly and the sensor for executing a book-scanning mode responsive to the detection signal received from the sensor. |
| US08451510B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method thereof
An image processing method of an image processing apparatus, the method includes: discerning pixels to be processed on the basis of a preset reference pixel value in a scanned image that comprises plural pixels; drawing a pixel area including the pixels to be processed from the scanned image on the basis of a preset condition; and selecting whether to apply an image process to the pixels to be processed or the drawn pixel area on the basis of a percentage of the pixels to be processed in the drawn pixel area. |
| US08451504B2 |
Banding defect detection in digital imaging systems
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for banding defect detection and analysis in digital imaging systems. The present method utilizes the gray levels of image regions and a collection of sequence of user images to improve the banding analysis. One embodiment hereof includes: segmenting images into regions; determining banding information for each page over a given sequence of images and detecting problem banding defect frequencies; estimating the banding amplitude(s) and average gray levels for each segmented region for each identified banding frequency(ies); and determining, through a process of interpolation, the banding amplitude for the image or sequence of images based on the banding amplitude and average gray levels of each region. Thereafter, notification can be provided to a key operator when the amplitude(s) are expected to exceed pre-determined levels over the course of a production run. The method demonstrates advantages in banding detection over whole-page methods. |
| US08451503B2 |
Print quality control method
A print quality control method, comprises the steps of: providing a visual referring target on the printing substrate, setting a specific halftone of black “K”; creating a neutral grey tone i.e. NGT; placing tightly both MGT and NGT next to each other across the printing surface; and comparing both printed tones result. By adopting the grey balance theory and visual matching technique, the resultant can provide accurate ink balance information for the production personnel to immediate execute the correction on the imbalance inking condition during production. |
| US08451498B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, tone-correction-parameter generation sheet, and storage medium
An image processing device includes an image output unit, an image input unit, and a tone-correction-parameter generation unit. The image output unit outputs a tone-correction-parameter generation sheet to generate a parameter for correcting a tone of an input image. The tone-correction-parameter generation sheet includes a plurality of patches for at least two types of screens. At least one of the at least two types of screens includes more patches of an identical color and tone than at least another of the at least two types of screens. The image input unit inputs a representative value of each patch read from the tone-correction-parameter generation sheet outputted by the image output unit. The tone-correction-parameter generation unit generates the parameter in accordance with a plurality of representative values inputted by the image input unit. |
| US08451497B2 |
Image processing device and method therefor for automatically determining reading mode based on image data read by image reader
An image processor comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit includes a determining unit that determines a reading mode suitable for a document based on image data corresponding to the document read by an reader; and a converting unit that converts the image data according to the reading mode. The determining unit includes a color detecting unit that detects color information based on the image data; a color determining unit that determines whether the reading mode is a color mode based on the color information; a background detecting unit that detects a background of the document; a background removing unit that removes the background; a gray detecting unit that detects a size of an area of a portion which is not removed in the image data as gray information; and a gray determining unit that determines whether the reading mode is a gray mode based on the gray information. |
| US08451495B2 |
Color inconstancy guide for spot color print applications
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for generating a color inconstancy guide for use in spot color print applications. In a manner more fully disclosed herein, color inconstancy values are calculated for selected spot colors of interest using a color inconstancy metric. A color inconstancy guide is generated from the calculated color inconstancy values and their respective spot colors. Thereafter, when a user desires to render a job in a particular spot color, the associated color inconstancy value for that color can be obtained from the guide. In various embodiments, recommendations in the form of a suggested printer to use, a media type, a halftone screen, and other meaningful assistance can be provided for spot color selection that are less sensitive to varying illuminations for a given print/copy job. The present color inconstancy guide provides meaningful extensions in color quality and color reproduction in print/copy job environments. |
| US08451493B2 |
Processor, method and program for processing data using a mask pattern with print permission parts arranged at a distance of corresponding integral multiple areas
Provided are a data processing method and a data processor for ink jet printing, which are capable of achieving uniform and high-quality images while stabilizing density and color development in each of pixels. To this end, a mask pattern for setting permission and non-permission to print dots in each area is arranged non-periodically by using an integral multiple of m×n areas as one unit. The m×n areas allow one pixel to be expressed in half-tone. Thereby, density in the pixel is stable since a plurality of dots printed in the same pixel are printed approximately in the same event. Moreover, since each of the units (clusters) is non-periodically arranged, a uniform image can be obtained. |
| US08451491B2 |
Apparatus for and method of, forming parenthesized image; apparatus for and method of, forming externally framed image; program; and memory medium
Outline font data showing the original outside shape having a single closed curve made up of a parenthesized outside shape portion of the parenthesized image and a connecting line portion to connect both open ends is stored. The height and line width are determined. Based on the above data, a first-size solidly shaded image is formed having the determined height and is entirely filled inside the original outside shape thereof with effective pixels of logic “1.” A second-size solidly shaded image is formed of a second size which is smaller by the line width than the first-size solidly shaded image, along the parenthesized outside shape portion. Non-equivalence operation is performed with corresponding pixels by displacing the first-size solidly shaded image and the second-size solidly shaded image by the line width along the parenthesized outside shape portion. |
| US08451487B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A reception controller receives print data. A volatile memory stores program information for performing image formation. An image forming unit forms an image based on the print data. An image formation controller receives the program information and controlling the image forming unit. A power supply stops supply of power to the volatile memory, image forming controller and image formation unit during supply power to the reception controller when a normal mode is switched to a power saving mode. An auxiliary volatile memory is supplied with power. An information saving path is for saving information in the volatile memory to the auxiliary volatile memory. In response to a detection of the switching from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the reception controller instructs the power supply to supply power to the image formation controller, volatile memory and image forming unit, and transfers the program information in the auxiliary volatile memory to the volatile memory. |
| US08451486B2 |
Image forming apparatus having duplex automatic document feeding (DADF) function and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus having a duplex automatic document feeding (DADF) function, and a control method thereof includes a DADF unit to feed a document along a duplex path, an image scanning unit to scan the document and output scan data, a storage unit to temporarily store the output scan data, and a controller to control the DADF unit to re-scan a first side of the document using the duplex path, if a full memory error occurs while the first side of the document is scanned. |
| US08451484B2 |
Information processing apparatus, printing apparatus, electronic device, and computer program therefor based on existence of printer configuration file
An information processing apparatus and method for controlling printing, the apparatus and method including acquiring printing apparatus identification information for identifying a printing apparatus from a removable medium connected to the information processing apparatus, producing print data to be printed by the printing apparatus using a printer driver compatible with the printing apparatus identified by the printing apparatus identification information, storing the print data produced by the print data production unit on the removable medium. |
| US08451483B2 |
Information processing apparatus presenting recommended optional function to image forming apparatus, and image forming system
In an MFP having various and many functions and part of the functions introduced as optional functions, in order to appropriately introduce an optional function related to a frequently used function, a CPU of the MFP executes a program including the steps of; receiving and storing information of an optional function recommended for a standard function used frequently, from an FSS server computer (S3110); when a function is selected by a logged-in user (YES at S3020), determining whether or not any recommended optional function is stored (S3030); when a recommended optional function is stored (YES at S3030), displaying an image recommending the optional function related to the function selected by the user (S3050); and transmitting, as a job completing process, selected functions to the FSS server computer (S3080). |
| US08451481B2 |
Facsimile apparatus, information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer readable medium for setting use restriction information in a document
A facsimile apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a first registration unit. The acquisition unit acquires a transmission source number and a reception number of a facsimile reception document. The first registration unit acquires use restriction information corresponding to the transmission source number and the reception number acquired by the acquisition unit from a first storage unit for storing first correspondence relation information in which use restriction information of documents and transmission source numbers and reception numbers of facsimile communication are associated with each other, and registers second correspondence relation information in which the use restriction information and the facsimile reception document are associated with each other in a second storage unit for storing correspondence relation information between documents and use restriction information. |
| US08451479B2 |
Image forming apparatus and preview display method
Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of causing a user to get used to an operation of an apparatus while preventing from executing an unnecessary output by a preview display before outputting, and eliminating trouble of a preview display for a user skilled in the operation of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus (illustrated as a digital multi-functional peripheral) is provided with a setting storage portion (illustrated as a control memory) that stores, for each user, setting information related to a preview display (illustrated as a table) by a display controls portion (illustrated as a panel control portion). The setting information includes forcible execution information showing whether or not the preview image is forcibly displayed by the display control portion. The display control portion performs display control based on the stored setting information. |
| US08451478B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method of information processing, and storage medium for performing scaling processing on image data
An information processing apparatus transmits a print job including input image data to an image processing apparatus connected thereto, and includes: a determination unit that determines whether a width and/or height of the input image data is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and whether a scaling factor for the image data at a time of output is one or less; a color value determination unit that determines color values of pixels constituting the image data in the case that it has been determined that the width and/or height of the image data is smaller than the predetermined threshold and that the scaling factor for the image data at the time of output is one or less; and a transmission unit that, in the case that it has been determined that the pixels constituting the image data have the same color value, transmits replacement image data having a smaller size. |
| US08451477B2 |
Image forming apparatus, printing method, publicized information aggregating apparatus and method, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An image forming apparatus is provided with a browsing setting table storage portion for storing a keyword specified by a user, an update presence/absence determination portion for retrieving, from information publicized through a server, publicized information that includes updated or newly added contents and that also includes the keyword stored in the browsing setting table storage portion, and a printing control portion for controlling a printing unit to print the publicized information thus retrieved. |
| US08451475B2 |
Systems and methods for routing a facsimile confirmation based on content
A method for routing a confirmation of receipt of a facsimile or portion thereof according to one embodiment of the present invention includes analyzing text of a facsimile for at least one of a meaning and a context of the text; and routing one or more confirmations to one or more destinations based on the analysis. A method for routing one or more confirmations according to another embodiment of the present invention includes analyzing a pattern of light and dark areas of a facsimile; correlating the pattern to one or more forms; and routing one or more confirmations to one or more destinations based on the correlation. Additional systems and methods are also presented. |
| US08451474B2 |
Method of protecting leakage of information, and information processing apparatus and driver program which implement the method
A host computer which generates a print job subjected to printing by a printer stores a drawing command output from an application in a spool file via a graphic engine. A spool system, the graphic engine, and a job chasing function processing unit execute a chasing data generation process by using the drawing command. The spool system, the graphic engine, and a graphics control unit execute a print data generation process by using the same drawing command. At this time, the drawing command is read out and output so as to successively execute the chasing data generation process and print data generation process. With this configuration, there are provided a method of protecting leakage of information by which the contents of information can be reliably chased without requiring either a special application or a device having a special function and posing any restriction on the read or output path, and an information processing apparatus and driver program which implement the method. |
| US08451467B2 |
Printing apparatus, method for controlling print job, and computer program for pre-registering condition information relating to conditions for cancelling execution of a print job
A printing apparatus has a filter ID, the number of deleted print jobs, and a print job deletion filter including at least one filtering condition registered therein. The filtering condition includes a job attribute, a keyword, and a search method. Upon receiving a print job including print data and job information from a print server system, the printing apparatus determines whether the job information contained in the print job satisfies the filtering condition. If the job information contained in the print job satisfies the filtering condition, the printing apparatus deletes the print job identified by the job information. |
| US08451465B2 |
Automatic device-independent adaptation of page description language data streams
A system and methodology are described herein that enable a network with a plurality of independent computers, with differing print drivers having generated various otherwise potentially incompatible page description language print jobs, to successfully interface with a centralized printer system through a plurality of lines by virtue of on-the-fly adaptation of the page description language stream job headers before the jobs go to a subsequently designated print device. The header is consumed and parsed to mitigate print-stream header differences by transforming the header commands into page description language commands and imbedding the page description language commands in the original page description language data, and therefrom sending on a resulting pure page description language stream. The resulting pure page description language stream is necessarily a modification of the original page description language data, designed to produce a result compliant with the request as manifest in the originating header. |
| US08451456B2 |
Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure
A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure is also provided. |
| US08451453B2 |
Dynamic sensor of physical quantities with optical waveguide with optically pumped amplifier medium
The subject of the present invention is a dynamic sensor of physical quantities with optical waveguide with optically-pumped amplifier medium, which requires no interferometer or reference sensor and which makes it possible to obtain at least the same level of performance, in terms of sensitivity, as known sensors of this type, and this waveguide is linked at one end to a selective mirror, and comprises at its other end an interrogation laser, the reflection of which on the selective mirror produces a wave which, by interference with the incident wave, provokes the periodic saturation of the gain of the waveguide. |
| US08451452B2 |
Method for depth resolved wavefront sensing, depth resolved wavefront sensors and method and apparatus for optical imaging
Methods and devices are disclosed for acquiring depth resolved aberration information using principles of low coherence interferometry and perform coherence gated wavefront sensing (CG-WFS). The wavefront aberrations is collected using spectral domain low coherence interferometry (SD-LCI) or time domain low coherence interferometry (TD-LCI) principles. When using SD-LCI, chromatic aberrations can also be evaluated. Methods and devices are disclosed in using a wavefront corrector to compensate for the aberration information provided by CG-WFS, in a combined imaging system, that can use one or more channels from the class of (i) optical coherence tomography (OCT), (ii) scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, (iii) microscopy, such as confocal or phase microscopy, (iv) multiphoton microscopy, such as harmonic generation and multiphoton absorption. For some implementations, simultaneous and dynamic aberration measurements/correction with the imaging process is achieved. The methods and devices disclosed can provide wavefront sensing in the presence of stray reflections from optical interfaces. |
| US08451449B2 |
Optical real-time soil sensor
A light sensing apparatus for measuring the reflectance of sub surface soil in real-time while attached to a moving vehicle is disclosed. Reflectance measurements from the apparatus can be related to the organic matter content of the soil. The apparatus is housed in a corrosion resistant enclosure having field rebuildable wear surfaces. The wear surfaces help extend the life of the apparatus by isolating the apparatus's main enclosure from soil abrasion. The wear surfaces also assist in conditioning the sensed soil surface by smoothing the surface prior to sensing. Signal conditioning circuitry in the apparatus is utilized to reject the influence of ambient light in the advent that the soil/apparatus interface opens. A digital processor or other “intelligent controller” is utilized in the apparatus to auto calibrate the apparatus in real-time and/or use predetermined tables or mathematical relationships in order to convert reflectance information into organic matter measurements. |
| US08451446B2 |
Differential polarization measuring extension unit for a laser-scanning microscope
The invention relates to a differential polarizing laser-scanning microscope (DP LSM) for determining differential polarization quantities of a material, comprising a laser light source (L) for scanning the sample and illuminating it with a coherent and monochromatic light, a microscope unit (ME) with a sample holder for providing a preselected optical magnification and imaging and a polarization state setting unit (PAA) positioned in the illuminating beam path (between the light source and the sample holder). The microscope is further provided with detectors (D1, D2) in the observing beam path, at least one filter holder in front of the detectors and a signal-processing unit (VE) for processing the electrical signals of the detectors. In the DP-LSM microscope an optical element (DP) is located in the common beam path comprising the illuminating and the observing beams, for separating the orthogonal polarization components. |
| US08451444B2 |
Optical backscatter probe for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream
A system for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream is disclosed. The system transmits light into a combustion gas stream, and thereafter detects a portion of the transmitted light as scattered light in an amount corresponding to the amount of particulates in the emissions. Purge gas may be supplied adjacent the light supply and the detector to reduce particles in the emissions from coating or otherwise compromising the transmission of light into the emissions and recovery of scattered light from the emissions. |
| US08451443B2 |
Diffraction optical element, spectral colorimetric apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A concave reflection type diffraction optical element used for a Rowland type spectrometer, in which: the Rowland type spectrometer detects wavelengths in a range including a wavelength λ1 or more and a wavelength λ2 or less (λ1<λ2); the concave reflection type diffraction optical element has a diffractive efficiency D(λ) at a wavelength λ which shows local maximum and maximum value at a wavelength λa satisfying, λ 1 ≦ λ a < 7 λ 1 + 3 λ 2 10 ; the concave reflection type diffraction optical element includes a reference surface having an anamorphic shape; and the following condition is satisfied: R>r, where R indicates a meridional line curvature radius of the reference surface and r indicates a sagittal line curvature radius thereof. |
| US08451439B2 |
Apparatus and method for inspecting pattern
A method and apparatus for inspecting defects includes emitting an ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source, illuminating a specimen with the ultraviolet light in which a polarization condition of the ultraviolet light is controlled, controlling a polarization condition of light reflected from the specimen which is illuminated by the polarization condition controlled ultraviolet light, detecting the light reflected from the specimen, processing the detected light so as to detect defects, and outputting information about the defects. The ultraviolet light source is disposed in a clean environment supplied with clean gas and separated from outside. |
| US08451435B2 |
Optical anemometric probe with two measurement axes
An optical anemometric probe includes a laser source emitting a linearly polarized primary light beam and an optical block having splitting means for separating the primary beam, an optical reference pathway, an optical emission pathway and an optical measurement pathway. The optical block includes optical means of rotation of the polarization arranged at the output of the laser source and before the splitting means. The optical emission pathway has an optical circulator, a first optical emission/reception head illuminating a first measurement zone, and a second optical emission/reception head illuminating a second measurement zone. The optical circulator has four ports, e.g., a first input port, a second and a third input/ouput port linked respectively to the first optical head and to the second optical head, and a fourth port linked to the optical measurement pathway. |
| US08451432B2 |
Laser spot tracking with off-axis angle detection
A laser spot tracker comprising a quadrant detector. A portion of a spot of laser light reflected from an object being illuminated (OBI) may be defocused to occupy a significant portion such as one-third of the field of view, while another portion remains focused, therefore allowing for quick calculation of the spot centroid. With such a “composite spot”, multiple target (OBI) positions may simultaneously be defined in elevation and azimuth with respect to null by analyzing the energy in each quadrant. The X and Y angle information (off null) for multiple targets (OBIs), and their codes may be displayed. For a large, defocused spot, two segmented multi-element detectors may be used, one in front of and the other behind the focal plane to reduce the effects of hot spots in a spot of laser light collected from an object being illuminated. |
| US08451431B2 |
Control systems and methods applying iterative feedback tuning for feed-forward and synchronization control of microlithography stages and the like
Stage assemblies and control methods are disclosed. An exemplary assembly includes a first stage and first and second controllers. The first controller feedback-controls the first stage according to a respective parameter vector. The second controller controls the first stage by feed-forward control, according to a respective parameter vector. The controllers perform iterative feedback tuning IFT, including minimization of a cost-function of the parameter vectors from the first and second controllers. The second controller receives data including first-stage trajectory, and the first controller receives data including first-stage following-error. A suitable application of the assembly is in a microlithography system or other high-precision system. |
| US08451430B2 |
Illumination optical system, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
According to one embodiment, an illumination optical system comprises an optical integrator which forms a secondary light source on an illumination pupil plane in an illumination optical path of the illumination optical system with incidence of exposure light from a light source device thereinto; a first transmission filter arranged in an optical path of the exposure light emitted from a first surface illuminant of the secondary light source and having a transmittance characteristic varying according to angles of incidence of the exposure light; a second transmission filter arranged in an optical path of the exposure light emitted from a second surface illuminant of the secondary light source and having a transmittance characteristic varying according to the angles of incidence of the exposure light; and a rotation mechanism which rotates the first and second transmission filters so as to vary an angle of inclination thereof relative to the optical axis of the illumination optical system. |
| US08451429B2 |
Dichroic mirror, method for manufacturing a dichroic mirror, lithographic apparatus, semiconductor device and method of manufacturing therefor
A dichroic mirror configured to separate a first type of radiation in a first wavelength range having an upper boundary from a second type of radiation in a second wavelength range having a lower boundary greater than the upper boundary of the first wavelength. The mirror includes a substrate, and a stack having a reflective surface facing away from the substrate and a width that increases stepwise in a direction towards the substrate. The stack is formed by alternating layers of first and second materials on the substrate. The reflective surface has steps with a width greater than the upper boundary of the first wavelength and less than the lower boundary of the second wavelength. |
| US08451424B2 |
Exposure apparatus, method for producing device, and method for controlling exposure apparatus
An exposure apparatus (EX) exposes a substrate (P) by projecting an image of a pattern on the substrate (P) via a projection optical system (PL) and a liquid (1). The exposure device (EX) has a liquid supply mechanism (10) which supplies the liquid (1) between the projection optical system (PL) and the substrate (P). The liquid feeding mechanism (10) stops the supply of the liquid (1) when abnormality is detected. This suppresses influence to devices and members in the periphery of the substrate caused by leakage of the liquid forming a liquid immersion area, thereby realizing satisfactory exposure processing. |
| US08451413B2 |
Array substrate for FFS type LCD panel and method for manufacturing the same
An array substrate for FFS type LCD panel includes a transparent substrate, gate lines, a gate insulating layer, data lines, pixel electrodes, a passivation layer and a common electrode. The gate lines are disposed on the transparent substrate. The gate insulating layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and covers the gate lines. The data lines are disposed on the gate insulating layer. The pixel electrodes are disposed on the gate insulating layer, wherein the pixel electrodes and the data lines are located on the same level. The passivation layer is disposed on the gate insulating layer and covers the pixel electrodes and the data lines. The common electrode is disposed on the passivation layer. |
| US08451412B2 |
Liquid crystal display device of in-plane switching mode
An IPS mode LCD device with an improved aperture ratio is disclosed. The IPS mode LCD device includes: gate lines and data lines configured to cross each other and to define first and second pixel regions arranged to alternate with each other; a thin film transistor formed at each intersection of the gate and data lines and configured to include a source electrode extended from the data line, a drain electrode separated from the source electrode, and a gate electrode extended from the gate line; a pixel electrode configured to include a pixel electrode lead portion connected to the drain electrode, a pixel electrode connection bar extended from the pixel electrode lead portion, and a plurality of pixel electrode protrusions extended from the pixel electrode connection bar; common lines arranged to be separated parallel to the gate lines; and a common electrode configured to include a common electrode connection bar connected to the common line, and a plurality of common electrode protrusions extended from the common electrode connection bar and arranged to alternate with the pixel electrode protrusions. At least one of the first and second pixel regions is configured to include upper and lower portions in which the pixel electrode protrusions and the common electrode protrusions are arranged in different numbers. |
| US08451407B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate including pixels, each having a transmissive area and a reflective area, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates. Each of the pixels includes first and second thin film transistors which output a data signal in response to a first gate signal, a transmissive pixel electrode disposed in the transmissive area and electrically connected to the first thin film transistor to charge a first pixel voltage based on the data signal, a reflective pixel electrode disposed in the reflective area and electrically connected to the second thin film transistor to charge a second pixel voltage based on the data signal, and a voltage controller which controls the first pixel voltage and the second pixel voltage in response to a second gate signal, which is generated after the first gate signal. |
| US08451404B2 |
Display device having polarizing plates with protective films
A display device having a pair of substrates provided so as to face each other and sandwich liquid crystal, and polarizing plates which are pasted to surfaces of the above described pair of substrates on the sides opposite to the above described liquid crystal, where the above described polarizing plates are formed of at least an inside protective film, a polarizing film and an outside protective film, which are layered on the above described substrate side in this order, an expansion axis of the above described outside protective films forms an angle of 30° or more and 90° or less with an expansion axis of the above described polarizing films, and an expansion axis of the above described inside protective films forms an angle of 0° or more and 3° or less with an expansion axis of the above described polarizing films. |
| US08451403B2 |
Transflective display device and method for assembling the same
A transflective display device includes a display panel and a light-gathering unit. The display panel includes a plurality of transmission regions and reflection regions, and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The light-gathering unit is directly disposed and positioned on the upper surface of the display panel, and includes a plurality of light-gathering elements, which are corresponding to the reflection regions respectively. |
| US08451402B2 |
Color conversion sheet, illumination device, and display device
A color conversion sheet realizing suppression of deterioration in a color conversion layer and improvement in light extraction efficiency is provided. The color conversion sheet includes: a color conversion layer converting a part of first color light as incident light to second color light having a wavelength longer than that of the first color light; and a pair of sealing sheets sandwiching the color conversion layer from a light incidence side and a light emitting side and each having an inorganic stack film on a substrate. Reflectance of the sealing sheet on the light incidence side to the second color light is higher than that to the first color light, and reflectance of the sealing sheet on the light emitting side to the first color light is higher than that to the second color light. |
| US08451401B2 |
Color image display device
To attain a high color reproducibility as a whole image without impairing the brightness of the entire image. A color image display device comprising a combination of light shutters, a color filter having color elements of at least three colors of red, green and blue corresponding to the light shutters, and a backlight for transmission illumination, wherein a light source to be used for the backlight comprises a combination of a blue or deep blue LED and a phosphor, and the relationship between the NTSC ratio W as a color reproduction range of the color image display element and the light use efficiency Y is represented Y≧−0.38 W+51 (wherein W≧87). |
| US08451400B1 |
Light guide panel and liquid crystal display apparatus having particular light-emitting pattern surface
A light guide panel (LGP) for use in a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus includes a light-emitting pattern surface on which light-emitting patterns are formed, an opposite surface opposite to the light-emitting pattern surface, and four edge surfaces. Lenticular patterns are formed on one of the light-emitting pattern surface and the opposite surface. The light-emitting pattern surface includes a light-emitting part in which the light-emitting patterns are formed; and an edge part which extends along the four edge surfaces to enclose the light-emitting part and in which at least one fixing groove is formed to fix the LGP. The light-emitting part includes a pattern reducing region which faces the fixing groove and has a lower light-emitting pattern density than an other region of the light-emitting part. |
| US08451397B2 |
Thin film transistor substrate
A thin film transistor array panel comprises a plurality of gate lines formed on an insulating substrate; a repair line formed on the insulating substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate lines and the repair line; a plurality of data lines formed on the gate insulating layer; an electricity dissipation line formed on the gate insulating layer crossing the gate lines and the repair line; and a first diode connecting the repair line and the electricity dissipation line. When static electricity is introduced through the repair lines, the static electricity is transferred to the electricity dissipation line and is dispersed or exhausted before it reaches to the data lines. As a result, the TFTs and wires in the display area are prevented from being destroyed by the static electricity. |
| US08451395B2 |
Thin-film transistor array substrate, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display device
A thin-film transistor array substrate includes a source line that is formed above a gate insulating layer covering a gate line, a semiconductor layer that is formed on the gate insulating layer and placed in a substantially whole area below a drain electrode, in a substantially whole area below a source electrode, in a substantially whole area below the source line and in a position opposite to the gate electrode, a pixel electrode that is formed directly on the drain electrode, a transparent conductive pattern that is formed directly on the source electrode and the source line in the same layer as the pixel electrode, and a counter electrode that is formed on an interlayer insulating layer covering the pixel electrode and the transparent conductive pattern and generates a fringe electric field with the pixel electrode. |
| US08451393B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a plurality of signal lines disposed on a substrate, a pixel electrode connected to the plurality of signal lines and including a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode, a common electrode facing the pixel electrode, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode and a step-up capacitor connected between an output terminal of a switching element connected to the second subpixel electrode and the first subpixel electrode. The step-up capacitor is formed by overlapping a first conductor connected to the output terminal of the switching element and a second conductor connected to the first subpixel electrode via an insulating layer, and the second conductor has a cutout at an edge opposite the output terminal of the switching element. |
| US08451386B2 |
Digital intermediate frequency demodulator
The invention discloses a digital IF demodulator for processing a digital IF signal converted from a radio frequency (RF) signal, including an NCO, a down conversion circuit, a PIF carrier recovery circuit and a video baseband demodulator. The NCO outputs a sine value and a cosine value. The down conversion circuit outputs a first zero IF signal including a first real part signal and a first imaginary part signal, according to the digital IF signal, the sine value and the cosine value. The PIF carrier recovery circuit outputs a loop error signal for the NCO and a second zero IF signal, according to the first zero IF signal and a video synchronization signal. The video baseband demodulator generates a composite video signal according to the second zero IF signal. |
| US08451385B2 |
Signal transmitter and signal receiver
In a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, a multiplexing part multiplexes a video signal and a time-base-compressed audio signal on the basis of a multiplexing control signal to transmit the multiplexed signal through a data line in the signal transmitter. Further, a demultiplexing part demultiplexes a video/audio multiplexed signal received through the data line into the original video signal and audio signal by a demultiplexing control signal in the signal receiver. According to the so-configured signal transmitter and signal receiver, it is possible to realize a signal transmission system compliant with the DVI standard, in which the audio signal as well as the video signal can be transmitted. |
| US08451380B2 |
Scheme for determining the locations and timing of advertisements and other insertions in media
A method for use with content includes analyzing a sequence of frames of the content, determining whether an area exists in a scene depicted by the sequence of frames where additional content such as advertising can be inserted without obstructing activity in the scene, for any such area, determining an amount of time that the area is available when the sequence of frames is being played, and for any such area, determining a size of the area. A storage medium storing a computer program for causing a processor based system to execute these steps and an apparatus for use with content are also disclosed. |
| US08451376B1 |
Automatic gain control (AGC) for analog TV signals using feed-forward signal path delay
Systems and methods are disclosed for automatic gain control (AGC) for analog television signals using feed-forward signal path delay. Adjustments to the AGC frequency response are achieved by introducing an intentional delay in the signal path of sufficient length to allow time for measurement of a horizontal sync pulse level and for application of a feed-forward amplitude correction based upon this measurement to the same horizontal line. |
| US08451372B2 |
Photographing apparatus that adjusts shooting settings during shooting
An image shooting apparatus, before the frame rate is actually changed, causes the aperture to transit to a value which ensure that the amount of exposure before the change of the frame rate is ensured after the change, in correspondence with the exposure time that can be ensured during the high-speed shooting; and causes the exposure time to transit to the exposure time that can be ensured during the high-speed shooting, so that the frame rate is changed quickly and the image is reproduced smoothly when a portion corresponding to the frame rate change is reproduced. |
| US08451371B2 |
Exposure control for an imaging system
A device that analyzes an image. The device includes a circuit that receives an image that includes a plurality of pixels. The circuit creates a histogram of the image and analyzes the histogram to determine an acceptable exposure of the image. The histogram may include a plurality of bins versus a population of pixels associated with each bin. By way of example, the bins may be associated with an intensity of light. The images and histograms may include data defined by low dynamic range number of bits and/or an extended dynamic range number of bits. Certain features and criteria of the image may be determined and analyzed to determine whether the image has an acceptable exposure. If the image is unacceptable, an exposure characteristic can be changed and the process can be repeated until an acceptable image is obtained. |
| US08451369B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert light of an object image formed by an imaging optical system to generate a signal, a first detection unit configured to detect a focusing state of the imaging optical system based on the signal generated by the imaging unit, a sensor configured to generate a signal different from the signal generated by the imaging unit without using the imaging optical system, and a second detection unit configured to detect an in-focus position of the imaging optical system based on the signal generated by the sensor. The sensor is located such that an amount of overlap between a detection range of the first detection unit and a detection range of the second detection unit at a first object distance is equal to an amount of overlap between those at a second object distance that is close to an infinite distance side compared to the first object distance. |
| US08451368B2 |
Imaging systems and optical systems with extended depth of focus
An optical imaging system with extended depth of focus is provided. The optical imaging system includes an optical imaging module, an array type detector and an image restoration module. The optical imaging module has a specific longitudinal spherical aberration corresponding to the depth of focus. The array type detector is coupled to the optical imaging module to obtain a image via the specific longitudinal spherical aberration provided by the optical imaging module. The image restoration module is coupled to the array type detector, wherein the array type detector converts the obtained image to a digitalized image and the image restoration module receives the digitalized image and performs an image restoration operation to the digitalized image to form an image with extended depth of focus. |
| US08451367B2 |
Bearing device and imaging system using the same
An imaging system uses optical modules to capture images of a subject. The optical modules are fixed on a bearing plate of the imaging system by a fastening element of the imaging system. The fastening element is removable and fixed on the support plate. Each of the optical modules has an optical surface. The fastening element has a bevel attached to all the optical surfaces of the optical modules so that all the optical surfaces are coplanar. |
| US08451363B2 |
Photographing method and system
A method and system for photographing in a terminal is provided. The method includes receiving an option for setting a face arrangement location on the viewfinder; detecting a face image on a screen of the viewfinder, determining whether the detected face image is located in the face arrangement location, and if the detected face image is not located in the face arrangement location, informing a user that the detected face image is not located in the face arrangement location. The photographing method and system can allow a user to easily adjust his/her face on the viewfinder and to take a photograph of himself/herself. |
| US08451360B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus for selectively outputting signals from pixels therein
A solid-state imaging apparatus that shortens a time for reading out pixel signals of all pixels and improves the aperture ratio of pixels is provided. The solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels (3) arranged in a matrix along a plurality of rows and columns, in which each of the pixels includes a photoelectric conversion element and a color filter; a plurality of buffers (2) arranged with each one corresponding to a plurality of pixels; and a plurality of vertical output lines (1) arranged such that two or more of the vertical output lines (1) are arranged correspondingly to one of the columns of the pixels; in which an input node of each of the buffers is connected commonly to a plurality of pixels having color filters of different colors, and output nodes of the plurality of buffers are connected alternately to a plurality of vertical output lines. |
| US08451357B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging sensor includes an imaging area, a vertical selector circuit, a pulse selector circuit and a timing generator circuit. The vertical selector circuit is provided with one row address comparator circuit corresponding to each of pixel rows. The row address comparator circuit is supplied with a row address in time division within one horizontal scanning interval with respect to the imaging area. Based on the comparison result of the row address comparator circuit, the vertical selector circuit outputs an electronic shutter row select signal and a read row select signal for setting an electronic shutter state and a read state of the corresponding pixel row. |
| US08451356B2 |
System and method for correcting artifacts in sequential imagers caused by transient light disturbances
An example embodiment may include a system and method for correcting luminance disturbances in an imaging device. The example method can detect a luminance level disturbance in the output of an imager and provide a signal to a digital signal processor (DSP) that a luminance disturbance was detected, before the DSP begins processing the output of the imager. The DSP can then correct or adjust the resulting output to compensate for the luminance disturbance. |
| US08451353B1 |
Multiple-linear-array MEMS display chips
Single-chip, multiple-linear-array MEMS form the basis for high-resolution, high-frame-rate video displays. |
| US08451348B2 |
Noise-cancelling image sensors
An image sensor that has a plurality of pixels within a pixel array coupled to a control circuit and to one or more subtraction circuits. The control circuit may cause an output transistor coupled to a pixel to provide a first reference output signal, a common reset output signal, and a first sense-node reset output signal, between which a subtraction circuit may form a weighted difference to create a noise signal. The control circuit may cause the output transistor to provide a second sense-node reset output signal, a light response output signal and a second reference output signal, between which a subtraction circuit may form a weighted difference to create a normalized light response signal. The light response output signal corresponds to the image that is to be captured by the sensor. The noise signal may be subtracted from the normalized light response signal to generate a de-noised signal. |
| US08451344B1 |
Electronic devices with side viewing capability
An electronic device can utilize one or more image capture elements on the sides or edges of the device to capture image information in a way that is more discrete than for conventional devices with a single camera on a back of the device. Further, the ability to utilize cameras on multiple sides of the device provides enhanced capability. Devices can utilize information such as the current orientation of a device to select one or more appropriate image capture elements to activate at a given time. The image information can be used to provide information about the user's surroundings, such as the names of people in a meeting, without making it obvious that the user is trying to determine that information. |
| US08451341B2 |
Image capture device, image capture apparatus, signal processing method, and program
An image capture device includes: a digital processing unit that performs predetermined processing on pixel data containing first, second, and third digital signals obtained from pixel units having a valid pixel area for generating the first digital signals through photoelectrical conversion of incident image light, an optical black pixel area for generating the second digital signals, and a dummy pixel area for generating the third digital signals; an adding unit that adds the second-and-third-digital-signal-containing pixel data or the third-digital-signal-containing pixel data a predetermined number of times; a dividing unit that divides the added pixel data by the predetermined number of times, to determine an average value of levels of the digital signals; a delay unit that delays output of the first-to-third-digital-signal-containing pixel data by a predetermined amount of time; and a multiplexer that selects and outputs the first-to-third-digital-signal-containing pixel data or pixel data having the average value. |
| US08451335B2 |
Imaging device
This invention provides an imaging device includes: a mosaic image generation unit which assembles a plurality of still images, and generates a mosaic image; a feature quantity extraction unit which extracts feature quantity from the frame image and the mosaic image; a relative position determination unit which determines a relative position between the frame image and the mosaic image, and a live image display unit which updates a display position of the frame image with respect to the mosaic image, and displays the moving picture image on the mosaic image. The live image display unit changes the display position in response to the relative position when succeeded in positioning of the frame image; and when failed in positioning, the live image display unit does not change the display position and fixes the display position near a position of a final frame image succeeded in positioning. |
| US08451333B2 |
Video capture system and method
Video capture systems, methods and computer program products can be provided and configured to capture video sequences of one or more subjects during an activity. The video capture system can be configured to include a communications module that is provided to receive a set of successive frames of video image data of a defined coverage area in an activity location and to receive tracking information indicating a position of the subject in the activity location. A content selection module can be further provided to determine a location of the subject in the defined coverage area based on the tracking information to thereby determine a subset of the image data in one or more received frames, or in a set of frames, of video image data that contains image data of the subject. |
| US08451332B2 |
Interior mirror assembly with adjustable mounting assembly
An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a reflective element and a mounting assembly for adjustably mounting the mirror assembly at an interior portion of a vehicle. The mounting assembly has a mounting base and a mounting arm adjustably mounted to the mounting base via a base joint. The reflective element is pivotally adjustable relative to the mounting arm via a mirror pivot joint. The base joint allows for adjustment of the mounting arm in generally a single plane and about a generally horizontal pivot axis when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle, with the base joint limiting adjustment of the mounting arm about non-generally horizontal pivot axes. The mirror pivot joint allows for pivotal adjustment of a rearward field of view of the reflective element by a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. |
| US08451331B2 |
Automotive surveillance system
A motor vehicle monitoring system comprises controller 100, processor 110, memory 120, wireless transceiver 200, audio recording device 300, video recording device 400, information storage device 500, vehicle tracking device 600, video display device 700, and stimulus sensing device 800. |
| US08451330B2 |
STB/DVR video surveillance
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor that includes a memory and a controller coupled with the memory. The controller can be operable to provide an electronic program guide for display on a video display device, where the electronic program guide includes a surveillance entry associated with a security system in communication with the controller. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08451329B2 |
PTZ presets control analytics configuration
A system and method for PTZ presets control analytic configuration in one aspect provides a camera that includes PTZ preset information and analytics configuration information to allow local, that is, within the camera, processing at each preset position. In one embodiment, the information is set-up or configured using, for example, a PC, PDA (personal digital assistant), or the like, etc., which may be remotely or locally connected to a camera. In one aspect, if a PTZ camera is being operated manually and is moved to a particular position, the PTZ automatically moves to the nearest preset position and operates under the conditions of the associated analytics configuration. |
| US08451323B1 |
Building data models by using light to determine material properties of illuminated objects
Disclosed are methods and systems for building data models by using light to determine material properties of illuminated objects. In an embodiment, a system includes a set of device pairs (of lighting-source and image-capture devices) arranged on the perimeter (and directed at a central region of) a 3D shape. The system iterates from an initial state through a plurality of imaging states. The initial state involves (1) an object being situated in a controlled-lighting space and (2) the device pairs being positioned within the controlled-lighting space and around the object, which is situated in the central region of the 3D shape. Each imaging state involves the activation of an imaging-state-specific subset of lighting-source and image-capture devices. The system captures image data indicative of the appearance of the object during the imaging states, and stores that data in a 3D-data model of the object. |
| US08451322B2 |
Imaging system and method
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for determining the gradients of the surface normals of an object includes a receiving unit, establishing unit, determining unit, and selecting unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive data of three 2D images of the object, wherein each image is taken under illumination from a different direction. The establishing unit is configured to establish which pixels of the image are in shadow such that there is only data available from two images from these pixels. The determining unit is configured to determine a range of possible solutions for the gradient of the surface normal of a shadowed pixel using the data available for the two images. The selecting unit is configured to select a solution for the gradient using the integrability of the gradient field over an area of the object as a constraint and minimizing a cost function. |
| US08451321B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit receiving communication data including L and R images, an attribute information acquisition unit acquiring, from the communication data, attribute information including a photographing time, and an output control unit analyzing the images and the attribute information and switching between three-dimensional image display and two-dimensional image display. If L and R images photographed at the same photographing time have been acquired, the control unit performs three-dimensional image display. If not, the control unit determines whether or not an object imaging position error occurring in three-dimensional image display using L and R images photographed at different photographing times does not exceed a preset permissible object imaging position error, performs three-dimensional image display using the L and R images photographed at different photographing times if the error does not exceed the permissible error, and performs two-dimensional image display if the error exceeds the permissible error. |
| US08451320B1 |
Methods and apparatus for stereoscopic video compression, encoding, transmission, decoding and/or decompression
Methods and apparatus for performing stereoscopic image encoding and decoding are described. Left and right eye images are generated. Image difference information is generated, e.g., a set of pixel values resulting from XORing the pixel values of the left and right eye images. One of the left and right eye images is compressed along with the difference map. The compressed image and compressed difference map is stored and/or transmitted. Stereoscopic images are generated by decompressing and using the received compressed image and compressed difference information. Prior to generation of the difference map the left and right eye images may be subject to a transposition operation to minimize the differences between the images and thus the size of the difference map. When transposition is applied, transposition information is stored and communicated in addition to the compressed image data so that the transposition can be reversed during the stereoscopic image generation process. |
| US08451318B2 |
Three-mirror panoramic camera
A system and method for obtaining images having an ultra-wide field of view angle. A panoramic camera includes two subsystems: an optical subsystem and an image sensor. The optical subsystem includes at least a three-aspheric mirrors for producing an image of objects in the ultra-wide field of view. The produced images are correctable by a standard optical element to produce on an image plane an image having an optical resolution approximately equal or exceeding the Nyquist sampling criterion for the image sensor. A first mirror provides a sharp, compressed, virtual image using a convex paraboloidal or hyperboloidal mirror. Second and third mirrors redirect light onto the correction element through a folded optical path. The standard optical element projects a virtual image onto the image sensor. Image processing software can be used to decompress and unwrap the ultra-wide angle image captured by the image sensor. |
| US08451317B2 |
Indexing a data stream
A method of indexing a data stream is disclosed. The method includes initiating the data stream in the video conference, recording the data stream, indexing the data stream by generating a transcript of the recorded data stream, linking the transcript with a video portion of the data stream and storing the indexed data stream onto a data storage medium. |
| US08451312B2 |
Automatic video stream selection
A handheld communication device is used to capture video streams and generate a multiplexed video stream. The handheld communication device has at least two cameras facing in two opposite directions. The handheld communication device receives a first video stream and a second video stream simultaneously from the two cameras. The handheld communication device detects a speech activity of a person captured in the video streams. The speech activity may be detected from direction of sound or lip movement of the person. Based on the detection, the handheld communication device automatically switches between the first video stream and the second video stream to generate a multiplexed video stream. The multiplexed video stream interleaves segments of the first video stream and segments of the second video stream. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08451311B2 |
Method and system for video telephone communications set up, related equipment and computer program product
In order to permit a video telephone call to be set up between at least one first video telephone terminal and at least one second video telephone terminal in a telephone network, a service center is adapted to connect with the first and second terminals over the telephone network. A telephone call is first set up between the first terminal and the second terminal in order to exchange availability signals between the terminals to seek availability to hold a video telephone call therebetween. If such availability is confirmed, the telephone call between the first and second terminals is released, and telephone calls are established between the service center and the first and second terminals, whereby the first and second terminals are connected to one another over the telephone network via the service center. A video telephone call is then set up between the first and the second terminals via the service center. |
| US08451310B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including; an exposure section provided with, a light emitting element, a polygon mirror to receive light beams from the light emitting element, and to expose an image carrier using light beam via the polygon mirror based on image data; an image processing section to adjust image magnification by image processing of the image data; and, a control section configured to select at least either of a first magnification adjustment to change a rotation speed of the polygon mirror and a second magnification adjustment to carry out image processing of the image data by the image processing section, based on comparison results between a paper interval time during recording paper conveyance in image formation and the first magnification adjustment time required to stabilize polygon mirror rotation in the first magnification adjustment, when adjusting image magnification with respect to recording paper. |
| US08451308B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning unit, a measurement unit, a first adjustment unit and a second adjustment unit. The optical scanning unit includes a plurality of light sources to emit laser beams, a single oscillating mirror deflector to deflect the laser beams used for scan processing in a main scanning direction, and a scan-focusing member to focus the deflected laser beams onto a plurality of photoconductors. The measurement unit measures a resonance frequency of the oscillating mirror deflector. The first adjustment unit adjusts a speed of the photoconductors in a sub-scanning direction. The second adjustment unit adjusts a magnification ratio of image data in the sub-scanning direction. The first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit adjust the image magnification ratio of image data in the sub-scanning direction depending on the resonance frequency as measured by the measurement unit. |
| US08451307B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
A pre-deflector optical system includes an isolator arranged on an optical path of a light beam from a light source. The isolator has a first surface with different light transmittances depending on a polarization state of an incident light beam on a first side close to the light source and a second surface imparting an optical phase difference of a ¼ wavelength to the incident light beam on a second side. A deflector deflects the light beam passed through the pre-deflector optical system. A rotation mechanism rotates the isolator around its optical axis. A holding member holds the light source and the isolator in a predetermined positional relationship. |
| US08451304B2 |
Recording medium sorting apparatus, erasing apparatus, and recording medium sorting method
According to one embodiment, an erasing apparatus includes: a recording medium sorting apparatus including a first conveyance guide having a curvature radius smaller than curvature radiuses of all curved surfaces present in a downstream direction in a recording medium conveying path, a second conveyance guide forming the recording medium conveying path in conjunction with the first conveyance guide and set to be capable of opening and closing the recording medium conveying path, and a displacing device configured to open and close the second conveyance guide; and a control unit. If the control unit determines that a jam occurs in the recording medium sorting apparatus, the control unit opens the second conveyance guide to collect a recording medium that causes the jam. |
| US08451297B2 |
Identifying a rectangular area in a multi-projector system
Determining a rectangular area with a given aspect ratio within a global boundary formed by multiple projectors. An iterated process is repeated at moved locations along the global boundary, until a stopping condition is met. According to the iterated process, a point at a location of the global boundary is selected, a minimum rectangle with the given aspect ratio is grown from identified directions, and the largest rectangle encountered is delivered when the stopping condition has been met. For each such direction, the minimum rectangle is grown in the direction from the selected point until it intersects with a boundary, the grown rectangle is grown in another direction responsive to a determination that the grown rectangle can grow in another direction. The largest rectangle encountered previously is replaced, responsive to a comparison which indicates that the grown rectangle is larger than the largest rectangle encountered previously. |
| US08451294B2 |
Partial window visibility
A video encoder/adapter comprises a virtual display module for partial rendering of a software application image. The virtual display module presents to the software application a virtual display device upon which the software application window is displayed. From the virtual display device, the user identifies one or more portions of the virtual software application window that are to be rendered on the actual display device. |
| US08451293B2 |
Image processing apparatus and control method thereof
An image processing apparatus includes: a display which displays an image through at least one screen; a processor which processes the image to be displayed on the display; a pointer adjuster which adjusts a pointer to select at least two points on the image displayed on the display; and a controller which sets a selection area by selecting a partial image displayed within a boundary including the at least two points from the image displayed on the display, and controls the processor to display the selection area on a predetermined region of the display. |
| US08451283B2 |
Data management for image processing
A system comprises a memory storing data at addresses associated with pixels in images, each address being linked by a function to coordinates of a pixel in an ordered image reference frame, a device for processing the data associated with the pixels, where a pixel being processed is referenced by an associated vector relative to a reference pixel, and an interface device providing data to the processing device. A data request indicates a vector associated with a pixel being processed. The coordinates of the reference pixel are determined by applying the function to an address associated with the reference pixel. The coordinates of the pixel being processed are obtained based on the coordinates of the reference pixel and the vector. Then the address of the data associated with the pixel being processed is determined by applying the inverse function of the function to the coordinates of the pixel being processed. |
| US08451282B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing image data
The invention relates to data accessing method and apparatus, and more particularly to data accessing method and apparatus for accessing a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer compatible with mini-low voltage differential signal (mini-LVDS) transmission interface. The image data accessing apparatus comprises a FIFO memory for storing the image data, and a controller for accessing the FIFO memory in circular manner; wherein the controller writes the image data in pixel-basis and reads the stored image data in channel-basis. |
| US08451281B2 |
Shared virtual memory between a host and discrete graphics device in a computing system
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a device that has a device processor and a device memory. The device can couple to a host with a host processor and host memory. Both of the memories can have page tables to map virtual addresses to physical addresses of the corresponding memory, and the two memories may appear to a user-level application as a single virtual memory space. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08451279B2 |
System, method and computer program product for adjusting a refresh rate of a display
A display refresh system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, at least one aspect of a display of content is identified by monitoring commands. Based on such identified aspect(s), a refresh rate of a display utilized for the display of the content may be adjusted. |
| US08451274B2 |
Method and device of displaying characters
A method of displaying characters is adapted to a displaying device. First, the displaying device receives and analyzes a frame to obtain subtitle data including a first character. Then, the subtitle data is analyzed to obtain at least one first location of the first character on the frame. Finally, the first character is displayed at the at least one first location in a first time period. |
| US08451267B2 |
Pipe installation support apparatus
A pipe installation support apparatus includes: a display control device for displaying images of pipes already installed and a pipe to be attached on a display device; an input device for inputting a movement instruction to move or rotate at least one of the image of the pipes; and a moving device for translating or rotating at least one of three-dimensional data of the pipes already installed and the three-dimensional data of the pipe to be attached based on the movement instruction when the movement instruction is input from the input device, wherein when the moving device translates or rotates the three-dimensional data, the display control device moves the images of the pipes already installed and the pipe to be attached displayed on the display device. |
| US08451266B2 |
Interactive three-dimensional augmented realities from item markers for on-demand item visualization
A system that provides interactive three-dimensional (3D) augmented realities can include an augmented reality item marker (ARIM), a network-enabled mobile computing device, an augmented reality item lookup service (ARILS), and an augmented reality item viewer (ARIV). The ARIM can be a two-dimensional graphic conforming to a standardized encoding specification that can encode data elements about a product item. The network-enabled mobile computing device can include a camera configured to digitally capture the ARIM. The ARILS can be configured to provide a data response that includes augmented reality item data to the network-enabled mobile computing device. The ARIV can be configured to present an interactive 3D augmented reality visualization of the product item utilizing the augmented reality item data provided by the ARILS. A presented view of the interactive 3D augmented reality visualization can be automatically and dynamically changed to reflect planar position changes of the network-enabled mobile computing device. |
| US08451265B2 |
Virtual viewpoint animation
In one aspect, images of an event are obtained from a first video camera and a second camera, where the second camera captures images at a higher resolution than the first video camera. A particular image of interest is identified from the images obtained by the first video camera, e.g., based on an operator's command. A corresponding image which has been obtained by the second camera is then identified. The second image is used to depict virtual viewpoints which differ from the real viewpoints of the first and second camera, such as by combining data from a textured 3d model of the event with data from the second image. In another aspect, a presentation includes images from a first camera, followed by an animation of different virtual viewpoints, followed by images from a second camera which has a different real viewpoint of the event than the first camera. |
| US08451260B2 |
Driver circuit controlling threshold voltage shift of transistor
Each shift register includes a first element controlled by a first potential node to supply a first driving voltage to an output terminal, a second element controlled by a second potential node to supply a second driving voltage lower than the first driving voltage to the output terminal, and a third element for controlling the first potential node and the second potential node so as to have opposite potential levels. Voltages are applied to the third element so that a state of A>B and A>C and a state of AB and A |
| US08451256B2 |
DC-DC converter, liquid crystal display device, aging test apparatus of liquid crystal display device, and method thereof
A gate-on voltage/LED driving voltage generator includes an inductor boosting an input voltage through a PWM voltage and the input voltage, a diode and capacitor rectifying the boosted voltage, a first output terminal outputting the rectified voltage to supply an LED driving voltage to an LED, and a second output terminal supplying the rectified voltage to a gate driving circuit. Further, an aging test apparatus of an LCD device, which includes a high LED driving voltage generator in an HVS power board, and an HVI power board, may selectively perform an aging test according to a backlight unit of the LCD. Further, a DC-DC converter having the gate-on voltage/LED driving voltage generator, and the LCD including the DC-DC converter are provided. |
| US08451254B2 |
Input to an electronic apparatus
An electronic device, comprising a processing system; a sensor for detecting vibrations caused by a user striking the device and outputting a signal indicative of a parameter of those vibrations; wherein the processing system is configured to analyse the signal output from the sensor and determine a parameter related to the location of the strike. Other methods and systems for making inputs to electronic devices are also described. |
| US08451251B2 |
Light sensing circuit, touch panel including the same, and method of driving the same
A light sensing circuit includes a photodiode including a cathode electrode and an anode electrode and for receiving light from the outside and generating a current corresponding to the received light, a driving transistor for amplifying the current generated in the photodiode, a capacitor for storing a first initiation voltage transmitted to the driving transistor, a first switching transistor for compensating for a threshold voltage of the driving transistor corresponding to a current scan signal, and a second switching transistor for transmitting the first initiation voltage corresponding to the current scan signal. |
| US08451250B2 |
Capacitive touch device and method of driving same
The present invention relates to a capacitive touch panel. In one embodiment, the capacitive touch panel includes a plurality of driving electrodes and a plurality of sensing electrodes spatially arranged in a matrix, and a driver electrically coupled to the touch sensor matrix and configured to generate a driving signal to synchronically drive one or more driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes, such that at least one sensing electrode is not driven by the driving signal. The remaining driving electrodes are grounded. The not-driven sensing electrodes sense and transmit a sensing signal of a touch. |
| US08451243B2 |
Information processing device, information processing program, and display control method
An information processing device includes a plurality of display screens, a display control unit that controls a display operation with respect to each of the display screens, a touch panel attached to the surface of at least one display screen, and an operation reception unit that receives a depression input externally applied to the touch panel by a predetermined pressing member. When the operation reception unit receives a slide operation sliding the pressing member on the touch panel, the display control unit moves and displays display data of one display screen on another display screen. |
| US08451235B2 |
Optical touch panel
An optical touch panel is provided, which may comprise a rectangular position-detecting surface; a plurality of light-emitting element pairs configured for emitting a plurality of light beams; two reflectors configured for reflecting the plurality of light beams emitted by the plurality of light-emitting element pairs; and a plurality of light-receiving element pairs configured for receiving the plurality of light beams emitted by the plurality of light-emitting element pairs. The optical touch panel further may comprise a control circuit configured for causing the light-emitting element pairs to emit the plurality of light beams in a predetermined order to scan the position-detecting surface, and further configured for causing the plurality of light-receiving element pairs to receive the plurality of light beams, thereby forming optical paths on the position-detecting surface in a grid pattern. The control circuit further may be configured for determining the coordinates of an object positioned on the position-detecting surface. |
| US08451234B2 |
Display device with touch panel
A touch panel includes plural first electrodes extending in a first direction, plural second electrodes extending in a second direction different from the first direction, a driving circuit, a detection circuit, and a coordinate-position calculating circuit. The driving circuit sequentially selects two first electrodes out of the plural first electrodes, supplies a high potential voltage higher than a reference voltage to one of the selected two first electrodes, and supplies the reference voltage to the other, the detection circuit detects a capacitance difference (A−B) between a capacitor A between a selected one of the second electrodes and the first electrode to which the high potential voltage is supplied and a capacitor B between the selected second electrode and the first electrode to which the reference voltage is supplied, and the coordinate-position calculating circuit calculates a touch position on the touch panel touched by the observer on the basis of positions of the selected first and second electrodes and the capacitance difference (A−B). |
| US08451233B2 |
Sensor pixel and touch panel thereof
A sensor pixel and a touch panel using the same are provided herein, wherein the touch panel has m scan lines and n readout lines. The sensor pixel includes a sensing capacitor, a readout transistor, a reset transistor, a base transistor, and a photo transistor. The photo transistor included in the sensor pixel produces a photo leakage current when it is exposed to a light. The light obstruction characteristic of the photo transistor is utilized to detect the locations of the touched sensor pixels. By proper timing control, the present invention not only can be applied to the multi-finger detection, but also is easy to be implemented. |
| US08451232B2 |
Portable multifunction device, method, and graphical user interface for interacting with user input elements in displayed content
In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method in a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display includes: displaying content on the touch screen display, wherein the content includes a plurality of user input elements; detecting a contact by a finger with the touch screen display; choosing a user input element in the plurality of user input elements based on proximity of the user input element to the contact; displaying information associated with the chosen user input element over the displayed content; detecting a break in the contact by the finger with the touch screen display; and receiving input for the chosen user input element. |
| US08451226B2 |
User input device with optical tracking engine that operates through transparent substrate
A user input device for use with a computing device is provided. The user input device may include a housing with a bottom portion including a substrate that includes a transparent portion. The user input device may further include an optical tracking engine mounted in the housing proximate the substrate and being configured to transmit and/or detect light for tracking movement of the user input device through the transparent portion of the substrate. |
| US08451219B2 |
Dual pointer management method using cooperating input sources and efficient dynamic coordinate remapping
The pointer management technology establishes a protocol and method for dual pointer management in both absolute input mode and relative input mode. The method defines a set of properties/constraints for contextual dynamic remapping between input sensor coordinates and target screen coordinates. The remapping of the left pointer (respectively the right pointer) depends on the position of the right pointer (respectively the left pointer) in the target screen space. This inter-dependence enables a more flexible and more powerful interaction as it exploits the contextual layout to re-estimate the remapping transformations at each instant. |
| US08451218B2 |
Electronic control module interface system for a motor vehicle
An electronic control module interface system may include a sensing surface having a symbol representative of a function of a motor vehicle, a sensing device coupled to the sensing surface, configured to sense a proximity between a physical pointer and the sensing surface and to generate a browsing signal when the proximity is less than a predefined proximity threshold value, and configured to generate a selection signal when the physical pointer contacts or depresses the sensing surface, and an output device coupled to the sensing device, and configured to produce an output representative of the function of the motor vehicle upon receiving the browsing signal. |
| US08451216B2 |
User interface device, user interface method, and recording medium
A user interface device (1) includes: a detection unit (3) which detects a position of a user; a display unit (2) which displays a work space; and a control unit (4) which controls display of an independent object which belongs to no user. The control unit (4) moves the independent object in a mode which varies between when the independent object is in a face-to-face space of the display unit (2) which is face to face with the position of the user and when the independent object is outside the face-to-face space. The control unit (4) also stops the moving independent object in a workspace assigned to the user when the user obtains the independent object. |
| US08451207B2 |
Display drive circuit and drive method
A display driving circuit and method is capable of minimizing the residual image of a display panel as well as consumption electric current. The display driving circuit generates driving signals corresponding to valid data and black data and transmits the driving signals to a display panel, and includes N data selection switches (where N is the integer), N buffers, N buffer output selection switches, and multiple charge sharing switches. The N data selection switches select one of the valid data and the black data. The N buffers buffer the signal selected by the respective data selection switches. The N buffer output selection switches switch outputs of the buffers to output the respective driving signals. The multiple charge sharing switches connect the neighboring pairs of the driving signals. |
| US08451204B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device performing multi-picture element driving, gate OFF timing of a switching element connected between each sub picture element and a signal line is matched with phase timing when all the subsidiary capacity wires are at the same potential. This prevents the occurrence of uneven luminance appearing in a lateral streak. |
| US08451203B2 |
Liquid crystal display and pixel arrangement method thereof
A pixel arrangement method for a liquid crystal display includes the steps of: inputting data signals with different driving polarities to odd data lines and even data lines respectively; and changing connections between a gate of thin film transistor and gate lines and connections between a source of thin film transistor and data lines in every pixel area whereby the driving polarity is inverted every two pixel areas in a transverse direction and is inverted every pixel area in a longitudinal direction. The present invention further provides a liquid crystal display. |
| US08451200B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, display apparatus, and projection display apparatus
An image processing apparatus is disclosed which carries out correction processing of an image signal made up of a plurality of bits. The apparatus includes: a correction processing unit configured to perform gamma correction of an input image signal; and a fine control processing unit configured to establish as desired a plurality of types of correction data in accordance with a plurality of fixed gray-scale levels of the input signal in order to fine-control a transmittance characteristic, known as a V-T curve, regarding an applied voltage by performing computations on the input image signal gamma-corrected by the correction processing unit using the established correction data. |
| US08451197B2 |
Information display apparatus having a plurality of thin-film light-emitting diodes
An information display apparatus includes a matrix of thin-film light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on a transparent substrate. The thin-film LEDs are epitaxially grown on a semiconductor substrate, then transferred in strips to the transparent substrate, anchored by intermolecular forces, and separated into individual LEDs by photolithography and etching. The anodes and cathodes of the thin-film LEDs are connected to anode and cathode driving circuits by a matrix of thin-film electrical paths formed on the transparent substrate. The matrix of LEDs and interconnections is dense enough to display images of high quality, and provides enough pixels for the display of useful text and graphics on even small information display devices. |
| US08451195B2 |
Servo-assisted scanning beam display systems using fluorescent screens
Scanning beam display systems using fluorescent screens and various servo feedback control mechanisms to control display imaging qualities. |
| US08451192B2 |
Utilization of interactive device-adjacent ambiently displayed images
A telecommunication device configured to project an ambiently displayed image at a location proximate to the telecommunication device on a surface that is substantially parallel to a plane formed by a body of the telecommunication device is described herein. The telecommunication device is further configured to detect an interaction with the ambiently displayed image and perform an action based on the detected interaction. |
| US08451186B2 |
System and method for passive protection of an antenna feed network
A system and method for providing overvoltage and overcurrent protection. The present teachings provide a method for protecting a component including the steps of: 1) connecting a first terminal of a normally open micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) switch to a source of an input signal with respect to the component; 2) connecting a second terminal of the switch to an input to the component; and 3) connecting a third terminal of the switch to a source of control potential to activate the switch on the application of power thereto. In a most general embodiment, the invention provides an arrangement for protecting a component comprising a MEMS switch having a first terminal coupled to a source of an input signal; a second terminal coupled to said component; and a third terminal adapted to activate the switch on the application of control power thereto. In the best mode, the switch is normally open, the first terminal is a drain terminal, and the second terminal is coupled to a source of ground potential. In an illustrative application, the invention is used in an antenna having an array of antenna elements and a MEMS switch coupled to at least one of the elements to provide over-voltage and/or over-current protection. In the best mode, a separate MEMS switch is coupled to each element in the array in a normally open configuration via the drain terminal thereof. |
| US08451182B2 |
Vehicle pane with at least one heating conductor and at least one antenna
A vehicle pane exhibits a heating conductor field with at least one heating conductor and at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is mounted on an area of the vehicle pane that is free with respect to the heating conductor field and wherein the heating conductor field has the basic shape of an essentially angular sector. The vehicle pane can also have bus bars for supplying power to at least one heating conductor, the bus bars being arranged on a common edge of the vehicle pane. |
| US08451179B2 |
Sliding antenna apparatus
Various embodiments of a mobile computing device are described. In one embodiment, the mobile computing device comprises an internal antenna system and a first housing coupled to a second housing by one or more electrically conductive sliding portions, the one or more electrically conductive sliding portions to operate as radiating arms for the internal antenna system. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08451178B2 |
Antenna
There is provided an antenna small in its size but capable of achieving sufficient gain. The antenna comprises antenna elements connected to a power source. The antenna elements comprise upstanding vertical sections connected to the power source and horizontal sections substantially parallel with a ground pattern and having one end thereof connected to an end portion of the vertical sections. The antenna elements further comprise short stubs provided away from the vertical sections toward the other end of the horizontal sections and connected to the ground pattern, and open-ended open stubs provided away from the short stubs toward the other end of the horizontal sections and extending from the horizontal sections toward the ground pattern. The antenna elements are made of a metal foil and are provided on an antenna board. |
| US08451168B2 |
Method for determining biases of satellite signals
A new method for bias estimation on multiple frequencies with a Kalman filter is proposed. It consists of four steps: First, a least-squares estimation of ranges, ionospheric delays, ambiguities, receiver phase biases and satellite phase biases is performed. The code biases are absorbed in the ranges and ionospheric delays, and a subset of ambiguities is mapped to the phase biases to remove linear dependencies between the unknown parameters. In a second step, the accuracy of the bias estimates is efficiently improved by a Kalman filter. The real-valued a posteriori ambiguity estimates are decorrelated by an integer ambiguity transformation to reduce the time of ambiguity resolution. Once the float ambiguities have sufficiently converged, they are fixed sequentially in a third step. Finally, a second Kalman filter is used to separate the receiver and satellite code biases and the tropospheric delays from the ranges. |
| US08451166B2 |
Distributed distance measurement system for locating a geostationary satellite
A distance measurement system for locating a geostationary satellite equipped with a transponder includes: a central station emitting a distance measurement signal; and at least one measurement station receiving the emitted signal, including means for measuring the time of arrival of the emitted signal, and transmitted via the transponder of the satellite. The central and measurement stations, of known positions, include synchronization means with a common time base. The transponder is that of a satellite telecommunications system, and has a bandwidth B. The central station includes means for emitting a specific distance measurement signal, distinct from the telecommunications signals transmitted via the transponder, with periodic events and with spread spectrum, the bandwidth of which is included in B. |
| US08451165B2 |
Mobile radar system
Described is a mobile radar system which provides both persistent surveillance and tracking of objects with adaptive measurement rates for both maneuvering and non-maneuvering objects. The mobile radar system includes a vehicle having mounted therein an active, electronically-steerable, phased array radar system movable between a stowed position and a deployed position and wherein the phased array radar system is operational in both the deployed and stored positions and also while the vehicle is either stationary or moving. Thus, the mobile radar system described herein provides for longer time on target and longer integration times, increased radar sensitivity and improved Doppler resolution and clutter rejection. This results in a highly mobile radar system appropriate for use in a battlefield environment and which supports single-integrated-air-picture metrics including but not limited to track purity, track completeness, and track continuity and thus improved radar performance in a battlefield. |
| US08451164B2 |
Radar network communication through sensing of frequency hopping
In one embodiment, a radar communication system includes a plurality of radars having a communication range and being capable of operating at a sensing frequency and a reporting frequency, wherein the reporting frequency is different than the sensing frequency, each radar is adapted for operating at the sensing frequency until an event is detected, each radar in the plurality of radars has an identification/location frequency for reporting information different from the sensing frequency, a first radar of the radars which senses the event sends a reporting frequency corresponding to its identification/location frequency when the event is detected, and all other radars in the plurality of radars switch their reporting frequencies to match the reporting frequency of the first radar upon detecting the reporting frequency switch of a radar within the communication range. In another embodiment, a method is presented for communicating information in a radar system. |
| US08451157B2 |
Double balanced digital transmitter
A digital-to-analog upconverter directly converts a baseband digital value comprising a plurality of bits to an RF analog signal to combine digital-to-analog operations with frequency upconversion operations. One exemplary digital-to-analog upconverter comprises a plurality of conversion units, one for each of the plurality of bits in the baseband digital value, and an output node coupled to each of the conversion units. Each conversion unit generates a weighted analog signal at a low frequency or at a radio frequency responsive to the corresponding input bit and an oscillator signal at RF. The weighting factor of each conversion unit corresponds to a relative weighting of the corresponding bit. The output node combines the weighted analog signals to generate a combined RF analog signal representative of the baseband digital value. |
| US08451156B2 |
Asynchronous sigma delta analog to digital converter using a time to digital converter
This disclosure relates to analog to digital conversion using irregular sampling. A method may include combining an analog signal with a feedback signal into a combined signal, filtering the combined signal using a digital noise shaping filter into a combined noise shaped signal, modulating the combined noise shaped signal into a modulated signal, generating samples of the modulated signal, and reconstructing as a digital signal the analog signal from the samples of the modulated signal. |
| US08451155B2 |
Transmission circuit, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic image display apparatus
A transmission circuit for use with an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The transmission circuit includes a high voltage current DAC configured to output a drive current of an ultrasonic transducer to transmit and receive ultrasound, and a waveform generator configured to output a control signal from the high voltage current DAC to the high voltage current DAC with a predetermined timing. The control signal configured to output the drive current with a desired magnitude. |
| US08451152B2 |
Pipelined ADC inter-stage error calibration
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided. The ADC includes a plurality of pipelined ADCs and an adjustment circuit. Each pipelined ADC is adapted to receive an analog input signal, has an adjustable transfer function, and includes a compensator. The adjustment circuit is coupled to each pipelined ADC to be able to adjust the transfer function for each pipelined ADC so as to generally eliminate an estimation ambiguity. Additionally, the adjustment circuit estimates an inter-stage error that includes at least one of an inter-stage gain error and a DAC gain error and adjusts the compensator for each pipelined ADC to compensate for the inter-stage error. |
| US08451149B2 |
RF divider using direct digital synthesis
An RF divider directly synthesizes a desired RF as a digital pattern that can be programmed and output at a VCO frequency. An exemplary RF divider comprises a pre-sequencer and a parallel-to-serial converter. The pre-sequencer successively outputs consecutive M-bit sections of a parallel word, where the parallel word comprises one or more copies of a frequency dividing bit pattern defining a frequency divisor. The parallel-to-serial converter performs a parallel-to-serial conversion on the M-bit sections of the parallel word based on the fixed radio frequency to generate an output signal having the desired radio frequency, where the output signal comprises a serial bit stream of the parallel word. |
| US08451148B2 |
Encoding apparatus, encoding method, decoding apparatus, decoding method, and program
Provided is an encoding apparatus including: a determination unit which determines bit allocation at the time of quantizing a data signal based on normalization information of the data signal so that a data length as a result of fixed length encoding of the quantized data signal becomes close to a second data length which is equal to or larger than a first data length allocated to a result of variable length encoding of the quantized data signal; a quantizer which quantizes the data signal based on the bit allocation; and an encoder which performs variable length encoding on the quantized data signal, wherein the determination unit updates the second data length so that a difference between a data length of the variable-length-encoded data signal and the first data length is within a predetermined range. |
| US08451147B2 |
Data interface circuit
In an illustrative embodiment, a data interface circuit is provided. The data interface circuit comprises data sources, input blocks, a space switch, output blocks and a multi-core processor. The data interface circuit allows data provided in different voltage ranges and sampling frequencies to be transmitted to the appropriate core in the multi-core processor via the switch. Data conversion elements in the input blocks convert data from the data sources and having varying voltage ranges and sampling frequencies into data having a voltage range and sampling frequency suitable for the space switch. Analogously, data conversion elements in the output blocks convert data from the space switch into data having a voltage range and sampling frequency suitable for the corresponding core in the multi-core processor. In one embodiment, level shifters and FIFO buffers are used in the input blocks and output blocks. |
| US08451143B2 |
Vehicle presence notification apparatus
A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifies a presence of a vehicle by providing easily-perceivable and less uncomfortable notification sound outside of the vehicle. The vehicle presence notification apparatus includes: a speaker and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the speaker to generate the notification sound that simultaneously has (i) at least one fundamental high frequency, which is easily perceivable, but annoying to human ears; and (ii) at least one auxiliary low frequency, which is less than the at least one fundamental high frequency and has a harmonic relation with the at least one fundamental high frequency. |
| US08451139B2 |
System and method for coordinating harvester and transport vehicle unloading operations
A system and method for positioning a transport vehicle relative to a harvester is disclosed. The system includes an imaging device mounted on the transport vehicle and a control system for analyzing image data and executing a computer program to provide commands to position the transport vehicle in an acceptable predetermined condition relative to the harvester for discharge operations. |
| US08451136B2 |
Sonde attachment means
A sonde for installation in a well including a clamp (2) for engaging with the inner wall of a well casing (3) and securing device for securing the clamp to inner tubing of the well, whereby the securing device includes an attachment device (5, 6) for connection to the inner tubing and a rod (4) connected between the clamp and the attachment device. |
| US08451124B2 |
Passive wireless readout mechanisms for nanocomposite thin film sensors
A method for sensing a stimulus comprising providing a sensing assembly having a first structure and a second structure, wherein the first structure is made of a material different than the second structure and each of the first structure and the second structure is nanoscale. The method further includes providing an inductive antenna operably coupled to the sensing assembly, disposing the sensing assembly upon a spatial area, exposing the sensing assembly to the stimulus thereby producing a detectable change in the sensing assembly, and wirelessly coupling a reader with the inductive antenna to obtain a signal representative of the detectable change in the sensing assembly. |