| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08457239B2 |
Method and device for managing the operation of an apparatus, for example an MB-OFDM apparatus, in presence of an eventual interfering signal
The method is for managing operation of a first apparatus belonging to a first communication system and exchanging within the first communication system a multi-carrier modulated signal on several sub-carriers. The method includes detecting at the first apparatus the presence of an interfering signal emitted from a victim apparatus on a sub-carrier. The method may also include determining at the first apparatus the path loss between both apparatuses, determining from the path loss and from an allowed interference level at the victim apparatus a maximum allowed transmit power on the sub-carrier of a multi-carrier modulated signal to be transmitted from the first apparatus, and adjusting within the first apparatus the processing of the multi-carrier modulated signal to be transmitted in accordance with the maximum allowed transmit power. |
| US08457234B2 |
Radio communication method and apparatus selectively employing a plurality of antennas
A transmitting apparatus that transmits signals from a plurality of antennas, and can improve the security of communication compared with a conventional system. In this apparatus, an antenna changing section (105) stores an antenna change pattern in internal memory, and each time a clock signal is input, generates an antenna change signal directing an antenna change in accordance with the antenna change pattern, and outputs this signal to an antenna selection section (106). Based on the antenna change signal, the antenna selection section (106) selects two different antennas from among the transmitting antennas (107-1 through 107-3) as transmitting antennas of transmit signal A output from a radio section (104-1) and transmit signal B output from a radio section (104-2), and performs radio transmission of transmit signal A and transmit signal B using the selected transmitting antennas. |
| US08457233B2 |
Codebook design method for multiple input multiple output system and method for using the codebook
A multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication method using a codebook is provided. The MIMO communication method may use one or more codebooks and the codebooks may change according to a transmission rank, a channel state of a user terminal, and/or a number of feedback bits. The one or more codebooks may be adaptively updated according to a time correlation coefficient of a channel. |
| US08457232B2 |
Detecting the number of transmit antennas in wireless communication systems
To detect the number of transmit antennas, a fast Fourier transform operation is performed on the received samples of the transmitted long training symbols of a preamble. Next, each of the Fourier transformed results is multiplied with the reference frequency-domain representation of the long training symbol so as to remove the effect of the symbols and to maintain the channel information. Next, inverse Fourier transform or least squares operations is performed on the multiplied values to compute channel impulse response. The number of shifted impulse response in the channel impulse response represents the detected number of transmit antennas. Packets containing preambles of the present invention may be received by extended devices as well as by legacy receivers that are not configured to receive and interpret these preambles. The training symbols may be cyclically-shifted and transmitted on different transmit antennas. |
| US08457227B2 |
Multi-carrier receiver with dynamic power adjustment and method for dynamically adjusting the power consumption of a multi-carrier receiver
A method for dynamically adjusting the power consumption of a multi-carrier receiver and a multi-carrier receiver with dynamically power adjustment. The method includes receiving a multi-carrier signal, wherein the multi-carrier signal comprises a plurality of sub-carriers. Channel characteristics of each sub-carrier are estimated according to the demodulated multi-carrier signal. ICI is estimated from the demodulated multi-carrier signal. A system performance is detected. The estimated ICI is subtracted when the ICI exceeds an ICI threshold and the system performance is less than a system performance threshold. The demodulated multi-carrier signal is then equalized is based on the estimated channel characteristics, and the system performance is updated according to the equalized multi-carrier signal. |
| US08457226B2 |
Crest factor reduction for OFDM communications systems by transmitting phase shifted resource blocks
In the disclosed system and method phase (and optionally amplitude) shifts are applied at an OFDM transmitter to resource blocks within a given slot to implement Crest Factor Reduction (CFR). The phase shifts may differ between resource blocks and are selected to reduce the peaks in the OFDM waveform. The resource block phase shifts do not affect the demodulation process when the equalization at the receiver is performed on individual blocks separately. As a result, the crest factor reduction is achieved without increasing the EVM or BER in the received signal. In addition, a computational efficient algorithm for determining the resource block phase shifts needed for CFR is disclosed. |
| US08457219B2 |
Self-protection against non-stationary disturbances
Included are embodiments for self protection. At least one embodiment includes Self-protection Unit for protecting a signal that includes a first receiving component configured to receive data, the received data being received as at least one frame and a subframing component configured to subframe at least a portion of the received data, wherein subframing includes converting the at least one into a plurality of subframes. Some embodiments include a subframe interleaver component configured to interleave at least a portion of the subframes. |
| US08457216B2 |
Communication via a multimode constellation
An apparatus includes a digital data transmitter capable of sequentially exciting different sets of one or more propagation modes in a physical communication channel. Each set of one or more propagation modes has a different spatial distribution of transmitted energy in the channel. The digital data transmitter is configured to sequentially change the excited set of one or more propagation modes to transmit a different value of data to the communication channel. |
| US08457214B2 |
Video compositing of an arbitrary number of source streams using flexible macroblock ordering
In one embodiment, a system includes a compositor operable to receive a plurality of source video streams, each containing source images, and to convert each of the source video streams into source slice groups using flexible macroblock ordering (FMO). The compositor is further operable to add pad slice groups to the source slice groups to create a composite image, and reorder the source slice groups and pad slice groups into a single composite output stream. A device receives the single composite output stream and displays the composite image as a rectangular picture that has a size larger than that of any of the source images. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. |
| US08457213B2 |
Video system and scaler
A video system includes a decoder and a scaler. The decoder tracks a video signal, generates a synchronization signal and a frequency offset signal, decodes the video signal, and outputs a decoded signal in accordance with the synchronization signal. The scaler generates a frequency control signal in accordance with the frequency drift signal, generates an output clock signal in accordance with the frequency control signal, generates a scaled signal in accordance with the decoded signal, and outputs a display signal in accordance with the scaled signal and the output clock signal. |
| US08457212B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, recording medium, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of decoders, each decoding a predetermined region of each frame forming coded stream and an output unit receiving pixel data obtained as a result of the decoding processing by the plurality of decoders and combining the pixel data into decoded image data to output it. One subject decoder supplies, among pixel data obtained as a result of the decoding processing by the subject decoder, pixel data necessary for a different decoder to the different decoder, and also obtains, among pixel data obtained as a result of the decoding processing by the different decoder, pixel data necessary for the subject decoder from the different decoder. The subject decoder performs the decoding processing by referring to the pixel data obtained as a result of the decoding processing by the subject decoder and the pixel data obtained from the different decoder. |
| US08457210B2 |
Image decoding apparatus and method adding a sign of the coefficient before linear estimation
An image decoding apparatus includes an entropy decoder, an inverse quantization module, an estimation module, an estimated coefficient value limiting module, and an inverse discrete cosine transformation module. The estimation module performs linear estimation of a correction value of a discrete cosine transformation coefficient to be processed, for an inverse quantization result, based on discrete cosine transformation coefficients in a rectangular area which includes a pixel to be processed and discrete cosine transformation coefficients in an area adjacent to the rectangular area including the pixel to be processed. The estimation coefficient value limiting module limits the correction value such that the correction value estimated by the estimation module falls within a predetermined range based on a quantization step. |
| US08457209B2 |
Image information encoding method and encoder, and image information decoding method and decoder
An image decoding method includes decoding encoded image data to generate a decoded image signal including a luma signal and a chroma signal. The method further includes scaling, when a reference field is a top field while a current field is a bottom field for motion estimation and when the decoded image signal is in a format in which the number of chroma pixels is vertically different from the number of luma pixels, a chroma motion vector of the chroma signal by mv/2+¼, where mv is a vertical component in a luma motion vector of the luma signal. The method also includes performing motion compensation of the decoded image signal using the scaled chroma motion vector. |
| US08457199B2 |
Video coding
A video signal is coded by generating, at a transmitter, a difference signal (at 2) representing the differences between a picture to be transmitted and a predicted picture based on a stored locally decoded picture. This is decoded to generate a fresh locally decoded picture. The transmitter also generates a check signal, such as a CRC, as a function of the locally decoded picture. The receiver decodes the difference signal to create a decoded picture. It compares the decoded picture with the check signal, and generates an error signal if the two do not tally. |
| US08457196B2 |
Method for image visual effect improvement of video encoding and decoding
The present invention relates to method for image visual effect improvement of video encoding and decoding. The method at an encoder comprises enhancement process of image boundary information, adaptive brightness transformation process, and adaptive enhancement process of chrominance information. The method at a decoder comprises adaptive enhancement of boundary information based on the block statistical characteristic, adaptive brightness transformation process, and adaptive enhancement process of the chrominance information. Based on characteristics of the image source at the encoder and the decoder, the present invention uses brightness space processing technology to eliminate blocking artifacts, enhance high frequency information and improve brightness information distribution, so as to improve brightness information of the image in one aspect, and uses the chroma space processing technology to enhance color effect of the image in the other aspect, and finally, the objective of improving visual effect of the image is achieved. |
| US08457195B2 |
Video compression system
A video compression system is disclosed that is optimized to take advantage of the types of redundancies typically occurring on computer screens and the types of video loss acceptable to real time interactive computer users. It automatically adapts to a wide variety of changing network bandwidth conditions and can accommodate any video resolution and an unlimited number of colors. The disclosed video compression encoder can be implemented with either hardware or software and it compresses the source video into a series of data packets that are a fixed length of 8 bits or more. Sequences of one or more of these packets create unique encoding “commands” that can be sent over any network and easily decoded (decompressed) with either software or hardware. The commands include 3 dimensional copying (horizontal, vertical and time) and unique efficiencies for screen segments that are comprised of only two colors (such as text). Embodiments are also disclosed that improve the video compression depending on the popularity of pixel colors. |
| US08457190B2 |
Summer block for a decision feedback equalizer
Embodiments of a summer block for a Decision Feedback Equalizer are provided herein. The summer block is configured to offset a combination of a Feed Forward Equalized (FFE) data signal and a Feedback Equalized (FBE) data signal by a dc amount: The dc amount is based on at least a weight of a tap previously implemented with an FBE of the DFE. The summer block can be further configured to offset the combination of the FFE data signal and the FBE data signal based on a dc offset value necessary to compensate for asymmetries in the data eye of data received by the FFE over a channel and a dc offset value necessary to compensate for mismatches present in the circuits of the DFE. |
| US08457185B2 |
Wireless communication device and wireless communication system
A wireless communication device sets a digital link on a wireless channel between a master device and a slave device, compresses a sound signal in an ADPCM scheme, and carries the sound signal in a sound packet to perform communication. In a master device, a PCM signal is converted into ADPCM data by an ADPCM encoding unit. Next, the least significant bit of n-bits is set according to the number of “1” of the n-bits of the ADPCM data by a transmission conversion table. In a slave device, it is determined whether error has occurred according to the number of “1” of the n-bit data in received data. If error exists, the n-bit sound data is converted into mute data through a reception conversion table. The sound data converted through the reception conversion table is converted into a PCM signal from an ADPCM format by an ADPCM decoding unit. |
| US08457180B2 |
Systems and methods for indoor positioning
A positioning system comprises a plurality of controllers, each controller comprising a wideband receiver and a narrow band transmitter, the each controller configured to receive a wideband positioning frame using the wideband receiver from one or more devices and to transmit acknowledgement frames using the narrow band transmitter that include timing and control data for use by the devices to establish timing for transmission of the positioning frame; and at least one device comprising a wideband transmitter and a narrow band receiver, the device configured to transmit a positioning frame to the plurality of controllers using the wideband transmitter and to receive an acknowledgement frame from one or more controllers using the narrow band receiver, extract timing and control information from the frame, and adjust the timing and synchronization of the wideband transmitter using the timing and control information. |
| US08457174B2 |
Spread spectrum wireless communication code for data center environments
A technique for wirelessly transmitting management data without cables in a data center is provided. Management data is obtained at a device in the data center. A wireless management data signal is generated from the management data. The wireless management data signal is configured to be transmitted at frequencies matching an ambient electromagnetic noise emitted by the data center, such that the wireless management data signal is masked in the ambient electromagnetic noise emitted by the data center. The wireless management data signal is wirelessly transmitted to another device. |
| US08457171B2 |
Miniaturized laser amplifier arrangement having a pump source
A laser amplifier arrangement includes an optical pump source and an axially arranged laser oscillator-amplifier configuration pumped by the pump radiation. The laser oscillator-amplifier configuration includes a laser oscillator excitable by a portion of the pump radiation to emit a laser beam, and a laser amplifier that amplifies the laser beam using the pump radiation. The laser oscillator and laser amplifier are arranged in a substantially coaxial or collinear manner relative to a longitudinal axis of the laser oscillator-amplifier configuration. The pump source includes a first beam source for producing a first pump radiation to pump the laser oscillator, a second beam source for producing a second pump radiation for the laser amplifier, and a pump radiation conducting device, by means of which both the first and the second pump radiation can be lead into the laser oscillator-amplifier configuration substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis for longitudinal pumping. |
| US08457169B2 |
Integrated semiconductor laser element, semiconductor laser module, and optical transmission system
An integrated semiconductor laser element includes: semiconductor lasers that oscillate at different oscillation wavelengths from one another, each laser oscillating in a single mode; an optical coupler; and a semiconductor optical amplifier. At least one of active layers of the semiconductor lasers and an active layer of the semiconductor optical amplifier have a same thickness and a same composition that is set to have a gain peak wavelength near a center of a wavelength band formed by the oscillation wavelengths. The semiconductor optical amplifier includes: an equal width portion formed on a side of the optical coupler to guide light in a single mode; and an expanded width portion formed on a light output side. The width of the expanded width portion is set according to a total thickness of well layers of the active layer of the semiconductor optical amplifier. |
| US08457165B2 |
Tunable multi-wavelength semiconductor laser array for optical communications based on wavelength division multiplexing
Techniques, devices and systems for optical communications based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) that use tunable multi-wavelength laser transmitter modules. |
| US08457163B2 |
Method for data transmission via data networks
A method for data transmission via data networks, in particular via ethernet-based data networks, having at least two participants; the data networks have at least one topological real-time field and one topological non-real-time field, and data telegrams sent via the data networks have at least one real-time part and at least one non-real-time part. By a coupling unit, data telegrams from the non-real-time field which arrive inside the real-time part are delayed and transmitted to the non-real-time part. |
| US08457160B2 |
System and method for packetizing image data for serial transmission
A system for packetizing parallel image data for serial transmission includes a software element configured to receive a bitmap image file comprising R, G and B pixel data, receive information relating to display and timing information associated with a device under test, receive a vertical synchronization signal, and receive at least one horizontal synchronization signal, packetize the vertical synchronization signal, wait a period of time before packetizing the horizontal synchronization signal, and packetize the R, G, and B pixel data associated with the bitmap image file to form a parallel packet stream. The system also includes a hardware element comprising a parallel data sequencer comprising a memory, the memory configured to store the parallel packet stream, a parallel-to-serial converter configured to convert the parallel packet stream into a serial packet stream, and a serial line driver configured to transfer the serial packet stream to a device under test. |
| US08457159B2 |
Optical transport network hierarchy for full transparent transport of datacom and telecom signals
The present invention provides an Optical Transport Network (OTN) hierarchy that supports full transparency for both Ethernet and Telecom signals. The present invention defines new rates and mapping/multiplexing methods to adapt transparent 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GBE) (255/238 and 255/237) and 10 Gigabit Fibre Chanel (10 GFC) (255/237) to Optical Channel Transport Unit-3 (OTU3) at a higher rate. Additionally, the present invention defines new rates and mapping/multiplexing methods to adapt future transparent 100 GBE into an Optical Channel Transport Unit-4-extended (OTU4e) which is an OTU4 at a higher rate to support full transparency. |
| US08457156B2 |
Wideband cable system
A wideband cable modem system increases available bandwidth of a single channel by encoding a data stream into wideband packets. The wideband packets are associated with a logical wideband channel that extends over multiple physical downstream cable channels. |
| US08457154B2 |
Method for operating a mobile wireless network
A method of operating a mobile wireless network ensures proper function of protocol entities during the transmission of data units between two wireless stations. User data is assembled by a first convergence protocol layer of the first wireless station into at least one first data unit, particularly a packet data unit, before transmission to a second convergence protocol layer of a second wireless station, particularly on the same protocol level, with the user data being supplied to the first convergence protocol layer by at least one user in a network layer. At least one protocol entity of the first convergence protocol layer is configured as a function of a configuration request received by the second wireless station, in order to form the at least one first data unit from the data received from the at least one user and to transmit it through a carrier to a link control layer. |
| US08457153B2 |
HDMI-SFP+ adapter/extender
The practical transmission range of an electrical cable can be extended by converting between electrical and optical signals using an HDMI-optical converter that receives an SFP+ optics transceiver. A pair of SFP+-based HDMI adapters/extenders can connect to a pair of HDMI cables, where one of the HDMI cables is connected to an HDMI Source and one of the HDMI cables is connected to an HDMI Sink. Each of the SFP+-based HDMI cable extenders can terminate with an SFP+ port to house a hot pluggable SFP+ transceiver. The apparatus can transmit 10 G video data to the distance that is supported by the SFP+ product. |
| US08457151B2 |
Mobile station device, base station device, mobile station device operating frequency band mapping method, location management device, mobile station device location registration method, paging method, and program for executing the same and recording medium
In a method for mapping an operating frequency band of a mobile station device in a mobile communication system, an operating frequency band position at the time of idle mode of respective mobile station devices is arranged so as to be distributed throughout a unique frequency bandwidth of a base station device. |
| US08457150B2 |
Method and apparatus for notifying status of mobile node in a wireless local area network system using visible light communication
A method and apparatus for notifying status of an MN in a WLAN system using VLC are provided, in which an AP allocates a first predetermined number of time slots per frame as unallocated slots, for status notification of an initially accessing MN and allocates a second predetermined number of time slots per frame as reserved slots, for status notification of an initially accessing MN and uplink data transmission of an MN, and the MN transmits a visible light signal carrying status information about the MN in one of an unallocated slot and a reserved slot, if the MN initially accesses the AP. |
| US08457146B2 |
Method and system operable to facilitate signal transport over a network
A method and system operable to implement a multiple range, and optionally one-dimensional, transport scheduling process suitable to facilitate signal transport over a network for a variety of traffic types with different service requirements where two-dimensional mapping across frequency and/or time is required. |
| US08457143B2 |
Method for lossless handover in vehicular wireless networks
A lossless handover method in vehicular wireless networks is disclosed which is capable of reducing a handover delay and reducing overhead caused by duplicate address detection (DAD) for a new Care-of-Address (CoA) by dividing a handover process into handover at road-sections and handover at intersections. In the handover method, a vehicle continues to use an original CoA configured at an original access router at road-sections even though an AR is changed, thereby reducing a handover delay. A new CoA is configured only at intersections to reduce a binding update time of a home agent which is remotely present in an external network at road-sections. When performing the DAD for a new CoA at intersections, since the vehicle performs the DAD as a background process while performing communication using an original CoA, overhead caused by the DAD can be reduced. |
| US08457140B2 |
Network abstraction gateway and corresponding method to abstract an endpoint
A network abstraction gateway includes at least one abstracted network interface for connectivity with an abstracted network wherein a user has an abstracted endpoint having a first identity in the abstracted network; a communication system interface for connectivity with at least one user's communication system and exposing abstracted endpoint behavior via a second identity in the user's communication system; means adapted to register a one-to-one relationship between the first identity and the second identity; means for extracting behavior of the abstracted endpoint; and endpoint abstraction means adapted to abstract the abstracted endpoint in the user's communication system via an endpoint abstraction using the second identity. The endpoint abstraction is responsive to behavior of the abstracted endpoint and is adapted to implement at least one feature and/or state of the user's communication system and to bi-directionally map the behavior of the abstracted endpoint. |
| US08457137B2 |
Branch exchange methods and apparatuses for switching telecommunication signals
A branch exchange comprises at least one interface module coupled to a plurality of telecommunication connections including a first telecommunication connection and a second telecommunication connection. A converter is coupled to the at least one interface module and a network interface controller (NIC). The converter is configured to communicate at least one time division multiplexed (TDM) data stream between the converter and the at least one interface module. The converter is further configured to packetize data from one of the telecommunication connections into a first plurality of data packets transmitted to the NIC by the converter. A branch exchange manager is configured to receive the data from the NIC and cause the data to be transmitted over the second telecommunication connection. |
| US08457131B2 |
Dynamic table sharing of memory space within a network device
A network device for processing data on a data network includes a port interface configured to receive a data packet from a data network and to send a processed data packet to an egress port of the plurality of ports, a packet evaluation module configured to parse the received data packet and modify the received data packet to form the processed data packet and a search engine configured to perform searches of lookup tables using parsed data packet values and to return search results to the packet evaluation module to assist in modifying the received data packet. At least one lookup table shares at least two different types of entries in that same at least one lookup table, where the search engine is configured to distinguish between the at least two different types of entries in that same at least one lookup table. |
| US08457130B2 |
Synchronizing sequence numbers
Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing sequence numbers in a packet flow. One such method includes receiving a sequence number synchronization request from a redundancy peer. The sequence number synchronization request is associated with a packet flow. The method also includes incrementing by a fixed amount a packet sequence number for the packet flow, after the sequence number synchronization request. The method also includes transmitting a next packet including the incremented packet sequence number to the communication peer. |
| US08457129B2 |
System and method for providing deterministic routing in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving at a network element having a binding table a packet that is part of a flow, the binding table having an entry corresponding to the flow, the entry mapping the flow to a first one of a plurality of endpoints and recognizing that a state of the first one of the plurality of endpoints at the first network element is not active. The method further includes, determining that the state of the first one of the plurality of endpoints at a second network element mated with the first network element and having a binding table similar to the binding table of the first network element is active. The method still further includes, directing the flow to the first one of the plurality of endpoints via the second network element. |
| US08457128B2 |
Capturing packets with parallel capture engines
There is disclosed a method of capturing packets and packet receivers to capture packets. A plurality of packets may be received form a network. A timestamp may be attached to each received packet. The timestamped received packet may be distributed among a plurality of capture engines. Each of the plurality of capture engines may store, in a respective capture memory of a plurality of capture memories, at least some timestamped received packets determined to match one or more of a plurality of predetermined capture criteria. A list in timestamp order of contiguous packets stored in the plurality of capture memories may be prepared. |
| US08457126B2 |
System, method and apparatus for distributing captured data packets including tunneling identifiers
A network traffic distribution device (e.g., a network tap or similar device) is configured to receive and analyze captured network traffic data packets that include tunneling IDs (e.g., GTP tunneling IDs) and, based on that analysis, to distribute those data packets in such a way that data packets with the same tunneling IDs are distributed to a common egress port of the network traffic distribution device. In some cases, each flow of data packets with a common tunneling ID is sent to a unique external device, while in other cases, two or more traffic flows, each with packets having respective, common tunneling IDs may be provided to the same external device, either via a common egress port of the network traffic monitoring device or via separate egress ports thereof. |
| US08457124B2 |
TDMA communication using a CSMA chipset
A technique for communicating information using an electronic device that includes an IEEE 802.11-compliant chipset is described. This communication technique facilitates transmission of data packets in IEEE 802.11 frames in a communication channel by the IEEE 802.11-compliant chipset using time division multiple access (TDMA). In particular, the electronic device may queue a data packet in a software queue. Based on available space in a hardware queue in the IEEE 802.11-compliant chipset, this data packet may be provided to the hardware queue for inclusion in an IEEE 802.11 frame that is compliant with an IEEE 802.11 communication protocol. Then, the electronic device provides time-slot control information to the IEEE 802.11-compliant chipset based on a timing-synchronization signal. In this way, the electronic device gates the release of the data packet from the hardware queue for transmission in the IEEE 802.11 frame by the IEEE 802.11-compliant chipset. |
| US08457120B2 |
Method of determining transmission rate of control response frame for acknowledging data receipt in wireless LAN
A method is provided for determining a transmission rate of a control response frame for acknowledging data receipt in a wireless local area network. The method includes obtaining transmission parameters of a transmitting station from a data transmission frame received from the transmitting station, searching a receiving station for transmission parameters which correspond to the transmission parameters of the transmitting station, determining the transmission rate of the control response frame according to transmission parameters of the receiving station if the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission parameters of the transmitting station are found in the receiving station, and determining a maximum rate among a set of basic transmission rates to be the transmission rate of the control response frame if the transmission parameters corresponding to the transmission parameters of the transmitting station are not found in the receiving station. |
| US08457115B2 |
Method and apparatus for concealing lost frame
A method for concealing lost frame includes: using history signals before the lost frame that corresponds to a lost MDCT coefficient to generate a first synthesized signal when it is detected that the MDCT coefficient is lost; performing fast IMDCT for the first synthesized signal to obtain an IMDCT coefficient corresponding to a lost MDCT coefficient; and using the IMDCT coefficient corresponding to the lost MDCT coefficient and an IMDCT coefficient adjacent to the IMDCT coefficient corresponding to the lost MDCT coefficient to perform TDAC and obtain signals corresponding to the lost frame. An apparatus for concealing lost frame is also disclosed herein. The method and the apparatus for concealing lost frames in the embodiments of the present invention make full use of the received partial signals to recover high-quality voice signals and improve the QoS. |
| US08457114B2 |
Method to optimize call establishment in mobile satellite communication systems
Call placement to or from satellite UEs is optimized by reducing IMS message exchanges, the originating party has control over QoS parameters; a HPA subscription service is made available, and calls to a terminating satellite UE that is shielded from satellite coverage are completed by selectively employing HPA pages. For a call request without preconditions, an IMS node associated with an originating UE uses the NRSCPA on Offer instead of using the standard terminating node initiated NRSCPA on Answer. An IMS node associated with a terminating UE checks for HPA subscription by the user. If subscribed, the terminating INVITE request is for a “Conversational” or “Interactive” service, and the terminating UE is in PMM_IDLE state, the satellite RAN pages the terminating UE using HPA. |
| US08457111B2 |
Voice communication method and system in ubiquitous robotic companion environment
A voice communication method and system that enables establishing a voice communication in a URC environment is provided. The voice communication method and system of the present invention allow establishing a voice communication channel between terminals (private IP address to private IP address, public IP address to public IP address, and private IP address to public IP address) in a URC environment. Particularly, the voice communication system of the present invention is implemented with a call server acting as a STUN server for supporting voice communication between two terminals of which one is assigned private IP address and controlling the communication session in the URC environment. |
| US08457110B2 |
Technique for coordinating CS and PS registrations in a multi-operator core network
A technique for coordinating the registration of a terminal (UE) in circuit-switched (CS) and packet-switched (PS) domains of a multi-operator core network (MOCN) with multiple core networks (CN) is described. According to a method approach, a notification message indicating the necessity of coordinated CS and PS registrations for a terminal (UE) is received from a first core network (CN). In a next step, and based on a global permanent identity (IMSI) associated with the terminal (UE), a second core network (CN) responsible for CS and PS registrations is determined. A registration message for coordinated CS and PS registrations is then sent to the second core network (CN) that has been determined based on the global permanent identity (IMSI). |
| US08457103B2 |
Method and system for synchronization of at least two terminal communication systems and at least one counterpart communication station within a multi-standard wireless communication system
A method synchronizes plural terminal communication systems and a counterpart communication station connected via a radio link within a multi-standard wireless communication system, wherein a counterpart transmission signal is transmitted from said counterpart communication station to the corresponding terminal communication system. A common reference clock signal is generated and supplied to a signal generation unit within said terminal communication system, wherein each terminal communication system comprises a conversion ratio unit having a conversion ratio. An accurate frequency datum is derived from each counterpart transmission signal in the terminal communication systems and a frequency control signal is determined from said accurate frequency datum. A synchronization between said terminal communication stations and counterpart communication station is obtained by adjusting the frequency of the common reference clock signal and/or the conversion ratio of said conversion ratio units according to the frequency control signal. |
| US08457101B2 |
Method for transmitting preamble in scalable bandwidth system
A method for transmitting a preamble in a scalable bandwidth system is disclosed. The method includes transmitting a primary synchronization channel to which symbols are allocated at intervals of two or more subcarriers, through a specific bandwidth out of an entire system bandwidth at a start time point of a synchronization period, and transmitting a secondary synchronization channel through the specific bandwidth with a prescribed time difference from the primary synchronization channel at the synchronization period. A mobile station can use the same search routine irrespective of a system bandwidth, does not experience any difficulty at a cell edge in establishing signal timing synchronization, can simply perform preamble search, and can transmit a signal in a maximum usable bandwidth, thereby improving the accuracy of location measurement. |
| US08457100B2 |
Mobile wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication apparatus and communication processing method
Both a pre-word (PW) and a sync word (SW) are used to establish a synchronization or only the sync word (SW) is used to establish a synchronization in accordance with an operational status related to the synchronization in a mobile wireless communication apparatus. For example, during an initial synchronization with a control channel (110) being received, both the pre-word (PW) and the sync word (SW) are used to establish a synchronization when a calculation result in a synchronization calculating part exceeds a predetermined threshold value only once. During an initial synchronization with a direct communication channel (112) being received, both the pre-word (PW) and the sync word (SW) are used to establish a synchronization when the calculation result exceeds the predetermined threshold value once; or alternatively, only the sync word (SW) is used to establish a synchronization when the calculation result successively exceeds the predetermined threshold value twice. According to the present invention, the sync word is shortened so as to quickly establish a communication link, and the sync detection can be performed with high precision. |
| US08457098B2 |
Data offloading at wireless node
A method performed by a wireless node includes receiving a data flow associated with user devices; performing a packet inspection of the data flow; determining whether a network address of the wireless node matches another network address associated with the data flow; converting the other network address to a layer 2 identifier when the other network address matches the network address; establishing a bearer link within the wireless node based on the layer 2 identifier; and offloading the data flow from layers of a network, which are higher relative to the wireless node, to the bearer link, wherein the data flow does not traverse the layers. |
| US08457093B2 |
Scheduling of dynamic broadcast channel
System(s) and method(s) are provided that facilitate scheduling system information. Scheduling of system information exploits a control channel associated with a broadcast channel (BCH), and utilizes reference information (e.g., a time reference or a scheduling reference) in addition to system information typically carried by scheduling units (SUs). Scheduling proceeds primarily according to three planning types. (i) A SU carries an indication of a time at which a disparate SU is to be scheduled in the control channel associated with the BCH. The indicated time is a specific time slot in the control channel or a lower bound for an actual scheduling instant. (ii) A first SU indicates a time cycle, or time period, for scheduling disparate scheduling units in the control channel associated with the BCH. (iii) A first SU carries a time indication to a second SU in a same control channel, the second SU indicates a time at which a third SU is to be scheduled. |
| US08457091B2 |
Fast control channel feedback for multiple downlink carrier operations
A method and apparatus for fast control channel feedback for multiple downlink carrier operations are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives signals over a plurality of downlink carriers, generates feedback for each of the plurality of downlink carriers based on the received signals, and transmits via a plurality of antennas, the feedback for at least one of the plurality of downlink carriers over a first physical channel and feedback for another of the plurality of downlink carriers over a second physical channel. |
| US08457090B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication system of the present invention achieves improvement of reliability of communication of control data while suppressing the decrease in the communication throughput of data blocks and/or control data. The wireless communication system of the present invention is provided with a base station (1) and a mobile station (2). The mobile station (2) is configured to transmit a plurality of data blocks to the base station (1) at predetermined transmission time intervals. One of the base and mobile stations is configured to generate a plurality of control data used for control of transmission of said plurality of data blocks, to generate a plurality of control messages from said plurality of control data, and to transmit said plurality of control messages to the other of the base and mobile stations. Each of the control data is used for generation of M control messages out of the plurality of control messages, and each of the control messages is generated from M control data out of the plurality of control data. |
| US08457086B2 |
Dynamic EQAM discovery in M-CMTS architecture
In one example, an Edge Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (EQAM) communicates EQAM information to a Modular Cable Modem Termination System (M-CMTS) core using a routing protocol that is configured on a packet switched network coupling the EQAM to the M-CMTS core. The EQAM generates a routing message according to the routing protocol and inserts EQAM information, such as a description of a modulated channel extending from the EQAM, the service-group information, etc, into the routing message. The EQAM then floods the EQAM information over at least portions of a routing domain by transmitting the routing message to an adjacent intermediary device. |
| US08457085B2 |
Wireless connecting system for connecting network apparatus to wireless network and network apparatus used in wireless connecting system
A wireless connecting system includes a first network apparatus connected to a wireless network and a second network apparatus to be connected to the wireless network. The first network apparatus stores a network wireless setting and an ad-hoc wireless setting. The second network apparatus stores the same ad-hoc wireless setting as that stored in the first network apparatus. The first network apparatus sends the network wireless setting using the ad-hoc wireless setting. The second network apparatus receives the network wireless setting using the ad-hoc wireless setting, determines whether or not the received network wireless setting is adaptive in the second network apparatus, and sends the determination result using the ad-hoc wireless setting. The first network apparatus receives the determination result using the ad-hoc wireless setting, and outputs the received determination result. |
| US08457084B2 |
Communication group configuration in a network
Techniques for communication group configuration in a network are described. Location information describing a location of a first access point and neighborhood information related to the location of the first access point and to locations of neighboring access points are used to assign the first access point to a group of access points, where the group of access points includes one or more of the neighboring access points. |
| US08457079B2 |
Method and apparatus for mitigating downlink control channel interference
A method (300) and apparatus (200) that mitigates downlink control channel interference is disclosed. The method can include receiving (320) a transmission from a network entity and determining (330) a first timing offset to transmit a downlink subframe based on the transmission received from the network entity. The method can include receiving (340) an uplink transmission from a mobile terminal and determining (350) a second timing offset based on the first timing offset and based on the received uplink transmission. The method can include transmitting (360) a timing advance command to the mobile terminal, the timing advance command including the second timing offset. |
| US08457076B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving a RACH signal in SC-FDMA system
Embodiments of the present invention may provide an apparatus and a method for transmitting and receiving a random access channel (RACH) in a single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system. A frequency domain RACH signal may be mapped to a localized sub-frequency band of an entire frequency band available to the SC-FDMA system. A guard band including at least one sub carrier may be allocated between the RACH signal band and other channel signal bands. A guard time may be allocated between the RACH signal and other channel signals in the time domain. The RACH signal may include a short message including information related to a mobile station. The RACH signal may be detected in a frequency based method, a time based method or a sliding matched filter based method. Receiver complexity can be decreased if the RACH signal includes a CAZAC code sequence for a preamble. In such a case, a receive delay may be simply calculated and then adjusted more accurately. |
| US08457075B2 |
Tune-away protocols for wireless systems
Systems and methods are provided for processing wireless signal components for a mobile wireless access broadband service. This can include processes for defining a protocol that controls whether to invoke a tune away component to determine an alternative wireless communications path. This can include defining one or more tune away parameters for the tune away component. The process can then automatically select the alternative wireless communications path based in part on the tune away procedure and at least one of the tune away parameters. |
| US08457072B2 |
Supporting enhanced uplink transmission during soft handover
An enhanced uplink user equipment is in soft handover. A radio network controller selects a primary Node-B out of a plurality of Node-Bs supporting the soft handover. The radio network controller receiving successfully received enhanced uplink data packets from the plurality of Node-Bs. The radio network controller reordered the successfully received enhanced uplink data packets for in-sequence deliver. The primary Node-B sends specified scheduling information to the user equipment that the other Node-Bs does not transmit. At least the primary Node-B transmits acknowledgements and negative acknowledgements to the user equipment. |
| US08457071B2 |
Reducing latency and packet loss related to handoffs of mobile video traffic
In one embodiment, a system including a memory capable of storing data and a processor is disclosed. The processor is configured for using the data such that the system can request from a source gateway subscription information related to a plurality of multicast video streams subscribed by the source gateway upon receiving a handoff request from a mobile device transitioning from a source region to a target region, wherein the handoff request contains information related to the source gateway. The processor is further configured for using the data such that the system can subscribe to at least a subset of the plurality of multicast video streams before the requested handoff is complete. |
| US08457068B2 |
Method and a device for adjusting the transmission power of signals
The present invention concerns a method for transferring information enabling the adjustment of the transmission power of the signals transferred and/or received by a first base station through a wireless interface, a cell of the first base station being at least partly comprised in a cell of a second base station. A mobile terminal for which a handover has been or has to be conducted between the first and second base stations obtains information related to the path between the second base station and the mobile terminal and transfers information to the first base station. |
| US08457067B2 |
Cache with variable lifetime for storing overhead messages for femto deployments
Methods and apparatus for using separate caches to retain overhead information while a device is in idle mode. A first cache can be associated with a first timer and can be utilized when a device is performing idle handoff. A second cache, associated with a second timer, can be utilized when a device is not performing idle handoff. The second timer can have a longer period of validity than the first timer. The separate caches can be utilized in networks that include femto cell topography, wherein re-use of pilot PN codes are at a greater frequency than the re-use frequency in macro cell topography. |
| US08457065B2 |
Handover method in wireless communication system, mobile station, and wireless communication system
A handover method, in a wireless communication system having a mobile station and a plurality of base stations, for performing handover of the mobile station from a connected base station to a neighbor base station, the method having the steps of: deciding that neighbor base station information non-reception handover is establish; searching a connectable neighbor base station; acquiring identification information for the neighbor base station; transmitting a handover request including the acquired identification information; transmitting, in the connected base station received the handover request, to the mobile station, service level information included with in a handover response, and deciding a handover destination based on the service level information. |
| US08457063B2 |
Data processing method and system
A data processing method when the handover or change appears between systems includes: the source data forwarding network element forwards the data to the user plane anchor network element; the user plane anchor network element forwards the data to the target side processing network element. A data processing method when the handover or change appears between systems is also provided by the present invention, which includes: the user plane anchor network element receives the message indication, transmits the data to at least one of the source data forwarding network element and the target side processing network element; the user plane anchor network element updates the route of the user plane, and transmits the data to the target side processing network element according to the updated route of the user plane. A data processing method when handover or change appears between GERAN/UTRAN systems under the Direct Tunnel solution is provided by the present invention, which can be applied to the Direct Tunnel solution. |
| US08457062B2 |
Uplink power control in a TDD communication system
A method performed in a wireless network includes receiving signals within a downlink frequency domain to enable channel estimation and measuring two or more signals only for two or more frequency bands of the downlink frequency domain that correspond to two or more uplink frequency bands associated with a scheduling grant or channel allocation that correspond to physical uplink channel frequency bands. The method also includes calculating path loss values for each of the frequency bands and calculating a total power based on the path loss values corresponding to the frequency bands. The method further includes determining a power allocation per frequency band based on the calculated total power to be applied to an uplink transmission and allocating the total power. |
| US08457060B2 |
Radio communication system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus, and radio communication method
Mobile station apparatuses are provided that receive downlink allocation information from a base station apparatus in a downlink control channel. Each mobile station apparatus performs demodulation, decoding, and cyclic redundancy check on the downlink shared channel in accordance with the downlink allocation information received. Each mobile station apparatus generates an acknowledgement or a non-acknowledgement in accordance with the result of the cyclic redundancy check. Each mobile station apparatus then selects the lowest number and the second lowest number of the numbers of the control channel elements in which the downlink allocation information is received. Based on the selected numbers, each mobile station apparatus 2 obtains a physical resource block (PRB), as well as a cyclic shift and an orthogonal code sequence in the time domain for each transmission antenna, and spreads the acknowledgement or the non-acknowledgement and the uplink pilot channel. |
| US08457058B2 |
MAC allocation frame with allocation fields specifying transmitter or receiver
Apparatus and methods implement aggregation frames and allocation frames. The aggregation frames include a plurality of MSDUs or fragments thereof aggregated or otherwise combined together. An aggregation frame makes more efficient use of the wireless communication resources. The allocation frame defines a plurality of time intervals. The allocation frame specifies a pair of stations that are permitted to communicate with each other during each time interval as well as the antenna configuration to be used for the communication. This permits stations to know ahead of time when they are to communicate, with which other stations and the antenna configuration that should be used. A buffered traffic field can also be added to the frames to specify how much data remains to be transmitted following the current frame. This enables network traffic to be scheduled more effectively. |
| US08457057B2 |
Adaptive ARQ block size for wireless networks
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a technique may include participating in an automatic repeat request (ARQ)-enabled service flow between first and second wireless stations, wherein each transmitted MAC (media access control) protocol data unit (PDU) is partitioned into one or more ARQ-blocks, with each ARQ-block, except a last ARQ block of a MAC PDU, having a fixed size equal to an ARQ-block-size, negotiating a change to the ARQ-block-size for the service flow via a request and response message exchange. In another embodiment, a technique may include transmitting an ARQ block size change request for a service flow from a first wireless station to a second wireless station, the ARQ block size change request including one or more parameters relating to a new ARQ-block-size for the service flow; receiving, at the first wireless station from the second wireless station, an ARQ block size change response for the service flow in response to the transmitting the ARQ block size change request; and implementing the new ARQ-block size for the service flow based on the received ARQ block size change response. |
| US08457056B2 |
Non-scheduled grants in multi-carrier enhanced uplink
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate power distribution and data allocation in a multi-carrier wireless communication system. A portion of transmit power can be pre-allocated to an anchor carrier to support non-scheduled data flows. Remaining power is split among all carriers, including the anchor carrier, after pre-allocation. Data from one or more flows, scheduled and non-scheduled, are allocated to the carriers in accordance with priorities associated with the one or more flows. Allocation of data can be performed sequentially starting with a non-anchor carrier. In addition, non-scheduled data flows can be restricted to the anchor carrier. |
| US08457053B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting a data packet window size for data packet transmission in a wireless communication network
A router is operative to perform the following actions for each one of a plurality of wireless mobile devices operating in a wireless network. The router transmits to the wireless mobile device a number of data packets matched for a window size. The router changes the window size for the wireless mobile device based on whether a round trip time for communicating the data packets is within a threshold value. The router will update the threshold value based on the round trip times associated with traffic communicated via the router for all of the wireless mobile devices. |
| US08457050B1 |
Selection of wireless communication overhead messaging resources based upon present conditions
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless communication device to select an overhead time cycle of a series of repeating overhead time cycles associated with a wireless access node, where each overhead time cycle comprises a plurality of time slots, and where the wireless access node transfers overhead information during individual ones of the time slots. The method includes receiving correlation information for each of the overhead time cycles, where the correlation information associates a noise range with each of the overhead time cycles. The method also includes determining a noise level at the wireless communication device of wireless communications of the wireless access node, processing the noise level and the correlation information to select one of the overhead time cycles, monitoring the time slots of the selected one of the overhead time cycles for the overhead information from the wireless access node, and ignoring the time slots during the non-selected overhead time cycles. |
| US08457047B2 |
Multiple pans conflict resolution method in zigbee
Disclosed is a method of preventing overlap of multiple PANs in a ZigBee network. According to the method of preventing overlap of multiple personal area networks (PANs) in the ZigBee network, a first node included in a first PAN of the ZigBee network verifies whether overlap of the multiple PANs occurs by verifying packets received from neighbor nodes, identifies beacon information of a neighbor node that causes the overlap of the multiple PANs by gradually adjusting radio frequency (RF) transmission wave, and adjusts a communication range based on the beacon information. |
| US08457044B2 |
Selective review of bundled messages from a wireless communication device
A system, method, and computer device that allow a wireless communication device to selectively bundle messages in an access channel communication packet being sent to another computer device on the wireless communication network, such as a base station are disclosed. The bundled messages are typically sent in response to a request sent to the wireless communication device for response to a specific event, such as the setup of a group communication call. The receiving computer device determines if the access channel communication packet contains data indicating one or more bundled messages are therewithin such that resources only then will expended to review the bundled messages to check for the availability of the requested resources. |
| US08457042B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a sectorparameters message in an active state in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a SectorParameters message in an Active state is provided. The method comprises transmitting a SectorParameters message over a Forward Traffic Channel Medium Access Control(MAC) in superframe number wherein the superframe number is divisible by NOMPSectorParameters, setting a SectorSignature field of an ExtendedChannelInfo message to the SectorSignature field of a next SectorParameters message, determining if a multi-carrier mode is MultiCarrierOn and transmitting the SectorParameters message on each carrier. |
| US08457039B2 |
Random access channel design with hybrid CDM and FDM multiplexing of access
A method of establishing communications with a remote receiver (300) that receives data signals (612, 614) from other transmitters is disclosed. The method includes producing a preamble (602) and producing guard bands (800, 802) between the preamble and the data signals. The preamble is transmitted (111) to the remote receiver. |
| US08457038B1 |
Velocity based handoff determination in wireless communication system
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for adjusting access node scanning based on the velocity of a wireless communication device. In a particular embodiment, a method provides scanning for a first wireless access node to determine a received power level and comparing the received power level to a threshold power level. If the received power level exceeds the threshold, the method provides exchanging communications with the first wireless access node. The method further provides determining a velocity of the wireless device and adjusting the threshold power level based on the velocity. The method further provides scanning for a second wireless access node to determine a second received power level and comparing the second received power level to the adjusted threshold power level. If the second received power level exceeds the adjusted threshold, the method provides exchanging communications with the second wireless access node. |
| US08457037B2 |
Method to minimize interference into legacy SDARS reception by varying overlay modulation as a function of satellite position
Degree of hierarchical modulation can be varied as a function of satellite position, where such hierarchical modulation can be a combination of phase and amplitude shifts. As each satellite in a multiple satellite system moves towards a D-node or an A-node position, the offset angle of a phase-based hierarchical modulation scheme can be varied. Starting with the lowest satellite position in the sky an offset angle for overlay bits can progressively increase as the position of the satellite in the sky increases. At a satellite's highest point in the sky, the overlay offset angle can be at its maximum. The value of a varying overlay offset angle (for each satellite) can be embedded in an Overlay Identification Marker (OIM) in the broadcast. The receiver can then appropriately correct MRC weightings (weighting more heavily the (higher lying) satellite). |
| US08457030B2 |
Mobile phone and method for receiving calls
A mobile phone includes a mobile communication module and a wireless communication module. The mobile communication module registers with a session initiation protocol (SIP) server by a first Internet protocol (IP) address and a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) account over a mobile communication network, and enters a suspension mode when the mobile communication module has no communication. The wireless communication module registers with the SIP server by use of a second IP address and the VoIP account over a wireless communication network, and enters a suspension mode when the wireless communication module has no communication. The wireless communication module receives an SIP invite from the SIP server over the wireless communication network and wakes up the mobile communication module when a remote phone calls the mobile phone. The mobile communication module transmits an SIP response to the SIP server over the mobile communication network after being waked up. |
| US08457022B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing signaling of redundancy versions
An approach is provided for efficient signaling of redundancy version information. A redundancy version signaling module detects the start of a system information radio transmission window and assigns a redundancy version sequence at the start of the transmission window. |
| US08457019B2 |
Conferencing that bridges virtual world and real-world meeting places
Mechanisms are provided for conference call communication in a virtual world environment. The mechanisms establish a hybrid conference call by establishing a hybrid conference call communication connection between a data based communication conference call server, that handles data based communications with client computing devices, and a telephone conference call server, that handles telephone protocol communications with telephone devices external to the virtual world environment. Communications between client computing devices and telephone devices are converted from data based communications to telephone protocol communications and vice versa using a data based communication conference call server and a telephone conference call server. |
| US08457016B2 |
Reverse engineering peering at internet exchange points
A technique for examining the relationships of autonomous systems (ASes) participating in an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) utilizes packet tracing servers proximate the IXPs. Where such packet tracing servers cannot be found in the participating ASes, the methodology identifies additional vantage points by looking at a list of ASes that are one hop away from the ASes at the IXP. The choice of one-hop away ASes is made judiciously by picking ones that have better connectivity, based on past-data. Plural-hop ASes may also be used where necessary. |
| US08457014B2 |
Method for configuring control tunnel and direct tunnel in IPv4 network-based IPv6 service providing system
Provided is a method for configuring a control tunnel and a direct tunnel in an IPv4 network-based IPv6 service providing system. To provide IPv6 service, when a random request terminal receives a tunnel response message from a control server by using service information downloaded from a portal server at the time of initialization, the request terminal configures a control tunnel with the control server, and is registered to the control server. The request terminal transmits and receives a direct tunnel request message and a direct tunnel response message with a counterpart terminal by using its terminal information learned during the control tunnel configuration, i.e., network position information and status information, thereby configuring a direct tunnel. Thus, IPv6 communication is made through IPv4 based IPv6 tunneling, so that IPv6 application services that are not yet widely used can easily come into wide use. Also, only software change of each terminal and a control server is required without changing existing network equipment, so that a cost burden of a service provider can be minimized. |
| US08457013B2 |
Wireless dual-function network device dynamically switching and reconfiguring from a wireless network router state of operation into a wireless network coordinator state of operation in a wireless communication network
Various wireless network components that offer increased flexibility, ease of use, functionality and performance in many demanding applications in diverse fields of use, namely: a wireless multi-function network device for use on a wireless communication network, that can serve multiple functions and dynamically switch and reconfigure from a network router into a network coordinator in the event that the originally designated network coordinator is permanently or temporally disabled; a wireless mesh-type communication network, including a plurality of wireless network router devices, each capable of performing the functions of a network controller/coordinator; a wireless network router device for use on a wireless communication network, and employing an integrated phased-array antenna structure, supporting the spatial isolation of multi-regions, and utilizing beam steering principles of operation, for illuminating multiple wireless network end-devices over separate regions; a network gateway device that supports a USB-type communication interface and RF-based wireless communication interface; a network protocol translation (NPT) based gateway device for use in a wireless communication network; and wireless network coordinator device for automatically establishing a Personal Area Network (PAN) on a wireless communication network, and having a compact housing with an electrical wall plug integrated therein having electrical prongs for plugging into a standard electrical wall socket. |
| US08457011B2 |
Gateway device and method for establishing a voice over internet protocol communication
A gateway device and method for establishing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication includes setting coding methods of the VoIP, and setting quality of service (QoS) parameters corresponding to each coding method. In response to dialing a VoIP phone call from a local user terminal, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) session is initiated to determine a coding method. QoS parameters corresponding to the determined coding method are parsed to generate a request packet. The request packet is sent to base station to request for establishing a VoIP phone call. The VoIP phone call is established between the local user terminal and a remote user terminal by sending the VoIP packets through the base station to the remote user terminal. |
| US08457008B2 |
Method of transmitting feedback information for performing collaborative MIMO
A method of transmitting information necessary for performing collaborative multi input multi output (MIMO) operation between a mobile station and a base station in order to improve reception performance of the mobile station in a multi-cell environment is provided. The mobile station may receive a feedback channel for the collaborative MIMO which is allocated by a serving base station and transmit a collaborative MIMO indicator including information indicating that the collaborative MIMO is started to the serving base station. In addition, the mobile station may transmit the feedback information of each of the serving base station and a collaborative base station to the serving base station through the feedback channel, and the serving base station may transmit the feedback information to the collaborative base station via a backbone network. The mobile station may receive the collaborative MIMO supported by the serving base station and the collaborative base station. |
| US08457006B2 |
Diagnosing network problems in an IPV6 dual stack network
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to diagnosing problems in a dual stack network supporting Internet Protocol Version Six (IPV6). Inventoried information can be retrieved from an inventory system in response to a problem associated the dual stack network. It can be determined whether a mismatch exists between live customer address information associated with a customer edge router and the inventoried information. A notification can be generated in response to determining whether a mismatch exists. The notification includes information representing a cause of the problem and resolution of the problem. |
| US08456995B2 |
Packet transfer system, network management apparatus, and edge node
A packet transport system to which the present invention is applied includes an edge node accommodating an access network at an edge, and a core node of carrying out a processing of assorting a frame gathered from a plurality of the edge nodes, the edge node provides a label to the frame flowing in from the access network, and the packet transport system transmits the frame in reference to the label. The edge node includes a priority information providing portion of changing a piece of priority information provided to the frame flowing in from the access network in accordance with a congested state of the core node, and a priority previously set to a path specified by the label. |
| US08456993B1 |
Differential signal-to-noise ratio based rate adaptation
Systems and methods for implementing a differential signal to noise ratio (DSNR) based rate adaptation for wireless networks are disclosed. The described methods probabilistically adapt the rate of data transmission based on an assessment of the causes of data loss. The described methods include determining a DSNR for data transmission during a predetermined window of time and adapting the transmission rate in a probabilistic manner responsive to the differential SNR and a differential SNR threshold for the data transmission. |
| US08456988B2 |
Method for admission control, and apparatus and communication system thereof
The present invention relates to network communication field. A method for admission control, an apparatus and a communication system thereof are disclosed according to the present invention. The method includes measuring, by an egress node, traffic from an ingress node, and calculating a current congestion degree; comparing, by the egress node, the current calculated CLE with a last calculated CLE, and sending the current calculated CLE to an admission control decision entity by the egress node if the current calculated CLE crosses a predetermined threshold; receiving and storing the CLE by the admission control decision entity; and making a decision by the admission control decision entity based on the stored CLE, when a service traffic request arrives at the admission control decision entity, and determining whether to admit the service traffic request. According to the method for admission control provided by the present invention in which CLE is transferred proactively, the number of messages for transferring CLE is reduced when calling rate is high, and admission decision procedure is accelerated. |
| US08456986B2 |
Video and data network load balancing
A load balancing communications network configured to communicate with multiple data terminals includes: a first data terminal and a second data terminal; a gateway including: a source data receiver module adapted to receive first source data representing video content and second source data representing broadband data content; a pre-coder module adapted to pre-code the first source data using pre-coding schemes to generate sets of representation data; and an ACM module adapted to associate the sets of representation data with coding and modulation schemes; and a transceiver module adapted to generate a first transmission by applying the coding and modulation schemes to the sets of representation data, generate a second transmission from the second source data, and communicate the first transmission to the first data terminal and the second transmission to the second data terminal over a satellite link. |
| US08456981B2 |
Preserving stable calls during failover
According to one method for preserving stable calls during failover, during a dialog between two user endpoints, a determination is made whether a standby call processor has become operational, such as when a corresponding primary call processor is in fault. Responsive to determining that the standby call processor has become operational, a signaling protocol message is received from a requester. A determination is made whether the message includes an in-dialog signaling protocol request. Responsive to determining that the message includes the in-dialog request, a determination is made whether a call state associated with the dialog is found in memory. Responsive to determining that the call state associated with the dialog is not found in memory, a non-call terminating error response is made responding to the in-dialog request. The non-call terminating error response may cause the requester to terminate the in-dialog request but not terminate the dialog. |
| US08456980B1 |
Disk drive compensating for laser induced head protrusion in heat assisted magnetic recording
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of data tracks defined by servo sectors. The head comprises a laser operable to heat the disk while writing data to the disk and a fly height actuator operable to adjust a fly height of the head over the disk. When the head approaches a target data sector of a write command, the fly height of the actuator adjusts the fly height of the head to a target pre-heat fly height during a pre-heat interval. After the pre-heat interval and during a pre-laser interval, the fly height actuator increases the fly height of the head. After the pre-laser interval, a power applied to the laser is increased to heat the disk, wherein the pre-laser interval compensates for a protrusion transient of the head toward the disk due to increasing the power applied to the laser. |
| US08456977B2 |
Digital PLL circuit, information readout device, disc readout device, and signal processing method
A digital PLL (phase locked loop) circuit (and method thereof), includes an AAF (anti aliasing filter) that limits a frequency bandwidth of an input RF (radio frequency) signal on the basis of a given cutoff frequency, an ADC (analog to digital converter) that samples an output signal of the AAF on the basis of a given sampling frequency, a down converter that converts a data rate of the ADC, and a digital phase tracking unit that generates a synchronous clock signal from an output signal of the down converter on the basis of a given internal frequency. The cutoff frequency and the sampling frequency are fixed, respectively, even when a frequency bandwidth of the RF signal fluctuates. The down converter reduces the data rate according to an increase in the frequency bandwidth of the RF signal. |
| US08456972B2 |
Efficient access to storage devices with usage bitmaps
Upon receiving a request to allocate a storage region, a storage device may initialize the contents of the storage device to default values (e.g., zero) in order to avoid problems arising from unknown data stored in the locations of the storage region (e.g., upon writing a data set to a location involved in a mirroring relationship, uninitialized data in the corresponding mirror location may result in a mismatch that jeopardizes the written data). However, initializing the storage device may be time-consuming and inefficient. Instead, a usage bitmap may be generated that, for respective location sets of the storage region, indicates whether values exist in the location. A read request may be fulfilled by examining the usage bitmap to determine whether values exist in the specified location, and if not, the default value may be returned without accessing the storage device. Other efficiencies may also be achieved using the usage bitmap. |
| US08456971B2 |
Optical disk driving apparatus, optical disk driving system, vehicle equipped with optical disk driving system, method of correcting spherical aberration in optical disk driving apparatus, program and recording medium
An optical disk driving apparatus includes an optical head device having a laser light source, a converging optical system converging a light beam emitted by the laser light source onto an optical disk, a photo detector receiving reflected light reflected by the optical disk, and an aberration correcting optical system controlling aberration of the converging optical system; a motor rotating the optical disk; and a control section receiving a signal from the photo detector, wherein the converging optical system has an objective lens formed using resin as a main material, the aberration correcting optical system has a spherical aberration correcting element correcting spherical aberration, and the control section evaluates quality of a reproduction signal for information in the optical disk by using the reflected light received by the photo detector, and utilizes a result of the evaluation to perform closed loop control on the spherical aberration correcting element. |
| US08456967B1 |
Systems and methods for providing a pole pedestal for microwave assisted magnetic recording
Systems and methods for providing a write pole pedestal for microwave assisted magnetic recording systems are provided. One such system includes a magnetic transducer for microwave assisted magnetic recording, the magnetic transducer including a pole including a leading edge and a trailing edge, a trailing shield positioned closer to the pole trailing edge than the pole leading edge, and an energy transducer positioned between the pole trailing edge and the trailing shield, where a trailing parallel side of the trapezoid is smaller than a leading parallel side of the trapezoid. |
| US08456960B1 |
Hybrid digital—analog time displays
Hybrid digital-analog time displays are provided to tell time with digital hour and minute values, as well as simultaneous analog tracks that are coordinated in lengths with the minute values. These displays are shown in four successive quadrants and enable users to view current time exactly from the digital values and approximately from the analog tracks. |
| US08456958B2 |
Capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducer for element transducer apertures
A capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array includes an improved elementary aperture for imaging operations. The transducer can be of a linear, curved linear, annular, matrix or even single surface configuration. The elementary apertures thereof are formed by a specific arrangement of capacitive micromachined membranes (CMM) so as to exhibit ideal acoustical and electrical behavior when operated with imaging systems. The CMM arrangements can be either conventional where the element transducers of the array are uniformly shaped by predefined CMMs in a manner such as to exhibit acoustic behavior similar to a piezoelectric transducer, or can be more sophisticated, wherein each element transducer is formed by a specific combination of different CMMs (i.e., of a different size and/or shape) so as to provide the transducer with built-in acoustic apodization that can be implemented in the azimuth and/or elevation dimension of the device. |
| US08456955B2 |
Housings for phased array monostatic sodar systems
A housing for a phased array monostatic sodar system with a transducer array that sequentially emits and receives a set of sound beams along different primary axes. The housing includes an enclosure having a plurality of sidewalls, each sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls having an inner surface, the enclosure configured to emit and receive the set of sound beams. Each inner surface of each sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls defines at least a partially elliptical cross-section configured to substantially envelop at least a portion of an angled, conical sound beam of the set of sound beams. |
| US08456953B2 |
Wave equation illumination
A method for generating an illumination map. The method includes receiving an earth model that represents one or more properties of the earth. The method then includes receiving a target area in the earth model and propagating one or more wavefields from the target area to a potential seismic data acquisition region in the earth model. After propagating the wavefields, the method includes decomposing the propagated wavefields into one or more subsets of the propagated wavefields and creating the illumination map based on the subsets of the propagated wavefields. The illumination map may indicate one or more contributions of one or more synthetic source and receiver pairs for illuminating the target area in the earth model. The method may then include creating a seismic survey design based on the contributions. |
| US08456952B2 |
Curve-fitting technique for determining dispersion characteristics of guided elastic waves
A method for estimating a slowness of an earth formation, the method including: transmitting acoustic energy into the earth formation using an acoustic source; receiving the acoustic energy with an array of acoustic receivers, each acoustic receiver being configured to provide acoustic waveform data related to the received acoustic energy; transforming the acoustic waveform data into a frequency domain to provide frequency domain data; calculating a slowness-frequency coherence function using the frequency domain data; selecting slowness dispersion data from peaks of the slowness-frequency coherence function; fitting a curve to the slowness dispersion data; and estimating the slowness from the curve. |
| US08456948B2 |
System and technique to obtain streamer depth and shape and applications thereof
A technique includes obtaining first measurements acquired by sensors of a towed seismic streamer, which are indicative of an inclination of the streamer. Based at least in part on the measurements, a shape of the streamer while in tow is determined. |
| US08456947B2 |
Integrated circuitry, switches, and methods of selecting memory cells of a memory device
Some embodiments include switches that have a graphene structure connected to a pair of spaced-apart electrodes. The switches may further include first and second electrically conductive structures on opposing sides of the graphene structure from one another. The first structure may extend from one of the electrodes, and the second structure may extend from the other of the electrodes. Some embodiments include the above-described switches utilized as select devices in memory devices. Some embodiments include methods of selecting memory cells. |
| US08456946B2 |
NAND logic word line selection
A NAND architecture for selecting a word line driver in a DRAM is disclosed. Separately decoded addresses in the low, mid and high ranges are used to select a final word line driver. The output of the word line driver is at a potential negative with respect to ground for a deselected word line and a positive potential more positive than the power supply potential for a selected word line. |
| US08456941B2 |
Table lookup voltage compensation for memory cells
Systems and methods of regulating voltage at a memory cell are disclosed. An address for the memory cell is determined. Table lookups based on the address are performed. The table lookups yield voltage compensation parameters that can be used to set voltages on the terminals (e.g., source and drain) of the memory cell. |
| US08456940B2 |
Semiconductor device
A phase change memory capable of highly reliable operations is provided. A semiconductor device has a memory array having a structure in which memory cells are stacked including memory layers using a chalcogenide material and diodes, and initialization conditions and write conditions are changed according to the layer in which a selected memory cell is positioned. The initialization conditions and write conditions (herein, reset conditions) are changed according to the operation by selecting a current mirror circuit according to the operation and by a control mechanism of a reset current in a voltage select circuit and the current mirror circuit. |
| US08456938B2 |
Systems and methods for refreshing non-volatile memory
Systems and methods are disclosed for managing a non-volatile memory (“NVM”), such as a flash memory. To prevent data errors due to leakage effects, the NVM may be refreshed. For example, a reserved portion of the NVM may be selected, and a predetermined pattern can be stored into the reserved portion. The reserved portion can then be monitored for storage deterioration over time. After determining that storage deterioration of the reserved portion has occurred, the NVM can be refreshed. In some embodiments, a controller can attempt to distinguish data errors due to leakage effects from data errors due to disturb issues. |
| US08456937B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a buffer control unit configured to deactivate a buffer control signal in response to an auto-refresh start pulse, and activate the buffer control signal in response to an auto-refresh end pulse, a command buffer configured to buffer an external command and output an internal command when the buffer control signal is activated, an address buffer configured to buffer an external address and output an internal address when the buffer control signal is activated, and a clock buffer configured to buffer an external clock and output an internal clock when the buffer control signal is activated. |
| US08456934B2 |
DRAM device with built-in self-test circuitry
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device includes a first and second integrated circuit (IC) die. The first integrated circuit die has test circuitry to generate redundancy information. The second integrated circuit die is coupled to the first integrated circuit die in a packaged configuration including primary storage cells and redundant storage cells. The second integrated circuit die further includes redundancy circuitry responsive to the redundancy information to substitute one or more of the primary storage cells with one or more redundant storage cells. |
| US08456932B2 |
Semiconductor memory apparatus
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a first write control code generation unit configured to generate a first write control code which is updated with different cycles which have different periods, in response to a programming verification flag signal and a programming enable signal, and a data write unit configured to output a first programming current pulse with a magnitude corresponding to a code combination of the first write control code which is updated. |
| US08456924B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a data alignment unit configured to align data, which are sequentially inputted, in response to a data strobe signal, a latching operation control unit configured to receive the data strobe signal, and generate a latching control signal after an interval between a write operation and a next write operation elapses, a data latching unit configured to latch output signals of the data alignment unit in response to the latching control signal, and a data synchronization output unit configured to synchronize output signals of the data latching unit in response to a data input strobe signal, and output the synchronized signals to a plurality of data lines. |
| US08456923B2 |
Register file circuits with P-type evaluation
Provided herein is a new RF implementation. Instead of using a pre-charged High node for one or more of its evaluation nodes, it employs an evaluation (or evaluate) node that is discharged (Low) prior to evaluation and enters evaluation in a discharged state. In some embodiments, with such “normally Low” evaluation nodes, it uses pull-up stack devices, rather than pull-down devices, to charge the evaluate node during an evaluate phase if the logic so dictates. |
| US08456921B2 |
Nonvolatile memory and operation method of the same
A nonvolatile memory includes a first bit line coupled to a first cell string, a second bit line coupled to a second cell string, and a bit line precharge unit configured to precharge the first bit line and the second bit line before a program operation. A bit line selected from among the first bit line and the second bit line is precharged to a lower voltage level than a target voltage level, and an unselected bit line is precharged to the target voltage level. |
| US08456917B1 |
Logic circuit for a semiconductor memory device, and method of managing an operation in the semiconductor memory device
A logic circuit for a semiconductor memory device, includes a first logic portion which stores data from a first data signal, and generates a second data signal based on the first data signal, a second logic portion which generates a first address signal and stores an address from the first address signal where data from the second data signal is to be written, and a third logic portion which generates a flag signal which indicates whether the data stored in the first logic portion is valid. |
| US08456912B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method for operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a page region including a plurality of normal cells and a plurality of auxiliary cells, a detecting unit configured to output a pass signal when at least one cell is programmed with a voltage higher than a reference voltage among program target cells of the page region, a count storing unit configured to store a count in the plurality of auxiliary cells during a first program operation for the page region, wherein the count indicates a total number of program pulses applied to the at least one cell until the pass signal is outputted from the detecting unit, and a voltage setting unit configured to set a program start voltage for a second program operation of the page region based on the count stored in the plurality of auxiliary cells. |
| US08456911B2 |
Intelligent shifting of read pass voltages for non-volatile storage
A first read pass voltage is determined and optimized for cycled memory. One or more starting read pass voltages are determined for one or more dies. The system dynamically calculates a current read pass voltage based on the number of program/erase erase cycles, the first read pass voltage and the respective starting read pass voltage. Data is read from one or more non-volatile storage elements using the calculated current read pass voltage. |
| US08456907B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
A method of operating a semiconductor memory device includes performing a first program loop including a first program operation and a first verification operation in order to store a lower bit data of n-bit data in memory cells coupled to a page, performing a subprogram loop for memory cells of an erase state, having threshold voltages lower than a target voltage of a negative potential, so that the threshold voltages of the memory cells of the erase state become higher than the target voltage, and performing a second program loop including a second program operation and a second verification operation in order to store an upper bit data of the n-bit data in the memory cells. |
| US08456900B2 |
Memory devices and methods of operating the same
A memory device includes a memory cell. The memory cell includes: a bipolar memory element and a bidirectional switching element. The bidirectional switching element is connected to ends of the bipolar memory element, and has a bidirectional switching characteristic. The bidirectional switching element includes: a first switching element and a second switching element. The first switching element is connected to a first end of the bipolar memory element and has a first switching direction. The second switching element is connected to a second end of the bipolar memory element and has a second switching direction. The second switching direction is opposite to the first switching direction. |
| US08456898B2 |
Magnetic element having perpendicular anisotropy with enhanced efficiency
Techniques and magnetic devices associated with a magnetic element that includes a fixed layer having a fixed layer magnetization and perpendicular anisotropy, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer having a changeable free layer magnetization and perpendicular anisotropy. |
| US08456895B2 |
Magnonic magnetic random access memory device
A mechanism is provided for bidirectional writing. A structure includes a reference layer on top of a tunnel barrier, a free layer underneath the tunnel barrier, a metal spacer underneath the free layer, an insulating magnet underneath the metal spacer, and a high resistance layer underneath the insulating layer. The high resistance layer acts as a heater in which the heater heats the insulating magnet to generate spin polarized electrons. A magnetization of the free layer is destabilized by the spin polarized electrons generated from the insulating magnet. A voltage is applied to change the magnetization of the free layer when the magnetization is destabilized. A polarity of the voltage determines when the magnetization of the free layer is parallel and antiparallel to a magnetization of the reference layer. |
| US08456894B2 |
Noncontact writing of nanometer scale magnetic bits using heat flow induced spin torque effect
A mechanism is provided for noncontact writing. Multiple magnetic islands are provided on a nonmagnetic layer. A reference layer is provided under the nonmagnetic layer. A spin-current is caused to write a state to a magnetic island of the multiple magnetic islands by moving a heat source to heat the magnetic island. |
| US08456893B2 |
Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) to reduce spin transfer magnetization switching current
A MTJ that minimizes spin-transfer magnetization switching current (Jc) in a Spin-RAM to <1×106 A/cm2 is disclosed. The MTJ has a Co60Fe20B20/MgO/Co60Fe20B20 configuration where the CoFeB AP1 pinned and free layers are amorphous and the crystalline MgO tunnel barrier is formed by a ROX or NOX process. The capping layer preferably is a Hf/Ru composite where the lower Hf layer serves as an excellent oxygen getter material to reduce the magnetic “dead layer” at the free layer/capping layer interface and thereby increase dR/R, and lower He and Jc. The annealing temperature is lowered to about 280° C. to give a smoother CoFeB/MgO interface and a smaller offset field than with a 350° C. annealing. In a second embodiment, the AP1 layer has a CoFeB/CoFe configuration wherein the lower CoFeB layer is amorphous and the upper CoFe layer is crystalline to further improve dR/R and lower RA to ≦10 ohm/μm2. |
| US08456883B1 |
Method of spin torque MRAM process integration
CMOS devices are provided in a substrate having a topmost metal layer comprising metal landing pads and metal connecting pads. A plurality of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structures are provided over the CMOS devices and connected to the metal landing pads. The MTJ structures are covered with a dielectric layer that is polished until the MTJ structures are exposed. Openings are etched in the dielectric layer to the metal connecting pads. A seed layer is deposited over the dielectric layer and on inside walls and bottom of the openings. A copper layer is plated on the seed layer until the copper layer fills the openings. The copper layer is etched back and the seed layer is removed. Thereafter, an aluminum layer is deposited over the dielectric layer, contacting both the copper layer and the MTJ structures, and patterned to form a bit line. |
| US08456881B2 |
Stacked memory and devices including the same
In one embodiment, the stacked memory includes a first group of stacked memory chips, a second group of stacked memory chips, and connection terminals configured to electrically connect a first memory chip among the stacked memory chips in the first group to a second memory chip among the stacked memory chips in the second group. |
| US08456878B2 |
Power storage system and method of controlling the same
A power storage system and a method of controlling the same include supplying power to a load by connecting a power generation system and a grid. The system includes a power converting unit that operates in one of at least two control modes including a maximum power point tracking control mode in which the power generation system is controlled to generate maximum power and a voltage control mode in which a boosting ratio is adjusted according to a change in the amount of power consumed by a load. The system also includes a direct current (DC)/DC converter for converting an output voltage of the power converting unit into a DC link voltage, an inverter for converting the DC link voltage into an alternating current (AC) voltage appropriate for the grid, and a central controller for controlling operations of the power converting unit, the DC/DC converter, and the inverter. |
| US08456876B2 |
Configurable power supply assembly
An apparatus, device, and system for generating an amount of output power in response to a direct current (DC) power input includes a configurable power supply, which may be electrically coupled to the DC power input. The configurable power supply is selectively configurable between multiple circuit topologies to generate various DC power outputs and/or and AC power output. The system may also include one or more DC power electronic accessories, such as DC-to-DC power converters, and/or one or more AC power electronic accessories such as DC-to-AC power converters. The power electronic accessories are couplable to the configurable power supply to receive the corresponding DC or AC power output of the configurable power supply. |
| US08456874B2 |
Partial arbitrary matrix topology (PMAT) and general transposed serial-parallel topology (GTSP) capacitive matrix converters
A direct current (DC) to DC converter, including: input ports for receiving an input DC voltage; output ports for outputting an output DC voltage; a first matrix of capacitors and switches; a second matrix of capacitors and switches; and a control circuit, coupled to the switches of the first and second matrices, configure d to repetitively: (i) configure the first matrix to a charge configuration and couple the first matrix to the input ports while configuring the second matrix to a discharge configuration and coupling the second matrix to the output ports; (ii) maintain the charge and discharge configurations for a first period of time; (iii) configure the second matrix to the charge configuration and couple the second matrix to the input ports while configuring the first matrix to the discharge configuration and couple the first matrix to the output ports; and (iv) maintain the charge and discharge configurations for a second period of time; (a) wherein the charge configuration and the discharge configurations of each matrix out of the first and second matrices differ from each other by a replacement of serial connections of capacitors of the matrix to parallel connections of capacitors of the matrix; (b) wherein the charge configuration and a discharge configuration of each of the first and second matrices are responsive to required conversion ratio between the input DC voltage and the output DC voltage; and (c) each matrix of the first and second matrices comprises at least four capacitors. |
| US08456872B2 |
Switching power supply
A switching power supply includes a switching unit, a driving signal generator, and a control circuit. The driving signal generator is configured for providing a driving signal including a plurality of acting voltage parts. The plurality of acting voltage parts is used to turn on the switching unit. Each of the acting voltage parts may be one of a high level voltage and a low level voltage. The control circuit is connected between the driving signal generator and the switching unit. The control circuit turns off the switching unit when a duration of one of the plurality of acting voltage parts is longer than a preset time period. |
| US08456871B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing the power capability of a power supply
One example controller for a power supply includes an oscillator, a drive signal generator, and a restart circuit. The oscillator generates a clock signal and the drive signal generator controls switching of a switch to regulate an output of the power supply in response to the clock signal. The restart circuit generates a restart signal in response to a current through the switch and in response to an absolute maximum on time period. The oscillator generates the clock signal to have a fixed maximum frequency in response to the restart signal indicating that the current through the switch reaches a current limit threshold within the absolute maximum on time period. The oscillator also generates the clock signal to have a variable minimum frequency in response to the restart signal indicating that the current through the switch has not reached the current limit threshold within the maximum on time period. |
| US08456870B2 |
Power supply and image forming device having the same
A power supply, which outputs a plurality of voltages in order to improve the cross regulation between output voltages and at the same time reduce the amount of electric power consumed, and an image forming device having the same are disclosed. The power supply includes a power converter, which generates a first output power source and a second output power source in response to an external power supply and a power control signal, respectively; a power output part, which includes output parts to rectify and smooth each of the first and second output power sources; a first output controller, which receives the first output power source feedback from the power output part to generate the power control signal; and a second output controller, which receives the second output power source feedback from the power output part to control to operate the power output part in stable mode. |
| US08456869B2 |
AC/DC converter having isolating transformer with three secondary windings
An AC/DC converter has at its input a rectifier circuit connected in series with a primary winding of an isolating transformer and with a chopper switch (T1) connected to a pulse width modulation control circuit. The isolating transformer has a first secondary winding wound in the same direction as the primary winding and connected to an output line of the converter via a diode (D4). The output line is connected to an output capacitor (Cout), wherein the isolating transformer has a second secondary winding that is wound in the opposite direction to the primary winding and that is connected directly to the output line via a diode (D2). |
| US08456866B2 |
Power supply circuit and power conversion device
A power conversion device includes an inverter circuit converting DC power into AC power and including switching devices constituting upper and lower arms, a control circuit controlling the switching devices, a drive circuit driving the switching devices by a signal from the control circuit, and an insulated power supply circuit supplying power to the drive circuit. The control circuit controls a power supply voltage to be outputted from the power supply circuit to the drive circuit. The drive circuit drives the switching devices and based on a carrier frequency and the power supply voltage. The power supply circuit includes a feedback output circuit through which the voltage outputted to the drive circuit is outputted to a power supply control IC. The feedback output circuit includes a dummy load circuit which controls the voltage to be outputted to the power supply control IC based on a change of the carrier frequency. |
| US08456862B2 |
Electronic device with supporting apparatus
A device includes a mounting apparatus and a supporting apparatus. The mounting apparatus includes a fixing bracket, an engaging member slidably mounted to the fixing bracket, and an operation member mounted to the engaging member. The fixing bracket defines first and second engaging holes. The supporting apparatus includes a connecting bracket detachably mounted to the fixing bracket. The fixing bracket defines a connecting hole. The connecting bracket comprises a hook. The engaging member comprises a stop piece. The operation member forms a projection. When the engaging member is slid to engage the projection into the first engaging hole, the stop piece moves away from the connecting hole and the first hook extends through the connecting hole. The engaging member is slid to engage the projection in the second engaging hole, the stop piece moves between the connecting hole and the hook to engage with the hook. |
| US08456858B2 |
Serial advanced technology attachment dual in-line memory module assembly
A serial advanced technology attachment dual-in-line memory module (SATA DIMM) assembly includes a SATA DIMM module with a circuit board and a cable member. A first edge connector is set on a bottom edge of the circuit board to be connected to a memory slot of a motherboard. A second edge connector is arranged on an end of the circuit board. The cable member includes a cable, a first storage device interface extending from a first end of the cable to be connected to a second storage device interface of the motherboard, and a third edge connector formed on a second end of the cable and soldered to the second edge connector. |
| US08456856B2 |
Integrated circuit chip using top post-passivation technology and bottom structure technology
Integrated circuit chips and chip packages are disclosed that include an over-passivation scheme at a top of the integrated circuit chip and a bottom scheme at a bottom of the integrated circuit chip using a top post-passivation technology and a bottom structure technology. The integrated circuit chips can be connected to an external circuit or structure, such as ball-grid-array (BGA) substrate, printed circuit board, semiconductor chip, metal substrate, glass substrate or ceramic substrate, through the over-passivation scheme or the bottom scheme. Related fabrication techniques are described. |
| US08456855B2 |
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a first to a fifth connector pads, a first to an eighth coupling capacitor pads, a first to a tenth transmission lines, a first via and a second via, a first to a fourth sharing pads, and a voltage converting circuit. The printed circuit board is operable to selectively support different types of connectors. |
| US08456853B2 |
Electronic device chassis
A chassis includes a board defining a number of openings, and a number of fixing members detachably mounted on the board. Each fixing member includes a fastener and a holding piece. The fastener includes a blocking portion and a post extending from the blocking portion. The post defines a slot adjacent to the blocking portion. The holding piece fits about the fastener in the slot. The fastener extends through a corresponding opening of the board. An outer side of the board blocks the blocking portion, and an inner side of the board blocks the holding piece. |
| US08456848B2 |
Computer enclosure having expansion card retention frame
A computer enclosure includes a shell body, and an expansion card retention assembly. The shell body includes a main chassis, and a side wall perpendicular to the main chassis. The side wall defines an elongated through hole extending along a first direction perpendicular to the main chassis. The expansion card retention assembly includes a first and second expansion frames fixed on the side wall. The first expansion frame includes a main board with a length in the first direction less than that of the through hole, and is configured for fixing a first expansion card. The second expansion frame includes an elongated main plate extending along the first direction, and a first support platform perpendicularly extending from an end of the main plate. The main plate and the first support platform are configured for matingly engaging with an expansion card bracket of a second expansion card. |
| US08456846B2 |
Wedge based circuit board retainer
A locking retainer for retaining an electronic module or printed circuit card in slots of a chassis. The retainer includes at least three wedge members movably linked to each other and disposed in longitudinal sequence along a longitudinal axis. The retainer can be made relatively larger in height by moving the wedge members longitudinally such that a longitudinal distance between a first wedge member and a last wedge member of the sequence becomes smaller without the wedge members being longitudinally displaced along a common internal longitudinal element. All portions of the locking retainer that the middle wedge member is longitudinally moveable relative to do not extend through a theoretical plane disposed at a longitudinal midpoint of the middle wedge member and oriented normal to the longitudinal axis. The elimination of a central rail permits the wedge segments to have much greater contact area for greater thermal energy flow. |
| US08456844B2 |
Adjustable mount assembly
An adjustable mount assembly and a related rack mount system are provided. The adjustable mount assembly is adapted for mounting a user interaction device outward from a cabinet structure comprising a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The adjustable mount assembly comprises a moving member movable substantially horizontally with respect to the first surface. The adjustable mount assembly further comprises an adjustable frame member coupled to the moving member for mounting the user interaction device, wherein a length of the adjustable frame member is adjustable with respect to the second surface. In accordance with an embodiment, the adjustable frame member comprises a two-fold sliding track, wherein the two-fold sliding track comprises a first fold slidably mounted on the first surface and a second fold fixedly holding the user interaction device. |
| US08456840B1 |
Modular data center cooling
A rack-mount computer system includes one or more rows of computer racks, wherein each row of computer racks includes a pair of rows of computer racks positioned back-to-back relative to each other, a plurality of computer motherboards mounted in each of the racks in each row of computer racks and having front edges open to a workspace for receiving circulating air over the motherboards, the motherboards positioned to create a warm air plenum near a back edge of each motherboard, and a fan positioned adjacent each of the plurality of computer motherboards to circulate air across the computer motherboards and into the warm air plenum. |
| US08456838B2 |
Arc-resistant dry type transformer enclosure having arc channels
Arc resistant enclosures for dry-type transformers. More particularly, transformer enclosures having one or more arc-resistant features, including arc channels, arc fault dampers, and arc fault plenums, and methods for providing same. |
| US08456835B2 |
Elastic module and slide mechanism and electronic device using the same
An elastic module for a portable electronic device includes at least one elastic element. The at least one elastic element is an integral type element forming a plurality of linear springs and including two connecting ends. The springs are substantially arranged on a plane and are converged with the connecting ends. |
| US08456834B2 |
Electronic device with support
An electronic device includes a main body and a support. The support includes a rotary socket, a retaining ring, a fixing cover, a support member, and a shaft. The rotary socket and the retaining ring are fixed to the main body via the fixing cover, the rotary socket is limited to rotate within the retaining ring, and the shaft rotatably connects the support member to the rotary socket. The support member is capable of being rotated to support the electronic device in a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation. |
| US08456830B2 |
Motherboard and server using the same
A motherboard includes a switching circuit, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) connector connected to a hard disk drive (HDD), a first serial attached small computer system interface (SCSI) (SAS) connector, and a connector connected to an SAS card. A second SAS connector is arranged on the SAS card and connected to the first SAS connector. The switching circuit is connected to the SATA connector and the first SAS connector. The switching circuit is disconnected from the first SAS connector if the HDD is an SATA HDD. The motherboard communicates with the HDD through the switching circuit and the SATA connector. The switching circuit is connected to the first SAS connector if the HDD is an SAS HDD. The motherboard communicates with the HDD through the SAS card, the first SAS connector, the switching circuit, and the SATA connector. |
| US08456827B2 |
Computer with multiple hard drives
One exemplary embodiment is a computer having a base and first and second hard disk drives enclosed in the base. The second hard disk drive is stacked on the first hard disk drive and is removable from the base. |
| US08456824B2 |
Housing and portable electronic device using the same
A portable electronic device includes a housing and a display mounted onto the housing. The housing includes a bottom wall, a peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall, and a support wall extending from the peripheral wall, along a direction parallel to the bottom wall. The support wall has a top surface, and forms a receiving space together with the peripheral wall and the bottom wall cooperatively. The top surface of the support wall defines a receiving slot surrounding the receiving space. The display is mounted on the housing, and received within the receiving slot of the support wall, to align with the top surface of the support wall of the housing. The support wall further comprises a plurality of buffer slots defined in a bottom surface of the receiving slot and positioned at the corners of the housing. |
| US08456823B2 |
Display
A display includes a seat, a protecting member, and a resisting member. Opposite ends of the protecting member are respectively received in the slide slots defined in the opposite ends of the seat. A front side of the protecting member is received in the slide slot defined in the front side of the seat. The resisting member is mounted to a rear side of the seat, to resist against a rear side of the protecting member. |
| US08456820B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a chassis, at least one cable disposed in the chassis, and a cable management member. The cable management member includes a first side plate, a second side plate, and a connecting plate located between lower sides of the first side plate and the second side plate. A cable holding slot is located between the first side plate and the second side plate for holding the at least one cable. A clamp extends from the first side plate. A circular protrusion extends from the second side plate. The circular protrusion is securely engaged with the clamp in a first position where the cable management member is at a natural state to hold the at least one cable, and the circular protrusion is disengaged from the clamp in a second position where the second side plate is resiliently deformed to release the at least one cable. |
| US08456819B1 |
Personal storage device with charging capability
One embodiment of a lightweight and durable storage device comprising; a main enclosure of rigid material with interior partitions (FIG. 18), a hingedly attached and lockable access door panel (210) (119), an infinitely designable cosmetic door cover (113), a means for securing the enclosure to a fixed surface (111), a self contained unit for charging electronic items stored inside the enclosure (1410), a means for exterior venting (218), an exterior attachment (114) and means for securing larger items outside the enclosure (1210), and a non-abrasive surface material (1810) applied to high use areas of the enclosure. |
| US08456815B2 |
Electronic device with fixing element
An electronic device includes an enclosure and a fixing member. The enclosure includes a bottom wall configured with a plurality of positioning posts. Each of the positioning posts includes a hook and a base connecting between the hook and the bottom wall. The fixing member includes a positioning portion. The positioning portion defines an engaging hole and a plurality of positioning teeth configured on an inner edge of the positioning portion. The positioning teeth surround and communicate with the engaging hole. The positioning teeth and the engaging hole cooperatively form a passageway through which the positioning posts pass. The enclosure is configured to be positioned at different angles relative to the fixing member due to friction between the positioning teeth of the positioning portion and the base as well as tight attachment of the hook to the positioning portion. |
| US08456811B2 |
Casing having local portion adjacent to wireless device
A casing includes a main body made of a conductive composite material and a local portion located adjacent to a wireless device. The local portion has a non-conductive layer and a conductive composite material layer. The thickness of the conductive composite material layer is thinner than that of the main body that is immediately adjacent to the conductive composite material layer. Signal emitting and signal receiving of the wireless device is not affected by the thickness of the conductive composite material layer of the local portion. The part of the local portion that has a thickness thinner than a thickness of the adjacent main body is installed with the non-conductive layer. The non-conductive layer is tightly connected with the conductive composite material layer of the local portion and the main body that is immediately adjacent to the non-conductive layer. |
| US08456806B2 |
Panelboard enclosure with manually operable load disconnector
An electrical panelboard enclosure includes an enclosure housing with an interior equipment chamber accessible by way of a service entrance door. A service panel is adapted for connection to a main power source in order to receive main power therefrom. A power supply is operatively connected to receive main power from the service panel and deliver it to a load. The power supply is also adapted for connection to a backup power source in order to receive backup power therefrom and deliver it to the load in the event of a main power cutoff. A load disconnector is operatively connected between the power supply and the load. The load disconnector is manually operable to disconnect the load from the power supply to prevent the power supply from delivering either main or backup power to the load. |
| US08456805B2 |
Support part
A support part serves is arranged in an instrument panel of a motor vehicle to hold a vehicle data display unit having an integrated navigation or radio unit. The support part has a single-piece frame composed of a magnesium pressure die cast material with a central holding frame for the unit and lateral holding frames for the air outlets. The support part is connected at one side to the instrument panel and another side to the cockpit cross member. Centering receptacles for the unit and further centering receptacles for the air outlets are arranged in the central holding frame and in the two lateral holding frames. Centering elements are arranged on the unit and on the air outlet correspondingly to the centering receptacles of the holding frames. |
| US08456804B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor with cathode terminal and anode terminal
A solid electrolytic capacitor including a capacitor element having an anode member and a cathode member, an anode terminal electrically connected with the anode member, a cathode terminal electrically connected with the cathode member, and a mold resin portion covering the capacitor element; wherein the cathode terminal has an upper step portion, a lower step portion, and a side portion, the upper step portion is connected with the cathode member, the lower step portion is exposed out of the mold resin portion, the side portion is extended along with a side surface of the cathode member from the upper step portion and is connected with the side surface, and the side portion is longer than the upper step portion, in a direction in which the cathode terminal and the anode terminal are aligned. |
| US08456799B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a multilayer ceramic capacitor and a method of manufacturing the same. The multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a ceramic body having a plurality of dielectric layers stacked on top of each other, at least one internal electrode formed on a corresponding one of the plurality of dielectric layers and having uneven portions formed at an edge thereof, the internal electrode having a connectivity of between 0.7 and 0.9, which is defined by an equation below, and an external electrode formed on an outer surface of the ceramic body and connected with the internal electrode, Z=X−Y/X (Equation) where X denotes a length of a cross-section of the internal electrode in one direction, Y denotes a total length of gaps formed by holes in the cross-section, and Z denotes the connectivity of the internal electrode. The multilayer ceramic capacitor achieves a low crack generation rate and a high level of reliability. |
| US08456791B2 |
RF coaxial surge protectors with non-linear protection devices
An apparatus for protecting hardware devices is disclosed. A DC pass RF surge suppressor includes a housing defining a chamber having a central axis, the housing having an opening to the chamber, an input conductor disposed in the chamber of the housing and extending substantially along the central axis of the chamber, an output conductor disposed in the chamber of the housing and extending substantially along the central axis of the chamber, a non-linear protection device positioned in the opening of the housing for diverting surge energy to a ground, a capacitor connected in series with the input conductor and the output conductor, a first spiral inductor having an inner edge connected to the input conductor and an outer edge coupled to the non-linear protection device, and a second spiral inductor having an inner edge connected to the output conductor and an outer edge coupled to the non-linear protection device. |
| US08456788B2 |
Protection system for server
A protection system includes a baseboard management controller (BMC), N fans, a power on unit, a power supply, and a switching unit. The switching unit includes an AND gate, a transistor, and a first resistor. During operation the fans each output an operating signal to the BMC. The BMC counts the operating signals received. When the count is less than N, the power-off pin outputs a low level signal, so that the output pin of the AND gate outputs a low level signal, and the transistor turns off. The power supply then receives a high level signal and stops supplying power. |
| US08456782B2 |
Cost effective design for a current transformer with an integrated magnetic actuator
A system comprising a magnetic actuator, a current transformer and operational electronics in a dual-coil circuit breaker. The system includes an inline, but non concentric, implementation of the primary and secondary coils to maintain a narrow width suitable for retrofitting in standard industrial rack mounted enclosures. The system further comprises a split core design that is integrated into an upper and lower plate which slide together and are retained by a secondary coil bobbin. Typically, the two parts of the split core can be manufactured into net shapes by utilizing a powder metal or metal injection molding process. Moreover, the split core design disclosed herein can reduce costs and time associated with manufacturing and assembly of the current transformer. |
| US08456776B1 |
Disk drive head gimbal assembly having a flexure bond pad shelf offset from a tongue
A disk drive includes a head gimbal assembly with a laser light source that is disposed on a back face of the slider (opposite an air bearing surface). The laser light source is attached to the flexure tongue. The flexure includes a plurality of bends that offset a flexure bond pad shelf from a flexure tongue by an offset distance (measured in a direction that is normal to the air bearing surface). The offset distance may be approximately equal to the thickness of the laser light source. A plurality of flexure bond pads on flexure bond pad shelf is electrically connected to respective ones of a plurality of head bond pads. |
| US08456775B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting a reference pattern
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for locating a reference pattern on a storage medium. For example, various embodiments of the present invention provide systems for locating a reference pattern on a storage medium. Such systems include a sliding window phase calculator circuit, a delay circuit and a mark detector circuit. |
| US08456768B2 |
Lens-holding-and-aligning seat and LED light panel thereof
A lens-holding-and-aligning seat and an LED light panel thereof are presented. The light panel includes a substrate, an LED, a lens and a holding-and-aligning seat. The LED is disposed on the substrate in corresponding to a soldering pad of the substrate, and the holding-and-aligning seat has a holding portion and an aligning element. The lens is fixed on the holding-and-aligning seat by the holding portion, and the aligning element is bonded on the soldering pad corresponding to the soldering pad by a reflow process. Therefore, the lens is aligned with the LED by a soldering self-alignment mechanism, such that the light shape and light intensity distribution of the light emitted by the LED may be adjusted by the lens. |
| US08456761B2 |
Lens system
A lens system includes a first lens with negative refraction power, and a second lens with positive refraction power. The first lens includes a surface facing the image side having an optical portion. The lens system satisfies the formulas: (1) Y/Z<1.10;(2) G1R1/F1<−3.10; and (3) G2R2/F2>1.49, wherein Y is a distance between an end point of the optical portion and a center point of the optical portion along a direction perpendicular an optical axis, Z is a distance between the end point of the optical portion and the center point of the optical portion along the optical axis, F1 and F2 are the focal lengths of the first and second lenses, respectively, G1R1 and G2R2 respectively denote the radius of curvatures of a surface of the first lens facing the object side and another surface of the second lens facing the image side. |
| US08456760B2 |
Lens system with high resolution, low chromatic aberration, and long flange back
A lens system includes a first, a second and a third lenses, and an image plane. The lens system satisfies the formulae: FB/TTL>0.30; G1R2/F1>19.54; and D1/D2<1.62. FB denotes a distance between a nearest point of an image-side surface of the third lens relative to the image plane and the image plane, TTL denotes the total track length of the lens system, G1R2 denotes the curvature radius of the vertex of an image-side surface of the first lens, F1 denotes the focal length of the first lens. D1 denotes an orthogonal distance between a farthest point of an image-side surface of the second lens relative to an optical axis of the lens system and a central point of the image-side surface of the second lens, along a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. D2 denotes an orthogonal distance between the farthest point and the central point along the optical axis. |
| US08456757B2 |
Image capturing optical lens assembly
An image capturing optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface. The fourth lens element with positive refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The fifth lens element with refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a convex image-side surface. At least one of the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the third lens element, the fourth lens element and the fifth lens element are aspheric. |
| US08456756B2 |
Zoom lens barrel assembly
A zoom lens barrel assembly includes: a zoom ring having a cylindrical shape, and comprising an inlet portion formed in a boundary of one end thereof and a first protrusion; a guide ring disposed around the zoom ring, and comprising a first guide hole through which the first protrusion passes, and movably supporting the zoom ring in an axial direction, and a second guide hole; and a cylinder disposed in the zoom ring, for moving and rotating between a position where the cylinder is accommodated in the zoom ring and a position where the cylinder moves away from the zoom ring in the axial direction, and comprising a second protrusion that passes through the second guide hole, accommodated in the inlet portion at the position where the cylinder is accommodated, and pressing one end of the inlet portion when the cylinder moves away from the zoom ring. |
| US08456754B2 |
Zoom lens barrel
A zoom lens barrel includes a base member 1001, a linear cylinder 700 fixed on the base member 1001, a cam cylinder 800 configured to be rotatable with respect to the linear cylinder 700, a ball member 701 and a pin member 702 provided on the linear cylinder 700, and a plurality of optical component units. The cam cylinder 800 includes a cam groove 800d that the ball member 701 contacts and that determines a position in an optical axis direction of the cam cylinder 800 with respect to the linear cylinder 700, and a cam groove 800i that the pin member 702 engages with in a radial direction of the cam cylinder 800 and that the pin member 702 contacts in two directions different from each other that are the optical axis direction. |
| US08456753B2 |
Zoom lens barrel and image pickup apparatus having the same
A lens barrel capable of achieving a smooth zoom operation and reducing a driving load at the time of barrel retraction. The lens barrel includes a rectilinear guide cylinder rectilinearly moving in an optical axis direction, and a movable cam cylinder moving in the optical axis direction while rotating relative to the guide cylinder. The guide cylinder is formed at its inner peripheral surface with a cam groove and a rectilinear guide groove that divides the cam groove at a boundary between a retracted region and a photographing region, and is formed with a penetration cam groove extending from the inner peripheral surface to an outer peripheral surface of the guide cylinder. The movable cam cylinder moves in the photographing region while the first pin engages the cam groove, and moves in the retracted region while the second pin engages the penetration cam groove. |
| US08456749B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging device using same
Provided is a zoom lens for imaging an object on an imaging surface. The zoom lens includes, in the order from an object side to an image side thereof, a first lens group with positive refraction power, a second lens group with negative refraction power, a third lens group with positive refraction power, and a fourth lens group with positive refraction power. The first lens group includes a first surface. The zoom lens satisfies the formula: 0.15<|L3|/Lt<0.25, where L3 is a distance of the movement of the third lens group along an optical axis of the zoom lens when the zoom lens is switched between a wide-angle state and a telephoto state, and Lt is a distance from the first surface to the imaging surface. |
| US08456741B2 |
Optical module having three or more optically transparent layers
A light dispersion filter is composed of three or more optically transparent layers each having a value equal to the value of the product of the refractive index and thickness of the optically transparent layer and transmitted light, and a plurality of partially reflective layers arranged alternately with the optically transparent layers and having predetermined reflectivities. Alternatively, a light dispersion filter has a plurality of etalon resonators which are arranged in series such that the value of the product of the refractive index of air and the interval of the etalon resonators is equal to the value of the product of the refractive index and thickness of the optically transparent layers. |
| US08456739B2 |
Microscope having a microscope body and a stand formed by a plurality of components to provide a supporting function or to enable positioning of the microscope in the room
The present invention relates to a microscope (1), preferably a dental microscope, including a microscope body (15) and a stand (2) formed by a plurality of components to provide a supporting function or to enable positioning of the microscope (1) in the room (11), the microscope body (15) and the stand (2) having cavities (16) therein. It is a feature of the present invention that at least one cavity (16) of the microscope body (15) and/or the stand (2) has a light source (17) provided therein whose light (17a, 17b, 17c) can pass outwardly through passage openings (18, 24, 27). |
| US08456736B2 |
Divided-pulse amplification of short pulses
To avoid harmful nonlinear effects in the amplification of short optical pulses, an initial pulse is divided into a sequence of lower-energy temporally spaced pulses that are otherwise identical to the original pulse. The low-intensity pulses are amplified and then recombined to create a final amplified output pulse. |
| US08456735B2 |
Pulsed laser sources
Modelocked fiber laser resonators may be coupled with optical amplifiers. An isolator optionally may separate the resonator from the amplifier. A reflective optical element on one end of the resonator having a relatively low reflectivity may be employed to couple light from the resonator to the amplifier. Enhanced pulse-width control may be provided with concatenated sections of both polarization-maintaining and non-polarization-maintaining fibers. Apodized fiber Bragg gratings and integrated fiber polarizers may also be included in the laser cavity to assist in linearly polarizing the output of the cavity. Very short pulses with a large optical bandwidth may be obtained by matching the dispersion value of the grating to the inverse of the dispersion of the intra-cavity fiber. Frequency comb sources may be constructed from such modelocked fiber oscillators. Low dispersion and an in-line interferometer that provides feedback may assist in controlling the frequency components output from the comb source. |
| US08456734B2 |
Wavelength conversion laser light source and image display device
A wavelength conversion laser light source having: a laser medium which generates a fundamental wave light; a laser resonator for causing laser oscillation of the fundamental wave light; a wavelength convertor which is provided with a wavelength converting region to convert the fundamental wave light under the laser oscillation by means of the laser resonator into converted light of a different wavelength; and an excitation laser light source for exciting the laser medium, wherein the laser resonator has at least one reflecting surface which reflects the fundamental wave, and a first reflecting element which is provided on an end surface of the wavelength convertor to reflect the fundamental wave light; the wavelength converting region is situated between the at least one reflecting surface and the first reflecting element; the wavelength convertor has a periodic first polarization reversal structure formed in the wavelength converting region, and a non-converting region formed between the first reflecting element and the wavelength converting region; and the non-converting region does not convert the fundamental wave light into the converted light. |
| US08456732B2 |
Light source wavelength modulator
A light source wavelength modulator includes a substrate made of a material with a high light transmittance and a thermal conduction effect, a wavelength modulation layer formed on the substrate and made of a wavelength modulation material, and patternized or multilayered, and further having a spacer between the wavelength modulation layer and its corresponding light source for achieving the best light source wavelength modulation, such that a portion of light spectrum of an original solar light or LED having no response or poor response to the light receiver is converted into a range of the best application efficiency for improving the utility efficiency of the light source. The white light emitted from the LED is gone through a wavelength modulation to enhance the light emitting color rendering, conversion efficiency and using life. |
| US08456730B2 |
Directly modulated spatial light modulator
A directly modulated spatial light modulator (DM-SLM) may be formed using a semiconductor optical amplifier. The directly modulated spatial light modulator may also be formed with a vertical cavity surface emitting laser having an output side; and an anti-reflection coating located on the output side. |
| US08456727B2 |
Actuator device for optical deflector
An actuator device for optical deflector includes a base for mounting an optical deflector deflecting a light beam from a light source, at least one piezoelectric actuator translating and vibrating said base; and a supporting body supporting said piezoelectric actuator. |
| US08456726B2 |
Light scanning device, and image forming apparatus having the same
A light scanning device scanning a plurality of scanned faces by a light beam, includes a light source unit emitting a plurality of light beams including a first light beam and a second light beam having different polarization directions to each other; a beam splitter splitting each of the first light beam and the second light beam emitted from the light source unit; an incident optical system allowing each of split first light beams to be incident with an a angular difference to each other, and allowing each of split second light beams to be incident with an angular difference to each other; a deflector respectively deflecting each of the split first light beams and each of the split second light beams entered from the incident optical system; and a scanning optical system, including a polarization splitting device for splitting a plurality of the light beams deflected by the deflector based on a difference in a polarization direction, individually focusing each of the plurality of the light beams split by the polarization splitting device on a corresponding scanned face. |
| US08456721B2 |
Mosaic image generating apparatus and method
A mosaic image generating apparatus comprises: a segmenting unit which segments a target image into a plurality of blocks; a target image processing unit which calculates, as a target density value, an average density value of each basic color in each of the blocks; a determining unit which determines from the plurality of blocks a placement block on which the material image is to be placed, without being restricted by the image of the placement block; a calculating unit which calculates an average density value of each basic color in the material image; and a color correcting unit which performs a color correction on the material image such that the average density value of each basic color in the material image becomes the target density value of each basic color in the placement block while maintaining the density value distribution ratio of each basic color in the material image. |
| US08456718B2 |
Document scanner
A document scanner (10) includes an input tray (30) for holding documents (20) prior to imaging; an output tray (150) for holding documents after the documents exit the scanner; an output image capture device (140) for capturing images of the output tray; an image processor for determining characteristics of the output tray or characteristic of the documents after the documents exit the scanner; and scanner functions are modified based on the output tray characteristics or the document characteristics. |
| US08456717B2 |
Method of pressure detection for selective scanning of a document
A method of scanning comprises detecting a document on a scanning device scanning surface, wherein the document lies directly on the scanning device scanning surface; detecting pressure on the scanning device scanning surface to scan a region of the document; detecting a first point pressure of a first point and a second point pressure of a second point; connecting the first point and the second point, the connecting the first point and the second point forming a boundary between a first document region and a second document region; and receiving a scan instruction to scan at least one of the first region of the document and the second region of the document. |
| US08456715B2 |
Information reading system for reading information on document
An information reading system comprising an information processing apparatus, a first information reading apparatus which is connected to the information processing apparatus and reads information on a sheet and a second information reading apparatus which is connectable to one of the information processing apparatus and the first information reading apparatus, and reads information on a sheet. The information processing apparatus comprises a control program including a first driver required to control the first information reading apparatus, and a second driver required to control the second information reading apparatus. Control information from the information processing apparatus to the second information reading apparatus is transmitted via the first driver and the second driver. |
| US08456713B2 |
Image combining apparatus, control method for image combining apparatus, and program
When a handwritten character or hand-drawn illustration in a color desired by a user is combined with a photograph, in order to achieve an excellent combined result, characteristics of the photograph are analyzed and an appropriate combining method from among a plurality of combining methods is selected in accordance with a result of the analysis. |
| US08456711B2 |
SUSAN-based corner sharpening
This closure provides image processing methods and apparatus for corner enhancing a digital image for rendering on an image output device. According to an exemplary method, the method determines whether or not image pixels are associated with a corner as a function of the USAN values generated for the image pixels. Subsequently, one or more pixels associated with a corner are modified to render a corner enhanced image. |
| US08456710B2 |
Applying density adjustment in processing barcode image data
An image processing device and image processing method maintain hue and prevent a drop in print quality while also reducing consumption of recording materials. For example, a host computer 3 that outputs output data for printing to a inkjet printer 2 that uses cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks has a drawing unit 210 that acquires bitmap data expressing the density of each channel in each pixel of an image to be printed, a density adjustment parameter setting unit 250 that sets an adjustment value according to the ink deposition level when the ink deposition level setting ink usage is received, a density adjustment unit 220 that adjusts the density of the bitmap data to a density corresponding to the set adjustment value, a color conversion unit 230 that converts the density-adjusted bitmap data to CMY image data expressing the usage of each ink, and a halftone processing unit 240 that generates the output data based on the CMY image data. |
| US08456709B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and lookup table generation method
Using a first lookup table used to convert color data on a device-independent color space into color data on a device-dependent color space, and a second lookup table used to convert the color data on the device-dependent color space into color material data corresponding to a plurality of color print materials, the image processing apparatus acquires output values using the first lookup table in accordance with input values the number of which is larger than the number of grid points of the first lookup table, acquires output values using the second lookup table, as input values, the output values acquired, and generates a third lookup table corresponding to the predetermined number of input values which is larger than the number of grid points of the first lookup table in accordance with the output values acquired. |
| US08456706B2 |
Method and apparatus for characterizing printer streaking
Methods and systems are presented for characterizing printer streaking using a basis selection algorithm to determine parameters set for a streak template that best approximate a density profile derived from a scanned printed test image, with wavelet decomposition used to expedite the searching for position and width parameters. |
| US08456704B2 |
Colorimetric matching the perception of a digital data file to hardcopy legacy
A system/method of color match assessment for electronic documents includes receiving digital data defining a composite electronic document including a raster image object having an edge and a color graphics object bordering the edge of the raster image object. The pixel color values defining the edge of the raster image object are processed to estimate a local color variance of the pixel color values. The local color variance is used to determine if the edge can be color matched to the bordering color graphics object. If the edge can be color matched, a match color for the edge is derived. The match color is associated with the digital data defining the electronic document so that a downstream object color match system can use the match color as needed. |
| US08456703B2 |
Information processing apparatus for printing print job information
There is provided an information processing apparatus wherein if paper used to print a first page of a first print job is not tab paper, the paper of a size equal to the size of the paper used to print the first page is used for a job information sheet and, if the paper used to print the first page of the first print job is tab paper, the paper of a type different from the tab paper of the size determined based on the size of the tab paper used to print the first page is used for the job information sheet. |
| US08456702B2 |
System and method for using a multi-function printer as a user interface for a print driver
A multi-function printer including a processor and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, wherein the computer-readable storage medium comprises one or more programming instructions for: receiving a plurality of electronic documents from one or more electronic devices; storing the plurality of electronic documents in a storage unit located within the multi-function printer; permitting access to one or more of the plurality of electronic documents via a user interface positioned about the multi-function printer; permitting selection of one or more print attributes via the user interface; applying the one or more print attributes selected to the one or more electronic documents accessed and outputting the one or electronic documents accessed having the one or more print attributes applied thereto. |
| US08456701B2 |
Reference color difference quantity guide for spot color applications
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for generating a reference color difference quantity guide for spot color print applications. RCDQ values are determined for spot colors obtained from a library of spot colors. A reference color difference quantity guide is created from the spot colors and their respective RCDQ values in a manner more fully disclosed herein. Thereafter, when a user desires to render a job in a particular spot color, the associated RCDQ value for that spot color can be obtained from the reference color difference quantity 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 selection of spot colors for a given print/copy job that are less sensitive to varying illuminations. The present RCDQ guide provides meaningful extensions in color reproduction in diverse print/copy job environments. |
| US08456691B2 |
Dynamic imposition based on perceived page value
A dynamic imposition system provides for the printing of variable length documents onto a predefined number of pages. The more important pages in the document can be printed at their default size and resolution while less important pages can be automatically scaled down and printed at half size or less. The system automatically assigns ranks to the page descriptions in a print job based on each page's importance and then assigns one or more allowable impositions to each page description. The system then selects the imposition specifications that permit the imposition of the document onto a predetermined number of sheets. The document can then be imposed and printed in accordance with the selected imposition specifications. |
| US08456690B2 |
Imposition enhancements for automatic document printing
A method of automatically placing N-up images for imposition on media sheet for printing in which, for a user selected value of N, the co-ordinates of the sheet cells are determined and stored; and, the co-ordinates of the media, trim and bleed boxes of each of the images is determined and stored. The user selects, from a menu, a desired set of alignment rules and the system then compares the location of the appropriate bleed, trim or media box with the sheet cell boundaries and shifts the images and automatically locates the selected box on the sheet cell for the desired placement. The method is particularly useful for eliminating the template making in large print jobs for roll fed presses. |
| US08456689B2 |
Printing method, multi-function printing apparatus, and printing system for disk media
A print control method performed by a print control apparatus. The method includes acquiring data indicating a state of a surface of a disk medium obtained by optically reading the surface of the disk medium, determining a printable area for printing an image on the disk medium based on the acquired data, generating print data based on image data stored in a memory for printing on the determined printable area on the disk medium, and causing a printing apparatus to print an image represented by the image data stored in the memory on the determined printable area on the disk medium, based on the generated print data. |
| US08456684B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An apparatus for executing image processing by a plurality of serially connected image processing modules stores, in memory, set values for the plurality of image processing modules and image data to be processed by the plurality of image processing modules, adds headers to respective ones of the set values and image data that have been read out of the memory and transmits the result to a top image processing module among the plurality of image processing modules. |
| US08456683B2 |
Apparatus, system, method, and storage medium for managing and generating print data
An information processing system includes an information management apparatus that accepts image generation requests and an image generation section that generates image data, which is provided independently of the information management apparatus. The information management apparatus issues a job ID in response to a print request from a client, and transmits the job ID and a URL of the image generation apparatus to the client. Based on the URL, the client directly requests the image generation apparatus for image data corresponding to the job ID. |
| US08456682B2 |
Print control apparatus and print control method
An external controller predicts and calculates a toner consumption amount of each page before printing by using image data after development. The consumption amount is predicted in consideration of an image process in a printer and a designation of a variable print. |
| US08456681B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and storage medium storing program
An image processing apparatus is provided. A density conversion component converts a density of a transparent color material so that a total amount of a plurality of color materials is smaller than a predetermined first amount when it is determined that the total amount of the plurality of color materials is larger than the predetermined first amount and when the transparent color material is included in the plurality of color materials. A density ratio calculation component calculates a ratio between a density before converting the density of the transparent color material and a density after converting the density of the transparent material. A reporting component reports that the ratio of the density is smaller than a predetermined second amount when determining that the ratio of the density is smaller than the predetermined second amount. |
| US08456677B2 |
Image information transmission device, image information transmission method and computer readable medium
An image information transmission device includes a registration unit, a storage unit, a determination unit, and an image information transmission unit. The registration unit registers an image information transmission instruction describing a destination number specifying a destination of image information and an abbreviated number corresponding to the destination number. The storage unit stores the destination number and transmission setting information used for transmitting the image information to the destination specified by the destination number. The determination unit determines whether or not the destination number described in the image information transmission instruction is contained in the destination number. The image information transmission unit transmits the image information. |
| US08456674B2 |
Printing process model predictive control with disturbance preview
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods and systems that incorporate a model predictive controller (MPC) in an image reproduction machine with known disturbance information. The MPC uses the control action at a current time in order to minimize the impact of an impending disturbance as well as to maximize current control performance. The impending disturbance is used by the MPC to determine an incremental change that combines steady state and transient state impact on the image reproduction machine. Disturbance such as print media type, image content type, physical dimension of the print media, weight of the print media, and print job data can be employed. Further, control of the image reproduction machine is generated in real time over a receding horizon, for the purpose of minimizing a cost function indicative of image variation, energy consumption, or the like. |
| US08456672B2 |
Document submission management system and method for the same
A document submission management system calculates predicted values of the amount of consumption of consumables used for printing processing according to an order from a user, estimates the cost of the printing processing based on the predicted values, and transmits the estimated cost to a client terminal of the user. A user interface allowing placement of an order briefly displays the cost for a print option. For the cost estimate, the cost of printing form data used in printing processing is registered in advance in a memory in the document submission management system, so that time required for the calculation of the estimate is reduced. |
| US08456668B1 |
Methods and systems for cross-process printing
The present invention relates to printing from a restricted process. An embodiment includes receiving a request to print content at a restricted process, providing the request to print content to a privileged process, retrieving configuration information using the privileged process, processing the configuration information using the restricted process, generating one or more drawing commands using the restricted process and providing the drawing commands to the privileged process. Another embodiment includes, receiving a command to print content at a restricted process, providing at least the command to a privileged process, receiving configuration information from the privileged process and generating one or more drawing commands based on the configuration information using the restricted process, generating a serialized buffer of the content based on the configuration information and providing the serialized buffer and the drawing commands to the privileged process. In this way, a restricted process may print data without directly communicating with the printer leading to a more secure computing environment. |
| US08456667B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing printer driver of image forming apparatus in printing environment using universal printer driver
A method and apparatus for installing a printer driver of an image forming apparatus in a printing environment using a universal printer driver, the method including: displaying one or more functions that are supported by one or more image forming apparatuses connected to the printing environment; selecting at least one function from among the displayed functions; and installing a printer driver of a connected image forming apparatus that supports the selected at least one function. Thus, even if a model name of the printer driver of the image forming apparatus to be used is not recognized, a printer driver of the image forming apparatus that supports the functions to be used can be installed. |
| US08456664B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and storage medium
When receiving a notification indicating that the communication is performed using an encrypted communication protocol, a display unit displays a screen based on screen information so as to display a second icon which indicates that a web server uses the encrypted communication protocol to communicate with an external server and is different from a first icon indicating that a browser uses the encrypted communication protocol to communicate with the web server. |
| US08456663B2 |
Communication system, and communication device and computer readable medium for the same providing error-settlement status information
A communication system including a communication device and information display devices connected with the communication device. The communication device includes a status storage unit storing status information representing a status of the communication device, a status transmitter that in response to a status request from each information display device, transmits the stored status information to the information display devices, and an error settlement starting information receiver receiving, from one of the information display devices, error settlement stating information representing that error settlement is being started to fix an error of the communication device. Each information display device includes a display unit displaying an operable image when received status information includes an error status representing the error of the communication device, and an error settlement starting information transmitter that in response to the operable image being operated, transmit the error settlement starting information to the communication device. |
| US08456657B2 |
Facsimile device, computer readable recording medium storing control program code for facsimile device, and control method for facsimile device regarding transfer-scheduled data and print-scheduled data
A facsimile device includes a communication unit, an analysis unit, and a printing unit. The communication unit is configured to receive, as reception data, both print-scheduled data to be printed and transfer-scheduled data to be transferred to an external device. The analysis unit is configured to analyze a target data portion of the reception data that requires an analysis in order to form an image. The printing unit is configured to print a printable part of the reception data. If at least one of a first error indicating that the communication unit did not receive part of the transfer-scheduled data as the reception data and a second error indicating that the analysis unit has failed in analyzing part of the target data portion corresponding to the transfer-scheduled data has occurred, the printing unit refrains from printing the reception data corresponding to the transfer-scheduled data. |
| US08456655B2 |
User identification for scanning apparatus
A scanning apparatus includes a transparent platen on which an item can be placed for scanning; a light source configured to emit light through the transparent platen to reflect off the item; a photosensor array that is movable to receive light reflected from successive portions of the item and convert the reflected light into electrical signals; a controller for providing digitized data from the electrical signals to form a digitized image of the item; and a lid including a first position such that the lid covers the transparent platen; a second position such that the lid does not cover the transparent platen; and a door that is configured to expose a portion of the transparent platen when the lid is in the first position. |
| US08456654B2 |
Process for electronic document redaction
A redaction process (10) to enable a user to redact an electronic document on a computer. The redaction process (10) includes the steps of converting a copy of the original electronic document file (14) from its native format into the format of an electronic image file. The user may redact sections of the electronic image file, and save the redacted electronic image file in electronic file format. |
| US08456652B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for controlling sheet conveyance intervals in same
An image forming apparatus that forms images on sheets by using input image data, the apparatus including: a detection unit that detects a blank area outside of an image forming area formed on a sheet; a setting unit that, when a sum of a length in a conveyance direction of a blank area on a trailing edge side in the conveyance direction of a sheet and a length in the conveyance direction of a blank area on a leading edge side in the conveyance direction of a sheet conveyed following the sheet is a reference value or less, sets a sheet conveyance interval to the reference value, and when the sum is greater than the reference value, sets the conveyance interval to be less than the reference value; and a conveying unit that conveys the sheets at the conveyance interval set by the setting unit. |
| US08456650B2 |
Optical grid for high precision and high resolution method of wafer-scale nanofabrication
A wafer-scale nano-metrology system (10) for sensing position of a nanofabrication element (16) when illuminated by a patterned optical projection defining a grid or position measuring gauge includes a frequency stabilized laser emitter (12) configured to generate a laser emission at a selected frequency, where the laser emission forms a diverging beam configured to illuminate a selected area occupied by a target fabrication object (18) having a proximal surface. An optical pattern generator (14) is illuminated by laser (12) and generates a patterned optical projection grid or gauge for projection upon the target fabrication object (18). A movable tool or nanofabrication element (16) carries an optical sensor array (50), and the sensor array detect at least a portion of the optical projection grid, and, in response to that detection, generates grid position data for use in controlling the position of the tool (16). |
| US08456648B2 |
Optical detection device, electronic apparatus, and optical detection method
An optical detection device includes: an irradiation unit that emits irradiation light onto an area formed along a planar area; first and second light receiving units that receive reflection light of the irradiation light reflected by a target object; and a calculation unit that calculates positional information of the target object based on a light reception result of at least one of the first and second light receiving units. A distance between the second light receiving unit and the planar area is shorter than a distance between the first light receiving unit and the planar area, and the first and second light receiving units receive the reflection light that is incident in a direction along the planar area. |
| US08456643B2 |
Method and system for mapping the shape of a head under operating conditions
A method and system for determining a shape of a portion of an air-bearing surface (ABS) of a head residing on a slider are described. The ABS is configured to fly at a fly height from and with a velocity with respect to a disk during normal operating conditions. The method and system include driving at least one heater residing in the head while the slider is substantially at the normal operating conditions with respect to the disk and the fly height. The shape of the portion of the ABS changes in response to the heater(s) being driven. The method and system also include performing Doppler measurements on the slider while the heater is driven. The shape may then be determined based on the Doppler measurements. |
| US08456639B2 |
Measurement of critical dimension
A spectroscopic instrument for conducting multi-wavelength, multi-azimuth, multi-angle-of-incidence readings on a substrate, the instrument having a broadband light source for producing an illumination beam, an objective for directing the illumination onto the substrate at multiple azimuth angles and multiple angels-of-incidence simultaneously, thereby producing a reflection beam, an aperture plate having an illumination aperture and a plurality of collection apertures formed therein for selectively passing portions of the reflection beam having desired discreet combinations of azimuth angle and angle-of-incident, a detector for receiving the discreet combinations of azimuth angle and angle-of-incident and producing readings, and a processor for interpreting the readings. |
| US08456638B2 |
Optical measurement apparatus, optical measurement system, and fiber coupler
An optical measurement apparatus includes a spectroscopic measurement device, a first optical fiber for propagating light to be measured, a hemispherical portion having a light diffuse reflection layer on an inner wall of the hemispherical portion, and a plane portion disposed to close an opening of the hemispherical portion and having a mirror reflection layer located to face the inner wall of the hemispherical portion. The plane portion includes a first window for directing the light emitted thorough the first optical fiber into an integrating space. The integrating space is formed by the hemispherical portion and the plane portion. The optical measurement apparatus further includes a second optical fiber for propagating the light in the integrating space to the spectroscopic measurement device through a second window of the plane portion. |
| US08456637B2 |
Multiple measuring point configuration for a chromatic point sensor
A dual beam assembly is provided for attachment to a chromatic confocal point sensor optical pen. The optical pen provides a single source beam having a measurement range R in the absence of the dual beam assembly. The dual beam assembly includes a first reflective element that is positioned in the source beam and divides it into a first measurement beam and a second measurement beam. The dual beam assembly outputs the first and second measurement beams along first and second measurement axes to different workpiece regions and returns workpiece measurement light arising from the first and second measurement beams back to the optical pen. A second reflective element may be included and configured to deflect the second measurement beam along a desired direction. An offset may be provided between the measuring ranges of the first and second measurement beams. |
| US08456634B2 |
Optical interrogation sensors for combustion control
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing optical interrogation sensors for combustion control. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling combustion parameters associated with a gas turbine combustor is provided. The method can include providing an optical path through the gas turbine combustor, propagating light along the optical path, measuring absorption of the light within the gas turbine combustor, and controlling at least one of the combustion parameters based at least in part on the measured absorption. |
| US08456629B2 |
Apparatus and method for multiple-pulse impulsive stimulated raman spectroscopy
Spectroscopic measurements are described based on light-molecule interaction in response to a resonant rate optical pulse train so that a Raman spectrum is reflected containing at least two types of vibrational mode information (e.g., vibrational frequency, and vibrational phase relaxation) on the molecules comprising the object. A pump optical pulse train generation means is configured for generating an optical pulse train having an arbitrary repetition rate which is directed through irradiation means to the sample object. Light from the sample object is collected and vibrational coherence is detected for the sample object. The sample is tested across a plurality of different repetition frequencies. The detected information can be compared with data from other known samples from within a database when analyzing the information collected. |
| US08456628B2 |
Spectroscopy system
A Raman spectroscopy system has a filter arrangement comprising two filters (16, 26A) in series, to reject light of the illuminating wavenumber from the scattered light of interest. The filters are tilted and have different characteristics for light of first and second different polarisation states. To counter this, the filters are arranged so that their respective effects on the respective polarisation states at least partially cancel each other out. This may for example be done by arranging their tilt axes (32, 34) orthogonally to each other. |
| US08456623B2 |
Optical component focus testing apparatus and method
An optical component focus testing apparatus includes a plurality of test pattern displays. One or more illuminators are configured to selectively illuminate different test pattern displays at different times. Light directors are provided to direct light from at least one of the illuminated test pattern displays towards an optical component under test. The light directors and test pattern displays are arranged such that, in use, light directed from different illuminated test pattern displays travel different distances to reach the optical component under test. |
| US08456622B1 |
Spatial and temporal coherence measurement system
A system for determining spatial coherence, temporal coherence or both of an optical signal includes a fiber bundle containing optical fibers. Optical fiber inputs are arranged in proximate groups having the same number of fibers. The groups can each receive a portion of the optical signal. Each fiber in the group has a gross length that differs from the other fibers, but each group has the same set of different gross lengths. The fibers are joined to a lens which spreads the optical signal and causes interference between portions of the signal. This interference is detected at a detector. A computer joined to the detector can measure spatial and temporal coherence from the interference. Other embodiments feature multiple detectors and reflection along the bundle. |
| US08456620B2 |
Enabling spectrometry on IR sensors using metamaterials
Various implementations of enabling spectroscopy on infrared (IR) sensors are disclosed. The disclosed implementations may include an array of resonant absorbers that may facilitate spectroscopy, such as, for example, IR related spectrometry. |
| US08456619B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
Subject-distance information is acquired by a light-weight, small-size arrangement without a significant change in the structure of a conventional image processing apparatus. The apparatus acquires diffraction images obtained by sensing the image of a subject, using an image sensing unit, obtained via a diffraction grating and imaging optical system, detects a real image from luminance gradients of the diffraction images, calculates the distance between the detected real image and a virtual image corresponding to this real image in the diffraction images, and calculates the depth distance between the subject and the diffraction grating using the distance calculated by first calculating unit. |
| US08456618B2 |
Stage apparatus, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing device
A stage apparatus, which holds a plate member, comprises: a stage; a first positioning member and a second positioning member which are placed on the stage, and are configured to contact a lower surface and an upper surface of the plate member respectively to position the plate member in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the plate member; an elastic, first enclosing member configured to form a first enclosed space around the first positioning member; an elastic, second enclosing member configured to form a second enclosed space around the second positioning member; and a first suction mechanism and a second suction mechanism configured to respectively suck air from the first enclosed space and air from the second enclosed space so as to chuck the plate member to the first enclosed space and the second enclosed space by vacuum absorption. |
| US08456617B2 |
Exposure method, exposure device, and micro device manufacturing method
An exposure device includes: a light source (LS) which emits a pulse light; and a variable shaped mask (8) which has a plurality of aligned micro movable mirrors and forms an arbitrary pattern by selectively changing the operation state of the movable mirrors. A substrate (P) is exposed to the light emitted from the light source and passes through the variable shaped mask. The exposure device further includes a control device (100) which controls the operation timing to change the operation state of the movable mirrors and the pulse application timing of the pulse light emitted from the light source so that they are synchronized. |
| US08456616B2 |
Optical system for microlithography
An optical system, in particular a projection objective, for microlithography, has an optical axis and at least one optical correction arrangement, which has a first optical correction element and at least one second optical correction element, wherein the first correction element is provided with a first aspherical surface contour, and wherein the second correction element is provided with a second aspherical surface contour, wherein the first surface contour and the second surface contour add up at least approximately to zero, wherein the correction arrangement has at least one drive for movement of at least one of the two correction elements. In this case, at least one of the two correction elements can rotate about a rotation axis which is at least approximately parallel to the optical axis, and the at least one drive is a rotary drive for rotation of one or both of the correction elements about the rotation axis. |
| US08456614B2 |
Optical element supporting device, exposure apparatus using same, and device manufacturing method
The optical element supporting device of the present invention includes a first supporting member that supports the optical element, a second supporting member that supports the first supporting member at a plurality of locations, a plate spring fastened to the first supporting member and having a plate thickness extending in the optical axis direction of the optical element, and a force supplying unit, which is provided on the first supporting member, configured to provide a force in the optical axis direction applied to the plate spring at a location different from the plurality of locations, wherein the force supplying unit elastically deforms the first supporting member by receiving the reactive force generated by the force applied to the plate spring to thereby adjust the position of the optical element. |
| US08456613B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantification of illumination non-uniformity in the mask plane of a lithographic exposure system
This disclosure relates to lithography using pulsed laser illumination. In particular it relates to lithography for producing electronic devices on wafers using multi-mode excimer and molecular lasers, e.g. KrF, ArF, and F2 lasers. It may also apply to illumination systems where several single-mode sources are mixed or one single-mode laser beam is split and recombined with time delays, thereby creating an equivalent multimode source and to EUV lithography. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings. |
| US08456608B2 |
Maintenance method, maintenance device, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus is provided with a nozzle member that has at least one of a supply outlet which supplies the liquid and a collection inlet which recovers the liquid. By immersing the nozzle member in cleaning liquid LK stored in container, the nozzle member is cleaned. |
| US08456606B2 |
Polymer dispersed liquid crystal display with lateral light source on side of black matrix and method of fabricating the same
There are provided a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display not using a backlight unit and a method of fabricating the same. The PDLC display comprises a rear substrate over which a thin film transistor (TFT), a first electrode, and a second electrode are formed, a front substrate apart from the rear substrate and having a first black matrix formed thereon corresponding to a region where the TFT is formed, a PDLC layer disposed below the first black matrix and formed between the front and rear substrates, a light source formed on one side of the PDLC layer and configured to provide light to the side of the PDLC layer, and a first reflection plate formed on the other side of the PDLC layer and configured to reflect light incident via the PDLC layer. |
| US08456605B2 |
Flat display panel
A flat display panel having a first substrate, a display unit disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate to cover the display unit and not covering a predetermined region of the first substrate, a terminal unit disposed on the predetermined region of the first substrate and is electrically connected to the display unit, and a glass strengthener coated on the first substrate and adjacent to the second substrate at a location to increase the strength of the first substrate. The flat display panel having the substrate on which a terminal unit is formed has increased strength. |
| US08456604B2 |
Liquid crystal device and projector
A liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal disposed between the pair of substrates, and a seal member disposed around the liquid crystal, wherein a liquid crystal storage portion is disposed in the inner circumference of the seal member by forming a concave portion on the substrate. |
| US08456602B2 |
Display device
The present invention realizes a display device with dummy pixel portions and a frame region required for the dummy pixel portions and code notation, in which the frame region is minimized while achieving code notation in required size.In the dummy pixel portions, the number of gate electrodes in a thin film transistor formed by a semiconductor layer is reduced to two, so that distances from a contact hole to another contact hole and to a through-hole can be shortened as compared to those in pixel formation portions, allowing placement of the contact hole and the through-hole in a lower portion in the figure. Provided in the vicinity of the center of the dummy pixel portion is only an electrode equivalent to a storage capacitance line. Thus, a wide transparent region can be ensured to note a code of a sufficient size in the dummy pixel portion. |
| US08456601B2 |
Array substrate for liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a gate line on the substrate, a thin film transistor including a gate electrode of the gate line, a gate insulating layer over the gate electrode, an active layer on the gate insulating layer and ohmic contact layers on the active layer, and source and drain electrodes over the ohmic contact layers, a pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain electrode, a data line electrically connected to the source electrode and crossing the gate line, a common electrode spaced apart from the pixel electrode, and a passivation layer directly between the pixel electrode and the common electrode and directly between the source and drain electrodes. |
| US08456600B2 |
Array substrate for in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
An array substrate for an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device includes a gate line on a substrate including a pixel region, the pixel region including a first domain at a lower side with respect to the gate line and a second domain at an upper side with respect to the gate line; a data line crossing the gate line; a thin film transistor in the pixel region and at a crossing portion of the gate and data lines; a plurality of first pixel electrodes in the first domain; a plurality of second pixel electrodes in the second domain, the plurality of first pixel electrodes and plurality of second pixel electrodes sharing the thin film transistor; a plurality of first common electrodes in the first domain and alternately arranged with the plurality of first pixel electrodes; and a plurality of second common electrodes in the second domain and alternately arranged with the plurality of second pixel electrodes. |
| US08456595B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device. The display device includes at least one partition formed on a lower display panel. A color filter may fill a region defined by the partitions. A first upper passivation layer is formed on the color filter, and a second upper passivation layer is formed on the first upper passivation layer and the partitions such that the LCD structure is planarized. In the display device, the height of the partition is sufficiently high to prevent mixing of the colors of neighboring pixel filters, and the process margin of the spacer and the light blocking member may be ensured. The partitions can be formed with multiple layers having different widths such that the mixture of colors between the neighboring pixels may be prevented, and the color reproducibility may be increased. |
| US08456592B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display including the same
A backlight unit and a liquid crystal display including the same are provided. The backlight includes a light guiding plate, a reflector, and at least one LED assembly including an LED light source, a substrate, and a support plate. A plurality of protrusions formed on a cover of the liquid crystal display are configured to mate to a plurality of concave portions formed on the light guiding plate, the reflector, and the LED assembly to mount the various components of the liquid crystal display onto the cover. |
| US08456591B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel, and a backlight which is arranged on a back surface of the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the backlight includes a plurality of optical sheets, and at least one optical sheet is displaced so as to adjust a viewing angle. |
| US08456590B2 |
Optical sheet, surface light source and display device
An optical sheet is structured to have a translucent substrate 12, an optical element 16 provided on one surface S1 of the translucent substrate 12, on which a plurality of unit prisms 14 or unit lenses are arranged, and a light diffusion layer provided between the one surface S1 and the optical element 16 and/or on another surface S2 of the translucent substrate 12, and at least one of the light diffusion layer 18 includes gap parts 22 as a light diffusion element. At this time, the gap parts 22 is preferably in an approximately oval shape oriented in a uniaxial direction in plan view. |
| US08456589B1 |
Display device assembly
The present invention is directed to a display device which comprises a display device, a mechanical light and optionally a luminance enhancement structure. This type of display device assembly is particularly useful for e-books comprising a luminance enhancement structure designed to direct a significant amount of light towards the reader of the e-books. |
| US08456587B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a display unit, a frame member that encloses a periphery of the display unit, a window member that covers a display surface of the display unit, and a cover member including a window holder configured to hold an outer circumference of the window member. The frame member includes a window support configured to support the window member at a position apart from the display surface of the display unit. The window holder of the cover member exposes the window support of the frame member. The window support of the frame member directly supports the window member without intervening the window holder of the cover member. |
| US08456584B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device strengthens an adhesive force of an electrostatic prevention means without increasing a thickness of the liquid crystal display device by bending part of the bottom cover thereof into a “C”-shape, thereby securing a space for adhering an upper indium tin oxide (ITO) of the color filter substrate and the electrostatic prevention means, in a small-sized model having an in-plane switching (IPS) mode liquid crystal panel, and the liquid crystal display device may include a liquid crystal panel configured with a color filter substrate and an array substrate to display an image; a backlight assembly provided at a rear surface of the liquid crystal panel to supply light to the liquid crystal panel; a support main for accommodating and fixing the liquid crystal panel and the backlight assembly; a bottom cover fastened to the support main to include at least one bending portion in which part thereof is bent in a “C”-shape; and a electrostatic prevention means adhered to cover part of an upper ITO of the liquid crystal panel including the bending portion of the bottom cover. |
| US08456583B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes: a plurality of pixels that are arranged in rows and columns so as to form a matrix pattern; and TFTs (TFT-A, TFT-B and TFT-C), source bus lines, gate bus lines and CS bus lines (CS-A and CS-B), which are associated with the respective pixels. Each pixel includes at least three subpixels (SP-A, SP-B and SP-C) with liquid crystal capacitors that are able to retain mutually different voltages. By supplying a signal (CS-A or CS-B) that makes two of the at least three subpixels display mutually different luminances at least at a certain grayscale tone from the source, gate and CS bus lines to each pixel, the at least three subpixels are able to display mutually different luminances. |
| US08456575B2 |
Onscreen remote control presented by audio video display device such as TV to control source of HDMI content
An audio video display device (AVDD) includes a processor and a touch screen video display. The AVDD also includes a computer readable storage medium bearing instructions executable by the processor to present at least one image of a remote control (RC) on the display. Accordingly, responsive to a first user command, the processor presents an image of a full RC on the display. Responsive to a second user command, the processor presents an image of a direction-only RC on the display that permits a user only to enter direction commands and an “enter” command. |
| US08456571B1 |
Integrated live video production system
Techniques are described for performing aspect ratio transformation. Frames of image data from each of one or more input sources are received. A first set of one or more options, including an input aspect ratio, is associated with a first input source. A set of control parameters is determined for each frame from the first input source in accordance with said first input aspect ratio and an output aspect ratio. Each frame from the first input source is processed in accordance with the control parameters for that frame. The processing includes processing a first image from said first input source having said first input aspect ratio to generate a second image having the output aspect ratio. The processing includes converting the first image having the input aspect ratio to the second image having the output aspect ratio if the first input aspect ratio is different from the output aspect ratio. |
| US08456570B2 |
Motion detection in an interlaced field sequence
A method for a motion detection in an interlaced field sequence includes selecting two initial fields from the interlaced field sequence. Each of the two initial fields have different scan lines. The method also includes interpolating each of the two initial fields to generate two respective new fields. The new fields have raster lines that are congruent. The method further includes generating a value of a pixel of each new field using pixel values of at least two scan lines of a corresponding initial field surrounding the pixel. Further, the method includes performing a motion detection based on the new fields. |
| US08456567B2 |
Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and computer-readable storage medium storing program therein
An imaging apparatus is equipped with a voltage control section, which individually controls the focus distance of a lens managed on the basis of each of a plurality of pieces of management information in accordance with a predetermined control condition corresponding to each of the pieces of management information and switches the focus distance of the lens at the time of imaging at a predetermined switching period in accordance with the focus distance indicated by each piece of management information while switching the plurality of pieces of management information at the predetermined switching period. |
| US08456560B2 |
Wafer level camera module and method of manufacture
A method includes forming optical lenses on an ICD at the wafer level, rather than attaching a separate lens assembly. The lenses may be formed as an array of individual lenses or as multiple, e.g., two, arrays of individual lenses. The array of lenses may be coupled to an array of ICDs. The ICDs and individual lenses in the array assembly may be singulated to form individual digital camera modules. Additionally or alternatively, the ICDs and individual lenses may be singulated in separate steps. |
| US08456559B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and driving method thereof
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes the carrier holding portion and the amplifying portion in each pixel, wherein a first voltage supplied to a transfer electrode when the transfer portion for transferring carriers from the carrier holding portion to the amplifying portion is placed in a non-conducting state is opposite in polarity to a voltage supplied to the transfer electrode during the turning on period of the transfer portion, and a second voltage supplied to the control electrode of the carrier holding portion during a holding period in which the carriers are retained in the carrier holding portion is the same in polarity as the first voltage and is larger in absolute value than the first voltage. |
| US08456555B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving dynamic range of image
Provided are a method and apparatus for improving a dynamic range of an image. The method of improving a dynamic range of an image, which is obtained by a sensor unit of an image capture device, includes: creating an input image by using the sensor unit which has a plurality of lines and has different integration times for the individual lines; and creating an interpolated image by performing interpolation filtering on the input image by using neighboring lines of a current line which have different integration times. |
| US08456554B2 |
Integrated AD converter, solid state imaging device, and camera system
An integrated AD converter includes: a comparator comparing an input voltage with a reference voltage with a ramp waveform whose voltage value linearly changes with time; a high-bit counter triggered by inversion of an output signal of the comparator to start or stop an operation of counting for every cycle of a main clock signal; a time quantizer latching phase information at a timing at which the output signal is inverted using a plurality of clock signals including main clock signals of different phases, and decodes a value of the latched phase information to thereby output lower bits with a resolution higher than a clock cycle; and a regulating unit synchronizing the output signal with the main clock signal, and determines timings of starting and stopping the operation of the high-bit counter and a value for latching the phase information of the main clock signal using a signal resulting from the synchronization. |
| US08456553B2 |
Color imaging element
A color imaging element including color filters arranged on pixels, wherein the color filter array includes a basic array pattern including first filters corresponding to a first color that most contributes to obtaining luminance signals and second filters corresponding to two or more second colors other than the first color, the basic array pattern repeatedly arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions, one or more first filters are arranged in each line in horizontal, vertical, and oblique directions of the color filter array, one or more second filters are arranged in each line in the horizontal and vertical directions of the color filter array in the basic array pattern, and a proportion of the number of pixels of the first color corresponding to the first filters is greater than proportions of the numbers of pixels of each color of the second colors corresponding to the second filters. |
| US08456552B2 |
Image pick up unit using a lens array including a plurality of lens sections corresponding to m×n pixels of image pickup device
An image pickup unit includes an image pickup lens, a lens array disposed on an image formation plane of the image pickup lens, and an image pickup device having a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally along first and second directions intersecting each other. The lens array includes a plurality of lens sections each being assigned to a region of m- by n-pixel in the image pickup device, where each of m and n is an integer of 1 or more, and m is different from n. |
| US08456551B2 |
Photographing apparatus and smear correction method thereof
A photographing apparatus including an imaging device configured to obtain a first image of a subject captured with a long shutter exposure time and a second image of the subject captured by setting a short shutter exposure time, wherein the long exposure time is greater than the short exposure time; and a live-view generation unit configured to generate a smear-corrected third image by subtracting pixel values of the second image from the corresponding pixel values of the first image. A smear correction method of a photographing apparatus, the method including capturing a first image of a subject by setting a long electrical shutter exposure time; capturing a second image of a subject by setting a short electrical shutter exposure time; and generating a smear-corrected third image by subtracting pixel values of the second images from the corresponding pixel values of the first image. |
| US08456549B2 |
Using a graphics processing unit to correct video and audio data
Described is a device (e.g., a cell phone incorporating a digital camera) that incorporates a graphics processing unit (GPU) to process image data in order to increase the quality of a rendered image. The processing power provided by a GPU means that, for example, an unacceptable pixel value (e.g., a pixel value associated with a malfunctioning or dead detector element) can be identified and replaced with a new value that is determined by averaging other pixel values. Also, for example, the device can be calibrated against benchmark data to generate correction factors for each detector element. The correction factors can be applied to the image data on a per-pixel basis. If the device is also adapted to record and/or play digital audio files, the audio performance of the device can be calibrated to determine correction factors for a range of audio frequencies. |
| US08456547B2 |
Using a graphics processing unit to correct video and audio data
Described is a device (e.g., a cell phone incorporating a digital camera) that incorporates a graphics processing unit (GPU) to process image data in order to increase the quality of a rendered image. The processing power provided by a GPU means that, for example, an unacceptable pixel value (e.g., a pixel value associated with a malfunctioning or dead detector element) can be identified and replaced with a new value that is determined by averaging other pixel values. Also, for example, the device can be calibrated against benchmark data to generate correction factors for each detector element. The correction factors can be applied to the image data on a per-pixel basis. If the device is also adapted to record and/or play digital audio files, the audio performance of the device can be calibrated to determine correction factors for a range of audio frequencies. |
| US08456544B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, storage medium for storing image processing program, and image processing method for reducing noise in RGB bayer array image data
An image processing apparatus including a noise reducing portion for applying noise reduction to RGB Bayer array image data for each of RGB channels with a noise reduction amount H, and calculating RHGHBH Bayer array image data, and also applying the noise reduction to at least the G channel with a noise reduction amount L (L |
| US08456537B2 |
Video camera with multifunction connection ports
A digital device including a processor that includes a first unit configured to receive signals in accordance with a first communications protocol and a second unit configured to receive signals in accordance with a second communications protocol. The digital device further includes a data connector coupled to the processor and operable in accordance with the first communications protocol, a switch coupled to the data connector and configured to further couple the data connector to either the first unit or the second unit, and a sensor coupled to the switch, where upon activation of the sensor, a switching signal is transmitted from the sensor to the switch that causes the switch to uncouple the data connector from the first unit and couple the data connector to the second unit to make the data connector operable in accordance with the second communications protocol. |
| US08456535B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging method
An imaging apparatus communicates with a second imaging apparatus connected to the imaging apparatus via a network, and analyzes a photographing frequency of the second imaging apparatus by receiving information indicating that the second imaging apparatus has performed photographing. When the analyzed photographing frequency exceeds a predetermined value, the imaging apparatus changes setting regarding image data to be recorded. |
| US08456534B2 |
Multi-directional remote control system and method
A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the screen of the TV or other display to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is transmitted to the entertainment system for control of a cursor or other GUI interface. |
| US08456533B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method of the same
In the case where an automatic transferable recording medium has been detected, the naming rule is changed to a naming rule according to which a filename having the next number after a number given to an image file that was recorded last time is generated, out of a plurality of selectable naming rules for generating a filename to be given to an image that is to be newly recorded. |
| US08456527B2 |
Detecting an object in an image using templates indexed to location or camera sensors
An object is detected in images of a live event by storing and indexing templates based on representations of the object from previous images. For example, the object may be a vehicle which repeatedly traverses a course. A first set of images of the live event is captured when the object is at different locations in the live event. A representation of the object in each image is obtained, such as by image recognition techniques, and a corresponding template is stored. When the object again traverses the course, for each location, the stored template which is indexed to the location can be retrieved for use in detecting the object in a current image. The object's current location may be obtained from GPS data from the object, for instance, or from camera sensor data, e.g., pan, tilt and zoom, which indicates a direction in which the camera is pointed. |
| US08456524B2 |
Egomotion speed estimation on a mobile device using a single imager
Linear and rotational speeds of a mobile device are calculated using distance estimates between imaging sensors in the device and objects or scenes in front of the sensors. The distance estimates are used to modify optical flow vectors from the sensors. Shifting and rotational speeds of the mobile device may then be calculated using the modified optical flow vector values. For example, given a configuration where the first imaging sensor and the second imaging sensor face opposite directions on a single axis, a shifting speed is calculated in the following way: multiplying a first optical flow vector and a first distance estimate, thereby deriving a first modified optical flow vector value; multiplying a second optical flow vector and a second distance estimate, thereby deriving a second modified optical flow vector value; the second modified optical flow vector value may then be subtracted from the first modified optical flow vector value, resulting in a measurement of the shifting speed. |
| US08456518B2 |
Stereoscopic camera with automatic obstruction removal
There is disclosed a stereographic camera system, a computing device and a method of operating a stereographic camera system. The stereoscopic camera system may a left camera and a right camera and an obstruction detector to determine whether or not a field of view of one of the left camera and the right camera is at least partially obstructed. A controller may cause the camera system to automatically output only non-obstructed image data, in response to a determination by the obstruction detector that a field of view of one of the left camera and the right camera is at least partially obstructed. |
| US08456517B2 |
Integrated processor for 3D mapping
A device for processing data includes a first input port for receiving color image data from a first image sensor and a second input port for receiving depth-related image data from a second image sensor. Processing circuitry generates a depth map using the depth-related image data. At least one output port conveys the depth map and the color image data to a host computer. |
| US08456516B2 |
Methods and systems for stereoscopic imaging
A stereoscopic imaging system is described for generating a stereoscopic image of a scene. The stereoscopic imaging system is adapted for generating at least one sub-image for a first eye and at least one sub-image for a second eye whereby the at least one sub-image for the first eye and at least one sub-image for the second eye adapted for combining into the stereoscopic image. The image data for producing at least one of the sub-images for the first eye and/or for the second eye is generated based on a combination of the basic image data for the first eye and the basic image data for the second eye. The basic image data for the first eye thereby is the image information received by the first eye when the scene is seen by the first eye only and the basic image data for the second eye thereby is the image information received by the second eye when the scene is seen by the second eye only. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method, an image data processor, a controller, an obscuration means and parts of the imaging hardware. |
| US08456515B2 |
Stereo image and video directional mapping of offset
A method and apparatus for generating stereoscopic images of a scene is described. The apparatus may have a first image sensor, a second image sensor spaced apart from the first image sensor, a diversity combine module to combine image data from the first and second image sensors, and an image processing module configured to process combined image data from the diversity combine module may be used to generate stereoscopic images of a scene. |
| US08456511B2 |
Method and apparatus for reproducing image using output prediction
A method and apparatus for image reproduction using output prediction is provided. The method includes converting color information of a first color space input to an image display device into color information of a second color space in which a sampled viewing environment of an output object by a printing device has been reflected; selecting a specific color distortion region according to a difference between an actual viewing environment and the sampled viewing environment of the converted second color space, and compensating a color component of the selected specific color distortion region; and converting corrected color information of the second color space which has been created through the compensation into corrected color information of the first color space, and outputting the corrected color information of the first color space through the image display device. |
| US08456510B2 |
Virtual distributed multipoint control unit
A virtual distributed multipoint control unit in a videoconference may be implemented using a master endpoint, one or more facilitator endpoints, and one or more leaf endpoints. The facilitator endpoint(s) may receive video and/or audio from the leaf endpoints (which may provide/receive videoconference audio and video to one or more local participants). The master endpoint may receive video and/or audio from one or more facilitator endpoints (which may include cumulative video stream from multiple leaf endpoints) and/or directly from one or more leaf endpoints. The master endpoint may arrange received video and/or audio and provide cumulative video and/or audio streams to the leaf endpoints (e.g., directly and/or through the facilitator endpoints). The virtual distributed multipoint control unit may support a conference with more leaf endpoints than the master endpoint has input ports and/or decoders. |
| US08456509B2 |
Providing presentations in a videoconference
System and method for performing a videoconference. One or more computers are utilized to schedule a videoconference call in response to user input requesting the videoconference call, where the user input further specifies presentation materials for presentation during the videoconference call. The presentation materials are uploaded to a content server computer, and the videoconference call is conducted between a plurality of participants at respective participant locations, where the videoconference call is performed using a plurality of videoconferencing endpoints at respective ones of the participant locations, and where the plurality of videoconferencing endpoints are coupled to the content server computer over a network. During the videoconference call, the presentation materials are provided to each of the plurality of videoconferencing endpoints from the content server computer over the network, where the provided presentation materials are presented by each videoconferencing endpoint. |
| US08456506B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing teleconferencing collaboration
An advanced video teleconferencing system facilitates an engaging and realistic video conferencing experience. Key design elements and video, audio, and control capabilities are provided for a video conferencing experience that cannot be attained with conventional methods, which elements and capabilities include careful design of the table and room at each site, supplementary displays showing imagery in a mirrored manner, networked environmental control, an AutoDirector with keyword and gesture recognition, and audio reflection from a display or beam splitter. |
| US08456505B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for 3D video communication
A three-dimensional (3D) video communication method includes receiving video information of at least two session parties, wherein the video information of at least one session party is 3D video information. The video information received from the at least two session parties is processed according to state information of the at least two session parties and display capabilities of a terminal. |
| US08456504B2 |
Method and system for preparing video communication images for wide screen display
A system and method is disclosed for composing a video layout having an aspect ratio of 16:9 from a plurality of video segments having an aspect ratio other than 16:9. For example, the plurality of video segments might have an aspect ratio of 4:3. To create a composite frame having an aspect ratio of about 16:9, the disclosed system scales each one of the segments and places each scaled segment in the layout in such a way that the composite layout has an aspect ratio of about 16:9. |
| US08456502B2 |
Optical scanner and image forming apparatus using the same
An optical scanner, which scans at least one scanned face by a light beam, includes a light source having a plurality of light emitting points, an optical system before a light deflector configured to form a plurality of light beams from the light source, a light deflector configured to deflect the light beams via the optical system before a light deflector and scan the deflected light beams, and a scanning optical system configured to focus on the scanned face the light beams deflected and scanned by a deflection face of the light deflector, the optical system before a light deflector including a first optical element having a negative power at least in a deflecting and scanning vertical direction, a second optical element having a power only in a deflecting and scanning direction and a third optical element having a power only in the deflecting and scanning vertical direction. |
| US08456494B2 |
Automated bit sequencing for digital light modulation
Disclosed embodiments utilize MIP techniques to determine optimum bit sequences that minimize PWM artifacts. The problem would first be restructured and redefined into a form suitable for MIP. An objective function designed to minimize PWM artifacts would allow for evaluation of resulting bit sequences in order to determine optimality. Constraints (that relate the inputs and variables) are developed. These constraints would determine whether a particular bit sequence can be used on a given system, and whether a particular bit sequence would satisfy any user defined rules. Once these are determined, an MIP solver would generate an optimized bit sequence(s). Only bit sequences that satisfy the constraints would be evaluated using the objective function, allowing for a quicker determination of a solution. This MIP solution may be generated quickly, allowing for a shorter production period while still optimizing the bit sequences to minimize PWM artifacts. |
| US08456493B2 |
Method for driving matrix displays
A method is described for driving matrix displays which are made up of a plurality of lines with individual pixels, which lines are configured as rows and columns, wherein individual lines are driven selectively by rows being activated for a defined row addressing time and an operating current or a corresponding voltage being applied to the columns in correlation with the activated row corresponding to the desired brightness in the pixels. In order to improve the performance of the display, the row addressing time for each row is determined as a function of the maximum brightness of all the columns of the row. |
| US08456491B2 |
System to highlight differences in thumbnail images, mobile phone including system, and method
A method and apparatus in which thumbnail images are compared to differentiate between a selected image and one or more other images, and a difference image of the portion of the selected image that is different from one or more other images is determined. An enlarged view of a difference image that depicts the difference between the selected image and one or more other images is shown on a display. The apparatus and method may be carried out in various electronic devices, such as, for example, a general or special purpose computer, a mobile phone, or other electronic device. |
| US08456490B2 |
Image zooming method for shifting non-dynamic image and setting size of non-dynamic image executed by computing device
An image zooming method for adjusting an image in a monitor display area includes the steps of setting at least one focus region in the image in the monitor displaying area; obtaining a focus center in accordance with the focus region; setting a zooming rate of the image; obtaining a shift vector in accordance with a display center of the monitor display area, the focus center and the zooming rate; and shifting the image in the monitor display area in accordance with the shift vector, and setting the size of the image in the monitor display area in accordance with the zooming rate. |
| US08456486B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing program
An image processing apparatus includes an information converting unit and an output unit. The information converting unit converts information into an information expression image formed by a dot arrangement pattern in which information is expressed by arranging a given number or less of dots in a unit display area which is an information unit. The output unit arranges the converted information expression image. The output unit superimposes the converted information expression image on image information. The output unit outputs the superimposed information expression image. In the dot arrangement pattern, the arrangement of the dots is determined so that the number of the dots denoting 1 or 0 of a bit sequence of a given error correction code word is a subset equal to or smaller than the given number, and the dot arrangement pattern is readable by a machine. |
| US08456483B2 |
Image color balance adjustment for display panels with 2D subixel layouts
The subpixel rendering component of a display system provides the capability to substitute a second subpixel rendering filter for a first subpixel rendering filter for computing the values of certain subpixels on the display panel when the input image data being rendered indicates an image feature that may give rise to a color balance error at some portion of the displayed output image. An image processing method of correcting for color balance errors detects the location of a subpixel being rendered and for certain subpixels, detects whether the input image data indicates the presence of a particular image feature. When the image feature is detected for particular subpixels being processed, a second subpixel rendering image filter is substituted for a first subpixel rendering image filter. |
| US08456482B2 |
Gamma curve adjustment device and method of establishing adjustment points
There is provided a gamma curve adjustment device used to adjust the gamma curve indicating the relationship of input tone values to output tone values for use in a gamma correction circuit that performs gamma correction of an image signal. The gamma curve adjustment device includes a user interface module that permits a user to specify desired output tone values for a plurality of pre-established adjustment points on the gamma curve, and an adjustment module that adjusts the gamma curve such that the output tone value at each adjustment point assumes the value specified through the user interface module. The plurality of adjustment points are established such that a differential of input tone values between a first set of two adjustment points situated adjacently on the gamma curve differs from a differential of input tone values between a second set of two adjustment points situated adjacently on the gamma curve. |
| US08456479B2 |
Methods, systems, and data structures for generating a rasterizer
Methods, systems and data structures produce a rasterizer. A graphical state is detected on a machine architecture. The graphical state is used for assembling a shell rasterizer. The machine architecture is used for selecting replacement logic that replaces portions of shell logic in the shell rasterizer. The machine architecture is used for selectively inserting memory management logic into portions of the shell logic to produce. |
| US08456475B2 |
Motion line switching in a virtual environment
A computing system enhances the human-like realism of computer opponents in racing-type games and other motion-related games. The computing system observes multiple prescribed motion lines and computes switching probabilities attributed to switching of simulated motion of a racer from one prescribed motion line to another. A sampling module samples at random over the switching probabilities to select one of the switching probabilities. At least one control signal is generated to switch simulated motion of the entity in a virtual reality environment from the first prescribed motion line to one of the other prescribed motion lines, in accordance with the selected one of the switching probabilities. |
| US08456473B1 |
Graphical representation of financial information
A method comprises displaying a visible representation of a plurality of stocks in a stock market by a respective plurality of regions that are arranged based on a plurality of similarity values between a respective plurality of pairs of the stocks. Each of the plurality of similarity values is based on a respective correlation between a respective first time series indicating, for each of a plurality of time intervals, an aggregate level of messaging in postings of messages for a respective first stock in its respective pair of the stocks and a respective second time series indicating, for each of the plurality of time intervals, an aggregate level of messaging in postings of messages for a respective second stock in its respective pair of the stocks. Each of the regions is user-selectable to retrieve information from a message board associated with its respective one of the plurality of stocks. |
| US08456462B2 |
Display device
Display unevenness is suppressed. A display device includes pixels (22) arranged in matrix, each including a current-driven type light emitting element (EL) and a drive transistor (Tr3) for supplying a current to the current-driven type light emitting element (EL). The current-driven type light emitting element (EL) is driven by dividing each frame period into a plurality of sub-frame periods for lighting time. The drive transistor is controlled under current write driving using two write currents having a ratio of 1:1/2N and a sum of the two write currents. |
| US08456460B2 |
Sensor element and method of driving sensor element, and input device, display device with input function and communication device
The present invention provides a sensor element including two diode elements connected in series to each other, and a capacitive element having one end connected to a junction point between the two diode elements. Each of the diode elements includes a semiconductor layer having a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region facing each other in an in-plane direction, an anode electrode connected to the p-type semiconductor region, a cathode electrode connected to the n-type semiconductor region, a gate insulting film adjoining the semiconductor layer in a stacking direction, and a gate electrode facing the semiconductor layer with the gate insulating film in between. |
| US08456456B2 |
Dongle
A dongle for coupling a signal source device and a signal sink device is disclosed. The dongle includes an interface receptacle, a display port interface plug, a repeater, a low-dropout regulator and an impedance unit. The interface receptacle is a DVI receptacle or a HDMI receptacle. The repeater is electrically connected between the interface receptacle and the display port interface plug to enhance signals. The low-dropout regulator includes a power input end and a power output end. The power input end is electrically connected to the interface receptacle, and the power output end is electrically connected to the display port interface plug. The impedance unit is electrically connected between the power output end of the low-dropout regulator and the interface receptacle. The signal source device may output the display port signal needed by the signal sink device according to the function of the dongle. |
| US08456452B2 |
Optical pen mouse capable of magnifying displayed object and method of magnifying displayed object using the same
Disclosed herein are an optical pen mouse capable of magnifying a displayed object and a method of magnifying a displayed object using the same. The optical pen mouse includes a magnification setting unit and a microcomputer. The magnification setting unit inputs a magnification (M) so as to adjust a size of an object to be displayed on the monitor of a computer. The microcomputer calculates input coordinate values (X,Y) (a horizontal coordinate value, a vertical coordinate value) based on an electrical signal from the light receiving unit, and, when the magnification (M) is received from the magnification setting unit, calculates display coordinate values (X′,Y′) based on the input coordinate values (X,Y) and the magnification (M), converts the calculated display coordinate values (X′,Y′) into a coordinate data code, and outputs the coordinate data code. |
| US08456438B2 |
User interface system
The user interface system of the preferred embodiment includes: a layer defining a surface, a substrate supporting the layer and at least partially defining a cavity, a displacement device coupled to the cavity and adapted to expand the cavity thereby deforming a particular region of the surface, a touch sensor coupled to the substrate and adapted to sense a user touch proximate the particular region of the surface, and a display coupled to the substrate and adapted to output images to the user. The user interface system of the preferred embodiments has been specifically designed to be incorporated into an electronic device, such as the display of a mobile phone, but may be incorporated in any suitable device that interfaces with a user in both a visual and tactile manner. |
| US08456432B2 |
Electronic device of touch input type
A touch input-type electronic device is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the touch input-type electronic device includes a touchscreen panel, an actuator, which vibrates the touchscreen panel, a guide unit, which supports both ends of the actuator, such that vibration of the actuator can be transferred to the touchscreen panel, and supports the touchscreen panel, and a case, which supports the guide unit. Thus, the touch input-type electronic device in accordance with the present embodiment can provide an appealing sensory feel corresponding to a position that is pressed directly by the user, by vibrating the pressed position. |
| US08456431B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for manipulating user interface objects
A computing device with a touch screen display simultaneously displays on the touch screen display at least one destination object and at least a subset of a plurality of arrays of user interface objects; detects a first input by a user on the touch screen display; in response, vertically scrolls the plurality of arrays on the touch screen display; detects a second input by the user on a single array in the plurality of arrays on the touch screen display; and, in response, horizontally scrolls user interface objects in the single array. |
| US08456430B2 |
Tactile user interface for an electronic device
A tactile interface for an electronic device includes a compliant portion, a first input sensor embedded in the compliant portion and a second input sensor. The first and second sensors produce differential output signal in responsive to tactile input forces applied in at least a common dimension or about a common axis. A processor detects and interprets the differential output signals as a tactile input at the touch input device. |
| US08456425B2 |
Self-adapting keypad
A method, apparatus and computer-usable medium for implementing a virtual keyboard for use with small input devices. A circular keyboard can be graphically displayed, in response to a user input by a user via a small input device. A circular and centrally located key can be graphically located and displayed within the center of the circular keyboard, wherein character keys radiate outward from the centrally located key (i.e., the “central key”). Character keys that are most commonly utilized by the user are preferably located closed to the circular and centrally located key within the circular keyboard. Character keys least commonly utilized by the user are preferably located at the edges of the keyboard, thereby permitting the circular keyboard to function as a self-adapting virtual keyboard for use with small input devices based on the usage of the keyboard by the user. |
| US08456423B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing wireless communication and FM transceiver operation for a wireless computer mouse
Wireless computer mouse operation may be provided by receiving a user detection signal from a sensor of the wireless computer mouse to determine the presence of a user. In one embodiment, an operation mode of the wireless computer mouse may be determined by a controller based, at least in part, on the user detection signal. Thereafter, the controller can enable at least one of a short range wireless communication module and a FM transceiver of the wireless computer mouse based on the operation mode determined by the controller. |
| US08456422B2 |
Input apparatus, control apparatus, control system, control method, and handheld apparatus
An input apparatus, a control apparatus, a control system, a control method, and a handheld apparatus with which a user can easily control a movement and stop of a pointer displayed on a screen are provided. An input apparatus includes a sensor unit for detecting a movement of a casing and a button. An MPU outputs a determination code when a press of the button is released within a first time period. On the other hand, when the button is pressed and held for a time period equal to or longer than a first time period, a movement command is output from after an elapse of the first time period. Accordingly, the button is provided with a function corresponding to a determination input button and a function corresponding to an input button for controlling a movement and stop of a pointer, for example. As a result, a user can easily control the movement and stop of the pointer without mixing up an input operation for moving and stopping the pointer with other input operations. |
| US08456418B2 |
Apparatus for determining the location of a pointer within a region of interest
An apparatus for detecting a pointer within a region of interest includes a first reflective element extending along a first side of the region of interest and reflecting light towards the region of interest. A second reflective element extends along a second side of the region of interest and reflects light towards the region of interest. The second side is joined to the first side to define a first corner. A non-reflective region generally in the plane of at least one of the first and second reflective elements is adjacent the first corner. At least one imaging device captures images of the region of interest including reflections from the first and second reflective elements. |
| US08456410B2 |
Backlight control using light sensors with infrared suppression
Described herein are light sensors that primarily respond to visible light while suppressing infrared light. Also described herein are systems the incorporate such light sensors. Such a system can include a display, a light source to backlight the display and a controller to control the brightness of the light source based on feedback received from such light sensors. Described herein are also methods for controlling backlighting. |
| US08456407B2 |
Display controlling system utilizing non-identical transfer pulse signals to control display and controlling method thereof
A display controlling system utilized in a display, such as an LCD, includes a plurality of data lines and a plurality of source drivers. The source drivers receive a plurality of transfer pulse signals, each of which corresponds to one of the source drivers, and drive the corresponding data lines upon receiving the corresponding transfer pulse signal, wherein the transfer pulse signals are not all identical. The transfer pulse signal can be produced by the timing controller of the display, or the transfer pulse information required for generating the transfer pulse signals can be embedded in the source data to be delivered to the source drivers that generate the transfer pulse signals after obtaining the transfer pulse information. The transfer pulse signal lines between the timing controller and the source drivers can therefore be removed. |
| US08456406B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving method with black voltage charging
An impulsive driving liquid crystal display and a driving method thereof are provided. The liquid crystal display comprises a liquid crystal display panel on which a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines cross each other; a data driving circuit for supplying a video data voltage and a black voltage to the data lines; and a plurality of gate drive ICs for sequentially supplying a gate pulse, synchronized with the video data voltage during a first period, to adjacent gate lines, and then simultaneously supplying a gate pulse, synchronized with the black voltage during a second period, to the gate lines spaced at intervals of at least one line. |
| US08456402B2 |
Semiconductor device, and display device and electronic device utilizing the same
A semiconductor device having a normal function means is provided, in which the amplitude of an output signal is prevented from being decreased even when a digital circuit using transistors having one conductivity is employed. By turning OFF a diode-connected transistor 101, the gate terminal of a first transistor 102 is brought into a floating state. At this time, the first transistor 102 is ON and its gate-source voltage is stored in a capacitor. Then, when a potential at the source terminal of the first transistor 102 is increased, a potential at the gate terminal of the first transistor 102 is increased as well by bootstrap effect. As a result, the amplitude of an output signal is prevented from being decreased. |
| US08456401B2 |
Display device
The gate electrode is formed above the polycrystalline semiconductor layer through the gate insulating film. The polycrystalline semiconductor layer includes a first region overlapping with the gate electrode in plan view. The first region is sandwiched between the second region and the third region. The second region of the polycrystalline semiconductor layer includes a first impurity diffusion region and two second impurity diffusion regions opposite in conductivity type to the first impurity diffusion region. The first region and the first impurity diffusion region are in contact with each other at a first boundary. The first region and the two second impurity diffusion regions are in contact with each other at second boundaries. The two second impurity diffusion regions sandwiching the first impurity diffusion region are provided along the gate electrode. Thus, a leak current is suppressed. |
| US08456397B2 |
Apparatus and method for calibrating grayscale data using an overdrive method, pre-tilt method, and an undershoot method
A display apparatus for calibrating a grayscale data including a timing controller, and a method for driving a panel are provided. A display apparatus includes a timing controller which calibrates the grayscale data of the current frame using the grayscale data of the previous and the current frame and a driving unit which drives a panel using the calibrated grayscale data of the current frame. By generating calibrated grayscale data which are variable according to the change of grayscale, response times of liquid crystal may be improved. |
| US08456395B2 |
Method for adjusting settings of a display panel
A panel adjustment method is executed on a host to adjust settings of a panel connected to the host through a serial bus. The method determines whether the panel is supported by the host. When the panel is supported by the host, the settings of the panel is read from a database of the host to accordingly set the panel. It is further determined whether the panel is correctly set or not. When the panel is correctly set, it is further determined whether the panel is of a frame buffer mode or not. When the panel is of a frame buffer mode, it is determined whether a header file generation is required or not. When the header file generation is required, the settings and a panel name are included in an include file. The include file is compiled to thereby generate a binary file which is loaded into the panel. |
| US08456390B2 |
Electroluminescent device aging compensation with multilevel drive
Compensation for aging of an electroluminescent (EL) emitter having a luminance and a chromaticity that both correspond to the density of the current and the age of the EL emitter is performed. Different black, first and second current densities are selected based on the measured age, each corresponding to emitted light colorimetrically distinct from the light emitted at the other two current densities. Respective percentages of a selected emission time are calculated for each current density to produce a designated luminance and chromaticity. The current densities are provided to the EL emitter for the calculated respective percentages of the emission time so that the integrated light output of the EL emitter during the selected emission time is colorimetrically indistinct from the designated luminance and chromaticity, no matter the age of the EL emitter. |
| US08456386B2 |
Data driver including shift register unit, sampling latch unit, holding latch unit, and digital-to-analog converter, and organic light emitting display using the same
A data driver including a shift register unit configured to receive a first clock signal, a second clock signal, and a start pulse, and to generate a sampling pulse, a sampling latch unit configured to receive and output bits and reversed bits of digital data, in correspondence with the sampling pulse, a holding latch unit configured to receive the bits and reversed bits output by the sampling latch unit, and to output the bits and reversed bits, in correspondence with a first enable signal and a second enable signal, and a digital-to-analog converter configured to receive the bits and reversed bits output by the holding latch unit and to generate an analog signal corresponding to values of the received bits and reversed bits. |
| US08456381B2 |
Device, system, and method of providing an extended display with desired relative display orientation
Device, system, and method of providing an extended display area with a desired relative display orientation. In some demonstrative embodiments, a mobile device may include a primary display that is extendible onto a remote display; a context sensor to provide an indication of the desired relative display orientation between first and second portions of the extended display area; and a connection module to determine the desired relative display orientation based on the provided indication, to associate the primary and remote displays, and to automatically configure the extended display area with the desired relative display orientation. The indication may be responsive to a manipulation of the mobile device, for example, a tilting or a rotation of the device in a direction generally corresponding to the desired orientation. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08456380B2 |
Processing computer graphics generated by a remote computer for streaming to a client computer
Processing computer graphics generated by a remote computer for streaming to a client computer for display on a display device operatively coupled to the client computer, the graphics streamed to the client computer in a plurality of frames, including, for each frame: selecting, by a graphics module of the remote computer in dependence upon a compression profile, regions of the frame to compress at a lower compression rate than other regions of the frame; compressing the frame for streaming; streaming the compressed frame to the client computer; receiving the compressed frame in the stream; decompressing the compressed frame; and displaying the decompressed frame on the display device operatively coupled to the client computer. |
| US08456379B2 |
Integrated information presentation system with environmental controls
A system that includes environmental controls is described that at least enhances the experience of giving or viewing a presentation. During a presentation, multiple controls are available which enable the presenter to have direct control of the presentation environment. The system, for example, makes it easier to give presentations, both public and private, using computer-aided text, images, and sounds. Using this system, it is possible, for example, for presenters to practice a presentation before actually giving it, to transmit a presentation, either pre-recorded or live, from a remote location(s), to record a presentation for later distribution, to view a pre-recorded or live presentation from a remote location(s), or to upload a video or audio message to a website. This system includes a combination of, for example, an exemplary integrated information presentation device, an Integrated Presentation Environment Assembly with Controls, an information display device system, a stylus, and a remote control. |
| US08456377B2 |
Method of disposing multiple antennas and communication apparatus using the method
Provided is an apparatus and method that may dispose multiple antennas positioned in each of terminals in such a way that respective arrangements of the multiple antennas of the terminals are parallel to each other even when the terminal is rotated, thereby increasing a channel capacity. A transmission apparatus using the multiple antennas may include a first antenna unit to be disposed parallel to an arrangement of multiple antennas of a receiver while facing the arrangement of the multiple antennas of the receiver, and a second antenna unit where a transmission antenna is additionally disposed so that an arrangement of multiple antennas of a transmitter is parallel to the arrangement of the multiple antennas of the receiver while facing the arrangement of the multiple antennas of the receiver, when the transmitter is rotated. |
| US08456373B2 |
Glass antenna and window glass for vehicle
A glass antenna for a vehicle on or in a window glass including a defogger having a plurality of heater wires that run in parallel, the glass antenna includes: an antenna conductor; a first feeding portion; and a second feeding portion adjacent to the first feeding portion, wherein: the antenna conductor includes a first antenna conductor, which extends clockwise with the first feeding portion as a starting point, and a second antenna conductor, which extends counterclockwise at the outside of the first antenna conductor with the second feeding portion as a starting point; and the second antenna conductor includes a first element extending between the first antenna conductor and the defogger. |
| US08456369B2 |
Dipole antenna and portable computer utilizing the same
A dipole antenna is provided. The dipole antenna includes a signal line, a ground line, a substrate, a first radiation element and a second radiation element. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface. The first radiation element is disposed on the first surface and electrically connected to the signal line, wherein the first radiation element comprises a first connection portion and a first extending portion, the first extending portion comprises a first bending portion, the first bending portion forms a first section and a second section on the first extending portion, and the first section is connected to the first connection portion. The second radiation element is disposed on the second surface and electrically connected to the ground line, wherein the second radiation element comprises a second connection portion. |
| US08456367B2 |
Microstrip for wireless communication and method for designing the same
A microstrip for wireless communication includes a main body and two connection bodies formed on the main body. The main body defines a slot therein, and the slot includes a plurality of zigzag units. Feed signals are input to and output from the main body through the two connection bodies to generate quasi-transverse electric magnetic modes (QTEM) in the main body for transmitting wireless signals. The QTEM includes an odd mode and an even mode that are both capable of transmitting the wireless signals. When the odd mode and the even mode synchronously transmits the wireless signals, the slot adjusts a length of a transmission path of signals transmitted by the odd mode, such that the phase velocity of transmitting the wireless signals by the odd mode is adjusted to substantially equal to the phase velocity of transmitting the wireless signals by the even mode. |
| US08456366B2 |
Communications structures including antennas with separate antenna branches coupled to feed and ground conductors
A communications structure may include a ground plane, a ground conductor electrically coupled to the ground plane and extending from the ground plane, and a feed conductor. A first antenna branch may be electrically coupled to the ground conductor, with an electrical coupling between the first antenna branch and the ground conductor being spaced apart from an electrical coupling between the ground plane and the ground connector. A second antenna branch may be electrically coupled to the feed conductor, with the first and second antenna branches being spaced apart. In addition, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and/or receiver may be provided with the ground plane and the feed conductor being electrically coupled to the RF transmitter and/or receiver. |
| US08456364B2 |
Positioning of mobile objects based on mutually transmitted signals
Location estimation for a first target object assisted by a second target object, which have co-located signalling devices is provided. A positioning engine employs a data model of a location-dependent physical quantity and determines location probability distributions for the target objects. One signalling device sends positioning-assisting signals to the other which makes observations from it. The positioning engine uses observations on the physical quantity and the positioning-assisting signals to make a quantity observation set, and determines location probability distributions for the target objects. The positioning engine determines an updated first location probability distribution based on the location probability distributions and the positioning-assisting observation set. The positioning engine determines the location estimate for the first target object based on the updated first location probability distribution and triggers a physical action based on the location estimate for the first target object. |
| US08456363B2 |
Position detection device, position detection method and position detection program
The position detection device for detecting a position of a moving body in a predetermined environment, which includes a reception feature quantity generation unit 41 which obtains, from a base station which is disposed in the environment and receives identification information transmitted by radio communication from a mobile station attached to the moving body and a reference station disposed in each area defined in advance in the environment, the identification information and a reception intensity as of the reception of the identification information to generate a reception feature quantity which correlates the reception intensity related to each of the mobile station and the reference station with the base station, a position reception feature quantity generation unit 43 which generates a reception feature quantity of each area from the reception feature quantity related to the reference station taking into consideration a factor of a difference caused between generated reception feature quantities related to the mobile station and the reference station, a position reception feature quantity storage unit 45 which learns a generated reception feature quantity of each area and records the quantity together with position identification information, and a position determination unit 46 which searches the position reception feature quantity storage unit for a reception feature quantity most proximate to the generated reception feature quantity related to the mobile station and outputs corresponding position identification information as a position detection result. |
| US08456362B2 |
Receiving apparatus, radio communication system, position estimation method and program
There is provided a receiving apparatus including a plurality of receiving antennas, each of which receives a radio signal in which sub-carriers of different frequencies are multiplexed, a phase calculation unit that calculates a phase difference of each radio signal received by the plurality of receiving antennas from that of a reference signal for each of the sub-carriers contained in the radio signals, and a path difference calculation unit that calculates a path difference, which is a difference of distances from a transmitting antenna from which the radio signals are transmitted to any two receiving antennas of the plurality of receiving antennas, based on the phase difference calculated by the phase calculation unit. |
| US08456359B2 |
Continuous tracking counter for enabling cycle-slip free messages in a network of global navigation system satellite receivers
A method of communicating satellite tracking information among a network of global navigation satellite system receivers is described. The method includes determining at a first GNSS receiver which satellites in a constellation of satellites have been continuously tracked over a preceding selected time period, and for each such satellite determining its elevation with respect to the zenith. Only the elevation value for the lowest satellite in the set of satellites for which all satellites of higher elevation values have been continuously tracked over the selected time period is then transmitted to the second GNSS receiver. That receiver can then reconstruct the set of satellites which have been continuously tracked. |
| US08456357B2 |
Communication device, communication method, program and communication system
A communication device is provided which includes a positioning information receiving portion that receives positioning information, by wireless signal, from another communication device, the positioning information including first satellite orbit information that indicates respective orbits of a specific number of satellites and position information that indicates a position of the other communication device, an initialization processing portion that performs initialization processing that specifies, based on the positioning information received by the positioning information receiving portion, from among the specific number of satellites, a plurality of satellites transmitting satellite signals that can be received by the communication device. |
| US08456356B2 |
GNSS receiver and external storage device system and GNSS data processing method
A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection. |
| US08456353B2 |
Method and system for determining clock corrections
A satellite clock error is determined for each navigation satellite based on the pseudo-range code measurements, the carrier phase measurements, and broadcast satellite clock errors provided by a receiver network. Differences are determined between the computed satellite clock errors and the broadcast clock errors for each satellite. For each constellation, a clock reference satellite is selected from among the navigation satellites, where the clock reference satellite has the median value of clock error difference for that satellite constellation. A correction is determined for the broadcast clock error by applying a function of the reference satellite's clock error to the broadcast clock error for each satellite in the one or more constellations. |
| US08456347B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter
An analog-to-digital converter including a voltage generation unit and a plurality of sub ADCs, each including a selection unit for selecting a voltage generated by the voltage generation unit based on a number and forwarding the selected voltage to a comparator arrangement. The selection unit includes first and second switch layers. The first switch layer includes a plurality of switch groups, each including a plurality of switch devices, each connected to a unique output terminal of the voltage generation unit with a first terminal and to a common node of the switch group with a second terminal. The second switch layer includes a switch device between the common node of each switch group and the first output terminal of the selection unit and a switch device between the common node and the second output terminal of the selection unit. A control unit generates control signals for the switch devices. |
| US08456346B2 |
Data converter for converting waveform signal to digital data
A data converter includes a signal input port, a processing unit, and an output port. The signal input port includes a number of ports for connecting to corresponding ports of an electronic device and receiving waveform signals from the electronic device. The processing unit includes a port detection module for detecting which port of the signal input port is receiving the waveform signals and a data conversion module including a number of conversion sub-modules, each conversion sub-module corresponds to one port of the signal input port. When the port detection module detects the port receiving the waveform signals, the conversion sub-module corresponding to the detected port is enabled and converts the waveform signals to digital data. Then the output port outputs the digital data to a computer, and the communication state of the port of the electronic device is analyzed via the computer based on the digital data. |
| US08456342B2 |
Switch sequencing for code-range-specific linearity improvement in digital-to-analog converters
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) uses thermometer coding over a certain code range. A switch array for the certain code range is implemented into a smaller area of the integrated circuit die so as to take advantage of the lower gradient inherent in the smaller area. By implementing the certain input code range into the smaller switch array area, further improved linearity in that input code range is achieved at the expense of worse linearity in the other input code ranges, but without increasing power consumption and/or chip-area of the integrated circuit die. |
| US08456341B2 |
Three-level digital-to-analog converter
A system for processing a signal includes a detector configured to detect a two-level stream of bits; a converter configured to generate a three-level control signal based on two adjacent values within the two-level stream of bits; and a switch configured to determine which of three different paths to couple a current source to based on a value of the three-level control signal. Thus, based on adjacent values of the output stream a three-level control signal is generated which controls coupling of the current source to one of three different paths. This type of three-level digital-to-analog converter can be, for example, part of the feedback loop of an analog-to-digital converter. Similar techniques can also be utilized in a multi-segment digital-to-analog converter in which each segment of the DAC is controlled by a 3-level control signal and the DAC is implement using PMOS devices. The current source for each DAC segment is diverted to ground, the M-node, or the P-node depending on the value of the 3-level control signal. |
| US08456339B2 |
Delta sigma analogue to digital converter
A delta sigma analogue to digital converter comprising: an integrator having first and second differential inputs for receiving an input analogue signal, the integrator having differential outputs; a quantiser having first and second differential inputs which receive signals output by the integrator, and an output which provides a digital output signal of the delta sigma analogue to digital converter, and a digital to analogue converter. The digital to analogue converter has an input which is connected to an output of the delta sigma analogue to digital converter, and first and second differential outputs. The first output of the digital to analogue converter is connected to the first input of the integrator such that if the second output of the digital to analogue converter is not connected to the second input of the integrator and the second input of the integrator is connected to a fixed reference voltage the delta sigma analogue to digital converter is able to operate in a single-ended mode. |
| US08456336B1 |
Optical deserialization with gated detectors: system and method
A method of performing optical serial-to-parallel conversion of an optical signal includes performing phase modulation of the optical pulse stream and outputting a phase-modulated optical signal. Optical switching of the phase-modulated optical signal is performed by optical switches provided on a signal path. Optical switching of a reference optical clock signal is performed by optical switches provided on a reference path. I/Q demodulation of the optically switched phase-modulated optical signal respectively output by an optical switch is performed on the signal path at timings corresponding to the optically switched reference optical clock signal respectively output by an optical switch on the reference path, in which I and Q demodulated signals are output as a result thereof. Photodetection of the I and Q demodulated signals is then performed. |
| US08456335B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter
In a successive approximation ADC, resolution is limited because a distortion occurs in an A/D conversion result due to a voltage dependence of a sampling capacitance. An A/D converter includes a sampling capacitor part in which capacitors equal in capacitance value to each other are connected inversely, a successive approximation A/D conversion part that conducts A/D conversion on the sampling charge, a digital correction part that corrects capacitance variation of internal DAC capacitors in the successive approximation A/D conversion part, and a digital correction part that digitally corrects a third-order or more factor of a voltage dependence of the sampling charge. |
| US08456334B2 |
Variable-length code decoding apparatus, decoding system, and variable-length code decoding method
A variable-length code decoding apparatus has a first table storing part capable of converting the variable-length codes into first decoded data comprising successive zeros, a second table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code and for which corresponding decoded data comprises no zeros, a third table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code comprising a code length of N and for which corresponding decoded data comprises no zeros or capable of converting a combination of the variable-length codes, a bit shifting part configured to shift the input bitstream by a specific number of bits, a fourth table storing part capable of converting a variable-length code at a header of the bit-shifted input bitstream into fourth decoded data, a combining part configured to combine the second or the third decoded data and the fourth decoded data. |
| US08456332B2 |
Systems and methods for compression of logical data objects for storage
A compression system configured to compress logical data objects into one or more accommodation blocks with a predefined size, and a method of operating thereof are provided. The compression system includes a compression engine capable of compressing input data with the help of sequential encoding one or more input strings and a counter operatively coupled to the compression engine. The counter is configured to keep its ongoing value indicative of a number of input bytes in one or more strings successfully encoded into a given accommodation block; and, responsive to unsuccessful compression of a string into the given accommodation block, to provide the compression engine with information indicative of starting point in the input stream for encoding into the next accommodation block, thus giving rise to a “start indication.” |
| US08456331B2 |
System and method of compression and decompression
The disclosure relates to a system and a method for hardware encoding and decoding according to the Limpel Ziv STAC (LZS) and Deflate protocols based upon a configuration bit. |
| US08456330B2 |
Configurable buttons for electronic devices
Configurable buttons for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices are provided. A configurable button may have a button member that moves relative to a device housing when it is desired to activate a switch. The button may have an associated touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect when a user's finger touches a particular portion of the button member. Contact with only this portion of the button member is generally inadvertent, so an actuator may be used to prevent or otherwise restrict motion of the button relative to a device housing. This prevents inadvertent activation of the button when a user is manipulating portions of an electronic device such as clip or lid, but does not intend to depress the button. |
| US08456328B2 |
System and method for informing an aircraft operator about a temporary flight restriction in perspective view
A system for informing aircraft operators about a temporary flight restriction (“TFR”) includes, but is not limited to, a display unit that is adapted for attachment to an aircraft. The display unit is configured to display graphical images. A processor is communicatively connected to the display unit and is configured to control the display unit. A receiver is communicatively connected to the processor and is configured to receive a broadcast containing information relating to the TFR (“TFR information”) and to automatically provide the TFR information to the processor. The processor is further configured to automatically control the display unit to display a three dimensional representation of an airspace that is subject to the TFR relative to the position of the aircraft when the processor receives the TFR information from the receiver. |
| US08456327B2 |
Automatic vehicle equipment monitoring, warning, and control system
An automatic vehicle equipment control system and methods thereof are provided, the system includes at least one imager configured to acquire a continuous sequence of high dynamic range single frame images, a processor, a color spectral filter array including a plurality of color filters, at least a portion of which are different colors, and pixels of an imager pixel array being in optical communication with substantially one spectral color filter, and a lens, wherein the imager is configured to capture a non-saturated image of nearby oncoming headlamps and at least one of a diffuse lane marking and a distant tail lamp in one image frame of the continuous sequence of high dynamic range single frame images, and the system configured to detect at least one of said highway markings and said tail lamps, and quantify light from the oncoming headlamp from data in the one image frame. |
| US08456323B2 |
Lighting system control method
A lighting-system control method applied to the lighting-system including a light source and an ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device is provided. The method comprises steps of: determining a distance between an object and the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device by the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device according to a flight time of an ultrasonic-wave; changing a first light property of the light source when the object is detected moving toward the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device; and changing a second light property of the light source when the object is detected moving away from the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device. |
| US08456321B2 |
Circuit for checking the voltage of batteries
A circuit is for checking the voltage of a battery. The circuit includes a regulator component, a pnp type transistor, an npn transistor, a diode, and an alarm. The circuit activates an alarm when the voltage of the battery is less than a preset value. |
| US08456320B2 |
Feedback with front light
In one embodiment, a method for providing feedback for a page turn requested on a device is provided. The device may be an electronic book (e-book) device or another device that is configured to display electronic documents. A movement on the display of the device is detected. The method determines that a page turn of the document is being requested based on the movement on the display. The method determines a light-based feedback to indicate that a page turn is being processed. The computing time to process a page turn and display a new page may be slow as perceived by the user. Accordingly, the light-based feedback is used to indicate to the user that the page turn has been received. A plurality of light sources are used to provide the light-based feedback based on a location of the movement. For example, as a user swipes a finger across a display, light sources that follow the motion of the finger are illuminated to simulate a page turn. |
| US08456301B2 |
Analyte monitoring system and methods
Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed. |
| US08456300B2 |
Methods, electronic devices, and computer program products for generating presence information associated with a user of an electronic device based on environmental information
An electronic device includes an environmental sensor that is configured to obtain information associated with an environment surrounding the electronic device and a presence client module that is configured to generate a presence indicator associated with a user of the electronic device based on the information associated with the environment surrounding the electronic device. |
| US08456297B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for tracking movement on a map
A method includes: receiving location information for the portable electronic device; and entering a tracked mode of a mapping application. The tracked mode includes: displaying a map on the display with an orientation that is independent of a current orientation of the portable electronic device; displaying a current location icon on the map that corresponds to a current location of the portable electronic device; and maintaining the current location icon in a predefined area on the display as the current location of the portable electronic device changes. The method also includes moving the current location icon along a boundary of the predefined area on the display in accordance with movement of the current location of the portable electronic device. |
| US08456296B2 |
Assisted direction finding apparatus
The invention relates to a method for measuring and indicating a true direction of a tracked object. The invention also relates to an apparatus and a tracking system utilizing the method. The invention also relates to a direction determination circuitry and to a computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable code, which is utilized in the direction determination circuitry. In the method a radio-bearing device shows all the time on a display true directions wherefrom a radio-bearing have been taken. The direction of the maximum signal strength measurement is highlighted on the display. |
| US08456294B2 |
Mobile surveillance
In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant. |
| US08456286B2 |
User station for healthcare communication system
A user station configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system, is provided. |
| US08456284B2 |
Direction and holding-style invariant, symmetric design, and touch- and button-based remote user interaction device
A remote control unit selectively transmits a control signal for remotely controlling an electronic device. The unit defines an imaginary cut plane that substantially bisects the unit. The unit includes a plurality of input features collectively disposed symmetrically with respect to the imaginary cut plane. The input features include a first and second input feature. The first and second input features are disposed on opposite sides of the cut plane. Furthermore, the unit includes a sensor that detects a first and second holding position of the unit. The first holding position and the second holding position are substantially opposite to each other. Moreover, the unit includes a controller that associates the control signal with the first input feature when the sensor detects the first holding position, and the controller associates the control signal with the second input feature when the sensor detects the second holding position. |
| US08456283B2 |
Device and method for suppressing a transmitted signal in a receiver of an RFID writing/reading device
A device for operating an RFID writing/reading device with transmitted signal suppression includes the RFID writing/reading device and a reflection modulator. The RFID writing/reading device includes a transmitter, a receiver with a signal processor, a directional coupler with a first, a second, a third and a fourth port, and an antenna. The reflection modulator is connected to the fourth port of the directional coupler. The reflection modulator includes a first setting element and a second setting element. The reflection modulator is configured to reflect a copy of a transmitted signal from the RFID writing/reading device, the amplitude and phase of which copy have been weighted, to the directional coupler. The directional coupler is configured to add the weighted copy of the transmitted signal to a received signal from the antenna in the directional coupler. |
| US08456282B2 |
Synchronization of devices in a RFID communications environment
An adaptive wakeup methodology may be implemented to allow an radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to stay synchronized with periodic radio frequency (RF) interrogator polling signal while at the same time optimizing power consumption. A receiver (or transceiver) component of a RFID tag may only be operated when an interrogator polling signal is expected, and in a manner that reduces the amount of time between when the receiver or transceiver is turned on and when the interrogator polling signal is received (i.e., the receive buffer time). At other times, the RFID tag may be placed in a low power consumption sleep state. The amount of time that the RFID tag spends in such a low power sleep state before waking and receiving the following interrogator polling signal may also be optionally adjusted, e.g., to fit characteristics of a given situation and/or to re-synchronize a given aRFID tag with first band transmissions from an aRFIDI. |
| US08456278B1 |
Communicating within a wireless security system
Techniques are provided that enable a wireless security system that is designed to detect and receive wireless transmissions in one protocol, to use sensor-transmitters that operate in a different protocol. The techniques involve, generally, the use of an integration device, and in some implementations, first enrolling sensor-transmitters of a first protocol into the integration device, along with device type information for the sensor-transmitters. Thereafter, during system operation, transmissions with message packets in the first message packet protocol are received by the integration device, recognized as having been previously enrolled, and a message packet in a second message packet protocol that includes device type information is then formulated and transmitted by the integration device, for receipt by a system control device for the wireless security system. In some scenarios, an enrollment process need not be done in the integration device, and the integration device is utilized in the communication process. |
| US08456277B2 |
Locking cylinder and closing method
A locking cylinder is proposed for installation in a lock, with a locking element for actuating a lock bolt or the like, and an actuating element, preferably a knob, wherein the actuating element is normally disengaged from the locking element, and with a coupling for connecting the locking element to the actuating element after receiving an identification code from an associated transponder.An electromechanical converter is associated with the actuating element, which converter converts an actuation of the actuating element into electrical energy which is used to support the wireless communication with the transponder and/or the engaging of the coupling when a valid identification signal is received. |
| US08456276B2 |
Remote control devices and method for preventing accidental operation thereof
A remote control device and method, the remote control being changeable between an unlocked state and a locked state includes a communicating unit for allowing the remote control device to communicate with and remotely control a controlled apparatus and a processor electronically connected with the communicating unit. The processor is configured for unlocking the remote control device from the locked state, such that the remote control device communicates with and remotely control the controlled apparatus, and is configured for locking the remote control device into the locked state, such that communication between the remote control device and the controlled apparatus is disabled the remote control device cannot remotely control the controller apparatus. A method for preventing accidental operations of the remote control device is also disclosed. |
| US08456275B2 |
Electric wiring system of a motor vehicle with replaceable cryptographic key and/or certificate
An electric wiring system of a motor vehicle with control devices that communicate with each other via a data bus, and with at least a first communication apparatus inside the vehicle for data exchange with a remote communication station outside the vehicle via a communication channel is provided. To make an authentication of the electric wiring system possible, the first remote communication station outside the vehicle transmits at least one cryptographic key and/or at least one certificate for storage in a first control device of the plurality of control devices via the communication channel to the communication apparatus inside the vehicle. The first control device stores the at least one key and/or the at least one certificate in coded or decoded form and the at least one key and/or the at least one certificate is/are used at least in the framework of an authentication. |
| US08456274B2 |
Systems and methods for automated wireless authorization for entry into a geographic area
A method for automatic electronic authorization for entry into a geographic area based on detection of a mobile station operable on a Global System for Mobile communications network, comprises: transmitting, by a transmitter associated with a toll base station, a signal indicating the presence of the toll base station; detecting, by a receiver associated with the toll base station, a request by a mobile station to connect to the toll base station; transmitting, by the transmitter, an identity request signal to the mobile station; detecting an identity response signal that identifies the mobile station; determining the identity of a subscriber associated with the mobile station based on the detected identity response signal and authorizing the subscriber to enter the geographic area based on the determined subscriber identity. |
| US08456270B2 |
Thermally actuated multiple output thermal switch device
A multiple output thermal switch device comprises a first switch unit having upper and lower surfaces, and a second switch unit having upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of terminal posts partially protrude from the upper surfaces of the first and second switch units. A locating plate supports the first and second switch units, with the locating plate having a top wall and a side wall that define a chamber. First and second actuator buttons protrude from the lower surfaces of the first and second switch units. A bimetallic plate is disposed in the chamber and is configured to contact the first and second actuator buttons when a predetermined temperature is reached. A case surrounds the first and second switch units, and the locating plate. The case has a bottom wall with a temperature sensing surface. The thermal switch device is selectable such that two set points are obtainable from a single snap-action of the bimetallic plate toward the first and second actuator buttons. |
| US08456269B2 |
Coil bobbin for superconducting magnetic energy storage
Disclosed herein is a coil bobbin for a superconducting magnetic energy storage. The coil bobbin includes coil bobbin frames, superconducting coils, first support plates, second support plates and a center frame. The coil bobbin frames are provided in such a way as to face each other. The superconducting coils are wound around the respective coil bobbin frames. The first support plates are provided on surfaces of the respective coil bobbin frames that are on faces that are opposite to the surfaces between the coil bobbin frames that face each other. The second support plates are provided on the respective facing surfaces of the coil bobbin frames. The center frame is disposed between the second support plates and has an annular plate shape having a thickness that is gradually reduced towards a center of the toroidal arrangement. |
| US08456264B2 |
Stationary induction apparatus
In a stationary induction apparatus, an inter-partial-coil insulating plate and a plurality of inter-partial-coil spacer insulators form a refrigerant flow path in conjunction with each other. A space having an inter-partial-coil insulation dimension for withstanding an abnormal voltage is formed between a pair of partial coils. The inter-partial-coil insulating plate and the inter-partial-coil spacer insulators support both the pair of partial coils at an insulated state so as to maintain the inter-partial-coil insulation dimension. The insulators are arranged so as to be overlapped with each other in the direction in which mutually adjacent partial coils are opposed to each other. |
| US08456259B2 |
Portable actuator
Disclosed are various embodiments for a portable actuator for actuating a trip button and a close button of a circuit breaker. In one embodiment, the trip button is actuated by a linear actuator that transmits rotation forces produced by a motor to the trip button in response to a trip signal. The close button is actuated by a rotating arm that uses an anti-friction roller to apply a rotating motion to the close button in response to a close signal. The portable actuator is configured to receive the input signals from a remote location with a remote controller that is in electronic communication with the portable actuator. |
| US08456258B2 |
Bulk acoustic wave resonator disposed on a substrate having a buried cavity formed therein providing different substrate thicknesses underneath the resonator
A resonant device including a stack of a first metal layer, a piezoelectric material layer, and a second metal layer formed on a silicon substrate, a cavity being formed in depth in the substrate, the thickness of the silicon above the cavity having at least a first value in a first region located opposite to the center of the stack, having a second value in a second region located under the periphery of the stack and having at least a third value in a third region surrounding the second region, the second value being greater than the first and the third values. |
| US08456257B1 |
Bulk acoustic wave devices and method for spurious mode suppression
A bulk acoustic wave resonator desirably suppressing spurious modes includes a frame-like structure of mass loading contacting one electrode, wherein the frame-like structure is defined within inner and outer boundaries and wherein a central area extends through the resonator within an envelope of the inner boundary and a border region extends through the resonator within the inner and outer boundaries of the frame-like structure. A second electrode is positioned within the envelope and substantially missing from within the border region. A layer of piezoelectric material is embedded between the first and second electrodes. An active resonator area is substantially within the central area. The resonator structure is carried on a substrate and an acoustically reflective mirror having multiple and alternating layers of low and high acoustic impedance material. |
| US08456254B2 |
Acoustic wave filter device
An acoustic wave filter device includes plural filter circuits between an input terminal and an output terminal. Plural inductors are connected in series in a series arm that connects the input terminal and the output terminal, and plural first acoustic wave resonators are connected between the series arm and a ground potential. Each of the filter circuits includes at least one of the inductors and one of the first acoustic wave resonators. A second acoustic wave resonator in the series arm connects adjacent filter circuits. The acoustic wave filter device has a pass band lower than a trap band, steep attenuation characteristics in a range from the pass band to the trap band, and is capable of providing a large amount of attenuation in the trap band. |
| US08456253B2 |
Microstrip to waveguide coupler having a broadened end portion with a non-conductive slot for emitting RF waves
The invention relates to a microstrip coupler for coupling a radio frequency, RF, wave into a waveguide. The microstrip coupler comprises a conductive microstrip line having a broadened end portion, and a non-conductive slot (105) following the broadened end portion to form an antenna for irradiating the RF wave. |
| US08456252B2 |
Dual in-situ mixing for extended tuning range of resonators
A dual in-situ mixing approach for extended tuning range of resonators. In one embodiment, a dual in-situ mixing device tunes an input radio-frequency (RF) signal using a first mixer, a resonator body, and a second mixer. In one embodiment, the first mixer is coupled to receive the input RF signal and a local oscillator signal. The resonator body receives the output of the first mixer, and the second mixer is coupled to receive the output of the resonator body and the local oscillator signal to provide a tuned output RF signal as a function of the frequency of local oscillator signal. |
| US08456251B2 |
Phase-controlled oscillator
An adjustable-frequency oscillator, is formed by two looped systems, functioning at the same frequency but the signals are phase shifted by 90°. Each looped system includes a phase shift device, an active element providing the gain and a resonator having a fixed phase-frequency characteristic. As the phase shift in each loop is imperatively a whole multiple of 2π, the phase shift added in each loop by the phase shift device entails that each resonator introduces a complementary phase shift to comply with the oscillation criterion. This complementary phase shift is produced at a frequency defined by the resonator, this then defining the frequency of oscillation. The frequency is adjusted by two phase shift stages, which carry out the analogue multiplication of the signals coming from the two looped systems by control voltages and the summing of these products. |
| US08456247B2 |
Monitoring negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) and/or positive bias temperature instability (PBTI)
A ring oscillator circuit for measurement of negative bias temperature instability effect and/or positive bias temperature instability effect includes a ring oscillator having first and second rails, and an odd number (at least 3) of repeating circuit structures. Each of the repeating circuit structures in turn includes an input terminal and an output terminal; a first p-type transistor having a gate, a first drain-source terminal coupled to the first rail, and a second drain source terminal selectively coupled to the output terminal; a first n-type transistor having a gate, a first drain-source terminal coupled to the second rail, and a second drain source terminal selectively coupled to the output terminal; and repeating-circuit-structure control circuitry. The ring oscillator circuit also includes a voltage supply and control block. |
| US08456242B2 |
Frequency locked loop
A locked loop circuit includes an oscillator and an extrapolator. The oscillator generates an output signal in response to a control value. The extrapolator determines, based on a first state of the oscillator and a transfer function of the oscillator the control value for the oscillator to transition the oscillator to a second operating state. |
| US08456241B1 |
Method and apparatus for improving amplifier linearity
Aspects of the disclosure provide an amplifier. The amplifier includes a first path, a second path and a drain bias circuit. The first path includes a first transistor that operates in a saturation region to generate a first current in response to an input signal. The first current has a first polarity third-order coefficient. The second path includes a second transistor that generates a second current in response to the input signal. The drain bias circuit is configured to bias a drain terminal of the second transistor separately from the first transistor such that the second transistor operates in a linear region to generate the second current having a second polarity third-order coefficient. The second current is combined with the first current to reduce a third-order inter-modulation in the combined current. |
| US08456235B2 |
Regulator circuit
The present invention is contrived to adopt a differential pair type amplifier circuit comprising a differential pair constituted by a first transistor receiving an input of a first signal and by a second transistor receiving an input of a third signal generated by outputting a second signal of which the voltage level is a power supply voltage. Elements requiring a matching are two transistors constituting the differential pair for the amplifier circuit. Because of this, the elements requiring a matching can be placed close to each other regardless of a layout between the amplifier circuits. |
| US08456233B2 |
Chopper
A chopper comprises a differential difference amplifier, a first switch, and a second switch. The differential difference amplifier comprises a first input stage and a second input stage. The first input stage comprises a non-inverting input terminal and an inverting input terminal. The second input stage comprises a non-inverting input terminal and an inverting input terminal. The first switch is operable to receive a first input voltage and a second input voltage and selectively transfer the first input voltage to one of the non-inverting input terminal of the first input stage and the non-inverting input terminal of the second input stage. The second switch is operable to receive a third input voltage and a fourth input voltage and selectively transfer the third input voltage to one of the inverting input terminal of the first input stage and the inverting input terminal of the second input stage. |
| US08456221B2 |
Voltage operation system
A voltage operation system includes: a power on reset circuit, a voltage detecting circuit, an operating signal generating circuit, and an electronic fuse circuit. The power on reset circuit is used for generating a power on reset signal. The voltage detecting circuit detects an operating voltage to output a voltage detecting signal. The operating signal generating circuit, coupled to the power on reset circuit and the voltage detecting circuit-outputs an operating signal. The electronic fuse circuit can be fused according to a lock signal, a fuse signal, and the operating signal. |
| US08456218B2 |
Half-bridge circuits employing normally on switches and methods of preventing unintended current flow therein
A method for rendering a half-bridge circuit containing normally on switches such as junction field effect transistors (JFETs) inherently safe from uncontrolled current flow is described. The switches can be made from silicon carbide or from silicon. The methods described herein allow for the use of better performing normally on switches in place of normally off switches in integrated power modules thereby improving the efficiency, size, weight, and cost of the integrated power modules. As described herein, a power supply can be added to the gate driver circuitry. The power supply can be self starting and self oscillating while being capable of deriving all of its source energy from the terminals supplying electrical potential to the normally on switch through the gate driver. The terminal characteristics of the normally on switch can then be coordinated to the input-to-output characteristics of the power supply. |
| US08456214B2 |
State retention circuit and method of operation of such a circuit
A state retention circuit is provided comprising a pulse generator which is configured in a non-retention mode of operation to be responsive to a clock signal to periodically assert a pulse, and a storage structure that comprises a storage element for storing state and an isolation structure for responding to the asserted pulse. In particular, the isolation structure is responsive to the asserted pulse to cause the storage element to update its stored state dependent on an input to the storage structure. Conversely, in the absence of the asserted pulse, the isolation structure isolates the storage element from the input. The pulse generator can be driven by a retention control signal to enter a retention mode of operation, during which it does not assert the pulse irrespective of changes in the clock signal. As a result, the isolation structure isolates the storage element from the input during the retention mode of operation, causing the storage element to retain its stored state prior to entry of the retention mode of operation irrespective of changes in the clock signal or changes in the input during the retention mode of operation. Such a design provides a clock independent pulse retention storage structure of small area, high performance and low energy consumption. |
| US08456211B2 |
Slew rate control circuit and method thereof and slew rate control device
A slew rate control circuit is provided. The slew rate control circuit includes at least one switch and an inverter. A first end of the switch is coupled to a power terminal. A toggle end of the switch is coupled to a first control terminal. A second end of the switch is coupled to an output terminal. An output end of the inverter is coupled to the output terminal. An input end of the inverter is coupled to an input terminal. A voltage at the first control terminal conducts the switch to reduce the slew rate when a large voltage variation occurs at the output terminal. A method of controlling a slew rate and a slew rate control device are provided. |
| US08456203B2 |
Multiphase clock generation circuit
A multiphase clock generation circuit includes: a first frequency divider to generate a first intermediate clock and a second intermediate clock; a second frequency divider to generate output clocks of a first group including a first output clock and a second output clock; a third frequency divider to generate output clocks of a second group including a third output clock and a fourth output clock; a selector to supply one of the second intermediate clock and a value to the third frequency divider in response to a switching signal; an error detection circuit to detect an error in a phase relationship between the output clock of the first group and the output clock of the second group; and a re-reset circuit to output the switching signal to the selector based on the error. |
| US08456198B2 |
Radiation tolerant complementary cascode switch using non-radiation hardened transistors
A power switching circuit designed for operating in a radiation environment using non-radiation hardened components is provided. The power switching circuit provides a high-voltage rated, non-radiation hardened N-channel FET (N-FET) controlled by a relatively small, low-voltage, non-radiation hardened P-channel FET (P-FET), while both devices are operating in a radiation environment. The P-FET device is drive by a sufficiently high drive voltage in order to overcome gate threshold shifts resulting from accumulated radiation damage. |
| US08456196B2 |
High-speed comparator
Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing voltage comparison adapted to operate at high-speeds and over a relatively large range of supply voltages. |
| US08456192B2 |
Permutable switching network with enhanced interconnectivity for multicasting signals
In one embodiment, the integrated circuit has a L-level permutable switching network (L-PSN) comprising L levels of intermediate conductors. The integrated circuit can be used in electronic devices, such as switching networks, routers, and programmable logic circuits, etc. |
| US08456183B2 |
Electronic component contactor, apparatus for testing electronic component, and method for testing electronic component
An electronic component contactor includes a plurality of contact pins, a housing that encases and determines positions of the plurality of contact pins, and a buffer member that buffers against the behavior of the contact pins. The contact pins each includes a base portion, a stretch portion that stretches from the base portion in an arc shape, a contact portion that is formed in the stretch portion, and a load receiving portion. The housing includes a support base in which a surface supporting the buffer member is formed to be flat. The buffer member is formed in a sheet-like shape. A portion of the buffer member that faces the load receiving portion is supported by the support base. |
| US08456182B2 |
Current localization tracker
A method includes positioning body-electrodes in galvanic contact with a body of a patient and positioning a mapping-tool, having a mapping-electrode, in a plurality of regions in the body. The method further includes tracking the mapping-tool at different positions in each of the regions using a location-measuring system, and for each region, generating a respective set of calibration-currents between the body-electrodes and the mapping-electrode at the different positions in the region. A respective relation is derived for each region between the respective set of the calibration-currents and the different positions, and is used in determining the location of an investigation-tool in response to the different respective relations and investigation-tool-currents. |
| US08456181B2 |
Measurement circuit for power supply
A measurement circuit includes a switch unit with a number of keys selectively pressed to output different resistance regulating signals. A resistance setting circuit receives the resistance regulating signals and connects different resistances to a control circuit. The control circuit obtains a voltage according to the chosen resistance by the resistance setting circuit and compares the voltage with a preset voltage. If the voltage is greater than the preset voltage, the control circuit outputs a high level signal to a control pin of a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller, to control a voltage unit to output a voltage. If the voltage is less than the preset voltage, the control circuit outputs a low level signal to the control pin of the PWM controller, to control the voltage unit to not output a voltage. A display unit displays the chosen resistance. |
| US08456178B2 |
Method and device for inductive conductivity measurements of a fluid medium
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include methods and devices for the electromagnetic (inductive) measurement of the conductivity of liquids by immersing a sensor into the liquid, wherein the sensor includes at least 2 toroidal cores, one of said cores carrying an excitation coil and the other core carrying an induction coil. Exemplary methods include converting the induced current at the induction coil into an alternating square-wave voltage, followed by rectification. A sample-hold circuit may be employed to avoid the transition time of the alternating square-wave current conversion. The demodulated DC voltage is proportional to the conductivity of the measured liquid. |
| US08456172B2 |
Measurement circuit for capacitor
A measurement circuit includes a switch unit with a number of keys selectively pressed to output different resistance regulating signals. A resistance setting circuit receives the resistance regulating signals and connects different resistances to a voltage circuit and a current circuit. The voltage circuit outputs different voltages. The current voltage receives a voltage from the voltage circuit and outputs a current to a capacitor. A detecting circuit measures a temperature of the capacitor and outputs the temperature to the resistance setting circuit. The resistance setting circuit compares the received temperature with a preset temperature. If the received temperature is equal to or greater than the preset temperature, the resistance setting circuit outputs short-circuit information of the capacitor. If the received temperature is less than the preset temperature, the resistance setting circuit outputs normal information of the capacitor. A display unit displays the information of the capacitor. |
| US08456169B2 |
High speed measurement of random variation/yield in integrated circuit device testing
A test structure is provided that utilizes a time division sampling technique along with a statistical modeling technique that uses metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) saturation and linear characteristics to measure the mean (average) and sigma (statistical characterization of the variation) of a large population of electrical characteristics of electrical devices (e.g., integrated circuits) at high speed. Such electrical characteristics or sampling parameters include drive currents, leakage, resistances, etc. |
| US08456167B2 |
Ionisation vacuum gauges and gauge heads
A gauge head (10) for an ionisation vacuum gauge includes an electrical device (12, 28, 54) operable to provide an electrical discharge in a gas whose pressure is to be measured to initiate ion discharge in the gas. |
| US08456166B2 |
Single-well through casing induction logging tool
Methods and related systems are described for making electromagnetic measurements of a subterranean rock formation through a conductive casing of a borehole. A number of transmitters/receivers are deployed into single well having a conductive casing. A magnetic field is induced through the conductive casing and into a surrounding subterranean rock formation, and the magnetic field is detected by the receivers. The receivers have main windings, feedback winding and bucking windings. One of the receiver coils in the tool string is excited at a time, and induced voltages at all of the other receiver coils, either in straight mode, or in feedback mode, are measured. |
| US08456158B2 |
Detecting method and dielectric particles containing magnetic material employed in the detecting method
A magnetic binding substance, which is a first binding substance that specifically binds with a target substance, having magnet enveloping dielectric particles, which have magnetic particles enveloped therein and surfaces modified with functional groups that exhibit polarity within a liquid sample, attached thereto, and a labeling binding substance, which is a second binding substance that specifically binds with the target substance having photoresponsive labels attached thereto, are mixed with the liquid sample such that binding reactions occur. A magnetic field is generated within a sample cell, to draw the magnetic binding substance to a local region. Excitation light is irradiated only onto a predetermined region including the local region while the magnetic binding substance is drawn to the local region, causing the photoresponsive labels present therein to generate optical signals. The optical signals are detected. |
| US08456151B2 |
Measurement sensor, method for analyzing a nonpolar liquid, method for manufacturing a measurement sensor
A measurement sensor for analyzing a nonpolar liquid contains a field effect transistor that has an exposed gate contact for wetting with the nonpolar liquid, and an electrical shield that surrounds the gate contact and has openings for inflow and outflow of the nonpolar liquid. |
| US08456148B2 |
Regulator circuit and RFID tag including the same in wireless communication to improve noise margin
One object of the present invention is to provide a regulator circuit with an improved noise margin. In a regulator circuit including a bias circuit generating a reference voltage on the basis of the potential difference between a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal, and a voltage regulator outputting a potential to an output terminal on the basis of a reference potential input from the bias circuit, a bypass capacitor is provided between a power supply terminal and a node to which a gate of a transistor included in the bias circuit is connected. |
| US08456143B2 |
DC-DC converter and semiconductor integrated circuit for controlling power source
A control technology which eliminates the need for changing the switching frequency even under light load where the on-time of a drive switching element becomes shorter than a minimum on-time dependent on the characteristics of the circuit in a synchronous rectification switching regulator. The synchronous rectification switching regulator includes a drive switching element for storing energy in a coil by applying a DC input voltage from a DC power supply to an inductor and permitting a current to flow, and a rectification switching element for rectifying the current of the inductor during an energy discharge period where the drive switching element is turned off. The timing for turning off the rectification switching element under light load is delayed so as to store energy in the inductor from the output, and the on-time is controlled to become longer as the load becomes lighter by the output from an error amplifier. |
| US08456139B2 |
Power factor correction circuits, systems and power supplies operable with different input voltages
A cost effective solution for power factor correction in power devices operating at two widely separated input voltages comprises two unequal power rails. One power rail is optimized for operation at high line voltage only, while the other power rail is designed only for low line voltage. When operating at high line voltage, the second rail is disabled. At low line, both power rails are enabled but by virtue of unequal boost inductors, the high line power rail handles only about 30% of the power while the low line power rail handles the remaining power. Hence, the efficiency at high line voltage is maximized. As the inductance used in the high line power rail is much higher in value, it stays in continuous conduction mode for all load conditions and hence the power factor is significantly improved. |
| US08456138B2 |
Programmable high voltage energy saving system
A programmable system includes a first level protection circuit comprised of discharge tube CR1/ CR2 and piezoresistor MOV1/MOV2 in series; a second-level protection circuit comprised of the series arm of capacitor C1 and resistor R1 in parallel with a transient voltage suppression diode TVS1, and inductors L1/L2 connected to the ends of first level and second-level protection circuits respectively. A control circuit includes a PWM driver module and a SCM. The PWM driver module is connected to the PWM control port of the SCM and its output is connected to an IGBT module. The control circuit is also connected to a series communication module and to a user interface. The features of the invention are: strong-shock resistance; a wide range of load adaptability; and ability of accurately and steplessly regulating and adjusting with high frequency and high power load. |
| US08456137B2 |
Current sensing circuit disconnect device and method
A device and method are provided for mechanically breaking a circuit in a battery charging device when the charger is determined to be in a standby or idle mode of operation, after which the circuit must be manually reset in order to further use the device. |
| US08456136B2 |
Method and apparatus for battery gauging in portable terminal
A method and apparatus for battery gauging in a portable terminal are provided. In the battery gauging method, it is determined in a low-power mode whether a listening interval occurs for detecting the presence of a received signal. The remaining battery capacity is detected if the listening interval occurs. An interrupt signal is transmitted to the second processor, operating in a low-power mode, if the remaining battery capacity is less than or equal to a threshold. Upon receipt of the interrupt signal, the second processor wakes up to interrupt the power of the portable terminal. |
| US08456135B2 |
High voltage output monitoring device and system for a power battery
A high voltage output monitoring device and system of a power battery comprises a monitoring module, a control module and a central processor module, wherein the monitoring module carries out high voltage output monitoring, pre-charge monitoring and relay switching times monitoring; the control module controls a relay switch; the central processor module carries out processing and analysis of monitor signals, packs relay state signals, sends the packed relay state signals to a battery management system (8), prognosticates a relay health condition, sends alarming signals to the battery management system (8), judges the pre-charge state, controls a high voltage system to be opened or closed, receives the control of the battery management system, and forces the high voltage system to be opened or closed. By using the monitoring device of the present invention, it is feasible to prognosticate the lift of high voltage relay, send the relay health alarm signal in real time and to avoid the relay from causing hazard when it is damaged and cannot be closed; Furthermore, it is favorable for extending the life of battery by monitoring and controlling the pre-charge state of power battery. |
| US08456128B2 |
Multi output inverter
The present invention relates to a multi output inverter that is adapted to supply mains powered appliances (47-49) and/or poly-phase motors (50, 51). The inverter is also adapted to reduce ripple current. |
| US08456126B2 |
Motor control system and motor control method
There is provided a motor control system and motor control method which can shorten settling time by restraining vibration and deviation relative to an advancing direction during operation. Moreover, according to the present invention, it is possible to cause a motor to be operated with an ideal track and, since it is possible to always monitor a present position, it is made easy to cause a plurality of axes to be synchronously operated. The motor control system is provided with a unit generating command waveforms from a jerk data which has significant effects on the vibration relative to the advancing direction, and a unit performing a real time real position control of regenerating future command waveforms according to a deviation amount, while always performing jerk-limit, whereby the vibration and the deviation relative to the advancing direction when the motor operates at high speed are restrained. |
| US08456125B2 |
Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus
A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris. |
| US08456118B2 |
Circuit and method for driving motor
A cycle counter generates a cycle signal which indicates, in the form of a digital value, the cycle of Hall signals H+ and H− that indicate the position of a rotor of a motor to be driven. An up/down counter repeatedly alternates between counting “up” and counting “down” upon detecting phase transitions that occur in the Hall signals, and generates a digital driving waveform signal having a sloping region the slope of which is set according to the cycle signal. A D/A converter receives the driving waveform signal, and converts the driving waveform signal thus received into an analog voltage. A driving unit supplies a driving voltage to the motor according to the analog voltage thus received. |
| US08456115B2 |
Method and system for controlling an electric motor with variable switching frequency at variable operating speeds
A data processor establishes a first range of rotational speeds of a rotor of the motor from a first lower limit to a first higher limit and a second range of rotational speeds from a second lower limit to a second higher limit. A hysteresis band or a rotational range of speeds is established such that during operation in the first range the first higher limit is adjusted (e.g., raised by a first amount to be greater than the second lower limit). A sensor detects or measures a rotational speed of a rotor of the motor. The data processor determines whether the measured rotational speed falls within the first range or the second range, as adjusted by the hysteresis band, to identify a selected speed range. A switching frequency of a pulse-width modulation signal is varied in accordance with the selected speed range. |
| US08456111B2 |
Linear drive for sliding doors or the like
A linear drive based on linear motors, for panels, in particular sliding doors, movable along a respective travel path. A linear drive for at least one panel, in particular a sliding door leaf, movable along a travel path, has at least one linear motor for this at least one panel. The linear motor is provided with a stator member and a carriage. Furthermore, the linear drive has a control circuit. The control circuit is adapted to stop the linear motor in the event of failure of power supply to the linear motor, by switching-off the linear motor and operating it as a generator. Thereupon, in terms of its displaceability, this movable panel is enabled by the control circuit. In addition, the linear drive has a switch for switching-off the energy supply to the at least one linear motor. |
| US08456104B2 |
Variable backlight control for bezel
A method and system provide for dynamic control of backlighting of a light-transmissive bezel of a display device. A color control signal is received and processed by a processor and control element of the display device to generate a backlighting control signal and transmit the backlighting control signal to the backlighting element of the display device. The backlighting element generates a backlighting color to illuminate the light-transmissive bezel in accordance with the received backlighting control signal; the backlighting control signal adaptively controls the type and the duration of the backlighting color as determined by the color control signal received by the processor and control element. |
| US08456102B2 |
Illumination control apparatus
An illumination control apparatus configured to control brightness of a plurality of illumination devices that is provided in a plurality of sections, respectively, includes: a detection unit configured to detect presence or absence of a person in each of the plurality of sections based on an output of a video camera configured to take images of the plurality of sections; and a control unit configured to turn on an illumination device of a detected section among the plurality of illumination devices, the detected section being a section where a person is detected, turn off an illumination device of a section other than the detected section and an adjacent section among the plurality of illumination devices, the adjacent section being a section adjacent to the detected section, and control brightness of the illumination device of the adjacent section so that illuminance of the detected section becomes predetermined illuminance. |
| US08456098B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficiently powering digital electronic nodes on a single conductor current line
Direct current circuits always require a voltage source consisting of a positive voltage and a ground. To power a plurality of a direct current circuit nodes one must traditionally supply a power supply line and a ground line to each circuit node. To simplify wiring, a single conductor system of powering a plurality of circuit nodes is disclosed wherein each circuit node has only two external connections and the circuit nodes are coupled in series. Specifically, each individual circuit node has an integrated circuit and a capacitor. A power circuit within the integrated circuit then directs current from an input into the capacitor to create a local power supply and shunts current from the input to an output when not directing current into the capacitor. |
| US08456097B2 |
Modified dimming LED driver
A driver circuit produces variable current output for an LED lighting system providing improved dimming capability and greater power efficiency when responding to industry standard lighting dimmers through the use of an input voltage monitoring circuit which variably controls the current output of a switching regulator. Output current modulation methods such as analog, PWM, Pulse Frequency Modulation, or other digital modulation, and combination or hybrid may be employed. The current invention marries such output modulation techniques with a control method which is derived through intelligent monitoring of the input voltage waveform. The circuit and method described is adapted to higher current applications such as LED lighting systems using the latest high-power LEDs. |
| US08456094B2 |
Light emitting device open/short detection circuit
The present invention discloses a light emitting device open/short detection circuit, which is used for detecting at least one light emitting device string open/short. Each light emitting device string has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to a voltage supply circuit to supply electrical power to the light emitting devices. The open/short detection circuit includes: an abnormal voltage detection circuit coupled to the light emitting device strings for receiving voltages of the second ends respectively and generating an abnormal voltage detection signal; a voltage setting circuit coupled to the abnormal voltage detection circuit for setting an abnormal reference level; and a determination circuit coupled to the voltage setting circuit. When the abnormal voltage detection signal is equal to or over the abnormal reference level, the determination circuit generates an open/short detection signal for an abnormal condition detected. |
| US08456091B2 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining constant color temperature of a fluorescent lamp
A system to allow a fluorescent lamp to be dimmed or otherwise improve color performance of the lamp while maintaining a constant spectral distribution. In one embodiment, the lamp will dim in light output and not shift in color temperature. An LED array is positioned under a fluorescent lamp such that its light injects back into the lamp that part of the color spectrum that diminishes as a fluorescent lamp dims. The LED array is positioned centrally along the underside of the lamp. The light from the LED is never directly visible but shines through the lamp; the lamp acting as a diffuser. The brightness level of the LEDs can be determined as a preset level relative to a predetermined dim setting or can be regulated through an electronic monitoring sensor. The monitoring could evaluate the shift in color spectrum and or intensity and render the appropriate injection of light spectrum to maintain a constant unwavering color temperature. |
| US08456087B2 |
High-pressure sodium vapor discharge lamp with hybrid antenna
A discharge lamp includes a body portion having inner and outer body walls and first and second ends. The inner body wall defines at least part of a cavity located between the first and second ends. First and second end parts have inner end-part and outer end-part walls and a hole extending between the inner end-part wall and the outer end-part wall. The first and second end parts are each located, at least in part, within the cavity and separate from each other so as to maintain a gas under pressure. First and second electrodes are included in the cavity. An antenna has first and second antenna ends and is formed on the outer body wall of the body portion and the outer end-part wall of at least one of the first and second end parts. The antenna is not directly connected to the first and second electrodes. |
| US08456081B2 |
Ultrabright fluorescent OLEDS using triplet sinks
A first device is provided. The first device further comprises an organic light emitting device. The organic light emitting device further comprises an anode, a cathode, and an emissive layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The emissive layer further comprises an organic host compound, an organic emitting compound capable of fluorescent emission at room temperature, and an organic dopant compound. The triplet energy of the dopant compound is lower than the triplet energy of the host compound. The dopant compound does not strongly absorb the fluorescent emission of the emitting compound. |
| US08456079B2 |
Luminous device
Provided is a means for improving the capability of injecting electrons from a cathode in a luminous element and solving problems about the production process thereof. In the present invention, a material having a smaller work function than a cathode material is used to form an inorganic conductive layer between the cathode and an organic compound layer. In this way, the capability of injecting electrons from the cathode can be improved. Furthermore, the film thereof can be thicker than that of a conventional cathode buffer layer formed by using an insulating material. Therefore, the film thickness can easily be controlled, and a decrease in production costs and an improvement in yield can be achieved. |
| US08456077B2 |
Lamp device comprising illuminates surrounded by solid particles comprising a particle number density gradient in a direction away from the illuminates
A lamp device comprising illuminant, which emits a primary radiation on applying a voltage thereto and solid particles, at least partly enclosing the illuminant and which interact with the primary radiation. The particle number density changes in at least one direction away from the illuminant from a first particle number density to a second particle number density. |
| US08456076B2 |
Electron emitting source and manufacturing method of electron emitting source
An electron emitting source capable of preventing increase in an inter-terminal resistance and a manufacturing method of the electron emitting source. The electron emitting source comprises an electron emitting chip made of rare-earth hexaboride, and a heater constituted by a carbonaceous member for holding and heating the electron emitting chip, wherein an electrically conductive substance is provided in a gap between the electron emitting chip and the heater. |
| US08456073B2 |
Field emission devices including nanotubes or other nanoscale articles
The present invention provides devices comprising an assembly of carbon nanotubes, and related methods. In some cases, the carbon nanotubes may have enhanced alignment. Devices of the invention may comprise features and/or components which may enhance the emission of electrons and may lower the operating voltage of the devices. Using methods described herein, carbon nanotube assemblies may be manufactured rapidly, at low cost, and over a large surface area. Such devices may be useful in display applications such as field emission devices, or other applications requiring high image quality, low power consumption, and stability over a wide temperature range. |
| US08456072B2 |
Ultraviolet enhancer (UVE) holder
An ultraviolet enhancer (UVE) holder (428) may be configured to attach a UVE (424) having an outer envelope (530) to an electrical lead (420) of a lamp (400) and to retain the UVE (424) within the lamp (400) in a desired position. The UVE holder (428) may include a plurality of turns (640) comprising a first turn (642) and a final turn (644). The first and final turns (642, 644) may have a substantially similar inner diameter (D) defining a through passage (646) shaped to conformingly receive the outer envelope (530) of the UVE (424). The UVE holder (428) may further include a first leg (534) depending from the first turn (642), wherein the first leg (534) may have a first distal portion (648) remote from the first turn (642) defining a first attachment region (650) adapted for attachment to a lamp capsule electrical lead (410). |
| US08456068B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator for use in micro engineering applications
A piezoelectric actuator including a piezoelectric element and an elongate transducer mounted on the piezoelectric element. The transducer is formed from an elongate cylindrical member, and at least one helical slot is provided around the outer surface of the cylindrical member to enable coupling of resonance modes of the transducer when actuated by the piezoelectric element. |
| US08456067B2 |
Piezoelectric sensor and method for making the same
The present disclosure relates to a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor includes a polymer layer, a first metal layer, and a second metal layer. The polymer layer includes pyrolytic polyacrylonitrile. The first metal layer is located on a surface of the polymer layer. The first metal layer includes a first work function. The second metal layer is located on another surface of the polymer layer and includes a second work function different from the first work function. The present disclosure also relates to a method for making the piezoelectric sensor. |
| US08456064B2 |
Holster-integrated piezoelectric energy source for handheld electronic device
A holster for a handheld electronic device. The holster has integrated therein one or more piezoelectric elements that provide an output voltage to the handheld electronic device upon insertion of device in the holster. The output voltage can be used to charge the battery of the device, to power, at least in part, the device, or both. The output voltage is generated by harvesting vibration energy at the piezoelectric elements upon the holster being subjected to acceleration caused by a user carrying the holster when walking, running, or during any other suitable activity. |
| US08456058B2 |
Actuator
The present invention provides an actuator which can obtain a large displacement in a moving part, and suppresses the deterioration due to a counteracting force of the moving part in a stationary part. The actuator has a pair of electrode layers which contain a conductive material and a polymer, and an ionic conduction layer which is sandwiched between the pair of the electrode layers, wherein the content of the conductive material contained in the electrode layer is larger in the stationary part of the actuator than in the moving part of the actuator. The content of the conductive material contained in the electrode layer increases toward the stationary part of the actuator from the moving part. |
| US08456052B2 |
Electric machine with a multi-level winding
Stator winding (10) for an electric machine, in particular for a generator of a motor vehicle, the stator winding (10) being embodied as an ordered stator winding (10), and the stator winding (10) being embodied in at least two axially spaced-apart levels (22, 24) in a winding head (13). The invention also relates to an electric machine and a method for manufacturing a stator winding (10) of an electric machine. |
| US08456048B2 |
Cooling structure for a segmented stator assembly
A stator assembly includes a segmented stator having stator portions. Each stator portion includes stator laminations having stator windings, spacer plates having a portion embedded within the stator laminations, and structural plates having a portion embedded within the stator laminations. The portion of each of the spacer plates and each of the structural plates has notch-like structures that create openings to allow a cooling medium to flow between the notch-like structures to provide radial cooling of the stator windings. Connectors are provided to connect the stator portions of the segmented stator together. |
| US08456046B2 |
Gravity fed oil cooling for an electric machine
Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module and a method for cooling an electric machine. The electric machine module includes an electric machine and a housing enclosing the electric machine within a machine cavity. The housing can include at least one end cap positioned axially adjacent to the electric machine and including a shroud protruding into the machine cavity. The shroud can include a step with an angled rotor feed path. |
| US08456044B2 |
Material matrix for cooling media enhancement
An electric machine includes: a stator having stator windings; a rotor configured to interact electromagnetically with the stator; and a housing configured to house the stator and the rotor. A material matrix is disposed within the housing and in contact with the stator windings. The material matrix defines a plurality of passages configured for the cooling fluid to flow within to remove heat from the stator windings. |
| US08456040B2 |
Refrigerator module utilities enabled via connection
A connection system for connecting an encoded domestic appliance feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the encoded feature module and the utility source. The connection system includes a utility source that has a coupler capable of removably engaging an encoded domestic appliance feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one encoded domestic appliance feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device that operates to detect when the encoded feature module is connected to the utility source, where one or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source, and where the detection and recognition device may be a reed switch, a DIP switch, and a comparator circuit. |
| US08456036B2 |
Input and output power modules configured to provide selective power to an uninterruptible power supply
An uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) includes an input module having a plurality of inputs, and at least one jumper element configured to selectively couple at least one input of the plurality of inputs to at least one other input of the plurality of inputs. The plurality of inputs and the at least one jumper element may be constructed and arranged to selectively achieve the following configurations: single power feed, single phase input and single phase output; dual power feed, single phase input and single phase output; single power feed, three phase input and single phase output; dual power feed, three phase input and single phase output; single power feed, three phase input and three phase output; and dual power feed, three phase input and three phase output. Other embodiments and methods of selectively achieving multiple power configurations are also disclosed. |
| US08456034B2 |
Wind power generator
A wind power generator, which minimizes vortexes formed on a disc, thus efficiently rotating the disc, and which has blade type cells capable of increasing wind power, and which reduces friction load of a rotating shaft induced by the weight of the rotating shaft having blades, thus more efficiently rotating the rotating shaft, and which provides protection against a length of the rotating shaft varying according to weather conditions. The wind power generator includes a rotating shaft supported by upper and lower bearing units, a disc mounted on the rotating shaft and first, second and third wind collectors provided on upper and lower surfaces of the disc, with respective holes formed through the disc. The upper bearing unit includes an adjusting bolt having a first ball, a first bearing supporting the first ball and an adjusting nut. The lower bearing unit includes a second bearing and a second ball supported by the second bearing. |
| US08456028B1 |
Method and apparatus for storing energy
An energy storage apparatus for storing energy transmitted by a power transmission line includes an elastically deformable component and an actuator-generator. The actuator-generator is coupled to the elastically deformable component such that electrical actuation of the actuator-generator generates tension in the elastically deformable component. The actuator-generator is further coupled to the elastically deformable component such that mechanical actuation of the actuator-generator via a release of tension in the elastically deformable component causes a generation of electrical energy by the actuator-generator. |
| US08456027B1 |
Hydro-mechanical power generator system and method
A hydro-mechanical system and method for generating power employs an upright elongated fluid vessel containing a fluid. A rotatable drive having a drive shaft is mounted to the fluid vessel for providing a power output through the drive shaft. A pair of buoyancy vehicles are located within a vehicle section of the vessel and are each coupled by a flexible coupling to the rotatable drive. A pressurized gas chamber that is coupled to a pressurized gas source is used to charge the buoyancy vehicles through a pair of charging valves to move the buoyancy vehicles within the vehicle section thus driving the flexible coupling and rotatable drive. A pair of gas of release valves are also provided for discharging gas from the vehicle when buoyancy vehicle is vehicle is located at the uppermost position. |
| US08456025B2 |
Semiconductor chip having staggered arrangement of bonding pads
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor chip including input/output cells, pads formed on a surface of the semiconductor chip, and interconnects formed on the surface of the semiconductor chip to electrically connect at least some of the plurality of input/output cells and at least some of the plurality of pads. A first plurality of the pads located in a center portion of the semiconductor chip are arranged in a rectangular dot grid pattern, and a second plurality of the pads located in at least one of four corner portions of the semiconductor chip are arranged in a staggered dot pattern. |
| US08456024B2 |
Semiconductor device having a pad-disposition restriction area
Input/output cells are formed so as to be peripherally arranged adjacent to a corner cell on a surface of a semiconductor chip, and electrode pads are formed on the respective input/output cells. The electrode pads are configured in a zigzag pad arrangement so as to form inner and outer pad arrays. However, of the electrode pads forming the inner pad array, those electrode pads in predetermined areas adjacent to the two sides of the corner cell are not disposed, such that an interconnect pattern of a carrier which is bump-bonded to the semiconductor chip and vias are prevented from becoming complex. |
| US08456023B2 |
Semiconductor wafer processing
A method of processing a semiconductor wafer is provided which comprises treating a metallization layer provided on a backside of the wafer to form a plurality of channels therein, such that at least some of the channels along substantially the length thereof extend through the thickness of the metallization layer to the backside of the wafer, thereby exposing the material of the backside of the wafer. When the semiconductor wafer is separated into dies, each die is provided with a plurality of channels, which extend to an edge of the die. On attaching the die to a die attach flag by solder, the solder does not stick to the exposed material of the backside of the die, and channels are thereby formed in the solder. This allows venting of gases formed in the solder, and decreases void formation in the solder. |
| US08456021B2 |
Integrated circuit device having die bonded to the polymer side of a polymer substrate
An integrated circuit (IC) device includes a polymer substrate having a topside surface and a bottomside surface opposite the topside surface, a plurality of through-holes that extend from the topside surface to the bottomside surface, and a plurality of bottom metal pads on the bottomside surface positioned over the plurality of through-holes. At least one IC die having an active topside including a plurality of bond pads and a second side is affixed to the topside surface. Bonding features are coupled to the plurality of bond pads for coupling respective ones of the plurality of bond pads to the plurality bottom metal pads. The bonding features extend into the through-holes to contact the bottom metal pads. |
| US08456020B2 |
Semiconductor package and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor package has: a first chip; and a second chip. The first chip has: an insulating resin layer formed on a principal surface of the first chip; a bump-shaped first internal electrode group that is so formed in a region of the insulating resin layer as to penetrate through the insulating resin layer and is electrically connected to the second chip; an external electrode group used for electrical connection to an external device; and an electrostatic discharge protection element group electrically connected to the external electrode group. The first internal electrode group is not electrically connected to the electrostatic discharge protection element group. |
| US08456019B2 |
Semiconductor device
A falling off of a through electrode is inhibited without decreasing a reliability of a semiconductor device including a through electrode. A semiconductor device 100 includes: a silicon substrate 101; a through electrode 129 extending through the silicon substrate 101; and a first insulating ring 130 provided in a circumference of a side surface of the through electrode 129 and extending through the semiconductor substrate 101. In addition, the semiconductor device 100 also includes a protruding portion 146, being provided at least in the vicinity of a back surface of a device-forming surface of the semiconductor substrate 101 so as to contact with the through electrode 129, and protruding in a direction along the surface of the semiconductor substrate 101 toward an interior of the through electrode 129. |
| US08456018B2 |
Semiconductor packages
Provided are a semiconductor package and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a bonding pad, a metal line electrically connected to the semiconductor chip and having a terminal contacting an external terminal, an insulation layer covering the metal line and having an opening that defines the terminal, and a molding layer molding the semiconductor chip, wherein the molding layer includes a recess pattern exposing the bonding pad and extending from the bonding pad to the terminal, and the metal line is embedded in the recess pattern to contact the bonding pad. |
| US08456017B2 |
Filled through-silicon via with conductive composite material
By adding particles of high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient into the copper as a composite material and filling with the composite material into the through-via hole, the mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion and the stress of the through-silicon via are lowered and the thermal conductivity of the through-silicon via is increased. |
| US08456015B2 |
Triaxial through-chip connection
A method performed on a wafer having multiple chips each including a doped semiconductor and substrate involves etching an annulus trench, metalizing an inner and an outer perimeter side wall of the annulus trench, etching a via trench into the wafer, making a length of the via trench electrically conductive, thinning a surface of the substrate. |
| US08456014B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor device layer, a multilayered wiring section formed of a plurality of wiring layers and a plurality of interlayer insulating films on one surface of the semiconductor device layer, an external connection electrode formed on one of the plurality of wiring layers, and an opening formed in a concave shape extending from the semiconductor device layer to the multilayered wiring section so as to expose a surface of the external connection electrode; the opening has a larger opening diameter at an end farther from the external connection electrode than at the other end closer to the external connection electrode. |
| US08456010B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device of an embodiment includes: a semiconductor layer made of p-type nitride semiconductor; an oxide layer formed on the semiconductor layer, the oxide layer being made of a polycrystalline nickel oxide, and the oxide layer having a thickness of 3 nm or less; and a metal layer formed on the oxide layer. |
| US08456007B2 |
Chemical vapor deposition of titanium
A titanium layer is formed on a substrate with chemical vapor deposition (CVD). First, a seed layer is formed on the substrate by combining a first precursor with a reducing agent by CVD. Then, the titanium layer is formed on the substrate by combining a second precursor with the seed layer by CVD. The titanium layer is used to form contacts to active areas of substrate and for the formation of interlevel vias. |
| US08456001B2 |
Pressure-contact semiconductor device
A pressure-contact semiconductor device (100) includes thermal buffer plates (2) and main electrode blocks (3) having flanges (4), by which semiconductor substrate (1) having a pair of electrodes is sandwiched, disposed opposed to each side thereof, wherein the semiconductor substrate (1) is sealed in a gastight space by joining the flanges (4) to insulating container (5). The semiconductor device (100) is configured such that the outermost periphery of the semiconductor substrate (1) is enclosed by hollow cylindrical insulator (9) fitted on outer peripheries of the main electrode blocks (3) in the gastight space with O-rings (8) fitted between the main electrode blocks (3) and the cylindrical insulator (9), and sealed with reaction force from the O-rings (8). |
| US08455999B2 |
Method for reducing chip warpage
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure including providing a wafer comprising a front surface and a back surface, wherein the wafer comprises a chip; forming an opening extending from the back surface into the chip; filling an organic material in the opening, wherein substantially no portion of the organic material is outside of the opening and on the back surface of the wafer; and baking the organic material to cause a contraction of the organic material. |
| US08455991B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with warpage control and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing an integrated circuit device having chip interconnects; applying an attachment layer directly on the integrated circuit device; attaching a device stiffener to the integrated circuit device with the attachment layer; attaching a chip carrier to the chip interconnects with the device stiffener attached to the integrated circuit device for controlling warpage of the integrated circuit device to prevent the warpage from causing some of the chip interconnects to separate from the chip carrier during attachment of the chip interconnects to the chip carrier; and applying an underfill between the chip carrier and the integrated circuit device for controlling connectivity of all the chip interconnects to the chip carrier. |
| US08455983B2 |
Microelectronic device wafers and methods of manufacturing
Methods of forming microelectronic device wafers include fabricating a plurality of semiconductor dies at an active side of a semiconductor wafer, depositing a mask on the semiconductor wafer, removing a central portion of the mask and the semiconductor wafer, and etching. The semiconductor wafer has an outer perimeter edge and a backside that is spaced from the active side by a first thickness. The mask is deposited on the backside of the semiconductor wafer and has a face that is spaced from the backside by a mask thickness. The thinned portion has a thinned surface that is spaced from the active side by a second thickness that is less than the first thickness, and the thinned surface is etched. |
| US08455973B2 |
Region divided substrate and semiconductor device
A region divided substrate includes a substrate, a plurality of trenches, a conductive layer, and an insulating member. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposed to each other. The trenches penetrate the substrate from the first surface to the second surface and divide the substrate into a plurality of partial regions. The conductive layer is disposed on a sidewall of each of the trenches from a portion adjacent to the first surface to a portion adjacent to the second surface. The conductive layer has an electric conductivity higher than an electric conductivity of the substrate. The insulating member fills each of the trenches through the conductive layer. |
| US08455972B2 |
Flip-chip photodiode
A photodiode is provided according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the photodiode includes a substrate and an active region. The active region is configured to receive light through the substrate. In such a configuration, the substrate not only participates in the photodiode operation acts as a light filter depending on the substrate material. In some embodiments, the active region may include solder balls that may be used to couple the photodiode to a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the active region is coupled face-to-face with the printed circuit board. |
| US08455965B2 |
Fabrication and integration of devices with top and bottom electrodes including magnetic tunnel junctions
An electronic device manufacturing process includes depositing a bottom electrode layer. Then an electronic device is fabricated on the bottom electrode layer. Patterning of the bottom electrode layer is performed after fabricating the electronic device and in a separate process from patterning a top electrode. A first dielectric layer is then deposited on the electronic device and the bottom electrode layer followed by a top electrode layer. The top electrode is then patterned in a separate process from the bottom electrode. Separately patterning the top and bottom electrodes improves yields by reducing voids in the dielectric material between electronic devices. One electronic device the manufacturing process is well-suited for is magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). |
| US08455963B1 |
Low frequency CMUT with vent holes
A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT), which has a conductive structure that can vibrate over a cavity, has a number of vent holes that are formed in the bottom surface of the cavity. The vent holes eliminate the deflection of the CMUT membrane due to atmospheric pressure which, in turn, allows the CMUT to receive and transmit low frequency ultrasonic waves. |
| US08455959B2 |
Apparatus containing cobalt titanium oxide
Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus include cobalt titanium oxide on a substrate for use in a variety of electronic systems. The cobalt titanium oxide may be structured as one or more monolayers. The cobalt titanium oxide may be formed by a monolayer by monolayer sequencing process such as atomic layer deposition. |
| US08455958B2 |
Insulated gate semiconductor device with well region edge positioned within ring-shaped buffer trench
An insulated gate semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a drift layer on the substrate, a base layer on the drift layer, a ring-shaped gate trench dividing the base layer into a channel layer and a floating layer, an emitter region located in the channel layer to be in contact with a side surface of the gate trench, a well region located on the periphery of a cell area of the base layer and having a depth greater than a depth of the base layer, and a ring-shaped buffer trench located adjacent to and spaced from the gate trench in a length direction of the gate trench. An edge of the well region is located in an area enclosed by the buffer trench in the length direction of the gate trench. |
| US08455955B2 |
Transistor array with shared body contact and method of manufacturing
An array of transistors arranged next to each other on a semiconductor material forming a substrate, the substrate comprising p-well or n-well diffusions forming a body, which diffusions are used as the body regions of the transistors, each transistor comprising a source, a drain and a gate, wherein the array of transistors further comprises at least one electrical connection to the body, wherein said electrical connection is shared by at least two transistors of said array. Also disclosed is a semiconductor device comprising at least one source, at least one drain, at least one gate between the at least one source and the at least one drain, and at least one structure of the same material as the at least one gate which does not have a connection means for electrical connection to the at least one gate. |
| US08455948B2 |
Transistor arrangement with a first transistor and with a plurality of second transistors
A transistor arrangement includes a first transistor having a drift region and a number of second transistors, each having a source region, a drain region and a gate electrode. The second transistors are coupled in series to form a series circuit that is coupled in parallel with the drift region of the first transistor. |
| US08455939B2 |
Stacked metal fin cell
A NAND device including a source, a drain and a channel located between the source and drain. The NAND device also includes a plurality of floating gates located over the channel and a plurality of electrically conducting fins. Each of the plurality of electrically conducting fins is located over one of the plurality of floating gates. The plurality of electrically conducting fins include a material other than polysilicon. The NAND device also includes a plurality of control gates. Each of the plurality of control gates is located adjacent to each of the plurality of floating gates and each of the plurality of electrically conducting fins. |
| US08455935B2 |
Ferroelectric polymer
A ferroelectric film comprising polyaminodifluoroborane (PADFB). Also a memory device utilizing the ferroelectric film, a method of fabricating a ferroelectric polymer and a ferroelectric solution. |
| US08455931B2 |
Package configurations for low EMI circuits
An electronic component includes a high voltage switching transistor encased in a package. The high voltage switching transistor comprises a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode all on a first side of the high voltage switching transistor. The source electrode is electrically connected to a conducting structural portion of the package. Assemblies using the abovementioned transistor with another transistor can be formed, where the source of one transistor can be electrically connected to a conducting structural portion of a package containing the transistor and a drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to the second conductive structural portion of a package that houses the second transistor. Alternatively, the source of the second transistor is electrically isolated from its conductive structural portion, and the drain of the second transistor is electrically isolated from its conductive structural portion. |
| US08455929B2 |
Formation of III-V based devices on semiconductor substrates
A device includes a semiconductor substrate, and insulation regions in the semiconductor substrate. Opposite sidewalls of the insulation regions have a spacing between about 70 nm and about 300 nm. A III-V compound semiconductor region is formed between the opposite sidewalls of the insulation regions. |
| US08455927B2 |
One-transistor pixel array with cascoded column circuit
To reduce the pixel size to the smallest dimensions and simplest form of operation, a pixel may be formed by using only one ion sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET). This one-transistor, or 1T, pixel can provide gain by converting the drain current to voltage in the column. Configurable pixels can be created to allow both common source read out as well as source follower read out. A plurality of the 1T pixels may form an array, having a number of rows and a number of columns and a column readout circuit in each column. A cascoded device enabled during readout may be used to provide increased programmable gain. |
| US08455926B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus of a low conductance silicon micro-leak for mass spectrometer inlet
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a mass spectrometer micro-leak includes a number of channels fabricated by semiconductor processing tools and that includes a number of inlet holes that provide access to the channels. |
| US08455925B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
To provide a structure of a semiconductor device that realizes an increase in a capacitor capacitance of a memory circuit to the maximum while inhibiting an increase in a contact resistance of a logic circuit, and a manufacture method thereof. When designating the number of layers of the local interconnect layers having wiring that makes up a logic circuit area as M and designating the number of layers of the local interconnect layers having wiring that makes up the memory circuit as N (M and N are natural numbers and satisfy M>N), capacitance elements are provided over the interconnect layers comprised of (M−N) layers or (M−N+1) layers. |
| US08455924B2 |
Multi-level interconnections for an integrated circuit chip
Multilevel metallization layouts for an integrated circuit chip including transistors having first, second and third elements to which metallization layouts connect. The layouts minimize current limiting mechanism including electromigration by positioning the connection for the second contact vertically from the chip, overlapping the planes and fingers of the metallization layouts to the first and second elements and forming a pyramid or staircase of multilevel metallization layers to smooth diagonal current flow. |
| US08455919B2 |
High density thyristor random access memory device and method
Memory devices and methods of making memory devices are shown. Methods and configurations as shown provide folded and vertical memory devices for increased memory density. Methods provided allow trace wiring in a memory array to be formed on or near a surface of a memory device. |
| US08455918B2 |
ESD protection device and method for manufacturing the same
An ESD protection device is manufactured such that its ESD characteristics are easily adjusted and stabilized. The ESD protection device includes an insulating substrate, a cavity provided in the insulating substrate, at least one pair of discharge electrodes each including an exposed portion that is exposed in the cavity, and external electrodes provided on a surface of the insulating substrate and connected to the discharge electrodes. Supporting electrodes obtained by dispersing conductive powder in an insulating material defining the insulating substrate are provided along a bottom surface and a top surface that define the cavity between the exposed portions of the at least one pair of discharge electrodes. |
| US08455909B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting devices including flexible unitary film on aluminum nitride substrate
Semiconductor light emitting devices include an aluminum nitride substrate, a light emitting diode on a face of the substrate and flexible silicone film that includes a silicone lens on the face of the substrate. The light emitting diode emits light through the silicone lens. |
| US08455908B2 |
Light emitting devices
Light emitting devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment a light emitting device can include a submount and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed over the submount. At least a portion of the submount can include a reflective layer at least partially disposed below a solder mask. One or more layers within the submount may include one or more holes, a rough surface texture, or combinations thereof to improve adhesion within the device. The device can further include a retention material dispensed about the plurality of LEDs. Devices and methods are disclosed for improved solder mask adhesion. |
| US08455905B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device
Provided is a light-emitting device including: a nitride semiconductor light-emitting element (402) which radiates optically polarized light; and a light emission control layer (404) which covers the light emission surface of the nitride semiconductor light-emitting element (402) and which contains a resin and non-fluorescent particles dispersed in the resin, in which the light emission control layer (404) contains the non-fluorescent particles at a proportion of 0.01 vol % or more and 10 vol % or less, and the non-fluorescent particles have a diameter of 30 nm or more and 150 nm or less. |
| US08455904B2 |
Non-radiatively pumped wavelength converter
A light source has an active layer (204) disposed between a first doped semiconductor layer (206) and a second doped semiconductor layer (208). The active layer has energy levels associated with light of a first wavelength. Light emitting elements (216) are positioned on the surface of the first doped semiconductor layer (206) for non-radiative excitation by the active layer. The light emitting elements are capable of emitting light at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In some embodiments a grid electrode (213) is disposed on the first doped semiconductor layer and defines open regions (214) of a surface of the first doped layer, the first plurality of light emitting elements being positioned in the open regions. In some embodiments a second plurality of light emitting elements is disposed over the first plurality of light emitting elements for non-radiative excitation by at least some of the first plurality of light emitting elements. |
| US08455899B2 |
Resin composition, reflector for light-emitting semiconductor device, and light-emitting semiconductor unit
Disclosed herein is a resin composition including 100 parts by weight of an organic resin and 50 to 1,000 parts by weight of an inorganic filler, wherein 10 to 100% of the inorganic filler is composed of an oxide of a rare earth element. |
| US08455896B2 |
Organic LED and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides an organic light emitting diode comprising a substrate, a first electrode provided on the substrate, one or more organic material layers provided on the first electrode, a second electrode provided on the organic material layer, and a light extraction layer provided on the top portion of the second electrode, and a method for manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting diode according to the present invention minimizes total internal reflection of the light emitted from a device to improve the light emitting efficiency. |
| US08455893B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus and production method thereof
A light-emitting apparatus can prevent a shadow mask from contacting a light-emitting medium to suppress damage of the medium, by using a conductive layer formed on a device isolation layer as a pressing member for the shadow mask, and can attain more secure conduction between a second electrode and an auxiliary electrode. The apparatus can be formed by forming first and auxiliary electrodes on a substrate; forming a device isolation layer between the first electrodes and forming an opening on each of the first and auxiliary electrodes; forming a conductive layer on the device isolation layer to cover the openings above the auxiliary electrodes; bringing a shadow mask into contact with the conductive layer and forming a light-emitting medium in a thickness smaller than the thickness of the conductive layer; and forming a second electrode to cover the light-emitting medium, the device isolation layer, and the conductive layer. |
| US08455892B2 |
LED module and LED lighting device
An LED module includes a substrate including a main surface and a rear surface that are opposed to each other. The LED module also includes a plurality of LED chips arranged on the main surface, a drive circuit chip that is provided on the substrate and that is provided for driving the plurality of LED chips, a first heat dissipater that is provided on the rear surface and that overlaps the plurality of LED chips as viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate, and a second heat dissipator that is provided at a position closer to the drive circuit chip than the first heat dissipater is. The second head dissipater has a thickness greater than that of the first heat dissipater. The LED module emits a uniform amount of light and color. |
| US08455890B2 |
Method for coating light-emitting devices, light coupler, and method for manufacturing the light coupler
A method of coating a light emitting device is provided. The method includes preparing a plurality of light emitting devices. The plurality of light emitting devices are coated with a first photocurable liquid. First light is selectively exposed to the first photocurable liquid to form a first coating layer on at least a partial region of a surface of each of the plurality of light emitting devices. The plurality of light emitting devices on which the first coating layer is formed are coated with a second photocurable liquid. Second light is selectively exposed to the second photocurable liquid to form a second coating layer on at least a partial region of the surface of each of the plurality of light emitting devices or a surface of the first coating layer. The first coating layer corresponds to the cured first photocurable liquid, while the second coating layer corresponds to the cured second photocurable liquid. |
| US08455884B2 |
Light-emitting device and lighting device
It is an object to improve light extraction efficiency in a light-emitting device and a lighting device. A light-emitting device includes a plurality of light-emitting portions, and a plurality of hemispherical components provided so as to overlap with the plurality of light-emitting portions. The plurality of hemispherical components are provided so as not to form a space therebetween in a region where the plurality of hemispherical components are adjacent to each other. When a refractive index of the hemispherical component is n and a radius of a bottom surface of the hemispherical component is b, the light-emitting portion is provided inside a circle whose radius r from a center of the bottom surface of the hemispherical component is b/n. |
| US08455883B2 |
Stressed semiconductor device and method of manufacturing
A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The exemplary semiconductor device and method for fabricating the semiconductor device enhance carrier mobility. The method includes providing a substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the substrate. The method further includes forming a first trench within the dielectric layer, wherein the first trench extends through the dielectric layer and epitaxially (epi) growing a first active layer within the first trench and selectively curing with a radiation energy the dielectric layer adjacent to the first active layer. |
| US08455879B2 |
Sapphire substrates and methods of making same
A sapphire substrate includes a generally planar surface having a crystallographic orientation selected from the group consisting of a-plane, r-plane, m-plane, and c-plane orientations, and having a nTTV of not greater than about 0.037 μm/cm2, wherein nTTV is total thickness variation normalized for surface area of the generally planar surface, the substrate having a diameter not less than about 9.0 cm. |
| US08455874B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a display device includes forming a gate electrode on a substrate, a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode, and an active layer on the gate insulating layer, the gate electrode made of extrinsic polycrystalline silicon, the active layer made of intrinsic polycrystalline silicon; forming an etch stopper on the active layer; forming source and drain electrodes spaced apart from each other on the etch stopper; forming an ohmic contact layer each between a side of the active layer and the source electrode and between an opposing side of the active layer and the drain electrode; forming a gate line connected to the gate electrode; and forming a data line crossing the gate line. |
| US08455870B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel and method of manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor array panel includes an insulation substrate. A signal line is formed on the insulation substrate. A thin film transistor is connected to the signal line. A color filter is formed on the substrate. An organic insulator is formed on the color filter and includes a first portion and a second portion having different thicknesses. A light blocking member is formed on the second portion of the organic insulator. A difference between the surface height of the first portion of the organic insulator and the surface height of the second portion of the organic insulator is in the range of about 2.0 μm to 3.0 μm. |
| US08455869B2 |
Oxide thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
An oxide thin film transistor (TFT) and its fabrication method are disclosed. In a TFT of a bottom gate structure using amorphous zinc oxide (ZnO)-based semiconductor as an active layer, source and drain electrodes are formed, on which the active layer made of oxide semiconductor is formed to thus prevent degeneration of the oxide semiconductor in etching the source and drain electrodes. |
| US08455868B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device with a novel structure in which stored data can be stored even when power is not supplied in a data storing time and there is no limitation on the number of times of writing. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor which includes a first channel formation region using a semiconductor material other than an oxide semiconductor, a second transistor which includes a second channel formation region using an oxide semiconductor material, and a capacitor. One of a second source electrode and a second drain electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to one electrode of the capacitor. |
| US08455867B2 |
Organic light-emitting device
A heterocyclic compound represented by a general Formula 1 and an organic light-emitting device including the heterocyclic compound. In some embodiments the heterocyclic compound of Formula 1 may be used as a light-emitting material, a hole transporting material, or an electron transporting material. The heterocyclic compound of Formula 1 having a heterocyclic group in the molecules thereof has a high glass transition temperature (Tg) or a high melting point due to the inclusion of the heterocyclic group. Thus, the heterocyclic compound has high heat resistance against Joule's heat generated in an organic layer, between organic layers, or between an organic layer and a metal electrode when light emission occurs, and has high durability in high-temperature environments. An organic light-emitting device manufactured using the heterocyclic compound of Formula 1 has high durability when stored or operated. In addition, due to the inclusion of a substituent such as an aryl group or heteroaryl group, molecular layers formed as thin films may be maintained in good condition, thereby improving the characteristics of the organic light-emitting device. |
| US08455864B2 |
Hybrid semiconductor electronic device having multiple material layers
Method of manufacture of an electronic device, comprising providing a substrate comprising a semiconductor device stack, depositing a first material layer over the substrate, the first material layer being an insulating layer, depositing an active organic material layer over the first material layer, depositing a second material layer over the active organic material layer, the second material layer being an insulating layer. |
| US08455857B2 |
Nanoelectronic structure and method of producing such
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices comprising semiconductor nanoelements. In particular the invention relates to devices having a volume element having a larger diameter than the nanoelement arranged in epitaxial connection to the nanoelement. The volume element is being doped in order to provide a high charge carrier injection into the nanoelement and a low access resistance in an electrical connection. The nanoelement may be upstanding from a semiconductor substrate. A concentric layer of low resistivity material forms on the volume element forms a contact. |
| US08455854B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device including amorphous alloy metal oxide layer and method of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile memory device may include a lower electrode, an oxide layer including an amorphous alloy metal oxide disposed on the lower electrode, and a diode structure disposed on the oxide layer. |
| US08455852B2 |
Controlled placement of dopants in memristor active regions
Various embodiments of the present invention are direct to nanoscale, reconfigurable memristor devices. In one aspect, a memristor device (500,600) comprises an active region (508,610) sandwiched between a first electrode (301) and a second electrode (302). The active region including a non-volatile dopant region (506,608) selectively formed and positioned within the active region. |
| US08455848B2 |
Ion beam incident angle detection assembly and method
In an ion implanter, a detector assembly is employed to monitor the ion beam current and incidence angle at the location of the work piece or wafer. The detector assembly includes a plurality of pairs of current sensors and a blocker panel. The blocker panel is coupled to the detector array to move together with the detector array. The blocker panel is also disposed a distance away from the sensors to allow certain of the beamlets that comprise the ion beam to reach the sensors. Each sensor in a pair of sensors measures the beam current incident thereon and the incident angle is calculated using these measurements. In this manner, beam current and incidence angle variations may be measured at the work piece site and be accommodated for, thereby avoiding undesirable beam current profiles. |
| US08455844B2 |
System and method for time-division multiplexed optical sensing of biosensors
A measurement system for use with fluorescent chemosensors has multiple stimulus light sources each coupled to at least one sensor. Multiple sensors each receiving light from a different light source connect to each of one or more photodetectors. A processing device drives the light sources in a time-division multiplexed manner, and reads the photodetector at an appropriate time for each sensor. The processing device calibrates the sensor readings and provides them in a way that is identified to the associated sensor. |
| US08455843B1 |
Ultraviolet ionizing chamber for air purifiers
An ultraviolet ionizing unit for an air purifying that treats all air passing therethrough. The unit has a housing with an air ingress opening at first end, an air egress opening at a second end, an open end, at least two spaced apart internal retainers formed inside the housing, and a cavity formed in a space between the two spaced apart internal retainers. Two sections of ion generating material are retained in a spaced apart manner by the two spaced apart internal retainers. Spacers are used to hold a U-shaped UV lamp in the cavity, provide cushioning of the UV lamp therein, and providing additional sealing so that all air passing through the ionizing unit will be treated. A housing end cap covers the open end of the housing and retains the UV lamps therein so that the ion generating materials is fully exposed by UV light. |
| US08455842B2 |
Carbon nanotube film composite structure, transmission electron microscope grid using the same, and method for making the same
The present disclosure relates to a transmission electron microscope grid including graphene sheet-carbon nanotube film composite. The graphene sheet-carbon nanotube film composite structure includes at least one carbon nanotube film structure and at least one functionalized graphene sheet. The carbon nanotube film structure includes at least one pore. The pore is covered by the functionalized graphene sheet. |
| US08455839B2 |
Cleaning of an extraction aperture of an ion source
An ion source includes an arc chamber housing defining an arc chamber having an extraction aperture, and a wiper. The wiper is positioned within the arc chamber in a parked position and configured to be driven from the parked position to operational positions to clean the extraction aperture. A cleaning sub-assembly for an ion source includes a wiper configured to be positioned within an arc chamber of the ion source when in a parked position and driven from the parked position to operational positions to clean an extraction aperture of the ion source. |
| US08455838B2 |
Multiple-column electron beam apparatus and methods
One embodiment disclosed relates an apparatus which includes an electromagnet arranged to provide a large-scale magnetic field in a region. The apparatus further includes an array of multiple electron beam columns formed in the region using an array of bores through magnetic material. Another embodiment relates to a method of generating an array of electron beams. A large-scale magnetic field is generated in a region using at least two magnetic poles. The array of electron beams is generated using an array of columns formed using bores through a magnetic material positioned in the region. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed. |
| US08455836B2 |
Sensor system for constantly monitoring an irradiance level of a UV lamp and for being operated by power from a sensor thereof
A sensor system that constantly monitors an irradiance level of a UV lamp and is operated by power from a sensor thereof, wherein the UV lamp is powered by a ballast. The sensor system includes a current sensor, a UV sensor, a voltage comparator, and a display. The current sensor is disposed in the electronic assembly and picks-up current from the ballast, and in response thereto, powers the voltage comparator. The UV sensor is disposed externally to the assembly and picks-up the irradiance from the UV lamp. The voltage comparator is disposed in the electronic assembly, is in electronic communication with the current sensor and the UV sensor, is powered by the current sensor, and compares voltage from the UV sensor to a predetermined value. The display is visible from the electronic assembly, is in electronic communication with the voltage comparator, and indicates result of comparison of the voltage comparator to thereby determine status of the UV lamp. |
| US08455833B2 |
Single crystal scintillator material, method for producing same, radiation detector and PET system
A method for producing a single crystal scintillator material according to the present invention includes the steps of: providing a solvent including: at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; W and/or Mo; B; and oxygen; melting a Ce compound and a Lu compound that have been mixed with the solvent by heating the mixture to a temperature of 800° C. to 1,350° C.; and growing a single crystal by cooling the compounds melted. The single crystal is represented by the compositional formula (CexLu1-x)BO3, in which the mole fraction x of Ce satisfies 0.0001≦x≦0.05. |
| US08455832B2 |
Systems and methods for emitting radiant energy
Field balancing may be performed with an irradiation system including a plurality of adjustable radiant-energy emitters. The irradiation system powers the radiant-energy emitters from a power source and radiant energy is emitted from the radiant-energy emitters, where an amount of radiant energy emitted from each emitter is capable of being varied based on power received from the power source. A plurality of radiant-energy sensors detects an amount of radiant energy which includes radiant energy created directly by at least one of the radiant-energy emitters. The amount of radiant energy detected at at least two of the radiant-energy sensors is compared, and at least one of the radiant-energy emitters is adjusted by varying the power received from the power source so that the amount of radiant energy detected at each of the radiant-energy sensors tends towards becoming approximately equal. The emitting of radiant energy from each radiant-energy emitter is terminated when a total amount of radiant energy emitted from the plurality of adjustable radiant-energy emitters exceeds a predetermined threshold value, where the threshold value is sufficient to allow the total amount of radiant energy emitted from the plurality of adjustable radiant-energy emitters to sanitize a particular area in which the emitters are located. |
| US08455829B2 |
Series diode electro-thermal circuit for ultra sensitive silicon sensor
Electro-thermal feedback is utilized for reducing the effective thermal conductance between the detector stage of a bolometer pixel in a thermal radiation sensor assembly and the environment through its mechanical support structure and electrical interconnects, thereby coming closer to achieving thermal conductance limited primarily through photon radiation. Minimization of the effective thermal conductance associated with the mechanical support structure and electrical interconnects is achieved by electro-thermal feedback that adjusts the temperature of an intermediate stage and the mechanical support structure and electrical interconnects, connecting it to the detector stage, to equal the temperature of the bolometer pixel's detector stage (i.e., by active thermal isolation). Increased temperature sensitivity is preferably achieved through temperature sensing with reverse biased Schottky diodes connected in series. |
| US08455828B1 |
Infrared radiation detectors using bundled carbon nanotubes and methods of constructing the same
Infrared (IR) radiation detecting and sensing systems using aligned or bundled carbon nanotubes and methods to making the same. In certain embodiments of the invention, it includes a substrate, aligned or bundled carbon nanotubes, first and second conducting interconnects each in electrical communication with the nanotubes. Bundled nanotubes can be tuned to increase the temperature coefficient of resistance to increase sensitivity to IR radiation. In addition bundled nanotubes are independent of Nyquist frequency limitations found in other IR sensors because of the lack of 1/f or flicker noise sources. These detectors can be fabricated on CMOS foundry wafers resulting in large format focal planes greater than 1000×1000 and pixel sizes only limited by photolithographic technologies. The increase in temperature coefficient of resistance claimed within results in IR detectors capable of NEDT of less than 10 mK at low cost. |
| US08455827B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining the water content of organic solvent solutions
A method and apparatus for determining the amount of water in an organic solvent solution, such as a DMSO solution. The apparatus comprises an infrared LED for emitting near infrared light; a laser diode collimator for forming a collimated light beam from the light emitted by the LED; a sample container holder for accepting a sample container containing a sample solution; a photodiode for generating an output signal that is related to the intensity of the collimated light beam after the collimated light beam has passed through the sample solution; and a control means for controlling the stability of the near infrared light emitted by the infrared LED by controlling an amount of current flowing through the infrared LED. |
| US08455825B1 |
Opto-mechanical infrared thermal viewer device
An imaging system allows a user to view thermal information about a scene by utilizing double-exposure holography or interferometry to determine the motion of an array of thermo-mechanical detector members. |
| US08455824B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus, and sample processing and observation method
An object of the present invention relates to realizing the processing of a sample by charged particle beams and the monitoring of the processed cross-section with a high throughput. It is possible to process an accurate sample without an intended region lost even when the location and the size of the intended region are unknown by: observing a cross-sectional structure being processed by FIBs by using a secondary particle image generated from a sample by the ion beams shaving a cross section; forming at least two cross sections; and processing the sample while the processing and the monitoring of a processed cross section are carried out. |
| US08455823B2 |
Charged particle beam device
The present invention provides a charged particle beam device in which signal electrons (14) are generated from a sample when the sample (11) is irradiated with a primary charged particle beam (3), and then enter different positions of a position-sensitive signal detector (16) in accordance with energy of the signal electrons (14), whereby an energy distribution image of the signal electrons generated from the sample is acquired. Accordingly, it becomes possible to discriminate and select signal electrons having arbitrary energy to thereby obtain an image to which information specific to the arbitrary energy is reflected, and to acquire various characteristic information of the sample. |
| US08455820B2 |
Composite charged particle beams apparatus
A composite charged particle beams apparatus of the present invention allows a sample (5)'s cross-section or edge plane to be observed by using an electron beam (2b), the sample (5)'s cross-section or edge plane being fabricated by using an ion beam (1b). The radiation device includes a detector (7) which is capable of detecting low-loss back-scattered electrons (12) including elastically-scattered electrons (11), these electrons (12, 11) being induced by the electron beam (2b) with which the sample (5)'s cross-section or edge plane is irradiated. Moreover, it is desirable that the detector (7) be set up in a space outside an electron-beam column (2a). The above-described configuration has allowed implementation of the high-resolving-power and low-damage SEM observation of the surface information about material and composition of the sample's FIB-fabricated cross-section or edge plane. Furthermore, when detecting the low-loss back-scattered electrons (12), information about the different depths relative to the sample's surface has been also made available by selecting the energy bands of the detected electrons. |
| US08455814B2 |
Ion guides and collision cells
In an embodiment, a collision cell comprises rods each having a first end and a second end remote from the first end; an inductor connected between adjacent pairs of rods; and means for applying a radio frequency (RF) voltage between adjacent pairs of rods. The RF voltage creates a multipole field in a region between the rods; and means for applying a direct current (DC) voltage drop along a length of each of the rods. |
| US08455813B2 |
Multi-photon ionization spectrometer
A method of assaying a solid or liquid material, the method comprising: illuminating a sample of the material with pulses of light at a plurality of different wavelengths at which atoms and/or molecules in the material are ionized in multiphoton ionization (MPI) process; generating a value responsive to charge produced in the ionization process for each wavelength to provide an MPI spectrum for the material; and processing the MPI spectrum to assay an atom or molecule in the material. |
| US08455812B2 |
Gamma ray detectors having azimuthal sensitivity
An instrument for performing measurements downhole includes: at least one gamma-ray detector with azimuthal sensitivity equipped for discriminating energy of incident gamma-rays. This instrument is equipped with or without a neutron or gamma-ray source. A method and computer program product providing the azimuthal sensitivity of the instrument is provided. |
| US08455804B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting optical mirrors
An optical apparatus comprising a first mirror (12), a second mirror (14), and at least one support (30) for holding the second mirror in substantially a predetermined position relative to said first mirror (12), wherein said at least one support (30) comprises at least one actuator (32) arranged to adjust the position of the second mirror (14), and said optical apparatus further comprises at least one light source (40a-40-c) rigidly fixed to the first mirror (12) in a predetermined orientation for providing a beam of light (42a-42c) directed at said second mirror (14), at least one corresponding alignment sensor (46a-46c) for detecting the beam of light (44a-44c) reflected from said second mirror (14), and arranged to provide an output signal indicative of the position of the incident reflected beam, and a controller (50) arranged to receive said output signal, and to thereby control said actuator (32) to adjust the position of the second mirror (14). |
| US08455803B2 |
Wave choke device for a microwave oven door
The present invention relates to a wave choke device for an oven door of a microwave oven. The wave choke device includes a front shielding comprising at least one conductive material and a wave trap forming a channel with one at least partially open side, which wave trap is arranged on at least one outer portion of the front shielding and comprises at least one conductive material. The wave choke device includes further a plurality of lamellae arranged uniformly in the at least partially open side of the wave trap, which lamellae comprises at least one conductive material. The wave choke device comprises one single piece made of a perforated material, wherein said one single piece includes at least the front shielding and the wave trap. The present invention relates further to a corresponding oven door and a corresponding microwave oven. |
| US08455802B2 |
Microwave field director structure having vanes with inner ends wrapped with a conductive wrapper
A reusable self-supporting field director for use in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, each extending radially outwardly from a central axis. The vanes are supported in a slotted central support member. Each vane has a predetermined thickness dimension. Each vane comprises a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion and an electrically conductive wrapper having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate. The wrapper wraps the substrate so that a portion of the first and second major surfaces are covered and the radially inner end of each vane is wrapped by an electrically conductive material. The wrapper and the substrate are arranged in a laterally symmetric fashion so that thermal expansion effects due to heating are equalized across the thickness of each vane. |
| US08455801B2 |
Heating equipment for a plate to be heated and heating method
Provided are a quick heating equipment that is small sized, has a simple structure, consumes less energy, and is easy repairable and replaceable, and a quick heating method. The heating equipment of a plate material to be heated has a contact-heating surface configured by arranging a plurality of heating elements on heat-insulating base plates at predetermined intervals, in a planar fashion and in a predetermined pattern and the contact-heating surface(s) is/are directly contacted with the plate material to be heated for heating thereof. |