| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08468125B2 |
Automatically moving multidimensional data between live datacubes of enterprise software systems
Techniques are described for sharing multidimensional data between software systems, such as enterprise software systems. Specifically, the techniques provide mechanisms for defining inter-application “links” for automatically moving data among different databases associated with the enterprise software systems. For example, a system may include a first database storing multidimensional data for a first software application, and a second database storing multidimensional data for a second software application. The system further includes an interface by which an administrator defines a link that specifies a source area of the first database and a target area of the second database. A link control module automatically moves multidimensional data from the source area to the target area in accordance with the link. The link control module may automatically move the multidimensional data directly between live portions of the respective databases. |
| US08468122B2 |
Knowledge storage and retrieval system and method
A system and method for representing, storing and retrieving real-world knowledge on a computer or network of computers is disclosed. Knowledge is broken down into permanent atomic “facts” which can be stored in a standard relational database and processed very efficiently. It also provides for the efficient querying of a knowledge base, efficient inference of new knowledge and translation into and out of natural language. Queries can also be processed with full natural language explanations of where the answers came from. The method can also be used in a distributed fashion enabling the system to be a large network of computers and the technology can be integrated into a web browser adding to the browser's functionality. |
| US08468115B2 |
Cyclical behavior modification
Embodiments treat cyclical behaviors based on behavioral data describing physiological factors affecting the behaviors. According to various embodiments, a processor or probe produce, from the behavioral data, factor data concerning the factors. Using a processor or recommendation engine that analyzes the factor data, treatment data is recommended based on an estimate of how the at least one factor affects the at least one cyclical behavior. A processor or feedback engine determines, from the treatment data, behavioral feedback configured to produce new behavioral data and to harness the effects of the factors to improve the cyclical behaviors. |
| US08468112B2 |
Factored envisioning for decision support
A system and method provides decision support for planning in an environment where a competition for use of resources exist and events affecting the planning are occurring dynamically. A system model of an actual system is provided. Then in a dynamic factored manner, an envisionment related to at least some aspects of the system model is built. From this envisionment output is generated related to at least some aspects of the system model. Finally, changes are made to the actual system, based on the generated output thereby changing a configuration and/or operation of the actual system. |
| US08468111B1 |
Determining confidence of object identification
The technology described herein includes a system and/or a method for determining confidence of object identification. The technology includes selecting at least one confidence rule from a plurality of confidence rules based on a first discrimination identification and a second discrimination identification. The technology further includes generating an object confidence weight based on one or more first identification parameters, one or more second identification parameters, and the selected at least one confidence rule. The technology further includes fusing the received set of data based on an alpha parameter, a beta parameter, and the object confidence weight. The technology further includes generating a probability of identification of a classification of the object based on the fused data. |
| US08468109B2 |
Architecture, system and method for artificial neural network implementation
Systems and methods for a scalable artificial neural network, wherein the architecture includes: an input layer; at least one hidden layer; an output layer; and a parallelization subsystem configured to provide a variable degree of parallelization to the artificial neural network by providing scalability to neurons and layers. In a particular case, the systems and methods may include a back-propagation subsystem that is configured to scalably adjust weights in the artificial neural network in accordance with the variable degree of parallelization. Systems and methods are also provided for selecting an appropriate degree of parallelization based on factors such as hardware resources and performance requirements. |
| US08468108B1 |
Modeling efficiency over a range of velocities in underwater vehicles
A method of generating a model of propulsive efficiency for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is based on a multilayer perception neural network model using data from aquatic species, such as undulatory fin propulsion in the knifefish (Xenomystus nigri), and a sensitivity analysis is used to lower the number of required inputs. The model of propulsive efficiency allows an AUV to achieve high values of propulsive efficiency over a range of forward velocity, giving a lowered energy drain on the battery. In an embodiment, externally monitored information, such as that on flow velocity, is conveyed to an apparatus residing in the vehicle's control unit, which in turn signals the locomotive unit to adopt kinematics, such as fin frequency and amplitude, associated with optimal propulsion efficiency. Power savings could protract vehicle operational life and/or provide more power to other functions, such as communications. |
| US08468105B2 |
Learning apparatus, learning method, information processing apparatus, data selection method, data accumulation method, data conversion method and program
There is provided a learning apparatus including: a first data acquisition unit which acquires first user preference data belonging to a first data space; a second data acquisition unit which acquires second user preference data of a user in common with the first user preference data, the second user preference data belonging to a second data space which is different from the first data space; a compression unit which generates first compressed user preference data having less data item number from the first user preference data by utilizing a first set of parameters; and a learning unit which learns a second set of parameters utilized for generating second compressed user preference data having the same data item number as that of the first compressed user preference data from the second user preference data so that difference between the first compressed user preference data and the second compressed user preference data is to be small across a plurality of users. |
| US08468099B2 |
Digital entertainment service platform
The present invention is directed to an open business platform that provides an end-to-end solution for managing, distributing, and/or retailing digital media assets from various content suppliers. In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides an integrated system that permits media content suppliers to deposit their media assets with the system where they are prepared by a content management system for distribution to consumers via a secure distribution system. The media content suppliers may then track and control the use of their media assets through a subscriber management system for managing consumer accounts, a licensing server for issuing licenses restricting the use of media content, and a royalty reporter for determining and reporting royalties to the various content suppliers. |
| US08468094B2 |
Electronic value exchange system, mobile terminal, and electronic value exchange method
An electronic value exchange system 100 comprises a mobile terminal 10 and a mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 10 causes a driver 12 to transmit an exchange offer message of electronic value V1, V2 to the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 stores handlers that the driver 12 can execute in relationship to a message in a common table 221, and acquires a handler corresponding to the above-mentioned offer message, and notifies the exchange offer contents based on the handler to an application program 21. If the application program 21 consents to the offer contents according to the operation of a user, the electronic value V2 stored in an IC card 23 is transmitted to an IC card 13 via a driver 22 and the driver 12. |
| US08468091B1 |
Trade-in program with advance payment
An online merchant system provides a merchandise trade-in program that includes advance payment for items traded-in by qualified customers. When a request to trade-in an item is received from a customer, a determination is made as to whether an advance payment can be made for the item. If an advance payment can be made for the item, an advance payment for the total estimated trade-in value of the item is made to the customer. The advance payment may be made prior to shipment of the item to the merchant or when the merchant is notified that the item has been shipped. When the item is received by the merchant, the customer is debited if the actual value of the item is less than the advance payment and credited if the actual value of the item is more than the advance payment. |
| US08468086B1 |
System and method for protecting a debt
Disclosed are systems and methods for protecting a debt. The systems and methods provide techniques for providing a set-amount loan to a customer, collecting a premium payment for the protection of a debt associated with the set-amount loan, receiving information about a debt excusing event that has occurred to the customer, and terminating at least a portion of the debt associated with the set-amount loan. |
| US08468085B1 |
System and method for reporting and analyzing mortgage information
A reporting and analyzing mortgage information system and method include receiving portfolio information from a lender, presenting the lender with predictive modeling and recapture metrics. The system provides for the dynamic definition of data sets and report sets using the received portfolio information and industry-wide recapture metrics. The recapture metrics are derived by matching loan payoff and new loan origination activity. |
| US08468082B2 |
Publish and subscribe system including buffer
Systems and methods for delivering a plurality of trading data messages to a server in connection with the monitoring the trading of financial instruments are provided. A listener subscribes to a subset of the plurality of trading data messages generated by market participants or components within the trading platform. A buffer receives the subset of the plurality of trading data messages and stores the subset of the plurality of trading data messages. A server, such as a live alerts server, receives the subset of the plurality of trading data messages stored from the buffer and analyzes the subset of the plurality of trading data. |
| US08468080B2 |
System and method for administering invested funds
A computer system for administering investment funds holding shares of funds includes a processor and a memory storage device in communication with the processor. The processor is adapted to access from the memory storage device data indicative of allocation targets for allocating invested funds among two or more funds in two or more investment categories; receive data indicative of current holdings of shares, subscriptions and redemptions, and including security values, prices and fund value data; calculate the current allocations among investment categories and determine any differences between the current allocations and the allocation targets; allocate the subscriptions in accordance with the differences between the current allocations and the allocation targets, and allocate the redemptions in accordance with the differences between the current allocations and the allocation targets. |
| US08468079B2 |
Index-based liquidity system and method
A system and method for creating liquidity relative to one or more small businesses or assets provides liquidity to the small business or asset holder in return for a payment stream that comprises at least one payment that is adjustable relative to at least one relevant index. |
| US08468078B2 |
Method of matching hedge funds and investors and apparatus therefor
A method for matching a hedge fund and a hedge fund investor, and apparatus therefore, may utilize databases that may be searched by search engines. The databases and the search engines may be accessed using a website. Information regarding the investor may be stored in one database and information relating to the hedge fund may be separately stored in the other database. An investor may access the search engine associated with the database containing hedge fund information to identify hedge funds that may be relevant to that investor. Likewise, a hedge fund may access the search engine associated with the database containing investor information to identify qualified investors that may be interested in the hedge fund. |
| US08468077B2 |
Distributed tax-return-preparation processing
A method includes providing to a tax-data provider a set of computer-executable instructions that, when executed by an electronic device, generate a user interface displayable on a display device coupled to the electronic device and operable to enable the tax-data provider to enter a tax-data set. The electronic system receives, but does not store, the tax-data set. A mathematical operation is performed using the received tax data, yielding a value. The electronic system provides the value to the electronic device. |
| US08468073B2 |
Facilitating compensation arrangements providing for data tracking components
Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities, are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of facilitating a compensation arrangement between a data provider and a data consumer regarding one or more data-provider-related search activities, including aspects of arranging for compensation to be received from the data consumer in exchange for at least one of installation of or access of a data tracking component related to at least one user interface associated with the data provider, are described. |
| US08468071B2 |
Processing transactions using a register portion to track transactions
Systems and methods are provided that keep check of financial transactions by maintaining a count of the financial transactions using a register portion, in conjunction with performing authentication further to inputting transaction data from a data-bearing record that is stored in a device. The system may include a communication portion that inputs transaction data received from the data bearing record, the transaction data including an input transaction count value and an input device differentiator number; and a processing portion that processes the transaction data. The processing portion may include (1) a memory portion that stores stored data; (2) a device identification portion that identifies the device based on the device differentiator number and an account number, the account number being derived from the transaction data; (3) a register portion that maintains a count of financial transactions so as to provide a current transaction count value associated with the input device differentiator number for the account number, the register portion maintaining current transaction count values for respective device differentiator numbers, which device differentiator numbers are associated with the account number; and (4) an authentication portion that performs authentication processing based on a comparison process that utilizes the current transaction count value and the input transaction count value, the authentication portion generating an authentication result, the authentication portion outputting the authentication result. |
| US08468069B2 |
Automatic modification of financial record parameters
Formatting of data entered and/or stored in a financial transaction record may be automatically corrected or modified to an expected or compatible format. The format in which data is to be stored may be defined by a financial institution processing the transaction and/or a customer affected by the transaction. Format rules may be defined and used to judge whether a transaction record parameter meets the required format. If so, the record parameter may be validated and saved. If, however, the parameter is not formatted according to the rule, the system may automatically revise the value stored in the parameter to satisfy the requirements. According to another aspect, if a transaction record has been modified, manual confirmation of the change may be requested. |
| US08468065B2 |
Laundry room management method and system
The present invention discloses a method and system of managing a laundry room. In the method, identification information including an ID (identifier) is received through a communicator. Then, information about the rate and operating conditions is set through the communicator. A predetermined operation allowed by the setting is performed according to a received payment after receiving information about insertion of the payment from the payment device. While performing, operating information is recorded. Then, the recorded operating information is transmitted in response to a request of the communicator. |
| US08468063B2 |
Method and system for determining market demand for buying and selling properties
A dynamic property buying and selling system is described. The system is comprised of networked hardware, software, processes and methods that enable an auction like system to probe the market and inform buyers, sellers and interested third parties of current market demand information including dynamics. The described system may be used in real estate and other markets to complete early stages of a negotiation process as well as enable buyers and sellers to test for market demand information. Third party observers may use the system to investigate and report on market demand information and test economic theories regarding the market of interest. An integrated expert system is useful to buyers, sellers and third party observers in providing answers to queries regarding correlation of auction parameters and optimization of parameters for particular desired outcomes. |
| US08468059B2 |
Storage-cabinet and method for selling frozen and/or refrigerated goods from such a locked storage-cabinet
A storage cabinet for at least one of refrigerated and frozen goods for sale through that the cabinet door opens via entering of a door opening code in a payment terminal with scanning equipment for reading of codes which identify said goods. The goods which are purchased by lifting them out of the cabinet are scanned with the scanning equipment and are debited to a purchasing account associated with the door opening code. The cabinet is locked when the cabinet door closes. Further the cabinet rests on a weighing device. If a predetermined difference between the scanned goods' weight and the cabinet's weight occurs, the weight difference is registered in a transaction data file associated with the door opening code, wherein loss of goods is registered on a known purchasing account. |
| US08468054B1 |
Identification related technology
Identification technology, in which a request related to generating conveyable information for a particular vendor is received based on user input provided by a particular user and mappings stored in a database are searched using an identifier associated with the particular vendor. At least one rule useful in generating conveyable information for the particular vendor is determined based on results of the searching and identification information for a type of conveyable information requested by the particular user is determined. Conveyable information is generated by applying the determined at least one rule to the determined identification information. A mobile device outputs the generated conveyable information to enable identification of the type of conveyable information requested by the particular user to a system of the particular vendor through the output of the mobile device. |
| US08468053B2 |
Seller selection of content for promotion creation
An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity. |
| US08468052B2 |
Systems and methods for providing activity and participation incentives
An on-line computer activity is provided to users who generate points through participation. Promotional and incentive offers are displayed simultaneously with the activity to encourage participating users to select and enjoy the offers. Accumulated points may be applied to activate displayed offers to thereby allow participating users to be eligible for offers as sufficient points are accrued. Users are thereby filtered based on interest and willingness to participate. |
| US08468046B2 |
Playlist-based detection of similar digital works and work creators
A computer-implemented service recommends digital works (and/or creators of works) to a user based on works currently or previously played or downloaded by the user on a player device or based on playlists stored on the player device. The works may be, for example, music files, video files, electronic books, or other digital content for playing by users. A user may thus obtain personalized recommendations that are based on works obtained from sources (web sites, physical CDs, etc.) that are independent of the recommendations system. In one embodiment, the service identifies pairs of works (and/or work creators) that are similar to each other by virtue of the relatively high frequency with which they co-occur on playlists or within play histories of users. The resulting mappings are used to provide recommendations to users. |
| US08468039B2 |
Method for handling large amounts of standard data
A method for handling large amounts of standard data contained in one or more databases conforming to a standard data model is described. When large amounts of standard data are needed to answer requests of end-users of a software application, the method assumes that a significantly reduced amount of metadata useable by the software application are first built out of the large amounts of standard data. The metadata are stored in an intermediate database of metadata and delivered to the software application through a metadata engine in lieu of the large amounts of standard data. The invention allows software application to consider much larger amounts of standard data to better answer end-user requests in an acceptable elapsed time. |
| US08468035B2 |
Computerized method and system for accumulating liability estimates
Methods and systems for providing vehicle accident information to a computer system are provided. In one embodiment, an impact point of a vehicle accident may be provided to the computer system via a graphical user interface. The computer system may include a memory. The memory may have sets of characteristics regarding one or more past or theoretical accidents. In an embodiment, at least one characteristic in the sets of characteristics may be an impact point. The computer system may display one or more of the impact points in the memory as a graphical image on the graphical user interface. A user may select an impact point of the vehicle accident from the graphical user interface. |
| US08468034B1 |
Systems and methods of automating consideration of low cholesterol risk
A method for calculating risk associated with low cholesterol includes providing a computer processor and assigning a point value to each of a plurality of parameters associated with an applicant. The method also includes calculating, using the computer processor, a total point value by summing the point value for each of the plurality of parameters and determining, using the computer processor, a risk category associated with low cholesterol using the total point value. |
| US08468033B2 |
Cloud-based healthcare information exchange
The present disclosure describes systems and methods of a healthcare exchange system to exchange medical information, stored in different formats, between different entities. This exchange system provides a channel for the flow of information and patient records across different health care entities that may store data in different formats. The exchange system's ability to receive requests and retrieve corresponding data from various entities, along with the transformation of data from the storing format into a format specified by the requesting entity, allow a flexible and extendable healthcare information exchange system. |
| US08468032B2 |
Method for teleradiological analysis
A system and method is described for building a community of clients and radiologists. The method and system bring clients i.e. persons or organisations requiring the analysis of radiographic images, together with radiologists i.e. persons or organisations qualified to undertake analyses of radiographic images. The clients and radiologists register their respective requirements and services with the system, the system matching a suitable client to a suitable radiologist. The method and system use an algorithm to match client and radiologist(s) most effectively. A open feedback facility in which the client indicates his satisfaction with the radiologist (e.g. quality of report, timeliness, cost), and in which the radiologist also indicates his satisfaction with the client (e.g. image quality, quality of associated data, timely payment) is implemented so the quality of service and client of a teleradiology community evolves and high standards are achieved. |
| US08468026B2 |
Audio decoding using variable-length codebook application ranges
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for decoding an audio signal from a frame-based bit stream. At least one frame includes processing information pertaining to the frame and entropy-encoded quantization indexes representing audio data within the frame. The processing information includes: (i) code book indexes, and (ii) code book application information specifying ranges of entropy-encoded quantization indexes to which the code books are to be applied. The entropy-encoded quantization indexes are decoded by applying the identified code books to the corresponding ranges of entropy-encoded quantization indexes. |
| US08468025B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing signal
A method and an apparatus for processing a signal are provided. The method includes: obtaining an energy average value of each sub-band for a current frame frequency-domain signal; obtaining a current frame modification coefficient of each sub-band for the current frame frequency-domain signal according to a spectral envelope and the energy average value of each sub-band; obtaining a weighted modification coefficient of each sub-band for the current frame frequency-domain signal by using the current frame modification coefficient and a relevant frame modification coefficient; and modifying the spectral envelope of each sub-band for the current frame frequency-domain signal by using the weighted modification coefficient. |
| US08468022B2 |
Voice control for asynchronous notifications
A computing device may receive an incoming communication and, in response, generate a notification that indicates that the incoming communication can be accessed using a particular application on the communication device. The computing device may further provide an audio signal indicative of the notification and automatically activate a listening mode. The computing device may receive a voice input during the listening mode, and an input text may be obtained based on speech recognition performed upon the voice input. A command may be detected in the input text. In response to the command, the computing device may generate an output text that is based on at least the notification and provide a voice output that is generated from the output text via speech synthesis. The voice output identifies at least the particular application. |
| US08468020B2 |
Speech synthesis apparatus and method wherein more than one speech unit is acquired from continuous memory region by one access
An apparatus for synthesizing a speech including a waveform memory that stores a plurality of speech unit waveforms, an information memory that correspondingly stores speech unit information and an address of each of the speech unit waveforms, a selector that selects a speech unit sequence corresponding to the input phoneme sequence by referring to the speech unit information, a speech unit waveform acquisition unit that acquires a speech unit waveform corresponding to each speech unit of the speech unit sequence from the waveform memory by referring to the address, a speech unit concatenation unit that generates the speech by concatenating the speech unit waveform acquired. |
| US08468019B2 |
Adaptive noise modeling speech recognition system
An adaptive noise modeling speech recognition system improves speech recognition by modifying an activation of the system's grammar rules or models based on detected noise characteristics. An adaptive noise modeling speech recognition system includes a sensor that receives acoustic data having a speech component and a noise component. A processor analyzes the acoustic data and generates a noise indicator that identifies a characteristic of the noise component. An integrating decision logic processes the noise indicator and generates a noise model activation data structure that includes data that may be used by a speech recognition engine to adjust the activation of associated grammar rules or models. |
| US08468017B2 |
Multi-stage quantization method and device
The invention discloses a multi-stage quantization method, which includes the following steps: obtaining a reference codebook according to a previous stage codebook; obtaining a current stage codebook according to the reference codebook and a scaling factor; and quantizing an input vector by using the current stage codebook. The invention also discloses a multi-stage quantization device. With the invention, the current stage codebook may be obtained according to the previous stage codebook, by using the correlation between the current stage codebook and the previous stage codebook. As a result, it does not require an independent codebook space for the current stage codebook, which saves the storage space and improves the resource usage efficiency. |
| US08468015B2 |
Parameter decoding device, parameter encoding device, and parameter decoding method
A parameter decoding device performs a parameter compensation process so as to suppress degradation of a main observation quality in a prediction quantization. The parameter decoding device includes first amplifiers which multiply inputted quantization prediction residual vectors by a weighting coefficient. A further amplifier multiplies the preceding frame decoding LSF vector yn−1 by the weighting coefficient. An additional amplifier multiplies the code vector xn+1 outputted from a codebook by the weighting coefficient β0. An adder calculates the total of the vectors outputted from the amplifiers, the further amplifier, and the additional amplifier. A selector switch selects the vector outputted from the adder if the frame erasure coding Bn of the current frame indicates that ‘the n-th frame is an erased frame’ and the frame erasure coding Bn+1 of the next frame indicates that ‘the n+1-th frame is a normal frame’. |
| US08468013B2 |
Method, system and computer readable recording medium for correcting OCR result
Disclosed is a method, system and computer readable recording medium for correcting an OCR result. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for correcting an OCR result, the method including performing character recognition on content including character information using an OCR technique, removing extra carriage return information from the content, outputting the character recognition result, and correcting word spacing on the outputted result. |
| US08468011B1 |
Detecting writing systems and languages
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for detecting writing systems and languages are disclosed. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes receiving text; identifying portions of the text as being non-repetitive, the identifying including: compressing underlying data of a first portion of the text, identifying a data compression ratio based on the amount of compression of the underlying data, and determining whether the first portion of the text is non-repetitive based on the data compression ratio; and identifying the first portion of the text as candidate text for use in language detection based on the portions of the text that are determined to be non-repetitive. |
| US08468005B2 |
Determining simulation fidelity in a self-optimized simulation of a complex system
Mechanisms are provided for controlling a fidelity of a simulation of a computer system. A model of the system is received that has a plurality of components. A representation of the plurality of individual components of the system is generated. A component is assigned to be a fidelity center having a highest possible associated fidelity value. Fidelity values are assigned to each other component in the plurality of individual components based on an affinity of the other component to the fidelity center. The system is simulated based on assigned fidelity values to the components in the plurality of individual components. |
| US08468002B2 |
Annotating descriptions of chemical compounds
A one-dimensional structural description of a ligand molecule can be annotated to include, for one or more atoms, information from a force field database. The information can be provided by an Assisted Model Building and Energy Refinement parameter list or a similar source. The annotation can be carried out using one or more intermediate structural description formats and can include identifying one or more fragment types that make up the ligand molecule. |
| US08468000B1 |
Computer based models for absorbent articles
Methods of using computer based models for simulating the physical behavior of bodily fluids with absorbent articles. |
| US08467998B2 |
Computer-aided method for predicting particle uptake by a surface of a moving object
A computer-aided method for predicting particle uptake by a surface of an object moving in a flow current. The method includes preparing a discrete model of the object and the surrounding flow, including a projection area for projecting the particles formed by a mesh of cells with an identical size, and a mesh of cells of the surface. The method also includes simulating the projection of particles with a different size from the projection area on the surface, both the density Di of projected particles and their size distribution being identical for the cell. The method further includes obtaining for each cell of the surface the local uptake efficiency parameter by dividing the density Df of particles impacting against the cell by the density Di of particles projected from the projection area. |
| US08467997B2 |
Numerically-simulated rigid body creation mehtods and systems thereof
Methods and systems for creating numerically-simulated rigid bodies in finite element analysis are disclosed. At least one rigid finite element in a finite element model is designated for forming one or more numerically-simulated rigid bodies (RBs). Each numerically-simulated RB comprises an arbitrary number of rigid finite elements connecting to one another in an arbitrary shape. Each numerically-simulated RB is created by locating all of the elements embedded in the FEA model through shared node or nodes. A procedure of using element definition as a guide to set up an array of node flags, each node flag for one node such that all numerically-simulated RBs defined in the model can be located efficiently. Once all numerically-simulated RBs have been located, each unique numerically-simulated RB is defined as a unique linked-list of connected rigid finite elements. |
| US08467995B2 |
Universal adapter for personal health device standardization of non-standardized healthcare device and operating method thereof
Disclosed are a universal adapter for the personal health device (PHD) standardization of a non-standardized healthcare device and an operating method thereof. The universal adapter includes: an adapter interface device communicating with a non-standardized healthcare device, which does not follow PHD standardization, to collect measurement data measured by the non-standardized healthcare device; and a universal adapter device receiving the measurement data from the adapter interface device, generating a PHD standard message including the received measurement data, and transmitting the PHD standard message to a PHD gateway according to a PHD standard communication scheme. |
| US08467990B2 |
Method for setting the geolocation of a non-GPS enabled device
A method and device for setting a geolocation of a non-GPS enabled device utilizes GPS mapping technology to allow a user to select and set an exact location for a given device within a facility. The method can include obtaining a GPS map of the site where the device is deployed, obtaining a site map of the site, determining the GPS coordinates of at least one of the corners of the site map, overlaying the site map on the GPS map, aligning the at least one corner of the site map with corresponding GPS coordinates on the GPS map, calculating a grid covering the site map, selecting a location on the site map corresponding to the position of the device, and determining the geolocation of the device by calculating the latitude and longitude of said position. |
| US08467988B1 |
Method and system for validation of mass spectrometer machine performance
A method and system for validating machine performance of a mass spectrometer makes use of a machine qualification set of samples. The mass spectrometer operates on the machine qualification set of samples and obtains a set of performance evaluation mass spectra. The performance evaluation spectra are classified with respect to a classification reference set of spectra with the aid of a programmed computer executing a classification algorithm. The classification algorithm also operates on a set of spectra obtained in a previous standard machine run of the machine qualification set of samples. The results from the classification algorithm are then compared with respect to predefined, objective performance criteria (e.g., class label concordance and others) and a machine validation result, e.g., PASS or FAIL, is generated from the comparison. |
| US08467981B2 |
Non-invasive liquid level sensing system and method
A non-invasive liquid level sensing system for monitoring the amount of liquid in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a liquid-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of liquid in the at least one container. |
| US08467979B2 |
Intelligent sport shoe system
The present invention is directed to a system for providing information to an athlete concerning the efficiency with which the athlete is using energy in moving relative to the ground or some other surface. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of pressure sensors that are associated with a shoe and generate pressure related data. The system further includes a processing system that processes the pressure data produced by the sensors to determine energy efficiency related information and make this information available to the wearer of the shoe so that the wearer can, if needed or desired, takes steps to improve their energy efficiency. |
| US08467977B2 |
Fiber optic carbon dioxide purity sensor package and system
A carbon dioxide (CO2) purity sensor package includes a fiber core, a periodic refractive index modulated fiber grating structure within the fiber core and a fiber cladding. A thermally conductive sensing layer is positioned about a portion of the fiber cladding surrounding the periodic refractive index modulated fiber grating structure. A gas chamber encloses the fiber cladding with the thermally conductive sensing layer. |
| US08467974B2 |
System, method, and computer software for the presentation and storage of analysis results
A computer program product, and related systems and methods, are described that processes emission intensity data corresponding to probes of a biological probe array. The computer program includes a genotype and statistical analysis manager that determines absolute or relative expression values based, at least in part, on a statistical measure of the emission intensity data and at least one user-selectable statistical parameter. The analysis manager may also determine genotype calls for one or more probes based, at least in part, on the emission intensity data. The analysis manager may further display the absolute or relative expression values based, at least in part, on at least one user-selectable display parameter and/or a measure of normalized change between genotype calls. The measure of normalized change may be based, at least in part, on a comparison of genotype calls and a reference value. |
| US08467968B1 |
Global positioning system roadway marker
An apparatus for placing marks on a resurfaced roadway. The apparatus includes a GPS-based locator for sampling discrete geographical location data of a pre-existing roadway mark evident on the roadway before resurfacing. A computer determines a continuous smooth geographical location function fitted to the sampled geographical location data. And a marker is responsive to the GPS-based locator and geographical location function for replicating automatically the pre-existing roadway mark onto the resurfaced roadway. The apparatus is typically part of a moving vehicle. A related method is disclosed for placing marks on a resurfaced roadway. A similar apparatus can be used to guide a vehicle having a snow plow along a snow covered roadway, or a paving machine along an unpaved roadway surface. |
| US08467967B2 |
Smart-phone bracket for car and truck navigation
Inertial navigation systems for wheeled vehicles with constrained motion degrees of freedom are described. Various parts of the navigation systems may be implemented in a smart-phone. |
| US08467964B2 |
Multi-user interactive motion tracking using sensors
Mobile platforms exchange their positions in a three-dimensional common reference frame based on data from their respective inertial sensors. The mobile platforms establish the common reference frame, e.g., by contacting each other. The position of each mobile platform is updated in its local reference frame and the position is transformed into a position in the common reference frame. The position in the common reference frame may then be transmitted to the other mobile platform, which can then determine the spatial relationship between the mobile platforms based on the received common reference frame position. Either mobile platform may pass the common reference frame to additional mobile platforms by establishing a new reference frame with a new mobile platform, generating a transformation from the new reference frame to the common reference frame and providing the transformation to the new mobile platform. |
| US08467960B2 |
Navigation system
A method of operating a navigation system for a vehicle and a vehicle navigation system are provided, where an initial route to a destination is determined, the initial route that includes a plurality of links, each of which is associated with an initial cost. The initial route may be calculated such that it passes within a predetermined distance of one or more predetermined waypoints. One or more of the predetermined waypoints may be designated as an obligatory waypoint, which will be taken into account when calculating a new route. The initial cost associated with a link in the initial route may be decreased and a new route calculated in the event the vehicle deviates from the initial route. |
| US08467953B2 |
Method for automatic avoidance of collisions between a craft and further objects
A method for controlling the motion of an object for the avoidance of collisions with obstacles includes: detecting of at least one non-stationary or stationary obstacle; defining a safety zone around the obstacle which moves together with the obstacle; detecting whether the obstacle, including its safety zone, is in a collision course with the object; calculating an avoidance trajectory, which by-passes the obstacle, such that the avoidance trajectory, at least approximately, is circularly shaped and that the circularly-shaped avoidance trajectory, or a straight line tangentially linked thereto, is tangent to the safety zone around the obstacle; and driving the object such that it follows, at least approximately, the calculated avoidance trajectory, whereby the calculated avoidance trajectory is tangentially linked to the previous trajectory. |
| US08467947B2 |
Method of operating an auxiliary electric pump
A method for operating a hydraulic system of an automatic transmission, in particular in a hybrid drivetrain, in which the hydraulic system comprises a main pump that is powered by an internal combustion engine and/or an electric drive motor, an electric auxiliary pump and a system pressure valve for setting a system pressure, to ensure various operating functions. In addition to the main pump, the electric auxiliary pump also supplies the hydraulic system with a volume flow of an operating medium. The loading of the electric auxiliary pump is determined in an electronic control unit with regard to the value of the system pressure and the loading of the electric auxiliary pump is limited, by the electronic control unit, with regard to the selected operating function. |
| US08467945B2 |
Constant speed control method for vehicle and device thereof
A constant speed control method for a vehicle and a device thereof are disclosed. The constant speed control method includes steps of: firstly examining if a constant speed switch of the vehicle is pressed by an electronic control unit; allowing the electronic control unit to enter a constant speed mode when the constant speed switch is pressed; and sending a signal by the electronic control unit, so as to lock a throttle locking device for maintaining an opening degree of a throttle valve, and to adjust an transmission ratio of an electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) for maintaining the constant speed driving of the vehicle. The present invention is further related to a constant speed control device for implementing the above method. |
| US08467944B2 |
Single control lever for combined control of the throttle of one or more engines and of a reversing gear mechanism
A single lever control for combined control of the throttle of one or more engines, for example of boats, and of a reversing gear mechanism includes a system that alternately couples and uncouples the motion of the lever to the reversing gear driving mechanism and to the members controlling the throttle of the one or more engines as a function of the angular position of the lever. |
| US08467941B2 |
Apparatus and method for control of a vehicle
An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle. |
| US08467940B2 |
Apparatus for power seat
An apparatus for a power seat includes: a motor; a transmitting member mechanically connected to a seat and driven by the motor, thereby changing a state of the seat; an operational switch outputting an operational signal indicating a changing direction of the state of the seat; a sensor outputting a single pulse according to a rotation of the motor; a controlling portion driving the motor in a rotational direction corresponding to the operational signal and counting the pulse outputted according to the rotation of the motor, thereby determining and memorizing the state of the seat; a judging portion judging the changing direction of the state of the seat after a start of the driving of the motor on the basis of the pulse; and a drive continuing portion continuing the driving of the motor until the changing direction of the state of the seat is judged. |
| US08467939B2 |
Motor vehicle steering system
A motor vehicle steering system includes a knob that is for rotating a wheel of a steering member, has a knob center, and is supported rotatably around the knob center by the wheel. A control unit sets a predetermined period after detection of gripping on the knob by a grip detection device as a transfer period for transfer from reaction force application only by a wheel reaction force actuator to reaction force application only by a knob reaction force actuator. In the transfer period, the knob reaction force is increased with time and the wheel reaction force is reduced with time. |
| US08467936B2 |
Climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption of a vehicle
A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort. |
| US08467932B2 |
Systems and methods for complex event processing of vehicle-related information
A vehicle-based complex event processing (CEP) engine executes on at least one hardware computer processor in a first vehicle. The CEP engine receives a first input stream onto which vehicle information related to the first vehicle is published, and applies one or more queries to the first input stream to assess if a vehicle-related event has occurred. If it is determined that the vehicle-related event has occurred, the CEP engine publishes an indication of occurrence of the vehicle-related event on an output stream of the vehicle-based CEP engine, and transmits the indication of occurrence of the vehicle-related event from the first vehicle. |
| US08467930B2 |
Driving mode changing device
The present invention provides a driving mode changing device. The driving mode changing device includes a storage unit for storing three or more driving modes including a normal mode and other modes, an input unit for selecting and inputting an arbitrary one from among the driving modes, and a control unit for changing setup of a plurality of driving control devices installed in a vehicle according to the driving mode input from the input unit. The input unit includes one operating member. The operating member is biased from a stationary position when no operation is performed so as to enable a push operation, and simultaneously biased from the stationary position to a predetermined turned position so as to enable a turn operation. The control unit switches the drive mode from the normal mode to a predetermined driving mode, which is different from the normal mode, among the driving modes when detecting that the operating member is pushed at the stationary position, and switches to the other driving mode different from the normal mode and the predetermined driving mode when detecting that the operating member is continuously held at the turned position for a predetermined time in the state where the predetermined driving mode is selected. |
| US08467927B2 |
Method and system for speed control of a hybrid vehicle
Methods and systems are provided for raising the speed of a hybrid electric vehicle operating in an electric-only mode. During conditions when the vehicle is driven only by an electric motor, vehicle speed may be raised by spinning the engine unfueled using power from a system battery, while adjusting valve operation to reduce engine pumping losses. In this way, vehicle speed may be raised more efficiently and without damaging rotating transmission components. |
| US08467921B2 |
Floating dock deflection management systems
This invention relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems increasing operations efficiency and providing accurate, safe control to eliminate man-made accidents. This invention also relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems providing information to safely operate at least one dry dock without over-stressing the metallurgy of the dry dock. |
| US08467918B2 |
Heuristic method for computing performance of an aircraft
A method estimates the vertical airspeed and fuel flow of an aircraft at a point along a flight plan using other aircraft parameters for that point. The process uses a database having entries containing sets of actual values of operating parameters obtained during prior aircraft flights. The database is sorted by data set aggregate values that are is calculated from each set of actual values. When the vertical airspeed and fuel flow estimates are needed, a section thereof is identified based on the aggregate values. That section of the database is analyzed to identify the set of actual operating parameters values that best matches the other aircraft parameters for the flight plan point. The vertical airspeed and fuel flow values from that identified set are used as the estimates. This process reduces the amount of the database that has to be analyzed to locate the data to use. |
| US08467915B1 |
Multi core vehicle management unified user interface system and method
A computerized method for providing a unified user interface to a plurality of flight management components encapsulated within a flight management system. The method can include receiving a flight management system input dataset from a first flight management system user interface device. The method can also include creating, with a processor programmed to provide a unified user interface, a plurality of flight management system input data portions to be transmitted to a plurality of destination flight management system components. The plurality of flight management system input data portions can be based on the flight management system input dataset and each flight management system input data portion can correspond to one of said plurality of destination flight management system components. Each of said plurality of flight management system input data portions can be transmitted from the processor to said corresponding destination flight management system component. |
| US08467912B2 |
Controlling a cooling fan for a storage array
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a cooling fan for a storage array. During operation, an input-output (I/O) metric of the storage array is monitored. Then, the cooling fan is controlled based on the I/O metric. |
| US08467906B2 |
Load balancing tasks in a data center based on pressure differential needed for cooling servers
In a data center that cools servers using an airflow from a central fan, rather than individual server fans, the cooling needs for each server are met by creating a sufficient pressure differential across each server. Because the pressure differential is the same for all of the servers, it is desirable to operate the data center such that each server needs the same pressure differential for proper cooling. Accordingly, a load balancer assigns tasks to the servers based on the known cooling needs of each server in order to balance the pressure differential needed to cool the server. This information may also be sent to the central fan to ensure that a sufficient pressure is created by the fan. Determining the cooling needs beforehand avoids spikes in server temperature, thereby enabling the servers to operate safely at a temperature closer to their maximum rated temperatures. |
| US08467903B2 |
Tendon driven finger actuation system
A humanoid robot includes a robotic hand having at least one finger. An actuation system for the robotic finger includes an actuator assembly which is supported by the robot and is spaced apart from the finger. A tendon extends from the actuator assembly to the at least one finger and ends in a tendon terminator. The actuator assembly is operable to actuate the tendon to move the tendon terminator and, thus, the finger. |
| US08467895B2 |
Processing system and method for operating the same
An operating method is disclosed for a processing system that comprises multiple process modules each adapted to perform substantially the same process upon a substrate. During process module conditioning as a preparatory step for executing a required process recipe, each time one process module completes conditioning, successive transfer of unprocessed substrates from a cassette to the process module is started on an associated substrate transfer route, and successive processes that use the process module are started for the unprocessed substrates. The processing system can be operated efficiently, even if the nonuniformity of the conditioning time required exists between process modules of the same specifications. |
| US08467894B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing product end of life
A method of managing product end of life over an end of life horizon includes the step of selecting an objective of either maximizing gross profit or minimizing writeoff costs for a selected plurality of products being discontinued. The products may have parts in common. A subset of all possible combinations of product demand levels is selected. Each combination is associated with a probability. A procurement plan that optimizes the selected objective is generated based on the selected subset of demand levels given a non-zero pre-existing inventory of at least some parts of the selected products. |
| US08467891B2 |
Method and system for efficient optimization of audio sampling rate conversion
A controller for outputting audio having a predetermined output sample rate. The controller is programmed to receive an audio signal having a first sample rate, identify the first sample rate of the audio signal, select a converter based on the identification of the first sample rate, and convert the sample rate of the received audio signal to the predetermined output sample rate. |
| US08467881B2 |
Methods and systems for representing different spectral components of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient
An exemplary method of representing different spectral components of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient includes identifying one or more spectral peaks of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient, applying electrical stimulation representative of the one or more spectral peaks to at least one stimulation site within the cochlear implant patient using a partial multipolar stimulation configuration, and applying electrical stimulation representative of one or more other spectral components of the audio signal to at least one other stimulation site within the cochlear implant patient using a monopolar stimulation configuration. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08467879B1 |
Treatment of pain by brain stimulation
Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to alleviate pain use at least one implantable system control unit (SCU), producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulation is delivered to targeted areas in the brain. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters. |
| US08467878B2 |
Method of treating depression, mood disorders and anxiety disorders using neuromodulation
The present application involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the mood and/or anxiety. |
| US08467872B2 |
Fault-tolerant high voltage delivery in an implantable medical device
A medical device includes an energy storage device, a plurality of electrodes, a memory, a switching circuit, and a processing module. The energy storage device stores electrical energy for delivery of defibrillation therapy to a heart. The memory stores N therapy configurations, each of the N therapy configurations defining which of the plurality of electrodes are used to deliver defibrillation therapy and further defining a waveform to be applied during delivery of defibrillation therapy. The switching circuit is configured to connect the plurality of electrodes to the energy storage device. The processing module is configured to control the switching circuit to deliver defibrillation therapy according to a first therapy configuration, detect a fault during delivery of the defibrillation therapy according to the first therapy configuration, and select a second therapy configuration based on when the fault was detected during delivery of the defibrillation therapy according to the first therapy configuration. |
| US08467868B1 |
Method of transdermal drug delivery
A method of transdermal drug delivery using drug formulations and other small molecules is described. The drug or other small molecule formulation is applied to the skin of a patient using a radio frequency device. The radio frequency device facilitates the ablation of the stratum corneum allowing the drug or other small molecule to pass to the underlying skin. The drug or small molecule can be contained in hyaluronic acid nanoparticles or suspended in a gel. |
| US08467867B2 |
In-situ tissue analysis device and method
A sensor is mounted to a needle at a location proximate to a tip of the needle. The sensor senses tissue density of tissue in contact with the tip as the needle passes through the tissue. Further, the sensor detects a change in tissue density as the tip passes from one tissue to a target tissue. |
| US08467864B2 |
Systems and methods for use by an implantable medical device for detecting and discriminating stroke and cardiac ischemia using electrocardiac signals and hemodynamic parameters
Techniques are provided for detecting and distinguishing stroke and cardiac ischemia within a patient using an implantable medical device. In one example, a preliminary indication of stroke is detected by a pacemaker or similar implantable device based on an analysis of features of an intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) sensed by the device. Exemplary IEGM features indicative of possible stroke include the onset of prominent U-waves, the onset of notched T-waves, and changes in ST segment duration or QT duration. Upon detection of a possible stroke, the device then detects one or more hemodynamic parameters that are typically affected by cardiac ischemia. Such hemodynamic parameters can include, e.g., cardiac contractility or stroke volume. The device then distinguishes stroke and cardiac ischemia from one another based on whether any changes detected in the hemodynamic parameters are consistent with cardiac ischemia. Implantable systems that exploit subcutaneous electrocardiograms (ECGs) rather than IEGMs are also described. |
| US08467862B2 |
Systems and methods related to ST segment monitoring by an implantable medical device
Cardiac activity is sensed over a plurality of heart beats defining a beat set. For each beat in the set, it is determined whether the beat is a non-classified beat (e.g., paced beat, a beat outside of a specified heart rate range or a PVC), or a classified beat. For each classified beat, it is determined whether the beat is a non-detect beat, a minor beat or a major beat. Counts of classified beats, non-classified beats, major beats, minor beats, and non-detect beats are maintained. The beat set is declared to be one of a non-classified set, a major set, a minor set or a non-detect set based on the relative counts of classified beats, non-classified beats, major beats, minor beats, and non-detect beats. Over a period of time, counts of beat-set types are maintained and entry into and exit from ST episodes are determined based on these beat-set counts. |
| US08467858B2 |
Image-guided thermotherapy based on selective tissue thermal treatment
Devices and techniques for thermotherapy based on optical imaging. |
| US08467857B2 |
Hypodermic vein detection imaging apparatus based on infrared optical system
The present invention is to provide a hypodermic vein detection imaging apparatus capable of visualizing a vein under the skin. The hypodermic vein detection system according to the present invention comprises a hypodermic vein detection imaging apparatus (10) comprising a dome-shaped holder (12), a plurality of infrared light sources (11) arranged at a uniform interval in a circumferential direction on the inner surface of the dome-shaped holder (12), a motor driving unit (13) for rotating the dome-shaped holder (12), teeth (14) meshing with the motor driving unit and formed on the dome-shaped holder (12), an optical zoom lens (15) positioned at the center of the top of the dome-shaped holder, an infrared transmitting filter (16) for filtering light transmitted through the optical zoom lens (15), a first image detector (17) receiving light filtered by the infrared transmitting filter (16), and an image display device (10) for visualizing digital image information obtained by the first image detector (17). |
| US08467852B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a navigated procedure
A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization. |
| US08467851B2 |
Method and apparatus for positioning a reference frame
A method and apparatus to perform a procedure that can include a processor assisted surgical procedure. During the procedure patient space and image space can be registered to allow for tracking of various tracking sensors. A dynamic reference frame can be used to maintain localization of the patient space with the image space. The dynamic reference frame can be fixedly interconnected with a bone portion of the anatomy. |
| US08467846B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method
A Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus having a cavity in which a body or a part of a body to be imaged can be housed and a patient support device, which includes a patient supporting surface having a size so as to accommodate at least a part, particularly the whole of the patient body. The patient supporting surface is mounted in a slidable way relative to the cavity for housing the body to be imaged or a part thereof and enters together with the patient into the cavity. The patient support device includes one or more receptacles for respectively housing and/or removably coupling a coil adapted to receive signals from anatomic regions, upon excitation thereof by the Magnetic Resonance imaging apparatus. Each of the one or more receptacles are arranged over the surface of the device in areas corresponding to the position of one or more anatomic regions to be imaged. |
| US08467842B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods including multi-harmonic optical detection of hemozoin nanoparticles
Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a monitor/treatment device configured to, for example, detect hemozoin, as well as to monitor or treat a malarial infection. |
| US08467840B2 |
Radio-frequency device and wireless communication device
A radio-frequency (RF) device and a wireless communication device include a capacitive sensing unit capable of using a radiating element of an antenna to sensing an environment capacitance within a specified range, such that an RF signal processing device is capable of adjusting power of an RF signal accordingly, to prevent affecting a user. When the radiating element of the antenna includes a direct-current signal route to a ground terminal, the RF device and the wireless communication device further includes at least a capacitor for cutting off the direct-current signal route. |
| US08467839B2 |
Electronic apparatus having movable parts
An electronic apparatus includes a display panel connected to a body and able to occupy a first and second position with respect to the body, and an input panel connected to the body and able to occupy a first and second position with respect to the body. When the display panel and the input panel both occupy their respective first position, the input panel hides part of the display panel. When the display panel occupies its first position and the input panel occupies its second position, the display panel hides at least part of the input panel. When the display panel occupies its second position, the input panel is movable from its first position to its second position and/or movable from its second position to its first position. |
| US08467836B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting data in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting data in a wireless communication system are disclosed, which transmit uplink data in consideration of mobile station (MS) consumption power such that a UE can be stably operated at a cell edge. A method for transmitting data by a mobile station (MS) of a wireless communication system includes transmitting, if MS power consumption is higher than limitation of power consumption, data to a base station (BS) with power higher than the limitation of power consumption using power supplied from a primary power-supply unit and a storage unit during a first time, and charging the storage unit using the primary power-supply unit during a second time, wherein the limitation of power consumption indicates maximum power amount capable of being normally supplied from the primary power-supply unit. |
| US08467835B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a solar cell module and a selective transmitting member for selectively transmitting light, thereby supplying the light to the solar cell module selectively. Accordingly, since a light-transmitting display and a solar cell module are stacked on each other, the present invention enables a user to appreciate information displayed on the light-transmitting display while enabling the solar cell module to charge a battery. Moreover, since the light having passed through a light-transmitting display can be reflected by a selective transmission member provided between the light-transmitting display and a solar cell module, the present invention is able to enhance readability of information displayed on the light-transmitting display. |
| US08467833B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal is provided that includes a first body, a display having a first region and a second region, the display being located at the first body, a second body slidably connected to the first body, the second body being slideable between a first position that covers the second region and a second position that exposes the second region, and a controller configured to control the display unit such that the display unit outputs different screens when the second body is in the first position and in the second position. |
| US08467829B2 |
Wireless adapter for media player system
A media player system is disclosed. One aspect of the media player system pertains to a docking station that allows a media player to communicate with other media devices. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a wireless media player system that includes a hand held media player capable of transmitting information over a wireless connection and one or more media devices capable of receiving information over the wireless connection. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a method of wirelessly connecting the hand held media player to another device. The method includes selecting a media item on the hand held media player; selecting one or more remote recipients on the hand held media player; and transmitting the media item locally to the hand held media player, and wirelessly to the selected remote recipients. |
| US08467826B1 |
Remote vehicle starter system
A system for remotely turning on and off a vehicle's ignition, locking and unlocking a vehicle's doors, and controlling the temperature inside the vehicle. The system features a cellular phone adapted to communicate with a wireless module. The wireless module is installed in the vehicle and is connected to the vehicle's ignition s system, lock system, and temperature control system. By pressing various buttons on the cellular phone's programmed application, a user can manipulate the ignition, doors, and temperature of the vehicle. |
| US08467824B2 |
Communication apparatus capable of accessing multiple telecommunication networks of the same telecommunication standard
A communication apparatus for using a first and second subscriber identifications at the same time for accessing a first and second telecommunication networks correspondingly includes a first communication circuit for accessing the first telecommunication network according to the first subscriber identification; a second communication circuit for accessing the second telecommunication network according to the second subscriber identification, where the first telecommunication network and the second telecommunication network correspond to the same telecommunication standard; a central controlling device, with a user interface, for receiving a command; and a controller, coupled to the second communication circuit, for controlling operations of the second communication circuit, wherein the central controlling device is coupled to the first communication circuit and the controller, and the central controlling device is shared by the first communication circuit and the controller. |
| US08467815B2 |
Mobile address book population using SMS polling
A system, method and program product that automatically populates address book fields. A system is described that includes: a system for sending and receiving SMS messages; an address book that includes an entry for an owner and entries for contacts associated with the owner, wherein each entry includes a set attributes and at least one piece of attribute data; a system for parsing an incoming SMS message to identify a request for attribute data of the owner and for generating a responsive SMS message with attribute data of the owner; and a system for issuing SMS messages to contacts in the address book requesting additional attribute data and for loading received attribute data into the address book. |
| US08467805B2 |
System and method for determining a reference location using cell table data mining
A system and method for providing assistance data to a wireless device. A location request may be received for the wireless device, the location request identifying location information for the wireless device. A reference location for the wireless device may then be determined as a function of a comparison of the location information and a region determined as a function of at least one of a mobile country code (“MCC”), mobile network code (“MNC”), and an Area-Identification (“Area-ID”), such as a location area code (“LAC”) or a Radio Network Controller-Identification (“RNC-ID”). Assistance data may be provided to the wireless device as a function of the determined reference location. |
| US08467802B2 |
Mobile telecommunication system and joint resource allocation method for multiple station joint resource allocation and joint group handover
A mobile telecommunication and joint resource allocation of a multiple-station and joint group handover. The mobile telecommunication system comprises a utility function processing unit to process a utility function that is a load factor of each cell, a critical set determining unit to determine a critical set based on the utility function, and a resource allocation processing unit to allocate a resource in association with another at least one mobile telecommunication system corresponding to the critical set. |
| US08467798B2 |
Method of performing cell reselection in wireless communication system
A method of performing cell reselection in a wireless communication system includes receiving cell load information and performing cell reselection by using the cell load information. It is possible to achieve traffic balancing on user equipments using a wireless network. |
| US08467795B2 |
Location-based routing of IMS calls through femtocells
Location-based calling may be provided for callers that connect to a wireless network using femtocells. A network device may receive a call initiation message including an identifier of a femtocell through which the call was placed. The network device may obtain an identifier of a macro cell base station that serves a geographical coverage area that includes the femtocell and replace the identifier of the femtocell, in the message, with the identifier of the macro cell base station, to obtain a modified message. The modified message may be forwarded through the network to be processed as if the caller placed the location-based call through the macro cell base station. |
| US08467786B2 |
Communication devices and methods for providing services to communication devices in a communication system including a private cell
A method in a communication device (220) for discovering a private cell (222) accessible to the communication device (220) for communication in a communication system (200) comprises receiving (400) at the communication device (220) cell discovery information. The cell discovery information is based on subscription information of the communication device (220) and includes location information for identifying at least one area of the communication system in which at least one private cell accessible to the communication device for communication is located. The method further comprises initiating (402) a private cell search at the communication device (220) for discovering a private cell accessible to the communication device when the communication device (220) is determined to be located in an identified area. A method of identifying a cell accessible to a communication device (220) in idle mode and registered with an IMS network (214) in a communication system (200) including a private cell (222) is also disclosed. A method of performing a handover of an ongoing service being provided to a communication device (220) when registered with an IMS network (214) in a communication system (200) including a private cell (222) is also disclosed. |
| US08467784B2 |
WLAN system scanning and selection
Techniques for performing WLAN system scanning and selection are described. A terminal performs multiple iterations of scan to detect for WLAN systems. A scan list containing at least one WLAN system to detect for is initially determined. For each scan iteration, a scan type may be selected from among the supported scan types. The selected scan type may indicate passive scan or active scan, frequency channels to scan, etc. A scan may be performed based on the selected scan type. Signal strength measurements are obtained for access points received during the scan and used to identify detected access points. After all scan iterations are completed, candidates access points are identified based on the scan results, e.g., based on the signal strength measurements for the detected access points and a detection threshold. The best candidate access point may be selected for association by the terminal. |
| US08467782B1 |
System and method for multiple packet data network connectivity
A mobile communication terminal includes an attachment module that provides a request to attach to a home network through a visited network when the mobile communication terminal is roaming. The mobile communication terminal also includes a response module that receives a response to the request to attach from the home network that includes first and second Internet protocol (IP) addresses. The mobile communication terminal also includes a communication module that communicates with a first packet data network (PDN) through the home network by selectively using the first IP address and that communicates with a second PDN through the visited network by selectively using the second IP address. |
| US08467780B2 |
System and method for provisioning service flows in broadband wireless access communication
Disclosed is a system and a method for provisioning service flows in broadband wireless access communication. In a broadband wireless access communication system, if a base station receives a registration request message from a mobile station, and if the base station inserts information about service flows to be provisioned by a base station into a registration response message and transmits the registration response message to the mobile station after the registration request message is received, the mobile station determines if the mobile station transits into a normal operation mode corresponding to the information and exactly recognizes a time point at which the mobile station goes into the normal operation mode. |
| US08467777B2 |
Intelligent text message to speech system and method for visual voicemail
A visual voicemail system can convert visual voicemail message content to an alternate format based on the location of the recipient device, whether and how the recipient device is in motion, a priority of the message content, user preferences, or other criteria. Alternately, a recipient wireless device may also convert content to an alternate format based on the similar criteria. Content may be presented automatically to a user on recipient device based on such criteria. Content may be converted from audio to text, text to audio, or from any format to any other format. Location, motion data, user preferences, etc. may be obtained from a location based service system, a recipient wireless device, or any other source. |
| US08467776B2 |
User-controllable telephone call processing
Embodiments of the invention include a system to process telephone calls. The system can receive a telephone call and identify the telephone number of the calling party. A database of processing instructions then specifies whether to block the telephone call, forward the telephone call to another telephone number, send the telephone call to a voicemail system or an answering machine, or ring the telephone assigned to the called number. Based on the time of the call, the instructions to be applied can differ. |
| US08467771B2 |
Server apparatus and message transmission method
There are provided a server apparatus capable of transmitting any message in a flexible manner at various timings of communication service states, and a message transmission method thereof. When a communication trigger detector 103 of an IMS 100 detects a trigger point, a determination portion 104 determines a massage to be transmitted based upon at least one of a type of the communication service state, a transmission destination of the message, presence information, and an instruction input. A message transmitter 105 give an instruction to an information storage device 300 to transmit the message to be transmitted that has been determined, and the information storage device 300 transmits the message to the transmission destination. |
| US08467770B1 |
System for securing a mobile terminal
A method and apparatus for securing user data on a mobile device using a Bluetooth fob. The method and apparatus enables robust access security, issues alerts when the user leaves proximity of his/her terminal, and can delete confidential data. The method also teaches using a Bluetooth smart phone soft token for securing data on a mobile device. |
| US08467764B2 |
Emergency information delivering method, radio control apparatus radio base station and mobile terminal
An emergency information delivering method according to the present invention includes the steps of: notifying, to a mobile terminal, generation of emergency information to be received, by use of a paging signal used to activate a broadcast communication function of the mobile terminal; notifying, from the mobile terminal to a user, the generation of the emergency information in response to the notification by the paging signal; transmitting, to the mobile terminal, detailed information of the emergency information as a broadcast communication message; and displaying, at the mobile terminal, the detailed information, after the broadcast communication function is activated by the paging signal, the detailed information being received as the broadcast communication message. |
| US08467760B2 |
Frequency translated filters for wideband applications
Embodiments of a SAW-less RF receiver front-end that includes a frequency translated notch filter (FTNF) are presented. An FTNF includes a passive mixer and a baseband impedance. The baseband impedance includes capacitors that form a low-Q band-stop filter. The passive mixer is configured to translate the baseband impedance to a higher frequency. The translated baseband impedance forms a high-Q notch filter and is presented at the input of the FTNF. The FTNF can be fully integrated in CMOS IC technology (or others, e.g., Bipolar, BiCMOS, and SiGe) and applied in wireless receiver systems including EDGE/GSM, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Bluetooth, and wireless LANs (e.g., IEEE 802.11). In addition, embodiments of a generalized FTNF for wideband applications are presented. |
| US08467759B2 |
Adjacent channel optimized receiver
The present invention offers significant improvements in the performance of a radio receiver operating in an environment with high desired band interference. The present invention comprises a high selectivity RF circuit that is located between the antenna and the radio receiver, and utilizes superheterodyne technology to filter adjacent channel interference in the desired band frequency spectrum. This type of interference is problematic for IEEE 802.11 radio receivers that are implemented with the popular direct conversion radio receiver architectures. The present invention may be utilized in many types of radio receivers. |
| US08467753B2 |
Receiver and method for receiving a first usable frequency band and a second usable frequency band
A receiver for receiving a first usable frequency band and a second usable frequency band includes a band-pass filter device for filtering one or several receiving signals, a mixer device for converting the combination signal or the first band-pass filter signal and the second band-pass filter signal with a local oscillator signal, for obtaining a first intermediate frequency signal and a second intermediate frequency signal, and an intermediate frequency filter device for filtering the first intermediate frequency signal and the second intermediate frequency signal. Further, the receiver includes an analog/digital converter device for analog/digital converting the first filtered intermediate frequency signal and the second filtered intermediate frequency signal by using a single sampling frequency for obtaining a first digitized intermediate frequency signal and a second digitized intermediate frequency signal. |
| US08467749B2 |
Monolithic FM-band transmit power amplifier for mobile cellular devices and method of operation thereof
An FM-band transmit power amplifier and a method of transmitting in multiple bands. In one embodiment, the FM-band transmit power amplifier has an input and an output and includes: (1) a pre-filter including a charge-pump based integrator coupled to the input and a passive notch filter having a notch frequency in a band other than an FM band and (2) an output driver coupled between the passive pre-filter and the output and having PMOS and NMOS transconductors configured to receive an output from the passive filter. |
| US08467748B2 |
Wireless communication unit, integrated circuit comprising a voltage controlled oscillator and method of operation therefor
A wireless communication unit comprises a frequency generation circuit employing a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit comprising a voltage controlled oscillator having a modulation port for directly modulating a signal output from the voltage controlled oscillator. The voltage controlled oscillator is operably coupled to at least one switch and a capacitor bank comprising one or more varactors. A controller is arranged to switch in one or more varactors associated with the modulation port of the phase locked loop circuit to provide an inverse cubic relationship to the direct modulated signal.In addition, or alternatively, the phase locked loop (PLL) circuit may comprise a voltage controlled oscillator having a tuning port for controlling a frequency of a signal output from the voltage controlled oscillator. The controller here is arranged to switch in one or more varactors associated with the tuning port of the phase locked loop circuit in an inverse square relationship. |
| US08467746B2 |
Method and device for sending transmission signal, in particular mobile radio signal
In sending a transmission signal, in particular a mobile radio signal, to a receiver, the transmission signal is processed according to a modulation coding scheme MCS and subjected to amplitude limited to obtain a specified ratio of maximum to average transmission power PAR. A limit value EVM for an error in the transmission signal is matched to transmission conditions for the transmission signal, according to demand, in such a way that a maximum signal to interface ration is achieved at a receiver. |
| US08467742B2 |
Communications apparatus
An electrode group is provided in a portable terminal carried by a human body for transmitting a transmission signal to the human body functioning as a transmission medium. The electrode group contains three electrodes arranged respectively at three vertices of an equilateral triangle. Three types of driving electrode pairs are defined as respectively having different combination of optional two electrodes. While changing the driving electrode pairs for use in order one pair by one pair, the transmission signal based on the same transmission data is repeatedly transmitted as many times as the number of driving electrode pairs. |
| US08467739B2 |
Monolithic integrated transceiver
A variable operational mode transceiver device formed with an integrated circuit having a semiconductor material substrate supporting a feedback oscillator having a signal power divider electrically coupled to said feedback oscillator output, and a signal frequency multiplier electrically coupled to said signal power divider. A signal mixer has a pair of inputs of which one is electrically coupled to that remaining one of said pair of outputs of said signal power divider. |
| US08467738B2 |
Multi-mode radio frequency front end module
A radio frequency (RF) front end circuit for connecting an antenna to a transceiver having multiple operating modes is disclosed. The circuit has a first transmit input receptive to signals of a first operating mode and a second operating mode from the transceiver. There is also a second transmit input receptive to signals of a third operating mode from the transceiver. The circuit has a first power amplifier for the first and second operating modes, a second power amplifier for the first operating mode, and a third power amplifier for the second and third operating mode. A first switch network selectively interconnects the first transmit input to a one of the second and third power amplifiers. |
| US08467736B2 |
Method and apparatus for inter-cell synchronization in a multi-cell environment
The present invention relates to a method for synchronizing multiple cells, which perform cooperative multi-input multi-output operations, as well as to a method for inter-cell synchronization in a multi-cell environment, comprising the steps of: measuring a propagation delay of a cooperative base station; transmitting the measured propagation delay to a serving base station; and receiving data for cooperative multi-input multi-output operations in which a transmission location is adjusted, on the basis of the propagation delay of the cooperative base station, when the serving base station transmits the propagation delay to the cooperative base station. |
| US08467732B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication apparatus includes an analog receiving unit, a phase calculator, a time variation calculator, and a chirp radar determination unit. The analog receiving unit obtains a receiving signal from a radio wave. The phase calculator calculates a phase of the receiving signal. The time variation calculator calculates a frequency of the receiving signal based on the phase. Moreover, the time variation calculator further calculates a time variation of the frequency. The chirp radar determination unit determines whether the receiving signal is a chirp radar or not based on the time variation. |
| US08467730B2 |
Radio communication method, base station apparatus and terminal apparatus in radio communication system, and radio communication system
A radio communication method for performing a radio communication between a first and second movable base station apparatuses and a subordinate terminal apparatus respectively, the method including: transmitting and receiving configuration information relating radio resource and load information relating the subordinate terminal apparatus in the first and second base station apparatuses respectively, via the terminal apparatus located in an overlapped communicable range of the first and second base station apparatuses, when the first and second base station apparatuses perform radio communication using the same radio resource, by the first and second base station apparatuses respectively; and performing interference control based on the configuration information and the load information, by the first and second base station apparatuses respectively. |
| US08467729B2 |
Method and apparatus for eliminating multi-user interference in multi-antenna system
A method and an apparatus are provided for eliminating multi-user interference in a multi-antenna system. In a BS, precoding vector information of at least one interfering user terminal interfering with a user terminal and information about a ratio of the transmission (TX) power of the user terminal to the total TX power of the BS are detected. A control signal including the detected information is transmitted to the user terminal. |
| US08467727B2 |
Controlling the dynamic range of a RF receiver circuit in a wireless communication terminal to reestablish a lost communication link
A wireless communication terminal includes a RF receiver circuit and a controller. The RF receiver circuit receives communication signals from another communication terminal through a wireless communication link when the communication signals are within a dynamic range of the RF receiver circuit. The controller controls the RF receiver circuit to temporarily increase the dynamic range of the RF receiver circuit in response to detecting an unexpected loss of the wireless communication link between the other communication terminal and the RF receiver circuit. The controller then controls the RF receiver circuit to decrease the dynamic range of the RF receiver circuit in response to detecting that the wireless communication link between the other communication terminal and the RF receiver circuit has been reestablished. |
| US08467726B2 |
Communication device and communication method
The communication device (10) which performs, when attached to the first region of the moving body, wireless communication with the communication partner device (20) attached to the second region of the moving body includes: a motion obtaining unit (11) which obtains motion information indicating a motion of at least one region of the moving body; a parameter determining unit (12) which determines a parameter corresponding to the motion of the region of the moving body indicated by the motion information obtained by the motion obtaining unit (11), using parameter information in which the motion and a parameter indicating a communication mode for successful wireless communication are associated with each other; and a wireless communication unit (13) which performs wireless communication with the communication partner device (20) according to the parameter determined by the parameter determining unit (12). |
| US08467722B2 |
Themed ornaments with WiFi and WiMax streaming stations
An apparatus for playing signals received from the internet or other information highway on one or more speakers are described. The apparatus has a receiver for receiving information from a preselected address; a processor for interpreting the signals; a user interface for choosing between a connection to a personal computer and the preselected address; and at least one sound emitting device for playing the processed signal. The apparatus has an ornamental design on the outside which is related to the topic of the signals received from the address. |
| US08467721B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering a converted message to a vehicle media system
Architecture for playing back personal text-based messages such as email and voicemail over a vehicle-based media system. The user can use a cell phone that registers over a cellular network to an IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) to obtain an associated IP address. The personal messages are then converted into audio signals using a remote text-to-voice (TTV) converter and transmitted to the phone based on the IP address. The phone then transmits the audio signals to the vehicle media system for playback using an unlicensed wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Other alternative embodiments include transmitting converted message directly to the media system, via a satellite channel, converting the messages via a TTV converter on the cell phone, and streaming the converted messages to the phone and/or the media system for playback. |
| US08467720B2 |
Method for managing multimedia broadcast multicast service transmission and related communication device
A method of managing multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) transmission for a network in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of reserving a plurality of MBMS subframes of a first radio frame for a MBMS service; configuring a first subframe set of the reserved MBMS subframes of the first radio frame for transmissions of MBMS data; and configuring a second subframe set of the reserved MBMS subframes of the first radio frame for transmissions of non-MBMS data. |
| US08467719B2 |
Method and system for the delivery of user requested program content using broadcast channels
Aspects of the disclosure describe a method and system for the delivery and notification of user requested radio content. Aspects include a radio unit that is physically integrated with and is part of a telematics unit and receives user requested content data from a radio control center over a wireless network. The radio unit processes the user requested content data using a user request application. Further, the user requested data includes the scheduled times for one or more items of user requested content. The user request application orders the scheduled times for the one or more items of user requested content chronologically and displays the one or more items of user requested content data on the user display accordingly. |
| US08467717B2 |
Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement
Portable audience measurement architectures and methods for portable audience measurement are disclosed. A disclosed system contains a plurality of portable measurement devices configured to collect audience measurement data from media devices, a plurality of data collection servers configured to collect audience measurement data from the plurality of portable measurement devices, and a central data processing server. A portable measurement device establishes a communication link with a data collection server in a peer-to-peer manner and transfers the collected audience measurement data to the data collection server. Because the portable measurement device is not dedicated to a particular local data collection server, the portable measurement device periodically or a periodically broadcasts a message attempting to find a data collection server with which to establish a communication link. |
| US08467712B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus using the same
A fixing device includes a laser light source that irradiates an irradiation region with a laser light, the irradiation region extending along a direction crossing a transporting direction of a recording medium with respect to a heating-fixable image which is on the recording medium. The fixing device further includes; a reflective member that is provided to enclose the irradiation region and includes a reflective surface reflecting a reflected light so that the irradiation region is re-irradiated with the reflected light from the irradiation region by the laser light radiated from the laser light source; and a light absorption member that is provided so as to continue to an end of a side of the reflective member directed to the recording medium and includes a portion facing a transporting surface of the recording medium and extending toward an outside of the reflective member, and is capable of absorbing the laser light. |
| US08467711B2 |
Image forming apparatus including lateral slip prevention member
An image forming apparatus, a fixing unit and a belt assembly thereof are disclosed. The image forming apparatus, the fixing unit and the belt assembly includes a frame, a belt rotatably disposed at an outer periphery of the frame, and a lateral slip prevention member which presses at least a portion of the belt to cause the belt to move in a direction of mitigating undesirable lateral movement of the belt. |
| US08467706B2 |
High speed, high quality image monochromatic printer
A printer apparatus includes the use of at least two HSD stations to develop an electrostatic image generated by a single exposure on a photoreceptor in order to enable high speed, high quality monochrome development. A third standby HSD station can be included for increased reliability or be cycled in and out of development allowing on-the-fly cleaning of HSD wires. |
| US08467703B2 |
Image forming device having detachable developing device unit
An image forming device includes a developing device unit including a plurality of developing devices, and a plurality of sloping members disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of developing devices. Each developing device includes a developing roller defining an axis line and a developer accommodating chamber. Each developing device is movable in a first direction perpendicular to the axis line. Each sloping member has a sloped surface and a biasing member biasing the sloped surface upward in the first direction. Each sloping member is movable between a first position where the developing device is placed on the sloped surface and a second position where the developing device is disengaged from the sloped surface in a predetermined direction different from the first direction. |
| US08467699B2 |
Remanufactured toner cartridge with added primary charge roller cleaner, and methods
A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge with an added primary charge roller cleaner, and methods of remanufacture, are disclosed. The added primary charge roller cleaner may be fastened to the mounting bracket of the toner cartridge's wiper blade, and functions to remove contaminants from the primary charge roller through contact with the primary charge roller. |
| US08467695B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method, and storage medium for measuring the temperature of a fixing unit, selecting a sheet type to be used for cooling the fixing unit based on the measured temperature, and performing control so that a sheet of the selected type passes through the fixing unit when the measured temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature
An image forming apparatus capable of rapidly cooling a fixing device is provided. A fixing unit of an image forming apparatus (MFP) includes a fixing device for fixing a developer image transferred onto a sheet based on image data, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fixing device, a heater for raising the temperature thereof, and a cooling device for cooling thereof. A control unit of the MFP acquires sheet information in which information for adjusting the temperature of the fixing device is described, selects a suitable cooling sheet to be used for cooling the fixing device based on the acquired sheet information and the temperature of the fixing device measured by the temperature sensor, and passes the selected cooling sheet through the fixing device to cool the fixing device when the temperature of the fixing device measured by the temperature sensor is higher than a predetermined temperature. |
| US08467693B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus which forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum, serving as an image carrier, develops the image using toners of a plurality of colors, and transfers a toner image onto a printing medium in accordance with an electrophotographic process. A toner consumption amount detection unit detects the toner consumption amount of each of the toners of the plurality of colors, a decision unit decides upon a color to form a patch, based on input image data and the detected toner consumption amount of each color, a patch sensor detects the density of a patch of the decided color by generating the patch at a predetermined position on the photosensitive drum serving as an image carrier outside an area to form a color image, and an adjustment unit adjusts the printing density based on the detected patch density. |
| US08467692B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a developing section that includes a feed member having a groove, a developer carrier developing with liquid developer fed from the feed member, and a charging member charging the liquid developer carried in the developer carrier. An image carrier carries an image developed by the developing section. An optical sensor includes a light emitting section emitting light to the image developed in the image carrier. A first light receiving section receives light reflected from the image. A second light receiving section is disposed at a position different from that of the first light receiving section. A control section adjusts a developing bias applied to the developer carrier in response to an output signal of the first light receiving section, and controls a bias applied to the charging member by the output signals of the first and second light receiving sections. |
| US08467687B2 |
Optical transmitter and optical OFDM communication system
Distortion of a reception signal which is attributable to interference between subcarriers during photoelectric conversion is reduced in an optical OFDM communication system without broadening the signal band. A transmission signal processing unit (100) in a transmitter is provided with a distortion generating circuit (distortion generating unit) (170). A subcarrier signal is utilized as an input signal for the circuit. The distortion generating circuit (170) generates a baseband OFDM signal by means of inverse FFT calculation using the input signal, computes the square of the absolute value of the signal, and restores the subcarrier signal by mean of FFT calculation. Because interference between subcarriers is also included in the signal, the distortion element generated by the interference between the subcarriers can be extracted when the difference from the input signal is found. The signal obtained by subtracting the distortion element from the subcarrier signal, which has been modulated using the original data to be communicated, is used as the transmission signal. The transmission signal is photoelectrically converted with a receiver. The interference between subcarriers generated at this time is smaller than when the aforementioned processing is not performed. |
| US08467686B2 |
Combined optical and coaxial hub for routing an upstream signal from a two-way digital output to an existing hybrid fiber coax network
A device for routing an upstream signal from a two-way digital output to an existing hybrid fiber coax network. A first path includes an input for receiving downstream optical signals associated with data and a two-way digital port for communicating the data of the downstream optical signals to a subscriber. A second path includes a hybrid fiber coax input and a two-way hybrid fiber coax port for communicating with the subscriber. A filter is disposed in the first path for routing an upstream signal from the subscriber at the two-way digital port to the second path for forwarding upstream via the hybrid fiber coax input. |
| US08467685B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for compensating infrared noise in an electronic system
Remote control signal detection systems and methods are operable to compensate detected infrared energy to identify an infrared energy communication signal emitted by a remote control. An exemplary embodiment detects first infrared energy, wherein the infrared energy communication signal is absent in the first infrared energy; determines compensation based on the first infrared energy; detects second infrared energy, wherein the infrared energy communication signal is present in the second infrared energy; and compensates the second infrared energy based on the determined compensation. |
| US08467675B2 |
Camera module
A camera module includes an image sensor, a lens assembly mounted on the image sensor, and a shell defining a receiving space. The image sensor and the lens assembly are accommodated in the receiving space. The lens assembly is fixedly engaged in the shell. |
| US08467672B2 |
Voice recognition and gaze-tracking for a camera
A method is disclosed for enabling user friendly interaction with a camera system. Specifically, the inventive method has several aspects to improve the interaction with a camera system, including voice recognition, gaze tracking, touch sensitive inputs and others. The voice recognition unit is operable for, among other things, receiving multiple different voice commands, recognizing the vocal commands, associating the different voice commands to one camera command and controlling at least some aspect of the digital camera operation in response to these voice commands. The gaze tracking unit is operable for, among other things, determining the location on the viewfinder image that the user is gazing upon. Another aspect of the invention provides for gesture recognition to be used to interface with and control the camera system. |
| US08467670B2 |
Portable hot beverage maker
A hot beverage making container having a main body that includes a water tank and a heating chamber separated by a first valve. A removable brewing cup is connected to the main body and is separated from the heating chamber by a second valve. A tube extends from the brewing cup, through the main body, and out of the main body. |
| US08467668B2 |
Infrared room heater system
An infrared, room heater system for installation in a wall or on a floor. An electric fan assembly draws room air into a housing, then through three parallel, air transit channels where the air is heated by infrared radiation within and about a heat exchanger assembly, and then back out into the room. One or more ceramic heating elements attached to a first copper plate emit infrared radiation when electrically energized. The first copper plate lies adjacent to, but spaced away from, a second copper plate such that radiation emitted from the heating elements reflects back and forth between the plates. Room air passed between the copper plates is heated by heat radiation concentrated between the plates, thereby achieving both energy and space efficiency. |
| US08467667B2 |
Video playback device and video playback method
According to an embodiment, a memory creates first packet data and second packet data which are identical to the first packet data, and adds the same serial number to the first packet data and the second packet data. The first packet data is supplied to one port of a decoder through one switch unit, while the second packet data is supplied to the other port of the same decoder through the other switch unit. The decoder checks on the first packet data and the second packet data provided with the same serial number, and thereby monitors whether or not an error occurs in the first packet data and the second packet data. Then, the decoder decodes normal packet data selected from the first packet data and the second packet data, and outputs the decoded data to a video switch. |
| US08467666B2 |
Recording medium production method, recording medium, and player for recording medium
A recording medium production method includes the steps of: obtaining, from electronic document data, text string placement information which represents placement of text strings included therein, with an electronic document data obtaining unit; first converting of the electronic document data into still image data with a still image data conversion unit; second converting of predetermined still image data of the still image data into moving image data, by generating moving image data of n seconds with a moving data conversion unit; generating underline rendering control information for highlighted display of predetermined text strings included in the moving image data and also to move the display position of the highlight, with an underline rendering control information generating unit, based on the text placement information; and recording the moving image data and the underline rendering control information in the recording medium with a recording unit, following a predetermined recording medium format. |
| US08467654B2 |
Modular connector assembly configured with both optical and electrical connections for providing both optical and electrical communications capabilities, and a system that incorporates the assembly
A modular connector assembly is provided that has both an electrical coupling configuration that complies with the RJ-45 wiring standard and an optical coupling configuration that provides the assembly with optical communications capabilities. In addition, the modular connector assembly is configured to have backwards compatibility with existing 8P8C jacks and plugs that implement the RJ-45 wiring standard. Consequently, the modular connector assembly may be used to communicate optical data signals at higher data rates (e.g., 10 Gb/s and higher) or to communicate electrical data signals at lower data rates (e.g., 1 Gb/s). |
| US08467653B2 |
Fiber optic cable retainer for a fiber optic cable connector assembly
The present invention relates to a cable retainer for attaching a connector to a fiber optic cable. The cable retainer includes at least a grooved anchor whereby a connector assembly formed of a connector and a cable can be aligned and secured through the anchor alone. The cable retainer may further comprise a crimp band that is slid over the anchor and connector assembly to secure aramid yarns, and to provide additional support to the connector assembly. |
| US08467651B2 |
Fiber optic terminals configured to dispose a fiber optic connection panel(s) within an optical fiber perimeter and related methods
Fiber optic terminals and methods for establishing optical connections are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic terminal is provided that includes a base defining an interior chamber. The fiber optic terminal includes a terminal cover configured to close onto the base. A plurality of fiber routing guides are disposed in the base defining an optical fiber perimeter in the interior chamber. At least one fiber optic connection panel is disposed in the fiber optic terminal for establishing optical connections. The fiber optic connection panel is disposed on the internal surface of the terminal cover such that when the terminal cover is closed, the fiber optic connection panel is disposed within the optical fiber perimeter. In this manner, routing of optical fibers around the optical fiber perimeter provides space for disposing the fiber optic connection panel in the fiber optic terminal when the terminal cover is closed. |
| US08467648B2 |
Ultra small core fiber with dispersion tailoring
Various embodiments of optical fiber designs and fabrication processes for ultra small core fibers (USCF) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the USCF includes a core that is at least partially surrounded by a region comprising first features. The USCF further includes a second region at least partially surrounding the first region. The second region includes second features. In an embodiment, the first features are smaller than the second features, and the second features have a filling fraction greater than about 90 percent. The first features and/or the second features may include air holes. Embodiments of the USCF may provide dispersion tailoring. Embodiments of the USCF may be used with nonlinear optical devices configured to provide, for example, a frequency comb or a supercontinuum. |
| US08467640B2 |
Optical sensor module
An optical waveguide unit having board unit engaging vertical grooves and a board unit having engagement plate portions to be fitted in the vertical grooves and projections are individually produced, and the engagement plate portions and the projections are brought into fitting engagement with the vertical grooves of the optical waveguide unit. At this time, the projections are deformed to accommodate the tolerances of the components, thereby preventing wobbling and warpage of the board unit. Further, the vertical grooves of the optical waveguide unit are provided in proper positions with respect to a light transmission face of a core, and the engagement plate portions of the board unit are provided in proper positions with respect to the optical element. Therefore, the fitting engagement between the vertical grooves and the engagement plate portions permits proper positioning of the light transmission face of the core and the optical element for self-alignment. |
| US08467637B2 |
Waveguide path coupling-type photodiode
In a waveguide path coupling-type photodiode, a semiconductor light absorbing layer and an optical waveguide path core are adjacently arranged. An electrode formed of at least one layer is installed in a boundary part of the semiconductor light absorbing layer and the optical waveguide path core. The electrodes are arranged at an interval of (1/100)λ to λ [λ: wavelength of light transmitted through optical waveguide path core]. At least a part of the electrodes is embedded in the semiconductor light absorbing layer. Embedding depth from a surface of the semiconductor light absorbing layer is a value not more than λ/(2 ns) [ns: refractive index of semiconductor light absorbing layer]. At least one layer of the electrode is constituted of a material which can surface plasmon-induced. |
| US08467636B2 |
Optical power modulation vital sign detection method and measurement device
A vital sign measurement device includes a sensor fixation device, a sensor frame, an optical sensing system, and an output unit. The sensor fixation device is adapted to be placed against an anatomical location of a subject. The optical sensing system includes an optical waveguide, an optical source device to supply optical energy to the optical waveguide, and an optical detector to detect an amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide. The optical sensing system is adapted to sense an arterial pulse from the compression or flexing of at least a portion of the optical waveguide resulting in reduction of the amount of light exiting the optical waveguide. The output unit is configured to receive a signal indicative of the amount of light exiting the optical waveguide and to generate a measure of the vital sign based at least in part on the received signal. |
| US08467634B2 |
Optical device having optical modulators
An optical device includes first and second optical modulators formed on a substrate having electro-optical effect. The first optical modulator includes a first optical waveguide; a first signal electrode configured to provide a first data signal for the first optical waveguide; and a first DC electrode, arranged at an output side of the first signal electrode, and configured to provide first DC voltage for the first optical waveguide. The second optical modulator includes a second optical waveguide; a second signal electrode configured to provide a second data signal for the second optical waveguide; and a second DC electrode provided, arranged at an input side of the second signal electrode, and configured to provide second DC voltage for the second optical waveguide. Input portions of the first and second signal electrodes are arranged at a same side edge of the substrate. |
| US08467627B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing warp processing on an input image
A method and apparatus for image processing includes detecting a face area in an input image, detecting an eye in the detected face area, determining a center point based on the detected eye, and performing warp processing on the input image based on the center point. Accordingly, it is not necessary to manually set areas for the warp processing. |
| US08467623B2 |
Invariant pulse latency coding systems and methods systems and methods
Systems and methods for processing image signals are described. One method comprises obtaining a generator signal based on an image signal and determining relative latencies associated with two or more pulses in a pulsed signal using a function of the generator signal that can comprise a logarithmic function. The function of the generator signal can be the absolute value of its argument. Information can be encoded in the pattern of relative latencies. Latencies can be determined using a scaling parameter that is calculated from a history of the image signal. The pulsed signal is typically received from a plurality of channels and the scaling parameter corresponds to at least one of the channels. The scaling parameter may be adaptively calculated such that the latency of the next pulse falls within one or more of a desired interval and an optimal interval. |
| US08467622B2 |
Method of determining motion vectors and a reference picture index for a current block in a picture to be decoded
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining first and second motion vectors and a reference picture index of a block other than the current block. First and second prediction motion vectors of the current block are determined using the first and second motion vectors of the other block such that the first prediction motion vector of the current block has the obtained direction of the first motion vector of the other block and the second prediction motion vector of the current block has the obtained direction of the second motion vector of the other block. |
| US08467620B2 |
Method of determining motion vectors and a reference picture index for a current block in a picture to be decoded
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining first and second motion vectors of a block other than the current block. The other block neighbors the current block at one of a left, top and top right position. First and second motion vectors of the current block are determined using the first and second motion vectors of the other block such that the first motion vector of the current block has a same direction as the first motion vector of the other block and the second motion vector of the current block has a same direction as the second motion vector of the other block. |
| US08467619B2 |
Image compressing apparatus, image compressing method, image decompressing apparatus, and storage medium
In the present invention, a first pixel data group of several pixels existing in block into which an image is divided is divided, thereby generating several second pixel data groups. In the second pixel data group, an orthogonal transformation is performed in several layers using only the predetermined number of coefficients from the lowest frequency side from among the coefficients obtained by the orthogonal transformation. The predetermined number of coefficients from the lowest frequency side from among the coefficients obtained by the orthogonal transformation in the highest layer, and the coefficients that are obtained in a layer other than the highest layer not used for the orthogonal transformation are encoded, thereby generation the compressed data. Accordingly, encoding is performed while separating lower frequency components from higher frequency components. |
| US08467614B2 |
Method for processing optical character recognition (OCR) data, wherein the output comprises visually impaired character images
The present invention provides a method for an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system providing recognition of characters that are partly hidden by crossing outs due to for example an imprint of a stamp, handwritten signatures, etc. The method establishes a set of template images of certainly recognized characters from the image of the text being processed by the OCR system, wherein the effect of the crossed out section is modelled into the template images before comparing these images with the image of a visually impaired crossed out character. The modelled template image having the highest similarity with the visually impaired crossed out character is the correct identification for the visually impaired character instance. |
| US08467608B2 |
Method and apparatus for character string recognition
A method and an apparatus for character string recognition may be provided that enables prevention of a decrease in recognition accuracy for a character string even when distortion of an image appears in a direction perpendicular to a medium transfer direction. |
| US08467607B1 |
Segmentation-based feature pooling for object models
Methods and systems for processing an image to create an object model are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, each segment of the image is assigned to a respective bin of a bounding box. For each bin of the bounding box, the value of a feature for the bin is computed based on the values of that feature for each of the segments assigned to the bin. An object model is then created based on the values of the feature for the bin. |
| US08467605B2 |
Color invariant image representation method and apparatus
A color image comprises color values in each of one or more color channels for each of a plurality of points, or pixels, within the image. The image is represented by rank ordering the values in each color channel. The image representation generated in this way is usable for automated-vision or computer-vision tasks, for example. |
| US08467597B2 |
Feature-based segmentation method, for segmenting a plurality of loosely-arranged duplicate articles and a group for actuating the method for supplying a packaging machine
A segmentation method for segmenting a plurality of duplicate articles (3) involves acquiring an image (M) of a sample article (30); calculating keypoint-descriptors of the image (M); defining an identifying figure (Z); acquiring a first image (I1) of a plurality of duplicate articles; matching keypoint-descriptor pairs; acquiring a position and an orientation of the identifying figure (Z) with respect to a first keypoint-descriptor pair having a match with a second keypoint-descriptor pair; defining an identifying figure; applying the two preceding stages to a plurality of keypoint-descriptor pairs; collecting together identifying figures of projection having a predetermined degree of superposing; defining a representative figure formed by a minimum predetermined number of identifying figures of projection, which has a same shape and dimension as an identifying figure of projection, and is selected to estimate a position of a corresponding article illustrated in the first image of a plurality of duplicate articles. |
| US08467589B2 |
Hybrid registration method
A registration method whereby a sensor-based approach is used to establish initial registration and whereby upon the commencement of navigating an endoscope, image-based registration methods are used in order to more accurately maintain the registration between the endoscope location and previously-acquired images. A six-degree-of-freedom location sensor is placed on the probe in order to reduce the number of previously-acquired images that must be compared to a real-time image obtained from the endoscope. |
| US08467586B2 |
Method and apparatus for registering tomographic volume data records of the intestine
A method and an apparatus are disclosed for registering volume data records of the intestine which were recorded in different positions of a patient. In at least one embodiment of the method, an approximate registration is firstly performed on the basis of central lines. In a subsequent detailed registration, the approximate registration is refined on the basis of local anatomical features in the intestine, for example by using the profile of folds and/or the distance of intestinal sections from fixed points of the intestine. At least one embodiment of the method and/or the apparatus permit a more accurate registration of the at least two volume data records. |
| US08467582B2 |
Image recognizing apparatus, including shared right-of-use to client devices, control method, and storage medium
An image recognizing apparatus which makes it possible to shorten waiting time before the start of image recognition processing for recognition objects requested by clients. A registering section registers designating information designating recognition objects in image data and a recognition termination condition for terminating recognition carried out by an image recognizing section, which are transmitted from each of the clients that have requested the right of use of the image recognizing section, in association with each of the clients. A client managing section causes the image recognizing section to carry out recognition based on the registered designating information for a client apparatus given the right of use, and carries out control to change the right of use to the next client apparatus when the registered recognition termination condition is satisfied. |
| US08467580B2 |
Image data processing apparatus, method, program and recording medium
An image data processing apparatus includes recording means for recording contents data containing moving image data, which is encoded by a first scheme, moving image decoding means for loading the contents data recorded in the recording means and decoding the moving image data, still image encoding means for obtaining image data, which corresponds to the image to be displayed at a predetermined time, as data of a still image of image data, which is the moving image data decoded by the moving image decoding means and encoding the image data by a second scheme, and time information creating means for creating information on the time when the still image is shot based on information added to the encoded moving image data. |
| US08467578B2 |
Method and apparatus for extracting scenery depth information
A method and optical apparatus are utilized not only to increase the degree of the similarity of the point spread functions of different fields of view, but also to maintain the degree of the difference of point spread functions which are along the optical axis of the optical apparatus. Using the degree of the difference of on-axis point spread functions, the depth information of scenery can be extracted. |
| US08467577B2 |
Method, terminal, and computer-readable recording medium for supporting collection of object included in inputted image
The present invention relates to a method for supporting a collection of an object included in an image inputted through a terminal. The method includes the steps of: recognizing the identity of an object by using at least one of an object recognition technology, an optical character recognition technology, and a barcode recognition technology; getting a collection page including at least part of the information on an auto comment containing a phrase or sentence correctly combined under the grammar of a language by using the recognition information and the information on the image of the recognized object; allowing the collection page to be stored when a request for registration of the page is received; and providing a specific user with the information about a reward system. |
| US08467574B2 |
Body scan
A depth image of a scene may be received, observed, or captured by a device. The depth image may then be analyzed to determine whether the depth image includes a human target. For example, the depth image may include one or more targets including a human target and non-human targets. Each of the targets may be flood filled and compared to a pattern to determine whether the target may be a human target. If one or more of the targets in the depth image includes a human target, the human target may be scanned. A skeletal model of the human target may then be generated based on the scan. |
| US08467570B2 |
Tracking system with fused motion and object detection
A detection system fusing motion detection and object detection for various applications such as tracking, identification, and so forth. In an application framework, model information may be developed and used to reduce the false alarm rate. With a background model, motion likelihood for each pixel, for instance, of a surveillance image, may be acquired. With a target model, object likelihood for each pixel of the image may also be acquired. By joining these two likelihood distributions, detection accuracy may be significantly improved over the use of just one likelihood distribution for detection in applications such as tracking. |
| US08467566B2 |
Method for detecting fraud in a printed image
A method is provided for authenticating an image printed at a predefined print resolution or in accordance with a predetermined print grid. The method includes the steps of scanning the image to produce digital data and segmenting the data into first and second groups corresponding, respectively, to first and second predefined sections of the image. Next, a determination is made concerning the anticipated spatial position of select columns of digital data from each of the first and second groups of data. By examining the data, differences may be identified between the anticipated and actual spatial position of the columns, to determine the authenticity of the image. The identified differences which may include (i) a rotary/linear displacement in the actual spatial position of the select columns. (ii) a change in beat frequency between sections of the image, and/or (iii) a phase shift in a beat frequency. Furthermore, the printed image may include a predefined phase shift introduced at the time of original printing, i.e., a change in spatial separation between adjacent columns of the print grid. The predefined phase shift can be used as a mark to validate the authenticity of the printed image. |
| US08467565B2 |
Inductive electroacoustic transducer
An inductive electroacoustic transducer which includes a yoke, a magnetic circuit system disposing in the yoke, a vibration membrane which is driven by the magnetic circuit system, a cover coupled on one side of the yoke and it has a plurality of sound holes, and a circuit board which has a positive pole and a negative pole for importing acoustic electrical signals. The circuit board also has an inductive soldering disc and it is coupled to another side of the yoke. A portion of the yoke is connected to the inductive soldering disc with which it is conducted. |
| US08467561B2 |
Earphone device with a function of sound quality regulation and regulating method thereof
An earphone device with a function of sound quality regulation is provided. The earphone includes a housing, a cover, a speaker and a regulating device. The housing has an accommodating space for receiving the speaker and a plurality of regulating holes for connecting the accommodating space to the outside. One end of the regulating device is fixed on the cover. A blocking portion, which is disposed on the other end of the regulating device and extends into the accommodating space, can partially or completely block the regulating holes when the cover is turned, thereby regulating the leakage between the accommodating space and the outside to achieve different output sound quality. |
| US08467560B2 |
Cables with intertwined strain relief and bifurcation structures
An electrical device such as a headset may have a cable. Wires in the cable may be used to connect speakers in the headset to a connector such as an audio jack. The cable may have a tubular intertwined cable cover that covers the wires. Computer-controlled servo motors in fiber intertwining equipment may be adjusted in real time so that intertwined attributes such as intertwining density and intertwining tension are varied as a function of length along the intertwined cable cover. The fiber intertwining equipment may make these variations to locally increase the strength of the intertwined cable cover and the cable in the vicinity of a bifurcation in the cable and in the vicinity of the portion of the cable that terminates at the audio jack. |
| US08467558B2 |
Dynamic microphone
There is provided a dynamic microphone in which vibration noise generated by the rolling of a microphone unit caused by a vibration component perpendicular to the principal axis direction of the microphone is reduced effectively. In the dynamic microphone including a microphone unit 110, an inner cylinder 120 having a back air chamber in the structure thereof constituting a microphone body 10 together with the microphone unit 110, and a microphone casing 20 serving as an outer cylinder, in which a part of the inner cylinder 120 of the microphone body 10 is supported by a floating type vibration-proof structure using an elastic member 30, a weight 40 for causing the center of gravity O of the microphone body 10 to coincide with a supporting point S using the elastic member 30 is attached to the inner cylinder 120 so as to be preferably movable. |
| US08467549B2 |
Audio information processing apparatus and audio information processing method
An audio information processing apparatus for processing input audio information is adapted to input an audio signal composed of front area audio information that should be input to a front speaker and rear area audio information that should be input to a plurality of speakers. A mixer is adapted to mix the rear area audio information in accordance with an instruction from an instruction circuit. |
| US08467545B2 |
Noise reduction systems and methods for voice applications
Various embodiments reduce noise within a particular environment, while isolating and capturing speech in a manner that allows operation within an otherwise noisy environment. In one embodiment, an array of one or more microphones is used to selectively eliminate noise emanating from known, generally fixed locations, and pass signals from a pre-specified region or regions with reduced distortion. |
| US08467543B2 |
Microphone and voice activity detection (VAD) configurations for use with communication systems
Communication systems are described, including both portable handset and headset devices, which use a number of microphone configurations to receive acoustic signals of an environment. The microphone configurations include, for example, a two-microphone array including two unidirectional microphones, and a two-microphone array including one unidirectional microphone and one omnidirectional microphone. The communication systems also include Voice Activity Detection (VAD) devices to provide information of human voicing activity. Components of the communications systems receive the acoustic signals and voice activity signals and, in response, automatically generate control signals from data of the voice activity signals. Components of the communication systems use the control signals to automatically select a denoising method appropriate to data of frequency subbands of the acoustic signals. The selected denoising method is applied to the acoustic signals to generate denoised acoustic signals when the acoustic signal includes speech and noise. |
| US08467538B2 |
Dereverberation apparatus, dereverberation method, dereverberation program, and recording medium
A sound source model storage section stores a sound source model that represents an audio signal emitted from a sound source in the form of a probability density function. An observation signal, which is obtained by collecting the audio signal, is converted into a plurality of frequency-specific observation signals each corresponding to one of a plurality of frequency bands. Then, a dereverberation filter corresponding to each frequency band is estimated by using the frequency-specific observation signal for the frequency band on the basis of the sound source model and a reverberation model that represents a relationship for each frequency band among the audio signal, the observation signal and the dereverberation filter. A frequency-specific target signal corresponding to each frequency band is determined by applying the dereverberation filter for the frequency band to the frequency-specific observation signal for the frequency band, and the resulting frequency-specific target signals are integrated. |
| US08467536B2 |
Binding keys to secure media streams
A key message can include a key-encryption-key (KEK) associated with a KeyDomainID and a KeyGroupID. A session description message can describe streaming media initialization parameters containing media stream information for one or more media streams. For each media stream, the media stream information can include an IP address and a data port. The session description message can further contain a linkage for binding the KEK to a corresponding one of the media streams. The linkage can include the KeyDomainID and KeyGroupID or can include an abstract representation of the KeyDomainID and KeyGroupID. During session initialization, the key-encryption-key (KEK) can be bound to the media streams using the linkage of the session description message. Each of the media streams can be secured using a traffic key conveyed to user equipment (UE) under protection of the key-encryption-key (KEK). |
| US08467533B2 |
One-time-pad encryption with key ID and offset for starting point
A one-time-pad encryption system where encrypted one-time-pad keys can be distributed to users on physical media or on a computer network from a central server. Each one-time-pad key has a key identification number that facilitates key management. Each encrypted data set includes a header specifying an offset within the one-time-pad key for commencement of decryption so that messages can be decrypted in any order. Before encryption begins, the length of remaining unused key is compared to the length of the data set to be encrypted. For ease of transcription or transmission by humans, the encrypted data can be represented as a subset of the 48 keys that are easy to use on a keyboard, preferably the 26 capital letters of the Western alphabet or these letters plus six numerals for a total of 32 characters. A one-time-pad key which is specialized to achieve such encryption can also be used for binary encryption. Encryption control buttons are added to a word processor and other programs as an addition to the user interface. |
| US08467529B2 |
Content reproduction apparatus, recording apparatus, recording and reproduction apparatus, and reproduction method
In an apparatus of reproducing contents in which an encryption key is to be changed at predetermined intervals for copyright protection purpose, the contents can be reproduced or specially reproduced with no problem such as fast forward, and fast rewind. For special reproduction, data and key information needed therefor are made ready in advance, and using the data and the key information, the contents are specially reproduced. Alternatively, an encryption key generation rule is defined in advance for use in generation of an encryption key. By making any needed key information ready in advance from this rule, the contents can be reproduced and specially reproduced with no problem. |
| US08467528B2 |
Multimedia content protection
A system on a chip including a bus, a bootup module coupled to the bus and configured to cause the system on a chip to bootup in accordance with a selected security mode, an input module coupled to the bus and configured to receive an input signal and to provide the input signal to the bus, a processor coupled to the bus and configured to process the input signal to provide an intermediate signal, in accordance with a type of content protection associated with the input signal, an encryption module coupled to the bus and configured to cause at least a portion of the intermediate signal to be encrypted to produce an encrypted signal, in accordance with the type of the content protection, and an output module coupled to the bus and configured to output the encrypted signal. |
| US08467525B2 |
Steganographic method and device
An apparatus and method for encoding and decoding additional information into a stream of digitized samples in an integral manner. The information is encoded using special keys. The information is contained in the samples, not prepended or appended to the sample stream. The method makes it extremely difficult to find the information in the samples if the proper keys are not possessed by the decoder. The method does not cause a significant degradation to the sample stream. The method is used to establish ownership of copyrighted digital multimedia content and provide a disincentive to piracy of such material. |
| US08467523B2 |
Method and device for cancelling interference between a signal carried by a carrier power line and a signal carried by a telephone line
The present invention concerns a method and device for cancelling interference between a signal carried by an electrical line, where powerline communications operate, of a system distributing digital services at the home of a subscriber and a signal carried by a telephone line of said system that is situated close to the electrical line. |
| US08467521B2 |
Echo canceler circuit and method
Received data is filtered to produce pre-noise suppression data. Noise is removed from the pre-noise suppression data to provide noise-suppressed data. At least one weighted filter coefficient is dynamically determined using at least the pre-noise suppression data and not the noise suppressed data. The determination occurs independently from and is not affected by removing the noise from the pre-noise suppression data. Removing the noise from the pre-noise suppression data occurs independently from and is not affected by dynamically determining the at least one weighted coefficient. |
| US08467520B2 |
Subscriber line interface circuit with intra-operational state selectable supply
A method of generating a plurality of supply voltages for a plurality of subscriber line channels includes generating a first target VBAT value for a first associated linefeed driver from a first VBAT control. A second target VBAT value for a second associated linefeed driver is generated from a second VBAT control. A selected target VBAT value is generated based upon the first and second target VBAT values. A magnitude of the selected target VBAT value is not less than any maximum of a magnitude of the first and second target VBAT values. A switching regulator is controlled to provide a first generated VBAT corresponding to the selected target VBAT value, wherein the switching regulator provides a second generated VBAT having a pre-determined proportional relationship (p) to the first generated VBAT. |
| US08467518B2 |
Systems and methods for analyzing contact center interactions
Systems and methods for analyzing contact center interactions are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: receiving information corresponding to an interaction between a contact center agent and a customer; and assessing quality of the interaction based, at least in part, on information corresponding to at least one of: a history of the customer; and an event corresponding to the customer and occurring subsequent to the interaction. |
| US08467516B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for processing a nature of address indicator and/or calling party number to support telecommunication features
A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten. |
| US08467515B2 |
System and method for providing enhanced answering services in a time-sensitive manner
A computing system of an answering service answers an incoming call from a calling party on behalf of a called party, and allows an agent to converse with the calling party relating to a purpose of the incoming call from the calling party. At a triggering point, a signal is received from the agent while the incoming call from the calling party is still in progress. The triggering point occurs when the agent determines that the calling party is calling regarding a predetermined urgent matter. Contact with the called party is commenced upon receiving the signal and communication between the calling party and the called party is effectuated while the incoming call from the calling party is still in progress. |
| US08467510B2 |
Method and apparatus maintaining eye contact in video delivery systems using view morphing
A view morphing algorithm is applied to synchronous collections of video images from at least two video imaging devices, and interpolating between the images, creates a composite image view of the local participant. This composite image approximates what might be seen from a point between the video imaging devices, presenting the image to other video session participants. |
| US08467508B2 |
System and method for managing messages in a packetized voice environment
A particular voice management method includes invoking an updatable call completion rule in a memory of an answering machine module in customer premises equipment. The answering machine module receives an incoming call signal for a session initiation protocol user agent. The session initiation protocol user agent has a first address and the answering machine module has a second address different from the first address. The method further includes saving a message received from a calling party associated with the incoming call signal to the memory via the answering machine module. The method also includes sending a graphical user interface from the answering machine module to a display of the customer premises equipment to present information about the incoming call. |
| US08467506B2 |
Systems and methods for structured voice interaction facilitated by data channel
A voice channel connection and a data channel connection are established with a structured voice interaction system. Navigation information for and provided by the structured voice interaction system is received over the data channel connection. The data channel navigation information is coordinated with navigation information provided by the structured voice interaction system over the voice channel connection. |
| US08467499B2 |
Multi-leaf collimators
A multi-leaf collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus comprises a plurality of elongate leaves mounted in a carriage, the carriage being mounted on a substrate, wherein the leaves are independently moveable relative to the carriage in a longitudinal direction, and the carriage is moveable in that direction relative to the substrate, and a control apparatus is arranged to receive a signal representing leaf positions relative to the substrate and to control the leaf positions relative to the carriage and the carriage positions relative to the substrate so as to achieve those leaf positions relative to the substrate. Most MLCs sense the current positions of the leaves relative to the substrate. The control apparatus can therefore compare the current leaf positions to the signaled leaf positions, and move the leaves and the carriage accordingly. A corresponding method is also disclosed. |
| US08467494B2 |
Cone beam z-axis coverage
An imaging system includes a radiation source (110) with an anode (202). The radiation source (110) rotates around an examination region (106) about a longitudinal axis (108) and emits radiation from a focal spot (206) on the anode (202). A source collimator (112) collimates the emitted radiation to produce a generally conically shaped radiation beam that traverses the examination region. The generally conically shaped radiation beam has an extended cone angle along the longitudinal axis that is greater than an effective maximum cone angle determined by an anode angle of the anode (202). A detector array (116) detects radiation that traverses the examination region and generates signals indicative thereof. A reconstructor (118) reconstructs the signals to generate volumetric image data indicative of the examination region. |
| US08467488B2 |
Method of synchronizing two electronic devices of a wireless link, in particular of a mobile telephone network and system for implementing this method
A method of synchronizing two electronic devices connected by a wireless link with at least one path including a transmission channel and a reception channel. The two devices are included in a network, such as a mobile telephone network. Synchronization information is transmitted directly from one electronic device to the other, as a clock pilot signal, via the channels. After recovery, the clock pilot signal is used for synchronization of a reference frequency of the receiving electronic device. |
| US08467483B2 |
Radio-frequency apparatus and associated methods
A radio-frequency apparatus includes an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes receiver analog circuitry, receiver digital circuitry, a digital-to-analog converter, and a signal selector. The receiver analog circuitry receives radio-frequency signals, and provides a first digital signal. The receiver digital circuitry receives the first digital signal, and provides a second digital signal. The digital-to-analog converter converts the second digital signal into a first analog signal. The signal selector receives the second digital signal and the first analog signal, and selectively provides one of the second digital signal and the first analog signal as an output signal of the integrated circuit. |
| US08467480B2 |
Combining decision metrics for decoding based on payload difference
Decision metrics used to decode wireless communication payloads are combined for successive frames to improve decoding of the later received frames. A bitwise payload difference between successive frames is encoded in the same manner the payloads are encoded. Decision metrics determined for the earlier received frame are combined with the encoded payload difference to generate adjusted decision metrics. The adjusted decision metrics are combined with decision metrics determined for the later received frame. The combined decision metrics are decoded to generate a payload for the later received frame. If the decoding is not successful the combined decision metrics are carried forward and the process is repeated based on the payload difference between the following frames. |
| US08467477B2 |
Decoding system for LDPC code concatenated with 4QAM-NR code
A decoding system for LDPC code concatenated with 4QAM-NR code in a DTMB system is a two-stage decoding system. An NR decoder performs a 4QAM-NR decoding to obtain hard decision information. Then, the so obtained hard decision information together with corresponding soft symbol and channel state information are sent to a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) device for further computing a log-likelihood ratio after an adder adds a correction term associated with the hard decision information to a computed log-likelihood ratio without the hard decision information. An LDPC decoder receives the LLR for decoding. |
| US08467476B2 |
Scaling apparatus of a receiver
A scaling apparatus set in a receiver is disclosed. The receiver includes a symbol-processing unit. The scaling apparatus includes a calculating unit and a scaling unit. The calculating unit estimates the signal strength of an input symbol and generates a scaling factor accordingly. The scaling unit scales an output symbol outputted from the symbol-processing unit according to the scaling factor. The output symbol is generated from the symbol-processing unit through processing the input symbol. |
| US08467472B2 |
Device, system, and method of adjusting channel utilization for wireless transmission
Device, system, and method of adjusting channel utilization for wireless transmission. For example, a wireless communication unit may control a wireless transmission by a wireless communication device during a contention period, wherein the wireless communication unit is to wait for a back-off period prior to beginning the wireless transmission during the contention period, and wherein a duration of the back-off period is based on a transmission power of the wireless transmission. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08467468B2 |
Transmitting and receiving apparatus having plural antenna in multi-user environments and method thereof
The present invention provides a radio transmitting and receiving apparatus having multiple antennas that can decrease an influence due to interference between cells that exists in a multi-cell environment, by using a transmission method that not only considers performance of a corresponding cell but also an influence due to interference on adjacent cells and an influence due to interference from the adjacent cells in a multi-user and multi-cell environment, effectively use limited radio resources, and increase a data rate of a radio communication system, and a method thereof. |
| US08467463B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing a signal to reduce the PAR in a multicarrier system
An apparatus produces a reduction signal for a signal having a plurality of subcarriers. The apparatus has a limiter which is designed to produce a limited signal from the signal having a plurality of subcarriers;—a coefficient ascertainment unit which is designed to determine coefficients for unused subcarriers of the signal having a plurality of subcarriers from the limited signal; and—a signal generator which is designed to generate the reduction signal from the coefficients. The reduction signal is able to be combined with the signal in order to form a reduced signal. The coefficient ascertainment unit is designed to project the limited signals onto a K-th base formula. |
| US08467462B2 |
Multicarrier receiving apparatus, multicarrier communication system and demodulation method
To suppress effects produced on other terminals as much as possible, while obtaining the advantage of soft-combining. A multicarrier receiving apparatus that receives a packet comprised of at least a propagation path estimation symbol and a scrambled information symbol to demodulate, and has propagation path estimating sections 3-a and 3-b that respectively estimate propagation paths of radio signals transmitted from a plurality of transmission antennas, scramble multiplying sections 5-a and 5-b that respectively perform the same scrambling on propagation path estimation values output from the propagation path estimating sections 3-a and 3-b as scrambling provided in the information symbol on the transmission antennas sides, an adding section 3-c that adds scrambled propagation path estimation values, and a propagation path compensating section 7 that performs propagation path compensation of the information symbol included in the received packet using a signal output from the adding section 3-c. |
| US08467461B2 |
Data transfer system
2n data transfer signal lines are provided between transmitting and receiving sides of data on n signal lines in order to reduce power consumption required for a data transfer even if the number of bits of data to be transferred increases. The transmitting side has an encoder for outputting a signal of a low potential to one signal line and a signal of a high potential to the other signal lines among the 2n data transfer signal lines in response to an input of transfer data from the n signal lines. The receiving side has a decoder for outputting the similar data as the transfer data to n signal lines in response to inputs from the 2n data transfer signal lines. |
| US08467460B2 |
Video processing method and apparatus, video processing program, and storage medium which stores the program
A video processing method includes dividing a processing target image, which forms a video image, into a plurality of divided areas; determining a bandwidth applied to the divided areas; computing a filter coefficient array for implementing frequency characteristics corresponding to a band limitation using the bandwidth; subjecting the image data to a filtering process using the filter coefficient array; deriving a value of error information between the obtained data and the original image data, and computing an allocation coefficient used for determining an optimum bandwidth, based on the derived value; determining, for each divided area, the optimum bandwidth corresponding to the allocation coefficient, and computing an optimum filter coefficient array for implementing the frequency characteristics corresponding to a band limitation using the optimum bandwidth; subjecting the image data of the divided area to a filtering process using the optimum filter coefficient array; and synthesizing the obtained data of each divided area. |
| US08467456B2 |
Optical disk for high resolution and three-dimensional video recording, optical disk reproduction apparatus and optical disk recording apparatus
The present invention has an objective of providing an optical disk having a high resolution picture and a system for reproducing data on the optical disk, which are compatible with a conventional system for reproducing an ordinary resolution picture. A high resolution signal is divided into a main signal and a sub signal by picture division means and MPEG-encoded. The main signal and the sub signal are divided into frames each having 1 GOP or more. The resultant first interleave block 54 and second interleave block 55 are recorded alternately on an optical disk. A high resolution reproduction apparatus reproduced both the first and second interleave blocks, so that a high resolution picture is obtained. A non-high resolution reproduction apparatus reproduces only the first or second interleave block, so that an ordinary resolution picture. |
| US08467455B2 |
Optical disk for high resolution and three-dimensional video recording, optical disk reproduction apparatus and optical disk recording apparatus
The present invention has an objective of providing an optical disk having a high resolution picture and a system for reproducing data on the optical disk, which are compatible with a conventional system for reproducing an ordinary resolution picture. A high resolution signal is divided into a main signal and a sub signal by picture division means and MPEG-encoded. The main signal and the sub signal are divided into frames each having 1 GOP or more. The resultant first interleave block 54 and second interleave block 55 are recorded alternately on an optical disk. A high resolution reproduction apparatus reproduced both the first and second interleave blocks, so that a high resolution picture is obtained. A non-high resolution reproduction apparatus reproduces only the first or second interleave block, so that an ordinary resolution picture. |
| US08467451B2 |
Methods for selecting a prediction mode
A method of selecting a number of candidate prediction modes for a block in a video sequence, the method comprising calculating a cost value of each of prediction modes for each of a predetermined number of blocks, identifying one of the prediction modes having the smallest cost value for the each block, calculating a function value of each of the prediction modes for the each block using a cost function, ranking the prediction modes for the each block by the function value of each of the prediction modes and identifying an ordinal value of the one prediction mode having the smallest cost value, the ordinal value being related to the ordinal number of the one prediction mode after the ranking, calculating a feature value of the each block based on the function value of each of the prediction modes related to the each block, identifying a plurality of sets of blocks, each set of blocks having substantially the same feature value, identifying the number of each set of blocks and calculating a sum of the ordinal value of the one prediction mode for the each block in the each set of blocks, calculating an average value of the sum over the number of the each set of blocks for each set of the plurality sets of blocks, and determining a relation between the average values and the feature values for the predetermined number of blocks. |
| US08467450B2 |
Moving image coding apparatus and moving image decoding apparatus
A macro block size determining unit 1 determines the size of each macro block on a frame-by-frame basis. A macro block dividing unit 2 divides an inputted image into macro blocks each having the size determined by the macro block size determining unit 1. A macro block coding unit 3 determines a coding mode for each of the macro blocks divided by the macro block dividing unit 2, and codes pixel values in each of the macro blocks in the determined coding mode. |
| US08467446B2 |
Video-information encoding method and video-information decoding method
A video-information encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus with a guarantee of a fixed processing time. By limiting the amount of data to be input into/output from a CABAC encoding unit and decoding unit on a unit-of-encoding basis, such as one picture, slice, macroblock or block, and by encoding uncompressed video data, it is possible to provide a video-information encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus with a guarantee of a fixed processing time. Thereby, an apparatus with a guarantee of the processing time can be mounted. |
| US08467438B2 |
System and method for iterative nonlinear compensation for intermodulation distortion in multicarrier communication systems
A receiver is provided that can receive a first signal transmitted on a first carrier and a second signal transmitted on a second carrier. The receiver includes a channel estimation portion, a multicarrier nonlinear equalizer, a first log likelihood computing portion and a second log likelihood computing portion. The channel estimation portion can output a first estimation. The multicarrier nonlinear equalizer can output a first equalized signal and a second equalized signal. The first log likelihood ratio computing portion can output a first log likelihood ratio signal based on the first equalized signal. The second log likelihood ratio computing portion can output a second log likelihood ratio signal based on the second equalized signal. The multicarrier nonlinear equalizer can further output a third equalized signal and a fourth equalized signal. The third equalized signal is based on the first signal, the second signal and the first estimation. The fourth equalized signal is based on the first signal, the second signal and the first estimation. |
| US08467431B2 |
Human body communication system and communication method thereof
A human body communication system is provided. The human body communication system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits a frame including a preamble, which is a Manchester-encoded pseudo noise (PN) code, to the human body. The receiver receives the frame from the human body, performs Manchester-decoding on the frame, performs cross-correlation on the decoding result and the PN code, and performs frame synchronization using the cross-correlation result. Accordingly, clock and data recovery performance is improved. Efficient frame synchronization with reduced computation amount can be provided. |
| US08467430B2 |
Continuous wavelength tunable laser source with optimum orientation of grating and gain medium
An external cavity laser assembly (10) that generates a light beam (12) includes a gain medium (14) and a diffraction grating (24). The gain medium (14) has a growth direction (14C), a fast axis (14A), a first facet (34A), and a second facet (34B) that is spaced apart from the first facet (34A). The gain medium (14) emits from both facets (34A) (34B). Further, a beam polarization (30) of the light beam (32) emitting from the second facet (34B) is perpendicular to the growth direction (14C) and the fast axis (14A). The grating (24) includes a plurality of grating ridges (24A) that are oriented parallel to the beam polarization (30). Moreover, each of the grating ridges (24A) can have a substantially rectangular shaped cross-sectional profile. |
| US08467429B2 |
Scalable, efficient laser systems
A laser comprises an end pump light source and a gain medium having a first end, a second end, and four sides comprising a first, a second, a third, and a fourth side. The end pump light source is optically coupled to the first end and pumps the gain medium. The first side and the third side are tapered inwardly from the first end to the first end to the second end at a taper angle β relative to a longitudinal lasing axis and have a polished finish capable of reflecting light inside the gain medium. The second side and the fourth side are substantially parallel to the longitudinal lasing axis have a ground blasted finish. The first side is also tilted inwardly at a slant angle α from the fourth side to the second side. A laser beam R0 exits the second end of the gain medium. |
| US08467427B2 |
Light emitting and receiving device
A device includes a semiconductor layer including first and second cladding layers sandwiching an active layer, a groove electrically separates receiving and emitting areas, an active layer part forms a continuous region between first and second end surfaces on a first side of the active layer, the gain region has a reflection surface between the first and second end surfaces reflecting gain region generated light, a first gain region portion extending from the first end surface and a second gain region portion extending from the second end surface are tilted, some light from the first portion is reflected to be emitted from the second end surface, some light from the second portion is reflected to be emitted from the first end surface, and some light transmits through a mirror portion of the reflection surface and is received in the receiving area. |
| US08467421B2 |
MAC-d multiplexing in UTRAN HSDPA wireless networks
UTRAN MAC-d multiplexing of data from multiple logical channels to a single MAC-d flow is supported while reducing overhead and achieving octet alignment in MAC-d PDU length. In one embodiment, the C/T field of a multiplexed MAC-d PDU is eliminated, and the logical channels multiplexed into the MAC-d flow are mapped to a MAC-hs PQ in at least the NodeB (and preferably in the UE as well). In other embodiments, the C/T field is retained, and an octet-aligned length indicator is transmitted from the RNC to the UE. In one embodiment, the length indicator is octet-aligned by padding the MAC-d PDUs. In another embodiment, transmitters and receivers in the path from RNC to UE are configured with an offset to add to the length indicator to achieve octet alignment. The padding or offset is (8−n) bits, where n=the number of bits in C/T field. |
| US08467416B2 |
Deterministic rotational coding
A system and method for implementing a network encoding scheme includes buffering a signal in quantized form at a node of a network and permuting the signal into a particular order of code blocks. The code blocks are rotated using at least one key which has been assigned to the node, wherein the at least one assigned key is a value which is used to control the amount of rotation. The rotated code blocks are then combined to generate a combined signal. The combined signal is permuted back to generate at least one output signal. |
| US08467413B2 |
Virtual channel scheduling in communication systems
Scheduling virtual upstream channels within one physical upstream channel is disclosed. The MAP messages of the virtual upstream channels that share the same physical upstream channel are synchronized together such that any one transmission opportunity for a given virtual upstream channel does not overlap with transmission opportunities of any other virtual channel. This includes converting all requests for transmission opportunities into a common unit and then scheduling these requests as appropriate. |
| US08467411B1 |
Service-specific forwarding in an LDP-RSVP hybrid network
A router receives a control plane message for constructing a first LSP to a destination within a network that conforms to a first type of LSP. The control plane message includes a label for the first LSP and an identifier that identifies a first type of data traffic. The router receives a second control plane message for constructing a second LSP that conforms to the first type of LSP. The second control plane message includes a label for the second LSP and an identifier that identifies a second type of data traffic. The router installs forwarding state in accordance with policies that associate the first and second types of data traffic with different LSPs of a second type that each traverse different paths through the network, and forwards packets via the interface in accordance with the installed forwarding state. |
| US08467408B2 |
Power control in orthogonal sub-channels in wireless communications
A method and apparatus for power control in a wireless communication involves establishing at least two orthogonal sub-channels within a channel for communication and controlling transmitted power in each sub-channel independently. |
| US08467405B2 |
Packet forwarding equipment
In a multicast network which permits client nodes to join only a source-specific multicast group, when a multicast group join request is received from a client node provided with an any-source multicast management protocol, a multicast router translates the join request into a join request for a source-specific multicast group by applying a source server address of the multicast group searched from a multicast source address table on the basis of an address of an incoming line of the join request and the multicast group address designated in the join request. |
| US08467403B2 |
Coordinated updating of forwarding information bases in a multistage packet switching device
Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, computer-storage media, mechanisms, and means associated with the coordinated updating of forwarding information bases (FIBs) in a multistage packet switching device, which performs at least lookup operations on multiple different FIBs in determining how to forward a packet. One embodiment uses lookup operations on two different FIBs, with these being an ingress FIB on an ingress line card and an egress FIB on an egress line card. In response to a change in the forwarding information for a stream of packets, the egress FIBs are first updated to include both the old and new forwarding information. After all egress FIBs have been updated, the ingress FIBs are updated to use the new forwarding information. This update procedure is designed to eliminate loss or duplication of packets induced during the updating of these FIBs to use the new forwarding information. |
| US08467401B1 |
Scheduling variable length packets
A packet scheduler has input connections, and data packets received on the input connections can be placed in queues. The packet scheduler includes a first scheduler, for identifying a first of said queues according to a first queue scheduling algorithm, and a second scheduler, for identifying a second of said queues according to a second queue scheduling algorithm. The packet scheduler determines whether the first of said queues contains a packet of data to be sent and, if so, it selects the first of said queues as a selected queue. If the first of said queues does not contain a packet of data to be sent, it selects the second of said queues as a selected queue. The packet scheduler then determines whether the respective packet of data can be sent from the selected queue, by maintaining a deficit counter indicating a current data quota for the respective queue, and also by maintaining a global deficit counter. |
| US08467400B2 |
Route setup server, route setup method and route setup program
A route setup server has a storage unit a route designing unit. Next hop information indicating candidates of a next hop node for each node is stored in the storage unit. In response to a route setup request specifying a source node and a destination node of flow, the route designing designs a communication route between them. Specifically, the route designing unit has a next hop determination unit that executes “next hop determination processing” with reference to the next hop information. In the next hop determination processing, the next hop determination unit randomly selects one from the candidates of the next hop node regarding a target node and updates the target node to the selected one. The next hop determination unit determines the communication route one-hop by one-hop by initializing the target node to the source node and then repeating the next hop determination processing until the target node becomes the destination node. |
| US08467399B2 |
Processing packets of a virtual interface associated with tunnels
Packet switch operating methods and packet switches assign a packet to a virtual interface. The virtual interface is associated with a plurality of tunnels. One of the plurality is designated a primary tunnel configured to accept packets. Other tunnels of the plurality are designated as backup tunnels and are configured to reject packets. The methods and packet switches also determine which of the plurality of tunnels is the primary tunnel and determine a packet switch port associated with the primary tunnel. The methods and packet switches egress the packet via the primary tunnel on the packet switch port associated with the primary tunnel. |
| US08467395B1 |
Method and system for link aggregation
Method and system for a first network device and a second network device is provided. The first network device and the second network device communicate with each other via a plurality of network links. A network packet field for applying a hashing technique for selecting one of the network links to transmit the network packet is negotiated between the first network device and the second network device. The hashing technique is identified for selecting the selected network link. The first network device and the second network device, prior to applying the hashing technique exchange hashing parameters. |
| US08467394B2 |
Automatic route tagging of BGP next-hop routes in IGP
In one embodiment, a router in a routing domain exchanges routing information with one or more other routers located external to the routing domain using an exterior gateway protocol (EGP). The router exchanges routing information with one or more other routers located internal to the routing domain using an interior gateway protocol (IGP). The router detects a route to be advertised by the IGP is also used as a next-hop attribute of a route advertised by the EGP. In response, the router tags the route advertised by the IGP as an important route for convergence to indicate that the tagged route is to be processed before other routes that have not been tagged during convergence processing. The tagged route is advertised within the routing domain using the IGP. |
| US08467390B2 |
Method and system for network stack tuning
In general, the invention relates to a method for sending a packet from an application to a destination. The method includes opening a network connection between the application and the destination, tuning at least one layer in a network stack, based on application information associated with the application, to obtain a tuned network stack, wherein the network stack is associated with the network connection, receiving the packet from the application, processing the packet using the tuned network stack to obtain a processed packet, and sending the processed packet to the destination, wherein the processed packet is received by the destination. |
| US08467386B2 |
System and apparatus for local mobility anchor discovery by service name using domain name service
An apparatus comprising a mobile access gateway (MAG) configured to register an Internet Protocol (IP) address for a mobile node (MN) with a local mobility anchor (LMA) to allow proxy mobile IP version 6 (PMIPv6) mobility management for the MN, wherein the MAG communicates a query message that comprises a PMIPv6 service name to a Domain Name Service (DNS) and obtains the IP address of the LMA from the DNS. Also disclosed is a network component comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to send a DNS query for a plurality of Service Resource Records (SRV RRs), and receive a DNS reply that comprises a plurality of Fully Qualified Domain Names (FQDNs) for a plurality of LMAs, wherein the DNS query comprises a Proxy Mobile Internet Protocol version 6 (PMIPv6) service name, a protocol name, and a domain name. |
| US08467383B2 |
Stateful switching between reliable transport modules for communicating with an external peer without losing the transport layer connection
Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, and means for stateful switching between reliable transport modules for communicating with an external peer without losing the transport layer connection. Primary and standby reliable transport protocol modules each maintain state concerning the reliable transport connection (e.g., data, segmentation, acknowledgements) such that if the primary or standby reliable transport protocol module fails, the other can resume by itself such that the communication with the peer transport application does not need to be restarted. Also, by the communications subsystem of a device providing copies of received reliable transport protocol messages directly to both the primary and standby reliable transport protocol modules, upon failover, the communications subsystem does not need to be reconfigured for resuming operations as, for example, the standby reliable transport protocol module will already be receiving these packets. |
| US08467381B1 |
Crime reporting in a controlled-environment facility
Embodiments of the invention are directed to communication systems and methods that allow a resident of a controlled environment facility to report a past, on-going or threatened crime, such as a rape. The resident is able to make the report using a facility communications system without alerting other residents of the controlled environment facility that the crime has been reported. |
| US08467379B2 |
Enabling UE access domain selection for terminated speech/video calls
There is discussed a method of selecting an access domain for receiving a speech and/or video call at a mobile station of a mobile communications network in which calls are routed via a central service control common to a plurality of access domains. The method comprises the central service control transmitting an invite to establish a call to the terminating mobile station; the mobile station deciding on an access domain for receiving the call taking into account the capabilities of the local access network, and transmitting the selected access domain to the central service control; and establishing the call in accordance with the selected access domain. |
| US08467377B2 |
Interleaving VoIP/VIP transmission in multiple sessions to increase quality of service in mobile devices having multiple interfaces
A first mobile device has two air interfaces. The first mobile device uses its first interface to transmit VoIP/VIP packets to a second device in a first session. If a quality of service decreases, then the first device causes a second session to be set up where the second session uses the second air interface. Both the first and second air interfaces are then used to communicate packets of a single media stream from the first device to the second device. The packets are transmitted in the first and second sessions in interleaved fashion, where the ratio of packets communicated in one session versus the other per unit time is adjusted in accordance with a quality of service afforded by one session versus a quality of service afforded by the other session. The second device orders the data payloads of the packets, thereby reconstructing the single media stream. |
| US08467371B2 |
Method for detecting hidden station in a wireless communication network and system therefor
Disclosed is a method for detecting a hidden station in a specific station constituting a wireless communication network that includes receiving a frame after a lapse of an idle state interval longer than a predetermined waiting time; determining that there is a hidden station, if a size of the received frame is equal to a size of an Acknowledge (ACK) frame; and determining that there is no hidden station, if the size of the received frame is not equal to the size of the ACK frame. |
| US08467368B2 |
Beamforming methods in closed-loop MIMO
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for applying successive multi-rank beamforming strategies (e.g., successive precoding strategies) for the design of precoders over a set of parallel channels. Successive beamforming is applied to a narrow band channel model and is also applied for finer quantization of a single beamforming vector (e.g., recursive beamforming). A first embodiment provides the optimal approach with high complexity. An alternative embodiment provides successive beamforming for near optimal precoding selection with medium complexity. A low complexity method for precoder selection is also provided wherein a channel representative matrix for the set of parallel channels is determined and successive beamforming on the calculated channel representative is applied. |
| US08467366B2 |
Methods and apparatus for random access in multi-carrier communication systems
Methods and apparatus in a multi-carrier cellular wireless network with random access improve receiving reliability and reduce interference of uplink signals of a random access, while improving the detection performance of a base station receiver by employing specifically configured ranging signals. |
| US08467362B2 |
Managed access point protocol
Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating deployment and configuration of managed access points in hierarchical wireless network systems. An embodiment of the invention facilitates deployment and configuration of conventional, substantially autonomous access points operating in connection with a central management node, such as a server or appliance. In another embodiment, the present invention facilitates deployment and configuration of light-weight access points in a hierarchical wireless network system. In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a streamlined encryption key exchange protocol adapted to hierarchical wireless network system architectures. |
| US08467358B2 |
Mobile agent, radio access network, and network adaptation method
A Mobile Agent (MA), a Radio Access Network (RAN), and a network adaptation method are disclosed herein. The MA is connected to an access layer of an air interface protocol stack for a first network and an access layer of a Core Network (CN) interface protocol stack for a second network to adapt and forward signaling messages and data sent by a Mobile Station (MS) of the first network and a CN of the second network. In the network evolution process, the MA achieves backward compatibility of the MS and the network, and enables smooth evolution. |
| US08467356B2 |
Wireless communication system and base station
A wireless communication system including a gateway device that connects a core network and a wireless access network. The wireless access network includes a virtual base station that includes a representative base station connected to the gateway device and a plurality of unrepresentative base stations, which are subordinate to the representative base station. The presence of the unrepresentative base stations is hidden from the gateway device and an adjacent base station. |
| US08467351B2 |
Relay node interface related layer 2 measurements and relay node handling in network load balancing
A method for performing radio usage measurements to support radio link operations and/or load balancing may be performed at an evolved Node B (eNB). The method may include determining a first radio usage parameter. The first radio usage parameter may be a measurement of radio usage between an eNB and at least one wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU). The method may further include determining a second radio usage parameter. The second radio usage parameter may be a measurement of radio usage between the eNB and at least one relay node (RN) served by the eNB. The method may further include utilizing at least one of the first radio usage parameter or the second radio usage parameter to evaluate at least one of evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) radio link operations, radio resource management (RRM), network operations and maintenance (OAM), and self-organizing networks (SON) functions or functionalities. |
| US08467349B2 |
Methods and apparatus for in-order delivery of data packets during handoff
Methods, apparatus, systems and computer program products are defined that provide for in-order deliver of data packets during hand-off. The aspects provide for in-order delivery at Forward Link Serving eBS/Data Attachment Point (FLSE/DAP) switch and Reverse Link Serving eBS/Data Attachment Point (RLSE/DAP) switch. As such, present aspects provide for significant improvement in the throughput of applications, such as applications relying on Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), during handoff, in such networks as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and the like. |
| US08467342B2 |
Flow and congestion control in switch architectures for multi-hop, memory efficient fabrics
A shared memory switch and switch fabric architecture are described which employ partitions of the shared memory to implement multiple, independent virtual congestion domains, thereby allowing congestion to be handled for different classes of traffic independently. |
| US08467341B2 |
Method and apparatus for negotiating a multi-carrier configuration in a wireless access system
A method for efficiently transmitting and receiving a control channel and/or a data channel in a radio communication system using multiple carriers is described. The embodiments of the present invention provide various multi-carrier system structures and various methods for setting a reference carrier in a multi-carrier system. The embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for efficiently transmitting control channels using a coordination field. |
| US08467340B2 |
Multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) systems with multiple transmission modes
Techniques to transmit data on a number of transmission channels in a multi-channel communication system using multiple transmission schemes requiring less channel-state information (CSI). These schemes may include a partial-CSI transmission scheme that transmits a single data stream on each transmit antenna selected for use and a “beam-forming” transmission scheme that allocates all transmit power to a single transmission channel having the best performance. Each transmission scheme may provide good or near-optimum performance for a specific range of operating conditions (or operating SNRs). These multiple transmission schemes may then be combined in a piece-wise fashion to form a “multi-mode” transmission scheme that covers the full range of operating conditions supported by the MIMO system. The specific transmission scheme to be used for data transmission at any given moment would then be dependent on the specific operating condition experienced by the system at that moment. |
| US08467339B2 |
Cooperative multi-cell transmission method
The present invention provides a cooperative multi-cell transmission method that can be utilized to implement cooperative transmission in a virtual cell. Sectors composing the virtual cell are real cells and/or full sectors in real cells, any sector among the sectors composing the virtual cell is physically located adjacent to at least one of the other sectors, and each sector of the virtual cell corresponds to a real transmitting node respectively. The method includes: acquiring channel state information between any user and at least one of real transmitting nodes by a main information processing node; performing user scheduling and real transmitting node scheduling based on the channel state information by the main information processing node; and cooperatively transmitting data of one or more scheduled users based on the channel state information by one or more scheduled real transmitting nodes. The method according to an embodiment of the present invention reduces the interference and enhances the system spectral efficiency. |
| US08467333B2 |
Receiver and receiver control method
A method of controlling a receiver that is arranged to operate in a reception operating mode for receiving an amount of data in a transmission from a sender and in one or more further operating modes, the method comprising: setting an internal transmission-over indicator to an initial value at the beginning of the transmission and subsequently adapting the internal transmission-over indicator in the course of the transmission, monitoring the internal transmission-over indicator in the course of the transmission in order to determine whether a transmission-over condition is fulfilled, and, in response to determining that the transmission-over condition is fulfilled, leaving the reception operating mode for entering one of the one or more further operating modes. |
| US08467324B2 |
Managing devices within a vehicular communication network
A network node module within a vehicle operates to manage devices coupled to a vehicular communication network of the vehicle based on a use mode defining rights and privileges for operating in the vehicular communication network. Upon being configured in accordance with a particular use mode of a set of use modes, the network node module can identify a device coupled to the vehicular communication network and enable the device to operate within the vehicular communication network in accordance with the use mode. The network node module is securely reconfigurable to any use mode in the set of use modes. |
| US08467317B2 |
Method and apparatus for network tree management
There is disclosed a manner of managing the active topology, that is the scheme for forwarding data, in a computer network such as an Ethernet local area network. A root bridge is selected from a plurality of bridges in the network; the root bridge calculating at least one spanning tree from a topology database that has been populated by bridge neighbor information gleaned from link state advertising messages. The root bridge may also calculate an alternate topology for implementation in the event a failure condition that affects the primary spanning tree is detected. The root bridge then advertises the spanning tree and remotely configures the port states of the bridges in the spanning tree through tree advertising messages that the bridges are arranged to process and set their ports accordingly. |
| US08467315B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing K-shortest paths algorithm in the case of existing multiple edges between adjacent nodes
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for implementing a K-shortest paths algorithm in a condition of multiple sides between adjacent nodes. The implementing method comprises: recording original topology information into a topology structure; adding one virtual node into each of the original sides other than the one with the shortest weight between the two nodes respectively to divide each of the original sides except for the original side with the shortest weight into two new sides, a weight of the new side being obtained by splitting a weight of the original edge where the new side locates; according to new topology information after adding virtual nodes, calculating K-shortest paths between designated nodes; and checking each path in the calculated K-shortest paths in sequence: reinstituting hops which belong to virtual nodes and new sides in each path into the original topology information recoded in said topology structure. |
| US08467310B2 |
Base transceiver station and method of determining transmit power
A base transceiver station (200) that transmits same data to a plurality of mobile stations (300) using a common channel includes a maximum transmit power detector (41) that detects a maximum transmit power value at each spreading factor during transmission of the data from a transmit power of the data transmitted to the plurality of mobile stations (300) in cells controlled by the base transceiver station (200), and a transmit power determination unit (42) that determines a transmit power at each spreading factor based on the relation between the maximum transmit power values detected and the spreading factors. |
| US08467304B2 |
Self-configuration for femtocells
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate automatically configuring femtocells based at least in part on signals transmitted by other femtocells and macrocells. In particular, a femtocell can receive signals from neighboring cells, much like a mobile device, and determine communications parameters used. The parameters can be channel identifiers, pseudo-noise (PN) offsets, and the like. The femtocell can subsequently configure its communication parameters to vary from those detected in the neighboring signals, or to match those of neighboring signals where the parameters relate to the communications environment, for example. Thus, the femtocell self-configures to mitigate interference with surrounding femtocells and/or macrocells. |
| US08467303B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing network conflict
A resiliency-link having a master node and slave nodes may be used to automatically avoid network conflicts due to failure of a node stack. Any stack stub formed as a result of the failure of a stack node or link may use the resiliency-link to determine whether the stack Master node is still online and providing service. If communication over the resiliency-link determines that the original Master node is offline, a new stack stub takes over and provides the desired service. If the original Master node is still online, then the new stack stub takes an appropriate alternative or fallback action. |
| US08467302B2 |
Wireless data transmission method, transmitting system, and receiving system
A wireless data transmission method is disclosed, in which a transmitter buffers current RLC layer data. The method includes the following steps: the transmitter transmits the current RLC layer data to a receiver; receives a data-receiving packet indicating that the data is incorrectly received, the physical layer of the receiver generated and fed back by the physical layer of the receiver if a physical layer of the receiver determines that the data is incorrectly received; and transmits the buffered current RLC layer data to the receiver. A transmitting system and a receiving system are further disclosed. The method of the present disclosure may enhance the data transmission speed over the RLC layer. |
| US08467299B2 |
Method for classifying network components of a packet-oriented network
In the method, starting from a central management component as the basis it is determined in a first step whether a network component is a management-capable network component. If this is the case, the management-capable network component is classified on the basis of services provided in the past by the management-capable network component. A classification is made here into the classes host, router and switch. |
| US08467296B2 |
Hierarchical rate color marker
One embodiment provides a system that facilitates bandwidth-profile enforcement. During operation, the system indicates a packet's compliance with a bandwidth profile based at least on available high-compliance tokens and medium-compliance tokens. The system further accounts for overflow tokens from a respective class of service (CoS) and distribute an overflow token to another CoS priority level based on the overflow token's CoS information. |
| US08467292B2 |
Method for configuring a telecommunication system
The invention relates to a method for configuring a telecommunication system comprising at least one sending entity and one receiving entity between which the same link transmits several transport channels with different qualities of service. The sending entity matches the rate between the different coded transport channels with separate qualities of service, and the different coded transport channels are then multiplexed. The matching rate specific to each coded transport channel is determined from at least one first parameter representative of the expected Eb/I ratio and a second parameter representative of the capacity of the physical channel. |
| US08467289B2 |
Optimized fast re-route in MPLS ring topologies
A method performed on a network element employing Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) to optimize bandwidth in a ring topology network including a back-up Label Switch Path (LSP) for a protected LSP by re-routing traffic onto the back-up LSP to avoid shared links between the protected LSP and back-up LSP, including receiving a first labeled packet from another label switch router (LSR) in the back-up LSP, the first labeled packet indicating protection switch of data from the protected LSP to the back-up LSP, determining whether a shared link in the ring topology network exists between the protected LSP and the back-up LSP, rerouting traffic for the protected LSP onto an optimized back-up LSP to remove the shared link, receiving a second labeled packet indicating that a protection switch of data, and restoring routing of the traffic onto the protected LSP in response to receiving the second labeled packet. |
| US08467286B2 |
Load balancing and fault protection in aggregation networks
A system, device, and method for aggregating traffic in a network, such as for wireless backhaul traffic in a cellular communication system. UE device traffic is sent to and from an access bridge, which is one node in an access network formed into a ring topology, and from the access bridge to a core bridge in communication with a core network of the communication system. According to a preferred embodiment, the access bridge and the core bridge each have a LAG component configured according to IEEE 802.1D and IEEE 802.3-2005, and a ring component configured according to IEEE 802.1Q or 802.1AD. In operation, this LAG component load balances communication traffic coming into the bridge node onto one of two VLANs formed of portions of the access network ring. In the event of a fault condition affecting one of the two VLANs, the fault VLAN is removed from the aggregation scheme until the fault condition is alleviated. |
| US08467285B2 |
No split virtual chassis based on pass through mode
A method includes operating in a normal mode to receive and transmit packets, where the network device is one of multiple network devices that operate as a virtual chassis, where the virtual chassis corresponds to a single logical network device, and detecting when the network device crashes. The method further includes initiating a resetting process and operating in a pass through mode, during the resetting process, where the pass through mode permits packets to be received and transmitted to the network devices of the virtual chassis. |
| US08467284B2 |
Method and system for a scalable radio architecture
Systems and methods for a scalable architecture for radio device and systems are disclosed. This architecture employs a scalable bandwidth to deliver higher data rates and transmission ranges to devices that need them, while still delivering lower power solutions for devices which utilize a smaller bandwidth. These systems and methods may divide the available frequency spectrum into a set of fundamental sub-bands. Different devices may use various multiples of these sub-bands depending on their needs. Devices employing this architecture are also capable of interoperation with one another regardless of the bandwidth they utilize. A device may scan through each sub-band within which the device intends to operate, searching for a common beacon transmitted by other devices utilizing the sub-band. If a beacon is found the device can choose to interoperate with the other device or, alternatively, continue scanning the sub-bands until an unused sub-band is found. |
| US08467278B2 |
Protecting optical media using random, moving radio frequency scatterers
The subject innovation relates to systems and/or methodologies for using randomly positioned electromagnetic scatterers deposited into a predetermined region of an optical storage medium (e.g., Blue Ray DVD, HD DVD, CD, etc.) as a distinct three dimensional (3D) hard-to-copy digital rights management feature. A scatterers' topology is scanned using a matrix of antennas that sense the scatterers' electromagnetic response as the optical disc revolves at near-constant angular speed. The response, f, called an RF fingerprint, is then concatenated with an arbitrary text, t, that defines the digital rights management information imposed by the disk publisher. |
| US08467277B2 |
Optical recording/reproducing device and method of controlling the same
An optical recording/reproducing device which minimizes the number of home-in operations to move a pickup to a predetermined reference position of a disc, and a method of controlling the same. The optical recording/reproducing device includes a pickup to record or reproduce information on or from a disc, a pickup movement motor to move the pickup along the disc, a main power supply controller to detect whether power is initially supplied so as to output a home-in control signal, and a drive controller to perform a home-in operation, only when power is initially supplied according to the home-in control signal of the main power supply controller. Since the home-in operation is performed only when power is initially supplied, the number of home-in operations is minimized. |
| US08467275B2 |
System and method for sharing user content through a set-top box
A system and method for managing video content through a set-top box. User input is received to record the video content to a set-top box. Digital rights management parameters associated with the set-top box are determined. The video content is recorded directly to the set-top box in response to the DRM parameters. The video content is edited based on selections by a user in response to receiving a selection to edit the video content. Preferences for distributing the video content are determined. The video content is distributed from the set-top box to a number of addresses in response to the preferences. |
| US08467274B2 |
Hand position detecting device and electronic timepiece
A hand position detecting device including: a first gear rotating with a minute hand; a second gear rotating with a second hand; a first detection target portion that is provided on the first gear and identifiable by light irradiation; a second detection target portion that is provided on the second gear and identifiable by light irradiation; and a detector, wherein the second detection target portion is formed to be divided into a plurality of parts over a predetermined angular range out of a center angle of 360° of the second gear, and a presence-or-absence pattern of the second detection target portion in an angular range of successive N (N represents one of 5 to 10) angular segments with any angular segment being set as a start point is made different when the angular segment of the start point is different. |
| US08467269B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for enhanced detection, synchronization and online Doppler scale estimation for underwater acoustic communications
Advantageous online and/or real-time OFDM-based underwater acoustic (UWA) apparatus, systems and methods are provided according to the present disclosure. The apparatus, systems and methods employ a receiver with a bank of parallel branches, with each branch having a self-correlator matched to a different waveform scaling factor. A detection is declared when any of the branches leads to a correlation metric larger than a pre-defined threshold. The branch with the largest metric yields a Doppler scale estimate and a coarse synchronization point. The proposed apparatus, systems and methods use one OFDM preamble, thereby avoiding the need to buffer the whole data packet before data demodulation and enabling online and/or real-time operation. Thus, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are advantageously applicable to UWA communications. |
| US08467267B2 |
Asynchronous operation of seismic sources in a seismic survey
Seismic systems and methods are provided to collect variable seismic data, for coordinating source energy and receiver data as well as using both to obtain high resolution seismic data. |
| US08467263B2 |
Memory write operation methods and circuits
In some embodiments, write wordline boost may be obtained from wordline driver boost and/or from bit line access transistor boost. |
| US08467252B2 |
Word line activation in memory devices
Memory devices and methods, such as those facilitating flexibility in applying differing biasing schemes to word lines. For example, one such memory device can include an architecture capable of partitioning word lines into one of a plurality of address spaces. Each address space has a corresponding configuration control bus. By identifying the address space to which a word line belongs, its appropriate configuration control bus may be selected and the control signals from the selected bus used to select the appropriate potentials for driving the word lines. |
| US08467249B2 |
Systems and methods for storing, retrieving, and adjusting read thresholds in flash memory storage system
A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for reading information from a memory unit. A request may be received to read information from a set of memory cells in the memory unit. At least one read threshold in an initial set of read thresholds may be perturbed to generate a perturbed set of read thresholds. The set of memory cells may be read using the perturbed set of read thresholds to provide a read result. The performance of said reading may be evaluated using the perturbed set of read thresholds. The at least one read threshold may be iteratively perturbed for each sequential read operation that the read performance is evaluated to be sub-optimal. |
| US08467247B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array having memory cells, word lines connected to the memory cell array, a generation circuit configured to generate voltages required for operations of the memory cell array, selection circuits connected to the word lines, respectively, each of the selection circuits being configured to select a voltage applied to a word line from the voltages, and a transfer unit configured to transfer items of control data for selecting the voltage to the selection circuits, respectively. The transfer unit includes transfer circuits which shift an enable signal in sequence. The transfer circuits include latch circuits which hold the items of control data based on the shifted enable signal, respectively. |
| US08467244B2 |
Multi-chip semiconductor devices having non-volatile memory devices therein
A flash memory device and a flash memory system are disclosed. The flash memory device includes a first non-volatile memory including a plurality of page data cells, storing page data, and reading and outputting the stored page data when a read command is applied from an external portion; and a second non-volatile memory including a plurality of spare data cells respectively adjacent to the plurality of page data cells, storing spare data, scanning the spare data and temporarily storing corresponding information when a file system is mounted, reading and outputting the stored spare data when the read command is applied. |
| US08467242B2 |
Dynamically configurable MLC state assignment
Memory devices and methods are disclosed, such as those facilitating a data conditioning scheme for multilevel memory cells. For example, one such memory device is capable of inverting the lower page bit values of a complete page of MLC memory cells when a count of the lower page data values is equal to or greater than a particular value or a comparison of current levels compared with a reference current level is equal to or exceeds some threshold condition. Memory devices and methods are also disclosed providing a means for determining initial programming pulse conditions for a population of memory cells based on the number of lower page data values being programmed to a logical 0 or a logical 1 data state. |
| US08467240B1 |
Integrated circuits with nonvolatile memory elements
Nonvolatile memory element circuitry is provided that is based on metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor structures. A nonvolatile memory element may be based on a metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor structure that has a gate, a drain, a source, and a body. During programming operations, control circuitry floats the body while applying a positive voltage to the drain and a negative voltage to the source. This causes the drain and source, which serve as the collector and emitter in a parasitic bipolar transistor, to break down. The drain-to-source (collector-to-emitter) breakdown causes sufficient current to flow through the source to alter the source electrode and thereby increase the resistance of the source significantly. During sensing operations, control circuitry may apply a voltage across the drain and source while grounding the body to determine whether the memory element has been programmed. |
| US08467235B2 |
Creating spin-transfer torque in oscillators and memories
A structure includes an electrically conductive material possessing spontaneous magnetization (“free magnet”) not in contact with an electrically resistive material possessing spontaneous magnetization (“pinned magnet”), and a spacer having free electrons to transfer spin between the electrically resistive material and the electrically conductive material. During operation, an existing direction of magnetization of the free magnet is changed to a new direction of magnetization, by a spin current generated by transfer of heat between at least the spacer and the pinned magnet. Thereafter, the new direction of magnetization of the free magnet is sensed. Many such structures are fabricated to have an easy axis of magnetic anisotropy in the free magnet, to implement memories that write data by transferring heat. Several such structures are fabricated to have an easy plane of magnetic anisotropy in the free magnet, to implement oscillators that generate an oscillating signal, on transfer of heat. |
| US08467224B2 |
Damascene integration methods for graphitic films in three-dimensional memories and memories formed therefrom
In some aspects, a microelectronic structure is provided that includes (1) a first conducting layer; (2) a first dielectric layer formed above the first conducting layer and having a feature that exposes a portion of the first conducting layer; (3) a graphitic carbon film disposed on a sidewall of the feature defined by the first dielectric layer and in contact with the first conducting layer at a bottom of the feature; and (4) a second conducting layer disposed above and in contact with the graphitic carbon film. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08467222B2 |
Reader for magnetic shift register
A reader for magnetic shift register is provided. The reader includes a magnetic reference layer, a tunneling layer, a magnetic canceling layer and an isolated layer. The magnetic reference layer and the magnetic canceling layer are respectively configured at different sides of a magnetic track for providing anti-parallel magnetic fields. The magnetic reference layer overlaps the magnetic canceling layer in a perpendicular direction of the magnetic track. The magnetic reference layer electrically connects to a readout circuit. The magnetic canceling layer is floating. The tunneling layer is configured between the magnetic reference layer and the magnetic track for providing a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). The isolated layer is configured between the magnetic canceling layer and the magnetic track for avoiding a current in the magnetic track from tunneling to the magnetic canceling layer. |
| US08467219B2 |
Integrated circuit self aligned 3D memory array and manufacturing method
A 3D memory device includes a plurality of ridge-shaped stacks, in the form of multiple strips of conductive material separated by insulating material, arranged as bit lines which can be coupled through decoding circuits to sense amplifiers. The strips of conductive material have side surfaces on the sides of the ridge-shaped stacks. A plurality of conductive lines arranged as word lines which can be coupled to row decoders, extends orthogonally over the plurality of ridge-shaped stacks. The conductive lines conform to the surface of the stacks. Memory elements lie in a multi-layer array of interface regions at cross-points between side surfaces of the conductive strips on the stacks and the conductive lines. The memory elements are programmable, like the anti-fuses or charge trapping structures. The 3D memory is made using only two critical masks for multiple layers. |
| US08467213B1 |
Power limiting in a content search system
A content search system including a CAM device having a plurality of CAM blocks and a governor logic receives a search request and compares the number of CAM blocks required to perform the requested search to a limit number, the limit number being the maximum number of CAM blocks permitted to be used in a requested search operation. If the number of CAM blocks required to perform the requested search exceeds the maximum number of CAM blocks permitted to be used in a requested search operation, then the search operation is rejected. The governing operation can be performed on each requested search, thus limiting power dissipation. The relationship between a maximum number of CAM blocks and power dissipation can be characterized, and a corresponding block limit value can be stored into a memory accessible by governor logic. |
| US08467211B2 |
Bipolar pulsed power supply and power supply apparatus having plurality of bipolar pulsed power supplies
A bipolar pulsed power supply is provided in which, while effectively restricting the rise in current at the time of arcing which directly leads to the generation of splashes and particles, the occurrence of overvoltage at the time of polarity reversal is prevented. The power supply has a bridge circuit constituted by switching elements SW1 through SW4 connected to positive and negative DC outputs from a DC power supply source. The operation of the switching elements is controlled to output in a bipolar pulsed mode at a predetermined frequency to a pair of electrodes which come into contact with a plasma. There is provided an output-characteristics-switching circuit which switches the output such that, when outputting to the electrodes, the output to the electrodes has initially constant-voltage characteristics and subsequent output to the electrodes has constant-current characteristics. |
| US08467209B2 |
Control device of a switching power supply
A control device controls a switching converter that converts an alternating supply voltage to a regulated voltage and comprises a switch connected to an inductor. The control device is adapted to control the on period and the off period of said switch for each cycle. The control device comprises a ramp generator adapted to generate a ramp voltage, a comparator adapted to determine the final instant of the on period of the switch by crossing the ramp voltage with a first voltage. The control device has a first signal representing a current through the inductor and a second signal representative of the current flowing through at least one element of the converter. The control device is adapted to control the closing of said switch according to said first signal and comprises a synchronizer adapted to synchronize the start of the ramp voltage with the zero crossing of said second signal. |
| US08467208B1 |
Input voltage-independent active power control of DC to AC power converters
The magnitude and wave shape of instantaneous alternating current and power delivered from a converter's single phase alternating current output is controlled by a closed loop power control scheme independent of the direct current input voltage to the converter. A fast averaging methodology for the value of control magnitude and wave shape of the instantaneous power delivered from the alternating current output can be used in the closed loop power control scheme to limit the magnitude of delivered power. The closed loop power control scheme can be used in both power grid-tied applications and stand-alone non-powered load line applications. |
| US08467206B2 |
Power rectifier circuit and systems, associated method, and aircraft comprising such a circuit or systems
A power rectifying circuit for an electric current signal supplied by an alternating power source, which includes: two separate switching assemblies adapted to be connected to a power terminal of the source, wherein at least one switching assembly includes a plurality of boost cells in cascade, each boost cell including a diode, a switch mechanism and a capacitor, the capacitors of the two terminal boost cells of the switching assemblies having one terminal in common. The circuit may include two assemblies of boost cells, and can be used in electric systems onboard aircrafts. |
| US08467205B2 |
Methods, systems, and software for controlling a power converter during low (zero)-voltage ride-through conditions
A power converter control system having a phase tracker that is designed and configured to estimate the phase of the voltage on the power network that will be on the network when network recovers from a fault on the network. Such a power converter control system allows a power-network-connected power source to ride-through a fault event and continue supplying power thereto at the designed phase and frequency. In one embodiment, the phase tracker provides this estimate by having a response time slow enough that the voltage drop or sag caused by the fault substantially does not affect the control system. In another embodiment, the phase detector is designed and configured to freeze the frequency of its output upon detection of a fault event on the power network. |
| US08467202B2 |
Flyback power supply system
A flyback power system includes a rectifier and filter circuit, a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller, a feedback circuit, a master converter circuit, a slave converter circuit, and a slave converter control circuit. The master converter circuit continuously converts power signals from the rectifier and filter circuit into first direct current (DC) power signals to drive load according to PWM signals of the PWM controller when the flyback power system powered on. The slave converter circuit converts the power signals from the rectifier and filter circuit into second DC power signals according to the PWM signals, and superposes the second DC power signals to the first DC power signals to drive the load when the load is heavy. The slave converter control circuit detects whether the load is heavy, and controls the PWM signals whether to input into the slave converter circuit according to a state of the load. |
| US08467201B2 |
Simplified primary triggering circuit for the switch in a switched-mode power supply
The present invention relates to a trigger circuit for a switch in a switching power supply, especially in a primary-side, triggered switching power supply. The trigger circuit here comprises a feedback signal terminal for detecting an auxiliary voltage induced on a primary-side auxiliary winding of a transformer of the switching power supply, a supply voltage terminal for supplying the trigger circuit with a supply voltage, and a ground terminal for connecting the trigger circuit to a ground potential, wherein the feedback signal terminal is formed by the supply voltage terminal and the auxiliary voltage is superimposed on the supply voltage. Alternatively, the voltage of the auxiliary winding could be superimposed on the voltage on an additional pin that is used for detecting the primary peak current. |
| US08467200B2 |
Power converter for a power generator
Provided are methods, circuits, and systems for obtaining power from a power generator such as a photovoltaic cell or a fuel cell. The methods, circuits, and systems comprise converting substantially DC output power from the power generator into a high frequency AC voltage while rejecting or minimizing oscillations in the output power from the power generator; converting the high frequency AC voltage into a high frequency substantially sinusoidal voltage or current; and converting the high frequency substantially sinusoidal AC voltage or current into (i) a DC voltage or current, and (ii) a low frequency substantially sinusoidal AC voltage or current; wherein the high frequency substantially sinusoidal AC voltage or current is isolated from the DC voltage or current or the low frequency substantially sinusoidal AC voltage or current. |
| US08467194B2 |
AC adapter
An AC adapter including an electronic device, a first circuit board on which the electronic device is mounted, a second circuit board separated from the first circuit board, a connector mounted on the second circuit board and electrically connected to the second circuit board, first and second metal wirings that electrically connect the first and the second circuit boards, and an insulation case installing the first circuit board, the electronic device, the second circuit board, and the connector therein and including a projecting part interposed between the first and second metal wirings. |
| US08467189B2 |
Case and rack system for liquid submersion cooling of electronic devices connected in an array
A liquid submersion cooling system that is suitable for cooling a number of electronic devices in parallel using a plurality of cases connected to a rack system. The system cools heat-generating components in server computers and other devices that use electronic, heat-generating components and are connected in parallel systems. The system includes a housing having an interior space, a dielectric cooling liquid in the interior space, a heat-generating electronic component disposed within the space and submerged in the dielectric cooling liquid. The rack system contains a manifold system to engage and allow liquid transfer for multiple cases and IO connectors to engage electrically with multiple cases/electronic devices. The rack system can be connected to a pump system for pumping the liquid into and out of the rack, to and from external heat exchangers, heat pumps, or other thermal dissipation/recovery devices. |
| US08467176B2 |
Bag computer system and bag apparatus
Disclosed is a system comprised of a bag and computer combination which allows the bag wearer to quickly access and use a computer while mobile. The system can be in three forms and all three are used in the same way: a pivoting cover is moved out of the way to expose a display which pivots into the line of sight of the wearer/operator. When assembled, all the components are physically connected and electrical components are electrically connected. Additional components include a keyboard or write pad mounted on the pivoting cover or on a separate pivoting mount near the center bag front, a display prop which braces the display in various angular positions and side pockets fitted for peripherals. An example is cited using a bag with flap mounts and equipment which mounts to the flaps using clamps. |
| US08467172B2 |
Mobile terminal device
A mobile terminal device including a movable side housing having a movable side rear case, a fixed side housing connected to the movable side housing with a connection part. An emitting member is provided to the movable side rear case, and a curved panel that covers the emitting member is attached to the movable side rear case through a light shielding sheet member, wherein light shielding print part is formed on a back side near an illuminated part in the curved panel. |
| US08467169B2 |
Capacitors adapted for acoustic resonance cancellation
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method to reduce acoustic vibration in a multilayered capacitor stimulated by a radio frequency signal by placing a first capacitor layer adjacent to second capacitor layer sharing a common electrode such that the acoustic vibration is reduced by applying one or more anti-acoustic vibration bias voltages to the multilayered capacitor. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08467165B2 |
Power supply control apparatus including overcurrent detection circuit
Provided is a power supply control apparatus including an overcurrent detection circuit having an overcurrent detection accuracy improved. The power supply control apparatus according to the present invention includes: a transistor Q2 which produces a detection current dependent on a current flowing through an output transistor; a transistor 9 which produces the current Iref1 based on a bias signal BS1; a transistor 10 which produces the current Iref2 based on a bias signal BS2 different from the bias signal BS1; a current mirror circuit which outputs an overcurrent detection signal based on the current Iref1, the current Iref2 and the detection current; and a reference voltage production circuit 18 which produces the bias signal BS1 and the bias signal BS2. The reference voltage production circuit 18 includes: a resistor 21 arranged between a terminal for outputting the bias signal BS1 and a terminal for outputting the bias signal BS2; and a zener diode 37 connected in parallel with the resistor 21. With this circuit configuration, overcurrent detection can be performed with high accuracy. |
| US08467163B2 |
Protecting apparatus
An apparatus for protecting equipment connected to a high voltage direct current line comprises a current valve having at least one semiconductor device and a rectifying member connected in anti-parallel therewith. A surge arrester is configured to connect said current valve to said line, and a control unit is configured to control the current valve to conduct for draining current from the line to ground. |
| US08467160B2 |
Bipolar DC to AC power converter with DC ground fault interrupt
An electrical power converter for converting power from a bipolar DC source to supply an AC load is disclosed. For one such embodiment the bipolar DC source is a photovoltaic array and the AC power is sourced into an electric power grid. The bipolar photovoltaic array has positive and negative voltage potentials with respect to earth ground. The converter is a utility interactive inverter which does not require an isolation transformer at the electric power grid interface. Embodiments of the invention include methods of detecting and interrupting DC ground faults in the photovoltaic array. |
| US08467157B2 |
Adjacent terminal fault detection
This relates to detecting unwanted couplings between a protected terminal and other terminals in an integrated controller of a power supply. Offset and clamp circuitry may apply a positive or negative offset voltage and clamp current to one or more terminals of the controller. In the event that a terminal having the offset voltage and clamp current is accidentally coupled to the protected terminal, the offset voltage and clamp current may be applied to the protected terminal. The protected terminal may be coupled to a fault detection circuitry operable to detect a fault signal at the protected terminal. The fault detection circuitry of the controller may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of the fault signal at the protected terminal or may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of a predefined threshold number of cycles in which the fault signal is detected. |
| US08467156B2 |
Power protection circuit
A power protection circuit includes a power providing unit, a first and second voltage converters, a first and second switches, a first and second voltage detecting circuits, and a first and second warning circuits. The first switch connects between the power providing unit and the first voltage converter. The second switch connects between the power providing unit and the second voltage converter. The first and second voltage detecting circuits are respectively connected to the first and second voltage converters. The first and second warning circuits are respectively connected to the first and second voltage detecting circuits. When the input voltage of the first voltage detecting circuit drops, the first switch turns off the first voltage converter, the first warning circuit signals a warning; when the input voltage of the second voltage detecting circuit drops, the second switch turns off the second voltage converter, the second warning circuit signals a warning. |
| US08467154B2 |
Magnetic sensors having perpendicular anisotropy free layer
Disclosed herein are magnetic sensors that include: a sensor stack having a front and an opposing back, wherein the front of the sensor stack defines an air bearing surface of the magnetic sensor, and the sensor stack includes: a free layer assembly having a second magnetization direction, that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of each layer of the sensor stack; and a stabilizing structure positioned away from the air bearing surface at the back of the sensor stack. |
| US08467152B2 |
Actuator latching mechanism for magnetic disk drive
Embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive latching mechanism having a necessary and sufficient function to hold an actuator of a magnetic disk drive and including a latch formed in a one-piece structure. According to one embodiment, a latching mechanism for a magnetic disk drive includes a latch lever, a hook, for latching an actuator, extending vertically downward from the latch lever, and a bar, to be pressed by an actuator at its home position in a closing direction, extending vertically downward from the latch arm. A steel pin is attached to the latch lever to urge the latch in an opening direction by a magnetic force. |
| US08467149B2 |
Spin torque oscillator and magnetic recording apparatus
According to one embodiment, a spin torque oscillator includes a field generation layer, a spin injection layer including a first layer and a second layer, and an interlayer interposed between the field generation layer and the spin injection layer, wherein the first layer is interposed between the second layer and the interlayer and includes a (001)-oriented Heuslar magnetic alloy or a (001)-oriented magnetic material having a body-centered cubic lattice structure. |
| US08467148B2 |
Spin torque oscillator, magnetic recording head, magnetic head assembly and magnetic recording apparatus
A spin torque oscillator includes an amorphous soft magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic layer and a hard magnetic layer. The nonmagnetic layer with a close-packed crystal structure is provided on the amorphous soft magnetic layer. The hard magnetic layer with a close-packed crystal structure and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is provided on the nonmagnetic layer. |
| US08467144B2 |
Determining microactuator failure in a multi-stage tracking system
A multi-stage tracking control system includes at least a main actuator and a microactuator. The tracking control system is switched to a single-stage mode so that the main actuator alone provides tracking. A disturbance signal is applied to the microactuator while in the single-stage mode, and a failure condition of the microactuator is determined based on a position error generated in response to the disturbance signal. |
| US08467137B2 |
Imaging lens unit
A compact low-cost imaging lens unit for a solid-state image sensor which corrects various aberrations adequately and produces a high-resolution high-definition image. The components of the unit are arranged from an object side to an image side in the following order: an aperture stop, a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex surface facing the object side, a second lens with negative refractive power having a convex surface facing the object side near an optical axis, a third lens with negative refractive power having a convex surface facing the object side near the optical axis, a fourth lens as a meniscus lens with positive refractive power having a convex surface facing the image side near the optical axis; and a fifth lens with negative refractive power having a concave surface facing the image side near the optical axis. |
| US08467136B2 |
Device for transferring optical elements
There is provided a device for transferring an optical element including: a differential transmitter including an intermediate ring rotatably with respect to a housing and having a plurality of openings on its circumference, first decelerating members rotatably inserted into ones of the openings, a first transmitting ring disposed on one side of the intermediate ring to contact the first decelerating members, and a second transmitting ring disposed on an opposite side of the intermediate ring; a driving element generating a driving force to rotate the first transmitting ring; a manual manipulation ring transmitting a rotation force generated due to manual manipulation to the second transmitting ring; a moving portion that supports the optical element and moving along the direction of an optical axis; and a cam rotating due to connection with the intermediate ring and having a cam groove connected with the moving portion. |
| US08467132B2 |
Display device comprising multifunction glass, production method, and optical element having a Fresnel structure
A display device including a holding device that can be placed on the head of a user, an image generating module fixed to the holding device and generating an image, and a multifunction glass that is fixed to the holding device and has a coupling in area and a coupling out area. The image produced is coupled into the multifunction glass via the coupling in area, guided in the multifunction glass to the coupling in area, and extracted via the coupling out area, in such a way that the user can perceive the coupled out image superimposed on the surroundings when the holding device is placed on the head of the user. The coupling in area has a Fresnel structure causing a folding of the beam path when the image is injected into the multifunction glass, said structure having an imaging property. |
| US08467129B2 |
Veiling glare reduction system and method of controlling reflection from a vehicle windshield
A vehicle glare reduction system is provided, which improves the visual acuity of the vehicle operator in vehicles having a light-colored dashboard. The system includes a dashboard having an upper surface from which dashboard light is reflected; a windshield having an inner and outer surface, the windshield surface configured to reflect the dashboard reflected light; and a polarization layer disposed on the dashboard upper surface, adapted to polarize the dashboard reflected light, wherein the polarized light is not reflected by the windshield inner surface. |
| US08467127B2 |
Screen and method for producing forming mold
A screen has an incidence plane that reflects a projected light, and, on the incidence plane, a plurality of lens elements are arranged. The plurality of lens elements have quarter-spherical surfaces, and the spherical surfaces are formed so as to face a light source of the projected light. In a portion of the spherical surface, the portion onto which the projected light is projected, a reflecting section that reflects the projected light is formed. This makes it possible to increase the area of the reflecting sections in the incidence plane and thereby increase the brightness of the screen. |
| US08467123B2 |
Ionizing radiation-resistant optical fiber amplifier
Disclosed is an optical fiber that includes a central core that is suitable for transmitting and amplifying an optical signal and an inner optical cladding that is suitable for confining the optical signal transmitted within the central core. The central core is formed from a core matrix that contains silica-based nanoparticles doped with at least one rare earth element.The disclosed optical fiber can be used with limited optical losses even in an environment with strong ionizing radiation. |
| US08467119B2 |
Electrochromic display device
An electrochromic display device including: a first substrate; first electrodes parallely extending on the first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; second electrodes parallely extending in a direction orthogonal to the first electrodes on the second substrate; and an electrochromic composition layer between the substrates, wherein the device is passive-matrix driven to perform a display by energization between the electrodes, and to perform erasing of the display by energization in a reverse direction, a pixel is formed in a portion where the first electrodes sterically intersect with the second electrodes, and metal electrical wires extending over the regions between the second electrodes and the second substrate along the second electrodes, each of metal electrical wires being conductively connected to each of the second electrodes corresponding to any one of the regions, and insulated from each of the second electrodes corresponding to the other regions. |
| US08467118B2 |
Optical module
To achieve a size-reduction of an optical module having a circuit that generates a high-frequency clock signal for controlling optical modulation by an optical modulator and to suppress radiation of electromagnetic waves from the optical module. A through-hole via is formed on a multilayer printed circuit board so as to be insulated from a plurality of grounded wiring layers by an anti-pad. A coaxial connector and an intensity modulation control IC that generates a high-frequency clock signal are provided on the multilayer printed circuit board. The high-frequency clock signal is input to the coaxial connector through a micro-strip line formed on the multilayer printed circuit board. An open stub connected to the through-hole via is provided on a wiring layer between a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer among the plurality of wiring layers. |
| US08467117B2 |
Pattern generation systems and high bandwidth focus control system with suppressed reaction forces and noise
A pattern generation system includes an optical system and a rotor. The optical system is configured to project a laser image onto an optical scanner. The rotor has a plurality of optical arms arranged at a first angle relative to one another, and further includes the optical scanner. The laser image is sequentially reflected by the optical scanner into each of the plurality of optical arms of the rotor to generate a pattern on a workpiece. |
| US08467116B2 |
Apparatus, program product, and method for creating and printing a composite image including an additional image associated with externally acquired software
An image forming apparatus includes an additional image creating unit, a composite image creating unit, and a printing unit. The additional image creating unit is configured to create an additional image by using information associated with externally acquired software data if the externally acquired software data comprises specific software data. The composite image creating unit is configured to create a composite image in which the additional image and an image of an original are composited. The printing unit is configured to print the composite image. |
| US08467115B2 |
Image formation apparatus
An image formation apparatus includes an image formation unit, an image reading unit, and a guide portion. The image formation unit discharges a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming portion into a recording medium discharge space by applying conveying force to the recording medium and bends the recording medium in a given shape preventing a leading end portion of the recording medium from free fall. The image reading unit reads a document image and is disposed above the image formation unit so that the recording medium discharge space is disposed between the image reading unit and the image formation unit. The guide portion has a protrusion portion protruding toward the recording medium discharge space from a lower face of the image reading unit and that lead the leading end portion to free fall by reducing the bending of the leading end portion. |
| US08467113B2 |
Image reading apparatus provided with an exchangeable image reading portion
A image reading apparatus 4 includes the exchangeable image reading portion 38, the document transportation path 30 curved so as to move around the image reading portion 38, the skew correction rollers 35 in the hosing 3a. The skew correction rollers 35 are arranged on the document transportation path 30 at the transportation upstream side with respect to the reading position 46 of the image reading portion 38. The image reading portion 38 passes through the document transportation path 30 at the transportation upstream side with respect to the skew correction rollers 35 so as to be detached from and attached to the housing 3a. |
| US08467107B2 |
Duplexing document handler with defect reduction
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods and systems for correcting illumination defects in document handlers. A document handler successively moves an image-bearing sheet past an image sensor, when the edges of the document passes over the edge guide near a constant velocity transport roll the document tends to flick down onto the image sensor causing a lightness change at the edges. The proposed correction is dynamically adjusting the light source or dynamically adjusting the automatic gain control (AGC) of the imaging sensor. The method comprises characterizing an optical signal reflected from an image-bearing sheet as it passes a scan window, determining the illumination defects in at least one edge region based on the reflected signal, and adjusting the gain of the imaging sensor or the light level during receipt of the optical signal. |
| US08467102B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image correction method for correcting scan-line position error
A scan line profile characteristic representing the distortion of a scan line is detected. Dot image data undergoes the screen process using a dither matrix. At this time, the quantization process is done by shifting a dither matrix element in the sub-scanning direction opposite to the direction of the scan line changing process at a scan line changing point in the scan line changing process in accordance with the profile characteristic. The image data after the screen process undergoes the scan line changing process, and the interpolation process smooths the scan line changing point. |
| US08467096B2 |
Printer and computer-readable storage medium for controlling the same
A printer is provided that includes a printing unit, a detector that outputs a detection signal corresponding to one of a remaining amount of coloring agent and a consumed amount of coloring agent, and a controller configured to perform a switching process. In the switching process, when determining, based on the detection signal, that a usable amount of coloring agent is more than a first reference value, the controller controls the printing unit to perform a normal printing operation to print an original image based on image data. Meanwhile, in the switching process, when determining, based on the detection signal, that the usable amount of coloring agent is equal to or less than the first reference value, the controller controls the printing unit to perform a show-through cancellation printing operation to print an image that is formed by removing an image recognized as a show-through image from the original image. |
| US08467092B2 |
Method and system for creating and using customized sample rendering job
A system and method for configuring a customized sample job for monitoring print quality and increasing proofing flexibility. A sample job comprising one or more pages can be created in association with print programming attributes utilizing a document creation application. The sample job can be raster image processed with respect to a user specified job setting and stored in an electronic memory component (e.g., DFE component, computer memory, Flash memory, USB memory, etc) as a custom sample job. The custom sample job can then be selected with respect to a primary rendering job in order to render a sample page based on a predefined frequency interval (e.g., after every N sheets) to a sample tray. The frequency interval associated with the custom sample job production can be predefined on a job-by-job and/or global basis by a user. |
| US08467089B2 |
Systems and methods for line width control and pixel retagging
A system and method for processing a digital image for rendering are provided. The method includes performing one or more Line Width Control (LWC) operations on digital image data including pixels having pixel values representing gray levels and tag states providing information for specialized rendering techniques thereby changing one or more pixel values resulting in one or more inaccurate pixel tag states, identifying and reassigning one or more inaccurate pixel tag states for improving the rendering of the resultant digital image. An apparatus, such as an image processing system, capable of performing line width control and tag reassignment is also provided. |
| US08467087B2 |
Method and system for reducing materials usage associated with document printing
A system for performing a print job request includes a processor, a printing device, and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The computer-readable storage medium includes one or more programming instructions for receiving a print job request having a first set of one or more printing parameters, identifying a final page of the print job request, determining a measurement for the final page through the processor, determining a threshold measurement through the processor based on a second set of one or more printing parameters, determining through the processor whether to remove the final page from the print job request based on the measurement and the threshold measurement, removing the final page from the print job request in response, and performing the print job request through the printing device to yield a printed document. The print job request pertains to information displayed on a web site. |
| US08467086B2 |
Method of controlling scaled-down printing for host device and the hose device using the method
A method of controlling scaled-down (size-reduced) printing for a host device and the host device using the method, the method including inputting a scaling-down mode for the print document through a user interface (UI) of the host device; inputting a scaling-down rate fine adjustment for the scaling-down mode to generate a new scaling-down rate; and applying the new scaling-down rate to the print document. Thus, a user is provided with the convenience of obtaining a scaled-down print result that is not distorted. |
| US08467084B2 |
Image forming apparatus including an end statement described after the consumable-goods order statement
An image forming apparatus contains: an internal device that performs a service; a message processing unit that parses a message according to service definition data, the service definition data including syntax definitions of an interface part of the service and designation of a protocol to be used for the service; and a control unit that controls the internal device according to a request obtained from a result of parsing the message by the message processing unit in order to execute the service. |
| US08467083B2 |
Framework for processing the content of a digital image of a microscope sample
A system and method for processing and analyzing virtual microscopy digital images. In an embodiment, identifications of one or more algorithms and one or more digital slide images are received over a network. In addition, one or more parameter data are received that constrain the execution of the algorithm(s) to defined sub-region(s) of the digital slide image(s). The digital slide image(s) are retrieved, and the identified algorithm(s) are executed to analyze the defined sub-region(s) of the digital slide image(s). |
| US08467077B2 |
Page description data processing apparatus, page description data processing method, and recording medium
With respect to an object for stroking a path existing in page description data, the configurations of a plurality of line elements formed along the path are estimated based on a path construction operator and a dotted line pattern determining operator. The path construction operator is replaced with a plurality of path construction operators depending on the configurations of the line elements. |
| US08467073B2 |
Lay length and ratio measuring device for electrical cable
A lay meter includes a computer based device, a light source for creating a light plane operably connected with the computer based device, a shadow based sensor a light plane operably connected with the computer based device, and signal processing circuits and software for processing sensed signals such that a clean square wave voltage signal is generated in direct response to the lays passing through the light plane. |
| US08467068B2 |
Laser gyro comprising a cylindrical solid amplifier bar, and associated method for exciting a cylindrical solid amplifier bar of a laser gyro
A laser gyro includes a cylindrical solid amplifier bar having an axis of revolution. The laser gyro also includes: an annular piezoelectric element for exciting said solid amplifier element at a predetermined frequency f, along said axis of revolution, said annular piezoelectric element being mounted fixed on one of the two end cross sections of the cylindrical solid amplifier bar so that its axis of revolution coincides with said axis of revolution of said cylindrical solid amplifier bar; and an annular dynamic counterweight mounted fixed on the free end cross section of said annular piezoelectric element so that its axis of revolution coincides with said axis of revolution of said cylindrical solid amplifier bar; said cylindrical solid amplifier bar being dimensioned so as to be considered nondeformable at said excitation frequency f. |
| US08467065B2 |
Reflective optical sensor and image forming apparatus
A reflective optical sensor detects a position and/or a toner density of the toner pattern. The reflective optical sensor includes an illuminating system that has at least three light-emitting units, a light-receiving system that has at least three light-receiving units and receives light output from the illuminating system and reflected by the toner pattern, and an illuminating optical system that includes at least three illuminating condenser lenses individually corresponding to the at least three light-emitting units and that guides the light output from the illuminating system to the toner pattern. The at least three light-emitting units and the at least three light-receiving units are both arranged in equal distance with respect to one direction. Optical axes of the at least three illuminating condenser lenses are off-center in parallel to an axis passing through a center of and perpendicular to the corresponding light-emitting unit. |
| US08467064B2 |
Gas sampling device
The invention relates to a gas sampling device comprising a probe for sampling gas, an exploiting device for exploiting the gases sampled, a pipe for transmitting the gases sampled by the probe to the exploiting device, and means for lowering the pressure of the gases sampled in the pipe, to lower the dew point of the gases sampled, the means for lowering the pressure comprising an expansion nozzle arranged in the probe and communicating with the pipe, and a suction device for sucking the gases sampled in the pipe through the exploiting device. Application of the invention to the analysis of hot gases loaded with water vapor. |
| US08467061B2 |
Integrated analytical system and method
An analytical assembly within a unified device structure for integration into an analytical system. The analytical assembly is scalable and includes a plurality of analytical devices, each of which includes a reaction cell, an optical sensor, and at least one optical element positioned in optical communication with both the reaction cell and the sensor and which delivers optical signals from the cell to the sensor. Additional elements are optionally integrated into the analytical assembly. Methods for forming and operating the analytical system are also disclosed. |
| US08467058B2 |
Light source assembly and related lens testing device
A lens testing device includes a light source assembly, a pattern plate, and an imaging sensor. The light source assembly includes a transparent base plate, a light guide plate, and a number of illuminants. The light source assembly uses the light guide plate to uniformize a light come from the illuminants and emit the light onto the pattern plate. The imaging sensor is placed beneath the transparent base plate to sense the light passing through the pattern plate and focused by a lens. |
| US08467055B2 |
Optical measuring device
An optical measuring device includes: a light applying section configured to apply laser light to a sample flowing in a channel; and a fluorescence detecting section configured to detect fluorescence generated from the sample irradiated with the laser light; the fluorescence detecting section including a multichannel photomultiplier tube having a plurality of detection channels capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of light beams, a light separator configured to separate the fluorescence according to wavelengths to provide the plurality of light beams, the light separator being provided by a transmission grating or a prism, and a telecentric condenser lens configured to receive the plurality of light beams from the light separator and direct the plurality of light beams toward the plurality of detection channels of the multichannel photomultiplier tube so that the optical axes of the plurality of light beams are parallel to each other. |
| US08467052B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting contaminants in a sample
System and method for determining the presence of a contaminant in a sample using Raman spectroscopic data. The sample may be food or feed and the contaminant may be melamine. The sample is illuminated with substantially monochromatic light to produce Raman scattered photons. The Raman scattered photons are collected to generate Raman spectroscopic data. The Raman spectroscopic data may comprise at least one of a Raman spectrum and a spatially accurate wavelength resolved Raman image. The Raman spectroscopic data is analyzed to determine the presence or absence of a contaminant in a sample. The concentration of the contaminant in the sample can also be determined by using a ratio algorithm. |
| US08467049B2 |
Manhole modeler using a plurality of scanners to monitor the conduit walls and exterior
Methods and apparatuses for inspecting manholes or other voids and collecting data in a comprehensive, repeatable, and measurable manner. A sensor head is suspended and lowered into a manhole or other void. The sensor head collects data related to the condition of the manhole or void walls, and locations of defects, damage, or lateral pipe openings. The data can then be processed to provide a three-dimensional model of the manhole or void, and can be compared to previous or future data. |
| US08467046B2 |
Goniophotometer
A goniophotometer has a main rotating table, a sync-rotating table, a luminaire rotating table and light detecting tubes (4-1, 4-2). The main rotating table has a main rotating axis (1-2) and a main mirror (1-4) reflecting the light from a luminaire under test (5). The sync-rotating table has a sync-rotating axis (2-2) and a sync-mirror (2-4) located in the reflection path of the main mirror (1-4). The sync-rotating axis (2-2) is coincident with the main rotating axis (1-2). The luminaire rotating table has a luminaire rotating axis (3-2) which can drive the rotation of the luminaire under test (5). The luminaire rotating axis (3-2) is perpendicular to the main rotating axis (1-2). The light detecting tubes (4-1, 4-2) are arranged in the emergent light path to detect the luminous intensity of the luminaire under test (5) in different direction. |
| US08467044B2 |
Continuous index of refraction compensation method for measurements in a medium
Described herein are devices and methods for making extremely accurate measurements in a medium by continuously measuring the index of refraction of the medium such as water or biological tissue. Also described herein is a device for constantly measuring the index of refraction, and using the index of refraction data to constantly calibrate the optical measurement device. In addition, a primary measurement device (a ladar) that is optimized for data collection in a volume backscattering medium such as water or biological tissue is described, along with data results from the lab. |
| US08467043B2 |
Lens module testing apparatus
An apparatus for testing a lens module includes a light source, a recording element, and an analyzing device. The lens module includes an actuator and a barrel. The light source emits a light beam towards the barrel. The light beam is reflected by the barrel and forms a light spot on the recording element. The recording element records a position of the light spot. The analyzing device calculates a distance between the position of the light spot and a reference position, compares the distance with a predetermined value, and determines whether the distance is larger than the predetermined value. If the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the analyzing device determines that the lens module is satisfactory. If the distance is larger than the predetermined value, the analyzing device determines that the lens module is unsatisfactory. |
| US08467042B2 |
Lens shape measuring apparatus and the method thereof, manufacturing method of spectacle lens, and manufacturing method of spectacles
A lens shape measuring apparatus measures a peripheral shape of a lens in order to measure the peripheral shape of the lens accurately according to a non-contact technique. The lens shape measuring apparatus includes: a lens holding mechanism section for holding the lens with the holding axis from the side of a lens surface; and a laser displacement meter for measuring a lens peripheral shape by irradiating a laser beam to the periphery of the lens and receiving a reflected light thereof. The laser displacement meter is installed such that a light projecting section for projecting a laser beam and a light receiving section for receiving a laser beam are aligned in a direction perpendicular to an axis line of the holding axis. The lens shape measuring apparatus causes the lens holding mechanism section to change a lens holding position without changing the axial direction of the holding axis, and causes the laser displacement meter to irradiate a laser beam to the lens periphery at each lens holding position and to measure the peripheral shape of the lens. |
| US08467041B2 |
Fiber optic port signature applicator
An apparatus for illuminating optical fibers, said apparatus includes a housing having a face; fiber ports disposed on said face, each of said fiber ports being configured to engage a connector on an optical fiber; port lamps, each being disposed to provide light through a corresponding one of said fiber ports; and a control system configured to cause said port lamps to provide light according to corresponding port signatures, said port signatures being distinct from each other. |
| US08467039B2 |
Device and method for the detection of particles
The present invention relates to devices and methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of particles. In particular, the invention relates to devices for the detection of particles, comprising a reaction chamber formed within a chamber body between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and one or more displacers, wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable via the one or more displacers at least in one or more parts of the surface area of the first surface and/or second surface. The invention also relates to corresponding methods for the detection of particles. |
| US08467036B2 |
Laser instrument for electro-optical distance measurement
A laser instrument for electro-optical measurement of the distance of a target object to a reference mark is disclosed. The instrument includes a housing, a measuring device which emits a laser beam and determines a distance value from the receiving beam coming from the target object, an outlet opening to couple out the laser beam from the housing, a display device to display the distance value and an operating device to operate the laser instrument and to start a distance measurement. The display and operating devices are arranged on an upper side of the housing. The outlet opening is arranged in the upper side, in the lower side opposite from the upper side or in a side surface of the housing. |
| US08467035B2 |
Pellicle frame and lithographic pellicle
A pellicle frame is provided that includes a pellicle frame bar having a cross-section with a shape that has at least one triangular recess in at least one side edge of a quadrilateral having an upper edge and a lower edge parallel to each other and a cross-sectional area of no greater than 20 mm2. There is also provided a lithographic pellicle that includes a pellicle film stretched over one end face of the pellicle frame via a pellicle film adhesive, and that includes an exposure master plate adhesive on the other end face. |
| US08467033B2 |
Method for operating an illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A method of operating an illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus is provided. A set of illumination parameters that describe properties of a light bundle which converges at a point on a mask to be illuminated by the illumination system is first determined. Optical elements whose optical effect on the illumination parameters can be modified as a function of control commands are furthermore determined, as well as sensitivities with which the illumination parameters react to an adjustment of the optical elements, induced by the control commands. The control commands are then determined while taking the previously determined sensitivities into account, such that deviations of the illumination parameters from predetermined target illumination parameters satisfy a predetermined minimization criterion. These control commands are applied to the optical elements, before the mask is illuminated. |
| US08467028B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
There is an electro-optical device. The electro-optical device includes: a substrate; a plurality of terminals, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of source lines, and a plurality of wiring lines that are provided on the substrate; a mounting component that is mounted on the substrate with an anisotropic conductive film interposed therebetween and has a plurality of electrodes; and a counter substrate that is disposed so as to be opposite to the substrate and has a counter electrode. Further, the wiring lines are electrically connected to the counter electrode, the plurality of terminals includes testing terminals that are electrically connected to any one of the gate lines, the source lines, and the wiring lines, the plurality of terminals are disposed at locations, on the substrate, that two-dimensionally overlap the mounting component, and locations that do not overlap the plurality of electrodes of the mounting component, and the plurality of terminals are covered with the anisotropic conductive film that are provided between the mounting component and the substrate. |
| US08467022B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device comprising: a liquid crystal layer provided between a first substrate and a second substrate; first electrodes, which are formed above the first substrate as a first layer, each first electrode having a side which extends to incline toward a first direction in which the data line extends, that is, second direction, each first electrode electrically connected to corresponding data line via corresponding switching device; and a second electrode, which is formed above the first substrate as a second layer, having a slit in each part of the area overlapping with corresponding first electrode, at least one side of the slit extending in the second direction. |
| US08467018B2 |
Color filter and liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal cell provided with a color filter, a pair of polarizing plates arranged on both outside surfaces of the liquid crystal cell, and an optical compensation layer disposed inside of each polarizing plate, wherein, when a chromaticity (u, v) represented in CIE1960 color system is measured in a black state of the liquid crystal display device, a color difference Δuv given by equation (1) described below is 0.02 or less in an range of 0<θ≦60: Δuv=[{u(⊥)−u(θ)}2+[{v(⊥)−v(θ)}2]1/2 (1) wherein (u(⊥), v(⊥)) is chromaticity as viewed from a vertical direction and (u(θ), v(θ)) is chromaticity as viewed from a direction inclined at an angle of θ degrees with a direction of a normal line of a display surface. |
| US08467011B2 |
Display device
A display device according to an embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel; a backlight assembly disposed below the liquid crystal panel; a chassis including: a first support section, which is disposed at sides of the liquid crystal panel and the backlight assembly, and a second support section, which is bent or curved from the first support section; and a frame disposed at an inner side of the chassis, wherein the frame has a first frame, a second frame, a third frame and a fourth frame and at least one of the first to the fourth frames has a height lower than a height of the first support section. |
| US08467009B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with light source module assembled to housing
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a first housing, second housing, a liquid crystal module, and a light source module. The second housing is fixed to the first housing. The liquid crystal module and the light source module are positioned between the first housing and the second housing. The liquid crystal module is fixed to the second housing. The liquid crystal module, the first housing, and the second housing cooperatively define a receiving groove. The light source module is received in the receiving groove, and positioned on a side of the liquid crystal module. An assembling method of the LCD device is also provided. |
| US08467005B2 |
Transparent conductive film, method for production thereof and touch panel therewith
A transparent conductive film includes: a transparent film substrate; a transparent conductor layer provided on one or both sides of the transparent film substrate; and at least one undercoat layer interposed between the transparent film substrate and the transparent conductor layer; wherein: the transparent conductor layer is patterned; and a non-patterned portion not having the transparent conductor layer has the at least one undercoat layer. |
| US08467004B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment of the invention, a display device comprises a display region including a plurality of pixel regions and a demarcating pattern of the pixel regions. The display device further comprises a first substrate having a first main surface; a plurality of first detection electrodes formed on the first main surface; and a plurality of second detection electrodes formed on the first main surface. The display device further comprises a plurality of first connection electrodes formed on the first main surface and a plurality of second connection electrodes formed on the first connection electrodes via the demarcating pattern. Each of the first connection electrodes connects the first detection electrodes adjacent to each other; and each of the second connection electrodes connects the second detection electrodes adjacent to each other. |
| US08467003B2 |
Noise reduction method, medium, and system
A noise reduction method, medium, and system. The noise reduction method includes calculating a noise level of an input image and removing noise from a central pixel within a window of a predetermined size in the input image using a weight determined based on a difference between signal intensities of the central pixel and a plurality of adjacent pixels within the window and the calculated noise level. |
| US08467002B2 |
Display device, broadcast receiving apparatus, display method, and broadcast receiving method
A storage unit stores and holds, for each location, a set of location information indicating a location which can be used by a broadcast program and color temperature information in the location. An arithmetic control unit acquires one piece of location information stored and held in the storage unit. A video signal processing unit performs a color correction process for a video signal contained in a broadcast signal on the basis of the color temperature information stored and held in the storage unit and set with the location information acquired by the arithmetic control unit. A display unit displays a video based on the video signal after the correction. |
| US08466998B2 |
Solid-state image sensor and imaging apparatus equipped with solid-state image sensor
A solid-state image sensor executing photoelectric conversion for a subject image includes: a plurality of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional pattern and each equipped with a photoelectric conversion unit that generates and stores an electrical charge, wherein: the plurality of pixels are each one of a first pixel and a second pixel; the plurality of pixels are divided into a plurality of pixel blocks; the pixel blocks each include m×n pixels with m pixels and n pixels among the plurality of pixels set respectively along a columnar direction and along a row direction; at least one of the pixels in each pixel block is the first pixel; color filters assuming a single color are disposed at first pixels belonging to a common pixel block; and at least one pixel in at least one pixel block among the plurality of pixel blocks is the second pixel. |
| US08466997B2 |
Fan-out wafer level package for an optical sensor and method of manufacture thereof
An optical sensor package has a transparent substrate with a redistribution layer formed on a face thereof, which includes a window and a plurality of electrically conductive traces. A semiconductor substrate, including an optical sensor and a plurality of contact terminals on a face thereof, is positioned on the transparent substrate in a face-to-face arrangement, with the optical sensor directly opposite the window, and with each of the contact terminals electrically coupled to a respective one of the electrically conductive terminals. The transparent substrate has larger overall dimensions than the semiconductor substrate, so that one or more edges of the transparent substrate extend beyond the corresponding edges of the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of solder balls are positioned on the face of the transparent substrate, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the electrically conductive terminals. The solder balls and the semiconductor substrate are at least partially encapsulated in an encapsulating layer formed on the face of the transparent substrate, which has been planarized to expose upper portions of the solder balls, as contact pads of the optical sensor package. |
| US08466996B2 |
Condition changing device
A condition change unit of the present invention changes operating conditions of a device. The condition change unit comprises a display section for displaying images, a touch panel provided on the display section, a detection section for detecting input operations to the touch panel, a change condition setting section for setting types of change conditions, based on form of the input operations detected by the detection section, an operation guide image display section for displaying guidance images, for setting specific parameters of the change conditions, on the display section, in accordance with the type of change condition that has been set, and a parameter change section for changing parameters of the change condition based on an input operation to a screen on which the operation guidance operation images are displayed that has been detected by the detection section. |
| US08466995B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and camera system
A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel section in which pixels performing photoelectric conversion are arranged in a matrix shape; and a pixel signal reading section that has an AD conversion section which reads pixel signals through pixel units from the pixel section and performs analog digital (AD) conversion. The pixel signal reading section includes comparators each of which compares a reference signal, which is a ramp wave, with read analog signal potentials of pixels in a corresponding column, counter latches each of which is disposed to correspond to each of the comparators, is able to count a comparison time of the corresponding comparator, stops the count when an output of the corresponding comparator is inverted, and retains a corresponding count value, and an adjustment section that performs offset adjustment on the reference signal for each row on which the AD conversion is performed. |
| US08466991B2 |
Optical black pixel cell readout systems and methods
This is generally directed to systems and methods for reading optical black pixel cells. For example, in some embodiments, the columns of a pixel array can be shunted together during an optical black pixel readout phase of the imaging system. This may, for example, help improve correction of column fixed pattern noise or other noise. In some embodiments, the column may be shunted together during the optical black pixel readout phase of the imaging system and not shunted during other phases of the imaging system (e.g., when reading values from active pixel cells, barrier pixel cells, etc). In some embodiments, circuitry for providing the column shunting can be implemented as an independent block of the imaging system. In other embodiments, this circuitry can be implemented within other blocks of the imaging system. As an illustration, the shunting circuitry can be implemented within a VLN block of the imaging system. |
| US08466989B2 |
Camera having image correction function, apparatus and image correction method
A camera 1 for forming an image using an imaging lens 3 comprises a distortion correction unit 44 which, when a distortion of an image is corrected based on a focal length of the imaging lens 3 and an incident angle of rays from an object to the imaging lens 3, changes the amount of the correction according to the incident angle. |
| US08466987B2 |
Automatic capture and management of images
According to one embodiment of the invention, a camera determines whether to acquire an image (e.g., automatically), determines whether to store the acquired image, and determines how to store the acquired image. |
| US08466969B2 |
Imaging apparatus and shake correcting method
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit that generates an image signal of a picked up image by performing photoelectric conversion for an optical image formed by an imaging optical system; a shake detecting unit that detects a shake; a correction amount setting unit that sets a shake correction amount used for correcting the shake based on the shake detected by the shake detecting unit; and a correction processing unit that performs correction of distortion aberration generated by the imaging optical system for the picked up image, movement of an extraction area for an image in which the distortion aberration is corrected in accordance with the shake correction amount, and extraction of an image of the extraction area. |
| US08466968B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the apparatus and communication system
A camera that is connected to a PC via a network sends an action decision program in response to an operation screen request from the PC, and obtains a decision result from the PC 300 by causing the PC to execute the action decision program. Based on the thus obtained decision result, data of an operation screen for operating the camera 100 is sent to the PC. As a result, the PC displays the operation screen based on the data. The user of the PC can then remotely control the camera using the operation screen. |
| US08466966B1 |
Video calibration device
A video calibration device comprising an elongated image tube having a length, a first opening at one end of the image tube and a second opening at the opposite end of the image tube. The device includes an elongated sensor tube having a length, a first opening at one end of the sensor tube and a second opening at the opposite end of the sensor tube. The first opening of the sensor tube is adapted to support a video calibration sensor. A video calibration sensor is disposed in the first opening of the sensor tube. The sensor tube is sealingly secured to the image tube at an angle whereby the second opening of the sensor tube and the second opening of the image tube are substantially juxtaposed. |
| US08466964B2 |
Multispectral uncooled thermal infrared camera system
A multispectral thermal infrared camera system is disclosed. An uncooled thermal imaging camera is equipped with an axially tilted, cooled spectral filter. The axially tilted, cooled spectral filter deflects the radiation emitted by the uncooled camera away from being reflected back into the camera. The axially tilted, cooled spectral filter emits a lesser amount of thermal radiation towards the camera. And the axially tilted, cooled tilted filter is enclosed in a cold radiation shield to minimize the thermal emission that would be reflected by the filter towards the camera and to absorb the radiation deflected by the tilted filter. The axially tilted, cooled spectral filter passes only the desired portion of the thermal infrared radiation from the scene onto the uncooled camera. |
| US08466963B2 |
System and method for adjusting image parameters of cameras
A system and method for adjusting image parameters of cameras first determines if there are disqualified cameras whose image parameters need to be adjusted according to an image quality of the captured image of each camera, outputs the captured image of each of qualified cameras whose image parameters do not need to be adjusted, determines if the image parameters of each of the disqualified cameras are adjusted through a network. The image parameters are updated by each of the disqualified cameras itself if the image parameters of the disqualified camera are not adjusted through the network, or the image parameters of each of the disqualified cameras are updated by the computer using a broadcast mode or a non-broadcast mode with user-defined values if the image parameters of the disqualified camera are adjusted through network. |
| US08466959B2 |
Vehicle video control system
A vehicle video control system is provided comprising a video camera unit having a wide angle (preferably a fisheye) lens mounted atop a column, wherein the column is attached to a manned or robotic vehicle, and an operator control unit in communication with the video camera unit. A continuous video image produced by the video camera unit is transmitted to the operator control unit. Such vehicle video control system provides a vehicle operator with an approximately hemispherical view from above the vehicle, providing the human operator with a continuous view of most of the area surrounding the vehicle. This video control system eliminates the burden of video camera control during simultaneous operation of the vehicle using the present system. |
| US08466956B2 |
Scanning endoscope processor and scanning endoscope apparatus
A scanning endoscope processor, comprising a photoelectric converter and a controller, is provided. The scanning endoscope processor controls a scanning endoscope having first and second transmitters and an actuator. The photoelectric converter receives light transmitted from the second transmitter and generates a pixel signal according to the amount of light received. The second transmitter transmits reflected light and/or fluorescence from a point within an observation area illuminated by the light emitted from a first emission end. The first transmitter emits the light as a beam from the first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end along a spiral course. The controller adjusts at least one of a first angular velocity and a generation cycle so that the product of the first angular velocity, the generation cycle, and a first distance is within a predetermined range. |
| US08466954B2 |
Screen sharing method and apparatus
Respective video feeds are provided to at least two viewers using a common display. The display is controlled to alternately display an image from a first video feed and an image from a second video feed. A first shuttered filter is synchronized to the display such that the first filter is shuttered when the second video feed image is displayed, and a second shuttered filter is synchronized to the display such that the second filter is shuttered when the first video feed image is displayed. Only the first video feed image is provided to a first viewer using the first shuttered filter, and only the second video feed image is provided to a second viewer using the second shuttered filter. |
| US08466953B2 |
Stereoscopic exit pupil expander display
The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for providing a stereoscopic display in electronic devices with a diffractive exit pupil expander using sequentially switching between right and left images of one display (e.g., microdisplay). An optical delivery system can provide a sequential left and right image of the display and the illumination is then switched for left and right accordingly using exit pupil expander (EPE) with asymmetric, e.g., highly slanted, in-coupling gratings, sending light practically to only one direction (e.g., one area of the EPE substrate). |
| US08466943B2 |
Laser marking
A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing precision marks (28) for a metrological scale in the form of a stainless steel ribbon (10). A laser (21) is used to produce ultra-short pulses, which have a fluence at the ribbon such that ablation takes place. The laser light can be scanned via scanner (25) and the pitch of the marks (28) can be controlled. The ablative technique causes little thermal input and improves the accuracy of the scale. |
| US08466942B2 |
Thermal print head
A thermal print head includes a substrate, an electrode layer supported on the substrate and provided with a plurality of mutually spaced-apart portions, a resistor layer provided with a plurality of heating portions arranged along a primary scanning direction, the heating portions lying across the spaced-apart portions, and a protective layer configured to cover the resistor layer, the protective layer including a first layer made of glass matrix and a plurality of alumina grains mixed into the glass matrix. |
| US08466941B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus, erasing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
According to one embodiment, a sheet conveying apparatus includes: a guide section that forms a one side guide surface of a sheet conveying path, the guide section having a first guide member and a second guide member which are continuously arranged from a conveying direction upstream side to a conveying direction downstream side, at least one of the first guide member and the second guide member being a guide member that rotates to open and close; and a joint section that forms an uneven joint with a conveying direction downstream side end of the first guide member and a conveying direction upstream side end of the second guide member, the downstream side end of the first guide member being arranged further on an inner side than the upstream side end of the second guide member with respect to the sheet conveying path if at least one of the first guide member and the second guide member is closed. |
| US08466940B2 |
Recording medium removing apparatus, erasing apparatus, cutting apparatus, and recording medium removing method
According to one embodiment, an erasing apparatus including a recording medium removing apparatus includes: a thickness sensor configured to change an output signal according to the thickness of a recording medium; a recording medium conveying mechanism configured to convey the recording medium; a recording medium removing mechanism provided downstream in a recording medium conveying direction of the thickness sensor and configured to remove the recording medium in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveying direction; a control unit configured to remove, if the control unit determines that the recording medium is unconveyable, the recording medium from a recording medium conveying path with the recording medium removing mechanism; and a heating roller configured to heat the recording medium to temperature equal to or higher than erasing temperature. |
| US08466939B2 |
Thermal sublimation printer system capable of cutting print media precisely and print method using the same
A thermal sublimation printer system for precisely cutting a print medium includes a feeding mechanism, a thermal print head, a sensor, a cutting mechanism and a control unit. The paper feeding mechanism is used for moving the print medium, and the thermal print head is used for transferring at least one dye region of a ribbon onto the print medium so as to form an image region on the print medium, correspondingly. The sensor is used for sensing a recognition mark on the print medium, and the cutting mechanism is used for cutting the print medium. The control unit is used for controlling the cutting mechanism to cut the print medium when the sensor senses the recognition mark. |
| US08466926B2 |
Renderer for presenting an image frame by help of a set of displaying commands
The invention is related to a device for presenting, an image frame by help of a set of displaying commands wherein a displaying command comprises a displaying area and a displaying content.The device comprises means for adapting a first and/or a second displaying command set such that an adapted displaying command sets comprises displaying areas which do not intersect with any displaying area of the same set. Furthermore, the displaying areas of an adapted set cover a display area the image frames are displayed on. The device further determines displaying commands of the adapted second set not comprised in the adapted first set. Then, the determined displaying commands are executed.Adaptation makes comparison of displaying commands suitable for excluding areas from displaying/blitting/clearing. |
| US08466924B2 |
Displaying on a matrix display
A display method comprises the steps of generating (1) images comprising source data (SDA) and source frame synchronization instants (SSI) having a source frame rate (SFR). The source data (SDA) is stored (2) in a frame memory (5) under control of a first address pointer (AP I) having a start address (DSA) being determined by the source frame synchronization instants (SSI). During a read period (RP), display data (DDA) is read (2) from the memory (5) under control of a second address pointer (AP2) having a start address (SSA) being determined by display frame synchronization instants (DSI) having a display frame rate (DFR). The display data (DDA) is displayed (3) on a matrix display (4). The source frame rate (SIR) or the display frame rate (DFR) is controlled (2) to obtain, in a stable situation, the first address pointer (AP I) and the second address pointer (AP2) starting with an offset in time (TO) which has a fixed polarity during the read period (RP). |
| US08466922B2 |
Centralised interactive graphical application server
This invention relates to a method of processing a plurality of graphical programs on a centralized computer system whereby the images produced by the programs are compressed and transmitted to remote processing devices where they are decompressed. Compression assistance data (CAD) is produced by inspecting instructions outputted by the programs and the CAD is then used in the compression step. |
| US08466921B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for load balancing of plural types of image processing in plural processors
In a case that a first processor assists a second processor, the first processor issues a request for execution of a type of image processing assigned to the second processor, receives information specifying data on which the first processor performs the type of image processing assigned to the second processor, and performs the type image processing assigned to the second processor on the data specified by the information. According to this, it is possible to execute auxiliary processing by a light-loaded processor for a heavy-loaded processor in correspondence with loads of plural processors. |
| US08466919B1 |
Re-rendering a portion of an image
An image may be represented by a directed acyclic graph (DAG) including a number of nodes on paths between input parameters and output values. Intermediate operations are performed at the nodes to produce intermediate output values. One or more of the input parameters may be modified (e.g., by an animator). A determination is then made as to which intermediate output values are affected by the modified input parameters. A simplified DAG is constructed from the nodes corresponding to the intermediate output values affected by the modified input parameters. The intermediate output values that are not affected by the modified input parameters and are maintained at a constant value corresponding to a previously determined value for the intermediate output value. The simplified DAG is evaluated to determine the output resulting from the modified input parameter such that the image may be re-rendered without re-evaluating the full DAG. |
| US08466917B2 |
Method and system for modeling light
A method and system for modeling light in time and space are provided. The method and system of the present disclosure collect light readings, e.g., on a motion picture set, at different positions and times to build a light model to be used for visual effects (VFX) compositing. The light model represents the light distribution across space and/or time for a predetermined physical space. Using the light model, the lighting can then be predicted or interpolated at intermediate or other positions and/or times for which no specific light readings were obtained. The light models can be used for rendering objects (e.g., natural or CG elements) in a scene as if they were in that space. |
| US08466914B2 |
X-ray tool for 3D ultrasound
A system and method is disclosed for rendering an ultrasound volume. An external image of an ultrasound volume is generated. A fractional part of the external image corresponds to a fractional portion of the ultrasound volume. A composite image of the ultrasound is generated using the external image, wherein the fractional part of the external image is replaced with an internal image of the ultrasound volume fractional portion. The internal image may be generated by changing a value of a visualization parameter used to generate the external image to a value more suitable for rendering an internal image. The ultrasound volume may include a organic structure, wherein the external image depicts an outer surface of the organic structure, and the internal image depicts a vascularity of the organic structure, such that the composite image simultaneously depicts both an outer surface and the vascularity of the organic structure. |
| US08466913B2 |
User interface for accessing virtual viewpoint animations
A user such as a television viewer is provided with the capability to view an event from different virtual viewpoints which differ from the viewpoint of a camera. In one aspect, the user is informed of particular camera images from which a virtual viewpoint can be viewed. For example, a menu interface may provide thumbnail preview images of the one or more particular camera images. In another aspect, the use enters commands to manipulate a virtual viewpoint, such as by rotating around a point, moving a lookout point and zooming in or out. In response, a display is provided which includes a textured 3d model of the event combined with at least one textured object in the event. For instance, the event may be a sporting event and the at least one textured object may be a participant in the sporting event. |
| US08466911B2 |
Low voltage differential signal output stage
A low voltage differential signal (LVDS) output stage including a display signal digital circuit, a data parallel-to-serial (P2S) circuit and a transmitting circuit is provided. The display signal digital circuit generates a display signal and a display clock signal synchronous to each other according to a first frequency multiplication clock signal. The data P2S circuit samples the display signal according to a second frequency multiplication clock signal, so as to generate a serial data signal and a serial clock signal. The first frequency multiplication clock signal and the second frequency multiplication clock signal have a relationship of frequency multiplication. The data P2S circuit includes an adjustment structure for adjusting the serial clock signal according to the display clock signal and the second frequency multiplication clock signal, and controlling a transmitting time of the serial data signal transmitted according to a clock of the second frequency multiplication clock signal. |
| US08466909B2 |
Output buffer having high slew rate, method of controlling output buffer, and display driving device including output buffer
An output buffer having a high slew rate, a method of controlling the output buffer, and a display driving device including the output buffer. The output buffer includes: a first output buffer adapted to output a source line driving signal to a first output terminal in response to a first control signal and output a source driving signal to a second output terminal in response to a second control signal; a second output buffer adapted to output a source line driving signal to a third output terminal in response to the first control signal and output a source line driving signal to a fourth output terminal in response to the second control signal; and a feedback circuit for connecting the first through fourth output terminals to negative input terminals of the first and second output buffers in response to the first control signal and the second control signal. |
| US08466907B2 |
Automatic brightness control for displays
An automatic brightness adjustment for devices with displays includes the capability to assess ambient light. The assessment may be made using circuitry, such as a light meter circuit, by exploiting exposure control circuitry, or using other approaches. The ambient light value is sent to a brightness adjustment driver, which may employ a look-up table to keep track of brightness adjustments for particular ambient conditions. The look-up table may include distinct adjustment values based upon the type of display. |
| US08466896B2 |
System and apparatus for selectable input with a touch screen
A selective input system and method are provided which track the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system. |
| US08466895B2 |
Positioning method and driving apparatus for touch panel
A positioning method and a driving apparatus for a touch panel having a plurality of sense electrodes in an axis direction are disclosed. The driving apparatus detects the sense electrodes to obtain a plurality of sensed values. The driving apparatus counts the number of multiple candidate electrodes, wherein the candidate electrode is an electrode having a sensed value larger than a first threshold value. The first threshold value is increased and the number of the candidate electrodes is counted again if the number of the candidate electrodes is larger than a second threshold value. At least one electrode is selected as a positioning electrode from the candidate electrodes if the number of the candidate electrode is not larger than the second threshold value. A position of a touch point on the touch panel in the axis direction is calculated based on the position and sensed value of the positioning electrode. |
| US08466894B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying information
According to one embodiment, an information display apparatus includes a display unit, a storage unit, a view point calculation unit, a region estimation unit, and an extraction unit. A scene surrounding the display unit is visible through the display unit. The storage unit is configured to store a location and a guide of each object existing in the scene. The view point calculation unit is configured to calculate a view point of a user observing the scene through the display unit. The region estimation unit is configured to estimate a region observed by the user in the scene, based on the view point. The extraction unit is configured to search an object existing in the region based on the location of the object, and to extract the guide of the object from the storage unit. The display unit displays the guide extracted. |
| US08466892B2 |
Display apparatus and method of driving the same
A display apparatus includes a display panel, sensor circuits, and a detection circuit. Each sensor circuit senses at least two external signals different from each other and outputs a sensing signal. The detection circuit receives the sensing signal to detect a position to which the external signals are applied. Each sensor circuit includes sensors commonly connected to an output terminal, a scan line which receives a scan signal, a capacitor disposed between the scan line and the output terminal, charged with a first voltage in response to the scan signal, and charged with a second voltage greater than the first voltage in response to the current signal after the scan line is floated, a switching device which outputs the sensing signal in response to the second voltage, and a readout line which applies the sensing signal output from the switching device to the detection circuit. |
| US08466891B2 |
Touch panel
Disclosed is a touch panel 100, which includes a transparent substrate 110 that includes a base part 120 and a projection part 130 projected from the base part 120, a transparent electrode 140 that is formed on the base part 120, signal wirings 150 that are formed on the transparent substrate, having one end connected to the transparent electrode 140 and the other end extended to the projection part 130, and a controller 160 that is disposed on the projection part 130 and is directly connected to the other end of the signal wiring 150. The touch panel directly connects the signal wirings 150 to the controller 160 by adopting the projection part 130 to the transparent electrode 140, thereby making it possible to omit the flexible printing cable requiring manual work, and thus allows the roll to roll (R2R) process, thereby making it possible to automate the entire manufacturing process of the touch panel 100. |
| US08466890B2 |
Pointer detection apparatus and pointer detection method
A pointer detection apparatus and a pointer detection method of the cross point electrostatic coupling type are disclosed, by which a pointer on a conductor pattern can be detected at a higher speed. The pointer detection apparatus includes a conductor pattern, a spread code supplying circuit, a reception conductor selection circuit, an amplification circuit, an analog to digital conversion circuit, and a correlation value calculation circuit. The spread code supplying circuit supplies a plurality of spread codes at the same time. The correlation value calculation circuit determines correlation values between signals output from the analog to digital conversion circuit and the correlation calculation codes respectively corresponding to the spread codes. A pointer is detected based on the determined correlation values. |
| US08466889B2 |
Method of providing tactile feedback and electronic device
A method includes detecting a touch on a touch-sensitive display, determining when a touch value associated with the touch meets a first touch threshold, determining a first period of time between detecting the touch and when the touch value meets the first touch threshold, and providing a first tactile feedback when the first period of time is meets a first time threshold. |
| US08466884B2 |
Touch electrophoretic display apparatus
A touch electrophoretic display apparatus includes an electrophoretic display panel and a touch panel. The electrophoretic display panel includes a substrate and a front plane laminate, wherein the front plane laminate is disposed on the substrate and the front plane laminate has an electrophoretic layer. The touch panel is disposed on the front plane laminate and is contacted the front plane laminate. The touch electrophoretic display apparatus has an advantage of high brightness. |
| US08466882B2 |
Touch sensor and method for manufacturing same
A touch sensor, such as a capacitive touch sensor, includes a substrate having at least one passageway established therethrough. A first conductive coating is established at a first surface of the substrate, and a conductive element is disposed at the substrate and at least partially through the passageway. The conductive element establishes conductive continuity between the first surface and second or opposite surface of the substrate. A thin sheet (such as a thin glass or plastic sheet) is disposed at and over the first surface of the substrate. The passageway may comprise multiple passageways established inboard of a perimeter edge of the substrate. The thin glass or plastic sheet may be laminated at or to the substrate. |
| US08466881B2 |
Contact tracking and identification module for touch sensing
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device. |
| US08466880B2 |
Multi-touch contact motion extraction
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device. |
| US08466877B2 |
System and method for associating characters to keys in a keypad in an electronic device
The disclosure relates to a system and method of mapping a layout of a keyboard onto a keypad in an electronic device. The method comprises: associating a first set of characters in a QWERTY keyboard layout with a segment of programmable keys in the keypad, the QWERTY keyboard layout comprising at least a left and a right column of keys; navigating through the QWERTY keyboard layout for the programmable keys using first and second directional keys providing upper and lower navigation controls for the segment of programmable keys when the first set of characters is from the right column of keys in the QWERTY keyboard layout; and associating the segment of keys with a second set of characters in the QWERTY keyboard layout based on a signal received from the first and second direction keys. |
| US08466874B1 |
System and method for graphical rendering of point primitives
A system for rendering point primitives for output to an electronic display includes electronics configured to determine a position of a point primitive within a sub-pixel grid. The electronics configured to determine a size of the point primitive and to determine a positional relationship between a pixel and the sub-pixel grid. The system includes a storage circuit configured to determine a first sample bit mask based on the size and based on the position of the point primitive. The system includes at least one set of selector circuits configured to select a second sample bit mask the size of the pixel based on the first sample bit mask and based on the positional relationship between the pixel and the sub-pixel grid. The second sample bit mask indicates which sub-pixels are to be illuminated on the electronic display to represent the point primitive. |
| US08466873B2 |
Interaction techniques for flexible displays
The invention relates to a set of interaction techniques for obtaining input to a computer system based on methods and apparatus for detecting properties of the shape, location and orientation of flexible display surfaces, as determined through manual or gestural interactions of a user with said display surfaces. Such input may be used to alter graphical content and functionality displayed on said surfaces or some other display or computing system. |
| US08466869B2 |
Display apparatus that controls a length of an emission period or luminance of a display area according to temperature of a liquid crystal panel
A display apparatus including: a liquid crystal panel for displaying left and right images; a liquid crystal driver for writing an image signal into the liquid crystal panel; a backlight source for radiating light to the liquid crystal panel; and a controller for controlling the backlight source so that it emits the light during first emission periods which are set for a left viewing periods while a left image is viewed with a left eye and right viewing periods while a right image is viewed with a right eye, respectively, wherein the controller controls the backlight source so that it emits the light during a second emission period within a non-viewing period, during which no image is viewed, and sets a turn-off period during which the backlight source is turned off between the first and second emission periods. |
| US08466866B2 |
Video processing circuit, video processing method, liquid crystal display device, and electronic apparatus
A video processing circuit used in a liquid crystal panel, includes: a first boundary detector that analyzes a video signal of a present frame to detect a boundary between a first pixel and a second pixel; a second boundary detector that analyzes a video signal of a frame one frame before the present frame to detect a boundary between the first pixel and the second pixel; a correction portion that corrects an applied voltage to a liquid crystal device corresponding to a second pixel which is adjacent to a portion of the boundary detected by the first boundary detector, which is changed from the boundary detected by the second boundary detector from the applied voltage specified by the video signal of the present frame to a voltage equal to or higher than the first voltage and lower than the second voltage. |
| US08466865B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which includes a first pixel and a second pixel which are arranged close to each other and are allocated to the same color, and color filters which differ in color tone and are formed on the first pixel and the second pixel, wherein a voltage for driving liquid crystal of the first pixel and a voltage for driving liquid crystal of the second pixel are controlled independently from each other. |
| US08466864B2 |
Grayscale-based field-sequential display for low power operation
A field-sequential display is operated in one of a color mode or a grayscale mode. In the color mode, a video source provides image content in the form of multiple-color image data having a frame rate of X Hz and a display controller uses the multiple-color image data to drive the field-sequential display so as provide multiple-color image content at the field-sequential display. In the grayscale mode, the display controller generates grayscale image data from the multiple-color image data and the display controller then drives the field-sequential display with the grayscale image data at a lower frame rate of Y Hz. While in the grayscale mode, the display controller can take advantage of the enhanced contrast provided by the grayscale image content to reduce or disable backlighting at the field-sequential display. The reduced timing requirements afforded by the lower frame rate, as well as the reduction or elimination of backlighting, can reduce power consumption compared to the color mode. |
| US08466863B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display includes a substrate and a display region on the substrate. The display region has one or more gate lines; a gate insulating layer; a semiconductor layer; one or more pairs of source and drain electrodes, each pair being one source electrode and one corresponding drain electrode; and one or more data lines, each comprising one or more of the source electrodes. A passivation layer overlies the data lines and the drain electrodes and has a plurality of contact holes; and one or more color filters overlie the passivation layer and have a plurality of through holes. In the display region, in top view, the semiconductor layer has the same shape as the data lines and the drain electrodes except over each region between each source and corresponding drain electrode, and the contact holes' edges are aligned with the through holes' edges. |
| US08466862B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device, which includes a TFT substrate (230) including: first pixel electrodes (237) which are pixel electrodes at regions corresponding to first filter regions; second pixel electrodes (238) which are pixel electrodes at regions corresponding to second filter regions. The liquid crystal display device has a brightness priority mode, which puts priority on bright screen display, and a response speed priority mode, which puts priority on response of a liquid crystal composition at a time of rewriting of a screen. In the response speed priority mode, a voltage to be applied to the second pixel electrode (238) differs from that in the brightness priority mode. With this, it is possible to realize high transmittance and low power consumption while responding to display of images requiring high response speed. |
| US08466860B2 |
Transflective type LCD device having excellent image quality
An LCD device has a reflective area that reflects light incident from a polarizing film side using a reflection film, and a transmissive area that transmits light of a backlight incident from a TFT substrate side. The drive voltages of the reflective area and transmissive area are Vr and Vt, the black voltage in the reflective area is Vr(K), the black voltage in the transmissive area is Vt(K). The reflectance R, the transmittance T, characteristics of R with respect to drive voltage [Vr(K)−Vr] and characteristics of T with respect to drive voltage [Vt−Vt(K)] substantially match each other. |
| US08466859B1 |
Display illumination response time compensation system and method
A digital video display response time compensation system and method are presented. A digital video display response time compensation system and method are utilized to direct adjustments in a display presentation. A test pattern response time compensation value determination process for establishing appropriate adjustment levels for a display is performed. A test pattern is displayed; user input on compensation to the test pattern display is received; pixel value calibration settings are determined based upon the user input; and the test pattern display appearance is altered based upon the pixel value calibration settings. After the appropriate pixel illumination adjustment values are establish a pixel value is received. The pixel value is adjusted in accordance with the response time compensation value and a response time compensated pixel value is output. |
| US08466855B2 |
Pixel and organic light emitting display device using the same
A pixel, for displaying an image of desired brightness, includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED); a first transistor for controlling an amount of current supplied from a first power source to the organic light emitting diode; a capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a first node as a gate electrode of the first transistor; a plurality of second transistors coupled between a second node as a second terminal of the capacitor and a data line and turned on when a scan signal is supplied to a scan line; another capacitor having a terminal coupled to the second node; and for compensating inferiority of the OLED in displaying an image of desired brightness, a compensator coupled to the plurality of second transistors and a predetermined power source and turned off when a light emission control signal is supplied to a light emission control line. |
| US08466853B2 |
Plasma display device and driving method thereof
A driving method of a plasma display device according to an exemplary embodiment groups a plurality of address electrodes extending in a first direction into a plurality of groups, and logically divides each of the groups into a plurality of sub-groups. During a first period, a first pulse is sequentially applied to the plurality of groups, and a second pulse is sequentially applied to the plurality of sub-groups included in at least one of the plurality of groups during a second period following the first period. The first and second periods are address periods for sensing in a second direction crossing the first direction. |
| US08466852B2 |
Full color reflective display with multichromatic sub-pixels
A full color, reflective display having superior saturation and brightness is achieved with a novel display element comprising multichromatic elements. In one embodiment a capsule includes more than three species of particles which differ visually. One embodiment of the display employs three sub-pixels, each sub-pixel comprising a capsule including three species of particles which differ visually. Another embodiment of the display employs color filters to provide different visual states to the user. The display element presents a visual display in response to the application of an electrical signal to at least one of the capsules. |
| US08466849B2 |
Antenna device for portable terminal
An antenna device for a portable terminal, in which a first radiator is installed within the portable terminal, a second radiator is elongated lengthwise and installed to be retractable into and extendable from the portable terminal, and a switch portion has at least one plate spring and connects a communication circuit portion of the portable terminal selectively to the first radiator or the second radiator. When the second radiator is retracted into the portable terminal, the communication circuit portion is connected to the first radiator through the at least one plate spring, and when the second radiator is extended from the portable terminal, the communication circuit portion is connected to the second radiator through the at least one plate spring. |
| US08466847B2 |
Microwave system
A microwave system comprises an antenna, antenna feed, a radio transceiver, and appropriate cabling among the aforementioned. Cost, performance and reliability improvements are achieved with further integration of these elements and with design improvements in the antenna feed. One improvement is the integration of the radio transceiver with the antenna feed. This improvement has many benefits including the elimination of RF cables and connectors. Another improvement is the utilization of the digital cable to power the integrated radio transceiver and a center fed parabolic reflector. One embodiment is disclosed for a radio gateway supporting OSI layers 1-7 supported by an Ethernet cable. Another embodiment is a radio with a client controller suitable for supporting OSI layers 1-3, and supported by a USB cable. |
| US08466844B2 |
Multi-band antennas using multiple parasitic coupling elements and wireless devices using the same
A multi-band antenna includes a ground plane, a branch active element connected to the ground plane, and a plurality of parasitic coupling elements connected to the ground plane. Respective ones of the parasitic coupling elements are electrically coupled to the branch active element such that the multi-band antenna resonates at a plurality of frequency bands. |
| US08466837B2 |
Hooked turnstile antenna for navigation and communication
An antenna includes a first antenna element and a second antenna element, wherein the first antenna element and the second antenna element are both configured in a hook shape. The antenna also includes a first impedance matching circuit coupled to the first antenna element, wherein the first impedance matching circuit includes a first plurality of filters and a second impedance matching circuit coupled to the second antenna element, wherein the second impedance matching circuit includes a second plurality of filters. |
| US08466836B2 |
Fast fourier transform with down sampling based navigational satellite signal tracking
A method and device to track navigational satellite signals, are claimed. In this invention, a combination of down-sampling and frequency domain transformation are used to track the navigational satellite signals under dynamic environment. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) with long coherent integration has been employed to determine the varying frequency components with high resolution. By representing a number of correlation values with their average value, it is possible to represent a long sequence of input values by a smaller number of values and a relatively short length FFT can reveal the low frequency components that are present in the signal during tracking operation. A large reduction in the computational load may be achieved using this down-sampling method without compromising on the frequency resolution. |
| US08466834B2 |
Radar-imaging of a scene in the far-field of a one- or two-dimensional radar array
A method of radar-imaging a scene in the far-field of a one-dimensional radar array, comprises providing an array of backscatter data D(fm, x′n) of the scene, these backscatter data being associated to a plurality of positions x′n, n=0 . . . N−1, N>1, that are regularly spaced along an axis of the radar array. The backscatter data for each radar array position x′n are sampled in frequency domain, at different frequencies fm, m=0 . . . M−1, M>1, defined by fm=fc−B/2+m−Δf, where fc represents the center frequency, B the bandwidth and Δf the frequency step of the sampling. A radar reflectivity image 1 (αm′, βn′) is computed in a pseudo-polar coordinate system based upon the formula (2) with formula (3) where j represents the imaginary unit, formula (A) is the baseband frequency, FFT2D denotes the 2D Fast Fourier Transform operator, αm′, m′=0 . . . M−1, and βn′, n′=0 . . . N−1 represent a regular grid in the pseudo-polar coordinate system, and Pmax is chosen >0 depending on a predefined accuracy to be achieved. A corresponding method of radar-imaging a scene in the far-field of a two-dimensional radar array is also proposed. I ( α m ′ , β n ′ ) = ∑ p = 0 P max I p ( α m ′ , β n ′ ) , Formula ( 2 ) I ( α m ′ , β n ′ ) = 1 p ! [ - j 2 πβ n ′ f c ] p FFT 2 D [ D ( f m , x n ′ ) ( f ^ m , x n ′ ) p ] , Formula ( 3 ) f ^ m = - B / 2 + m · Δ f Formula ( A ) |
| US08466820B2 |
Oversampling A/D converter
An oversampling A/D converter includes a first filter including a first resistive element, a first capacitive element, a second resistive element, an operational amplifier, and a second capacitive element; a second filter receiving an output of the first filter; a third filter including a third resistive element, a third capacitive element, and a fourth resistive element; a quantizer receiving an output of the third filter and generating a digital signal; and a D/A converter converting the digital signal to an analog current signal. The D/A converter inputs the generated analog current signal to an inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier. |
| US08466815B2 |
Combination input unit
A combination input unit comprises a printed circuit board, a press key, a retaining bracket, a light transmissive rotary dial, and a housing. The printed circuit board accommodates an encoder circuit, a plurality of contacts, and a plurality of light sources. The press key is disposed above the contacts, and comprises a flange thereof. The retaining bracket is fitted over the press key and connects the press key to the printed circuit board. The light transmissive rotary dial is rotatably fitted over the press key. The rotary dial is positioned above the encoder circuit, comprises at least one elastic piece for resiliently pressing the encoder circuit, and a reflective surface. Light emitted by the light sources are reflected by the reflective surface, thus to illuminate the whole rotary dial. The housing receives the press key, the rotary dial, and the printed circuit board. |
| US08466813B2 |
Identification of key information of keyboard
A computer keyboard which enables a computer to automatically recognize nomenclature information (ID) of keys is provided. Preferably, the keyboard contains a first memory which stores a table in which nomenclature information (ID) of keys and resistance values are associated with each other, a resistor having a resistance value substantially equal to any one of the resistance values, and a controller connected to the first memory and the resistor. The controller detects the resistance value of the resistor and reads the ID of the key corresponding to the resistance value from the table. |
| US08466812B2 |
Handheld electronic device providing confirmation of input, and associated method
A letter confirmation system is provided on a handheld electronic device. The letter confirmation provides highlighting of various letters that have been input to the handheld electronic device during a string of member input actuations. The letter confirmation system can additionally provide predictive linguistic elements that would be appropriate next inputs. Various types of highlights can be provided in various combinations to provide various indications to a user. |
| US08466810B2 |
Data mining in a digital map database to identify intersections located at hill bottoms and enabling precautionary actions in a vehicle
Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, an intersection located at the bottom of a hill. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where an intersection of roads is located at the bottom of a hill. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the intersection of roads located at the bottom of a hill. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching an intersection located at the bottom of a hill. |
| US08466807B2 |
Fast collision detection technique for connected autonomous and manual vehicles
A method is provided for rapidly identifying potential collision threats between communicating vehicles in a vehicle communication network for actuating a vehicle control action to mitigate potential collisions between the communicating vehicles. Vehicle boundaries and trajectory path boundaries are constructed for the communicating vehicles for efficiently identifying a potential collision. Prioritized assessments are performed to determine which respective boundaries intersect one another. Based on whether respective boundaries that intersect one another will determine if a control vehicle control action is initiated and which control action is imitated. Once the intersecting boundaries are identified, a location of the potential collision can be rapidly identified by a technique that subdivides and regenerates the intersecting trajectory path boundaries of the vehicles. A distance to the potential collision may be determined that is used to further enhance the control action taken for mitigating the potential collision. |
| US08466805B2 |
Emergency vehicle siren indicator
An emergency vehicle includes a siren signal generator emitting an electronic siren signal. A siren loudspeaker is coupled to the siren signal generator and emits an audible siren sound in response to receiving the electronic siren signal. The loudspeaker has two inputs. An impedance detector is coupled to the two inputs of the loudspeaker and measures impedance across the two inputs of the loudspeaker. The impedance detector outputs a loudspeaker presence signal if the measured impedance is within a predetermined range. A siren signal detector is coupled to the siren signal generator and emits a siren signal presence signal in response to verifying that the electronic siren signal has a set of predetermined siren signal characteristics. Logic circuitry emits an enable signal in response to receiving both the loudspeaker presence signal and the siren signal presence signal. A radio frequency transmitter transmits a radio frequency notification signal in response to receiving the enable signal. |
| US08466796B1 |
Blood alcohol indicator device
A disposable breath analyzing device has a housing with an inlet for receiving a breath sample, chip means for indicating the presence of alcohol, processor means for comparing the alcohol level to a threshold, LED circuit means for illuminating said LED in a steady green for a quantity less than said threshold and blinking red for a quantity greater than said threshold. |
| US08466791B2 |
Communication device, antenna device, and communication system
A communication device includes a conductor plane, a first loop antenna disposed on one surface of the conductor plane via a first magnetic sheet, a second loop antenna being in a loop direction opposite to a loop direction of the first loop antenna and having an opening structure approximately identical in shape to the first loop antenna, the second loop antenna being disposed on another surface of the conductor plane via a second magnetic sheet so as to be roughly superposed on the first loop antenna, and a communication circuit processing a communication signal transmitted and received by the first and second loop antennas. |
| US08466789B2 |
Method for theft recognition on a photovoltaic unit and inverter for a photovoltaic unit
The invention relates to a method for recognition of the theft of at least one solar module (5) on a photovoltaic unit with an inverter (1) an intermediate circuit (3), a DC-AC converter (4), at least one solar module (5) connected via connector lines (19) and a control device (8). A signal unit (19) which can be connected to the connector lines (9, 10), for generating and transmitting an electrical signal and a device for measuring and analyzing the signal received from the at least one solar module (5) are provided such that conclusions can be drawn about the theft of a solar module (5) from the received signal. According to the invention, reliable recognition of theft of a solar module (5) can be achieved by designing the signal unit (19) for generating varying electrical signals. |
| US08466784B2 |
Alarm device
An alarm device includes: a wireless circuit section which wirelessly exchanges event signals with an other alarm device; an alert section which outputs an alarm; an operation section which accepts predetermined operations; a sensor section which issues an abnormal condition detection signal when an abnormal condition occurred is detected within a monitoring area; an abnormal condition monitoring section which, upon receiving the abnormal condition detection signal from the sensor section, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage source from the alert section, and transmits an event signal indicating an abnormal condition to the other alarm devices, and conversely, upon receiving an event signal indicating an abnormal condition from the other alarm device, outputs an abnormal condition alarm as a linkage destination from the alert section; a communication test transmission processing section which, at a predetermined timing, transmits an event signal indicating a communication test to the other alarm device and; a communication test reception processing section which, upon receiving an event signal indicating a communication test from the other alarm device, announces the reception status of this event signal. |
| US08466782B2 |
Tire inflation pressure monitoring apparatus
An inflation pressure sensor is mounted in a wheel of a vehicle and determines a tire inflation pressure. A wheel-side communication device transmits a detected tire inflation pressure to a body-side communication device at a predetermined interval. An inflation pressure storing unit stores, as an after-travel inflation pressure, a tire inflation pressure after start of travel of the vehicle. A comparing unit compares the after-travel inflation pressure with a lowest reference pressure. The lowest reference pressure is a tire inflation pressure immediately after start of the vehicle or a predetermined recommended inflation pressure. A reference pressure setting unit sets the after-travel inflation pressure as a reference pressure of tire inflation pressure determination when the after-travel inflation pressure is higher than the lowest reference pressure, and sets the lowest reference pressure as a reference pressure of tire inflation pressure determination when the after-travel inflation pressure is equal to or lower than the lowest reference pressure. When the tire inflation pressure becomes below an alarm pressure threshold obtained from the reference pressure, an alarm unit generates an alarm. |
| US08466775B2 |
Electronic label authenticating method and system
An electronic label authenticating method is provided, the method includes: the electronic label receives an accessing authenticating request group sent by a reader-writer, the group carries a first parameter selected by the reader-writer; the electronic label sends a response group of the accessing authenticating to the reader-writer, the response group of the accessing authenticating includes the first parameter and a second parameter selected by the electronic label; the electronic label receives an acknowledgement group of the accessing authenticating feed back by the reader-writer; the electronic label validates the acknowledgement group of the accessing authenticating. An electronic label authenticating system is also provided, the system includes a reader-writer and an electronic label. |
| US08466773B2 |
Method of authorization
A method for granting access to restricted areas such as computers, doors, vehicles, or other areas to which access by a user is controlled. An access code is transmitted from a central computer via radio waves to a user's radio terminal, such as a mobile telephone. The radio terminal transmits the access code over a short-range radio link to a communication device at the restricted area. The communication device transmits the access code to the central computer, which compares the received code with the code that the computer transmitted to the radio terminal to determine whether access should be granted. |
| US08466772B2 |
Precision variable resistor
On the track of a potentiometer a resistive path of thin film is deposited or a foil is bonded to a matched substrate and a parallel path is formed of discrete contact straps extending from the resistive path. The resistive path has a protecting coating and the wiper is moving on abrasion resistant contact straps. This design enables application of high precision and stability resistor technologies in the production of variable resistors destined for long service life. It enables also, in high precision applications, by maintaining the linearity of the output versus input function, a two-wire connection to the variable resistor used as a position sensor. |
| US08466770B2 |
Multi-torroid transformer
A transformer comprises a secondary winding including a plurality of coaxially arranged toroidal closed magnetic circuits connected in series within an enclosure and a primary winding comprising a plurality of turns including electrically conducting members passing axially through the toroidal closed magnetic circuits, respective ones of the plurality of electrically conducting members being electrically connected by respective electrically conducting strip lines passing along walls of the enclosure to form the continuous primary winding. |
| US08466769B2 |
Planar inductor devices
A multilayer inductor device includes a planar substrate, a ferrite body, and an outer and an inner conductive coil. The substrate includes plural dielectric layers with the ferrite body is disposed in the substrate. The outer and inner conductive coils are helically wrapped around the ferrite body. The outer conductive coil includes first upper conductors, first lower conductors, and first conductive vias vertically extending through the substrate and conductively coupled with the first upper and lower conductors. The inner conductive coil includes second upper conductors, second lower conductors, and second conductive vias vertically extending through the substrate and conductively coupled with the second upper and lower conductors. The inner conductive coil is disposed between the outer conductive coil and the ferrite body. |
| US08466767B2 |
Electromagnetic coil assemblies having tapered crimp joints and methods for the production thereof
Embodiments of an electromagnetic coil assembly are provided, as are embodiments of producing an electromagnetic coil assembly. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic coil assembly includes a coiled magnet wire, an inorganic electrically-insulative body encapsulating at least a portion of the coiled magnet wire, a lead wire extending into the inorganic electrically-insulative body to the coiled magnet wire, and a first tapered crimp joint embedded within the inorganic electrically-insulative body. The first tapered crimp joint mechanically and electrically connects the lead wire to the coiled magnet wire. |
| US08466763B2 |
Electromagnetic device
An electromagnetic device, which includes a ferromagnetic flux guide; an insulated electrical conductor positioned adjacent to the ferromagnetic flux guide; and, an intermediate support structure positioned between the ferromagnetic flux guide and conductor which includes at least one resiliently deformable member arranged to allow relative movement between the ferromagnetic flux guide and the insulated electrical conductor, in which the relative movement is due to thermal expansion or contraction of the ferromagnetic flux guide and insulated electrical conductor. |
| US08466749B2 |
Variable gain amplifier
A variable gain amplifier includes a source-grounded transistor, to a gate of which an input signal is supplied; a plurality of first cascode transistors, sources of which are connected to a drain of the source-grounded transistor; a second cascode transistor, a source of which is connected to the drain of the source-grounded transistor; a first gate-grounded transistor, a source of which is connected to drains of the plurality of first cascode transistors, and to a gate of which a constant voltage is applied; and an output load connected to a drain of the first gate-grounded transistor wherein the plurality of first cascode transistors and the second cascade transistor are put into a conducting state or a non-conducting state such that a drain current of the source-grounded transistor is constant and moreover a fraction of the drain current supplied to the plurality of first cascade transistors changes. |
| US08466748B2 |
Amplifier circuit and method for conditioning an output current signal of a detector element
An amplifier circuit comprises a detector element with signal-dependent output current, a load resistance and an operational amplifier. A terminal of the detector element and the load resistance are electrically connected to an input of the operational amplifier. The load resistance is provided in the form of at least two series-connected part-resistors. A compensation capacitor is in each case connected in parallel with each part-resistor, or a number of series-connected part-compensation capacitors are connected in parallel with each part-resistor. The output of the operational amplifier is connected to two of the compensation capacitors or part-compensation capacitors by a feed capacitor so that the effect of a parasitic capacitance of the load resistance is at least partially compensated for. |
| US08466745B2 |
Hybrid reconfigurable multi-bands multi-modes power amplifier module
The present invention provides a single chain power amplifier for a multi-mode and/or multi band wireless communication. The power amplifier comprise switchable input, inter-stage and output matching networks as well as active periphery adjustable driver stage power device and power stage power device. Switches and bias are configured for each frequency band and/or wireless communication standard. A driver stage power device, switches, control and bias circuitry, input matching, inter-stage matching and a part of output matching is fabricated on CMOS Silicon On Insulator process (SOI), while a power stage power device maybe fabricated by Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) processing. |
| US08466744B2 |
Amplifier and signal filter
A signal filter circuit, an amplifier circuit, combinations thereof and methods for configuring and using the same are provided. Embodiments of the amplifier circuit may provide precise reproduction and amplification of input signals. The amplifier may be built entirely with discrete components or an integrated circuit may be configured to provide some or all of the modules included in the amplifier. |
| US08466738B2 |
Systems and methods for minimizing phase deviation and/or amplitude modulation (AM)-to-phase modulation (PM) conversion for dynamic range, radio frequency (RF) non-linear amplifiers
Embodiments of the invention may provide systems and methods for minimizing phase deviation and/or amplitude modulation (AM)-to-phase modulation (PM) conversion for dynamic range, radio frequency (RF) non-linear amplifiers. In order to provide high dynamic range with reduced phase error, embodiments of the invention may utilize two separate paths for processing a signal. In particular, an input signal may be sampled and divided into each path. The first signal path may be used to shape a signal, and in particular, a voltage waveform at the load. The second signal path may be used for generating negative capacitances corresponding to the voltage waveform at the load. By combining the two signals at the load, a high-dynamic range, high-frequency, non-linear amplifier can be achieved that reduces phase error resulting from amplitude fluctuations with a relatively low unity-gain frequency (fT) process. |
| US08466736B1 |
Switch with reduced insertion loss
A circuit includes an amplifier having an input and an output; and at least one transistor comprising at least one terminal and at least one isolated well. The input of the amplifier is electrically connected to the at least one terminal of the transistor; and the output of the amplifier is electrically connected to the at least one isolated well of the at least one transistor. |
| US08466731B2 |
Method for preventing the over-stress of MV devices
A device includes a first power supply line carrying a first positive power supply voltage, and a second power supply line carrying a second positive power supply voltage lower than the first positive power supply voltage. The device further includes a protection circuit having a MOS transistor. A diode is coupled to the MOS transistor. The source-to-drain path of the MOS transistor and the diode are serially coupled between the first and the second power supply lines. The diode is forward biased by the first and the second positive power supply voltages. |
| US08466727B2 |
Protection against fault injections of an electronic circuit with flip-flops
A method for detecting a disturbance of the state of a synchronous flip-flop of master-slave type including two bistable circuits in series, in which the bistable circuits are triggered by two first signals different from each other, and the level of an intermediary junction point between the two bistable circuits is compared both to the level present at the input of the master-slave flip-flop and to the level present at the output, which results in two second signals providing an indication as to the presence of a possible disturbance. |
| US08466725B2 |
Method and device for generating short pulses
There is described a method and corresponding pulse generating device, for generating an output pulse signal having an output pulse duration. The method comprises: receiving at an input port an input pulse signal comprising an input pulse duration; duplicating the input pulse signal into a first digital pulse signal and a second digital pulse signal each comprising the input pulse duration; delaying at least one of the first and the second digital pulse signals by a time delay to obtain respectively a first and a second delayed digital pulse signal, a time delay difference between the first and the second delayed digital pulse signals being substantially equal to the output pulse duration; logically combining the first and the second delayed digital pulse signals to generate the output pulse signal with the output pulse duration smaller than the input pulse duration; and outputting the output pulse signal at an output port. |
| US08466724B2 |
Frequency synthesizer
Provided is a frequency synthesizer capable of fine setting over a wide band and having a wide frequency pull-in range. A sine wave signal of an output frequency of a voltage controlled oscillating part is quadrature-detected, and in a PLL utilizing a vector rotating at a frequency (velocity) equal to a difference from a frequency of a frequency signal used for the detection, a frequency pull-in means integrates a first constant for increasing the output frequency as a pull-in voltage when a control voltage from the PLL to the voltage controlled oscillating part is larger than a prescribed set range, and integrates a second constant for decreasing the output frequency as the pull-in voltage when the control voltage is smaller than the set range. Then, an adding means adds the control voltage from the PLL and the pull-in voltage from the frequency pull-in means to output an addition result to the voltage controlled oscillating part. |
| US08466723B2 |
Clock generator
A data processing system comprises a plurality of sub-circuits, a clock generator provided with a control circuit, a pool of oscillator circuits comprising at least three oscillator circuits, and a multiplexing circuit coupled between the pool and clock inputs of the sub-circuits. The multiplexing circuit has a control input coupled to a control output of the control circuit. The multiplexing circuit is configured to couple any selectable one of the oscillator circuits in the pool to a clock input of each of the sub-circuits. The control circuit is configured to set the frequencies of respective ones of the clock circuit by controlling the multiplexing circuit to supply clock signals derived from selected ones of the oscillator circuits to the sub-circuits. |
| US08466719B2 |
Frequency doubler, signal generator, optical transmitter, and optical communication apparatus
An input unit receives input of a clock signal having a voltage that varies continuously. A supply unit supplies a constant reference voltage. A selector outputs a clock signal having voltage that is changed alternately each time the voltage of the clock signal input from the input unit shifts across the reference voltage supplied from the supply unit. A calculating circuit outputs the exclusive-OR of the clock signal input from the input unit and a clock signal output from the selector. |
| US08466715B2 |
Comparator
A comparator includes: a wide-swing operation transconductance amplifier (OTA), having first and second differential input pairs for receiving first and second differential input signals respectively, the wide-swing OTA generating first and second intermediate output voltages in comparing the first with the second differential input signals; a current switch group; a current mirror group, wherein when an input common mode voltage of the first and the second differential input signal tends to one of a first and a second reference voltage, one of the first and the second differential input pair is turned off, and the current switch group and the current mirror group compensate a current flowing through the other of the first and the second differential input pair; and a decision circuit coupled to the wide-swing OTA, for enlarging a voltage difference between the first and the second intermediate output voltage to output a voltage comparison output signal. |
| US08466711B2 |
Programmable priority encoder
In one embodiment, a programmable priority encoder is configured to receive inputs, including an ordered list of a plurality of input request values each representing either a request or a non-request, and a starting position within the ordered list of the plurality of input request values. The programmable priority encoder is configured to generate an identification of a result position of a first input indicating said request in order from a position identified from the starting position within the ordered list. In one embodiment, the programmable priority encoder includes a hierarchal structure of logic blocks including a plurality of columns of logic blocks; wherein a first-stage column of the plurality of columns of logic blocks is configured to operate on at most N input values; and wherein the ordered list of the plurality of input request values consists of N input request values. |
| US08466710B2 |
Circuit for restraining shoot through current
A circuit for restraining a shoot through current comprises a master selecting unit and a logic unit. The master selecting unit receives an input signal, and outputs first and second master selecting signals. The logic unit comprises first and second logic elements which generate first and second control signals for controlling two transistor switches connected in series. The first and second logic elements change the logic states of the first and second control signals according to the first and second master selecting signals. When the input signal is at a first logic level, the first logic element acquires a control privilege to change the logic state of the first control signal and trigger the second logic element to change the logic state of the second control signal. When the input signal is at a second logic, the second logic element acquires the control privilege. |
| US08466709B2 |
Integrated circuit with configurable on-die termination
Described are integrated-circuit die with differential receivers, the inputs of which are coupled to external signal pads. Termination legs coupled to the signal pads support multiple termination topologies. These termination legs can support adjustable impedances, capacitances, or both, which may be controlled using an integrated memory. |
| US08466706B2 |
Solar combiner with integrated string current monitoring
A combiner that calculates energy produced by each panel feed during the daytime, and calculates a resistance value needed to calculate the energy by injecting a known current into each panel feed at nighttime and measuring the resulting voltage across a resistive element in each panel feed. A voltage tap across the protection device in each panel feed allows logic and control circuitry to measure the voltage across each protection device. At nighttime, a known current is injected into each panel feed and the voltage across each protection device is measured. Plugging the current and voltage into Ohm's Law, a resistance of each protection device is calculated, then that resistance value is used during the daytime to calculate energy produced by each string in real time and to monitor each string's performance. When an individual string's performance wanes, an alarm is indicated to help the operator troubleshoot which individual panel(s) within the string is responsible for that string's underperformance. |
| US08466704B1 |
Probe cards with minimized cross-talk
A test probe may have signal and ground probe pins. During testing of an integrated circuit die, the signal and ground probe pins may contact pads on the die. A printed circuit board may have conductive pads and traces that route signals between a tester and the probe pins. The probe pins may be supported by a ring-shaped conductive epoxy support structure. The ground probe pins may be uninsulated within the conductive epoxy support structure, so that the ground probe pins are grounded along their length to the support structure. The signal probe pins may be insulated within the support structure. Coaxial cable shielding may be provided on the signal pins between an outer wall portion of the support structure and the printed circuit board. |
| US08466702B2 |
Test system and substrate unit for testing
A test system that tests a plurality of chips under test formed on a wafer under test, the test system comprising a plurality of test substrates that are arranged in overlapping layers and that each have a plurality of test circuits, whose function is determined for each wafer, formed thereon; a plurality of connecting sections that electrically connect, to the chips under test, the test circuits formed on one of the test substrates; and a control apparatus that controls each of the test circuits. Each test substrate has test circuits, with a function predetermined for each substrate, formed thereon. |
| US08466701B2 |
Power supply stabilizing circuit, electronic device and test apparatus
A test apparatus that tests a device under test, including a signal input section that supplies a test signal to a device under test (DUT) and a judging section that judges acceptability of the DUT based on a response signal output by the DUT in response to the test signal. The signal input section includes an operation circuit that generates the test signal and a power supply stabilizing circuit provided in the same chip to stabilize power supply voltage supplied to the operation circuit. The power supply stabilizing circuit includes a high-speed compensating section compensating for a change in the power supply voltage supplied to the operation circuit, at a predetermined compensation speed, and as low-speed compensating section compensating for the change in the power supply voltage supplied to the operation circuit, at a predetermined compensation speed lower than that of the high-speed compensating section. |
| US08466696B2 |
System and method for detecting a likelihood of corrosion
A system may be used to detect corrosion between a first metal and a second metal, where the second metal is positioned adjacent to the first metal. The system may include a processor electrically coupled to each of the first and the second metals and configured to monitor a complex impedance between the first metal and the second metal, where the complex impedance may include a real component and an imaginary component. The processor may compare the real component of the complex impedance to a first threshold, compare the imaginary component of the complex impedance to a second threshold, and indicate a likelihood of corrosion if at least one of the real and imaginary components are below their respective threshold. |
| US08466694B2 |
Biometric measurement apparatus
A biometric measurement apparatus has a measurement unit for measuring bioelectric impedance of different parts of a body and hematocrit. The measurement unit has impedance calculators (IPG1, IPG2) for measuring the impedance of tissues and blood of a living body with a first frequency to output as a first impedance (Z1), and for measuring the impedance of the tissues and blood of the living body with a second frequency to output as a second impedance (Z2), and has pulse wave analyzing units (MS1 and MS2) for analyzing differences of the first impedance between a first time and a second time and difference (ΔZH) of the second impedance between the first time and the second time, and a hematocrit calculator (245) for calculating hematocrit based on the difference (ΔZL) of the first impedance and the difference (ΔZH) of the second impedance. |
| US08466683B2 |
Determining properties of earth formations using the electromagnetic coupling tensor
A system and method to determine earth formation properties by positioning a logging tool within a wellbore in the earth formation, the logging tool having a tool rotation axis and a first, a second, and a third tilted transmitter coil, and a tilted receiver coil; rotating the logging tool about the tool rotation axis; energizing each transmitter coil; measuring a coupling signal between each transmitter coil and the receiver coil for a plurality of angles of rotation; determining a coupling tensor; and determining the earth formation properties using the coupling tensor. |
| US08466679B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method configured for susceptibility-emphasized imaging with improved signal-to-noise ratio
A susceptibility-emphasized image having a preferable signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained by a method including measuring a plurality of echo signals using the echo planar method, dividing the plurality of echo signals into a first echo signal group and a second echo signal group, acquiring an image data from the first echo signal group while acquiring a mask data from the second echo signal group, and obtaining the susceptibility-emphasized image through use of the image data and the mask data. |
| US08466676B2 |
Magnetic sensor with bridge circuit including magnetoresistance effect elements
A magnetic sensor for detecting a direction of an external magnetic field comprises: a bridge circuit configured to provide an output that changes in accordance with the direction of the external magnetic field, the bridge circuit including four resistance element sections, each of which comprises at least one magnetoresistance effect element; and two resistors connected to respective output terminals of the bridge circuit. The ratio of the resistance of each of the resistors to that of the bridge circuit is at least 2 when the resistance of each of the resistance element sections is at a minimum corresponding to a change in magnetoresistance. |
| US08466675B2 |
Detection apparatus and detection method for a magnetic substance having a trap region and a non-trap region
A magneto-impedance element with a longitudinal columnar section whose cross section about a longitudinal center axis is either a circle or a polygon inscribed in the circle, and which has a trap region configured to trap a magnetic substance that is formed in a band region extending along at least one of two lines of intersection between a plane containing the center axis and a lateral surface of the longitudinal columnar section and a non-trap region for a magnetic substance that is a region of the lateral surface of the magneto- impedance element excluding the trap region. The magneto-impedance element is used to provide a detection apparatus and a detection method that can easily detect a magnetic substance with high precision. |
| US08466671B2 |
Digital multimeter having a case and a separate panel structure
A multimeter includes a case defining an interior cavity in which components of the multimeter are located. The case has a top portion defining a plurality of first button apertures. A rotary selector knob is also provided for selecting a multimeter function. The multimeter further includes a separate front panel juxtaposed to the top portion of the case. The front panel has a plurality of second button apertures in respective register with at least some of the first button apertures. The top portion of the case may define a recess in which the front panel is received. The multimeter may also include a flexible keypad located between the top portion of the case and the front panel. |
| US08466669B2 |
Buck circuit having fast transient response mechanism and operation of the same
A buck circuit having a fast transient response mechanism is provided. The buck circuit comprises a high side MOS, a low side MOS, a transient control module and an operation control module. The low side MOS is connected to the high side MOS at a connection point for generating an output voltage to an external load according to an input voltage from the high side MOS. The operation control module controls the operation of the high and the low side MOS according to the output voltage when the external load is in a heavy load state such that the transient control module is disabled. When the external load turns from the heavy load state to a light load state such that the output voltage raises over a predetermined level, the transient control module is enabled to turn on the low side MOS for discharging to pull down the output voltage. |
| US08466665B1 |
Adaptive digital pulse width modulation generator for buck converters
Systems and methods are disclosed to control a buck converter by performing adaptive digital pulse width modulation (ADPWM) with a plurality of upper power transistors each uniquely controlled to enable greater than 100% duty cycle for the buck converter and a lower power transistor coupled to the plurality of upper power transistors; and driving an inductor having one end coupled to the lower power transistor and the upper power transistors. |
| US08466664B2 |
Voltage trimming
Embodiments are provided that include a memory die, memory devices, and methods, such as those comprising a voltage generator, including an output voltage and an adjustment circuit configured to cause adjustment of the output voltage based on a latch signal. Further one such method includes applying an input voltage to an input of a voltage generator, adjusting the input voltage to an adjusted voltage, comparing the adjusted voltage to a reference voltage, generating trim data based on the comparison and storing the trim data. |
| US08466659B2 |
Device and method for rendering a battery safe for disposal
An apparatus and method for rendering a battery safe for disposal by completing a circuit between positive and negative terminals to rapidly deplete the battery of power. |
| US08466657B2 |
Autonomous balancing of series connected charge storage devices
A charge balancing circuit implemented within a charge storage device (cell) in a series connected charge storage unit (battery) made up of a plurality of cells. The charge balancing circuit may utilize a controller to sense the voltage in the cell it is implemented therein and the cells adjacent thereto. If the voltage of the current cell exceeds a threshold voltage and is greater than at least one adjacent cell the current cell can transfer charge to the adjacent cell having the lowest voltage. The transfer of the charge is done with a switching network that extracts current from the current cell and then transfers the current to the adjacent cell having the lowest voltage. The switching network may utilize switches and a current storage device (inductor) to transfer the charge. The controller may activate different switches based on which adjacent cell has the lowest voltage. |
| US08466654B2 |
Wireless high power transfer under regulatory constraints
Improved battery-charging system for a vehicle. Primary and secondary coils are located in places where the vehicle can receive power from the primary coil by pulling into a parking space, for example. The parking space may have a coil embedded in the ground, or may have an array of coils embedded in the ground. A guidance system is disclosed. Fine positioning is also disclosed. The secondary coil in the vehicle can also be raised or lowered to improve coupling. |
| US08466640B2 |
Method for slowing-down control of an asynchronous machine
A method is disclosed for slowing-down control of an asynchronous machine, wherein the value of a start energy is determined and stored while the asynchronous machine is being run up from being stationary to the operating rotation speed. The asynchronous machine is braked, in the reversing mode, with braking energy which corresponds to the start energy multiplied by a correction factor wherein the correction factor assumes a value between 0 and 1. In at least one embodiment, the asynchronous machine is braked further by DC braking after braking has been carried out in the reversing mode. |
| US08466639B2 |
Motion control system self-calibrating
A motion control system including components such as an accelerometer for detecting zero force positions and for self-calibrating the motion control system. The motion control system may be implemented in an active seat suspension. |
| US08466638B2 |
Method and device for adjusting the frequency of a drive current of an electric motor
A small electric appliance is described which comprises an oscillation-capable mechanism (4), an electric motor (1) to drive the oscillation-capable mechanism (4), wherein the electric motor (1) can be operated with a drive current (10) at a predetermined frequency (f), and a device (3) for adjusting the frequency (f) of the drive current of the electric motor (1).Furthermore, a method for adjusting the frequency (f) of a drive current (10) of an electric motor is described comprising the following steps of detecting, at a specified time (tmeas), in relation to the period of the drive current, an electric variable (20) generated by the electric motor (1) determining, at the specified measuring time (tmeas), whether the detected electric variable (20) essentially has a zero-crossing and changing the frequency (f) of the drive current until the detected electric variable (20) essentially has a zero-crossing at the measuring time (tmeas). |
| US08466637B2 |
Methods for controlling one or more positioning actuators and devices thereof
A method, computer readable medium, and apparatus for controlling a moveable element includes generating and providing with a control device one or more driving signals to one or more positioning actuators to move the moveable element towards a target position based on a target travel distance and a calibration value. The control device determines when a post-movement position of the moveable element is outside of a tolerance range of the target position. The control device recalibrates the calibration value when the post-movement position is determined to be outside of the tolerance range. The control device repeats the generating, the determining, and the recalibrating as open loop steps until the post-movement position is within the tolerance range or until a limit, if any, on attempts is reached. |
| US08466636B2 |
Excavator drive system with bi state motor transfer switches
An excavator drive system wherein one of a pair of propulsion motors shares one of a pair of inverter power sources with another of a pair of motors dedicated to crowd and hoist motions. A pair of non-volatile bi-state switches, triggered under control of a controller, allow sharing of inverters between hoist and propel 1 motors. Another pair of switches allows inverter sharing between propel 2 and crowd motors. Each pair of switches enables change over and power transfer from one of the paired motors to the other motor. The bi-state switches enable quicker transfer of power between motors than transfer switches employing external motor-powered mechanical transfer linkages. Bi-state transfer switches also maintain transfer coupling status in the event of power failure to the switch actuators, allowing an excavator operator to continue the drive function in operation prior to the switch power failure. |
| US08466635B2 |
Programmable radio frequency waveform generator for a synchrocyclotron
A synchrocyclotron comprises a resonant circuit that includes electrodes having a gap therebetween across the magnetic field. An oscillating voltage input, having a variable amplitude and frequency determined by a programmable digital waveform generator generates an oscillating electric field across the gap. The synchrocyclotron can include a variable capacitor in circuit with the electrodes to vary the resonant frequency. The synchrocyclotron can further include an injection electrode and an extraction electrode having voltages controlled by the programmable digital waveform generator. The synchrocyclotron can further include a beam monitor. The synchrocyclotron can detect resonant conditions in the resonant circuit by measuring the voltage and or current in the resonant circuit, driven by the input voltage, and adjust the capacitance of the variable capacitor or the frequency of the input voltage to maintain the resonant conditions. The programmable waveform generator can adjust at least one of the oscillating voltage input, the voltage on the injection electrode and the voltage on the extraction electrode according to beam intensity and in response to changes in resonant conditions. |
| US08466634B2 |
Phase control for hysteretic controller
A driver circuit, and light emitting system and method are provided. The driver circuit includes possibly a controller and a phase detector coupled to produce an intermittent output proportional to a value of an input relative to upper and lower threshold values, and a difference between the input signal, which is the intermittent output signal, and a reference value. The light emitting system can include a switch and at least one light emitting device coupled to the switch. The driver circuit can be coupled to forward the intermittent output signal to the switch that is active in proportion to current level through the light emitting device, rising and falling between the modifiable upper and lower threshold values. |
| US08466627B2 |
Device with light-emitting diode circuits
Devices (1) have branches (20,30) for receiving AC voltages. First branches (20) comprise first light-emitting diode circuits (21) and first arrangements for phase-shifting first currents flowing through the first light-emitting diode circuits (21) with respect to the AC voltages. Second branches (30) comprise second light-emitting diode circuits (31) and do not comprise second arrangements for phase-shifting second currents flowing through the second light-emitting diode circuits (31) with respect to the AC voltages. As a result, an overall flicker index of the device (1) will be smaller than individual flicker indices of the light-emitting diode circuits (21,31). The first arrangements may comprise capacitors (22) coupled serially to the first light-emitting diode circuits (21). The branches (20,30) may further comprise resistors (23,33) coupled serially to or forming part of the light-emitting diode circuits (21,31). The light-emitting diode circuits (21,31) generate light in response to positive and negative halves of the AC voltages. |
| US08466624B2 |
Electrohydrodynamic fluid accelerator device with collector electrode exhibiting curved leading edge profile
Performance of an electrohydrodynamic fluid accelerator device may be improved and adverse events such as sparking or arcing may be reduced based, amongst other things, on electrode geometries and/or positional interrelationships of the electrodes. For example, in a class of EHD devices that employ a longitudinally elongated corona discharge electrode (often, but not necessarily, a wire), a plurality of generally planar, collector electrodes may be positioned so as to present respective leading surfaces toward the corona discharge electrode. The generally planar collector electrodes may be oriented so that their major surfaces are generally orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the corona discharge electrode. In such EHD devices, a high intensity electric field can be established in the “gap” between the corona discharge electrode and leading surfaces of the collector electrodes. |
| US08466622B2 |
High frequency power supply
For determining a wave running time between a RF source in a plasma power supply device and a load connected to the plasma power supply device, an RF pulse is transmitted forwards from the RF source to the load. The pulses are reflected by the load and transmitted backwards to the power source. A return time measured on arrival of the pulse(s) at the inverter is used to determine a wave running time. |
| US08466619B2 |
Illumination apparatus and driving method thereof
An illumination apparatus includes an adapter that converts power into driving power; a light emitting device illumination part that is detachably and electrically connected to the adapter to emit light according to the driving power from the adapter; and a driving unit that controls an illumination direction of the light emitting device. |
| US08466618B2 |
Discharge lamp and discharge lamp device
A discharge lamp including: a discharge vessel 10B configured by a light-transmissive non-electrically conducting member with a light-emitting substance sealed inside; one out of a pair of antenna members 10D with a portion at one end provided inside the discharge vessel 10B and a portion at the other end projecting outside the discharge vessel 10B and covered by a non-electrically conducting member; the other of the pair of antenna members 10D with a portion at one end provided inside the discharge vessel 10B and a portion at the other end projecting outside the discharge vessel 10B, covered by a non-electrically conducting member and capable of being connected to an electromagnetic waveguide path; and a loading coil 10E wound around the portion of the first antenna member 10D that is covered by the non-conducting member. A point light source can be achieved as well as performing power supply with good efficiency. |
| US08466613B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
In an organic light-emitting display device which is thin and has excellent mechanical strength and a method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device, the organic light-emitting display device comprises: a panel including a first substrate and a second substrate coupled to each other by a sealing resin interposed between an internal surface of the first substrate and an internal surface of the second substrate, wherein a first concave portion is formed in an outer surface of the first substrate, and a second concave portion is formed in an outer surface of the second substrate; and a buffer cushion disposed in the first concave portion, wherein the density of an edge portion of the buffer cushion is greater than the density of a center portion of the buffer cushion. |
| US08466612B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element, production method of the same, display device, and lighting device
An organic electroluminescent element comprising a laminated body incorporating an anode substrate, an anode, at least one non-light emitting organic layer A exhibiting positive hole transportability, at least one light emitting organic layer B, at least one non-light emitting organic layer C exhibiting electron transportability, a cathode, and a cathode substrate in the sequence set forth, wherein at least 80% by weight of the organic layer A and the organic layer C in the laminated body is formed via a wet process, and the laminated body is made with an adhesion process between the organic layer A and the organic layer B, or between the organic layer B and the organic layer C. |
| US08466608B2 |
Spark plug and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided a spark plug 100 with a ground electrode 30, wherein a protrusion amount A of a protruding portion 36 satisfies a relationship of 0.4 mm≦A≦1.0 mm and wherein a width B from a front end surface 31 to a press recessed portion 37 satisfies a relationship of 0.4 mm≦B≦2.5 mm. |
| US08466604B2 |
Vibration actuator module having smaller elastic modulus than vibrated body
A vibration actuator module is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the vibration actuator module includes a vibrated body, a vibrating plate, which is coupled to the vibrated body and has a smaller elastic modulus than the vibrated body, and a driver, which is coupled to the vibrating plate. |
| US08466601B2 |
Operating method and driving means of a piezolinear drive
Operating method of a piezolinear drive having a group of piezo stack actuators which drive a rotor, in which the actuators constitute a multilayer ceramic arrangement situated on a common substrate, wherein a first stack part within the stack of the multilayer arrangement is formed as a longitudinal actuator, and a second stack part as a shearing actuator, and the latter being at least indirectly in clamping and shearing contact with the rotor, and at least two identical actuators being situated next to each other in order to perform alternate clamping and advancing movements in the step operation for a rough positioning operation in the step mode, wherein the adjacent actuators of the group are controlled to perform alternate clamping and advancing movements, with control signals being derived from a speed-proportional control variable. |
| US08466600B2 |
Electrostatic operation device
An electrostatic operation device in which a variation in the amount of electric charges accumulated in an electret film caused by physical impact can be suppressed. The electrostatic operation device (electrostatic induction power generating device (1)) comprises movable electrodes (8), an electret film (5) so formed as to face the movable electrodes (8) at a space therebetween, and a stopper (401b) for suppressing the approach of the movable electrodes (8) to the electret film (5) within a predetermined space. |
| US08466597B2 |
Induction motor rotor core having shaped slots
To provide an indication motor rotor capable of improving motor performance by concentrating portions under magnetic saturation conditions of rotor teeth. The rotor 1 of an induction motor of this invention may include slots 3 formed approximately in the shape of a T. The slots 3 may be formed so that top slots 3a are arranged on an outer peripheral portion of a rotor core 1a, and bottom slots 3b are arranged on an inner side of the top slots 3a. The width in the circumferential direction of the top slot 3a is wider than the width in the circumferential direction of the bottom slot 3b, and the width in the circumferential direction of a rotor tooth 4 between adjacent top slots 3a is narrower than the width in the circumferential direction of the rotor tooth 4 between adjacent bottom slots 3b. |
| US08466587B2 |
Linear motor
A linear motor including magnetic-pole teeth which pinch and hold permanent magnets deployed in a displacer, a plurality of iron cores used for continuously connecting the magnetic-pole teeth, windings wound around the plurality of iron cores in batch, and the displacer in which positive and negative magnetic poles of the permanent magnets are arranged alternately. A plurality of magnetic poles including the magnetic-pole teeth and the iron cores are deployed along a longitudinal direction of the displacer. The windings which are common to the plurality of magnetic poles are deployed on the iron cores. The leakage magnetic flux between the adjacent magnetic poles is reduced by making polarities of the plurality of deployed magnetic poles one and the same polarity. |
| US08466586B2 |
High-voltage terminal assembly with integral high-voltage interlock
A vehicle includes a high-voltage (HV) energy storage system (ESS), an HV device having HVIL source and return (SR) pins and an HV receptacle, an HV cable, and an HV terminal assembly. The assembly includes a tray portion and retainer for aligning the HV cables with the HV receptacle. An HVIL jumper device is connected to the tray portion and electrically connectable to the HVIL SR pins. The assembly includes a cover portion removably mountable to the tray portion to provide a suitable EMF shield and weather seal. The cover portion includes an HVIL shorting plug. HV electrical energy is supplied from said ESS to the HV device only when all three of the HVIL components, i.e., the HVIL SR pins, the HVIL jumper device, and the HVIL shorting plug, are electrically interconnected to form a closed HVIL circuit, while at the same time the HV cable is properly connected. |
| US08466585B2 |
Managing SSL fixtures over PLC networks
Managing solid-state luminary (SSL) fixtures over power line carrier (PLC) networks is described herein. Devices provided in this description include SSL arrays, and converter circuitry coupled to drive the SSL arrays. More specifically, the converter circuitry is adapted to convert input voltage received from a power distribution network into a level suitable for driving the SSL arrays. The devices also include (PLC) modems for coupling to PLC networks, and coupled to the converter circuitry. In particular, the PLC modems interface the converter circuitry to the PLC networks. |
| US08466584B1 |
Portable charge close trip device
A portable motorized charge, trip, close device for manually charging, closing, or tripping circuit breakers or electrical equipment surrounded by a metal surface is described herein. The portable motorized charge, trip, close device can be operated by an operator, while the operator is outside an arc flash hazard boundary. The device can include a frame, handles, at least two magnetic housings connected to the frame, a gear box with a charging rod collar, a rotatable shaft, a charging rod moveable mount, a charging rod connected to two rotatable hinges, an adjustable closeable motor mount bracket, a gear box key way, a shaft housing, a motor, a motor control, a linear actuator engaging the rotatable hinges, a solenoid, a pressure release pin and spring, and a limit switch. |
| US08466581B2 |
System and method for utility pole distributed solar power generation
A system and method for providing grid connected utility pole distributed solar power generation is disclosed. The system includes a utility pole, an inverter and one or more solar panels. Each of the one or more solar panels is mounted on the utility pole. The method includes receiving solar energy at the one or more solar panels. The one or more solar panels convert the solar energy to direct current (DC) electrical energy. Further, the method includes transmitting the DC electrical energy to the inverter, which is mounted on the utility pole. The inverter can be integrated with one or more solar panels to form an alternating current photovoltaic (AC PV) module. Furthermore, the method includes converting the DC electrical energy to alternating current (AC) electrical energy by the inverter and transmitting the AC electrical energy to a grid for power distribution. |
| US08466580B2 |
Electrical system of a vehicle with electrical traction
A vehicle includes an electrical traction and a reversible electric machine (8) that can be mechanically connected to drive wheels (3). An electrical system (11) of the vehicle includes a low-voltage storage system (14). An electronic power converter (15) has a positive pole (21) and a negative pole or an electrical ground (23) that are connected to the storage system (14) through a first electrical cable (18) defining a large section. An electronic control unit (17) controls the electronic power converter (15) and has a positive pole (24) and a negative pole or an electrical ground (25) that are connected to the storage system (14) through a second electrical cable (19) defining a small section. The electrical ground (23) of the electronic power converter (15) is connected to the electrical ground (25) of the electronic control unit (17) through an impedance having a value not lesser than substantially 100 ohms. |
| US08466578B2 |
Steering wheel arrangement
A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided including a steering wheel, which can be arranged in a rotationally displaceable manner in the motor vehicle, a stationary module which defines a steering axle, whereon the steering wheel is rotationally mounted about the steering axle, and first actuation elements which are arranged on the steering wheel in order to actuate functional elements of the motor vehicle which are arranged in or on the motor vehicle. The arrangement also includes at least one second actuation element which is arranged on the stationary module and which is used to actuate functional elements of the motor vehicle which can be arranged in or on the motor vehicle. According to one form of the invention, a central electronic control element is arranged in the steering wheel, which is fitted in order to control first actuation elements and also in order to control at least one second actuation element. The electronic control element can communicate with a drive-sided electronic element, preferably via a at least one multiplex-interface. |
| US08466576B2 |
Generator for fluid-driven production of electric energy and a method of making the generator
A generator (20) for in situ fluid-driven production of electric energy and also a method of making the generator (20), which comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator is formed as a turbine housing (1) having at least one internal cavity (2) within which at least one independent rotor body (3) is arranged without a fixed mechanical support in the turbine housing (1). The turbine housing (1) comprises at least one supply channel (8) and at least one discharge channel (9) connected to the cavity (2) for throughput of a generator-driving fluid (13). The cavity (2) is of a circular shape along at least one path of rotation therein, whereas the rotor body (3) is of a rotary-symmetrical shape for allowing rotation thereof along said path of rotation. The turbine housing (1) is provided with at least one coil (5) at the periphery of the cavity (2), whereas the rotor body (3) is provided with at least one permanent magnet (4) at the periphery of the rotor body (3). |