| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08635089B1 |
Systems and methods for administration of prescription drug benefits
The invention relates to the administration of prescription drug formulary information. A list of drugs that a particular prescription drug plan will pay for in whole or in part is called a formulary. The invention involves the use of information and customizable rules associated with formularies, combined with information from patient medical records, to generate custom, dynamic formularies applicable to specific patients, groups of patients, or both. Depending on the choice of rules and the other information, this may help payers control prescription drug costs by encouraging the use of less-expensive drugs when medically appropriate, but without impairing the freedom of prescribers to prescribe specific drugs according to their professional judgments. Some embodiments may also be adapted to generate and store data about the use and functioning of the embodiments or aspects of them and to generate reports containing some or all such data in response to queries. |
| US08635082B2 |
Method and system for managing inventories of orthopaedic implants
A system and method for managing inventories of orthopaedic implants includes receiving a medical image of a bone of a patient from a healthcare provider, performing a digital templating procedure on the medical image to determine an orthopaedic implant for use with the bone of the patient; transmitting the digital templated medical image to the healthcare provider, and shipping the orthopaedic implant to the healthcare provider in response to an electronic approval of the digital templated medical image received from the healthcare provider. Implant constraint data may also be received from the healthcare provider and used in determining the orthopaedic implant. In addition, a number of orthopaedic implants having a range of different sizes based on the size of the determined orthopaedic implant may be shipped to the healthcare provider. In some embodiments, the healthcare provider may perform the digital templating procedure on the medical image. |
| US08635080B2 |
Performance driven compensation for enterprise-level human capital management
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a human resource management platform that includes applications targeted to solve a variety of human resource, compensation, and performance management problems. Applications of the human resource management platform include business applications such as performance driven compensation that may provide a single solution for driving employee performance and organizational success by automation of goal setting, performance measurement, and employee rewards by directly linking performance results to rewards. |
| US08635078B2 |
Item tracking and anticipated delivery confirmation system and method
This disclosure describes systems and methods for electronically tracking information. The tracking information may include arrival information regarding an arrival of the item and processing information regarding processing of the item. |
| US08635075B2 |
Raising the visibility of a voice-activated user interface
A system is configured to enable a user to assert voice-activated commands. When the user issues a non-ambiguous command, the system activates a corresponding control. The area of activity on the user interface is visually highlighted to emphasize to the user that what they spoke caused an action. In one specific embodiment, the highlighting involves floating text the user uttered to a visible user interface component. |
| US08635074B2 |
Interactive voice response interface, system, methods and program for correctional facility commissary
An interactive voice response system for a correctional facility commissary is described. The system is configured to receive incoming communications from an inmate to the correctional facility commissary. The system detects violations of facility restrictions to orders for commissary goods at more than one point in time, and allows comprehensive review and editing of pending orders for commissary items. |
| US08635073B2 |
Wireless multimodal voice browser for wireline-based IPTV services
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method selects a program from a library of programs. A user selection is determined based upon a voice command, and the program is presented at a display device in accordance with the voice command. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system selects a program from a library of programs. The system includes a processor that determines a user selection based upon a voice command, and also includes a display device that presents the program in accordance with the voice command. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium contains a set of instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to determine a user selection based upon a voice command and to command a display device to present the program, in accordance with the voice command. |
| US08635071B2 |
Apparatus, medium, and method for generating record sentence for corpus and apparatus, medium, and method for building corpus using the same
A method, medium, and apparatus for generating a record sentence to establish a speech corpus, including generating a synthesized sentence of speech and synthesis information related to speech synthesis by performing speech synthesis for a predetermined sentence of text, selecting an unseen sentence including an unseen unit according to the synthesis information, generating a weight indicating a recording priority of the unseen unit included in the selected unseen sentence, and generating a record sentence by combining the unseen unit with the speech synthesis information according to the generated weight. |
| US08635067B2 |
Model restructuring for client and server based automatic speech recognition
Access is obtained to a large reference acoustic model for automatic speech recognition. The large reference acoustic model has L states modeled by L mixture models, and the large reference acoustic model has N components. A desired number of components Nc, less than N, to be used in a restructured acoustic model derived from the reference acoustic model, is identified. The desired number of components Nc is selected based on a computing environment in which the restructured acoustic model is to be deployed. The restructured acoustic model also has L states. For each given one of the L mixture models in the reference acoustic model, a merge sequence is built which records, for a given cost function, sequential mergers of pairs of the components associated with the given one of the mixture models. A portion of the Nc components is assigned to each of the L states in the restructured acoustic model. The restructured acoustic model is built by, for each given one of the L states in the restructured acoustic model, applying the merge sequence to a corresponding one of the L mixture models in the reference acoustic model until the portion of the Nc components assigned to the given one of the L states is achieved. |
| US08635066B2 |
Camera-assisted noise cancellation and speech recognition
Methods, system, and articles are described herein for receiving an audio input and a facial image sequence for a period of time, in which the audio input includes speech input from multiple speakers. The audio input is extracted based on the received facial image sequence to extract a speech input of a particular speaker. |
| US08635064B2 |
Information processing apparatus and operation method thereof
An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a first sound recorded from a first recording apparatus and a second sound recorded from a second recording apparatus that is different from the first recording apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine a frequency band representing a voice by analyzing a frequency of the first sound, and a change unit configured to, from among frequency components representing the second sound, change a frequency component in the frequency band. |
| US08635060B2 |
Foreign language writing service method and system
A foreign language writing service method includes: recognizing, when a mixed text of foreign language portions and mother tongue portions is entered by a learner, the mother tongue portions from the mixed text; translating the mother tongue portions; combining a mother tongue translation result with the foreign language portions of the mixed text to generate a combined text; and providing the learner with the combined text of the mother tongue translation result and the foreign language portions of the mixed text. |
| US08635056B2 |
System and method for system integration test (SIT) planning
A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to receive a system architecture model of a system and receive trigger coverage rules. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to determine system integration test (SIT) coverage for each connection and interface of the system architecture model and select a set of use cases execution scenarios to satisfy the SIT coverage. |
| US08635054B2 |
Diabetes care management system
A diabetes care management system for managing blood glucose levels associated with diabetes comprising a computing device and an insulin delivery device. The computing device generally includes (i) a memory comprising one or more optimal blood glucose values, one or more self care values of a patient, one or more measured blood glucose values, and one or more scaling factors for weighting the impact on a future blood glucose value and that are customizable to an individual patient to predict the effect on the blood glucose of self care actions performed by the individual patient; (ii) a microprocessor, in communication with the memory, programmed to (A) determine the one or more scaling factors from one or more physiological parameters including body mass, metabolism rate, fitness level or hepatic or peripheral insulin sensitivity, or combinations thereof, and (B) calculate a further value, the further value being based on the self care values, and on the one or more optimal blood glucose values, and on the one or more scaling factors; and (iii) a display configured to display information according to the further value; and (iv) a housing, wherein the memory and the microprocessor are housed within the housing, thereby providing a hand-held, readily transportable computing device. The insulin delivery device may deliver insulin in response to information associated with the further value. |
| US08635049B2 |
Light unit with light output pattern synthesized from multiple light sources
The present disclosure provides an LED based light unit that produces an output lighting pattern that meets desired lighting characteristics using a reduced number of LED elements. The present disclosure provides a number of point sources that are directed into a desired direction such that, when combined with other point sources, a synthesized light output is provided that minimizes the LED headcount. |
| US08635045B2 |
Methods for automatic peak finding in calorimetric data
In one embodiment, a method for automatically determining a position of one or more calorimetric peaks in a set of calorimetric data is provided. The method comprises a) providing a non-linear fit for the calorimetric data, b) calculating a residual by subtracting the non-linear fit from the calorimetric data, c) calculating an error based on the residual, d) comparing the error with a predetermined error, and e) providing another non-linear fit if the error is greater than the predetermined error. |
| US08635042B2 |
Semi-automatic device calibration
A method and apparatus for calibrating a medical device operable in at least one axis of movement, such as a footpedal or footswitch, is provided. The design includes instructing a user to operate the device to a first predetermined position in a first axis of movement while concurrently monitoring movement of the device to establish a set of movement responses, prompting the user to indicate when the first predetermined position in the first axis is attained modifying the set of movement responses when movement response irregularities are detected, thereby establishing a modified set of movement responses, and employing the modified set of movement responses during a medical procedure. |
| US08635040B2 |
Signal measuring device and signal measuring method
A signal measuring device, comprises one set, or a plurality of sets, of measuring unit(s) measuring an object of measurement in synch with a driving clock signal for measurement and outputting result of measurement as first data, and a timing identification unit which, in accordance with a measurement-start command, outputs a value, which differs every period, as second data in synch with a reference signal having a prescribed period and a speed lower than that of the driving clock signal; and a storage unit collecting and successively storing the first data and the second data as one set in synch with the driving clock signal. |
| US08635035B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring operation of an LED string
Methods and systems for monitoring operation of an LED string. An exemplary system includes an LED string, a circuit that supplies current to the LEDs, a current measuring circuit that measures current through the LEDs, a voltage measuring circuit that measures voltage across the LEDs, and a temperature sensor that measures temperature proximate to the LEDs. A processor calculates a predicted string voltage based on a predefined voltage-current curve, number of LEDs, a predefined temperature coefficient value, the measured string current, a measured junction temperature, a life curve function, a prestored calibration string current value, a prestored calibration string voltage value, a prestored junction calibration temperature and an accumulated time value. The process also calculates an error value based on the predicted string voltage and a measured string voltage and generates an indication that there is a failure in the LED string if the calculated error value is greater than the predefined error limit. |
| US08635034B2 |
Method and system for monitoring transformer health
A method, system and computer program product for determining the health of a transformer are provided. The method includes computing an effective turns ratio based on a primary electrical parameter associated with a primary winding of the transformer and a secondary electrical parameter associated with a secondary winding of the transformer. The method further includes computing an operational magnetizing current based on the effective turns ratio and primary and secondary currents of the transformer or primary and secondary voltages of the transformer. Finally, the method includes determining an inter-turn winding health indicator based at least in part on the operational magnetizing current. |
| US08635026B2 |
Determination of rock mechanics from applied force to area measures while slabbing core samples
Mechanical properties of formation rock from a subsurface reservoir are measured with a computerized system while a core sample from the formation is being cut, during a process known as slabbing, for other analytical purposes. Forces exerted during cutting of the slab from the original core sample are sensed and stored in the computer system. The recorded force data, cutting time and dimensions of the core sample and the cut slab are processed in the computer system. Measures of characteristics and mechanical properties of the rock, such as rock strength and angle of internal friction, are obtained with the computer system. Separate and specialized testing procedures performed on test core plugs using samples specially extracted from the original core sample are not required. |
| US08635023B2 |
Position indication controls for device locations
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to localizing mobile devices. In one example, a first location method associated with a first accuracy value may be used to estimate a location of the mobile device. A confidence circle indicative of a level of confidence in the estimation of the location is calculated. The confidence circle may be displayed on a mobile device. When other location methods become available, the size of the displayed confidence circle may be expanded based on information from an accelerometer of the client device or the accuracy of the other available location methods. This may be especially useful when the mobile device is transitioning between areas which are associated with different location methods that may be more or less accurate. |
| US08635021B2 |
Indicators for off-screen content
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for displaying an indication of off-screen content. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of providing an electronic map of a first geographic area that includes a first entity at a first geographic location for display on a user interface and receiving user input indicating an interest in a second entity at a second geographic location that is outside of the first geographic area. An electronic map of a second geographic area that includes the second geographic location of the second entity is provided, and a first indicator, indicating at least an approximate direction to the first geographic location, is provided for display on the electronic map of the second geographic area. |
| US08635020B2 |
GPS location and favorite prediction based on in-vehicle meta-data
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for automatically entering favorite locations into a navigation system is provided. The method according to one embodiment includes receiving information regarding a location from an object within a vehicle using a navigation system. An identifier to the information and the information and identifier are stored in the navigation system. The user may retrieve the information from the navigation system using the identifier. The information from the objects may be received in various wireless formats, including RFID, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. |
| US08635018B2 |
Managing a driver profile
A method, system or computer usable program product for porting driver preferences between vehicles including initiating a first communication session between a computer in the first vehicle and an external device, receiving a driver profile from the first vehicle in the external device, wherein the driver profile was used to configure warnings and other driver settings in the first vehicle, initiating a second communication session between the external device and a computer in a second vehicle, transferring the driver profile from the external device to a second memory in the second vehicle, and using the driver profile to configure warning and other driver settings in the second vehicle. |
| US08635016B2 |
Systems and methods of communication in an assisted navigation system
Provided herein are methods and systems for efficient communication between a server and a client in an assisted navigation system. In one or more embodiments, the server transmits a set of parameters for a satellite to the client, e.g., a GPS receiver, via a wireless or wired connection. The set of parameters includes a force parameter, initial condition parameters and time correction coefficients for the satellite. The receiver uses the received parameters in a numerical integration to compute the position of the satellite at a desired time. The set of parameters needed for the integration is small. To further reduce the amount of data transmitted, reference parameters may be subtracted from the original parameters before transmission from the server. The receiver is able to reconstruct the original parameters from the received parameters and the identically computed reference parameters. The parameters may be further compressed using data compression techniques. |
| US08635014B2 |
Map-based guide system and method
Provided is a computer system and methods for a map-based guide. A method includes but is not limited to receiving a request for the map-based guide; determining a location associated with the request; preparing a route in accordance with the location associated with the request and in accordance with at least one of a profit-motive and/or a goodwill factor; and transmitting the map-based guide. |
| US08635011B2 |
System and method for controlling a vehicle in response to a particular boundary
A system and method for controlling a vehicle in response to the presence of one or more vehicle boundary. According to various embodiments, a system is provided that automates end-turns and sequence execution in real-time based on approaching boundaries. In various embodiments, no pre-planning is required once boundaries and a turn pattern have been defined. Once these items are defined, the system creates end-turns based on what type of boundary is approaching and the turn path prescribed. The system determines what vehicle functions to execute based on pre-recorded sequences and executes the turns and the sequences automatically based on the location and speed of the vehicle and its relationship to various boundaries. |
| US08635006B2 |
Control systems and methods for estimating engine coolant heat loss
A control system for an engine includes an air calculation module that determines, based on a plurality of first coolant temperatures sensed during a period of engine operation, a first cumulative mass of intake air combusted by the engine during the period that corresponds to an estimated amount of heat dissipated by a cooling system of the engine during the period, and that determines, based on the first cumulative mass, a second cumulative mass of intake air of the engine that is required to raise a temperature of the engine from an initial temperature at a start of the period to a target temperature. The control system further includes a control module that selectively adjusts one of a diagnostic condition and an operating condition of the engine based on the second cumulative mass. A related method for controlling an engine is also provided. |
| US08634998B2 |
Continuously variable transmission clutch anti-autoengagement in multi-clutch vehicle transmission arrangement
A machine is described that includes an engine, a multi-clutch transmission and a controller. The controller is configured with computer-executable instructions for managing operation of the multi-clutch transmission to avoid autoengagement of a disengaged clutch. The computer-executable instructions configure the controller to receive sensor signals indicative of current operating status of the machine; determine, based upon the sensor signals, a configured minimum engine speed needed to avoid autoengagement of the disengaged clutch; and conditionally increase an engine speed based upon a comparison of the configured minimum engine speed and a sensed current engine speed. The machine includes a continuously variable transmission coupled to the multi-clutch transmission, and the controller is configured to adjust the continuously variable transmission ratio to counter the engine speed increase and thus maintain a current clutch output speed when increasing the engine speed to avoid autoengagement of a disengaged clutch. |
| US08634997B2 |
Direct clutch control for dual clutch transmissions
A control system for controlling clutches of a dual clutch transmission includes an internal model based force control algorithm that converts a desired clutch force to a pressure control signal, a pressure control valve that receives the pressure control signal, a hydraulic actuator to which the pressure control valve applies a pressure related to the pressure control signal, and a clutch assembly with a spring lever and a plurality of clutch plates. The hydraulic actuator applies a desired force corresponding to the pressure control signal to a distal end of the spring lever such that the desired force to the distal end of the spring lever imparts an actual clutch force to the clutch plates. |
| US08634992B2 |
Dynamic supplemental downforce control system for planter row units
A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations. |
| US08634991B2 |
Grade control for an earthmoving system at higher machine speeds
An earthmoving system including a bulldozer has a pair of GPS receivers mounted on the cutting blade of the bulldozer. The cutting blade is supported by a blade support extending from the frame. The blade support includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in relation to the frame and a blade tilt cylinder for controlling the lateral tilt of the cutting blade. Sensors, including gyroscopic sensors and an accelerometer, sense rotation of the frame about three orthogonal axes and vertical movement of the bulldozer frame that would affect the position of the blade. A control is responsive to the pair of GPS receivers and to the gyroscopic sensors, for controlling the operation of the hydraulic cylinders and thereby the position of the cutting blade. The control monitors the position of the cutting blade with repeated calculations based on the outputs of the GPS receivers and with low-latency feed-forward correction of these repeated calculations, based on the outputs of the gyroscopic sensors and the accelerometer. |
| US08634987B2 |
Control apparatus for electric vehicle
A creep travel capability of an electric vehicle is secured when an abnormality occurs in a brake sensor. When an accelerator operation amount reaches 0% in a low vehicle speed region, a target creep torque is set, whereupon a motor-generator is controlled toward the target creep torque. The target creep torque is reduced as a brake pedal is depressed in order to suppress heat generation and the like in the motor-generator during vehicle braking. Hence, in an electric vehicle in which the target creep torque is varied in accordance with the brake operation amount, when an abnormality occurs (step S11) in a brake sensor for detecting a brake operation amount, a preset prescribed creep torque is employed as the target creep torque regardless of the brake operation amount (step S15). The prescribed creep torque is set at a required magnitude for securing the creep travel capability. |
| US08634985B2 |
Method of detecting an in-range failure of a brake pedal position sensor
A method of detecting an in-range failure of a brake pedal position sensor includes calculating the difference between a minimum position and a maximum position of the brake pedal position sensor. The calculated difference is weighted to define a fast test weighted input value and/or a full test weighted input value. A cumulative test result value is incremented by the fast test weighted input value and/or the full test weighted input value. The cumulative test result value is filtered to define a moving average of the cumulative test result value after each incremented occurrence. The moving average of the cumulative test result value is tracked to determine if the brake pedal position sensor is functioning properly. |
| US08634984B2 |
Navigation system
A navigation system includes: a storage unit having stored therein roadmap data, first statistical traffic information data pertaining to a first area which are created based upon a first standard related to a time applicable to the first area, and second statistical traffic information data pertaining to a second area which are created based upon a second standard related to a time applicable to the second area; a search unit that searches for a recommended route; and an estimated time of arrival calculation unit that calculates an estimated time of arrival based upon the roadmap data, the first statistical traffic information data and the second statistical traffic information data. The estimated time of arrival calculation unit executes calculation processing of the estimated time of arrival in compliance with the first standard and the second standard. |
| US08634982B2 |
System and method for resource allocation and management
To improve the scheduling and tasking of sensors, the present disclosure describes an improved planning system and method for the allocation and management of sensors. In one embodiment, the planning system uses a branch and bound approach of tasking sensors using a heuristic to expedite arrival at a deterministic solution. In another embodiment, a progressive lower bound is applied to the branch and bound approach. Also, in another embodiment, a hybrid branch and bound approach is used where both local and global planning are employed in a tiered fashion. |
| US08634981B1 |
Automated systems, devices, and methods for transporting and supporting patients
Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone. |
| US08634977B2 |
Drive controller for cargo handling vehicle
A drive controller for a cargo handling vehicle including an engine, a generator motor, a cargo handling pump, a cargo handling actuator, a travel motor, and a battery. The drive controller includes an engine control unit, a rotation speed detection unit, a deviation calculation unit, and a power generation control unit. The engine control unit controls the engine in accordance with a command rotation speed. The rotation speed detection unit detects an actual rotation speed of the engine. The deviation calculation unit calculates a rotation speed deviation of the command rotation speed for the engine and the actual rotation speed of the engine. The power generation control unit controls the generator motor in accordance with the rotation speed deviation so as to limit power generated by the generator motor to drive the travel motor. |
| US08634974B2 |
Using predicted movement to maintain optical-communication lock with nearby balloon
A balloon may include an optical-communication component, which may have a pointing axis. A pointing mechanism could be configured to adjust the pointing axis. The optical-communication component could be operable to communicate with a correspondent balloon via a free-space optical link. For example, the optical-communication component could include an optical receiver, transmitter, or transceiver. A controller could be configured to determine a predicted relative location of the correspondent balloon. The controller may control the pointing mechanism to adjust the pointing axis of the optical-communication component based on the predicted relative location so as to maintain the free-space optical link with the correspondent balloon. |
| US08634972B2 |
Method and system for integrating engine control and flight control system
A method and system of operating an aircraft system are provided. The aircraft system includes an integrated aircraft flight control system that includes an engine control system configured to generate engine performance and health information. The integrated aircraft flight control system also includes a flight control system configured to generate flight information and trajectory intent information. The integrated aircraft flight control system further includes a communications channel communicatively coupled between the engine control system and the flight control system, where the engine control system is configured to transmit the generated engine performance and health information to the flight control system using the communications channel and the flight control system is configured to transmit the generated flight information and trajectory intent information to the engine control system using the communications channel. |
| US08634963B2 |
Data centre and apparatus and method for data centre cooling
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cooling a data center. The apparatus comprises an air conditioning unit for supplying cooled air to a cold portion of a data center, an airflow measurement device for measuring a rate of bypass airflow through a segregation between the cold portion and hot portion of the data center, and outputting a bypass airflow signal indicative of the rate of bypass airflow between the cold portion and the hot portion, and a control unit arranged to receive the bypass airflow signal from the airflow measurement device and to output a control signal to a means for controlling a rate of the bypass airflow to maintain a predetermined rate of bypass airflow. |
| US08634962B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficiently coordinating data center cooling units
Systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling environmental maintenance modules (e.g. HVAC units) using sensors are provided. Values measured by the sensors can be used to determine a change in operation levels of the modules to keep the sensor values within a desired range. For example, a stopped module can be increased or started for more cooling when a sensor temperature is too hot. The module predicted to have the greatest effect on the temperature of hot sensor can be started. A transfer matrix, which provides a relation between a change in operation level and resulting sensor changes, can be used to perform the above predictions. As another example, a module can be stopped (or otherwise have an operation level decreased), if the sensor temperatures are within range, and the decrease in operation level is predicted not to cause an out-of-range condition. |
| US08634958B1 |
Celestial navigation system for an autonomous robot
An autonomous robot system including a transmitter disposed within a working area and a mobile robot operating within the working area. The transmitter includes an emitter for emitting at least one signal onto a remote surface above the working area. The mobile robot includes a robot body, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot over a surface within the working area, and a navigation system in communication with the drive system. The navigation system includes a receiver responsive to the emitted signal as reflected off of the remote surface and a processor connected to the receiver and configured to determine a relative location of the robot within the working area based on input from the receiver. |
| US08634954B2 |
System and method for handling returned goods in an order-picking system
A system and method for storing returned goods (56) of different type of goods in an order-picking system (10), wherein the order-picking system (10) comprises a container warehouse (12) for providing a plurality of storage containers (52, 54), and at least one workstation (14) at which the returned goods (56) in the storage containers (52) from the container warehouse (12) are, in a return mode, delivered, the method comprising the following steps: providing (70) at least one returned good (56) of a first type of goods at a delivering station (16), detecting (72) of each of the returned goods (56) and, preferably separately, delivering the returned goods (56) to a returned-goods conveyor (32) conveying the returned goods (56) to the workstation (14), identifying (74) the type of goods of each of the detected returned goods (56), identifying (76) a storage container (52) with which the respectively identified type of goods is associated, retrieving (78) the respectively associated storage container (52) from the container warehouse (12), and conveying this storage container (52) to the workstation (14), and at the workstation (14) delivering (80) the returned goods (56) to the associated storage container (52). |
| US08634952B2 |
Fan control method and medium storing fan control program
A fan control method performed by a computer having a processor and a fan includes predicting a load of the processor for a job to be executed by referring to a memory that stores information on the load of the processor according to a job type, determining fan rotation control according to a temperature of the processor under the load, and controlling the fan according to the determined fan rotation control. |
| US08634951B2 |
Fully automatic self-service key duplicating kiosk
A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server. The processor displays multiple available manual commands in response to an input signal requesting such a display, and, in response to manual selection of the commands, produces signals that energize and de-energize selected devices within the kiosk, thereby permitting remote manual control of the devices and mechanisms associated with those devices. The processor also transmits signals from a video camera within the kiosk, and signals representing the status of multiple devices within the kiosk. |
| US08634950B2 |
Automated positioning and alignment method and system for aircraft structures using robots
Automated positioning and alignment methods and systems for aircraft structures use anthropomorphous robots with six degrees of freedom to carry the aero structure parts during the positioning and alignment. The parts and structures (if any) supporting the parts are treated as robot tools. |
| US08634948B2 |
Method and system for providing automated high scale fabrication of custom items
Method and system for providing volume manufacturing of customizable items including receiving a data package including a plurality of manufacturing parameters, each of the plurality of manufacturing parameters associated with a unique item, verifying the received data package, and implementing a manufacturing process associated with the received data package is provided. |
| US08634944B2 |
Auto-station tuning
In various embodiments, a media player or portable media device can enable a user to navigate and discover content or other media assets. The media player may analyze broadcasts and other content streams to determine currently playing and forthcoming content. The media player may switch from one source of content to another to find content that matches user preferences or criteria. The media player may generate playlists based on the matching content, and switch between sources of the matching content automatically. In some embodiments, the media player may receive user input to browse content using a navigation stream. Content associated with stations within the navigation stream may be output. As if the user were tuning a radio dial, the media player may determine what content to played back for each station. The media player may procure content and generate playlists to represent each station focus on by the user. |
| US08634942B2 |
Controller and operating method thereof
A device, a remote control unit and method for controlling a plurality of devices, the method including receiving one of a plurality of user commands as an input; and transmitting one of a first and a second of the plurality of control commands in response to the one of the plurality of user commands. The first of the plurality of control commands includes information for simultaneously controlling a first device of a manufacturer and a second device of the manufacturer. The second of the plurality of control commands includes information for controlling the first device without controlling the second device. |
| US08634938B2 |
Method for safely parameterizing an electrical device
A method for safely parameterizing an electrical device, wherein a parameter input by a user on a control unit is transmitted to the electrical device and stored therein with write protection, the stored parameter is transmitted back to the control unit and displayed at the control unit for confirmation by the user, and the user confirmation is transmitted to the electrical device. In accordance with the invention, the stored parameter is transmitted back together with the name of the parameter, with a code generated by the device and in a data format which cannot be processed by the control unit. The returned parameter, the name of the returned parameter and the code are displayed for the user on the control unit, and the confirmation is checked in the electrical device to determine whether the confirmation contains the code. |
| US08634937B2 |
Defibrillator including light sensor
Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are described herein. A method for providing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) treatment to a person in need of emergency assistance includes obtaining from an accelerometer positioned to move in coordination with a patient's breastbone values for depths of a plurality of the chest compressions, obtaining from a light sensor affixed to the patient information about light detection, and determining, based on the information from the light sensor, whether a rescuer is releasing the chest of a patient during manual CPR chest compressions. |
| US08634933B2 |
Active fixation leads and method of assembly
An active fixation lead may have a lead body formed at least in part from an inner member and an outer sheath. The inner member may include a pace/sense lumen and one or more cable lumens. The inner member may include one or more longitudinally extending crumple zones that are configured to reduce stress within the pace/sense lumen that could otherwise be caused by compressive forces applied to the lead. |
| US08634931B2 |
MRI compatible implantable medical lead and method of making same
An implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the lead includes a body and an electrical pathway. The body may include a distal portion with an electrode and a proximal portion with a lead connector end. The electrical pathway may extend between the electrode and lead connector end and include a coiled inductor including a first portion and a second portion at least partially magnetically decoupled from the first portion. The first portion may include a first configuration having a first SRF. The second portion may include a second configuration different from the first configuration. The second configuration may have a second SRF different from the first SRF. For example, the first SRF may be near 64 MHz and the second SRF may be near 128 MHz. |
| US08634927B2 |
Medical device recharge systems using a controller in wireless communication with a separate recharge device
Medical device recharging systems include a controller and a separate recharge device that communicate wirelessly together to provide recharging to an implantable medical device. Either the controller or the recharge device may also communicate wirelessly with the implantable medical device to obtain recharge status and other information. There may be multiple recharge devices present within communication range of the controller, and the controller may determine which recharge device to activate depending upon proximity of each recharge device to the implantable medical device. The controller may allow the recharge device that is active at any given time to change so that the patient having the implantable medical device can move about in the area where the recharge devices are located while recharging continues. |
| US08634924B1 |
MEMS implanted acoustic sensor
A system and method for a Micro Electro-Mechanical System acoustic sensor, or MEMS acoustic sensor, to be used as an implanted microphone for totally implantable cochlear implants or middle ear implants is presented. The MEMS acoustic sensor comprises a coupler that attaches the sensor to an inner part of the ear, a MEMS acoustic sensor that converts acoustic vibrations into a change in capacitance, and a low-noise interface electronics circuit chip that detects the change in capacitance in the MEMS acoustic sensor, creates an signal representing a portion of the acoustic vibrations, and transmits the signal to one or more other devices, such as a cochlear implant. A method of fabrication enables the MEMS acoustic sensor to be fabricated as a small, less than 1 mm3, light weight, less than 30 mg, device suitable for implantation on a structure of the middle ear. |
| US08634922B1 |
Vagal nerve stimulation techniques for treatment of epileptic seizures
A system using electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat epilepsy with minimized or no effect on the heart. Treatment includes an implantable signal generator, one or more implantable electrodes for electrically stimulating a predetermined stimulation site of the vagus nerve, and a sensor for sensing characteristics of the heart such as heart rate. Heart rate information from the sensor can be used to determine whether the vagus nerve stimulation is adversely affecting the heart. Once threshold parameters are met, the vagus nerve stimulation may be stopped or adjusted. An alternative embodiment includes a modified pacemaker to maintain the heart in desired conditions during vagus nerve stimulation. In another embodiment, a modified pacemaker determines whether a vagus nerve is being stimulated, whereupon the modified pacemaker may control the heart to maintain it within desired conditions during the vagus nerve stimulation. |
| US08634917B2 |
Method and system for identifying and displaying groups of cardiac arrhythmic episodes
A medical device system that receives cardiac data representing a plurality of stored arrhythmic episodes, and analyzing the cardiac data to identify and display a subset of stored arrhythmic episodes as a function of user-specified episode criteria. The medical device system presents a query window on an interactive display in order to receive user-specified episode criteria via one or more input fields. The medical device displays only those episodes matching the episode criteria such as arrhythmia type, zone of detection, date of occurrence and average heart rate in beats per minute (BPM). |
| US08634912B2 |
Dual-chamber leadless intra-cardiac medical device with intra-cardiac extension
A leadless intra-cardiac medical device includes a housing that is configured to be implanted entirely within a single local chamber of the heart. A first electrode is provided on the housing at a first position such that when the housing is implanted in the local chamber, the first electrode engages the local wall tissue at a local activation site within the conduction network of the local chamber. An intra-cardiac extension is coupled to the housing and configured to extend from the local chamber into an adjacent chamber of the heart. A stabilization arm of the intra-cardiac extension engages the adjacent chamber. A second electrode on the intra-cardiac extension engages distal wall tissue at a distal activation site within the conduction network of the adjacent chamber. |
| US08634911B2 |
Pacing interval determination for ventricular dyssynchrony
A left-ventricular pacing interval and a right-ventricular pacing interval for timing the delivery of pacing pulses to a left ventricle and a right ventricle of a heart, respectively, may be based an intrinsic conduction time interval between at least one of an atrial sensing event or an atrial pacing event of an atrial chamber of a heart and a ventricular sensing event of a ventricular chamber of the heart. In some examples, the left-ventricular pacing interval is based on the time interval, where the left-ventricular pacing interval is less than the time interval. In some examples, the right-ventricular pacing interval is based on the time interval, where the right-ventricular pacing interval is greater than the left-ventricular pacing interval and less than the time interval. |
| US08634910B2 |
Cardiac function management integrating cardiac contractility modulation
An implantable cardiac rhythm/function management system integrates cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) and one or more other therapies, such as to preserve device safety, improve efficacy, enhance sensing and detection, or enhance therapy effectiveness and delivery. Examples of the one or more other therapies can include pacing, defibrillation/cardioversion, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or neurostimulation. |
| US08634907B2 |
Intraocular iontophoretic device and associated methods
The present invention includes methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. One such device may include an anode assembly having an anode housing and an anode configured to electrically couple to a power source, the anode assembly being configured to contact and remain against a surface of the eye. The device may also include a cathode assembly having a cathode housing and a cathode configured to electrically couple to the power source, the cathode assembly being configured to contact and remain against the surface of the eye. Additionally, the device may include at least one active agent reservoir functionally associated with at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly. |
| US08634906B2 |
Application of electric fields to the lung as therapy for pulmonary edema
System and method of applying electric fields to a patient's lung(s) to reduce pulmonary edema. The system includes a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of which is associated with the lung. The electric field can be controlled so as to modulate a level of fluid in the lung. |
| US08634905B2 |
Detection apparatus and detection method
The present invention provides a detection apparatus, including: signal outputting means configured to output signals of a frequency band within which the difference in electric characteristic between different tissues of a living organism is higher than a predetermined level individually to two or more electrodes; impedance detection means configured to detect, from each of the electrodes, an impedance of the living organism disposed in quasi-electrostatic fields generated individually from the electrodes in response to the outputs; and colloid detection means configured to detect presence or absence of colloid in the inside of the living organism in response to the differences between the detected impedances. |
| US08634904B2 |
System and methods for determining nerve proximity, direction, and pathology during surgery
The present invention involves systems and methods for determining nerve proximity, nerve direction, and pathology relative to a surgical instrument based on an identified relationship between neuromuscular responses and the stimulation signal that caused the neuromuscular responses. |
| US08634903B2 |
Measuring T-Wave alternans
An implantable medical device (IMD), such as an implantable pacemaker, cardioverter, or diagnostic device, generates an EGM signal, e.g., a far field EGM signal, samples the EGM signal to obtain a single T-wave amplitude value for each T-wave over a plurality of beats, and stores the T-wave amplitude values in memory. The IMD creates a time series of the T-wave amplitude values stored in memory, calculates the power spectral density for the times series, and selects a power spectral density of a particular frequency, e.g., 0.5 cycles per beat, as the TWA value. The IMD may periodically determine TWA values for the patient and store the values in memory. The TWA values may be presented to medical personnel, e.g., as a trend. The IMD may deliver or modify therapy, or provide an alert, based on the TWA values. |
| US08634887B2 |
Protective frame for mobile communication device
The invention relates to a protective frame for a mobile communication device having a power charging port. The protective frame has a retractable frame body, including a main frame body; a sliding element for reciprocatingly sliding along a direction with respect to the main frame body between a retracted protection position where the mobile communication device is fixedly framed by the retractable frame body and a stretched auxiliary power supply position; and a fastening element for fixing the sliding element with respect to the main frame body at the retracted protection position and the stretched auxiliary power supply position. The protective frame also includes an auxiliary battery adapted for being detachably installed in the retractable frame body and electrically connected to the power charging port of the mobile communication device, when the sliding element are fixed with respect to the main frame body at the stretched auxiliary power supply position. |
| US08634884B2 |
Sliding-type portable terminal
A sliding-type portable terminal is provided. The portable terminal includes a first housing, a first guide member fixed to the first housing, a slide member coupled to the first guide member while facing the first guide member, the slide member being adapted to slide in a first direction under guidance of the first guide member, a second guide member fixed to the slide member, a second housing having a guide recess extending in a second direction so as to receive the second guide member, the second housing being coupled to the second guide member so as to slide in the second direction under guidance of the second guide member and an elastic member having a first end supported on the first guide member and a second end supported on the second housing so as to provide elastic force in such a direction that the first and second ends move away from each other. The sliding-type portable terminal is adapted for convenient use of not only mobile communication services, but also multimedia services. |
| US08634881B2 |
Irregular periodic location reporting mechanism
Described herein are techniques related to irregular periodic reporting of location-related information. The techniques enable the location engine to operate in irregular periodic reporting modes and dynamically adapt one or more different irregular periodic reporting patterns. The techniques may advantageously enable significant power saving while maintaining adequate accuracy in the reported location-related information to satisfy a given level of quality of service. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08634879B2 |
Methods and systems to prolong mobile station operation during low battery power
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure allow a mobile station to activate a sleep mode in order to reduce power consumption when the residual battery capacity is low. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure also provide techniques for adaptive power saving applied during an idle mode operation. |
| US08634878B2 |
User application initiated telephony
Systems and methods for initiating telephony calls are presented. In one example, a user selection of a desired application item is received at a computing device and a dial number associated with the desired application item is transmitted from the computing device to a wireless headset. The dial number is received at the wireless headset and a call is responsively initiated by transmitting the dial number from the wireless headset to a mobile phone device. |
| US08634877B2 |
Automatic escalation/degradation of notifications of repetitive calls
Mechanisms for modifying a notification mode for notifying a user of an incoming communication is provided. In a first communication device, an incoming communication from a second communication device is received. A total number of received incoming communications from the second communication device within a predetermined period of time is determined and compared to a first threshold. In response to the total number of received incoming communications from the second communication device within the predetermined period of time meeting or exceeding the first predetermined threshold, a notification mode of the first communication device is modified to be different from a current default notification mode of the first communication device for incoming communications from the second communication device. A notification of the incoming communication from the second communication device is generated using the modified notification mode of the first communication device. |
| US08634876B2 |
Location based display characteristics in a user interface
Location-based display characteristics in a user interface are described. In an implementation, a determination is made by mobile communications device that icon is to be displayed at a particular location in the user interface. A display characteristic is applied by the mobile communications device that is defined for the particular location such that a display of the icon is changed. The icon is displayed having an applied display characteristic on the display device of the mobile communications device at the particular location in the user interface. |
| US08634875B1 |
Address book management method and user interface
An exemplary mobile communication device comprises a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a display coupled to the processor, a transceiver coupled to the processor, an antenna coupled to the transceiver, a user interface coupled to the processor for receiving inputs from a user, and software executed by the processor for performing a method for managing a plurality of contact entries of an address book stored on the memory. The method comprises displaying a list of contact entries on the display, displaying a toggle value corresponding to each contact entry displayed on the display, receiving an input for selecting or deselecting a particular toggle value for a particular contact entry, receiving a command input for the execution of a function on the address book, and executing the function associated with the command input for each contact entry that has a selected toggle value. |
| US08634873B2 |
Mobile communication device having multiple, interchangeable second devices
A mobile communication device comprises a first device with a first display and multiple second devices. The second devices are releasably attachable to the first device and are interchangeable with each other. The mobile device can operate as a mobile cell phone with one or more second devices operable as a mobile phone hand set. The second devices can comprise one or more game controllers, batteries, physical keyboards and/or mobile phone handsets with a display. In a detached configuration, the first device is separated from the second devices and can wirelessly communicate with one or more of the detached second devices. In a three device configuration, the first device can send commands, control signals or content to one or more external devices in addition to the second devices. |
| US08634870B2 |
Portable communication terminal, and power amplification control method and program
A portable communication terminal comprising: a first amplifier; a second amplifier; and a control unit configured to perform a first control, in which the first amplifier is amplified within a range of a first upper limit power value, and in which the second amplifier is amplified within a range of a first upper limit power value, wherein, when transmissions by both communication systems are performed in parallel, the control unit performs a second control of performing at least one of that the first amplifier performs amplification within a range equal to or less than a third upper limit power value that is less than the first upper limit power value and that the second amplifier performs amplification within a range equal to or less than a fourth upper limit power value that is less than the second upper limit power value. |
| US08634868B2 |
Uplink selection using sounding reference signals in radiocommunication systems
Systems and methods allow for uplink selection using sounding reference signals in radiocommunication systems. A method for selecting at least one antenna to receive uplink transmissions from a user equipment (UE) from among a plurality of antennas includes the steps of: assigning a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource to the UE, receiving one or more reports from antenna devices having said plurality of antennas, which reports indicate receipt of an SRS on said assigned SRS resource, and selecting the at least one antenna based on said one or more reports. |
| US08634866B2 |
Folded monopole variable signal coupler
A signal coupler for coupling wireless signals out of and into a waveguide system is described. The signal coupler includes an input output connector, an outer conductor coupled to the input output connector, and a radiator section, wherein the radiator section is configured to rotate about a center axis of the outer conductor. A wireless distribution system, including a waveguide with a hollow cross-sectional structure and a signal coupling device, is also described. A wireless distribution system, including a waveguide with a hollow cross-sectional structure and a plurality of signal coupling devices, is also described. A method of operating a wireless distribution system is also described. The method includes providing a wireless distribution system and inserting a first group of wireless signals in a preselected bandwidth into the waveguide. |
| US08634865B2 |
Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus and method
According to one embodiment, a transmitting apparatus includes a transmitting unit and a selecting unit. The transmitting unit transmits first control information using one of first communication resources. The first communication resources are included in a first transmission band and have respective independent numbers. The transmitting unit transmits second control information using one of second communication resources. The second communication resources are included in a second transmission band and have respective independent numbers. The selecting unit restricts the second communication resources to restricted second communication resources in accordance with a number assigned to one of the first communication resources used to transmit the first control information, and to select one second communication resource from the restricted second communication resources. The transmitting unit transmits the second control information using the selected second communication resource. |
| US08634864B2 |
Messaging system and method
A messaging method using a mobile user terminal, the method including: creating, at the mobile user terminal, at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey a meaning to a message recipient; preparing message content including at least one of the created graphical messaging symbols using the mobile terminal; and sending the message to a recipient via a communication network. |
| US08634859B2 |
Location based services with multiple transmission methods
A location-based service system for providing messages to a recipient and, in particular, to transmission methods and systems for providing location data of a device to a location-based service system. A method of updating a location of a mobile device includes determining a location of the mobile device and, based on Internet accessibility of the mobile device, transmitting the location via Internet communication when Internet access is available and via SS7 communication when Internet access is unavailable. |
| US08634855B2 |
System and method for sharing location information
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portable communication device having a controller to request location information from one or more non-portable wireless access points, receive one or more location coordinates from the one or more non-portable wireless access points, determine which of the one or more non-portable wireless access points is closest to the portable communication device according to one or more wireless signals generated by the one or more non-portable wireless access points, and record the location coordinate supplied by the closest non-portable wireless access point. Each of the one or more non-portable wireless access points can determine its location coordinate with a location receiver. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08634854B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing location information of device through home network
A method and an apparatus for providing information of a device to other devices through the home network are provided. The method includes: generating relative location information indicating that a first device is present in a vicinity of a second device if a remote control signal for the second device is received; and providing the relative location information as location information of the first device to at least one other device belonging to the home network. Accordingly, the user can acquire location information of devices belonging to the home network. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the correspondence of devices visually recognized by the user to the device list obtained as a result of the search. |
| US08634849B2 |
Methods and apparatus for mobile device based location determination in a communications system
Methods and apparatus related to determining location of mobile devices based on signals and/or location history information received from other mobile devices are described. In various embodiments mobile devices monitor signals from other devices. Mobile devices store signal measurement information along with time stamp information and information identifying the device from which a measured signal was received. In various embodiments a mobile communications device which determines its location with reasonable accuracy, e.g., to within a predetermined distance or some other accuracy metric, transmits location history information indicating one or more past locations, and optionally the device's current location, and the times it was at the indicated locations. Reliability information is communicated with the time and location information in some embodiments. A device receiving the location history log can determine and/or refine its understanding of its own location and the location of other devices at different points in time. |
| US08634838B2 |
Connection set-up between two terminals
The invention relates to the setting up of a connection between an originating terminal and a terminating terminal. Both terminals may connect via the same access network. The access network accesses a core network through an access gateway. The access gateway transmits and/or receives connection set-up signalling transmitted along a signalling path through at least the core network. Using an information element in the connection set-up signalling, information on media plane access needs of nodes in the signalling path is collected and provided for determining whether a local shortcut of a media path can be established in the access network. |
| US08634835B2 |
Method, device, and system for information processing
Embodiments of the present invention disclose an information processing method. A first base station receives a handover request message from a second base station. The first base station determines whether the handover request message is an initial handover request message directly sent by a source base station in a handover process or a forwarded handover request message. If a judging result is that the handover request message is the forwarded handover request message, the first base station saves a user equipment, context in the handover request message so as to become a prepared base station of the UE. |
| US08634834B2 |
Systems and methods for independent setting of cell change network control mode and notification of cell change mode for uncontrolled cells
Systems and Methods for Independent Setting of Cell Change Network Control Mode and Notification of Cell Change Mode for Uncontrolled Cells are provided. In some cases, separate behavior is specified for mobile stations in respect of uncontrolled cells. In some cases, behavior is signalled by the signalling used for normal cells, but different meaning is attributed to the signalling. In some cases, at least one further criterion is combined with the signalling for controlled cells to determine the behavior for controlled cells. In some cases, additional signalling is employed. |
| US08634832B2 |
Mobile location recovery for MSC pooling
An entity of a wireless telecommunications network having a pool of Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) and a Home Location Register (HLR). The entity includes a network interface which sends pages to mobiles associated with a failed MSC of the pool of MSC's and experiencing termination isolation and receives responses to the pages from at least some of the mobiles. The entity includes a processing unit which produces a registration having updated location information for each response received by the network interface, the registration sent from the network interface to the HLR to end each mobile's termination isolation for which a response was received by the network interface. A method of an entity of a wireless telecommunications network having a pool of Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) and a Home Location Register (HLR). |
| US08634831B2 |
Method of scanning neighbor base station in a broadband wireless access system
The present invention relates to a broadband wireless access system, and more particularly, to a method for a mobile station to efficiently scan a neighbor base station and apparatus therefor. According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a broadband wireless access system, a method of performing a scan, which is performed by a mobile station to scan a neighbor base station, includes the steps of receiving a scan response (AAI_SCN-RSP) message including a first interval information indicating an interval for the mobile station to receive a preamble of the neighbor base station from a serving base station and receiving the preamble from the neighbor base station in the first interval. Preferably, the first interval is set by a subframe unit. |
| US08634830B2 |
Method and arrangement in a telecommunication system
Embodiments herein include methods and arrangements for controlling access of mobile devices to a network, such as GSM. The mobile devices belong to an access control class (ACC) and also belong to an additional access control class (EACC) that provides extended access control. The arrangement broadcasts system information to the mobile devices that comprises a first indicator indicating an ACC. The first indicator indicates whether a mobile device is allowed to access or is barred from accessing the network. The system information further comprises a second indicator indicating an EACC. The second indicator indicates whether a mobile device is allowed to access or is limited from accessing the network. Limited access may entail blocking a mobile device from initiating communications with the network, blocking the mobile device from receiving network initiated communications, or both. A mobile device blocked from network initiated communication may not answer a page from the network. |
| US08634828B2 |
Method and apparatus for switching virtual SIM service contracts based upon a user profile
A system and method store provisioning data supporting a plurality of service providers in a VSIM internal memory unit of a mobile device. A user may specify a user profile to automatically enable provisioning data supporting one of the plurality of service providers stored in the VSIM internal memory unit to conduct a wireless communication when certain criteria values are satisfied. The automatic enabling of provisioning data may be determined based upon mobile device location, communication usage request and/or time and date. |
| US08634824B2 |
Method for updating a monitoring list of information identifying cells transferred by a base station of a wireless telecommunication network in a cell managed by the base station
The present invention concerns a method for updating a monitoring list of information identifying cells transferred by a base station of a wireless telecommunication network in a cell managed by the base station, the monitoring list comprising information identifying cells which are neighbor of the cell managed by the base station. The base station: receives a message comprising a path list comprising information identifying cells a mobile terminal has moved through, updates at least one monitoring list of information identifying cells according to the contents of the received path list, determines at least one modified path list from the content of the received path list, and for the or each modified path list: determines another base station from the content of the modified path list, sends the modified path list to the other base station. |
| US08634823B2 |
Retrofit inline antenna power monitor system and method
A system and method for measuring and monitoring the transmitted power from cellular antennas, and reporting the measurement over AISG protocol back to the user. The device associated with this system and method is capable of retrofitting existing telecommunications antennas currently in use by connecting directly in-line with an AISG communication cable already interfaced with the antenna. The system will monitor the broadcast power level of the antenna and may optionally be set to provide the user with alerts when the power levels are not within ideal parameters. |
| US08634819B2 |
Wireless communications during a wireless communications device reboot
A wireless communication device has first processing circuitry and second processing circuitry that are separate from one another. The wireless communication device transfers first wireless communications to a wireless network using the first processing circuitry. The wireless communication device identifies a reboot condition for the first processing circuitry and responsively provides a geographic location of the wireless communication device to the second processing circuitry and displays a user interface for communications using the second processing circuitry. The wireless communication device reboots the first processing circuitry while the user interface for communications is displayed. The wireless communication device transfers second wireless communications to the wireless network using the second processing circuitry while rebooting the first processing circuitry. The second wireless communications may comprise emergency communications including the geographic location of the wireless communication device. |
| US08634813B2 |
Method and system for monitoring a mobile device over a video network
An approach is provided for monitoring location of a user of a mobile device. A notification triggering event based on location of a mobile device is detected. Notification information is generated in response to the detection of the notification triggering event. The notification information to a video processor (e.g., set-top box) that is configured to transmit the notification information to a display. |
| US08634812B1 |
Phoneword dialing in a mobile communication device having a full keyboard
A method of dialing a phoneword using a mobile communication device that has full keyboard, which maps numbers to letters differently than on standard telephone keypads. The method detects the prefix of the phoneword and proceeds to display a message on the mobile communication device to indicate that a pre-determined key needs to be pressed before entering letters of the phoneword. The method can also display for selection, candidate phonewords that correspond to a partial entry of the phoneword. |
| US08634811B2 |
Method and system for delivering a voice mail notification to a subscriber using cellular phone network
A method and system of the present invention delivers a voice mail notification to a subscriber of a voice mail system to indicate that a voice mail message is waiting in the subscriber mailbox. The voice mail system cellular phone network. The voice mail notification typically includes the calling party number and the name of the calling party if available, and an index. This is forwarded through the cellular phone network to the subscriber to indicate that a voice mail message is waiting in a subscriber mailbox. Subscribers can retrieve a specific message from the Voice Mail System. |
| US08634810B2 |
Pushing secure notifications to mobile computing devices
A method for pushing secure notifications includes a push service platform receiving a push notification message request from an entity registered with the push service platform, processing the push notification message request to generate a secure push notification message, and sending the secure push notification message to a target mobile computing device through a native third-party push service associated with the target mobile computing device. The secure push notification message includes a message ID (identifier) that corresponds to message content associated with the push notification message request. The method further includes the push service platform receiving a pull message request from the target mobile computing device, the pull message request requesting the message content associated with the push notification message corresponding to the message ID, and sending the requested message content associated with the push notification message to the mobile computing device. |
| US08634805B2 |
Device assisted CDR creation aggregation, mediation and billing
Device assisted CDR creation, aggregation, mediation and billing is provided. In some embodiments, device assisted CDR creation, aggregation, mediation and billing for a wireless network includes collecting device generated service usage information for one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network; and providing the device generated service usage information in a syntax (e.g., a device assisted charging data record (CDR)) and a communication protocol (e.g., 3GPP, 3GPP2, or other communication protocols) that can be used by other network devices to augment or replace network generated service usage information for the one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network. |
| US08634801B1 |
Feature management of a communication device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device. |
| US08634798B2 |
Support in HSS for emergency telecommunication services
A home subscriber server (HSS) and method are described herein for supporting an emergency telecommunication service (e.g., Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS)). In one embodiment, the HSS and the method are adapted to selectively provide telecommunication access to subscribers of an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) by associating different user priority values with different network condition statuses, where a network condition status may be a congestion level or a disaster relief emergency status. |
| US08634788B2 |
System and methods for monitoring the context associated with a mobile communication device
Systems, methods and interfaces are disclosed for managing communications associated with a mobile communication device. Mobile communication devices process environmental inputs and transmit mobile communication device context information to a communication management system. The context information may, for example, reflect the motion and/or geographic location of the mobile device, and may reflect the risk associated with using the device to handle a call or other communications session. The communication management system uses the context information, optionally in combination with communication device profiles, to determine how to manage incoming and/or ongoing calls or other communication sessions. Mobile device users may also be inhibited from initiating communication sessions. |
| US08634787B2 |
Receiver and integrated AM-FM/IQ demodulators for gigabit-rate data detection
Provision of gigabit-rate data transmission over wireless radio links, using carrier frequencies in the millimeter-wave range (>30 GHz). More specifically, a circuit for detection of amplitude-shift keyed (ASK) or other amplitude modulations (AM) which can be easily incorporated into an integrated circuit receiver system is described, making the receiver capable of supporting both complex IQ modulation schemes and simpler, non-coherent on-off or multiple-level keying signals. Several novel radio architectures are also described which, with the addition of a frequency discriminator network, have the capability of handling frequency shift keyed (FSK) or other frequency modulations (FM), as well as AM and complex IQ modulation schemes. These radio architectures support this wide variety of modulations by efficiently sharing detector hardware components. Disclosed herein are architecture for supporting both quadrature down-conversion and ASK/AM, ASK/AM detector circuit details, AM-FM detector architecture, and an AM-FM/IQ demodulator system and FSK/FM detector circuit details. |
| US08634782B2 |
Multi-antenna wireless device with power combining power amplifiers
A wireless device with power combining power amplifiers to support transmission on multiple antennas is disclosed. The power amplifiers may be operated together to obtain higher output power or separately to support transmission on multiple antennas. In an exemplary design, an apparatus includes first and second power amplifiers. The first power amplifier amplifies a first input signal and provides a first output signal for a first antenna in a first operating mode (e.g., a MIMO mode or a transmit diversity mode). The second power amplifier amplifies the first input signal or a second input signal and provides a second output signal for a second antenna in the first operating mode. The first and second power amplifiers are power combined in a second operating mode to provide a third output signal, which has a higher maximum output power than the first or second output signal. |
| US08634781B2 |
Remote-control method and emitter cooperated with personal communication device
A method of a remote-control combined with a personal communication device includes an emitter having an exposed plug inserted into a reception hole of a personal communication device; and a remote-control application program downloaded from pre-set or remote servos and stored in the personal communication device. The remote-control application program is activated via the personal communication device, and the personal communication device sends a user interface sub-program to a touch panel of the personal communication device. The user interface program is activated, and the emitter emits control signals to remote-control toys. By using the personal communication device, the users conveniently play and control the remote-control toys. |
| US08634775B2 |
Pairing system, pairing apparatus, method of processing pairing apparatus, and program
Disclosed is a pairing apparatus 100. When a pairing start request is received from a first terminal and a second terminal, in response to the request, one piece of identifier data, which is used for displaying identifiers on displays of said first terminal and said second terminal, is transmitted to the first terminal, and one or more pieces of the identifier data including the one piece of the identifier data transmitted to the first terminal are transmitted to the second terminal. Thereafter, when one identifier selected from one or more identifiers transmitted to the second terminal is received from the second terminal, it is determined whether or not the identifier received from the second terminal is identical to the one identifier transmitted to the first terminal, and when the determination is yes, the first terminal and the second terminal are paired. |
| US08634773B2 |
Short range communications for body contacting devices
A communication system for wirelessly transmitting at least one signal, the system comprising: a first device configured to receive and modulate the at least one signal, the first device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a first human body and a second conductive element isolated from the first human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to wirelessly transmit the modulated signal; and a second device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a second human body, and a second conductive element isolated from the second human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to receive the transmitted modulated signal from the first device. |
| US08634770B2 |
Portable terminal device
The present invention offers a portable terminal device in which, the jitter control unit controls the transmission buffer unit in such a manner as not to output the audio data buffered in the transmission buffer unit to the Bluetooth communication unit when the main control unit determines that the content that is to be subjected to a reproduction process contains video data, and when an underflow arises at the transmission buffer unit, and abandons the audio data that is not output to the Bluetooth communication unit at the time indicated by the time management unit. |
| US08634766B2 |
Gain measurement and monitoring for wireless communication systems
A method of monitoring an element in wireless communication system is provided. An operational noise measurement is obtained by measuring a noise value outside of a bandwidth of a first device, but within a bandwidth of a second, subsequent device. The operational noise measurement is alternatively obtained by tuning an input band of the element to shift the input band partially or completely outside of a bandwidth of a first device to create an open band or by suppressing an input of the antenna and measuring noise within the open bandwidth of the element of the wireless communication network. A stored parameter is retrieved and compared to the measured operational noise. Alternatively, a leakage signal of the element may be received at a signal receiver and compared to a reference. The reference is a function of components of the wireless communication system in a leakage path of the leakage signal. |
| US08634761B2 |
Cross-transport authentication
An authentication controller coupled to a first communication port of a portable media device is allowed to provide authentication on behalf of an accessory device coupled to a second communication port of the portable media device. In one embodiment, a cross transport connector includes a connector configured to couple with an accessory and a connector configured to couple with a portable media device such that the accessory can be coupled to the second communication port of the portable media device. The cross-transport connector also includes an authentication controller. The authentication controller may request authentication from the media device over the first communication port of the portable media device. The request may also include an identifier of the second port, to which authenticated permissions obtained via the first port may be transferred. |
| US08634759B2 |
Timing offset tolerant karaoke game
Game processing apparatus comprises means for indicating successive target actions to be executed by a user, each target action having an associated target time of execution; and scoring logic in which detected user actions are compared with the target actions, the storing logic comprising: an input arrangement by which user actions may be detected; means for comparing a detected sequence of user actions with a sequence of target actions; and means for detecting a timing offset between the sequence of user actions and a corresponding sequence of target actions; in which the comparison of subsequent user actions with respective target actions is arranged to apply the timing offset as a relative displacement between the detected user actions and the target times. |
| US08634754B2 |
Control apparatus, program, recording medium, and image forming system
A control apparatus configured to control an image forming system, in forming a transparent image so as to cover color images fixed on a sheet, applies a transparent toner on an area on which an image can be formed and which is other than an area that a user desires to increase the glossiness thereof. |
| US08634752B2 |
Fixing device that fixes a toner image on a recording material
A fixing device fixing a toner image on a recording material includes a first blowing section that blows air against a leading edge of the recording material that has passed through a nip portion formed by a heated fixing member and a pressing member kept in pressure contact with the fixing member, and a second blowing section that blows air against the recording material that has passed through the nip portion, wherein an air speed of air blown out from a first blowing outlet is higher than that of air blown out from a second blowing outlet, wherein an air flow amount from the first blowing outlet is less than that from the second blowing outlet, and wherein the first and second blowing outlets are arranged at a same positional height next to one another along a rotational axis of the fixing roller. |
| US08634751B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus may include a transfer nip, a first conveyance belt, a second conveyance belt, a fixing nip, a fixing drive unit, and a control unit. The first conveyance belt conveys the sheet to which a toner image is transferred and fixed. The fixing drive unit drives the fixing nip so that the fixing nip conveys the sheet at a speed that is higher than the transfer speed in a high speed fixing mode in which the fixing nip fixes the toner image to the sheet while conveying the sheet. The control unit sets a circumferential speed of the first conveyance belt and a circumferential speed of the second conveyance belt so that the sheet bridging the first and second conveyance belts is pulled by the second conveyance belt to slide on the first conveyance belt in the high speed fixing mode. |
| US08634749B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided, which includes a controller configured to determine a moment for switching a circumferential velocity of a development roller to a first circumferential velocity from a second circumferential velocity lower than the first circumferential velocity based on a moment when the controller issues to a sheet feeding unit an instruction to start feeding of a sheet, and to determine a moment for switching the circumferential velocity of the development roller to the second circumferential velocity from the first circumferential velocity based on a moment when a first detector detects existence of the sheet ejected from a registration roller. |
| US08634748B2 |
Image forming apparatus having an apparatus body with openable and fixed covers
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a top cover a top surface of the apparatus body, a container-installation section in which a replaceable container is removably installable, a first holder, and a second holder. The container includes a container body to contain consumables, having a transparent portion that makes the color of the consumables contained in the container body is viewed from outside thereof, and a connecting portion connectable to the container-installation section, to supply the consumables from the container to the apparatus body. The first holder holds the connecting portion and cover the connecting portion so that the connecting portion is not visible when the top cover is opened; and the second holder holds the container body, such that the color of the consumables in the container body are visible through the transparent portion of the container body when the top cover is opened. |
| US08634744B2 |
Image forming device and toner cartridge mounted therein
An image forming device includes: a main casing; a retaining member; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner cartridges; and an operation unit. The retaining member is configured to be movable in a first direction between an accommodated position and a pulled-out position. The retaining member includes a first side plate and a second side plate extending in the first direction and disposed in confrontation with and spaced apart from each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The developing units are retained in the retaining member. The toner cartridges have one-on-one correspondence to the developing units and are configured to be mountable in or detachable from the retaining member when the retaining member is located at the pulled-out position. Each toner cartridge includes a casing formed with a cartridge opening, and a cartridge shutter configured to be movable between an open position for opening the cartridge opening and a closed position for closing the cartridge opening. The operation unit is provided in the retaining member and configured to be pivotally movable in an imaginary plane parallel to the first direction and the second direction. The operation unit is interlocked with the cartridge shutter while the toner cartridge is mounted in the retaining member to move the cartridge shutter between the open position and the closed position in accordance with the pivotal movement of the operation unit. |
| US08634742B2 |
Airflow management system for corona charger
Airflow management systems for a charger support area having a charger housing supporting a corona charger that is proximate to a primary imaging member are provided. In one embodiment an air flow management system has an air supply providing flow of air proximate an inlet side of the charger housing area and a deflection surface positioned to deflect the flow of air from a first direction to a second direction leading to an impact surface against which the flow of air is disbursed. The impact surface is outside of the width of the charger housing and the primary imaging member so that the air flow can supply a volume of disbursed air into the charger housing area that is sufficient to create a pressure that causes the disbursed air to move to an outlet on an opposite side of the area without exposing the charger or the primary imaging member to the flow. |
| US08634740B2 |
Fixing device and image formation device
A fixing device includes an endless belt with a resistance heating layer, a pressure roller fitting loosely in a belt circulation path, and a pressing roller pressing the pressure roller through the belt to form a fixing nip with a belt surface, and thermally fixes an unfixed image by passing a recording sheet through the fixing nip, comprises: a pair of annular electrodes provided circumferentially and sandwiching a sheet-passing region of the belt surface; a first power supply member pressurizing a given one of the electrodes; and a second power supply member positioned closer to the fixing nip than the first power supply member, also pressurizing the given one of the electrodes, and supplying power to the resistance heating layer in cooperation with the first power supply member, wherein the pressing force applied by the first power supply member is weaker than that applied by the second power supply member. |
| US08634737B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; toner image forming portion for forming a toner image on the image bearing member; a transfer member for transferring the toner image from the image bearing member onto a transfer material; a cleaning blade for removing a toner remaining on the image bearing member after transfer while being contacted to the image bearing member; a rotatable member, provided upstream of the cleaning blade, for carrying the toner and rotationally sliding on the image bearing member; a separating mechanism for removing the toner from the rotatable member in contact with the rotatable member, wherein the separating mechanism includes a toner sump for accumulating the toner in an area adjacent to the rotatable member so that the toner removed from the rotatable member is suppliable to the rotatable member; and a controller for controlling at least one of the toner image forming portion and rotatable member so that an amount of the toner in the toner sump is estimated and kept in a predetermined range. |
| US08634736B2 |
Method and apparatus for fixing a toner image before a fixing unit reaches a ready temperature
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form a toner image on an image bearing member according to printing information; a transfer unit configured to transfer an unfixed toner image formed by the image forming unit onto a printing sheet; a fixing unit configured to heat the unfixed toner image carried on the printing sheet and fix the unfixed toner image on the printing sheet; a temperature measuring unit configured to measure the temperature of the fixing unit; and a quick-print processing unit configured to cause, when printing is started, even if the temperature of the fixing unit measured by the temperature measuring unit does not reach a ready temperature, the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation on the basis of a low process speed for enabling the fixing in the fixing unit, which is lower than a normal process speed corresponding to the ready temperature. |
| US08634731B2 |
Method for automatically controlling the sequence of processing orders for processing material containers
In a method or system for automatic controlling of jobs to be processed, the jobs to be associated with input and output material bundles, the jobs to be processed are collected into multiple groups or clusters. The groups or clusters are automatically sorted according to rules. The input material bundles are fed to a processing device at a central station, at least one post-processing apparatus being connected to and down stream from the processing device. |
| US08634730B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method using the same
An image forming apparatus prevents printed images from being degraded in image quality due to failure of the toner concentration to fall within a proper range, by correcting the deviations of the amount of toner consumption and the amount of toner supply depending on the individuality of each image forming apparatus and that enables exact identification of the cause of a fault associated with toner concentration, and providing an image forming method using the apparatus. A toner supply device supplies toner to a developing vessel through an opening in accordance with an instruction from a controller. The presence or absence of toner falling is detected based on the variation of the output from a magnetic permeability sensor when toner is supplied. The controller monitors the output voltage level of the magnetic permeability sensor and adjusts the input gain in accordance with the output voltage level to thereby control toner concentration. |
| US08634728B2 |
Method for controlling the transport of sheets through a printing apparatus
The invention relates to a method for controlling the transport of sheets through a printing apparatus, in particular a digital printing apparatus. In the method for controlling the transport of sheets through a printing apparatus, a print queue is set by assigning images to respective sheets, prior to feeding the respective sheets into the transport arrangement. The sheets are then fed into the transport arrangement, and it is detecting whether a double sheet feeding has occurred. Superposed double sheets are deflected to a double sheet box, which is arranged upstream of the at least one print module, and at least those sheets following the superposed double sheet in the transport arrangement, for which an image has already been assigned and which are not in a duplex path, are guided to a waste box, which is arranged downstream of the at least one print module. Finally, the print queue is automatically reset and printing is continued without stopping the printing apparatus. |
| US08634727B2 |
Coherent optical receiver, apparatus and method for detecting interchannel skew in coherent optical receiver
In a coherent optical receiver, sufficient demodulation becomes impossible and consequently receiving performance deteriorates if an interchannel skew arises, therefore, a coherent optical receiver according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a local light source; a 90-degree hybrid circuit; an optoelectronic converter; an analog-to-digital converter; and a digital signal processing unit, wherein the 90-degree hybrid circuit makes multiplexed signal light interfere with local light from the local light source, and outputs a plurality of optical signals separated into a plurality of signal components; the optoelectronic converter detects the optical signals and outputs detected electrical signals; the analog-to-digital converter quantizes the detected electrical signals and outputs quantized signals; and the digital signal processing unit includes a skew compensation unit for compensating a difference in propagation delay between the plurality of signal components, and a demodulation unit for demodulating the quantized signals. |
| US08634724B2 |
Power manageable optical OFDM transponder
The invention relates to the field of optical transmission systems. In particular, the invention relates to a system and a method for adjusting an optical OFDM transmission system in a power optimized manner. An optical OFDM transmitter (310) operating at an overall bit-rate is provided. It comprises an adjustable mapping unit (314) associated with one of N OFDM subcarriers, operable to map M bits of a digital input signal (360) into a constellation point, thereby yielding a subcarrier signal of the corresponding OFDM subcarrier. Furthermore, it comprises an adjustable transformation unit (315, 316), operable to transform the subcarrier signal to yield an electrical output signal. In addition, the OFDM transmitter comprises an electrical-to-optical converter (324, 325), operable to convert the electrical output signal into an optical output signal. Finally, the OFDM transmitter comprises a control unit (311, 312), operable to select the number of OFDM subcarriers N and the number of bits M, such that the electrical power consumption of the OFDM transmitter (310) is minimized for the overall bit-rate and operable to adjust the adjustable mapping unit (314) and the adjustable transformation unit (315, 316) according to the selected numbers M and N. |
| US08634723B2 |
Optical communications with polarization dependent loss compensation
The invention related to the system and method for optical communication using light of two polarization states. Polarization distortion loss (PDL) is compensated by implementation of polarization controllers at both the transmitter and receiver sides. The transmitter controller performs a mixing transformation of beam with two polarizations, while the receiver controller performs the same transformation in the opposite direction with exactly same sequence as in the transmitter part. A cross scrambling and a polarization rotation represented by matrix multiplication are examples of such mixing polarization transformations. The averaged PDL induced errors are corrected by the FEC code plus interleavers. |
| US08634720B2 |
Remote control relay for wirelessly-controlled devices
Methods and systems for relaying an optical signal from a remote control to a remote-controlled device such as a home entertainment device or a security device. Embodiments include at least one optical receiver and a plurality of optical transmitters. The optical transmitter positioned with an unobstructed line-of-sight to the home entertainment device is identified and the data encoded in the optical signal from the remote control is sent to that transmitter. A second optical signal that is substantially identical to the first is then generated at the optical transmitter and communicated to the home entertainment device. |
| US08634717B2 |
DDoS attack detection and defense apparatus and method using packet data
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack detection and defense apparatus and method are provided. The Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack detection and defense apparatus includes: a flow information collection unit to collect, from one or more input packets with an IP address of an attack target system as a destination IP address, flow information including source IP addresses of the input packets and packet counts of one or more flows that are classified for each of the source IP addresses and each of different protocol types; an inspection unit to calculate packets per second (PPS) values of the flows based on the packet counts; and a response unit to determine a DDoS attack response method for each of the flows based on the PPS value and the protocol type of a corresponding flow and to process the corresponding flow using the determined DDoS attack response method. |
| US08634711B2 |
Image capture apparatus and method
An image capture apparatus comprises: a moving unit configured to move a focus position of a photographing lens relative to an image sensor at a predetermined amplitude by changing a distance in an optical axis direction between the photographing lens and the image sensor; detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image obtained from the image sensor; and defocus correction unit configured to perform defocus correction on the image obtained from the image sensor during motion performed by the moving unit, based on the focus state detected by the detection unit, so that the focus state of each image for display on the display device at least approaches the focus state for an in-focus image. |
| US08634710B2 |
Underwater camera housing
Disclosed is an underwater camera housing capable of receiving and holding a camera having an electronic viewfinder and a proximity sensor. The housing carries an element to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor. In one embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a material substantially non-reflective to electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor. In a second embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a substantially reflective device able to reflect sufficient electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor away from the proximity sensor so as to substantially prevent operation of the proximity sensor. |
| US08634709B2 |
Capillary system with fluidic element
An aerosol generation system having an aerosol generator wherein a liquid formulation is at least partially volatilized in a capillary passage and discharged from the capillary passage to form an aerosol. The aerosol generation system includes a pumping unit adapted to supply a liquid formulation to the aerosol generator; and a fluidic element located between the pumping unit and the capillary passage of the aerosol generator, wherein the fluidic element increases backpressure of the liquid formulation as the liquid formulation enters the capillary passage of the aerosol generator. |
| US08634707B2 |
BD playback system, BD playback device, display device, and computer program
Provided are a Blu-ray Disc (BD) playback system, a BD playback device, a display device, and a computer program which can report the status to the user during playback of BD content and can automatically provide an optimal user interface (UI). A BD playback device (110) is provided with an interactive content decision unit (113) for analyzing control data received from a disc reader (111) and determining whether a disc contains interactive content, and, if there is content, whether the interactive content should be played back. In addition, a display and operating device (120) is provided with an HMI control unit (123) for determining the status of the BD playback device (110) from the input from a communication unit (124) and displaying the appropriate HMI. The HMI control unit (123) controls the report to the user that interactive content exists when it has been determined that interactive content exists. |
| US08634703B1 |
Real-time DVR usage and reporting system
Techniques for real-time DVR usage and reporting enable using instant message protocol in a DVR environment to obtain real-time DVR usage data and to report data reflecting such usage in real-time. An example of DVR usage data comprises data reflecting that a viewer is viewing a video program which is R-rated. Another example of DVR usage data comprises a viewer entering a password, such as a kids zone password, to exit kids zone operational mode. |
| US08634701B2 |
Digital data reproducing apparatus and corresponding method for reproducing content based on user characteristics
An digital data reproducing apparatus and a method for controlling the same are discussed. The method includes obtaining, by the digital data reproducing apparatus, emotion information associated with at least one of a user and a content, modifying at least one of audio and video characteristics of a content for reproduction based on at least the emotion information, and reproducing the content based on the modified at least one of audio and video characteristics of the content. |
| US08634696B2 |
Image reproduction system
An image reproducing apparatus includes: an image storage device that stores image data having been read into the image reproducing apparatus; an image output device that outputs the image data stored in the image storage device to a display device; an image selection device that selects an image from the image data; and an image extraction device that extracts from the image data a plurality of images satisfying a condition equivalent to a condition of the image having been selected by the image selection device. |
| US08634695B2 |
Shared surface hardware-sensitive composited video
In a low-power device a runtime hands video capture and other markup language video objects to a video service, which renders them onto a shared surface. An application-specific compositor manipulates the shared surface, e.g., by texture wrapping or animation. A system compositor composites the manipulated shared surface with other data, such as rendered frames from other application-specific compositors and/or computer generated text. The device then displays the attendant rendered, manipulated, and composited video frames. In some cases, only a single copy of the shared surface is utilized. When the video object's shape, alignment, and opacity satisfy predetermined criteria, the video service renders the video object onto the shared surface using a hardware scaler; otherwise, rendering is done without using the hardware scaler. |
| US08634692B2 |
Image recording/reproducing apparatus, control method thereof, program and storage medium
An image recording/reproducing apparatus capable of achieving data transfer with ease. The recording area of a recording medium is divided into at least one sub area including multiple types of file systems for management. A sub area to be accessed to external device is determined among the at least one sub area. A file system to be accessed to the external device is determined among the multiple types of file systems. The determining of the file system is performed by selecting the file system to be accessed among the file systems included in the determined sub area. |
| US08634691B2 |
Low-cost fast variable optical attenuator for optical wavelength tracking
Variable optical attenuator (VOA) formed by disposing upon a substrate a waveguide, a p-type region and an n-type region about the waveguide, and an epi-silicon region disposed upon the waveguide, the VOA responsive to a bias current to controllably inject carriers into the waveguide to attenuate thereby optical signal propagating through the waveguide. |
| US08634684B2 |
Anti-resonant waveguide bends
The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method to maintain the polarization state of an optical signal propagating within a photonic integrated circuit, or from a first photonic integrated circuit to a second photonic integrated circuit. According to various embodiments of the invention, an optical circuit is provided which includes a waveguide having one or more bends or curved portions. The bends or curved portions of the waveguide are configured to maintain the polarization orientation of the optical signal as the optical signal propagates through the waveguide, such that the polarization orientation at inputs or outputs, or at various points along the waveguide is known. Embodiments of the present invention mitigate polarization crosstalk, which in turn provides for improved processing efficiency. |
| US08634683B2 |
Optical waveguide device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide device, includes obtaining an optical waveguide by forming sequentially a first cladding layer, a core layer, and a second cladding layer on a substrate, forming a groove portion including a light path conversion inclined surface and a sidewall surface which intersects with it, and the groove portion dividing the second cladding layer and the core layer, on both end sides of the optical waveguide respectively, forming selectively a metal layer on the light path conversion inclined surface and the sidewall surface of the groove portion, forming a protection insulating layer sealing the metal layer on the optical waveguide, and obtaining a light path conversion mirror that the metal layer is formed on the light path conversion inclined surface, by forming a concave portion which penetrates the core layer from the protection insulating layer to remove the metal layer formed on the sidewall surface of the groove portion. |
| US08634681B2 |
Optical fibre cable for distributed fibre sensing
An optical fiber cable for distributed fiber sensing of fluid pressure is disclosed. There are also disclosed a method and an apparatus for distributed fiber sensing of fluid pressure using the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable is adapted for distributed pressure sensing, and comprises: one or more optical fibers (120); and a buffer (130) surrounding the one or more optical fibers and adapted to deform asymmetrically under isotropic pressure (P) such that the fiber experiences asymmetric strain changing the birefringence of the one or more optical fibers. The optical fibers incorporated in the cable may be conventional single mode optical fibers. The optical fiber cable may be used to determine a pressure distribution along the length of the cable. The cable, apparatus or method may be used to detect pressures over long distances such as in pipes, pipelines, or wells. |
| US08634680B2 |
Wavelength control device and wavelength control method
The wavelength control device comprises a first Mach-Zehnder filter which receives a first optical signal and outputs an optical signal having a predetermined wavelength, a second Mach-Zehnder filter which receives a second optical signal and outputs an optical signal having a predetermined wavelength, a heating unit heating respective parts of either one of the waveguides of the first and second Mach-Zehnder filters, a first wavelength detecting unit which receives an optical signal from the first Mach-Zehnder filter and detects a wavelength thereof, a second wavelength detecting unit which receives an optical signal from the second Mach-Zehnder filter and detects a wavelength thereof, a power control unit which controls power supplied to the heating unit based on the wavelength received from the first wavelength detecting unit, and an output unit which outputs a wavelength value based on the wavelength received from the second wavelength detecting unit. |
| US08634675B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating extrapolated view based on image resizing
A view extrapolation apparatus and a view extrapolation method to generate images at a plurality of virtual points using a relatively small number of input images are disclosed. The view extrapolation apparatus and the view extrapolation method output a view at a reference point, the view at the reference point being formed of frames according to time, generating the frames of the view at the reference point to generate a resized frame, and generating an extrapolated view at a virtual point using the resized frame. |
| US08634673B1 |
Method and apparatus for automatically tuning a parameter of an image enhancement algorithm based on an attribute of an original image
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for adjusting parameters of an algorithm for enhancing an image. In various embodiments, the method includes automatically analyzing an image to identify at least one image attribute; based on the at least one image attribute, automatically determining a value of at least one parameter for an image processing algorithm; and applying the value of at least one parameter to the image processing algorithm. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08634669B2 |
Fast implementation of context selection of significance map
A fast implementation context selection of a significance map includes caching the significance of each coefficient in a buffer, storing an extended significance map in an extended buffer and updating the extended significance map after the significance of a transform coefficient is determined by the encoder or the decoder. |
| US08634667B2 |
Method of predicting a motion vector for a current block in a current picture
In one embodiment, a method of predicting a motion vector for a current block in a current picture by a moving picture decoding device includes obtaining, by the moving picture decoding device, a direction of a reference picture of the current picture, based on comparison of a display order of the reference picture and a display order of the current picture, obtaining, by the moving picture decoding device, at least three forward motion vectors for at least three other blocks than the current block based on the direction of the reference picture, and predicting, by the moving picture decoding device, a forward motion vector for the current block by using median operation of the at least three forward motion vectors. |
| US08634663B2 |
DVC as generic file format for plenoptic camera
A computer implemented method of storing pixel data corresponding to a pixel is disclosed. A first and a second set of pixel data is determined for the pixel. Parity bits for the first set of pixel data are generated, using error correction. An encoded version of the first set of pixel data including the parity bits is stored. An encoded version of the second set of pixel data is stored, using lossless data compression, for use in decoding the first set of pixel data. |
| US08634662B2 |
Detecting recurring events in consumer image collections
A method of detecting recurring events in a digital image collection taken over a pre-determined period of time is disclosed. The method uses a processor for analyzing the digital image collection to produce a two-dimensional representation of the distribution of image capture activity over time and detecting recurring events by identifying spatial clusters in the two-dimensional representation. |
| US08634661B2 |
Event classification method using light source detection
A method for determining an event classification for digital images, comprising: receiving one or more digital images; detecting one or more man-made light emitting sources within the one or more digital images; using a data processor to automatically determine an event classification responsive to analyzing a spatial arrangement of the detected man-made light emitting sources in the one or more digital images; and storing metadata in a processor-accessible memory associating the determined event classification with each of the one or more digital images. |
| US08634659B2 |
Image processing apparatus, computer readable medium storing program, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes the following elements. An image receiving unit receives a first image and a second image. A first specified area specifying unit allows a user to specify a first specified area in the first image. A first comparison area setting unit sets a first comparison area in the first image on the basis of the first specified area. A second comparison area setting unit sets a second comparison area in the second image. A geometric difference correction unit corrects a difference in geometric properties between a first comparison image in the first comparison area and a second comparison image in the second comparison area. An image output unit outputs an image in which the second comparison image is superimposed on the first comparison image or a difference image between the first comparison image and the second comparison image. |
| US08634654B2 |
Logo or image recognition
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to electronic image object or logo recognition. |
| US08634652B2 |
Video entity recognition in compressed digital video streams
A method and system for detection of video segments in compressed digital video streams is presented. The compressed digital video stream is examine to determine synchronization points, and the compressed video signal is analyzed following detection of the synchronization points to create video fingerprints that are subsequently compared against a library of stored fingerprints. |
| US08634649B2 |
Backlit scene type detection
Systems and methods for backlit scene detection are described. The method includes performing a pre-test on an electronic image to determine that the electronic image does not include a disqualifying characteristic. Next, the method includes performing a type test on the electronic image to determine an image type of the electronic image from a first set of predetermined backlit image types. Next the method includes performing a post test on the electronic image to determine that the image darkness density does not exceed a predetermined density. Finally, the method includes performing a second post test on the electronic image to determine that the electronic image is one of a second set of predetermined backlit image types or that the edge percentage of the electronic image exceeds a predetermined percentage. |
| US08634644B2 |
System and method for identifying pictures in documents
A system and method to identify pictures in documents. An image representing a page of a document is received. The image is analyzed to identify text objects in the page. A masked image is generated by masking out regions of the image including the text objects in the page. Groups of pixels in the masked image are identified, wherein a respective group of pixels corresponds to at least one picture in the page. When there is one or more groups of pixels, regions for pictures are identified based on the one or more groups of pixels. Metadata tags for the pictures are stored, wherein a respective metadata tag for a respective picture includes information about a respective bounding box for the respective picture. |
| US08634643B2 |
Image adjustment method
An image adjustment method is disclosed. The steps of the method include: receiving an image data having a plurality of original pixels, the number of the original pixels is equal to Num1, and 2N−1≦Num1≦2N−1, wherein N and Num1 are natural numbers; adding a plurality of expanding pixels to the image data, such that a sum of the original pixels and the expanding pixels is equal to 2N−1; calculating a plurality of cumulative pixel numbers corresponding to a plurality of gray levels, wherein each of the cumulative pixel numbers is not larger than the number of the original pixels and the expanding pixels corresponding to each of the gray levels; and tuning the gray levels of the original pixels according to the corresponding relationship between the gray levels and the cumulative pixel numbers. |
| US08634641B2 |
Color processing apparatus and computer readable medium for color processing
A color processing apparatus includes a generating unit that generates correction information to a second white point from luminance information of a first white point, which is a white point of color information of a given processing target, and luminance information of a target white point, and a color correcting unit that performs a color correcting process on the color information of the processing target using the correction information to the second white point generated by the generating unit. |
| US08634638B2 |
Real-time action detection and classification
The present invention relates to a method and system for creating a strong classifier based on motion patterns wherein the strong classifier may be used to determine an action being performed by a body in motion. When creating the strong classifier, action classification is performed by measuring similarities between features within motion patterns. Embodiments of the present invention may utilize candidate part-based action sets and training samples to train one or more weak classifiers that are then used to create a strong classifier. |
| US08634633B2 |
Wafer center finding with kalman filter
A device is provided having a robotic arm for handling a wafer, the robotic arm including one or more encoders that provide encoder data identifying a position of one or more components of the robotic arm. The device also having a processor adapted to apply an extended Kalman Filter to the encoder data to estimate a position of the wafer. |
| US08634630B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications in a digital mammogram image
Method and apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications in a digital mammogram image. The method includes smoothing the digital mammogram image using a fuzzy smoothing technique to yield a fuzzy smoothed image. The method includes subtracting the fuzzy smoothed image from the digital mammogram image to yield a micro-calcifications enhanced image. The method includes scaling gray level values of pixels in the micro-calcifications enhanced image by a predetermined amount to provide a digital mammogram image with enhanced representations of the micro-calcifications. Apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications includes an image processing unit that uses an image acquisition unit to receive an image and a digital signal processor to process the image to provide a digital mammogram image with enhanced representations of micro-calcifications. |
| US08634628B2 |
Medical image processing apparatus, method and program
A continuous-region-extraction unit extracts a continuous-region having a voxel value corresponding to an air-region in bronchi from a three-dimensional-medical-image. A tree-structure-construction unit constructs a tree-structure corresponding to the continuous-region. A linear-structure-extraction unit extracts plural linear-structures representing fragments of small-bronchi by analyzing a local density structure in a neighborhood of each point in the three-dimensional-medical-image. A tree-structure-reconstruction unit reconstructs a graph-structure representing the whole bronchi by connecting a node constituting the graph-structure of large-bronchi and a node representing the linear-structures of small-bronchi. At this time, different cost functions are used for a segment connecting the node of the large-bronchi and the node representing the linear-structures of the small-bronchi and a segment connecting the nodes representing the linear-structures to each other. The cost function in the former segment is defined in such a manner that the segment is more likely to be connected as a change in voxel values is smaller. |
| US08634624B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating an image from medical image data
In a methods and apparatus for generating an image for display from medical image data of a subject, image data is processed to reconstruct a pre-image data set, and a filter applied to the pre-image data set to produce a filtered image for display, while a value of a variable is obtained from the pre-image data set, for display with the filtered image. The value obtained from the pre-image data can be used for quantification of a feature of the medical image data. |
| US08634622B2 |
Computer-aided detection of regions of interest in tomographic breast imagery
Disclosed are methods, and associated systems comprising processors, input devices and output devices, of detecting regions of interest in a tomographic breast image. The methods may comprise: acquiring tomographic breast image data; deriving a plurality of synthetic sub-volumes from the tomographic breast image data; wherein each subvolume is defined by parallel planar top and bottom surfaces; wherein planar top and bottom surfaces of successive subvolumes are parallel to each other; and wherein a top planar surface of a sub-volume is offset from a top planar surface of a prior sub-volume, such that successive sub-volumes overlap; for each sub-volume, deriving a two-dimensional image; for each two-dimensional image, identifying regions of interest therein; deriving at least one region of interest of potential clinical interest from a plurality of identified regions of interest; and outputting information associated with at least one derived region of interest of potential clinical interest. |
| US08634611B2 |
Report generation support apparatus, report generation support system, and medical image referring apparatus
A first display displays a medical image based on medical image data. A second display displays a generation screen for generating a string of a medical imaging report. A display controller causes the first display and the second display to display images. An operation part is for operating a pointer displayed on the first display and the second display. An annotation generator receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the first display by using the pointer, and attaches sign data representing a position specification sign to the medical image data. An address information acquiring part acquires address information for reading out the medical image data to which the sign data is attached. A linking part links the address information to a link object such as a string designated by using the pointer and displayed on the generation screen displayed on the second display. |
| US08634608B2 |
Instantaneous visualization of contrast agent concentration in imaging applications
An embodiment of a system is proposed for imaging a body part including a tissue, the body part being perfused with a contrast agent. The system includes means for providing a sequence of original images offering a digital representation over time of the body-part, each original image including a plurality of original values each one indicative of a response to an interrogation signal of a corresponding location of the body-part possibly including the contrast agent with a contribution of the tissue substantially reduced. The system further includes means for generating an overlaid image for each one of a set of selected original images, for each one of a set of selected locations the overlaid image including an overlaid value consisting of a) a linearized value derived from the corresponding original value to be substantially proportional to a concentration of the contrast agent in the selected location when the linearized value reaches a predefined threshold, or otherwise b) a compressed value depending non-linearly on the corresponding response to the interrogation signal; and means for displaying the overlaid images in succession. |
| US08634605B2 |
Sequential image alignment
A method for reading fingerprints is disclosed. The method comprises acquiring images of a fingerprint from a finger upon relative movement between the finger and an image sensor; selecting lines from said acquired images representing a new area of said fingerprint; determining composition parameters for each selected line: and storing said composition parameters and said selected lines such that a composite image comprising said selected lines is composabte. A corresponding fingerprint reading apparatus, a device, and a computer program are also disclosed. |
| US08634600B2 |
Extracting method and apparatus of blood vessel crossing/branching portion
It is an object of the invention to provide a method of extracting a crossing/branching portion of a blood vessel from a fundus image of the eye at a high probability. The crossing/branching portion of the blood vessel is extracted from the fundus image under such conditions that three or more blood vessels run on an outer circumferential portion of an extraction candidate region and that a coordinate average of a plurality of blood vessels in the outer circumferential portion exists in a center portion of the extraction candidate region. |
| US08634597B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing personal content
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, obtaining first personal content associated with a first mobile communication device, obtaining recognition information associated with a target individual where the recognition information is associated with at least one of images of the target individual and audio of the target individual, obtaining second personal content associated with the first mobile communication device, and performing recognition analysis on the second personal content using the recognition information to detect the target individual being present in second images of the second personal content, where a communication device associated with the target individual is provided with access to the second images. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08634594B2 |
Method and apparatus for capturing, geolocating and measuring oblique images
A computerized system for displaying and making measurements based upon captured oblique images. The system includes a computer system executing image display and analysis software reading an oblique image having corresponding geo-location data and a data table storing ground plane data, the ground plane data comprising a plurality of facets within an area depicted within the oblique image, the facets having a plurality of elevation data that conforms to at least a portion of terrain depicted within the oblique image; wherein the computer system displays the oblique image, receives a starting point and an end point selected by the user, where one or both points may be above the terrain, and calculates a height difference between the starting and end points dependent upon the geo-location data and the elevation data of a facet of the ground plane data. |
| US08634593B2 |
Pixel-based texture-less clear path detection
A method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle utilizing analysis of a plurality of images generated by a camera device located upon the vehicle includes monitoring the images wherein each image comprises a plurality of pixels, utilizing a texture-less processing scheme to analyze the images including filtering the image to separate portions of the image indicating a clear surface upon which a potential road surface can be estimated from other portions of the image that do not indicate a potential road surface. The clear path is determined based upon the clear surface and the clear path is utilized to operate the vehicle. |
| US08634585B2 |
Wearable audio cable management system
A pocket on the garment is configured to store an audio playback device. A device dock is associated with the pocket. The device dock includes an audio connector connectable to the audio playback device. A jack dock is on the garment. The jack dock includes a headphone jack configured to connect to a headphone. An elongated stretchable textile data/power bus is integrated with the garment between the device dock and the jack dock. |
| US08634584B2 |
Earphone
There is provided an earphone having a click unit for clicking on or to a housing of the earphone. The click unit has an ear pad and a fitment. The fitment has a first end and a second end, wherein the ear pad can be fitted on to the second end. The first end of the fitment has at least one spring element. |
| US08634582B2 |
Hearing aid with an elongate member
A hearing aid includes a housing for accommodation of a signal processor for processing an audio signal into a processed audio signal compensating a hearing loss, and a receiver that is connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the processed audio signal into a sound signal, wherein the housing is configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user without obstructing the ear canal, thereby leaving a passageway between a part of an ear canal wall and a part of the housing so that sound waves can escape from behind the housing through the passageway to surroundings of the user, the housing having an output port for emission of sound towards an eardrum of the user when inserted in the ear canal, and wherein the housing is coupled to an elongate member, which is configured to be placed in a pinna and outside the ear canal of the user for retention of the housing in the ear canal. |
| US08634574B2 |
Sound transmitting device
A device for transmitting engine sound into an interior of a motor vehicle includes a sound transmission line having a first end in acoustic communication with an air intake tract and a second end arranged to direct engine sound towards the motor vehicle interior. A sound transmitting porous media is arranged in-line with said sound transmission line and restricts airflow wherein the porous media such that airflow in the sound transmission line is required to pass through said porous media. |
| US08634572B2 |
Method and apparatus for ambient sound therapy user interface and control system
Method and apparatus comprising a method of recording natural sounds with a matched microphone array, recording the signal on a high resolution recording device including creating an audio bed, and playing back the recording on a tuned playback system. The method and apparatus is used to create or duplicate an ambient sound space for ambient therapy. |
| US08634570B2 |
Sound monitor
An electronic sound monitor for use as a stethoscope, a signal treatment and a method for treating the signals using the monitor. The sound monitor includes at least one transducer for transforming vibrations to electrical signals, a filtering, A/D- and D/A-converter, amplifier, a processor, a sound chamber in which at least one transducer for transforming electrical signals to sound is arranged, and a sound channel opening into the sound chamber. The sound channel being adapted to forward the sound from the sound chamber through an opening connecting the sound channel with the ambient air. |
| US08634569B2 |
Systems and methods for echo cancellation and echo suppression
Traditionally, echo cancellation has employed linear adaptive filters to cancel echoes in a two way communication system. The rate of adaptation is often dynamic and varies over time. Disclosed are novel rates of adaptation that perform well in the presence of background noise, during double talk and with echo path changes. Additionally, the echo or residual echo can further be suppressed with non-linear processing performed using joint frequency-time domain processing. |
| US08634567B2 |
Method of automatically fitting hearing aid
Provided is a method of automatically fitting a hearing aid. The method includes entering the audiogram of a test subject, defining criterion gains and SSPLs based on installed criterion gains and SSPLs according to the test subject's audiogram, generating sounds from automatic fitting device, measuring the sounds using probe microphone inserted in external earcanal, adjusting the criterion gain and SSPLs of the hearing aids based on differences between output sound amplitude and measured sound amplitude, and saving the changed values to the hearing aids automatically, in a state in which the hearing aid is worn by a test subject. |
| US08634565B2 |
Audio signal processing apparatus, audio signal processing method, and program
An audio signal processing apparatus includes a tapping detection unit to which an audio signal picked up by a microphone is input and that detects a tapping input operation on the basis of an energy increase/decrease determination process for making a determination as to whether an increase and a decrease of an energy level of low-frequency components of the audio signal occur within a first time period; and a control unit that performs a certain control process that is set for a tapping input operation in response to a tapping input operation being detected by the tapping detection unit. |
| US08634562B2 |
Secure interface for versatile key derivation function support
Improper re-use of a static Diffie-Hellman (DH) private key may leak information about the key. The leakage is prevented by a key derivation function (KDF), but standards do not agree on key derivation functions. The module for performing a DH private key operation must somehow support multiple different KDF standards. The present invention provides an intermediate approach that neither attempts to implement all possible KDF operations, nor provide unprotected access to the raw DH private key operation. Instead, the module performs parts of the KDF operation, as indicated by the application using the module. This saves the module from implementing the entire KDF for each KDF needed. Instead, the module implements only re-usable parts that are common to most KDFs. Furthermore, when new KDFs are required, the module may be able to support them if they built on the parts that the module has implemented. |
| US08634556B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method
This invention allows connection of an apparatus with a low security level without lowering the security level of a network even when such apparatus issues a connection request. This invention is directed to an access point which makes wireless communications with a station using an encryption method (AES). Upon reception of a connection request message including information indicating an encryption method (WEP) that can be used by a station, the access point checks if the encryption method (WEP) recognized based on the received connection request message is different from the encryption method (AES). When it is determined that the two encryption methods are different, the access point launches a controller which makes wireless communications with the station using that encryption method (WEP). |
| US08634555B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
A content providing system includes: a server which provides to a host apparatus a first encrypted content including an encrypted area having applied thereto a replacement key; a host apparatus which receives the first encrypted content and replacement key application area information indicating the encrypted area having applied thereto the replacement key from the server; and a data storage device which receives the replacement key from the server and an individual key set in terms of content distribution processing from the server and performs key replacement processing for changing the replacement key application area of the first encrypted content to an encrypted area by the individual key to store a second encrypted content after the key replacement processing in a data recording area. |
| US08634552B2 |
System and method for using a streaming protocol
An initialization vector (IV) is employed to decrypt a block of a stream that has been encrypted with Cypher Block Chaining (CBC) encryption, without requiring decryption of previous blocks within the stream. For example, a listener who accesses a distribution point to retrieve encrypted content authenticates himself to an application server that regulates access to encrypted content on the distribution point, and responsively receives a key. The listener then requests access to a reference point within the encrypted content stream somewhere after its beginning (e.g., using preview clips). The distribution point relates the reference point to a corresponding block of the encrypted stream, and identifies an IV previously used for encryption of that block. The distribution point provides the associated encrypted block of content and the IV to the listener to enable mid-stream rendering of the encrypted content, without requiring the listener to decrypt previous blocks within the encrypted stream. |
| US08634549B2 |
Ciphertext key chaining
Some embodiments of a method and apparatus for encrypting and decrypting data have been presented. In one embodiment, a current key is generated from a prior ciphertext block and another key, which may include a prior key used to encipher the prior ciphertext block or an initialization vector. Then a current plaintext block is enciphered using the current key to generate a current ciphertext block. |
| US08634546B2 |
Signal processing device, echo canceller, and signal processing method
If K=4N, wherein K is a number of subbands and N is a decimation ratio, an analysis filter process unit 21 is used to perform an analysis filter process for every N samples of real-valued input data and output K samples of real-valued data. A GDFT/SSB modulation batch process unit (81) performs a GDFT process and an SSB modulation process on the outputted data by using a real-valued matrix calculation using a (K/2)×K real-valued matrix to output 1 sample×(K/2) channel of real-valued subbands data. Moreover, an SSB demodulation/inverse GDFT batch process unit (82) performs an SSB demodulation process and an inverse GDFT process on 1 sample×(K/2) channel of real-valued subbands data by a real-valued matrix calculation using a K×(K/2) real-valued matrix and outputs K samples of real-valued data. The outputted data is subjected to a synthesis filter process by a synthesis filter process unit (24) to output N samples of real-valued data. |
| US08634544B2 |
Route select service
Methods and devices for providing an improved call setup in a telephony network are provided. In at least one embodiment, a telephony terminal sends a call route select request to a call route select server. The call route select server determines a preferred call route from the telephony terminal to the called destination and sends a call route select response to the telephony terminal. The call route select response comprises information on how to setup the call. |
| US08634543B2 |
One-to-one matching in a contact center
A queueless contact center is described along with various methods and mechanisms for administering the same. The contact center proposed herein provides the ability to, among other things, achieve true one-to-one matching. Solutions are also provided for managing data structures utilized by the queueless contact center. Furthermore, mechanisms for generating traditional queue-based performance views and metrics for the queueless contact center are proposed to help facilitate a smooth transition from traditional queue-based contact centers to the next generation contact centers described herein. |
| US08634539B2 |
Tool and method for managed support services for PCs and other networked devices
An application that resides on a subscriber PC with a constantly updated back-end knowledge base provides solutions to specific problems. The resident application, termed Computer Health and Performance Check (“CHPC”), performs preventative maintenance tasks on the subscriber's PC, such as checking for adware/spyware, viruses, determining whether the disk needs to be defragmented, and the like. In its various embodiments, the system includes a client-side resident PC diagnostic and health performance check tool that is used in conjunction with live customer assistance to provide in-home managed PC support services. Additionally, or in the alternative, customer support is automated with a knowledge base. The system supports VoIP SIP clients to automate and set up certain features. |
| US08634529B2 |
Services related to conference calls
An improved conference calling system that operates to correlate a conference call with other conference calls, along with collateral information pertinent to the conference call, and deliver the correlated information to conference call participants or other entities. When setting up a conference call, a reservation system interface enables a user to not only schedule the conference call, but to also enter information that can be used to (a) correlate the instance conference call with previous or future conference calls, (b) set up for the recordation of the conference call, (c) set up for the delivery of the recorded conference call through one or more media channels, and (d) provide the recorded conference call as well as any related collateral and correlated conference calls to various parties. |
| US08634528B2 |
System and method for control of communications connections and notifications
A method and system for selectively establishing a communications connection between an origin and destination in a communications network based on one or mediations rules and one or more lists of prohibited and exempted destination identifiers including preferences either in real-time using a control unit or with a pre-check using an analysis unit while also providing notification messages associated with the allowed or designated allowed communications connections. |
| US08634516B2 |
Energy subtraction imaging system, X-ray imaging apparatus, and computer readable recording medium
An energy subtraction radiographic imaging system for providing energy subtraction images of an object includes an X-ray radiation source configured to generate X-rays having various energy levels transmitting through the object, a radiation imaging apparatus configured to operate in association with operation of the X-ray radiation source for receiving X-rays transmitted through the object, the radiation imaging apparatus including a first imaging device, a second imaging device and an attenuating element disposed between said first imaging device and the second imaging device, the attenuating element configured to substantially absorb the X-rays at lower energy levels and substantially allowing transmission of the X-rays at higher energy levels so that said second imaging device substantially receives the X-rays at higher energy levels. |
| US08634514B2 |
Criticality prevention devices and methods in nuclear fuel production
The invention concerns a vessel for processing, transfer, accumulation and/or transfer of material containing civilian or military origin plutonium, in the form of plutonium oxide, carbide and/or nitride. The plutonium is preferably present in a concentration not higher than a guaranteed maximum between 20 and 50% wt. in said material, possibly with other actinides such as americium, neptunium, or curium. Said material is preferably in form of powder, granulate and/or tablets. The vessel comprises a volume of 20 to 70 liters for containing said material, demarcated at least by two substantially parallel walls, these two walls being separated by a distance e between 8 and 15 cm. The invention concerns also an enclosure comprising analogous geometrically safe criticality-preventing means (bottom-catcher), a fuel production plant comprising a set of such vessels, preferably installed in a set of said enclosures, as well as a nuclear fuel production process carried out in a set of such vessels, preferably installed in a set of said enclosures. |
| US08634511B2 |
Digital phase frequency detector, digital phase locked loop including the same and method of detecting phase and frequency of output signal
A digital phase frequency detector includes a detection unit, a reset unit and a phase comparison unit. The detection unit detects edges of a reference signal and a feedback input signal to generate a reference edge signal and a feedback edge signal. The reset unit generates a reset signal resetting the detection unit based upon the reference edge signal and the feedback edge signal. The phase comparison unit generates first and second phase comparison signals based upon the reference edge signal and the feedback edge signal. The phase comparison unit includes a first flip-flop generating a first comparison signal based upon the reference edge signal and the feedback edge signal, a second flip-flop generating a second comparison signal based upon the reference edge signal and the feedback edge signal, and a latch block latching the first and second comparison signals to generate the first and second phase comparison signals. |
| US08634510B2 |
Full digital bang bang frequency detector with no data pattern dependency
A bang-bang frequency detector with no data pattern dependency is provided. In examples, the detector recovers a clock from received data, such as data having a non-return to zero (NRZ) format. A first bang-bang phase detector (BBPD) provides first phase information about a phase difference between a sample clock and the clock embedded in the received data. A second BBPD provides second phase information about a second phase difference between the clock embedded in the received data and a delayed version of the sample clock. A frequency difference between the sample clock and the clock embedded in the received data is determined based on the first and second phase differences. The frequency difference can be used to adjust the frequency of the sample clock. A lock detector can be coupled to a BBPD output to determine if the sample clock is locked to the clock embedded in the received data. |
| US08634509B2 |
Synchronized clock phase interpolator
A high-linearity Phase Interpolator based Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuit for use in a multi-standard Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) is provided. By interpolating at a high, fixed frequency for all supported data rates and then dividing the output clock down to the appropriately frequency for each standard, the Phase Interpolator can provide for maximum phase linearity while reducing its sensitivity to noise. |
| US08634506B2 |
Frequency calibration circuit for automatically calibrating frequency and method thereof
Generate a series of digital data according to a pair of differential signals received from a low speed universal serial bus. Calibrate coarsely a frequency of an oscillator according to a width of an end-of-packet of the series of digital data. And calibrate finely the frequency of the oscillator according to a width of a SYNC pattern of the series of digital data. |
| US08634503B2 |
Fast lock clock-data recovery for phase steps
A clock-data recovery system and method promotes fast adjustment to large phase changes in the incoming data signal. The system can include phase alignment circuitry, clock generator circuitry, time-to-digital converter circuitry, and sampling circuitry. The phase alignment circuitry uses the incoming data signal and a feedback clock signal to generate an output clock signal. The clock generator circuitry uses the output clock signal to generate base phase clock signals of different phases or polarities. The time-to-digital converter circuitry uses the base phase clock signals and the incoming data signal to generate the feedback clock signal. The time-to-digital converter circuitry bases the feedback clock signal on the base phase clock signal that is aligned more closely in phase with the incoming data signal than the other base phase clock signals. The sampling circuitry re-times or recovers the data signal using one or more of the base phase clock signals. |
| US08634502B2 |
Receiver with asynchronous and synchronous demodulator
A receiver circuit includes an asynchronous demodulator having a demodulator input to receive a first signal and a demodulator output configured to provide a demodulated signal. The receiver circuit further includes a circuit, a multiplexer, and a synchronous demodulator. The modulator circuit includes a modulator input coupled to the demodulator output and includes a modulator output. The modulator re-modulates the demodulated signal to produce a second signal and provides the second signal to the modulator output. The multiplexer includes a first input to receive the first signal, a second input coupled to the modulator output to receive the second signal, a control input to a receive a select signal, and a multiplexer output. The synchronous demodulator includes an input coupled to the multiplexer output and an output to provide a demodulated output signal corresponding to a selected one of the first signal and the second signal. |
| US08634500B2 |
Direct feedback equalization with dynamic referencing
A receiver circuit includes a first slicer coupled to receive data signals from a signal path and a reference voltage from a reference voltage path that is separate from the signal path. The first slicer is configured output a logic value based on a comparison between a voltage of the data signal and the reference voltage. The receiver circuit further includes a reference voltage generator configured to generate the reference voltage. The reference voltage generator is configured to dynamically generate the reference voltage based on logic values of previously received signals during operation in a first mode. During operation in a second mode, the reference voltage generator is configured to generate and provide the reference voltage as a static voltage. |
| US08634497B2 |
Digital broadcast transmission and receiving system having an improved receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcast transmitter comprising: a randomizer to receive a data stream of which stuff bytes are inserted into a specified position and to randomize the received data stream; a stuff-byte exchange unit to generate known data having a predefined pattern and to insert the known data into the specified position of the data stream into which the stuff bytes are inserted; an encoder to encode the data stream output from the stuff-byte exchange unit for an error correction; and a modulator and RF converter to modulate the encoded data stream, RF-convert the modulated data stream and transmit the RF-converted data. |
| US08634491B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing the contribution of noise to digitally sampled signals
A method and apparatus for reducing the contribution of noise to digitally sampled signals includes a statistical processor and a slope limiter. The statistical processor determines an average value (mean and/or standard deviation) of the filtered signal which is used to determine a slope limit corresponding to an expected maximum first derivative value of a target signal frequency. This slope limit is applied to constrain the output of an analog to digital converter, to prevent the output of the analog to digital converter from exceeding this maximum rate of rise or fall. By constraining the output of the analog to digital converter, it is possible to digitally sample analog signals without first utilizing an anti-aliasing filter, since the post processing of the digitally sampled signals limits the contribution of the higher frequency components of the signal to thereby enable a fully digital sampling and filtering circuit to be provided for receiving signals. |
| US08634490B2 |
Techniques for detection of signals in multiple-input multiple-output communication systems
A receiver of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system performs QR decomposition of the channel matrix to enable detection of a transmitted vector in a layered manner. In each layer, a sub-vector of the transmitted vector is estimated. A reactive tabu search is performed if an estimated symbol differs from a nearest symbol in the alphabet by a predetermined value. The receiver may order the entries of the channel matrix prior to QR decomposition to enable estimation in an optimum order. In another embodiment, a receiver performs multiple reactive tabu searches to estimate a transmitted vector. The receiver employs a fixed threshold or a variable threshold for a cost function used in the multiple reactive tabu searches depending on whether the MIMO system is under-determined or not. The techniques enable low bit-error rate (BER) performance in MIMO systems with large number of antennas and when higher-order modulation techniques are used. |
| US08634487B2 |
Method and system for diversity and mask matching in channel estimation in OFDM communication networks using circular convolution
A mobile device in an OFDM system receives an OFDM signal comprising RS tones and data OFDM symbols. The received RS tones are extracted for channel estimation using a masking operation. Masking parameters are determined by matching channel time variance using corresponding time domain samples of the extracted RS tones. As approximated channel impulse responses of transmission channels, the time samples are masked to perform the channel estimation. The channel time variance comprising inter-carrier interference and delay spread are measured, respectively. A mean of differences in power between neighbor adjacent subcarriers of the extracted RS tones is used for the inter-carrier interference measurement. The delay spread measurement such as root-mean-squared (RMS) delay spread is calculated using the approximated channel impulse responses. Masking parameters are determined based on the inter-carrier measurement and the RMS-DS measurement for generating channel estimates by masking the approximated channel impulse responses. |
| US08634486B2 |
Signal receiving apparatus, signal receiving method and signal receiving program
A signal receiving apparatus includes: a processing unit configured to carry out Fourier transform on Fourier-transform data serving as a Fourier-transform object and carry out Fourier transform on inverse-Fourier-transform data serving as an inverse-Fourier-transform object; and a control unit configured to output pieces of data obtained as a result of the Fourier transform carried out on the Fourier-transform data in an order, in which the pieces of data have been obtained, in a process of outputting the pieces of data and output other pieces of data obtained as a result of the Fourier transform carried out on the inverse-Fourier transform data by rearranging the other pieces of data in a process of outputting the other pieces of data. |
| US08634485B2 |
Fast resynchronization for reception in time slicing
A method and an apparatus for achieving fast resynchronization of received signals in a time slice in DVB-T/H systems. When the clock drift is low, the location of the symbol window can be decided based on a previous time slice. When the clock drift is high and when there are large delay spreads, the location of the symbol window can be decided based on the detected scattered pilot positions. The placement of the symbol window can further be enhanced through processing of the received TPS bits. |
| US08634484B2 |
Method for suppression of OFDM energy spectral density for minimization of out of band emission or utilization of fractured spectrum
The Energy spectral density of OFDM signals inherently rolls off slowly. Slow OFDM spectral rolloff has system level implications traditionally mitigated by some combination of the following: addition of bandlimiting filtering; use of significant guard bands of zeroed tones; and, guard time shaping. Each of these techniques negatively impact system performance and/or flexibility. This application presents a methodology for active cancellation of out of band spectral energy. The technique can be used by itself or in conjunction with above traditional methods to help control out of band emission. Examples of the use of the new technique are provided. Computational cost of the new technique is also discussed. |
| US08634483B1 |
Operating environment based wireless communication devices and methods
A wireless communication device includes a medium access control device, a first module and a second module. The medium access control device is configured to determine a first parameter based on a condition of a channel. The wireless communication device communicates, via the channel, with a device separate from the wireless communication device. The first module is configured to, based on the first parameter, determine whether an operating environment of the wireless communication device is a rich-scattering environment or a line of sight environment. The second module is configured to adjust a second parameter of the wireless communication device based on the operating environment as determined by the first module. The second parameter is different than the first parameter. |
| US08634481B1 |
Feedback technique for wireless systems with multiple transmit and receive antennas
In a wireless communication system using multiple antennas at the transmitter and multiple antennas at the receiver, a so called multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, a substantial improvement in capacity over the case of no feedback can be achieved using considerably less bandwidth than is required to feedback the channel estimate or channel statistics, by supplying as feedback for each data substream of an overall data stream an indicator of a rate and/or an indicator of a gain for transmission of that data substream. The indicator of the rate and/or the indicator of the gain may be the rate and/or gain directly or an encoded representation of the rate and/or gain. Typically, the best performance is achieved if indicators of both the rate and the gain are fed back. If the invention is implemented for wireless systems, then typically for each data substream there is a separate, independent antenna. The rate and the gain are computed as a function of a channel estimate which is developed at the receiver. Advantageously, the transmitter may employ only one-dimensional data coding for each of the data substreams. |
| US08634480B2 |
Signal transmission arrangement with a transformer and signal transmission method
In accordance with an embodiment, a sender circuit is configured to be coupled to a receiver circuit via a first transmission channel, and generate a drive signal dependent on a data input signal received by the sender circuit and dependent on at least one drive signal generation parameter. The sender circuit is further configured to adjust the at least one drive signal generation parameter dependent on a feedback signal received at a second input. |
| US08634477B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission/reception system utilizing SRS and TRS code to improve receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcasting transmission and/or reception system having an improved reception performance and a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a TRS encoder for to TRS-encode an MPEG-2 transmission stream having null data for inserting an SRS data and a TRS parity at predetermined positions, randomizer to input and randomize data stream from the TRS encoder, a SRS exchanger to replace the null data for inserting the SRS data to the known data, and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the Known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization and further uses the TRS parity for correcting error of the received signal, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels. |
| US08634476B2 |
High definition camera
A camera includes a high definition (HD) imager with a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphic processing unit (GPU) including a plurality of processors therein; a wide area network (WAN) transceiver coupling the imager, the CPU or the GPU to a computer cloud with a cloud data storage device; and computer code executable by the processors in the GPU to encode and communicate an image or video to a cloud data storage device for sharing on Skype or a social network. |
| US08634475B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding/encoding a video signal using a reference picture list for inter-view prediction
The method includes receiving a multi-view video stream including a random access picture, which includes a random access slice. The random access slice references only a slice corresponding to a same time and a different view of the random access picture. Type information indicating whether the random access slice is predicted from one or two reference pictures is obtained, and a reference picture list is initialized using view number information and view identification information included in obtained initialization information according to the type information. The initialization information is obtained based on a value indicating decoding order between the plurality of views. The initialized reference picture list is modified based on modification information representing how to assign an inter-view reference index in the initialized reference picture list. A prediction value of a macroblock in the random access picture is determined based on the modified reference picture list, and the macroblock is decoded using the prediction value. |
| US08634470B2 |
Multimedia decoding method and multimedia decoding apparatus based on multi-core processor
Provided are a multimedia decoding method and multimedia decoding apparatus based on a multi-core platform including a central processor and a plurality of operation processors. The multimedia decoding method includes performing a queue generation operation on input multimedia data to generate queues of one or more operations of the multimedia data which are to be performed by the central processor and the operation processors, wherein the queue generation operation is performed by the central processor; performing motion compensation operations on partitioned data regions of the multimedia data by one or more motion compensation processors among the operation processors; and performing a deblocking operation on the multimedia data by a deblocking processor among the operation processors. |
| US08634469B2 |
Method and apparatus for reusing available motion information as a motion estimation predictor for video encoding
There are provided a method and apparatus for reusing available motion information as a motion estimation predictor for video encoding. The apparatus includes an encoder for encoding an image block by determining a motion estimation predictor for the image block using motion information previously generated from an element other than the encoder, and using the motion estimation predictor in a motion estimation process to generate a motion vector for the image block. The motion estimation predictor is used in place of at least one predictor otherwise used in the motion estimation process. The at least one predictor is any of a search window predictor, a temporal predictor, and a block type predictor. |
| US08634463B2 |
Apparatus and method of enhanced frame interpolation in video compression
Aspects include systems and methods of improving processing in an encoder in a multimedia transmission system. Other aspects include method and systems of processing in a decoder in a multimedia transmission system. For example, one aspect includes a method and apparatus of reduced encoding size in an encoder by encoding in terms of an interpolated frame. Other aspects include decoders configured to decode video signals encoded with reference to an interpolated frame. |
| US08634462B2 |
Quantization for hybrid video coding
Method for coding a video signal using hybrid coding, comprising: reducing temporal redundancy by block based motion compensated prediction in order to establish a prediction error signal; performing quantization on samples of the prediction error signal or on coefficients resulting from a transformation of the prediction error signal into the frequency domain to obtain quantized values, representing quantized samples or quantized coefficients respectively; calculating a quantization efficiency for the quantized values; calculating a zero efficiency for a quantization, when the quantized values are set to zero; selecting the higher efficiency; and maintaining the quantized values or setting quantized values to zero, for further proceeding, depending on the selected efficiency. |
| US08634460B2 |
Method and apparatus for coding image information, method and apparatus for decoding image information, method and apparatus for coding and decoding image information, and system of coding and transmitting image information
A decoding method decodes a bit stream in an image decoding apparatus. The method includes decoding, in a decoding unit in the image decoding apparatus, the bit stream, and generating a luma component of quantized coefficients and a chroma component of quantized coefficients. The method also includes performing, in a dequantization unit in the image decoding apparatus, dequantization on the luma component of quantized coefficients and the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation. |
| US08634454B2 |
Receiver circuit, method of adjusting offset, and transmission/reception system
A receiver circuit includes: an equalization circuit that equalizes a first signal to obtain a second signal, and adjusts a characteristic of an equalization in accordance with an error between the second signal and a third signal; and a first offset adjustment circuit that adjusts an offset of the first signal in accordance with an error signal indicating the error. |
| US08634451B1 |
MIMO-OFDM receiver processing
A device includes circuitry configured to receive orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols of a training sequence, and circuitry configured to correlate training samples of the OFDM symbols to determine a frequency offset and configured to provide the determined frequency offset to perform frequency offset compensation for at least one multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO)-OFDM frame to correct samples of training symbols in the at least one MIMO-OFDM frame. The correlated training samples correspond to a number of receive antennas through which the training sequence was received. |
| US08634450B2 |
Adaptive error correcting code for data communications over a plastic optical fibre
An efficient coding and modulation system for transmission of digital data over plastic optical fibers is disclosed. The digital signal is coded by a three-level coset coding. The spectral efficiency of the system is configurable by selecting the number of bits to be processed in each of the levels. The first level applies to the digital data a binary BCH coding and performs coset partitioning by constellation mapping and lattice transformations. Similarly, second level applies another binary BCH coding, which may be performed selectably in accordance with the desired configuration by two BCH codes with substantially the same coding rate, operating on codewords of different sizes. The third level is uncoded. The second and third levels undergo mapping and lattice transformation. After an addition of the levels, a second-stage lattice transformation is performed to obtain a zero-mean constellation. The symbols output from such three-level coset coder are then further modulated. |
| US08634449B2 |
Systems and methods for establishing a diagnostic transmission mode and communicating over the same
Upon detection of a trigger, such as the exceeding of an error threshold or the direction of a user, a diagnostic link system enters a diagnostic information transmission mode. This diagnostic information transmission mode allows for two modems to exchange diagnostic and/or test information that may not otherwise be exchangeable during normal communication. The diagnostic information transmission mode is initiated by transmitting an initiate diagnostic link mode message to a receiving modem accompanied by a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The receiving modem determines, based on the CRC, if a robust communications channel is present. If a robust communications channel is present, the two modems can initiate exchange of the diagnostic and/or test information. Otherwise, the transmission power of the transmitting modem is increased and the initiate diagnostic link mode message re-transmitted to the receiving modem until the CRC is determined to be correct. |
| US08634442B1 |
Optical device structure using GaN substrates for laser applications
An optical device includes a gallium nitride substrate member having an m-plane nonpolar crystalline surface region characterized by an orientation of about −1 degree towards (000-1) and less than about +/−0.3 degrees towards (11-20). The device also has a laser stripe region formed overlying a portion of the m-plane nonpolar crystalline orientation surface region. In a preferred embodiment, the laser stripe region is characterized by a cavity orientation that is substantially parallel to the c-direction, the laser stripe region having a first end and a second end. The device includes a first cleaved c-face facet, which is coated, provided on the first end of the laser stripe region. The device also has a second cleaved c-face facet, which is exposed, provided on the second end of the laser stripe region. |
| US08634434B2 |
Message routing in wireless mesh networks
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses related to the routing of communications in a wireless mesh network so as to provide improved range, reliability and/or throughput. At least some aspects of the techniques and apparatuses can be implemented in an intermediary node (relay node) on a wireless mesh network. The relay node and other devices on the wireless network may implement a form of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, such as multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). The devices on the network can communicate in accordance with IEEE standard 802.11. |
| US08634431B1 |
Quality of service and flow control architecture for a passive optical network
In controlling data packet transmission for a passive optical network, a controller provides memory access and flow control of packet data from a host memory to an external optical network device, such as an optical line termination, optical network unit, or optical network termination. The controller is programmed to control packet data flow through the transmission buffer by resizing the transmission buffer to compensate for increases or decreases in bandwidth demand. For example, the transmission buffer may include a plurality of FIFOs, each of a different transmission container type and each capable of having a different bandwidth allocation, which allocation is changed by the controller in response any one of the FIFO's usage levels increasing above a high threshold or decreasing below a low threshold. |
| US08634429B2 |
Communication system and method
An apparatus comprising a wireless modem for use at a terminal, the modem being adapted to connect to the terminal via a first connection, and to connect via a second, wireless connection to a gateway between a wireless cellular network and a further, packet-based network. The modem is operable to connect to the gateway via the second connection using a point-to-point link protocol that does not require a physical address for the gateway, and is operable to connect to the host terminal via the first connection using a point-to-multipoint link protocol that supports point-to-multipoint connection and does require a physical address for the gateway. The modem is configured to intercept a message being conveyed between the gateway and the terminal, to generate a substitute address that identifies an interface of the modem, and in response to intercepting the message to communicate the substitute address to the terminal. |
| US08634428B2 |
Method and system for symmetric routing
The present invention includes a method, a system, and a computer readable medium for establishing a connection between hosts in a computer network with the connection configured for symmetrical forward and reverse routing. The method uses the following steps. First, a first host local routing table to route a packet from a first host to a first gateway according to a routing protocol. Next, the first gateway local routing table routes the packet from the first gateway to a first access router. After that, a first access router local routing table routes the packet from the first access router to a second access router. Then, a second access router local routing table routes the packet from the second access router to a second gateway. Finally, a second gateway local routing table routes the packet from the second gateway router to a second host. |
| US08634427B2 |
Method for identifying network similarity by matching neighborhood topology
A method of computing a measure of similarity between nodes of first and second networks is described. In particular, sets of pairwise scores are computed to find nodes in the individual networks that are good matches to one another. Thus, a pairwise score, referred to as Rij, is computed for a node i in the first network and a node j in the second network. Similar pairwise scores are computed for each of the nodes in each network. The goal of this process is to identify node pairs that exhibit high Rij values. According to the technique described herein, the intuition is that nodes i and j are a good match if their neighbors are a good match. This technique produces a measure of “network similarity.” If node feature data also is available, the intuition may be expanded such that nodes i and j are considered a good match if their neighbors are a good match (network similarity) and their node features are a good match (node similarity). Node feature data typically is domain-specific. Using the similarity scores, a common subgraph between the first and second networks then can be computed. |
| US08634426B2 |
Transmission device with function of packetizing and transmitting
When multiple SDH/SONET frame are accumulated and then lower-order path information removed from multiple frames is multiplexed into the same packet to achieve better transmission efficiency during packetization, the delay for accumulating increases. Disclosed is a transmission device that packetizes an SDH/SONET lower-order path with timing which is an integer factor of 1 cycle of the SDH frame. In this case, the destination loads the same multiple lower-order path in one packet. The result is that delay time accompanying lower-order path packetization is kept to less than the time of 1 cycle of the SDH frame, and the efficiency with which lower-order paths are accommodated in packets is further increased. The result is that improved transmission efficiency is realized. |
| US08634425B2 |
Profile sharing across persona
The embodiments disclosed include a system and method for sharing services between service profiles on a single telecommunications device resulting in improved ease of access for a user who wishes to access services through different service profiles. The user can access services in multiple service profiles with a single device. In one embodiment, the techniques described below are enabled through a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”)-based next-generation network (“NGN”), such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (“IMS”) architecture. |
| US08634423B1 |
Determining a quality-of-service prior to registering a wireless device
Methods and media are provided for allowing WiMAX device users varying levels of Quality of Service (QoS) based on the network service provider ID (NSPID) present on the device. A user's authentication request can be routed based on the NSPID, thus ensuring certain prescribed QoS levels. The QoS level could be varied over time as requested by the user. Guarantee of the QoS levels can be accomplished by dedicating network resources, such as the number of servers, the quality of servers, or the bandwidth allocated. Utilizing the NSPID to route the user prior to authentication also improves latency time for user-authentication requests and improves traffic flow across the network by reducing the need to reroute. |
| US08634422B2 |
Prioritization techniques for quality of service packet transmission over a network lacking quality of service support at the media access control layer
This disclosure is directed to packet scheduling techniques for prioritizing packets in the first generation (1X) evolution data optimized (EV-DO) network or similar networks that do not provide quality of service (QoS) support at the media access control (MAC) level. The techniques make use of a plurality of prioritized queues that are organized into packet flows. The different packet flows associate packets having similar or identical radio link protocols (RLPs) in order to achieve the necessary error detection for such related packets. The different queues define packet priorities base on packet type, in order to give transmission priority to certain types of packets over other types of packets. By separating the packets into different prioritized queues and associating several queues into common packet flows, prioritization can be achieved along with an efficient implementation of different error detection schemes. |
| US08634416B2 |
Receiving apparatus for digital broadcasting signal and receiving/recording/reproducing apparatus thereof
In a digital broadcasting signal receiving/recording/reproducing apparatus, a recorded program can be immediately reproduced without performing complicated operations. Only a desired program and information related to the desired program are separated to be extracted from the digital broadcasting signal. Then, the separated/extracted broadcasting signal is supplied to a recording/reproducing apparatus. In the recording/reproducing apparatus, the supplied broadcasting signal is recorded, and the recorded program can be immediately reproduced without complicated manipulating operations during the signal reproducing operation. |
| US08634415B2 |
Method and system for routing network traffic for a blade server
A system and method for routing network traffic for a blade server chassis, involving receiving a packet by a network express manager (NEM); obtaining the L2 address, the L3 address, and the L4 address from the packet; obtaining a first mapping that associates the L2 address with a network function; obtaining a second mapping that associates the network function with a configuration; generating a key based on the network function, the L3 address, and the L4 address; obtaining a third mapping that associates the key with a policy; making a determination to transmit the packet based on the policy; based on the determination, selecting a direct memory access (DMA) engine for transmitting the packet based on the configuration; and based on the determination, transmitting the packet to a blade using the DMA engine and the network function. |
| US08634414B2 |
Modular digital processing system for telecommunications satellite payloads
A telecommunications satellite payload processing system having one or more identical generic integrated processor modules is provided. The number of integrated processor modules can be selected in accordance with the antenna and bandwidth characteristics of a specified mission uplink and downlink in relation to the characteristics of the integrated processor module. |
| US08634408B2 |
Single slot DTM for speech/data transmission
The present document relates to radio transmission. In particular, the present document relates to the single-slot dual transfer mode (DTM) available e.g. in GSM/GPRS/GERAN networks. A transmitter is described. The transmitter is configured to send circuit switched data over a traffic channel to a corresponding receiver, wherein the traffic channel is segmented into a plurality of frames. The transmitter if further configured to determine a vacant frame of the plurality of frames, wherein no circuit switched data is sent in the vacant frame due to discontinuous transmission; and to send packet switched data over the traffic channel using the vacant frame. |
| US08634403B2 |
Fast cell search
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate searches for a cell in a wireless communication environment. A mobile device can employ a searcher that can detect timing information respectively associated with PSCs and cells to determine the cell with the highest correlation. The searcher can detect SSCs, which can include detecting associated phase information, to determine the SSC with the highest correlation, CP length, and/or other information to facilitate identifying a desired cell having the strongest signal to establish communication between the mobile device and the desired cell. PSCs respectively associated with cells can have different positions in the symbol sequences, and SSCs can respectively be phase shifted at different angles to facilitate detection and identification of a cell(s), where a PSC can be utilized as a phase reference by the associated SSC. |
| US08634402B2 |
Distributed access point for IP based communications
An apparatus for Internet-Protocol based communications in a wireless network includes a network interface, a controller, and memory. The interface receives a series of multicast data packets. The controller identifies one or more receiving nodes in the wireless network requesting data corresponding to the series of multicast data packets and determines that the effective unicast rate for one or more unicast data packets exceeds a minimum data rate of the series of multicast data packets using an 802.x protocol. The memory stores instructions that may be executable by a processor. Upon execution of the instructions by a processor, the received series of multicast data packets is converted into one or more unicast packets, the execution and conversion occurring in response to instructions received from the controller. A system for Internet-Protocol based communications in a wireless network implements such an apparatus in the context of an access point. |
| US08634401B2 |
Method for data communication between a base station and a transponder
A method for data communication between a base station and at least one transponder by a high-frequency electromagnetic carrier signal is disclosed, onto which information packets are modulated, whereby each information packet has a header section, a middle section, and an end section and whereby the middle section has a data field for the transmission of data and/or address information and a protection field placed thereafter for the correction of errors in the transmission of the data and/or address information, whereby after the data field the base station inserts at least one control field, by which the protection field following the inserted control field can be changed in such a way that the duration of an information packet is set variably. The invention relates further to a base station for carrying out this method, to a data communication system containing a base station and at least one transponder in communicative wireless contact with the base station. |
| US08634398B2 |
Method and system for mapping HARQ-ACK bits
A subscriber station is provided. The subscriber station includes a transmit path circuitry to transmit uplink control information (UCI) in a subframe comprising one or more resource blocks, each resource block comprising S SC-FDM symbols. Each of the S symbols comprises N virtual subcarriers, and each subcarrier of each symbol comprises a resource element. The subscriber station also includes a UCI symbol allocator to allocate a first vector sequence of HARQ-ACK bits to a control region of each of four symbols of a resource block, the control region allocated for HARQ-ACK bits. The UCI symbol allocator also allocates a second vector sequence of HARQ-ACK bits to a control region of a fifth symbol of the resource block when a condition is met. The control region of the fifth symbol can be allocated for rank information (RI) bits. |
| US08634396B2 |
Methods, devices, systems, and computer program products for registration of multi-mode communications devices
A method of registering a multi mode communications device for service can include registering a multi-mode communications device by receiving and transmitting registration information over separate communications networks. |
| US08634395B2 |
Method of performing link adaptation procedure
A method of performing a link adaptation procedure for multi-user transmission in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system is provided. The method includes receiving a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) feedback request transmitted by an access point (AP) to a plurality of stations, estimating an MCS by considering a spatial stream corresponding to the MCS feedback request transmitted to the other stations, and transmitting an MCS feedback response comprising the estimated MCS to the AP. The link adaptation procedure can be performed by considering a wireless communication environment on a real time basis. |
| US08634393B2 |
Channel scanning in a network having one or more access points
Techniques are presented for channel scanning in a network having one or more access points. In one embodiment, a first frequency band is scanned to identify a first access point. A channel indicator is received from the first access point. A second frequency band is scanned based on the channel indicator, to identify a second access point. The second access point may be identified based on the channel indicator. |
| US08634388B2 |
Method for scheduling distributed virtual resource blocks
A method for transmitting downlink data using resource blocks at a base station in a wireless mobile communication system includes transmitting downlink data mapped to physical resource blocks (PRBs) to a user equipment, wherein indexes of virtual resource blocks (VRBs) are mapped to indexes of the PRBs for a first slot and a second slot of a subframe, and the indexes of the PRBs for the second slot are shifted with respect to the indexes of the PRBs for the first slot based on a predetermined gap, and wherein a predetermined offset is applied to an index of a PRB when the index of the PRB is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08634383B2 |
Method and apparatus for resolving paging monitoring conflicts in multimode wireless equipment
A multimode wireless access terminal is configured to operate in idle mode while registered with a plurality of radio access technologies, for example, a TD-SCDMA network and a WCDMA network, and monitor paging messages, with a reduced likelihood of paging conflicts and missed calls. If the paging conflict is seen at a particular cell, then a cell reselection to another cell may be utilized to change the cell and avoid the conflict. Because the probability of a paging conflict is small due to the short duration of paging indicator messages, the access terminal may have very infrequent paging indicator monitoring conflicts, and when conflicts actually do occur, it is very likely that the UE will find a neighbor cell without conflict. |
| US08634378B2 |
Method and apparatus for ranging in broadband wireless access communication system
An apparatus and operation method of a Mobile Station (MS) for ranging in a broadband wireless access communication system includes receiving information for ranging code hopping from a Base Station (BS). The MS determines a hopping offset value that is a start of a ranging codes group using the information for ranging code hopping. The MS also determines a ranging codes group using the hopping offset value, and randomly selects at least one or more ranging codes among the determined ranging codes group and transmitting the selected ranging codes to the BS. |
| US08634376B2 |
Method and system for multi-carrier packet communication with reduced overhead
A method and system for minimizing the control overhead in a multi-carrier wireless communication network that utilizes a time-frequency resource is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more zones in the time-frequency resource are designated for particular applications, such as a zone dedicated for voice-over-IP (VoIP) applications. By grouping applications of a similar type together within a zone, a reduction in the number of bits necessary for mapping a packet stream to a portion of the time-frequency resource can be achieved. In some embodiments, modular coding schemes associated with the packet streams may be selected that further reduce the amount of necessary control information. In some embodiments, packets may be classified for transmission in accordance with application type, QoS parameters, and other properties. In some embodiments, improved control messages may be constructed to facilitate the control process and minimize associated overhead. |
| US08634373B2 |
Method, and associated apparatus, for communicating data at reduced transmission latency in radio communication system having slotted interface
A method, and associated apparatus, facilitates the communication of data of a radio block by a sending station to a receiving station, within a single time frame. Communication resources are allocated within a single time frame across a plurality of radio carriers. And, the data corresponding to a radio block is scheduled for communication, and is communicated, within the single time frame. Reduced levels of latency relative to conventional operations is provided. |
| US08634372B2 |
Pilot signal transmission method and mobile communication system
A method of transmitting pilot signals for channel compensation in a mobile communication system is disclosed. In the disclosed method, a first pilot signal and a second pilot signal are time-division multiplexed together with a data signal of a user into a time-division multiplexed signal which data signal is assigned a certain bandwidth; the time-division multiplexed signal is frequency-division multiplexed together with time division multiplexed signals of other users when wirelessly transmitted; and the first pilot signal is assigned a bandwidth larger than the bandwidth of the data signal and the second pilot signal is assigned a bandwidth smaller than the bandwidth of the data signal. |
| US08634369B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling transmit power in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of controlling transmit power in a wireless communication system is provided. A wireless apparatus selects one transmit mode among a plurality of transmit modes, and determines the transmit power on the basis of the selected transmit mode. The wireless apparatus transmits an uplink channel by using the transmit power. |
| US08634367B2 |
System and method for allocating transmission resources
A method for wirelessly transmitting data and control information using a plurality of transmission layers includes determining a number of bits in one or more user data codewords to be transmitted during a subframe and calculating, for each of M control signals to be transmitted during the subframe, a value (Q′), based at least in part, on the number of bits in the one or more user data codewords, and an estimated number of user data vector symbols onto which the one or more user data codewords will be mapped. The estimate of the number of user data vector symbols for a particular one of the M control signals depends, at least in part, on a number of control vector symbols to be allocated to one or more others of the M control signals. The method also includes determining a number of control vector symbols onto which to map each of the M control signals based on a respective value Q′ calculated for that control signal, mapping the control signals for that control signal, and transmitting the control vector symbols. |
| US08634364B2 |
Semi-persistent scheduling grants in heterogeneous networks
Time division multiplexing (TDM) partitioning is one of the inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) mechanisms considered for a heterogeneous network (HetNet) ICIC in a co-channel deployment. For example, in subframes that are pre-allocated to an evolved Node B (eNB), neighbor eNBs may not transmit, hence interference experienced by served user equipments (UEs) may be reduced. Semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) grants may have various available periodicities, which may not be compatible with TDM partitioning. Therefore, a UE may miss an SPS opportunity that was scheduled for a subframe that was not usable by the UE. Hence, using SPS grants with small periodicities in a heterogeneous network with TDM partitioning may require changes which may include adjusting the periodicities of the SPS grants, rescheduling of uplink SPS messages based on resource partitioning information (RPI), and/or determining RPI based on current SPS grants. |
| US08634363B2 |
Method for processing CSI-RS in wireless communication system
A method for processing a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) in a wireless communication system based on a multiple access scheme is provided. The CSI-RS transmission method defines a plurality of CSI-RS patterns, assigns the CSI-RS patterns to individual cells, uses the CSI-RSs alternately per Physical Resource Block (PRB) so as to utilize the transmission powers of all antenna ports for transmitting CSI-RSs, transmits Coordinated Multi Point (CoMP) CSI-RSs and non-CoMP CSI-RSs separately, and mutes specific resources in association with the CSI-RS pattern of adjacent cells. |
| US08634362B2 |
Reference signals for multi-user MIMO communication
Methods and apparatuses are provided that facilitate generating sequences for transmitting reference signals (RS) based at least in part on a cell identifier or other parameters common for a plurality of cells. Where the plurality of cells provide similar joint uplink resources to a device in multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), the device can transmit a signal to the plurality of cells over the joint uplink resources. For RSs transmitted according to a sequence generated based on a cell specific identifier or other parameters, the device can utilize a cell identifier, or other parameters, common to the plurality of cells such that the plurality of cells can all decode the RSs. In this regard as well, the plurality of cells can each receive or generate the common cell identifier or other parameters to properly decode the RSs. |
| US08634360B2 |
Network-assisted cell access
Providing for access point assisted signal acquisition for heterogeneous access point wireless networks is described herein. By way of example, a closed subscriber group (CSG) base station, such as a home NodeB (HNB) can be configured to provide temporary, limited access to a UE that is not authorized to access the HNB. Upon receiving and rejecting an access probe, the HNB can negotiate with a surrounding macro network to provide service for the UE. Further, the HNB can forward signal acquisition data, to assist in proper decoding of pilot or synchronization signals of the macro network. In particular aspects, the HNB can reduce power or blank transmissions on reserved access resources to reduce interference for the UE. By these and other disclosed mechanisms, the HNB can assist a non-CSG subscriber to obtain network service, and mitigate interference effects due to proximity to the UE. |
| US08634358B2 |
Method and apparatus for multicarrier control in a wireless communication system
The described apparatus and methods may include a controller configured to generate a grant for at least one carrier for transmission on one of a plurality of carriers, and generate feedback for transmission on the one of the plurality of carriers. |
| US08634346B2 |
Dynamic gateway selection process
A selection mechanism and a selection process are disclosed that provide the selection of a network device based on defined criteria to allow efficient use of the network and load balancing. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving an initial attachment at a gateway including an identifier of a radio attachment point, obtaining a name for the radio attachment point based on the identifier, accessing a list of names of packet data network gateways (PGWs) that can serve the initial attachment to provide a network connection, comparing the name for the radio attachment point with the list of names of the PGWs to determine at least one PGW that provides a closest match to the name for the radio attachment point, and selecting at least one PGW that provides the closest match to establish the network connection. |
| US08634344B2 |
Dynamic internet protocol addressing solutions with network-based mobility
A media access gateway includes a wireless network interface, an address assignment module, a proxy mobility agent module, and a profile module. The wireless network interface establishes a link with a wireless terminal. The address assignment module receives an address request message, including a mobility signal, from the wireless terminal. The proxy mobility agent module selectively transmits a proxy binding update to a local mobility anchor, and receives a proxy binding acknowledgement. The address assignment module transmits an address assignment message to the wireless terminal in response to the mobility signal indicating support or preference for proxy mobility. The address assignment message is based on address information in the proxy binding acknowledgement. The profile module retrieves a profile for the wireless terminal from a server. The address assignment module selectively transmits a second address assignment message to the wireless terminal based on the address information in the profile. |
| US08634343B2 |
Communication system with improved QOS for multihop relay ink
A transmission method for use in a multi-hop wireless communication system is provided. The system uses a time-frequency format in assigning available transmission frequency bandwidth during a discrete transmission interval. The format defines transmission windows within an interval, each window occupying a part of that interval and having a frequency bandwidth profile, each said window being assignable for a transmission interval. The transmission windows include an initial control window for control information transmission and a relay window for transmission by a source apparatus to an intermediate apparatus. The relay window is defined as the last window in the discrete transmission interval assignable to the source apparatus for transmission. The method includes employing the format to assign the control window to a source apparatus and to an intermediate apparatus for control information transmission and to assign the relay window to the source apparatus for data transmission to the intermediate apparatus. |
| US08634337B2 |
Method for receiving control information and terminal device using the same
Disclosed are a method for receiving control information and a terminal device using the same. The terminal is able to receive a non-user-specific A-MAP IE of a specific sub-frame from a base station according as a broadcasting message is transmitted from the specific sub-frame, wherein the non-user-specific A-MAP IE includes an indicator showing that the non-user-specific A-MAP IE is configured in an extended form. The terminal can also obtain scheduling information based on the received indicator, wherein the scheduling information is configured by the type of the extended non-user-specific A-MAP IE. Then, the terminal is capable of decoding the broadcast message in a certain sub-frame based on the obtained scheduling information. |
| US08634336B2 |
Method for power saving in wireless local area network and apparatus for the same
A method of power saving in a wireless local area network is provided. The method, performed by a wireless device, includes acquiring TXOP (transmission opportunity) from access point (AP), the TXOP indicating an interval of time when the AP has the right to transmit at least one data block for multi user-multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) transmission, receiving a power saving indicator from the AP, the power saving indicator indicating whether the AP allows to enter doze state during the TXOP, and entering the doze state until the end of the TXOP if the power saving indicator indicates an allowance of entering the doze state. |
| US08634332B2 |
Using joint decoding engine in a wireless device
A method for using a joint decoding engine in a wireless device is disclosed. A first symbol stream and a second symbol stream in a received multiple input multiple output (MIMO) signal is determined. A scaled channel estimate for a wireless transmission channel and a scaled noise covariance of the MIMO signal are also determined. The scaled channel estimate and the first symbol stream are whitened. Max log maximum a posteriori (MLM) processing is performed on the whitened first symbol stream to produce a first data stream. The first data stream may be de-rate matched and decoded to produce a decoded first data stream. |
| US08634319B2 |
Method whereby a channel quality indicator is fed back by a terminal in a multiple-antenna wireless communication system, and a device therefor
Disclosed is a method whereby a channel quality indicator is fed back by a terminal in a multiple-antenna wireless communication system. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of: receiving reference signals corresponding to a plurality of data streams from a base station; using the reference signals to calculate a channel quality indicator; and transmitting the calculated channel quality indicator to the base station; and, in the step in which the channel quality indicator is calculated, the channel quality indicator is calculated under the assumption that at least one of the reference signals has been transmitted using wither the spatial-multiplexing technique or the transmit diversity technique, depending on the feedback setting of the terminal. |
| US08634317B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting packets
In a method for detecting a duplicate packet in a signal, the signal is received using a receiver. Carrier sense (CS) operations are performed on the received signal in at least each of two frequency bands. Clear channel assessment (CCA) operations are performed on the received signal in the at least each of two frequency bands. A determination whether the received signal corresponds to a packet duplicated in the at least two frequency bands is made based on the CS operations and the CCA operations. |
| US08634314B2 |
Reporting statistics on the health of a sensor node in a sensor network
In one embodiment, a method includes generating a set of statistics concerning a sensor node in a sensor network based on one or more of sensor data from a sensor at the sensor node, communication to the sensor node from one or more other sensor nodes in the sensor network, or communication from the sensor node; determining based on a subset of the set of statistics whether a predetermined anomalous event correlated with the subset has occurred; and, if the predetermined anomalous event has occurred, generating a summary of the subset and communicating it to a police node in the sensor network. |
| US08634310B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improved program acquisition for use with MPEG-2 based systems
Methods and apparatus for improved program acquisition for use with MPEG-2 based systems. In an aspect, a method includes receiving a program association table (PAT) associated with an MPEG-2 transport stream, and identifying program map tables (PMTs) included in the PAT. The method also includes caching the PMTs, receiving a request to present a program, determining if a PMT associated with the program has been cached, and acquiring the selected program using information from the cached PMT. An apparatus includes means for receiving a PAT associated with an MPEG-2 transport stream and means for identifying PMTs included in the PAT. The apparatus also includes means for caching the PMTs, means for receiving a request to present a program, means for determining if a PMT associated with the program has been cached, and means for acquiring the selected program using information from the cached PMT. |
| US08634309B2 |
Security network processor system and method
A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning data received from a computer network. Included is a central processing unit for processing data. Coupled between the central processing unit and a network is a network processor. Such network processor is capable of scanning data received from the network based on an update. Such network processor is further capable of receiving the update via the network. |
| US08634305B2 |
Time triggered ethernet system testing means and method
Methods and apparatus are provided for evaluating the performance of a Time Triggered Ethernet (TTE) system employing Time Triggered (TT) communication. A real TTE system under test (SUT) having real input elements communicating using TT messages with output elements via one or more first TTE switches during a first time interval schedule established for the SUT. A simulation system is also provided having input simulators that communicate using TT messages via one or more second TTE switches with the same output elements during a second time interval schedule established for the simulation system. The first and second time interval schedules are off-set slightly so that messages from the input simulators, when present, arrive at the output elements prior to messages from the analogous real inputs, thereby having priority over messages from the real inputs and causing the system to operate based on the simulated inputs when present. |
| US08634302B2 |
Apparatus for multi-cell support in a network
An apparatus for providing multi-cell support in a telecommunications network is described. The apparatus includes a modem board and a multi-core processor having a plurality of processor cores attached to the modem board. A single partition is defined with all of the processor cores included in it. The single partition is used to execute all control plane functions and all data plane functions. Typically, the multi-core processor is configured to include a core abstraction layer that hides any core specific details from application software running on the processor cores in the single partition and to serve at least three cells in the telecommunications network, each cell having a corresponding uplink scheduler and a corresponding downlink scheduler. In this configuration there is no need to use a hypervisor, since there is only one OS instance running (a potential cost saving). |
| US08634301B2 |
Method and system of restoring flow of traffic through networks
An algorithm is presented, which may be used to generate LSPs for path-oriented virtual circuit networks. The algorithm maximizes throughput of traffic-flow through the network according to certain constraints which may selected to suit various scenarios and recovery schemes. The algorithm may be used by network operators to maximize financial profit from existing networks which has a predetermined bandwidth capacity. |
| US08634296B2 |
Dynamic bandwidth resource allocation for satellite downlinks
Satellite communications systems, methods, and related devices are described. In one embodiment, a satellite communications system is configured to dynamically allocate bandwidth among different downlink beams. The satellite may receive and compile traffic measurements and terminal parameters. The satellite may be configured with different downlink beam coverage areas, and may dynamically allocate downlink bandwidth and particular frequency channels to different beam coverage areas based on the measurements and parameters. The satellite may also assign frequency channels and time slots based on such measurements and parameters. |
| US08634295B2 |
System and method for voice and data communication
A method, device, and system for conducting communication over one or more communication networks. The method comprises determining a number, A, of simultaneously receivable communication paths at a receiving device; and selecting, based on A, a version of data for reception from a plurality of available versions. |
| US08634292B2 |
Sliced tunnels in a computer network
In one embodiment, a path for a sliced tunnel that extends from a head-end node to a tail-end node is computed. The sliced tunnel is furcated into a plurality of child tunnels at one or more fork nodes located downstream from the head-end node. Each child tunnel carries a portion of traffic for the sliced tunnel. The sliced tunnel is merged at one or more merge nodes located downstream from respective ones of the fork nodes. The portions of traffic on the child tunnels are aggregated at the merge nodes. The head-end node sends a signaling message to establish the sliced tunnel along the computed path. The signaling message includes an indication of the one or more fork nodes where the sliced tunnel is furcated into child tunnels and the one or more merge nodes where child tunnels are merged. The head-end node then forwards traffic onto the sliced tunnel. |
| US08634291B2 |
Energy efficient management of datalinks
A system including a first physical network interface card (NIC) include a number of rings, where at least one of the rings is an active ring. The system further includes a host, operatively connected to the first NIC, and including Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The MAC layer is configured to obtain a power management policy, obtain a load associated with the active ring, determine, using the power management policy and the load, that the state associated with at least one of the rings must be changed, and change, in response to the determining, the state of at least one of the of rings. |
| US08634288B2 |
Symbol FFT RACH processing methods and devices
Methods and devices for extracting a RACH preamble using as input a number of Fast Fourier Transformed symbols, in order to extract a random access channel (RACH) preamble from a signal received in a base station from a user device, in a radio communication system, are provided. An initial cyclic prefix (symbol CP) is removed prior to performing FFT on symbols. After (1) selecting from the FFT of a symbol frequencies corresponding to the RACH band all other non-RACH frequency bins having been set to zero, (2) shifting the signal to baseband and (3) performing a FFT on the baseband signal, a phase adjustment is performed to compensate for group delays due to symbol CP gaps occurring when generating the baseband signal, the phase adjustment being determined individually for each symbol. |
| US08634285B1 |
Timing loop with large pull-in range
Aspects of the disclosure provide a sync mark detector. The sync mark detector includes a first unit configured to decay over time a value indicating a length of a bit format, a second unit configured to compare the decayed value with a detected length of the bit format to determine a new length, and a third unit configured to detect a sync mark based on the detected length and the new length. |
| US08634282B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing a tracking servo control when reproducing optical information
An optical information reproducing apparatus and an optical information reproducing method using the same are provided. The optical information reproducing apparatus includes: a reference beam providing unit which inputs a reference beam to a reproduction recording area to be reproduced and a peripheral recording area around the reproduction recording area on an optical information recording medium, a peripheral beam detecting unit which transmits a reproduction beam reproduced from the reproduction recording area in response to the reference beam and detects a peripheral beam reproduced from the peripheral recording area, a tracking servo unit which analyzes optical information of the detected peripheral beam and controls a tracking position, and a reproduction beam detecting unit which detects the reproduction beam having pass through the peripheral beam detecting unit. Accordingly, it is possible to judge a current tracking state using the peripheral beam and to perform a tracking servo control process using the judgment result at the time of reproducing optical information. |
| US08634274B2 |
Spindle for mud pulse telemetry applications
A spindle for a mud pulse telemetry tool includes a seal section having an outer surface for contacting a lip seal of a spindle housing in which the spindle is mounted; a top section attachable to at least part of a valve assembly for generating mud pulses; and a base section having a proximal end attachable to a drive motor for moving the spindle and a distal end attachable to the top section such that the annular seal is fixed between the top and base sections. The seal section can be made of a ceramic material such as yttrium-stabilized zirconia. |
| US08634273B2 |
Acoustic telemetry system using passband equalization
An embodiment includes a method comprising transmitting and receiving an acoustic signal that is modulated along a jointed tubing. The acoustic signal may be transmitted in multiple passbands of the jointed tubing and may be modulated differently in different passbands. A swept frequency signal may be used to determine transmission characteristics of the jointed tubing and to select the multiple passbands. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08634271B2 |
Variable depth streamer SRME
Methods and systems for variable wavelet correction are described. A variable depth dataset is deghosted before presentation to a multiples prediction step of multiples elimination model. In another aspect, the multiples prediction is reghosted before presentation to an adaptive subtraction step of the multiples elimination model. A source-side zero-phasing signature can be applied before deghosting and a predefined gain can be applied in the low and high frequency sides as part of deghosting and reghosting to compensate for the squaring effect produced by convolving wavelets. |
| US08634269B2 |
Data output circuit of semiconductor memory apparatus
A data output circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes: a data control driver configured to drive rising data and falling data to output control rising data and control falling data or drive level data to output the control rising data and the control falling data, in response to an output level test signal; a DLL clock control unit configured to drive a rising clock and a falling clock to output a control rising clock and a control falling clock in response to an enable signal and the output level test signal; and a clock synchronization unit configured to synchronize the control rising data and the control falling data with the control rising clock and the control falling clock to output serial rising data and serial falling data. |
| US08634267B2 |
Flash memory chip power management for data reliability and methods thereof
A power supply voltage for a memory chip is compared with a plurality of threshold voltages that correspond to voltages below which classes of memory operations can no longer be guaranteed. When the power supply voltage drops below a threshold voltage, appropriate action is taken, which may include generating an indicator such as a flag, proceeding with the operations in some modified manner, or disabling operations that are no longer guaranteed, either permanently or until power is restored, or until some other appropriate time. |
| US08634266B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device capable of stabilizing power supply by suppressing power consumption as much as possible. The semiconductor device of the invention includes a central processing unit having a plurality of units and a control circuit, and an antenna. The control circuit includes a means for outputting, based on a power supply signal including data on power supply from an antenna (through an antenna) or a load signal obtained by an event signal supplied from each of the units, one or more of a first control signal for stopping power supply to one or more of the units, a second control signal for varying a power supply potential supplied to one or more of the units, and a third control signal for stopping supplying a clock signal to one or more of the units. |
| US08634263B2 |
Integrated circuit having memory repair information storage and method therefor
A storage unit on an integrated circuit stores information that identifies a circuit on the integrated circuit, a selected operating condition, and a required operating configuration for the circuit for the selected operating condition. The manner of operating the circuit is changed to the required operating configuration in response to an operating condition of the circuit changing to the selected operating condition. This allows for efficiently identifying the few circuits that do not meet specified requirements based on a reduction in, for example, operating voltage, and altering their operation in order to meet the specified requirements relative to the reduced operating voltage without having to do so for the vast majority of the circuits that are able to meet the requirements at the lowered operating voltage. |
| US08634261B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
A semiconductor memory device includes an address controller for storing fail column addresses and sequentially outputting the fail column addresses while a first control signal is activated and a control logic for performing control so that data indicating a program pass is inputted to each of main page buffers associated with the respective fail column addresses outputted from the address controller while the first control signal is activated. |
| US08634254B2 |
Single-polycrystalline silicon electrically erasable and programmable memory device of varied gate oxide thickness, using PIP or MIM coupling capacitor for cell size reduction and simultaneous VPP and VNN for write voltage reduction
A single polycrystalline silicon floating gate nonvolatile memory device has a storage MOS transistor and at least one polycrystalline-insulator-polycrystalline (PIP) or metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor manufactured with dimensions that can be fabricated using current low voltage logic integrated circuit process. The PIP or MIM capacitor is a coupling capacitor with a first plate connected to a floating gate of the storage MOS transistor to form a floating gate node. The coupling PIP or MIM capacitor couples the voltage level applied to a second plate of the PIP or MIM capacitor to the floating gate node with a large coupling ratio approximately 90% so as to initiate Fowler-Nordheim tunneling effect for erasing or programming the memory device. The memory device may also have another PIP or MIM capacitor with a first plate connected to the floating gate of the storage MOS transistor for serving as a tunneling capacitor. |
| US08634252B2 |
Methods of operating a memory device having a buried boosting plate
Memory devices are disclosed, such as those that include a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) NAND memory array having a boosting plate. The boosting plate may be disposed in an insulator layer of the SOI substrate such that the boosting plate exerts a capacitive coupling effect on a p-well of the memory array. Such a boosting plate may be used to boost the p-well during program and erase operations of the memory array. During a read operation, the boosting plate may be grounded to minimize interaction with p-well. Systems including the memory array and methods of operating the memory array are also disclosed. |
| US08634250B2 |
Methods and apparatus for programming multiple program values per signal level in flash memories
Methods and apparatus are provided for programming multiple program values per signal level in flash memories. A flash memory device having a plurality of program values is programmed by programming the flash memory device for a given signal level, wherein the programming step comprises a programming phase and a plurality of verify phases. In another variation, a flash memory device having a plurality of program values is programmed, and the programming step comprises a programming phase and a plurality of verify phases, wherein at least one signal level comprises a plurality of the program values. The signal levels or the program values (or both) can be represented using one or more of a voltage, a current and a resistance. |
| US08634249B2 |
Programming method for non-volatile memory device
A method of programming a nonvolatile memory device comprises applying positive pulses and negative pulses simultaneously to a memory cell array to program at least one memory cell included in the memory cell array. |
| US08634247B1 |
NAND flash based content addressable memory
A NAND Flash based content addressable memory (CAM) is used for a key-value addressed storage drive. The device can use a standard transport protocol such as PCI-E, SAS, SATA, eMMC, SCSI, and so on. A host writes a key-value pair to the drive, where the drive writes the keys along bit lines of a CAM NAND portion of the drive and stores the value in the drive. The drive then maintains a table linking the keys to location of the value. In a read process, the host provides a key to drive, which then broadcasts down the word lines of blocks storing the keys. Based on any matching bit lines, the tables can then be used to retrieve and supply the corresponding data to the host. |
| US08634245B2 |
Control circuit of read operation for semiconductor memory apparatus
A control circuit for a read operation of a SERDES (SERializer and DESeriallizer) type semiconductor memory apparatus is disclosed that includes a first line driver configured to output a portion of a output signals from sense amplifier according to a first delay signal; a second line driver configured to output a rest of the output signals from the sense amplifier according to a second delay signal; and a first delay unit configured to output a second delay signal synchronized with a clock to the second line driver. |
| US08634243B2 |
Data writing method and data storage device
The invention provides a data writing method for a flash memory. First, a target block for storing write data is selected from a plurality of blocks of the flash memory. A target pair page is then selected from a plurality of pair pages of the target block according to a pair page record table, wherein the pair page comprises a strong page and a weak page. The flash memory is then directed to write a data page of the write data to the strong page of the target pair page. The flash memory is then also directed to write first predetermined data to the weak page of the target pair page, wherein the weak page storing the first predetermined data extends the data duration of the strong page of the target pair page. Selecting of the target pair page, writing of the data page, and writing of the first predetermined data are repeated until all of the write data are written to the target block. |
| US08634240B2 |
Non-volatile memory and method with accelerated post-write read to manage errors
Data errors in non-volatile memory inevitably increase with usage and with higher density of bits stored per cell. The memory is configured to have a first portion operating with less error but of lower density storage, and a second portion operating with a higher density but less robust storage. An error management provides reading and checking the copy after copying to the second portion. If the copy has excessive error bits, it is repeated in a different location either in the second or first portion. The reading and checking of the copy is accelerated by reading only a sample of it. The sample is selected from a subset of the copy having its own ECC and estimated to represent a worst error rate among the copy it is sampling. One embodiment has the sample taken from one bit of each multi-bit memory cell of a group. |
| US08634239B2 |
Hybrid multi-level cell programming sequences
A memory device implements hybrid programming sequences for writing data to multiple level cells (MLCs). The memory device obtains specified data to write to the MLC and selects among multiple different programming techniques to write the specified data. Each of the programming techniques establishes a charge configuration in the MLC that represents multiple data bits. The memory device writes the specified data to the MLC using the selected programming technique. In one implementation, the programming techniques include a robust programming technique that preserves previously written data in the MLC in the event of a write abort of the specified data and an additional programming technique that has higher average performance than the robust programming technique. The selection may be made based on a wide variety of criteria, including whether data has been previously written to a block that includes the MLC. |
| US08634236B2 |
Phase change memory device, storage system having the same and fabricating method thereof
Provided are a phase change memory device and a fabricating method thereof. The phase change memory device includes a substrate, an interlayer dielectric layer formed on the substrate, first and second contact holes formed in the interlayer dielectric layer, and a memory cell formed in the first and second contact holes and including a diode, a first electrode on the diode, a phase change material layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the phase change material layer, wherein the first contact hole and the second contact hole are spaced apart from and separated from each other. |
| US08634234B2 |
Embedded magnetic random access memory (MRAM)
A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell includes an embedded MRAM and an access transistor. The embedded MRAM is formed on a number of metal-interposed-in-interlayer dielectric (ILD) layers, which each include metal dispersed there through and are formed on top of the access transistor. A magneto tunnel junction (MTJ) is formed on top of a metal formed in the ILD layers that is in close proximity to a bit line. An MTJ mask is used to pattern the MTJ and is etched to expose the MTJ. Ultimately, metal is formed on top of the bit line and extended to contact the MTJ. |
| US08634231B2 |
Magnetic tunnel junction structure
In a particular illustrative embodiment, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure is disclosed that includes a bottom electrode, a fixed layer, a tunnel barrier layer, a free layer, and a top electrode. The bottom electrode is coupled to a bottom surface of the fixed layer and extends along at least one sidewall of the fixed layer. |
| US08634227B2 |
Resistive memory device having voltage level equalizer
Provided is a semiconductor resistive memory device. The resistive memory device includes a plurality of unit cells. A source line and a data input/output line of the unit cells may be selectively connected to have a substantially same voltage level for equalization when the unit cells are in inactive or unselected state. The equalization may decrease current consumption and protect write error, and protect leakage current. |
| US08634226B2 |
Immunity of phase change material to disturb in the amorphous phase
Disturb from the reset to the set state may be reduced by creating an amorphous phase that is substantially free of crystal nuclei when programming the reset state in a phase change memory. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by using a current or a voltage to program that exceeds the threshold voltage of the phase change memory element, but does not exceed a safe current voltage which would cause a disturb. |
| US08634223B2 |
Magnetic memory with asymmetric energy barrier
A magnetic tunnel junction memory cell includes a ferromagnetic reference layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrier layer separating the ferromagnetic reference layer from the ferromagnetic free layer. The magnetic tunnel junction cell has an asymmetric energy barrier for switching between a high resistance data state and a low resistance data state. Memory devices and methods are also described. |
| US08634217B2 |
System and method for converting an AC input voltage to a regulated DC output voltage using a Z-type converter with rectified switches
An AC to DC converter for converting an AC input voltage to a regulated DC output voltage using a Z-type converter and rectified switches. The Z-type converter includes first and second inductors, a capacitor, two rectified switches and a load device coupled in a cross-coupled configuration. The Z-type converter may be configured according to a Z-source or a quasi-Z-source rectifier network. The AC input voltage is applied to an input and the DC output voltage is developed across the load device. Each rectified switch may be configured as a series-coupled diode and electronic switch or as a dual gate GaN device with a shorted gate. A control network monitors the DC output voltage and develops a control signal for controlling the first and second rectified switches to regulate the DC output voltage. The control network may control the rectified switches based on duty cycle control or current mode control. |
| US08634212B2 |
Controller and controlling method for power converter
A controller for a power converter is provided. The controller includes a sense current integrating circuit, a reference current integrating circuit and a drive signal generation circuit. The sense current integrating circuit performs an integrating operation to a sense current representative of a conduction current flowing through a power switch of the power converter and thereby outputs a first integrating result. The reference current integrating circuit performs another integrating operation to a reference current and thereby outputs a second integrating result. The drive signal generation circuit determines a switching period of the power switch according to a status of an output voltage of the power converter cooperative with a relative magnitude relationship between the first integrating result and the second integrating circuit. Furthermore, a controlling method for such power converter also is provided. |
| US08634211B2 |
Switch control device, power supply device comprising the same and switch control method
A power voltage required to operate the switch control device is generated by using full-wave current rectification voltage generated by rectifying an AC input. A zero cross-point is detected when a full-wave rectification voltage is zero voltage by using the power voltage. A reference signal synchronized to the full-wave rectification voltage is generated by using the detected zero cross-point. A switching operation of a power switch is controlled by comparing a reference signal with current that flows on the power switch. |
| US08634209B2 |
Current-fed full-bridge DC-DC converter
A current-fed full-bridge DC-DC converter includes a current source circuit including a direct-current voltage source circuit and a reactor connected to the direct-current voltage source circuit in series, an inverter circuit including switching elements, input terminals and output terminals, wherein outputs of the current source circuit are connected to the input terminals, a transformer having a primary coil that is connected to the output terminals and a secondary coil and a rectifier circuit which is connected to the secondary coil and through which the current-fed full-bridge DC-DC converter generates direct-current output. The current-fed full-bridge DC-DC converter further includes a capacitor connected to the output terminal and the primary coil in series and a controller controlling on/off operations of the switching elements so that a current can flow from the current source circuit through the primary coil and the capacitor in stopping of the current-fed full-bridge DC-DC converter. |
| US08634207B2 |
Electronic device having lever with precision pivot
An exemplary electronic device includes a housing, a lever, and a locking device securing the lever on the housing. The housing includes a bottom plate, a top plate and a side plate connecting the bottom plate with the top plate. The locking device includes a nut having a main body extending downwardly into the lever, a screw extending upwardly through the top plate into the nut, and elastically deformable gaskets sandwiched between the top plate and the nut. The lever is disposed on the top plate and sleeved on a pole of the nut. The lever is pressed by a head of the nut against the top plate. |
| US08634206B2 |
Fixing device for circuit board
A fixing device for circuit boards of different thicknesses includes a base board, a number of posts protruding from the base board, a number of resilient brackets respectively mounted to the posts, a number of blocks respectively received in the resilient brackets and stacked on top of the corresponding posts, and a number of fasteners inserted through the circuit board, and the resilient brackets, and the blocks, to engage in the posts. |
| US08634205B2 |
Case mounting structure, case, and case mounting method
A case mounting structure, a case, and a case mounting method, do not use a screw to fix the cover and has strong mounting strength against shock which is generated when the case falls. The case mounting structure includes a cover which can be attached to a case, and a lock part which is arranged on the case and locks the cover, where the lock part is deformed so as to prevent a movement for releasing lock when the cover is attached to the case. |
| US08634199B2 |
Computer mini-card connection assembly
A connection device is used to mount a computer mini-card. The connection device includes a board, an edge connector formed a bottom side of the board, a socket, and a pole. The socket is mounted on a first side surface of the board to connect to the computer mini-card, and is electrically connected to the edge connector. The pole extends from the first side surface of the board to fix an end of the computer mini-card opposite to the socket. |
| US08634198B2 |
Connection device of cable management arm
A connection device of a cable management arm includes a fixing frame having a protrusion portion, a connection member having a contact portion, and a locking member pivotably connected to the connection member. The locking member includes a locking portion and a resilient portion which contacts the contact portion of the connection member. When the connection member is pivotally connected to the cable management arm, the fixing frame is fixed to a rail. When the connection member is connected to the fixing frame, the resilient portion provides a force to lock the locking portion to the protrusion portion of the fixing frame so as to securely connect the connection member to the fixing frame. |
| US08634193B2 |
Device and method using induction to improve natural convection cooling
An air cooled switching unit for a motor drive includes a forced air cooling chamber and a convective cooling chamber separate from the forced air cooling chamber. An exhaust port of the forced cooling chamber is configured to direct exhaust air across an outlet of the convective cooling chamber to induce an increased air flow through the convective cooling chamber thereby increasing the cooling capacity of the convective cooling chamber. |
| US08634190B2 |
Single fan tray in a midplane architecture
A chassis may include a front section that contains a first electronic circuit board oriented in a first plane, a rear section that contains a second electronic circuit board oriented in a second plane, where the first plane and the second plane are substantially orthogonal, a midplane dividing the front and the rear sections, and a fan tray assembly including a plurality of fans to cool both the first electronic circuit board of the front section and the second electronic circuit board of the rear section. |
| US08634187B2 |
Mounting apparatus for PCI card
A mounting apparatus for a PCI card includes an enclosure, a mounting bracket, a securing bracket, and a securing member and a resilient member. The mounting bracket is configured to secure a first end of the PCI card. The securing bracket includes a bracket body and a securing plate. The securing member includes a main body and a securing portion. The main body defines a mounting slot. The securing member is configured to rotate to enable the securing portion to engage the securing plate, and to enable the mounting slot to receive a second end of the PCI card. The resilient member is mounted to the securing bracket and deformed to resist the securing member. The resilient member releases to drive the securing member to move away from the PCI card when the securing portion disengages from the securing plate. |
| US08634186B2 |
Non-volatile memory controller cable arrangement
A cable solution which enables a flash controller which is located on a motherboard of an information processing system to be coupled with a memory socket which is located within a passive socket panel. In certain embodiments, a cable and header arrangement is provided for connecting the motherboard to the chassis socket panel card. This arrangement allows the front panel card to be simplified (i.e., to be a passive card). In certain embodiments, the solution uses a cable structure such as that used for integrated drive electronics (IDE) type disk drive cables or an ultra AT attachment (U-ATA) type cable. The cable solution provides a low cost solution which offers multiple performance options for a single cost. For example, the cable solution functions with both a standard memory card socket as well as a high speed memory card. Also, in certain embodiments, the header connections include ground signal paths interposed among the data signal paths. The board header connectors are the same for both the standard and high speed socket configurations, only the cable changes between the standard and high speed configurations. |
| US08634180B2 |
Multi-layered ceramic capacitor having dual layer-electrode structure
There is provided a multi-layered ceramic capacitor having a dual layer-electrode structure formed by applying a dual layer of electrode paste to the multi-layered ceramic capacitor. The multi-layered ceramic capacitor having a dual layer-electrode structure includes a capacitor body having a preset length and width and having a plurality dielectric layers stacked therein, an internal electrode unit formed on the plurality of dielectric layers and having a preset capacitance, and an external electrode unit including first external electrodes respectively formed on both sides of the capacitor body to be electrically connected to internal electrodes, and second external electrodes formed on the first external electrodes. |
| US08634179B2 |
Hot surface re-ignition controller
A hot surface re-ignition controller for use with a transformer for powering a hot surface igniter in a gas appliance. The design includes flame detection circuitry for interfacing with flame detecting electrodes and is completely implemented in analog circuitry to provide reliable operation in harsh environments. |
| US08634172B2 |
Silicon controlled rectifier based electrostatic discharge protection circuit with integrated JFETs, method of operation and design structure
An enhanced turn-on time SCR based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes an integrated JFET, method of use and design structure. The enhanced turn-on time silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes an integrated JFET in series with an NPN base. |
| US08634166B2 |
Suspension substrate, suspension, head suspension, hard disk drive having a conductive connection section covered by a metallic support layer, method for manufacturing suspension substrate and method for testing continuity of suspension
A suspension substrate according the present invention includes: an insulating layer; a metallic support layer provided on the actuator element's side of the insulating layer. A wiring layer is provided on the other side of the insulating layer. This wiring layer includes a plurality of wirings and a wiring connection section that can be electrically connected with the actuator element via a conductive adhesive. A conductive connection section extending through the insulating layer and configured to connecting the metallic support layer with the wiring connection section of the wiring layer is provided in the connection structure region. |
| US08634165B2 |
Load beam with load bends generating load, head suspension with the load beam, and method of forming load bends of the load beam
A load beam of a head suspension has a rigid part and a resilient part supported with a base to be attached to a carriage arm. The load beam applies a load onto a head supported at a front end of the rigid part. The load beam includes a load bend formed in each of a pair of legs that extend from widthwise sides of a base end of the rigid part and form the resilient part. The load bend is formed by bending the leg along a bend line that is defined on the leg and extends in a width direction of the load beam. The bend lines on the legs are positionally shifted from each other in a length direction of the load beam. |
| US08634164B1 |
Method and apparatus for detaching a head suspension component from a semi-finished suspension product
A method of detaching a head suspension component from a locating and transport structure where the head suspension component is integrally connected to the locating and transport structure by a tab having a reduced tensile strength with respect to each of the head suspension component and the locating and transport structure. The method includes applying a tensile load to the tab to cause the tab to fracture, so that the head suspension component is detached from the locating and transport structure. |
| US08634163B2 |
Dual reverse microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) and systems thereof
In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole, a first MAMR element positioned above and wider than the main magnetic pole that is positioned to extend beyond sides of the main magnetic pole in a track width direction, a spin-rectifying-current-pinned-magnetic layer, a magnetic interlayer, a FGL, a magnetic-zone-control layer, and a second MAMR element that is wider than the main magnetic pole and is positioned to extend beyond sides of the main magnetic pole in the track width direction positioned above the first MAMR element, and a trailing shield positioned above the second MAMR element, wherein the main magnetic pole is adapted for producing a high-frequency magnetic field comprising oscillating microwaves, wherein during a writing operation, current is applied to the first and second MAMR elements to produce magnetic fields which oppose bit-switching in the magnetic medium to avoid adjacent track bit reversal. |
| US08634160B2 |
Disk drive device provided with lubricant-filled fluid dynamic bearing
In a disk drive device, a hub has an outer circumferential wall portion configured to hold a recording disk. A base member has a cylindrical portion, whose central axis is the rotation axis of the hub, on a surface on the side of the hub. A fluid dynamic bearing holds a lubricant and rotatably supports the hub relative to the base member. A ring-shaped attraction plate including a magnetic material is fixed to the base member and faces a magnet in the axial direction. The outer circumferential wall portion is configured such that the outer circumferential wall portion surrounds the attraction plate and that the range of the outer circumferential wall portion in the axial direction overlaps with the range of the attraction plate in the axial direction. |
| US08634159B2 |
Magnetic recording disk drive with three sensors for rotational and linear vibration compensation
A magnetic recording disk drive has three vibration sensors mounted to the disk drive base to provide feedforward vibration compensation signals. First and second spaced-apart sensors are aligned generally parallel to a radius from the disk rotational axis to a head position on the disk between the inside diameter position (hID) and outside diameter position (hOD) for detecting rotational vibration about the disk rotational axis and linear vibration in the cross-track direction. A third vibration sensor is aligned generally orthogonal to the primary axes of the first and second vibration sensors for detecting primarily linear vibrations in the along-the-track or track circumferential direction. The disk drive servo control processor calculates, from the signals from the three sensors, a rotational vibration feedforward signal, a radial linear vibration feedforward signal, and a circumferential linear vibration feedforward signal which are summed with the actuator control signal to compensate for the vibrations. |
| US08634155B2 |
Thermally assisted magnetic recording disk with ion-implant facilitated non-magnetic regions, manufacturing method thereof, and magnetic recording method
The invention provides a magnetic disk that solves (1) a problem of cross-talk that cannot be solved even by an existing thermally assisted recording method or a discrete method (DTM or the like), (2) a problem of surface flatness, which an existing embedding type DTM or the like has, and (3) a problem of a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between materials when a thermally assisted method is applied to the DTM, and that (4) does not necessitate a special medium structure, and is excellent in a surface flatness and economically and functionally high in realizability. A DTM manufactured by ion implantation is excellent in the surface flatness, and can solve the cross-talk problem by conducting the thermally assisted recording at a temperature between a Curie temperature (Tcn) of a portion where ions are implanted (non-recording region) and a Curie temperature (Tcr) of a portion where ions are not implanted (recording region). |
| US08634151B2 |
Reflective display device
A reflective display device includes a first absorption layer configured to be modulated between being strongly and weakly absorbing of light within a first specified wavelength band and to absorb light weakly in a second specified wavelength band and a third specified wavelength band, a second absorption layer configured to be modulated between being strongly and weakly absorbing of light within the second specified wavelength band and to absorb light weakly within the third specified wavelength band, a third absorption layer configured to be modulated between being strongly and weakly absorbing of light within at least the third specified wavelength band, and at least one reflector arranged between two of the first, second, and third absorption layers, the at least one reflector being configured to reflect light strongly within one of the specified wavelength bands assigned to the absorption layers above the at least one reflector. |
| US08634148B2 |
Lens drive device and manufacturing method therefor
A lens drive device may include a movable body holding a lens and movable in an optical axis direction of the lens, a fixed body movably holding the movable body, a drive mechanism for driving the movable body, and a board on which an imaging element is mounted and which is fixed on an opposite-to-object side of the fixed body. An opposite-to-object side end face of the fixed body is formed with a plurality of projections which are abutted with a mounting face of the board on which the imaging element is mounted for correcting inclination of an optical axis of the lens with respect to the imaging element. |
| US08634144B2 |
Evanescent electromagnetic wave conversion methods I
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide conversion of evanescent electromagnetic waves to non-evanescent electromagnetic waves and/or conversion of non-evanescent electromagnetic waves to evanescent electromagnetic waves. In some approaches the conversion includes propagation of electromagnetic waves within an indefinite electromagnetic medium, and the indefinite medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a layered structure or other metamaterial. |
| US08634143B2 |
Evanescent electromagnetic wave conversion methods II
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide conversion of evanescent electromagnetic waves to non-evanescent electromagnetic waves and/or conversion of non-evanescent electromagnetic waves to evanescent electromagnetic waves. In some approaches the conversion includes propagation of electromagnetic waves within an indefinite electromagnetic medium, and the indefinite medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a layered structure or other metamaterial. |
| US08634136B2 |
Transmission screen for interactive board
There is provided a screen that, as a screen suitable for an interactive board, can output video image light incident obliquely from the back surface side to a viewer side to display a reflection-free image and, at the same time, can realize easy handwriting on the screen surface on the viewer side. To this end, a transmission screen for an interactive board is provided that comprises at least a Fresnel lens sheet comprising a prism part on its incident light side, a light diffusing member provided on the Fresnel lens on its surface side remote from the prism part, and a hard coat layer provided on the outgoing light side of the light diffusing member. |
| US08634134B2 |
Microscope slide separation devices and methods
A microscope slide separation device and method of storing microscope slides are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the microscope slide separation device can be placed a folded position that forms a cavity between at least first and second members configured to receive a microscope slide to which both a sample and a slip cover have been coupled. In particular embodiments, the first member may have at least one side configured not to stick to cover slip mounting media. |
| US08634132B2 |
Objective changer having reflected light illumination for light microscopes
An objective changer having incident-light illumination for light microscopes, including: at least two microscope objectives for examining a specimen, a movable carrier, on which the microscope objectives are mounted, an immovable carrier, which is adapted for mounting on a base body of the microscope, wherein the movable carrier is adapted for defined positioning thereof relatively to the immovable carrier, and at least one illuminating means for illuminating the specimen. The objective changer includes at least one transfer interface for transferring energy for illuminating the specimen is provided on the immovable carrier, at least one energy connector, which is rigidly connected to the movable carrier, is provided for receiving energy to illuminate the specimen, the energy connector is connected to an illuminating means, and by positioning the movable carrier relatively to the immovable carrier, a line engagement can be established between the transfer interface and an energy connector. |
| US08634131B2 |
Spherical aberration correction for non-descanned applications
Spherical aberration is the primary cause of lose of signal while imaging deeper into a sample. Spherical aberration is corrected in the imaging path of a non-descanned detection system (such as a multi-photon microscope). This corrects the illumination spot for artifacts caused by imaging deep into a sample. One exemplary advantage to this instrument is that it allows deeper and brighter imaging. |
| US08634130B2 |
3-dimensional standing type metamaterial structure and method of fabricating the same
Provided are 3-dimensional standing type metamaterial structures and methods of fabricating the same. The 3-dimensional metamaterial structure includes a substrate; and a resonator, which includes a fixing unit fixed to the substrate; and a plurality of arms, which extend from the fixing unit and are curved upward on the substrate, wherein permittivity, permeability, and refractive index of the metamaterial structure in a predetermined frequency band differ from permittivity, permeability, and refractive index of the substrate. The resonator may be easily fabricated in MEMS/NEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system/nano-electro-mechanical system) processes. |
| US08634127B2 |
Electronic paper display device
An electronic paper display device includes an electronic paper display panel, and a functional layer. The electronic paper display panel includes a display surface. The functional layer is located on the display surface and includes a carbon nanotube touching functional layer. |
| US08634126B2 |
Digital binary MEMS wavefront control
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a new type of phase screen, i.e., an opto-electronic device that can convert a distorted incoming optical wavefront into a plane wave or, conversely, transform a plane wave into a prescribed varying output wavefront. The basic concept involves novel binary all-digital MEMS interferometer configurations that can be used to create controlled and arbitrary optical wavefront using only 0,1 amplitude changes followed by differential propagation distances to convert these amplitude variations into controllable and/or continuous phase variations. Clustered pixel notions, such as Floyd-Steinberg, Stucki or other algorithms useful in digital half-tone printing, are simultaneously employed to create controllable grey-level variations as well as continuous phase variations. Desired grey-levels can be obtained wherein each pixel is formed by, e.g., a 3×3 or 5×5 cluster of mirrors. Both the filling-in of the outputs of the binary mirror (0,1) and the grey-levels are accomplished simply by spatial averaging over a short propagation distance. |
| US08634123B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device is configured to cause a light beam to scan a photosensitive drum to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum. The optical scanning device includes light emitting units configured to emit light beams and a light deflecting unit having deflecting surfaces and being configured to cause the light beams emitted from the light emitting units to reflect at the deflecting surfaces and deflect and scan in a main scanning direction. Also, the device includes a lens disposed between the light emitting units and the light deflecting unit, the lens being configured to cause the light beams emitted from the light emitting units to be directed along the main scanning direction to the deflecting surfaces, and an aperture member disposed between the lens and the light deflecting unit, and having apertures formed in line in a sub scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. |
| US08634119B2 |
System for holography
The present invention provides systems of recording holograms that reduce the writing time, increase the diffraction efficiency, improve the resolution, or restitute color. These systems are well suited for use with an updateable 3D holographic display using integral holography and photorefractive polymer. |
| US08634112B2 |
Document processing apparatus for generating an electronic document
A document processing apparatus comprises an image reader for scanning an original manuscript which is not updated to generate first image data on the original manuscript and for scanning an updated manuscript to generate second image data on the updated manuscript, a text information extraction part for extracting first text information from the first image data and extracting second text information from the second image data, an updated portion detector for detecting an updated portion of the updated manuscript on the basis of the first text information and the second text information, an electronic document generator for generating an electronic document of the updated manuscript on the basis of the second image data, and a storage controller for generating display data of the updated portion on the basis of a detection result on the updated portion and storing the display data into the electronic document. |
| US08634111B2 |
Image reading apparatus and operation device
A plurality of touch switches includes a first switch and a second switch provided adjacent to each other. A distance between an electrode and a surface of a cover at the location of the first switch is smaller than a distance between an electrode and the surface of the cover at the location of the second switch. |
| US08634110B2 |
Edge refinement system
An edge refinement system includes a computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program having computer readable code for identifying carrier cells among shadow cells and highlight cells of a segmented image, computer readable code for determining if a predetermined edge condition is met by each of the identified carrier cells, and computer readable code for re-classifying the carrier cell as a non-carrier cell when the predetermined edge condition is met. The edge refinement system further includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the computer-readable medium. |
| US08634107B2 |
Print data processing system, print data processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A print data processing system includes a print data interpretation processing unit, a memory, and a raster image data generation unit. The print data interpretation processing unit interprets PDL print data, and generates first intermediate format data, second intermediate format data, and attribute information. The memory stores the first intermediate format data and first raster image data of each image object of a predetermined type. The first raster image is generated by performing a drawing process on the first intermediate format data. When an image object of the predetermined type and another image object overlap, the raster image data generation unit uses the first intermediate format data to generate second raster image data. When an image object of the predetermined type and another image object do not overlap, the raster image data generation unit uses the first raster image data to generate the second raster image data. |
| US08634106B2 |
Image processing device
Read data indicative of first and second surfaces of manuscript is divided into a plurality of first and second blocks, respectively. A judging unit judges, based on a first condition, whether each second block is a specified second block and whether each first block is a specified first block. A second condition is set for each first block corresponding to the specified second block. Each second block is more difficult to be judged as the specified second block based on respective second condition than based on the first condition. The judging unit judges whether each first block corresponding to the specified second block is the specified first block based on the respective second condition. The first surface is a specified color first surface when a ratio of a number of the specified first blocks to a total number of first blocks is greater than or equal to a prescribed value. |
| US08634103B2 |
Print image matching parameter extraction and rendering on display devices
Techniques are described for automatic print image matching (PIM) parameter extraction. An original image is captured and PIM parameter data is extracted automatically based on specifics of the original image. At least one automated PIM parameter is calculated automatically from the PIM parameter data. At least one automated PIM parameter is inserted in PIM header information for communication to a rendering device to modify the original image when rendered. |
| US08634102B2 |
Document processing for handling a document comprising a document element with bundled page elements
Whether all pages have the same print settings is determined before print settings are changed in a print preview, and the setting change is permitted only when all pages have the same print settings. In each layer of XPS data to be processed, whether the print setting information is not added to the element of the layer or whether the print setting information added to the element of the layer is shared by all elements of the layer is determined. A change in the print setting information by the user is accepted if one of the conditions is satisfied. When the print settings are changed, the setting change is not reflected on individual print tickets. The change is reflected on the entire job by adding a print ticket reflected with the setting change on the top element. |
| US08634101B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method applicable to the image forming apparatus, and control program
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus includes: storing data in which pages are defined; specifying insertion data to be inserted into the data; providing instructions to insert the insertion data specified at a specific page of the data stored; determining whether the insertion data specified has been input by using the input device specified by the specifying unit; and inserting the input insertion data at the specific page indicated if it is determined that the insertion data specified has been input. |
| US08634098B2 |
Image processing system and image processing apparatus and method
A scanner that provides WSD standard scan service does not allow the notification and identification by a client PC of scan parameters, such as a resolution and a reading range, that are selected by a user in push scan on a panel, for example, attached to the scanner body. This prevents the push scan with the user-specified scan parameters. Accordingly, an event that temporarily limits the scanning functions is issued to inhibit the specification of parameters excluding user-specified scan parameters from a client PC. Thus, the client PC can instruct the scanning with the user-specified parameters, and the push scan requested by the user can be implemented. The limitation is valid only to the destination client of the push scan. |
| US08634092B2 |
Server for relaying print job
A first command receiving unit receives a first command from the printer when a user performs a first operation on the printer for executing printing. A printer recognizing unit recognizes the printer as a first printer that is waiting for a print job based on the first command. A file request receiving unit receives a file request from the terminal device. A first file transmitting unit transmits a first file to the terminal device when the file request receiving unit has received the file request. A first file is a file for displaying on the terminal device a printer specifying screen which includes printer identification information for identifying the first printer. A second command receiving unit receives a second command from the terminal device. A second command is transmitted from the terminal device when the first printer is specified on the printer specifying screen. A job transmitting unit transmits the print job to the first printer specified by the terminal device when the second command receiving unit has received the second command. |
| US08634084B2 |
Data processing system and image forming apparatus
A data processing system includes a memory in which a set value based on a compliance requirement is stored for each of plural operating functions provided in an image forming apparatus, and a controller which outputs correspondence data indicating correspondence between the plural operating functions and the set value based on the compliance requirement. |
| US08634081B2 |
Tomographic imaging method and tomographic imaging apparatus
Provided is a tomographic imaging method, which acquires tomographic images of an object to be inspected, based on combined beams respectively acquired by combining reference beams and return beams acquired by irradiating the object to be inspected with a plurality of measuring beams. The tomographic imaging method includes a first step of acquiring the respective combined beams by reflecting information regarding the plurality of measuring beams which is stored in advance and irradiating the object to be inspected with the plurality of measuring beams, and a second step of generating the tomographic images based on the respective combined beams. |
| US08634073B2 |
Illumination apparatus and method for obtaining illuminance with high uniformity by controlling a plurality of minute mirrors of a digital mirror device
An illumination apparatus of the present invention quickly adjusts illuminance of the light radiated from the light source in the irradiation surface to have high uniformity. The illumination apparatus includes the light source that emits a light beam having a rectangular shape, a DMD on which light emitted from the light source is incident and which controls reflection/non-reflection of the incident light by opening/closing control of minute mirrors, an optical system that shapes the light reflected by the DMD, a half mirror that splits the light emitted from the optical system into irradiation light and monitor light, the irradiation surface irradiated with the irradiation light, a monitor unit that measures illuminance of the monitor light, and a control unit that transmits a control signal to control opening/closing of the minute mirrors of the DMD to the DMD, based on a measurement result measured by the monitor unit. In this case, an illuminance distribution in the irradiation surface is adjusted to a predetermined value. |
| US08634072B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining characteristics of particles
An instrument for measuring characteristics of a particle sample by counting and classifying particles into selected ranges of particle characteristics. The particle concentration is reduced to the level where the probability of measuring scattering from multiple particles of interest at one time is reduced to an acceptable level. A light beam is projected through a sample space, through which the particles flow. As each particle passes through the beam, it scatters, absorbs, and transmits different amounts of the light, depending upon the particle characteristics. So both the decrease in the beam intensity, due to light removal by the particle, and light scattered by the particle, may be used to determine the particle characteristics, to classify the particle and count it in a certain range of particle characteristics. |
| US08634069B2 |
Defect inspection device and defect inspection method
A defect inspection device, which inspects defects such as foreign materials existing on a specimen on which a circuit pattern of wiring or the like is formed, is provided with an illumination optical system which illuminates a plurality of different areas the specimen with a plurality of linear shaped beams and an image forming optical system that forms images of the plurality of the illuminated areas on a plurality of detectors, and the detectors are configured to receive a plurality of polarization components substantially at the same time and individually, wherein the polarization components are different from each other and are contained in each of the plurality of the optical images formed by the image forming optical system, thereby detecting a plurality of signals corresponding to the polarization components and carrying out the inspection at high speed under a plurality of optical conditions. |
| US08634068B2 |
Method of determining the optimal wavelength for inspecting ophthalmic lenses
Methods for inspecting ophthalmic lenses with different wavelengths of radiation are disclosed herein. |
| US08634065B2 |
Method for operating a jamming laser in a DIRCM system in a manner that is safe for eyes
A method for operating a jamming laser in a DIRCM system on board an aircraft in a manner that is safe for eyes. The energy radiated by the jamming laser since the start of combat is determined, depending on the aircraft's flight condition, a limit is determined for the permitted energy radiation, where the limit corresponds to a laser protection distance to be observed for this flight condition, and when the limit is reached, radiation is suppressed. |
| US08634062B2 |
Actuator system, lithographic apparatus, method of controlling the position of a component and device manufacturing method
An actuator system is provided that is configured to move a component relative to a base of the actuator system. The actuator system may include first and second actuating elements, each including two sections of material that are joined to each other and have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The two actuating elements may be configured such that if the temperature of one is increased it applies a force on the component in a direction that is opposite to the force applied by the other actuating element if its temperature is increased. The actuator system may further include at least one power supply configured to provide independently controllable heating to the first and second actuating elements. |
| US08634061B2 |
Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus for exposing a substrate to a light comprises a projection optical system including an optical element and configured to project a light from an original onto the substrate, an adjusting device configured to adjust at least one of a position, an orientation and a shape of the optical element, and a controller configured to obtain an adjusting amount of the optical element based on a value of an objective function relating to an optical characteristic of the projection optical system, and to control the adjusting device based on the obtained adjusting amount. The objective function includes a variable which represents an upper limit of the adjusting amount. |
| US08634060B2 |
Method for a multiple exposure, microlithography projection exposure installation and a projection system
In a method for multiply exposing at least one substrate coated with a photosensitive layer, a first exposure is carried out in accordance with a first set of exposure parameters on a first projection system (17), and a second exposure is carried out in accordance with a second set of exposure parameters on a second projection system (18) spatially separated from the first projection system (17). The projection systems are integrated in a common projection exposure installation (1). The first exposure can be carried out, for example, with an amplitude mask (6), the second exposure with a phase mask (9). The use of a number of projection systems enables multiple exposure that is performed in parallel and is therefore timesaving. |
| US08634059B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion lithographic apparatus has a barrier member surrounding a space between the projection system and the substrate so as to at least partly confine liquid in the space. A jet of liquid is directed radially inwardly in a gap between the barrier member and the substrate and/or between the barrier member and the projection system, to help prevent escape of liquid. |
| US08634051B1 |
Surface wind disrupters and barriers
A hurricane and tornado surface wind pattern disrupter and vehicle barrier has carbon steel plates, each mounting plural used tires. Tires are connected to opposite sides of the mounting plates with bolts, washers and nuts. The bolts extend through sidewalls of the tires or through gripper strips in slots in the plates. Ends of gripper strips hold the tire walls against the plates. Clamps connected to the bolts engage inner walls of the tires and hold the tires against the plates. Lateral edges of the plates are positioned inward from the tires. Downward extensions of the mounting plates are connected to fixed reinforced structures. When the plates are connected to tops of lane dividing jersey wall sections, the plates and tires assemblies form a continuously interrupted wall or ribbon for interference with strong surface wind patterns and for disruption and diminution of the wind forces. |
| US08634049B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate having a display region which has first and second electrodes, a plurality of TFTs and a plurality of scanning signal lines connected to the plurality of TFTs, a counter substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the TFT and counter substrates, and sealed by a sealant, a plurality of scanning line leads connected to the plurality of scanning signal lines formed in a region outside of the display region, and a shield electrode formed on the TFT substrate covering the plurality of scanning line leads. The second electrode is connected to one of the plurality of TFTs, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are driven by an electric field, which is generated between the first and second electrodes. The shield electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode and overlapped with the sealant in plan view. |
| US08634043B2 |
Reflective and transparent liquid crystal display device
A transflective liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, the first and second substrates arranged to face each other and the liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, a reflection polarizer and an absorption polarizer at opposing outer sides of the liquid crystal panel, and a backlight unit at an outer side of the liquid crystal panel and supplying light to the inside of the liquid crystal panel. A reflective axis of the reflection polarizer is parallel with a transmissive axis of the absorption polarizer, the transmissive axis of the reflection polarizer perpendicularly crosses the transmissive axis of the absorption polarize, and the liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules and a dichroic dye. |
| US08634042B2 |
Liquid crystal display with a plurality of liquid crystal display modules
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display. A liquid crystal display includes: a mounting plate; a backlight unit; a plurality of liquid crystal panels which are arranged to be adjacent in a state of being spaced from an upper surface of the mounting plate; a fixing frame which is connected to the mounting frame and includes portions extending along neighboring edges of the plurality of the liquid crystal panels in a state of being spaced from one another by a predetermined distance; and a fixing bar which is fitted between the adjacent portions of the fixing frame in a state of pressing edges of the neighboring liquid crystal panels among the plurality of the liquid crystal panels. Since a liquid crystal panel is fixed by a fixing bar, the liquid crystal panel can be fixed more firmly with a simple structure. |
| US08634038B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device and electronic equipment including the same
An organic light-emitting display device having improved impact resistance by including a buffer member for reducing an external impact, and electronic equipment including the organic light-emitting display device. The organic light-emitting display device includes a frame, a panel assembly and a compression buffer tape arranged between the frame and the panel assembly, wherein the panel assembly includes a first substrate, a display unit arranged on a surface of the first substrate, a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate and a sealant arranged along edges of the first substrate and the second substrate to attach the second substrate to the first substrate. |
| US08634037B2 |
Liquid crystal display with display screen extending out of casing
An exemplary liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a casing and a liquid crystal panel accommodated in the casing. The casing includes a frame and a window surrounded by an inner side of the frame. The liquid crystal panel includes an outside surface essentially serving as a display screen for displaying images and a peripheral wall. The liquid crystal panel is attached to the frame, with the inner side of the frame contacting the peripheral wall of the liquid crystal panel, and the display screen exposed outside of the casing. |
| US08634031B2 |
Remote control terminal and information processing apparatus
Provided is a remote control terminal, including: a first terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with a control-target information processing apparatus by using a first wireless communication system, to control the information processing apparatus; a second terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with the information processing apparatus by using a second wireless communication system, the second wireless communication system being higher in speed than the first wireless communication system; a camera unit configured to obtain video data; and a first controller configured to control the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit to transmit the video data obtained by the camera unit to the information processing apparatus by using the second wireless communication system. |
| US08634030B2 |
Streaming of digital data to a portable device
The present invention achieves wireless delivery of media streams to portable devices for providing media information related to a show or attraction for the purposes of captioning, language translation, and assistive listening. As a person moves about a venue, the device receives infrared or radio signals from transmitters at venue locations. The device decodes each signal as venue location, event time, or device trigger for presentation on the device. The device memory contains audio, text, graphics and device playback may contain one or many of these stored contents. The stored content is synchronized with the user's location, time of travel, time of day, time of a show, or an event in a show and may be in one or many languages. Presentation of stored content on the device may also be altered by user preference, stored logic constraints, automatic learning of user behavior, or user interaction with other devices. |
| US08634029B2 |
Tuning device with diplexer input
The present invention includes an apparatus for distributing a received modulated RF signal to a plurality of tuners including a diplexer device. The diplexer device includes a plurality of filter circuits adapted to direct respective portions of the received modulated RF the signal to respective tuner devices. In an illustrated embodiment, the tuner devices supply tuned signals to a picture in picture display device. Also disclosed is a method of receiving a modulated ready of frequency signal and routing portions of the received signal to respective tuner devices using filter devices in a diplexer or multiplexer configuration. |
| US08634027B2 |
Video signal processing apparatus, enhancement gain generating method, and enhanced gain generating program
A video signal processing apparatus includes: an enhancement gain generating section obtaining an enhancement gain for each pixel based on an luminance signal forming part of an input video signal and a predetermined enhancement gain; and an enhancing section performing a process of enhancing the luminance signal forming part of the input video signal based on the enhancement gain. The enhancement gain generating section includes a mean deviation calculating portion obtaining a mean deviation of luminance values of pixels included in a predetermined region centered at a pixel of interest that is the pixel for which the enhancement gain is to be obtained, a weighting coefficient generating portion generating a weighting coefficient for the pixel of interest according to the value of the mean deviation, and a multiplication portion multiplying the predetermined enhancement gain by the weighting coefficient to obtain the enhancement gain for the pixel of interest. |
| US08634025B2 |
Stand-by mode transitioning
A device for rapidly instituting an active mode of a digital-television enabled system, the system including a first, volatile memory configured to load and store software instructions, includes: an input configured to receive first digital audio and video information; a first output configured to convey second audio and information toward a display regarding the first audio and video information; at least one second output configured to convey commands to, and receive information from, the first memory; and a processor configured to perform functions in accordance with software instructions stored in first and second memories and to cause the first memory to load software instructions for provision to the processor such that first instructions for processing at least one of the first audio information and the first video information are loaded and stored by the first memory with a higher priority than second instructions for performing other functionality. |
| US08634024B2 |
Asynchronous scanning display projection
A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions, at least one of which is sinusoidal. A digital phase lock loop locks to the sinusoidal movement of the mirror. A free-running pixel clock is provided. An interpolation component interpolates pixel intensity data from adjacent pixels based on the position of the mirror when a pixel clock arrives. |
| US08634010B2 |
Redundancy in column parallel or row architectures
A column circuitry architecture for an imager includes redundant column or row circuits. The column or row circuitry includes a number of redundant column or row circuits. Each column or row circuit include circuitry for controllably coupling the column or row circuit to one of plural signal lines from an array of pixels. A control mechanism is used to select a configuration of plural column or row circuits in the column or row circuitry. In this manner, some column or row circuits are decoupled from the pixel in favor of other column or row circuits. The decoupled column or row circuits may include defective or noisy circuits. |
| US08634009B2 |
Dynamic range optimization in a compressive imaging system
A compressive imaging system for optimizing dynamic range during the acquisition of compressed images. A light modulator modulates incident light with spatial patterns to produced modulated light. A light sensing device generates an electrical signal representing intensity of the modulated light over time. The system amplifies a difference between the electrical signal and an adjustable baseline voltage and captures samples of the amplified signal. The adjustable baseline voltage is set to be approximately equal to the average value of the electrical signal. A compressive imaging system for identifying and correcting hot spot(s) in the incident light field. Search patterns are sent to the light modulator and the corresponding samples of the electrical signal are analyzed. Once the hot spot is located, the light modulating elements corresponding to the hot spot may be turned off or their duty cycle may be reduced. |
| US08634001B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing program, image processing method, and image-pickup apparatus
An image processing apparatus configured to process an image taken by an image-pickup unit includes a memory configured to store a relationship between a color shift amount at positions that are symmetrical with respect to an origin of an image and a blur amount relating to a curvature of field at the positions symmetrical with respect to the origin of the image, a detector configured to detect a color shift amount at the positions that are symmetrical with respect to the origin of the image, an acquirer configured to acquire the blur amount relating to the curvature of field corresponding to the color shift amount detected by the detector based on the relationship stored in the memory, and a processor configured to execute image processing that is asymmetrical with respect to the origin so as to correct the blur amount relating to the curvature of field acquired by the acquirer. |
| US08633995B2 |
Image capture and distribution system and method
Images captured at a venue and relating to one or more patrons of the venue are incorporated into one or more products in accordance with image selections and/or product selections made by the patron(s). The images may be captured at venues with a variety of image capture devices such as pre-mounted cameras, cell phones, cameras brought by patrons to the venue, or cameras provided to patrons by the venue or another entity. The patrons may obtain products such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, prints, slideshows, or other products incorporating one or more selected images. Patrons may also view the images on portable electronic devices. |
| US08633989B2 |
3D camera phone
A 3D camera or camera phone capable of producing 3D or stereoscopic images includes a normal mode for creating 3D images of relatively far away objects and a macro mode for creating 3D images of relatively close objects. In one embodiment, the invention is a 3D camera system comprising first and second camera modules. The second camera module is movable relative to the first camera module between a first imaging position wherein the optical axes of the first and second camera modules are parallel and facing in the same direction, and a second imaging position wherein the optical axes of the first and second camera modules are converging. |
| US08633988B2 |
Image pickup device control signal generating apparatus and method using shift registers
One or more control signals in specified output states are generated at one time at a predetermined timing. A command generation section generates control data, piece by piece at each predetermined timing, corresponding to the plural control signals. A register sequentially receives the generated control data at the each predetermined timing and outputs one or more pieces of the control data to a command execution section at one time at a timing predetermined for the one or more pieces of the control data. The command execution section generates, at one time, one or more control signals of a value or values corresponding to the one or more pieces of the control data received from the register at one time at a timing predetermined for the one or more pieces of the control data. |
| US08633987B2 |
Video processing system providing image pattern detection based upon image transition boundaries and related methods
A video processing system may include an input for receiving video data including video signal values for a corresponding plurality of image pixels and having an image pattern therein. The system may further include a processor coupled to the input for determining a series of video signal value differences for each pair of adjacent image pixels along at least one direction, detecting at least one image transition boundary based upon the series of video signal value differences, and detecting the image pattern based upon the at least one image transition boundary. |
| US08633977B2 |
Electronic endoscope apparatus
An electronic endoscope apparatus capable of setting the brightness of a displayed spectroscopic image within a desirable range. The apparatus includes: a light source for irradiating white light on an observation target body; a color imaging device for imaging the observation target image; a first color conversion circuit for converting Y/C signals to RGB three color image signals; a spectroscopic image generation circuit for generating a spectroscopic image from the RGB three color image signals; a second color conversion circuit for converting the RGB three color image signals to Y/C signals; a light amount regulation means for regulating the amount of white light irradiated on the observation target body; and a light amount control circuit for controlling the light amount regulation means based on the luminance information provided by the Y/C signals outputted from the second color conversion circuit. |
| US08633976B2 |
Position specifying system, position specifying method, and computer readable medium
Provided is a position specifying system including: a light irradiation section that irradiates light to different positions of a physical body respectively; an image capturing section that captures images of an object existing inside the physical body, by means of the light irradiated to the different positions; and a position specifying section that specifies a depth of the object from a surface of the physical body onto which the light from the light irradiation section is irradiated, based on a difference in the images captured by the image capturing section. |
| US08633975B2 |
Network based endoscopic surgical system
A network based surgical system including a first medical device having a first network interface, a second medical device having a second network interface, a communications network over which the first medical device, through the first network interface, and the second medical device, through the second network interface, are communicable, wherein the first network interface and the second network interface employ the same network protocol for communicating over the communications network, and wherein the first network interface has a maximum throughput greater than a maximum throughput of the second network interface. |
| US08633974B2 |
Image display device
An image display device includes an image display panel including a plurality of pixels configured to display a 2D image or a 3D image, a driving circuit configured to apply a data voltage in a 2D image format or a data voltage in a 3D image format to the image display panel, a controller configured to control the driving circuit in a 2D mode for displaying the 2D image or in a 3D mode for displaying the 3D image, and a patterned retarder configured to convert light from the image display panel to alternately have a first polarization and a second polarization, wherein each pixel includes first to fourth subpixels, and the data voltage in the 2D image format is applied to the first to third subpixels and a luminance compensation voltage is applied to the fourth subpixel in the 2D mode, while the data voltage in the 3D image format is applied to the first to third subpixels and a dark gray voltage is applied to the fourth subpixel in the 3D mode. |
| US08633972B2 |
Method for displaying image information and autostereoscopic screen
A method for displaying image information on an autostereoscopic screen that is suitable for simultaneous display of a plurality of views visible respectively from at least one of a plurality of laterally offset viewing zones. A first stereoscopic half-image and a second stereoscopic half-image, which are perceptible simultaneously and together produce a stereoimage, are reproduced on the screen such that the first stereoscopic half-image is visible from two laterally offset and respectively continuous regions, while the second stereoscopic half-image is visible from a stereozone which is situated between the two mentioned regions and is smaller than each of these two regions. |
| US08633971B2 |
Liquid crystal shutter and image display observation system
A liquid crystal shutter includes a plurality of liquid crystal layers arranged in a light-incident direction; and a plurality of polarizers attached to each of the plurality of liquid crystal layers, polarization axes of 2 adjacent polarizers that have a liquid crystal layer therebetween being crossed at an angle of 90°, the accumulated value of degrees of polarization of polarizers that have polarization axes in a first direction being identical to that of degrees of polarizations of polarizers that have polarization axes in a second direction that crosses the first direction at an angle of 90°. |
| US08633970B1 |
Augmented reality with earth data
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for augmenting reality are described herein. An embodiment may include computing a real-world depth map using real-world imagery captured by an imaging device, providing, to a rendering engine, perspective information including location coordinates representing a location of the imaging device, rendering a computed depth map based on geographical data retrieved from a server in response to the providing, the geographical data corresponding to at least the location of the imaging device, correlating the real-world depth map with the computed depth map to improve accuracy of the location of the imaging device represented by the location coordinates, and overlaying the real-world imagery with virtual information based on the correlated real-world depth map and the computed depth map. |
| US08633969B2 |
Apparatus and method for three-dimensional image capture with extended depth of field
An optical system for capturing three-dimensional images of a three-dimensional object is provided. The optical system includes a projector for structured illumination of the object. The projector includes a light source, a grid mask positioned between the light source and the object for structured illumination of the object, and a first Wavefront Coding (WFC) element having a phase modulating mask positioned between the grid mask and the object to receive patterned light from the light source through the grid mask. The first WFC element is constructed and arranged such that a point spread function of the projector is substantially invariant over a wider range of depth of field of the grid mask than a point spread function of the projector without the first WFC element. |
| US08633967B2 |
Method and device for the creation of pseudo-holographic images
A method and a device enable the creation of three-dimensional images with more than two perspectives (e.g. pseudo-holographic images), especially to be reproduced with the aid of an autostereoscopic display or an autostereoscopic screen, from fed images having, in particular, only two perspectives, e.g., a left and a right image channel. Also, a related device creates and reproduces three-dimensional images having more than two perspectives, especially in the form of an autostereoscopic multi-user visualization system. |
| US08633965B2 |
Image photographing device and control method thereof
An image photographing device displays a preview panoramic image and data regarding moving velocity and direction of the image photographing device during panorama photographing in real time. The image photographing device includes a photographing unit to photograph a plurality of images, an image processing unit to convert the images photographed by the photographing unit into preview image data and to generate preview panorama data using the preview image data, and a display unit to simultaneously output a screen to display the preview image data, a screen to display a process of synthesizing the preview panorama data, a moving direction display screen indicating a relative difference between the moving direction of the image photographing device and a predetermined reference direction, and a moving velocity display screen indicating a relative difference between the moving velocity of the image photographing device and a predetermined reference velocity. |
| US08633956B2 |
Patterning of coated printed media
A pattern is provided in coated printed media by flood coating a printed media with an overcoat material that hardens to form an overcoat coating and by controllably removing a portion of the overcoat coating from the printed media in a predetermined region with laser ablation. The printed media in the ablated region remains substantially intact. The ablated predetermined region provides the pattern in the coated printed media. |
| US08633951B2 |
Display system
A display drive circuit of the invention has: an initial-color-gamut-apex-coordinate-storing unit capable of storing initial color gamut apex coordinates; a user-target-color-gamut-apex-coordinate-storing unit capable of storing user target color gamut apex coordinates; a saturation-expansion-coefficient-deciding unit for deciding expansion coefficients of saturation data based on the initial and user target color gamut apex coordinates; and an expansion unit for expanding saturations of display data based on the saturation expansion coefficients. The expansion coefficients of saturation data are decided based on the initial and user target color gamut apex coordinates, and saturations of display data are expanded according to the expansion coefficients. Thus, the degree of expanding the saturations can be controlled for each color gamut or each of R, G and B color properties of an LC display panel. |
| US08633949B2 |
Content boundary signaling techniques
Methods and devices provide a user interface that provides visual cues when a document pan or scroll has reached an end or boundary by distorting the document image in response to further user inputs. The image distortion functionality may include shrinking, stretching, accordion expansion, or bouncing of a document image. The degree of image distortion may be proportional to the distance that a user input would have the document move beyond the encountered boundary. When a boundary of a document image is reached during a rapid pan or scroll, a bouncing image distortion may be applied to the document image to inform the user that the document reached a boundary during the movement. |
| US08633942B2 |
View generation using interpolated values
Images provide rich information regarding what they depict. For example, an image may have additional information, such as depth and/or 3D location values, for some points within the image. It may be advantageous to extrapolate the values from the valued points to the entire image because a new view of the image may be generated based upon values of points. Accordingly, an interpolated image may be generated by interpolating values for unvalued points based upon values of valued points. In particular, a set of valued points having desired cost paths may be determined for an unvalued point. A model may be applied to the set of valued points to interpolate a value for the unvalued point. One or more interpolated images may be projected onto a new view. In particular, points within an interpolated image may be projected onto locations within the new view based upon values of the points. |
| US08633940B2 |
Method and system for texture compression in a system having an AVC decoder and a 3D engine
A texture compression engine of a graphics device receives an uncompressed texture of a 3D graphic application. The received uncompressed texture is transcoded into an AVC reference picture stream. A plurality of mipmaps is constructed from the received uncompressed texture. The texture compression engine determines a texture compression rate based on available memory capacities. The texture compression engine compresses the received texture and its mipmaps at the determined texture compression rate. The compressed texture and mipmaps are further transcoded into the AVC reference picture stream and stored. The transcoded texture and mipmaps comprise either RGB or YCbCr components for a RGB uncompressed texture. The transcoded texture and mipmaps comprise monochrome or luma components for an ARGB uncompressed texture. A graphics accelerator in the graphics device is operable to acquire the stored texture and mipmaps for a 3D graphics scene. The acquired texture and mipmaps are decompressed by AVC decoding. |
| US08633938B2 |
List searching method and portable device using the same
A method and a portable device controls output of a display unit to display information accurately and clearly regardless of a background image. Disclosed is an arrangement for calculating a difference between an arbitrary expression value of an arbitrary screen configuration element to be displayed on a given area of the background image and an actual expression value of the given area of the background image. Each expression value includes at least one of a color and lightness. The arrangement automatically selects the expression value of the screen configuration element based on the calculation result. The screen configuration element is displayed at the given area of the background image based on the selected arbitrary expression value. |
| US08633936B2 |
Programmable streaming processor with mixed precision instruction execution
The disclosure relates to a programmable streaming processor that is capable of executing mixed-precision (e.g., full-precision, half-precision) instructions using different execution units. The various execution units are each capable of using graphics data to execute instructions at a particular precision level. An exemplary programmable shader processor includes a controller and multiple execution units. The controller is configured to receive an instruction for execution and to receive an indication of a data precision for execution of the instruction. The controller is also configured to receive a separate conversion instruction that, when executed, converts graphics data associated with the instruction to the indicated data precision. When operable, the controller selects one of the execution units based on the indicated data precision. The controller then causes the selected execution unit to execute the instruction with the indicated data precision using the graphics data associated with the instruction. |
| US08633934B2 |
Creating animations
Animation creation is described, for example, to enable children to create, record and play back stories. In an embodiment, one or more children are able to create animation components such as characters and backgrounds using a multi-touch panel display together with an image capture device. For example, a graphical user interface is provided at the multi-touch panel display to enable the animation components to be edited. In an example, children narrate a story while manipulating animation components using the multi-touch display panel and the sound and visual display is recorded. In embodiments image analysis is carried out automatically and used to autonomously modify story components during a narration. In examples, various types of handheld view-finding frames are provided for use with the image capture device. In embodiments saved stories can be restored from memory and retold from any point with different manipulations and narration. |
| US08633933B2 |
System and method of producing an animated performance utilizing multiple cameras
A real-time method for producing an animated performance is disclosed. The real-time method involves receiving animation data, the animation data used to animate a computer generated character. The animation data may comprise motion capture data, or puppetry data, or a combination thereof. A computer generated animated character is rendered in real-time with receiving the animation data. A body movement of the computer generated character may be based on the motion capture data, and a head and a facial movement are based on the puppetry data. A first view of the computer generated animated character is created from a first reference point. A second view of the computer generated animated character is created from a second reference point that is distinct from the first reference point. One or more of the first and second views of the computer generated animated character are displayed in real-time with receiving the animation data. |
| US08633932B1 |
Animation with adjustable detail level
A system includes a computing device that includes a memory for storing one or more animations (e.g., a first and a second animation), and a model compressor. The model compressor quantifies similarities between the first animation and the second animation, and, groups the first and second animation based upon the quantified similarities. The model compressor is also configured to compress the first animation and the second animation to produce a first model that represents the content of the first animation and the second animation. |
| US08633931B2 |
Image processing method, recording medium storing program thereof and image processing apparatus
This ground tint image generating routine sets an arrangement area where a plurality of character strings are arranged, sets an arrangement start line of a character string at least within the arrangement area (S100), arranges a plurality of character strings from a start position of the arrangement start line in a predetermined direction in a predetermined order, arranges the character string from a start position of the arrangement start line of a next line (S170 to S210) when a character string to be arranged next is outside of the arrangement area, and generates a ground tint image (background image) in an area including the arrangement start line by using a plurality of character strings arranged within the arrangement area (S220). |
| US08633921B2 |
Data driving circuit and liquid crystal display device including the same
An exemplary data driving circuit includes a data register, a counter, and a comparator. The data register is configured for receiving serial gray level signals in turn, and outputting the plurality of gray level signals in parallel. The counter is configured for outputting counting signals. The comparator is configured for receiving the gray level signals and the counting signals, and outputting pulse voltage signals according to the gray level signals and the counting signals. A variety of duty ratios of the pulse voltage signals correspond to a variety of gray levels. |
| US08633918B2 |
Method of detecting touch position, touch position detecting apparatus for performing the method and display apparatus having the touch position detecting apparatus
A light waveguide has a rectangular plate shape and is configured to totally reflect internal light arriving at an angle greater than a critical angle. Light emitting parts are disposed at corners of the light waveguide. Each of the light emitting parts emits light once in a period. A first light receiving part is disposed along a first side surface of the light waveguide, and receives light emitted from the light emitting parts adjacent to a second side surface facing the first side surface of the light waveguide. The second light receiving part is disposed along the second side surface of the light waveguide, and receives light emitted from the light emitting parts adjacent to the first side surface. A detecting part detects a touch position based on an amount of the light received by the first and second light receiving parts. |
| US08633917B2 |
Method and device for capacitive position detection
The method and device for capacitive position detection are disclosed. A capacitive sensing device including pluralities of first sensors and second sensors. A controller obtains a 2-D sensing information, the 2-D sensing information comprises a plurality of first 1-D sensing information from the capacitive sensing device, and obtains at least one second 1-D sensing information, wherein the value of the at least one second 1-D sensing information is generated based on the sum of the sensed values of one of first 1-D sensing information, determines at least one detected range in the 2-D sensing information based on the at least one second 1-D sensing information when the capacitive sensing device is being touched or approached by at least one external object, and determines each touch related sensing information corresponding to the at least one external object in the at least one detected range. |
| US08633916B2 |
Touch pad with force sensors and actuator feedback
Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters. |
| US08633915B2 |
Single-layer touch-sensitive display
A touch sensor panel having co-planar single-layer touch sensors fabricated on a single side of a substrate is disclosed. The drive and sense lines can be fabricated as column-like patterns in a first orientation and patches in a second orientation, where each column-like pattern in the first orientation is connected to a separate metal trace in the border area of the touch sensor panel, and all patches in each of multiple rows in the second orientation are connected together using a separate metal trace in the border area of the touch sensor panel. The metal traces in the border areas can be formed on the same side of the substrate as the patches and columns, but separated from the patches and column-like patterns by a dielectric layer. |
| US08633908B2 |
Method of fabricating electronic apparatus
A method of fabricating an electronic apparatus having an active region and a peripheral region surrounding the active region is described. A first main device and a second main device are provided. An optical clear liquid adhesive (OCLA) is applied between the first main device and the second main device and within the active region. A photo-mask having a transparent region and an opaque region is provided above the second main device, and the transparent region corresponds to the peripheral region. An OCLA diffusion process is performed such that the OCLA diffuses from the active region to the peripheral region. During the OCLA diffusion process, a first irradiating process with the photo-mask is performed, such that the OCLA diffusing to the peripheral region is partially cured. After removing the photo-mask, a second irradiating process is performed, such that the OCLA is completely cured. |
| US08633907B2 |
Touch screen overlay for visually impaired persons
A touch screen overlay includes a flexible, substantially planar portion having length and width dimensions corresponding to a touch screen of an electronics appliance, one or more features for aligning the substantially planar portion with the touch screen, and a pattern of raised features and/or openings, providing facility for a person to interact with individual features or openings by touch rather than be sight. |
| US08633903B2 |
Large size capacitive touch screen panel
A capacitive touch screen panel (TSP) includes multiple TSP sections assembled in a planar arrangement to provide a unitary user interface area. Each one of the TSP sections is configured for independent activation/deactivation with respect to other TSP sections. |
| US08633902B2 |
Touch input for hosted applications
A multi-touch plug-in system is described herein that exposes multi-touch data for web application developers to consume in a platform independent way. The multi-touch plug-in system receives platform-specific touch data from an operating system or touch hardware, interprets the platform-specific touch data to convert the platform-specific touch data to generic touch data, and provides the generic touch data to a hosted application running within a plug-in sandbox. Often, sandboxed environments only allow identified, trusted plug-ins to execute. By managing multi-touch data within a trusted plug-in, the plug-in can ensure that hosted applications are properly restricted to well-defined behavior, while still allowing rich features such as multi-touch interaction. Thus, the multi-touch plug-in system brings rich multi-touch interaction to a web browsing environment. |
| US08633900B2 |
Screen display method for mobile terminal
A content display method for a mobile terminal is disclosed. The mobile terminal includes at least two hierarchical structures each having at least two contents at a level. The content display method includes: displaying, in response to selection of a content, a window associated with the selected content; displaying, in response to input of a multi-window display request, windows associated with contents at the same level as the selected content together on a single screen; and rearranging, in response to input of a window movement request, the content windows by window movement to display the rearranged content windows together on a single screen. As a result, same-level contents or application windows in execution can be displayed together on a single screen according to a user request. Hence, the user can readily transition between contents or applications with enhanced user convenience. |
| US08633894B1 |
Folded focal length optics for an optical movement sensor
Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with an optical movement sensor are described. In one embodiment, an optical system reflects light from a surface and folds the light. The folded light is focused onto an image sensor within a handheld device. The image sensor generates image data of the focused light to determine motion of the handheld device relative to the surface. |
| US08633892B2 |
Projection display device having a light combining unit
A projection display device (100) capable of providing a virtual keyboard function to the user, using a light source of a pico projector, is discussed. According to an embodiment, the projection display device includes a light source unit (110) configured to emit lights; a light combining unit (120) configured to generate a leakage light from the lights emitted by the light source (110) unit and to selectively combine the lights from the light source unit (110); an image projection unit (130) configured to project an image using the combined light from the light combining unit (120); and a virtual input unit (140) configured to project an input unit image (150) using the leakage light from the light combining unit (120). |
| US08633891B2 |
Protrusion pattern forming device with display function
A protrusion pattern forming device with a display function includes a transparent elastic sheet having an internal layer including colored liquid, and an actuator including a plurality of actuator elements disposed along one surface of the elastic sheet, each of the actuator elements changing its own shape in response to an application of a voltage, thereby allowing the surface of the elastic sheet to protrude. A protrusion pattern is formed on the elastic sheet, and a dot pattern corresponding to the protrusion pattern is displayed on the elastic sheet by selectively driving the plurality of actuator elements. |
| US08633888B2 |
Shift register
A shift register which is capable of minimizing a spike voltage is disclosed. The shift register includes a plurality of stages, each including a plurality of nodes, a scan pulse output unit controlled according to voltages at the nodes for outputting a scan pulse and supplying it to a corresponding gate line through a scan output terminal, a carry pulse output unit controlled according to the voltages at the nodes for outputting a carry pulse and supplying it to an upstream stage and a downstream stage through a carry output terminal, a node controller for controlling voltage states of the nodes in response to a carry pulse from the upstream stage and a carry pulse from the downstream stage, and a discharging unit connected to any one of a plurality of clock transfer lines and the scan output terminal for discharging a spike voltage of the scan output terminal. |
| US08633887B2 |
Data drive IC of liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
A data driver IC of a liquid crystal display is provided. The data driver IC includes: a shift register; a latch part in which input digital data are sampled by the shift register and stored, the latch part including a plurality of latches; a digital to analog converter and an amplifier for converting the sampled digital data into an analog signal and amplifying the analog signal; an analog signal supplying part for generating first and second analog voltages corresponding to a black signal level and a white signal level, respectively; a color conversion control signal supplying part for controlling whether to display the input digital data in full colors or 8-bit color; a selector for selecting and outputting one of the first analog voltage corresponding to the black signal level and the second analog voltage corresponding to the white signal level; and a multiplexer for receiving the output analog signal and transferring the output analog signal to a corresponding data line. |
| US08633884B2 |
Liquid crystal display having data lines disposed in pairs at both sides of the pixels
A liquid crystal display having specific dispositions of pixels of a liquid crystal display so as to prevent the coupling defect and the stripe defect in high speed driving. The liquid crystal display includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix shape, a switching element connected to each pixel, data lines and gate lines connected to the switching elements, and a data driver generating data voltages and applying the data voltages to the data lines. The data lines are disposed at both sides of the pixels in pairs, and data voltages of the same magnitude with different polarities are applied to the pairs of data lines. In this manner, preventing the coupling defect and the stripe defect, high speed driving can be performed. |
| US08633880B2 |
Display device with improved smooth tone display utilizing different sets of tone voltages converted from display data based on different conversion charateristics
When one frame period of two consecutive frame periods is a frame A and a next frame period subsequent to the frame A is a frame B, a tone requested from an external system is displayed in each sub-pixel by displaying two tones during the two frame periods including the frame A and the frame B, display data of an image A displayed during a period of the frame A and display data of an image B displayed during a period of the frame B are display data generated based on the display data and a video line driving circuit supplies, as tone voltages corresponding to the display data, a first set of tone voltages to video lines during the period of the frame A and a second set of tone voltages to the video lines during the period of the frame B subsequent to the frame A. |
| US08633878B2 |
Image display
An image display is provided with a display area including pixels, each including illuminating means. A control circuit turns the illuminating means of the pixels on and off. A first terminal of a capacitor is connected to an input terminal of the control circuit. An image signal voltage generation circuit generates image signal voltages and a pixel drive voltage generation circuit generates pixel drive voltages for the pixels. A connector is provided for connecting either one of the image signal voltages or the pixel drive voltages to a second terminal of the capacitor. As such, an amount of drive current for the pixels is controlled in accordance with both the pixel drive voltage and the image signal voltage. |
| US08633877B2 |
Organic light emitting display and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display and a driving method thereof. The organic light emitting display includes a display unit for emitting light in response to a current flowing through the display unit from a first power supply to a second power supply. The current corresponds to a data signal and a scan signal. According to one embodiment, the organic light emitting display further includes a power supply unit having a first output terminal for outputting a first power of the first power supply and a second output terminal for outputting a second power of the second power supply to the display unit, and a driving voltage calculation unit for determining a voltage of the second power corresponding to the current, thereby the power consumption of the organic light emitting display may be reduced. |
| US08633876B2 |
Pixel and organic light emitting display using the same
A pixel includes an OLED, a first transistor coupled to a data line and a scan line, a second transistor coupled to the OLED and being configured to supply current to the OLED, a third transistor coupled to a gate electrode and a second electrode of the second transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to a first reference power supply and a light emitting control line, a fifth transistor coupled to the driving transistor and the OLED, a first capacitor coupled between the gate electrode of the driving transistor and a first power supply, a second capacitor coupled between the gate electrode of the driving transistor and the first node, and a compensator configured to control a voltage of the gate electrode of the driving transistor with respect to deterioration of the OLED. |
| US08633874B2 |
Display device and method of driving the same
A display device includes luminescence pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each of gate lines and reset lines correspond to one of the rows, and signals lines each correspond to one of the columns. Each luminescence pixels includes a luminescence element, a switching transistor, a drive transistor which supplies current to the luminescence element, and a reset transistor. The reset transistor includes a gate terminal connected to a corresponding reset line, one of a source and drain terminal connected to a source or drain terminal of the drive transistor, and the other of the source and drain terminal connected to a corresponding gate line. A capacitor is connected between the gate terminal and the source terminal of the drive transistor. |
| US08633870B2 |
Wearable display
A proposition is to provide a wearable display suitable for enjoying contents including images by plural users simultaneously. To realize the proposition, the wearable display provides an external output unit outputting a signal having the same contents as a signal input to a device to an external device, at an exterior part of an apparatus body including the device making information of contents including images into a state capable of being sensed by a user, and mounting fixtures mounting the device on a head portion of the user. |
| US08633869B2 |
Wireless augmented reality communication system
The system of the present invention is a highly integrated radio communication system with a multimedia co-processor which allows true two-way multimedia (video, audio, data) access as well as real-time biomedical monitoring in a pager-sized portable access unit. The system is integrated in a network structure including one or more general purpose nodes for providing a wireless-to-wired interface. The network architecture allows video, audio and data (including biomedical data) streams to be connected directly to external users and devices. The portable access units may also be mated to various non-personal devices such as cameras or environmental sensors for providing a method for setting up wireless sensor nets from which reported data may be accessed through the portable access unit. The reported data may alternatively be automatically logged at a remote computer for access and viewing through a portable access unit, including the user's own. |
| US08633865B2 |
Radome, antenna device and radar apparatus
This disclosure provides a radome to be installed on an emission face side of an antenna, which includes an outer wall having a side cross-section formed in a substantially semi-circular shape to include the antenna therein, and an inner wall arranged between the outer wall and the antenna, and formed in a shape to substantially conform to the outer wall. A gap between the outer wall and the inner wall is wider near both ends on the circumference of the substantially semi-circular shape than at a substantially midpoint on the circumference of the substantially semi-circular shape. |
| US08633864B2 |
Antenna having an antenna to radome relation which minimizes user loading effect
An antenna is provided, which is located within an enclosure. The antenna includes one or more arms, where each arm has an electrical length corresponding to an intended frequency band of transmission, and along said length of the arm a source of external loading will have a variable effect. The enclosure includes one or more anticipated points of contact, where a source of external loading will be brought into proximity with said enclosure, and where the one or more arms are constructed and arranged to locate the relatively high impedance areas of the antenna at least a predetermined distance from the one or more anticipated points of interest, and the relatively low impedance areas of the antenna are located more proximate the anticipated points of interest. |
| US08633863B2 |
Modal adaptive antenna using pilot signal in CDMA mobile communication system and related signal receiving method
One or more input signals are used to generate a Pseudo noise generator and re-inject the signal to obtain a more efficient method of control of a receiver using adaptive antenna array technology. The antenna array automatically adjusts its direction to the optimum using information obtained from the input signal by the receiving antenna elements. The input signals may be stored in memory for retrieval, comparison and then used to optimize reception. The difference between the outputs of the memorized signals and the reference signal is used as an error signal. |
| US08633862B2 |
Mobile communication base station antenna
A mobile communication base station antenna has a first array antenna and a second array antenna. Antenna elements of the first and second array antennas are classified into the first, second and third groups G1, G2 and G3. A first feeding port is connected to the antenna elements in the odd number groups (the first group G1 and the third group G3) of the first array antenna and the antenna elements in the even number group of the second array antenna. On the other hand, a second feeding port is connected to the antenna elements in the even number group (the second group G2) of the first array antenna and the antenna elements in the odd number groups (the first group G1 and the third group G3) of the second array antenna. |
| US08633858B2 |
Method of manufacturing high frequency receiving and/or transmitting devices from low temperature co-fired ceramic materials and devices made therefrom
The invention relates to methods of forming high frequency receivers, transmitters and transceivers from Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) materials. Two or more layers of a low k thick film dielectric tape and in contact with each other and two or more layers of a low k thick film dielectric tape and in contact with each other form a low k high k LTCC structure with improved properties and the ability to support economical mass production techniques for high frequency transceivers. The invention also relates to the LTCC receiving, transmitting and transceiving structures and the devices made from such structures. |
| US08633857B2 |
Antenna structure
An antenna structure includes a substrate, a radiation unit, and a metal plate. The radiation unit is disposed on the substrate. The metal plate is separated from the radiation unit for a distance and is electrically isolated with the radiation unit. The metal plate is excited by the radiation unit to generate at least one resonance mode, and includes a hole penetrating the metal plate. Thus, the gain is enhanced, the bandwidth is increased, and multiple resonance modes are provided. |
| US08633856B2 |
Compact single feed dual-polarized dual-frequency band microstrip antenna array
A dual-polarized stacked patch antenna array that operates at two different frequencies. The stacked patch antenna array has a single planar patch antenna subarray disposed on opposite sides of a dielectric structure. The stacked patch antenna array includes a ground plane that is common to each planar patch array antenna. Each planar patch antenna subarray is fed from a single coaxial probe disposed through the center of the stacked antenna array structure. Each patch in the planar patch array antenna subarray is electrically connected by microstrip elements. Each patch and microstrip element is arranged along the X and Y axial directions. A single additional microstrip element is placed in a diagonal orientation in each subarray to connect two patches oppositely oriented within the stacked antenna array structure. |
| US08633855B2 |
Pseudo-omni-directional beamforming with multiple narrow-band beams
In a technique for communication with a station on a wireless network, the technique includes forming a plurality of narrow-band beams, each having a different angular direction from an antenna of a base station and collectively distributed over a beamspace to form a pseudo-omni-directional beam pattern. That beamspace may span an entire spherical region or a portion thereof, for example, when the narrow-band beams are broadcast over a sector of an entire spherical region. The technique may assign each of the plurality of narrow-band beams to a different frequency band (such as a different channel band or sub-channel) on the wireless network. The technique may simultaneously broadcast the plurality of narrow-band beams in a time-varying manner such that the angular direction of each of the plurality of narrow-band beams varies with time, where that variation may be random or ordered. |
| US08633853B2 |
Method and apparatus for location detection using GPS and WiFi/WiMAX
A system, apparatus and method are provided for location detection using GPS or WiFi/WiMAX. The apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a transceiver, and a controller. The transceiver is a WiFi or WiMAX transceiver. The controller determines whether GPS location sensing is possible and, if so, receives geographical location data from the GPS receiver. If GPS location sensing is not possible, the controller determines whether location sensing via the transceiver is possible and, if so, receives geographical location data from the transceiver. The controller sends a signal based on the location data to a location monitoring application via the transceiver. The controller may send a signal to the location monitoring application that no location sensing is possible. |
| US08633852B2 |
Signal verification
A first position of a satellite is calculated at a first time in dependence on received orbit data corresponding to an orbit path of the satellite. Anan orbit path of the satellite is modeled from the first position at the first time to a second time to determine a second position of the satellite at the second time. A third position of the satellite is then calculated at the second time in dependence on the received orbit data. The second position and third position are compared to determine a validity of the orbit data. |
| US08633851B2 |
Low power, space combined, phased array radar
A plurality of mini radars that make the radar system conformable to a structure that it is attached or built into. A radar system includes a clock, a plurality of frequency modulated/continuous wave (FM/CW) radar units in signal communication with the clock and a processor in signal communication with the plurality of FM/CW radar units. Each of the plurality of FM/CW radar units includes a row of antenna elements. |
| US08633847B2 |
Analog-digital converter
A differential analog-digital converter is provided. The converter comprises a decision unit for evaluating a potential difference between two input signal lines, a number of charging units for each input signal line each configured to add a predetermined charge onto the respective input signal line, a number of discharging units for each input signal line each configured to remove a predetermined charge from the respective input signal line and a control unit for selectively switching each of the charging units and discharging units so that depending on one result of evaluating the potential difference between the two input signal lines one of the input signal lines is charged by adding the predetermined charge of the respective switched charging unit while the respective other of the input signal lines is discharged by removing the predetermined charge of the respective switched discharging unit. |
| US08633844B2 |
Performing digital windowing in an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
In one embodiment, a data acquisition circuit includes an analog multiplexer to receive analog signals and select an analog signal for output, an ADC coupled to the multiplexer to receive the analog signal and perform a conversion of the analog signal to a N-bit digital value in at least N clock cycles, and a controller coupled to the ADC to enable the ADC to compare the analog signal to a second analog signal in a single clock cycle. |
| US08633838B2 |
Method and apparatus for compression and network transport of data in support of continuous availability of applications
Methods and apparatus for compressing data for network transport in support of continuous availability of applications are described. One computer-implemented method of compressing data includes receiving a current instance of data in an input buffer. A candidate chunk of data is selected from the input buffer. A signature hash is computed from a signature length range of data within the candidate chunk. A matching dictionary entry having a matching signature hash from a multi-tiered dictionary is identified. The matching dictionary entry prospectively identifies a location of a prior occurrence of a selected range of consecutive symbols including the signature length range of data within at least one of the current instance of data and a prior instance of data in the input buffer. A dedupe processed representation of the instance of data is formed wherein a dedupe item is substituted for the selected range of consecutive symbols if the selected range is verified as recurring. The dedupe item identifies the location of the prior occurrence of the selected range in accordance with the matching dictionary entry. |
| US08633837B2 |
Encoding and decoding methods and devices employing dual codesets
A method for encoding an input sequence of symbols to produce a bitstream and a method of decoding the bitstream to generate a reconstructed binary sequence. Encoding employs an encoding tree having primary codewords associated with leaf nodes and secondary codewords associated with internal nodes. A flush event may cause output of secondary codewords. A context model is used to select an encoding tree corresponding to an estimated probability at the encoder. The same context model is used by the decoder to select a decoding tree. The decoder interleaves bits from decoded bit sequences associated with different estimated probabilities based on the context model. |
| US08633828B2 |
System and method for safing and monitoring a plurality of vehicle sensors
A system and method for safing vehicle sensors includes two safety systems, each with a primary sensor for monitoring vehicle motion and activating its corresponding safety system in response to certain vehicle motions. Each sensor may act as a safing sensor for the other in the event that activation of a safety system is indicated by the primary sensor. Each sensor may also monitor the other prior to such an event, to detect a sensor malfunction before that sensor is needed to active a safety system. |
| US08633822B2 |
Method and apparatus for a radio frequency identification repeater which is coupled to a radio frequency identification tag
The present method enables an RFID repeater to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag to allow data in the RFID tag to be read using wireless packet switched technologies. For example, the present method enables an RFID repeater to be coupled with an RFID tag. The RFID repeater reads and records the data from the RFID tag and then transmits the retrieved data from the RFID tag over a wireless packet network. |
| US08633816B2 |
Electronic reminder and monitoring system for healthcare infection control precautions
A system and method for monitoring personal protection items of a healthcare worker (gloves, gown, mask and respirator), using a user badge which stores data representing items worn by a worker, wirelessly communicating with the badge before the worker enters a patient zone (such as a patient room, bed area or exam table area), to see whether the worker has the required items. Patient beacons, located near patient room doors, near beds and other locations, store data representing the items required by workers who come in contact with, or close proximity to a patient, and wirelessly communicate with the badge. The patient beacon data can be set for the requirement of the patient, based on patient condition. |
| US08633814B2 |
Methods and systems for alerting persons of obstacles or approaching hazards
Apparatus and methods for alerting persons of obstacles and/or approaching hazards are provided. Embodiments may include a warning system that includes a radio source configured to transmit a radio signal and a warning device. The warning device may include at least one vibration device, at least two receiver devices configured to receive the radio signal, and a processing device operably coupled to at least two receiver devices and at least one vibration device, wherein the processing device is configured to determine at least a direction and a distance to the radio source from the warning device and configured to transmit a vibration signal to at least one vibration device based upon the determined direction and distance to the radio source from the warning device. |
| US08633812B2 |
Fuel-saving driving diagnostic device, fuel-saving driving diagnostic system, travel control device, fuel-saving driving rating device, and fuel-saving driving diagnostic method
An accelerator opening determining unit determines whether an accelerator opening achieved through an accelerator operation by a driver of a vehicle exceeds an upper limit value thereof. A travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance within accelerator-opening upper limit value when the accelerator opening is not determined to exceed the upper limit value. When the accelerator opening is determined to exceed the upper limit value, the travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance exceeding accelerator-opening upper limit value. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates the driving of the driver based on each added-up value added up by the travel distance adding-up unit. |
| US08633810B2 |
Rear-view multi-functional camera system
A rear-view camera system for a vehicle. The rear-view camera system includes a first camera positioned on a rear side of the vehicle. The first camera produces a first data set that includes image data corresponding to a first field of view. A second camera is positioned on the rear side of the vehicle spaced a horizontal distance from the first camera. The second camera produces a second data set that includes image data corresponding to a second field of view. The first field of view and the second field of view cover a space adjacent the rear side of the vehicle. An electronic control unit receives the first data set and the second data set and processes the first data set and the second data set to determine the presence of an object in the space adjacent the rear side of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to stitch the first data set and the second data set to produce a panoramic image that corresponds to the space adjacent the rear side of the vehicle. A human-machine interface includes a viewing screen positioned adjacent an operator of the vehicle, and the human-machine interface is configured to receive the panoramic image and display the panoramic image on the viewing screen. |
| US08633808B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for locating a lost remote control
Described herein are techniques for locating a lost remote control. The method includes receiving user input, at a controlled device, the user input requesting to locate a lost remote control for the controlled device. The method further includes lowering a volume of the output of content associated with the controlled device responsive to the user input and transmitting a message from the controlled device to the remote control, the message requesting the remote control to activate an indicator device (e.g., sound, visual, physical or the like) of the remote control. |
| US08633804B2 |
RFID system with RFID readers and operating method thereof
A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a host, a signal translating device and a plurality of RFID readers. The signal translating device includes a network receiving/transmitting module and an RFID receiving/transmitting module. The network receiving/transmitting module receives a control signal via a network and generates a translated signal according to the control signal. The RFID receiving/transmitting module generates an access command according to the translated signal, and transmits the access command via an RF signal. The plurality of RFID readers selectively generates an access signal or a relay access command according to the access command. |
| US08633803B2 |
Apparatus and method for locating RFID tag
Provided are a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and apparatus and method for locating a RFID tag without comparing arrival times of blink signals transmitted from the RFID tag in order to quickly trace a location of the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a tag ID generator configured to generate a tag ID of the RFID tag, a blink generator configured to generate a plurality of sub-blink signals that form the blink signal, a sub-blink ID generator configured to generate sub-blink IDs for the generated sub-blink signals, a sub-blink ID inserter configured to insert the generated sub-blink IDs into the sub-blink signals, and a transmitter configured to transmit the blink signal having the tag ID and the sub-blink IDs. |
| US08633796B2 |
Information processing system, control information processing device, and program
There is provided an information processing system that includes an information processing terminal equipped with an IC chip capable of non-contact communication with a reader/writer, a data provider device that stores a first data record for creating service data, and a control information processing device that creates the service data and transmits the service data to the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal includes a terminal communication portion that acquires the first data record from the data provider device and transmits the first data record to the control information processing device. The control information processing device includes a control communication portion that receives the first data record, a control storage portion that stores a second data record for creating the service data, and a data creation portion that creates the service data based on the first data record and the second data record. |
| US08633789B2 |
Force arrangement for radio frequency filters
Embodiments relate to a force arrangement (50, 60) adapted to be mounted on a surface of a radio frequency filter that comprises a housing and a filter part extending along a first axis (A), the filter part being connected to a first side of the housing arranged perpendicular to the first axis (A) in a connection, the connection forming a contact seam between the filter part and the first side of the housing, wherein the force arrangement (50, 60) comprises a first spring part (56, 62) that is arranged, when mounted against the first side of the housing, to provide a first force in a first direction along the first axis (A) being opposite a direction of a stress force on the contact seam generated along the first axis (A) due to expansion of the housing (20) along the first axis (A) in the opposite direction of the provided force. |
| US08633787B2 |
Coupled MEMS structure for motion amplification
A microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) device includes a secondary MEMS element displaceably coupled to a substrate. A primary MEMS element is displaceably coupled to the secondary MEMS element and has a resonant frequency substantially equal to the secondary MEMS element and has a much larger displacement than the secondary MEMS element. |
| US08633784B2 |
Misalignment tolerant contactless RF coupling device
Some embodiments relate to a contactless RF coupling device that includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The RF coupling device may provide a broadband, low loss electrical connection without mechanical contact as would a conventional mechanical connector. The first substrate includes a first ground plane on one side and a first transmission line on an opposing side. The first transmission line includes an enlarged first coupling member at an end of the first transmission line. The second substrate includes a second ground plane on one side and a second transmission line on an opposing side. The second transmission line includes an enlarged second coupling member at an end of the second transmission line. The first ground plane may not extend under the first coupling member and the second ground plane may include an opening that is aligned with the second coupling member. |
| US08633779B2 |
Pulse width modulator
A pulse width modulator for modulating a rectangular carrier signal in accordance with an input signal includes a modulating unit that receives the input signal and provides a digital output word. The output word has a pre-defined number of digits comprising a first contiguous set of binary ones (“1”) and a second contiguous set of binary zeroes (“0”) and in which the fraction of the binary ones (“1”) represents the digital input signal. The modulator also includes a random number generator that generates a pseudo-random sequence, and a flipping unit configured to flip, or not, the output word provided by the modulating unit in accordance with the pseudo-random sequence thus providing a randomly modified digital pulse width modulated output signal. |
| US08633774B2 |
Electronic pulse generator and oscillator
Improvements in and relating to electronic pulse generation or oscillation circuitry based on a signal path exhibiting endless electromagnetic continuity and affording signal phase inversion in setting pulse duration or half-cycles of oscillation within time of signal traverse of said signal path, and having active switching means associated with said signal path to set rise and fall times of each said pulse or said half-cycle of oscillation, including for frequency adjustment by selective inductance and power saving without stopping pulse generation or oscillation. |
| US08633773B2 |
Gas cell unit, atomic oscillator and electronic apparatus
A gas cell unit has a gas cell, inside which a gaseous alkali metal atom is sealed, a heater that heats the gas cell. The heater includes a heating resistor including a plurality of band-like portions so as to be parallel to each other. By making the directions of electric current flowing through two band-like portions adjacent to each other opposite to each other, it is possible to mutually offset or alleviate the magnetic fields generated along with the electric conduction to the plurality of band-like portions. |
| US08633769B2 |
Dual loop adaptation digital predistortion architecture for power amplifiers
One or more embodiments of a method and apparatus taught herein provide a predistortion system to compensate for the non-linearity of a power amplifier. The system includes an outer predistorter, an inner predistorter, and a first adaptation circuit. The predistorter predistorts an input signal to generate a first output signal, and uses a first memory model that models power amplifier memory effects within a first range of time constants. The inner predistorter predistorts the first output signal to generate a second output signal, and uses a second memory model that models power amplifier memory effects within a second range of time constants that is greater than the first range of time constants. The second output signal is provided as an input to the power amplifier, and the first adaptation circuit adapts the outer predistorter responsive to feedback from the power amplifier. |
| US08633765B2 |
Input common mode circuit for a fully differential amplifier
This application describes a system for minimizing the common mode voltage drift at the input of a fully differential amplifier. An impedance component is coupled to the inputs and outputs of the differential amplifier. The impedance component optimizes the common mode resistance or impedance to ground without significantly affecting the differential impedance, matches the input common mode voltage to the output common mode voltage and reduces the input common mode voltage drift in presence of leakage currents. |
| US08633760B2 |
Op-R, a solid state filter
The device described herein proposes an electronic active filter void of capacitors and inductors. The circuit utilizes only operational amplifiers (OP-Amp) and resistors, hence the name Op-R. Although capable of being constructed of lumped circuit elements this filter is intended for integrated circuit (IC) applications. Filtering of signals can be accommodated from dc through the UHF frequency range depending on the selected op-amp ICs. Low pass, band pass, high pass, as well as band reject frequency responses are achievable. Although the circuits described herein are single input-single output, multiple inputs and outputs present no difficulty, being limited only chip space. Temperature and production spread variations are also considered within the realm of tenability. |
| US08633759B2 |
Voltage generator and method of generating voltage
A voltage generator includes a clock generator configured to generate a first clock signal and a second clock signal having a longer cycle than the first clock signal, a pumping unit configured to generate a pumping voltage in response to the first or second clock signal, a first detection circuit configured to detect the pumping voltage and generate a first control signal for controlling the operation of the pumping unit based on the result of the detection, and a second detection circuit configured to generate a second control signal for outputting the first or second clock signal generated from the clock generator depending on whether the first control signal maintains an enable state for a specific time. |
| US08633756B2 |
Low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) circuitry and method for dynamically controlling common mode voltage at input
Low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) circuitry and method for dynamically controlling the common mode voltage at the input of an LVDS receiver. The common mode voltage of the incoming LVDS signal is monitored. The common mode voltage at the input of the LVDS receiver is clamped at a clamp voltage when the common mode voltage of the incoming LVDS signal is less than a predetermined voltage, and allowed to track it otherwise. |
| US08633755B2 |
Load driver with constant current variable structure
A load driver includes a switching element connected to a load, a constant current generator that generates a constant current, and a driver circuit that turns on the switching element for an on-period, which depends on a value of the constant current and is shortened with an increase in the value of the constant current. The constant current generator supplies a first constant current having a first current value to the driver circuit during the on-period, and supplies a second constant current having a second current value smaller than the first current value after the on-period has elapsed and the switching element reaches an on state. |
| US08633754B2 |
Variable attenuator having stacked transistors
In one embodiment, a variable attenuator is disclosed having an attenuation circuit and a control circuit. The attenuation circuit may include a first series connected attenuation circuit segment and a shunt connected attenuation circuit segment, as well as additional attenuation circuit segments. Each attenuation circuit segment includes a stack of transistors that are coupled to provide the attenuation circuit segment with a variable impedance level having a continuous impedance range. In this manner, the control circuit may be operably associated with the stack of transistors in each attenuation circuit segment to control the variable attenuation level of the variable attenuator. |
| US08633751B2 |
Centralized power gating control for partitioned power gates
Power gating control and related circuitry for integrated circuits is described herein. A centralized power gating control circuit uses trigger circuits to control the on/off switching of power gating circuits distributed at different points in a chip, integrated circuit, module or block (collectively “IC”). The power gating circuits may include power gates partitioned for sleep and shutdown modes. The shutdown mode power gates may employ multi-level power gate architecture to minimize inrush current during power-up of the IC. Each level may be associated with or tied to a trigger circuit and activated based on a voltage level reaching the voltage threshold of the trigger circuit. The power gating control and related circuitry may be embedded in the IC. |
| US08633750B2 |
Delay control circuit and method
The present invention relates to a delay control circuit and a method of controlling delay of an output signal generating based on an input signal, wherein a plurality of delayed replicas of a reference signal are generated with dedicated time delays with respect to the reference signal and are sampled at a predetermined timing defined by the input signal. One of the delayed replicas is selected based on the output of the sampling means, and the output signal is generated based on the selected replica. Thereby, a predetermined phase relationship can be generated even in cases where no strict phase relation is given between data and reference signal. |
| US08633749B2 |
Phase-locked loop (PLL) fail-over circuit technique and method to mitigate effects of single-event transients
A PLL fail-over circuit technique and method to mitigate the effects of single-event transients comprises providing a pair of substantially identical phase-locked loops and producing a respective delayed clock signal from each. The outputs of the phase-locked loops are monitored for errors comprising high frequency transients or differences in clock signal outputs from a reference frequency. A clock out signal is output representative of the first delayed clock signal if an error is detected in the second phase-locked loop and the second delayed clock signal is output if an error is detected in the first phase-locked loop. |
| US08633748B2 |
Filtering circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit having the same
A filtering circuit includes jitter determination reference control unit configured to determine a jitter determination reference in correspondence to an operation mode and output a control signal in response to the jitter determination reference, and a filtering unit configured to set the jitter determination reference in response to the control signal and determine whether an input signal is maintained during a sample period in response to the set jitter determination reference. |
| US08633746B2 |
Semiconductor device and radio communication terminal mounting the same
A phase detector, which forms a semiconductor device, detects a phase difference between a reference signal and a feedback signal obtained by feeding back an output signal of an oscillator, and generates a phase difference value indicating a value in accordance with the phase difference. An amplifier amplifies the phase difference value at a gain determined in accordance with a control signal from outside the device. A filter smoothes an output value of the amplifier. The oscillator controls a frequency of the output signal in accordance with an output value of the filter. |
| US08633743B2 |
Low power brown out detector
A brown out detector (BOD), configured to provide a BOD reset in the event of a brown out event, is provided. The BOD includes means for tracking a reference voltage that is updated through duty cycling schemes so as to reduce power consumption, as well as means for detecting a falling flank of a supply voltage so as to optimize response times. More specifically, the BOD includes at least one track module, at least one sample module, at least one detector module and at least one comparator. The comparator is configured to compare a duty cycled tracked reference voltage with a duty cycled sampled reference voltage and to output a BOD reset if the tracked reference voltage is less than the sampled reference voltage. The comparator is further capable of exhibiting improved response times when a boost current is received. The boost current is provided by the detector module when the supply voltage falls beyond a predetermined threshold. |
| US08633741B2 |
Reset generator
A reset circuit comprising: a first depletion mode device having a first terminal coupled to a node at a reset voltage and a second terminal for providing a reset signal to at least one device; and a control circuit arranged to switch the first depletion mode device into a high impedance state after a first predetermined period. |
| US08633739B2 |
Frequency divider circuit
Fractional frequency division is performed by sequentially selecting phase signals for division, where transitioning from a previous phase signal to a next phase signal for division occurs in response to not only the frequency-divided previous phase signal but also a second one of the phase signals. A phase transition that is triggered at least in part in response to a second phase signal having a phase that is greater (with respect to the phase signal sequence) than the phase of the next phase signal can aid minimization of signal glitches. The first frequency-divided signal can be further divided to produce a second frequency-divided signal having a 50-percent duty cycle. |
| US08633736B2 |
Driver with accurately controlled slew rate and limited current
A driver circuit, that provides slew rate control of its output voltage, including a current generator, an output transistor, and optionally, a capacitor. The current generator has an input port, an output port and reference port. The output port couples to the gate of the output transistor. The capacitor couples between the gate and drain of the output transistor. The current generator controls a current IS flowing through the output port based on an input voltage at the input port. The current generator limits the absolute value of the current IS to be less than or equal to a maximum determined by a reference current Iref provided at the reference port. Modifications may be made to the driver circuit to limit the output current (e.g., as a function of the output voltage) and to make the slew rate limit independent of the gate-drain capacitance of the output transistor. |
| US08633735B2 |
Signal level adjusting device and high-frequency apparatus
To provide, in a frequency synthesizer including: a variable attenuator provided at a subsequent stage of a voltage controlled oscillator; a detector; and a control unit outputting a control voltage for adjusting an attenuation amount of the variable attenuator via a digital/analog converter in accordance with a detection voltage, a technology with which a spurious due to a change in an output of the digital/analog converter can be suppressed. A low-pass filter is provided between an output side of a digital/analog converter and a variable attenuator to cut a frequency component corresponding to an overshoot generated when an output of the digital/analog converter is changed. Further, a period of time from when a control unit outputs a control voltage to when it reads a signal level detected by a detector is set to a period of time longer than a time constant of the low-pass filter determined by a cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter so that no influence is exerted on an operation of automatically controlling the signal level. |
| US08633732B2 |
Circuits for soft logical functions
A circuit implementing a soft logical processing network includes an interconnection of analog processing elements, which can include soft logic gates, for instance soft Equals gates and soft XOR gates. In some examples, each of the soft logic gates include multiple circuit parts, with each part including an input configured to accept a voltage signal representation of a soft logical quantity, and a conversion section configured to use the accepted voltage representation to form a corresponding current signal. The current signals are combined to form a signal representation of the output of the gate. In an application of soft logic gates, a memory includes a group of electrical storage elements, each electrical storage elements carrying a respective storage values; a group of conversion elements, each conversion element being coupled to a respective electrical storage element for selectively converting the corresponding storage value to a current signal; and a current combination element for combining the current signals to form an output signal. |
| US08633728B2 |
Surge testing method and system for a bar-wound stator
A method for surge testing a bar-wound stator includes electrically connecting a conductive lead of a test system to a corresponding welded hair pin in each of the layers mid-way through the stator windings. A calibrated voltage surge is applied via the conductive leads into the windings of the stator at the welded hair pins. The method includes measuring a voltage drop between turns of the windings after applying the calibrated voltage surge, recording the measured voltage drop in memory of the test system, and executing a control event with respect to the stator when the measured voltage drop is more than a calibrated threshold voltage drop. A system for surge testing the bar-wound stator includes a test device having a capacitor for storing the calibrated surge voltage and a pin set that is electrically connected to the test device. The pin set includes the conductive wires and leads. |
| US08633727B2 |
Power generation system and sensing system
A power generation system includes a support unit configured to support a power transmission line disposed on a transmission line tower, and a power generation unit. The support unit includes a support line having an end part connected to the power transmission line and a rotary body configured to rotate in a manner cooperating with the support line. The power generation unit is configured to generate electric power in response to rotation of the rotary body caused by movement of the support line resulting from tension of the power transmission line. |
| US08633720B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring magnetic parameters of magnetic thin film structures
High-frequency resonance method is used to measure magnetic parameters of magnetic thin film stacks that show magnetoresistance including MTJs and giant magnetoresistance spin valves. The thin film sample can be unpatterned. Probe tips are electrically connected to the surface of the film (or alternatively one probe tip can be punched into the thin film stack) and voltage measurements are taken while injecting high frequency oscillating current between them to cause a change in electrical resistance when one of the layers in the magnetic film stack changes direction. A measured resonance curve can be determined from voltages at different current frequencies. The damping, related to the width of the resonance curve peak, is determined through curve fitting. In embodiments of the invention a variable magnetic field is also applied to vary the resonance frequency and extract the magnetic anisotropy and/or magnetic saturation of the magnetic layers. |
| US08633715B2 |
Proximity detection system
Proximity sensing arrangements utilize one or more sensing devices to detect and/or to discern objects that are or become proximate, or are expected to be proximate to a position of interest. For example, one or more capacitive sensors may be distributed to locations about a machine, e.g., attached to, incorporated with, or otherwise associated with a moving or otherwise operating component of the machine. Corresponding control electronics drive each capacitive sensor, using a corresponding excitation signal, as well as process information read from each capacitive sensor to make intelligent proximity related decisions. |
| US08633712B2 |
Electronic device and operation detection method
An electronic device includes an input plane member that includes a plurality of first conductive layers that is elastically deformed when a pressing operation is received from a user, a base that includes a plurality of second conductive layers that comes in contact with the first conductive layer when the input plane member is deformed, a capacitance detection unit that detects capacitance between the plurality of first conductive layers and between the plurality of second conductive layers, a resistance value detection unit that detects a resistance value between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer when the first conductive layer comes in contact with the second conductive layer, and a switch unit that controls electrical connection between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and either of the capacitance detection unit and the resistance value detection unit. |
| US08633709B2 |
System for testing motherboard performance
A system for testing a motherboard performance includes a control device, a voltage processing circuit, a voltage regulating circuit and a voltage feedback circuit. The control device stores a plurality of predetermined voltage values and outputs control signals according to the plurality of predetermined voltage values. The voltage processing circuit receives the control signal and outputs a plurality of PWM signals according to the control signal. The voltage regulating circuit receives the plurality of PWM signal and outputs a plurality of DC voltage to a plurality of voltage input terminals of the motherboard. The voltage feedback circuit collects voltage signals at the plurality of voltage input terminals of the motherboard. |
| US08633708B2 |
Current calibration method and associated circuit
A current calibration method and the associated control circuit are provided. The method includes: providing a predetermined voltage to the differential output for obtaining an accurate current passing through the panel resistor during a calibration procedure and, providing a driving current to the differential output according to the accurate current during a normal operation procedure. |
| US08633706B2 |
Electronic load simulator device for testing RF coils
A magnetic resonance coil testing arrangement includes an electric circuit for emulating an electrical load to a magnetic resonance coil. The electric circuit is configured to emulate an electrical load corresponding to an electrical load induced by organic tissue at the magnetic resonance frequency of the magnetic resonance coil. |
| US08633704B2 |
Helium sensor
The helium sensor comprises a housing that encloses a detection chamber. A side of the housing is closed by a permeable wall that is selective for helium. In the detection chamber, there is located an ion getter pump comprising an anode, a cathode and a magnetic field. The cathode, or a cathode leg is made of beryllium. Beryllium has a low atomic mass, whereby the likewise light-weight helium ions can be better incorporated into the cathode material. |
| US08633700B1 |
Sensors for passive electroseismic and seismoelectric surveying
An apparatus includes a conductive plate operable to generate a reference signal and a shield configured to surround at least a portion of the conductive plate and to attenuate at least a portion of a horizontal electromagnetic signal. The apparatus also includes an electrode configured to be electrically coupled to the shield and to a ground, where the electrode is responsive to a vertical electromagnetic signal, and the vertical electromagnetic signal generated by a subsurface earth formation in response to an electroseismic or seismoelectric conversion of a passive electromagnetic source signal. The apparatus also includes an amplifier comprising a first input and a second input, where the first input is configured to electrically couple to the conductive plate and the second input is configured to electrically couple to the electrode. |
| US08633696B2 |
Designing a time dependency for a k-space trajectory, in particular a spiral
A method for designing the time dependence function km(t) for a given k-space trajectory km, where m stands for one or multiple of the spatial dimension indices x, y, or z, of a magnetic resonance imaging (=MRI) experiment carried out on an MRI system, wherein the trajectory km is generated by applying a time varying waveform gm(t) of a gradient magnetic field, the method taking into account—the gradient magnitude limit G and—the gradient slew rate limit S of the MRI system, is characterized in that the method further takes into account a given frequency limit F in such a way that the gradient waveform gm(t) does not contain frequency components above the frequency limit F which is characteristic for the gradient hardware of the MRI system. The invention provides a method for designing a time dependence function for a given k-space trajectory, which allows obtaining better quality MRI images. |
| US08633694B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes; a data collection unit which collects magnetic resonance data from a patient by a half Fourier method using a plurality of coils; an unfolding unit which performs an unfolding process on a plurality of items of folded image data obtained from the plurality of coils to generate unfolded image data by using sensitivity data of the plurality of coils; and a data processing unit which repeatedly performs a data filling process and a phase correction process to improve accuracy of data in an unsampled region to generate image data for display, the data filling process filling the unsampled region in k-space with k-space data obtained by Fourier-transforming the unfolded image data and the unsampled region being a region for which the data have not been collected. |
| US08633692B2 |
High field NMR apparatus with excess cooling power and integrated helium re-liquification
A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus (10) comprises a superconducting main field magnet coil system (14) which generates a homogeneous magnetic field of at least 3T, and a gradient coil system (15) which generates a gradient strength of at least 10 mTm−1, with a slew rate of at least 100 Tm−1s−1, wherein the main field magnet coil system (14) is arranged in a cryostat (12) with liquid helium and a refrigerator (16) in the form of a pulse tube cooler or a Gifford-McMahon cooler, and wherein an evaporation line (17a, 27a, 37a) is provided for helium that might evaporate from the cryostat. In all states of operation of the NMR apparatus (10) without gradient switching, the refrigerator provides a cooling capacity which is at least 0.3 W above the overall power loss of the cryostat, the evaporation line terminates in a buffer container (19, 29, 39, 39′) disposed outside of the cryostat for collecting the evaporating helium, and a return line (17b, 27b, 37b) is provided for returning the evaporated helium that has been collected in the buffer container into the cryostat. For this reason, a considerable amount of evaporating helium is saved, thereby considerably extending the refill cycles of liquid helium, which greatly disturb and obstruct normal work cycles and are disadvantageous for operation, in particular, in hospitals. |
| US08633691B2 |
Liquid compositions and uses thereof for generating diffusion ordered NMR spectra of mixtures
Provided are homogeneous liquid systems substantially 1H-NMR inactive and/or devoid of protons and are capable of enhancing the diffusion separation of a mixture, the system is substantially devoid of at least one NMR active nucleus present in the mixture. Further provided are methods of using the homogeneous liquid systems for enhancing the diffusion separation of a mixture and/or generating a diffusion ordered spectrum of a mixture and/or minimizing the peak width in a liquid state diffusion ordered spectrum of a mixture. |
| US08633689B2 |
NMR flow metering using velocity selection and remote detection
A method and apparatus for estimating a flow rate of a phase of a multiphase fluid is disclosed. In the first method, nuclei in the fluid are polarized over two distances and a measured magnetization gives the relative fraction of two components of the fluid for a selected velocity. In the second method, nuclei in the fluid are polarized over a specified distance and measurements of the decay of spin echo signals is used to give the relative fraction of two components of the fluid for the selected velocity. |
| US08633687B2 |
Hall Effect sensor with reduced offset
A Hall element sensor circuit in one embodiment includes a Hall element, a Hall element source, a switch matrix operatively connected to the Hall element and the Hall element source to establish a spinning current in the Hall element and to receive a Hall element signal from the Hall element based upon the spinning current, a front end amplifier including a first input operatively connected to a first switch matrix output and a second input operatively connected to a second switch matrix output, and at least one voltage source operatively connected to the front end amplifier at a location in the Hall element sensor circuit between the switch matrix and the front end amplifier. |
| US08633684B2 |
Detection system, semiconductor device, and data processing device
To provide an LSI having a low power mode that can prevent an apparatus on which the LSI is mounted from resulting in performance degradation, etc. even when its electric power is not reduced in the low power mode. Devised is a circuit that instructs an operation mode and detects whether the LSI operates as specified by the mode, and that measures a current at the time of the low power mode in a pseudo manner and, if despite having shifted to the low power mode, the current is not reduced actually, issues an alarm signal. |
| US08633681B2 |
Voltage regulator and voltage regulation method
A voltage regulator includes a voltage output unit configured to output an output voltage to a voltage output terminal; a first resistance divider configured to regulate a divided resistance value in response to a first series of control signals; and a second resistance divider configured to regulate the divided resistance value, which is determined in the first resistance divider, in response to a second series of control signals. A voltage level of the output voltage output through the voltage output terminal is regulated according to a ratio of the divided resistance value determined through the first resistance divider and the second resistance divider and a resistance value of a reference resistor. |
| US08633676B2 |
Charging status display circuit and electronic device using the same
A charging status display circuit is used in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a power supply circuit, a rechargeable battery, and an interface circuit capable of electrically connecting with the rechargeable battery. The electronic device is powered by either the power supply circuit or the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is charged by the power supply circuit via the interface circuit. The charging status display unit includes a light emitting diode for indicating whether the rechargeable battery is being charged, and a surface-contact diode for clamping a voltage between the light emitting diode and the interface unit at a predetermined value. The light emitting diode is connected in series between the power supply circuit and the interface circuit. The surface-contact diode is connected in parallel with the light emitting diode. |
| US08633671B2 |
Photo-voltaic charging of high voltage traction batteries
Photovoltaic (PV) systems for charging high voltage batteries used to power the electric traction motor of an electrically-powered vehicle are described. Suitable PV systems, fabricated of interconnected solar cells, modules or arrays, may be designed and adapted to efficiently charge a high voltage battery by matching the characteristics of the PV system to the fully-charged voltage of the battery. Preferably, a charging efficiency of about 90% or greater may be achieved through proper matching of the PV system to the battery. A reconfigurable PV system, based on assemblies of solar modules, is described. The reconfigurable PV system is capable of properly matching itself to a variety of different batteries, each of which may have a different voltage when fully charged. By using several reconfigurable PV systems a variety of batteries with different charged voltages may be charged simultaneously while utilizing substantially the full capacity of the PV system to charge batteries. |
| US08633667B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A motor speed determining circuit determining a rotation speed of a motor is provided and a processing of generating motor driving waveform is switched in accordance with the rotation speed of the motor. A resolver signal outputted from a resolver 2 is converted to a digital value by an R/D converter 3, and inputted to a computing circuit of resolver value correction 5 via an R/D conversion interface 4. A current value of a motor M is converted to a digital value by an A/D convertor 8. The computing circuit of resolver value correction 5 computes a resolver correction value of the inputted digital signal and calculates positional data from a corrected resolver value. The computing circuit of motor control computes a current instruction value from a motor current value subjected to digital conversion by the A/D converter 8 and a motor current instruction value etc., and a motor waveform output circuit 7 generates a motor driving waveform from the current instruction value and outputs the same to a power module PM. |
| US08633654B2 |
Light source driving apparatus
A light source driving apparatus is disclosed which includes a power supply including a power supply terminal connected to a first path through which a power source is supplied to a light source and including a feedback terminal for receiving a feedback of the power source supplied to the light source, a feedback resistor connected to the feedback terminal, and a current divider for branching a current flowing into the first path and supplying the branched current to the feedback resistor. |
| US08633653B2 |
Lighting control system with improved efficiency
A lighting system includes a plurality of fixtures, wherein each fixture includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps. A dimming ballast is operatively coupled to each fixture, each dimming ballast receives power from an outside source that is delivered to the fluorescent lamps within each corresponding fixture. A control module communicates with each dimming ballast, the control module receives a lighting level from an outside source, determines the most power efficient lighting solution and outputs a control signal to each dimming ballast related to the light output level of each lamp within each fixture. |
| US08633651B2 |
Illumination assembly
An illumination assembly, comprising: at least one luminous means having at least one luminescence diode chip as light source, and at least one energizing means, which is connected to the at least one luminous means via a connecting line, wherein the energizing means is designed to energize the at least one luminous means. The energizing means comprises at least one filter element designed to filter signals which enter into the energizing means from a power supply for the energizing means and exit from the energizing means into the power supply. |
| US08633650B2 |
Dimmable light source with light temperature shift
An illumination device (1) comprises: mains input terminals (2, 3); a power source (30), having input terminals (31, 32) coupled to the mains input terminals and having three output terminals (33, 35, 34), one of said output terminals being a common output terminal (35). A first output (36) is defined by a first output terminal and said common output terminal; a second output (37) is defined by a second output terminal and said common output terminal. A first LED string (110) is connected to the first power source output in series with a first resistor (120). A second LED string (210) is connected to the second power source output in series with a second resistor (220). The power source is controllable to vary the voltage at the common output terminal within the range from the voltage at the first output terminal to the voltage at the second output terminal. |
| US08633648B2 |
Gas conversion system
A gas conversion system using microwave plasma is provided. The system includes: a microwave waveguide; a gas flow tube passing through a microwave waveguide and configured to transmit microwaves therethrough; a temperature controlling means for controlling a temperature of the microwave waveguide; a temperature sensor disposed near the gas flow tube and configured to measure a temperature of gas flow tube or microwave waveguide; an igniter located near the gas flow tube and configured to ignite a plasma inside the gas flow tube so that the plasma converts a gas flowing through the gas flow tube during operation; and a plasma detector located near the gas flow tube and configured to monitor the plasma. |
| US08633646B2 |
Method and apparatus for radio-frequency controllable LED lamp fixture antenna
An apparatus and system for incorporating an unshielded antenna into an LED fixture are provided, such that the LED fixture can be individually controlled through RF signals, such as those propagated by a home automation system or other RF-based lighting control systems. An LED fixture is provided that includes an antenna that is coupled to an electronic control board of the LED fixture and extends to a region external to the heat sink of the LED fixture. By extending the antenna in this manner, RF signals can be received and transmitted by the control board of the LED fixture with significantly reduced attenuation. In one embodiment, the antenna is routed from the control board to an optical assembly support frame for the LED fixture. The optical assembly support frame can either provide a structure along which to guide the antenna or can comprise the antenna itself. |
| US08633642B2 |
Lamp part fixing by shape memory alloy in the discharge tube of fluorescent lamps
The present disclosure relates to a lamp part fixing device and method for lamp components made of shape memory alloy. The device includes a main body that carries, for example, a main or auxiliary amalgam, getter, etc. located at a desired position within a discharge tube of a fluorescent lamp. For example, the amalgam can be advantageously located at preselected axial locations and/or within a diffusion path. The main body is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration allows the mount to move within the discharge tube when the shape memory alloy is below an alloy transition temperature. The second configuration of the main body allows for controlled placement and immobilization of the device within the discharge tube when the shape memory alloy is raised above the alloy transition temperature. The device is shaped in a generally planar or non-planar configuration. |
| US08633641B2 |
Side illumination lens for LED
A side illumination lens for a LED is disclosed. One of the embodiments includes a bottom cavity, an incident surface, four total internal reflective surfaces, and a side refractive surface. Light beam emitted by the LED enters the lens through the incident surface. A first portion of the light beam is reflected by the total internal reflection surfaces to the refractive surface and emits out of the lens. The second portion of light beam enters the lens and exits from the refractive surface. A second one of the embodiments is to roughen the side refractive surface for diffusing the exit light beams so that a broader area can be illuminated softly. |
| US08633640B2 |
Spark plug
[Objective] To provide a spark plug which is configured such that an insulation member, from which a center electrode projects, is pressed frontward and held in a metallic shell, and is fixed by means of crimping the rear end of the metallic shell, and which can prevent a drop in gas tightness between the metallic shell and the insulation member due to a difference in thermal expansion therebetween.[Means for Solution] In a spark plug in which a mating shaft portion (10) of an insulation member (1) is loose-fitted into a mating hole portion (30) of a metallic shell (21), a filler (41) for maintaining gas tightness is charged between the outer circumferential surface of the mating shaft portion (10) and the inner circumferential surface of the mating hole portion (30). Despite the thermal expansion difference, the gas tightness is maintained, because the filler (41) for maintaining gas tightness is charged between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces. |
| US08633639B2 |
Multichip package structure and light bulb of using the same
A light bulb includes a base unit, an electrical connecting unit, a light-emitting unit, and a lamp cover unit. The base unit includes a base body connected with the electrical connecting unit. The light-emitting unit includes a substrate body disposed on the base body, a plurality of blue and red light emitting groups disposed on the substrate body and electrically connected with the substrate body, and a phosphor resin body formed on the substrate body to cover the blue and red light emitting groups. Each blue light emitting group includes a plurality of blue light emitting elements electrically connected with each other in series, and each red light emitting group includes a plurality of red light emitting elements electrically connected with each other in series. The lamp cover unit includes a light-permitting cover disposed on the top side of the base body to cover the light-emitting unit. |