| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08837925B2 |
Refrigerant heating apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
A refrigerant heating apparatus is provided. The refrigerant heating apparatus includes a refrigerant pipe in which a refrigerant flows and a heating unit that is provided on an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe. The heating unit includes a plurality of electrodes that are provided at an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe and are spaced from each other and a plurality of carbon nanotube heating elements that are electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes. The plurality of carbon nanotube heating elements are heated by an applied power, and are disposed to be spaced from each other. |
| US08837924B2 |
Vacuum heating/cooling apparatus and manufacturing method of magnetoresistance element
The present invention provides a vacuum heating/cooling apparatus capable of rapidly heating and also rapidly cooling only a substrate while a high vacuum degree is maintained after film-formation processing. The vacuum heating/cooling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vacuum chamber (1), a halogen lamp (2) which emits heating light, a quartz window (3) for allowing the heating light to enter the vacuum chamber (1), a substrate supporting base (9) having a cooling function, and a lift pin (13) which causes the substrate (5) to stand still at a heating position P3 and a cooling position P1 and moves the substrate (5) between the heating position P3 and the cooling position P1. |
| US08837920B2 |
Alternative advertising in prerecorded media
Presenting viewers with an alternative brief version of a recorded advertisement when they choose to fast-forward through or skip (or any other trick play event) the recorded advertisement. The alternative advertisement may be displayed instead of or in conjunction with the recorded advertisement (i.e., fast-forwarding advertisement is displayed in one portion of the screen (i.e., background or portion of a split screen) and the alternative brief version is displayed in another portion). The alternative brief version of the advertisement (trick play advertisement) may be a marketing message that is a static screen presenting a logo or a portion of the recorded advertisement, or may be a condensed version of the actual advertisement. The trick play advertisements may be targeted. An alternate or entirely unrelated advertisement can also be displayed as the trick play advertisement. |
| US08837918B2 |
Video recording apparatus
A video recording apparatus compresses video data so that a bit rate converges to a target bit rate while keeping a minimum image quality and records the compressed video data. The video recording apparatus (exemplified by a recording and reproducing apparatus (10)) comprises a compressing portion (exemplified by a transcoder (13)) which compresses the video data while executing a rate control including a change of a quantization step so that a bit rate in a predetermined period converges to a target bit rate; a recording portion which records the compressed data in a recording medium; and a total rate calculation portion that calculates a total bit rate of a result of compression of the video data by the compressing portion from the start of the compression to the present time. The compressing portion comprises a quantization step limiting portion which limits the changed quantization step to a predetermined upper limit lower than an upper limit changeable in the compressing portion, and a quantization step fixing portion which fixes the quantization step to the predetermined upper limit when the calculated total bit rate exceeds the target bit rate. |
| US08837909B2 |
Digital processing disruption systems
A method and apparatus are described for modifying an analogue video signal to impair its conversion to a digital signal by an analogue to digital converter. The resulting modified signal may prevent the operation of the analogue to digital converter altogether, or even if a digital signal can be output and recorded, may result in a signal which is difficult to view due to a reduction in quality on playback. The modifications made to the signal include altering the amplitude of the horizontal synchronization pulses in the original signal, and/or modifying the level of the back porch, or the region of the signal adjacent the back porch. Additionally, methods are contemplated for the use of specific response models for target analogue to digital converters, and display devices. |
| US08837905B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing movement guide in video recording device
Provided are a movement guide providing method of a video recording device. The method includes: measuring a movement speed according to a movement of the video recording device; comparing the measured movement speed value of the video recording device with a reference value; generating a guide sub screen that represents a result value of the comparing; and displaying the generated sub screen on a display main screen of the video recording device. |
| US08837902B2 |
Threshold based computer video output recording application
An application that is capable of monitoring Internet or network traffic and performing recordings of computer video output based on network activity thresholds. The recording application is typically not installed on the computer to be recorded but can reside on the computer to be recorded. The application contains a configuration interface that allows a user to set thresholds for certain types of network activity usage. When a threshold is reached, the application will begin a video recording of the computer's video activity which will be stored for later use. The application can be configured to include settings such as the length of the recording. For example, the application is a hardware appliance capable of monitoring web activity and network traffic and can connect to the computer over the network in order to perform the recording. The computer to be recorded can have specific software capable of capturing the video. |
| US08837896B2 |
Visual extender for portable devices
A portable electronic system comprises a portable electronic device having a screen and a visual extender. The visual extender has a thin film element and is coupled to the portable electronic device, positioning the thin film element to provide visual extension of the screen of the portable electronic device. |
| US08837895B2 |
Fiber holder and fiber laser apparatus
A fiber holder which can wind an optical fiber easily and accurately, and hold an optical fiber in a wound state is provided. The optical fiber is accommodated in the groove (introduction portion) formed on the fiber bobbin, after that, the bobbin cover is rotated in the rotational direction of the helical groove while the optical fiber is kept in contact with the cutout formed in the bobbin cover. With this, the optical fiber can be accommodated in the groove. Thus, the optical fiber can be wound easily and accurately, and the optical fiber can be held on the fiber bobbin. |
| US08837893B2 |
Exchange cabling
A telecommunication distribution frame is provided for optical fiber of an incoming cable. Primary and secondary flexibility suites include joined blown fiber tubes routed as desired within the installation. A continuous blown fiber unit may extend through the joined blown fiber tubes. A blown fiber tube flexibility module may have a patching panel which may be provided with connectors. Above the panel may be a set of bend control vanes or mandrels one for each of the connector sites in the panel. Patching tubes may pass down and out through an aperture at the back of the module. |
| US08837885B2 |
Optic coupler, optical fiber laser device, and active optical module using the same
The inventive concept provides optic couplers, optical fiber laser devices, and active optical modules using the same. The optic coupler may include a first optical fiber having a first core and a first cladding surrounding the first core, a second optical fiber having a second core transmitting a signal light to the first optical fiber and a third cladding surrounding the second core, third optical fibers transmitting pump-light to the first optical fiber in a direction parallel to the second optical fiber; and a connector connected between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, the connector extending the third optical fibers disposed around the second optical fiber toward the first optical fiber, the connector comprising a third core connected between the first core and the second core and a fifth cladding surrounding the third core. |
| US08837884B2 |
Optical semiconductor device, and manufacturing method thereof
The optical semiconductor device includes a spot-size converter formed on a semiconductor substrate. The spot-size converter has a multilayer structure including a light transition region. The multilayer structure includes a lower core layer, and an upper core layer having a refractive index higher than that of the lower core layer. The width of the upper core layer is gradually decreased and the width of the lower core layer is gradually increased in the light transition region. Both sides and an upper side of the multilayer structure are buried by a semi-insulating semiconductor layer in the light transition region. Light incident from one end section of the spot-size converter is propagated to the upper core layer. The light transits from the upper core layer to the lower core layer in the light transition region, is propagated to the lower core layer, and exits from the other end section thereof. |
| US08837883B2 |
Shaping laser beam launches into optical fibers to yield specific output effects
Certain embodiments may include a laser system configured to emit collimated laser light, a beam diverging element configured to diverge the laser light to yield a range of propagation angles with a maximum angle greater than zero, and fiber coupling optics configured to direct the diverged laser light towards a spot of a cross-section of a fiber core of an optical fiber. As another example, certain embodiments may include a laser system configured to emit collimated laser light, a beam shaping element configured to shape the laser light into a beam with an elliptical cross-section, and fiber coupling optics configured to direct the diverged laser light towards a spot of a cross-section of a fiber core of an optical fiber, where the spot's center point is located at a distance from the cross-section's center point. |
| US08837880B2 |
Virtual image display device
The invention is directed to provide a virtual image display device capable of setting the aspect ratio of the image light entering the eyes of the observer as a virtual image to a desired state while fulfilling the design limitations. In the invention, the aspect ratio of the virtual image can be converted to the aspect ratio (16:9) laterally longer than the aspect ratio (4:3) of the image area due to the conversion in the aspect ratio conversion optical system. Thus, the aspect ratio of the image light to be recognized by the eye of the observer as a virtual image can be adjusted to a desired state even in the case in which, for example, the lateral width of the image forming device with respect to the whole of the virtual image display device is limited by a design requirement. |
| US08837879B2 |
Optical waveguide device and optical hybrid circuit
The optical waveguide device includes a first optical coupler which branches input light and outputs first signal light and second signal light, an optical phase shifter including a first and a second optical waveguides of optical path lengths different from each other and giving a phase difference between the first signal light and the second signal light, and the second optical coupler coupling the first signal light outputted from the first optical waveguide and the second signal light outputted from the second optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide have the same waveguide width and have optical waveguides bent with substantially the same radius of curvature. |
| US08837877B2 |
Patterned non-reciprocal optical resonator
A patterned nonreciprocal optical resonator structure is provided that includes a resonator structure that receives an optical signal. A top cladding layer is deposited on a selective portion of the resonator structure. The top cladding layer is patterned so as to expose the core of the resonator structure defined by the selective portion. A magneto-optically active layer includes a magneto-optical medium being deposited on the exposed core of the resonator structure so as to generate optical non-reciprocity. |
| US08837876B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing optical and RF communication between rotating and stationary components of a rotary sensor system
Systems and methods are disclosed for implementing a rotary sensor system including rotating system components in RF signal and optical signal communication with stationary system components through a rotary coupler. The rotary coupler may be provided with an optical transmission line that passes inside or through the center of an inner conductor of a coaxial RF transmission line that itself extends across the rotational interface/s of the rotary coupler such that optical and RF signal energy may be provided simultaneously or otherwise across the rotary coupler using separate communication paths. A rotary sensor system may be further configured to convert multiple signals and/or types of signals to a common multiplexed optical signal stream for transmission together across an on-axis rotational optical interface of the rotary coupler. |
| US08837875B2 |
Optical path switch and optical router
An optical path switch and an optical router are provided. The optical path switch comprises an input optical path (100), two output optical paths (201, 202), and an optical path switching element (300). The optical path switching element selectively routes the beam from the input optical path to one of the output optical paths. The optical path switching element comprises a semiconductor substrate (301), an inter-layer dielectric layer (307) on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a cavity (302) disposed in the inter-layer dielectric layer, and an elastic light guiding plate (306) disposed in the cavity. One end of the cavity is connected with the input optical path, and the other end is separated into an upper cavity (304) and a lower cavity (305) by an isolating layer (303). |
| US08837870B1 |
Fiber coupled laser device having high polarization extinction ratio and high stability
A fiber laser device includes a laser source that can emit a source laser beam, a birefringent beam separator configured to receive the source laser beam and to split the source laser beam into an o ray and an e ray which have mutually orthogonal polarizations, and a polarization maintaining fiber comprising a fiber core characterized by a core diameter, wherein after the o ray and the e ray exit birefringent beam separator, the o ray and the e ray are separated by a distance that is larger than the fiber core of the polarization maintaining fiber. The polarization maintaining fiber is positioned to couple one of the o ray and the e ray into the fiber core. The one of the o ray and the e ray transmits through the polarization maintaining fiber to form an output laser beam. |
| US08837867B2 |
Method and system to detect and select best photographs
Disclosed is a software routine which determines which photographs in a corpus are similar, groups the similar photographs, and which then determines which photographs within a group meet criteria of “better” photographs. |
| US08837863B2 |
Signal-processing device and computer-readable recording medium with signal-processing program recorded thereon
A signal-processing device, which processes transparent images each expressed by transparent superimposition of a target such as an affected part and a background, includes a transparent image acquiring unit that acquires the transparent images each including the target at a plurality of times; a calculating unit that calculates a component of the transparent image originating from the target and a component of the transparent image originating from the background at a given time t among the plurality of times in association with estimated values of at least one of a distribution originating from the target and a distribution originating from the background and that evaluates consistency with the transparent images; and an updating unit that updates the estimated values of at least one of a distribution originating from the target and a distribution originating from the background at the time t based on the evaluation result. |
| US08837860B1 |
Systems and methods for data and model-driven image reconstruction and enhancement
Systems and methods are disclosed for image reconstruction and enhancement, using a computer system. One method includes acquiring a plurality of images associated with a target anatomy; determining, using a processor, one or more associations between subdivisions of localized anatomy of the target anatomy identified from the plurality of images, and local image regions identified from the plurality of images; performing an initial image reconstruction based on image acquisition information of the target anatomy; and updating the initial image reconstruction or generating a new image reconstruction based on the image acquisition information and the one or more determined associations. |
| US08837855B2 |
Image compositing via multi-spectral detection
A video image capture component includes a light source operable in a first spectrum, a first image detector operable in the first spectrum, a second light source operable in a second spectrum, and a second image detector operable in the second spectrum. A filtering component generates a combination image by filtering a first image obtained by the first image detector with a high-contrast filter, resulting in a high-contrast image, and masking a second image obtained by the second image detector using the high-contrast image. A compositing component creates a composite image from the combination image and a selected image. A display component displays the composite image.Alternative systems and methods for creating a combination image include techniques involving thermal imaging, laser detection, and narrow band frequency detection. |
| US08837852B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing defective pixels
A method for removing defective pixels using a signal processing scheme with a Bayer pattern, by determining an output value of the inter-channel according to whether or not a difference between a center pixel and an average of neighboring pixels, which have the same color as that of the center pixel, is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and using values of neighboring pixels nearest to a center pixel as an input, obtaining an output value of the cross-channel by finding a median value among a median value of vertical and horizontal lines including the center pixel, a median value of diagonal lines including the center pixel, and a value of the center pixel. Then, a defective pixel is removed, through the use of the output value of the inter-channel, the output value of the cross-channel, and the value of the center pixel. |
| US08837851B2 |
Method of median filtering
A median filtering method makes a plurality of pixel data into a block of fixed unit area which includes a central pixel and a plurality of ambient pixels adjacent to the central pixel. Pixel data within the unit area is divided into sub unit areas which are smaller than the unit area. The data value of the divided pixel data is arranged in a fixed order for each of the sub unit areas. An intermediate value is determined from the arranged pixel data in each of the sub unit areas. An average value of the intermediate values which are extracted from each of the sub unit areas, and the central pixel data is determined corresponding to the central pixel of the unit area with the average value. |
| US08837846B2 |
Image decoding method and apparatus for performing decoding on a reconstructed two or more context-independent and context-independent segments
An image decoding method for decoding an image using plural intra prediction modes, including decoding first binary data and second binary data, the first binary data indicating a first intra prediction mode to decode the image, the second binary data indicating a second intra prediction mode to decode the image, wherein in the decoding, coded data is obtained which includes a first context adaptive segment, a second context adaptive segment, a first bypass segment, and a second bypass segment. The first context adaptive segment and the second context adaptive segment are decoded by context adaptive binary arithmetic decoding which is arithmetic decoding using a variable probability updated based on decoded data, and the first bypass segment and the second bypass segment are decoded by bypass decoding which is arithmetic decoding using a predetermined fixed probability. |
| US08837841B2 |
Method for compressing and decompressing digital data
A method of compressing and decompressing digital data that is especially suitable for halftoned image data in which every bit represents the marking of a receiving material by ink or toner is provided. The method is lossless and balances the use of memory, the processing time, the compression factor and the cost of hardware resources. The recurrence of data in halftoned images on which the smaller data size of the compressed data is based, is caused by the use of a halftone dither matrix. Various halftone dither matrices may be used in the halftoned image. The method is adapted to employ the characteristics of a specific halftone dither matrix by applying a dynamic set of offset values, in which an offset value represents a number of words between the current word of digital data and an identical, previously processed word. |
| US08837837B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determining a modulation transfer function of an imaging system
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for determining a modulation transfer function of an imaging system. A method may include accessing an image of a phantom having a substantially circular shaped feature captured by the imaging system. The method may further include detecting the circular shaped feature within the image. The method may additionally include defining at least one line extending from a point within the detected circular shaped feature to a point outside of the circular shaped feature. The method may also include determining an edge spread function based at least in part on the defined at least one line. The method may further include determining the modulation transfer function of the imaging system based at least in part on the determined edge spread function. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08837836B2 |
Image processing device identifying attribute of region included in image
An image processing device performs: preparing image data representing an image, the image including a target region consisting of a plurality of target pixels, each of the plurality of target pixels having a pixel value; classifying each of a plurality of target pixels as one of an object pixel and a background pixel other than the object pixel, the object pixel constituting an object represented in the target region; determining whether or not the target region satisfies a first condition related to a relationship between the object pixel and the background pixel to make a first determination result; and judging whether or not the target region is a letter region representing at least one letter based on the first determination result. |
| US08837835B1 |
Document grouping system
Computer-based techniques for grouping documents are described herein. Documents may be grouped, organized, named, and/or indexed by their document character features. Document character features may comprise character counts, character difference counts, missing character counts, and any combination thereof. The comparison of documents may use a comparison threshold value for grouping documents. Documents may be processed in any language. |
| US08837833B1 |
Payment card OCR with relaxed alignment
Extracting financial card information with relaxed alignment comprises a method to receive an image of a card, determine one or more edge finder zones in locations of the image, and identify lines in the one or more edge finder zones. The method further identifies one or more quadrilaterals formed by intersections of extrapolations of the identified lines, determines an aspect ratio of the one or more quadrilateral, and compares the determined aspect ratios of the quadrilateral to an expected aspect ratio. The method then identifies a quadrilateral that matches the expected aspect ratio and performs an optical character recognition algorithm on the rectified model. A similar method is performed on multiple cards in an image. The results of the analysis of each of the cards are compared to improve accuracy of the data. |
| US08837831B2 |
Method and system for managing digital photos
Methods and systems for managing digital photos are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for organizing digital photos includes receiving a set of digital photos, analyzing the set of digital photos to create tags that identify content information in the set of digital photos, tagging the set of digital photos in accordance with their corresponding content information, categorizing the set of digital photos in accordance with their corresponding tags, and displaying the digital photos and their corresponding tags with a display device. |
| US08837829B2 |
Image processing apparatus, storage medium storing image processing program, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes; a generation unit to generate a histogram of luminance values of a plurality of pixels included in an image; a luminance value calculation unit to calculate a first luminance value at which first ratio pixels of the plurality of pixels are present in descending order of the luminance values of the histogram, and a second luminance value at which second ratio pixels of the plurality of pixels are present, the second ratio pixels is larger than the first ratio pixels; a selection unit to compare the first luminance value and the second luminance value, and determine a third luminance value that is set a maximum luminance value in gradation correction; and a correction unit to perform the gradation correction that corrects the luminance values of the plurality of pixels on the basis of the third luminance value. |
| US08837828B2 |
CIE lab color space based color conversion method and device and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a CIE Lab color space based color conversion method, which includes converting two-dimensional color planes Ln and Ln-1 of original diagram data into two-dimensional color planes Ln′ and Ln-1′; according to a plane Lx of any lightness level between the known Ln and Ln-1, calculating Lx′ between Ln′ and Ln-1′ and having the same lightness level as Lx; calculating a conversion matrix between Lx and Lx′; calculating color-converted and adjusted target color according to the color of any one point of the original diagram data; and completing color space of the target color. The present invention also provides a CIE Lab color space based color conversion device and a liquid crystal display device. With the above method, the present invention allows of easy construction of reverse conversion model. The algorithm can be easily implemented and the operation speed is increased. |
| US08837826B1 |
System and method for transmission, reception, and restoration of decimated color channels in image data
A processing device receives a first set of image data comprising one or more chroma channels and a luma channel. The processing device reduces the resolution of the one or more chroma channels to produce one or more reduced-resolution chroma channels. The processing device arranges the luma channel and the one or more reduced-resolution chroma channels into a second set of image data. The spatial coordinates of the luma channel and the one or more reduced-resolution chroma channels do not overlap in spatial location of the second set of image data. The processing device transmits the second set of image data to a downstream device. |
| US08837823B2 |
Foreground background separation in a scene with unstable textures
Disclosed herein are a system and method for performing foreground/background separation on an input image. The method pre-classifies (1010, 1020) an input visual element in the input image as one of a first element type and a second element type, dependent upon a predetermined characteristic. The method performs a first foreground/background separation (1030) on the input visual element that has been pre-classified as the first element type, wherein the first foreground/background separation step is based on color data and brightness data of the input visual element. The method performs a second foreground/background separation (1040) on the input visual element that has been pre-classified as the second element type, wherein the second foreground/background separation step is based on color data, brightness data, and texture of the input visual element. |
| US08837820B2 |
Image selection based on photographic style
A system and method are disclosed for image selection based on photographic style in which photographic style annotations are learned using a data-driven approach. The method includes assigning a style value for each of a set of photographic style categories to each of a set of database images with a trained classifier of a computing device. A user's selection of a subset of the photographic style categories, such as three style categories, is received. A user interface is generated for assigning values to each of the selected photographic style categories. A set of database images is identified, based on the assigned values for each of the selected photographic style categories and the style values for each of the selected photographic style categories of the database images. |
| US08837817B2 |
Method and device for calculating a depth map from a single image
A method for calculating a depth map from an original matrix image, comprising the steps of: calculating a first matrix image corresponding to the original matrix image with a low resolution and in which the depth of field is similar to that of the original matrix image, calculating a second matrix image corresponding to the original matrix image with a low resolution, comprising a number of pixels similar to that of the first matrix image and in which the depth of field is greater than that of the original matrix image, implementing a DFD type three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm from the first and the second matrix images, outputting the depth map. |
| US08837816B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating final depth information related map that is reconstructed from coarse depth information related map through guided interpolation
A method for generating a final depth information related map includes the following steps: receiving a coarse depth information related map, wherein a resolution of the coarse depth information related map is smaller than a resolution of the final depth information related map; and outputting the final depth information related map reconstructed from the coarse depth information related map by receiving an input data and performing a guided interpolation operation upon the coarse depth information related map according to the input data. |
| US08837813B2 |
Mobile three dimensional imaging system
A mobile device including an imaging device with a display and capable of obtaining a pair of images of a scene having a disparity between the pair of images. The imaging device estimating the distance between the imaging device and a point in the scene indicated by a user on the display. The imaging device displaying the scene on the display together with an indication of a geometric measure. |
| US08837811B2 |
Multi-stage linear structure from motion
Described is a linear structure from motion technique that is scalable, parallelizable, treats images equally, and is robust to outliers, without requiring intermediate bundle adjustment. Camera rotations for images are estimated using feature point correspondence and vanishing points matched across the images. The camera rotation data is fed into a linear system for structure and translation estimation that removes outliers and provides output data corresponding to structure from motion parameters. The data may be used in further optimization e.g. with a final non-linear optimization stage referred to as bundle adjustment to provide final refined structure from motion parameters. |
| US08837810B2 |
System and method for alignment in semiconductor device fabrication
A method of determining overlay error in semiconductor device fabrication includes receiving an image of an overlay mark formed on a substrate. The received image is separated into a first image and a second image, where the first image includes representations of features formed on a first layer of the substrate and the second image includes representations of the features formed on a second layer of the substrate. A quality indicator is determined for the first image and a quality indicator is determined for the second image. In an embodiment, the quality indicators include asymmetry indexes. |
| US08837800B1 |
Automated detection of arterial input function and/or venous output function voxels in medical imaging
Automated AIF/VOF identification is useful in connection with providing rapid and automatic quantitative imaging results. Examples include CBF (cerebral blood flow) and CBV (cerebral blood volume) perfusion maps. In the present work, AIF/VOF regions of images are identified by making use of a predefined anatomic vasculature template to provide numerical weighting values for voxels. A score is computed for each voxel that includes normalized signal fit parameters and the numerical weighting. AIF/VOF voxels are identified as N voxels having the highest score, where N can depend on the image resolution. |
| US08837798B2 |
Signal and image analysis method and ultrasound imaging system
A time domain signal analysis method is provided. The signal analysis method includes the following steps. A signal to be analyzed is received. The signal to be analyzed is iteratively sifted by using Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) to extract at least one intrinsic function (IMF). A normalized Hilbert transform is performed on the IMF. The transformed IMF includes phase information. The transformed IMF is processed by means of phase processing to obtain the processed IMF including angular frequency information. The foregoing signal analysis method could be utilized in an ultrasound imaging system to identify image information of ultrasound images. |
| US08837788B2 |
Disruption of facial recognition system
A method and apparatus allow an individual to disrupt recognition of facial characteristics of the individual by a facial recognition system. This is accomplished by providing an object which is worn adjacent the face of the individual. At least one infrared radiation emitter is fixed to the object which emits mostly or totally infrared radiation. The infrared radiation emitter is adjacent the face of the individual and directed at least one of onto the face or forward of the face of the user at all times, and hence as the face of the individual is viewed by the camera of the facial recognition system. As a result, an image of the face obtained by the facial recognition system is substantially different from an image which would have been obtained were the infrared radiation not so emitted, so that determination of facial characteristics by the facial recognition system is disrupted. |
| US08837787B2 |
System and method for associating a photo with a data structure node
A system and method for identifying a photo displays the photo with a family tree. Facial recognition, photo date estimation, people age estimation and gender determination are used to associate the displayed photo with one or more identified nodes in the family tree. A user can enter tagging information for the photo based on the identified nodes. |
| US08837783B2 |
Motion-controlled electronic device and method therefor
An electronic device obtains a motion of a displaced object in two captured video frames utilizing phase correlation of the two frames. The electronic device identifies a magnitude of the motion and an area in a phase correlation surface corresponding to an area of the object, and accordingly determines if the motion is a qualified motion operable to trigger a gesture command of the electronic device. The phase correlation surface is obtained from the phase correlation of the two frames. |
| US08837780B2 |
Gesture based human interfaces
A method for implementing gesture based human interfaces includes segmenting data generated by an IR camera of an active area and detecting objects in an active area. The objects are distinguished as either island objects or peninsula objects and a human hand is identified from among the peninsula objects. The motion of the human hand is tracked as a function of time and a gesture made by the human hand is recognized. |
| US08837779B2 |
Method for determining the pose of a camera and for recognizing an object of a real environment
A method for determining the pose of a camera (22, 32) relative to a real environment (40) comprises the following steps: taking at least one image (50) of a real environment by means of a camera (22, 32), the image containing at least part of a real object (41), performing a tracking method that evaluates information with respect to correspondences between features associated with the real object (41) and corresponding features of the real object (41) as it is contained in the image (50) of the real environment, so as to obtain conclusions about the pose of the camera (22, 32), determining at least one parameter of an environmental situation, and performing the tracking method in accordance with the at least one parameter. Analogously, the method can also be utilized in a method for recognizing an object of a real environment in an image taken by a camera. |
| US08837777B2 |
Wafer detecting apparatus
A wafer detecting apparatus detects storage states of a plurality of wafers stored in a wafer container. The plurality of wafers are stored substantially horizontal in slots in the wafer container to be transferred in and out of a front opening of the wafer container. The wafer detecting apparatus includes a vertically extending illumination device that emits light through the front opening onto the plurality of wafers and an imaging device that receives the light reflected from the plurality of wafers. The imaging device is arranged substantially directly in front of the wafer container and the illumination device is arranged in at least one of left and right sides of the imaging device. |
| US08837773B2 |
Apparatus which detects moving object from image and method thereof
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to input a plurality of time-sequential still images, a setting unit configured to set, in a still image among the plurality of still images, a candidate region that is a candidate of a region in which an object exists, and to acquire a likelihood of the candidate region, a motion acquisition unit configured to acquire motion information indicating a motion of the object based on the still image and another still image that is time-sequential to the still image, a calculation unit configured to calculate a weight corresponding to an appropriateness of the motion indicated by the motion information as a motion of the object, a correction unit configured to correct the likelihood based on the weight, and a detection unit configured to detect the object from the still image based on the corrected likelihood. |
| US08837764B2 |
Portable loudspeaker
A portable loudspeaker includes a base and a speaker cap opposing the base. The base and speaker cap are interposed by a movable resonance portion. The movable resonance portion is formed in a storing state and a releasing state. The base has a resonance reflection portion to receive reverse resonance sound waves generated by a speaker. The movable resonance portion includes a first transmission channel to transmit the reverse resonance sound waves to the resonance reflection portion and a second transmission channel to transmit base sound waves generated by the resonance reflection portion from the reverse resonance sound waves towards the speaker cap. The speaker cap has a second audio outlet to output the bass sound waves. |
| US08837763B1 |
Inertially balanced miniature low frequency speaker system
An inertially balanced miniature passive radiator full-range loudspeaker system is disclosed. In one embodiment the speaker system is a two-way system with low and high frequency components, where the low-frequency component is comprised of one active transducer and two passive radiators and the frequency range for this component is not outside of 10 Hz to 500 Hz. The low and high frequency components are individually optimized for operation in low and high frequency ranges respectively. By placing the passive radiators on opposing sides of an enclosure of the speaker system, the momentum generated by the motion of each of the passive radiators substantially cancels when the passive radiators are in phase. A passive radiators may be fitted with a voice-coil electrically connected to a corresponding voice-coil on the other passive radiator in a pair such that the generated back EMF resists out of phase motion of the passive radiators. |
| US08837762B2 |
Speaker
In a speaker, a space surrounded by a frame on one side of a diaphragm is separated by a damper into a first internal space and a second internal space. The first internal space and the second internal space are caused to face one part and another part of an opening provided in the frame. A duct protrudes from the frame, and the opening is an open end of the duct on the base end side thereof. The speaker is installed, for example, outside a vehicle cabin with the duct inserted into an opening in a vehicle cabin wall, and the first and second internal spaces are caused to communicate with a space in the vehicle cabin through the duct. Therefore, reproduced sound in the bass range having a high sound pressure can be discharged through the duct to the space in the vehicle cabin. |
| US08837761B2 |
Vibrator with adjustment system
A vibrator is provided with a spring having a first end and a second end and, a frame immovably attached to the second end where the frame is carrying a movable armature and at the second end of the spring a coupling with an armature plate is immovably attached. The armature plate and the movable armature are provided in close proximity with an air gap there between and a permanent magnet is associated with one or both of the armature plate and/or the movable armature and an electrical coil is associated with one or both of the armature plate and/or the movable armature. An adjustment screw is provided to displace the movable armature towards or away from the armature plate, wherein the screw is inserted in a bore. In an aspect of the invention, the bore has a length axis placed along a plane of intersection between the movable armature and the frame and one part of the bore is provided in the movable armature and an opposed part of the bore is provided in the frame, whereby one part of the bore is threaded and the opposed part is unthreaded. |
| US08837758B2 |
Hearing aid and method of driving an output stage
In a hearing aid (40), a direct-digital H-bridge output driver stage (1) driven by a sigma-delta modulator (2) is configured to operate in a power-saving three-level output mode or a power-consuming two-level output mode. The three-level output mode of the H-bridge output driver stage (1) has low power consumption but suffers the disadvantage of emitting capacitive noise potentially interfering with the reception of radio signals in a radio receiver (17) in the hearing aid (40). By providing a novel method of selecting the two-level output mode whenever the radio receiver (17) is receiving signals, and selecting the three-level output mode whenever the radio receiver (17) is idle, this capacitive interference does not disturb the radio receiver (17) in the hearing aid (40). The invention provides a method and a hearing aid. |
| US08837756B2 |
Dynamic microphone unit and dynamic microphone
A dynamic microphone unit includes: a diaphragm that vibrates in response to received sound waves; a voice coil that is fixed to the diaphragm and vibrates together with the diaphragm; a magnetic circuit that generates a magnetic field in a magnetic gap, the voice coil being disposed in the magnetic gap; a resonator that is disposed adjacent to the obverse of the diaphragm; and a noise canceling coil that is fixed to a surface of the resonator so as to face a position of fixing the voice coil, the surface facing the diaphragm. The noise canceling coil is connected in series with the voice coil and has a winding direction different from that of the voice coil. |
| US08837755B2 |
Apparatus in an acoustic assembly for registering assembly parts
An acoustic apparatus includes a first acoustic element, a second acoustic element, and a registration portion. The first acoustic element and the second acoustic element are elements such as a coil, a reed, or a yoke. The registration portion is configured to register the first acoustic element with respect to the second acoustic element such that an exact and relative alignment and positioning between the first acoustic element and second acoustic element is provided and ensured. |
| US08837754B2 |
Microelectromechanical transducer and corresponding assembly process
A MEMS transducer has a micromechanical sensing structure and a package. The package is provided with a substrate, carrying first electrical-connection elements, and with a lid, coupled to the substrate to define an internal cavity, in which the micromechanical sensing structure is housed. The lid is formed by: a cap layer having a first surface and a second surface, set opposite to one another, the first surface defining an external face of the package and the second surface facing the substrate inside the package; and a wall structure, set between the cap layer and the substrate, and having a coupling face coupled to the substrate. At least a first electrical component is coupled to the second surface of the cap layer, inside the package, and the coupling face of the wall structure carries second electrical-connection elements, electrically connected to the first electrical component and to the first electrical-connection elements. |
| US08837752B2 |
Mixing apparatus
In an automatic correction process, automatic correction processing portions 60 are connected to a set reference channel and target channels, respectively, so that test signals will be input to the automatic correction processing portions 60, respectively. A rise detection portion 60a detects a rise in a test signal input to a corresponding channel, so that a value counted by a sample counter 61 is latched by a latch 60b at the rising timing of this test signal. In accordance with a difference between the counted value latched to the reference channel and the counted value latched to the target channel, a time difference is calculated. In accordance with the time difference, a delay time set for a channel delay means of the target channel is automatically corrected. |
| US08837749B2 |
Managing the effect of TDMA noise on audio circuits
Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe an apparatus, system, and method for managing the effects of TDMA noise emitted by a communication device on an audio circuit. |
| US08837748B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving and playing a signal in a radio receiver
A method and apparatus for receiving and playing a signal in a radio receiver to suppress microphonic feedback are provided by alternately pitch shifting a received audio signal. The pitch of the received audio signal is alternately shifted up and then down, repeatedly over successive intervals of the audio signal, to produce a pitch swing signal which is then played over a speaker. The alternating pitch shifting prevents the buildup of regenerative feedback normally caused by acoustic vibrations coupling into the radio receiver. |
| US08837734B2 |
Managing encrypted data and encryption keys
A data module encrypts a first portion of a drive in a data center using a first encryption key. The data module encrypts the first encryption key using a second encryption key to obtain an encrypted encryption key. The data module stores the second encryption key in a first location and stores the encrypted encryption key in a second location that is separate from the first location and that is inaccessible from outside the data center. |
| US08837731B2 |
Secure remote control for audio/video receiver/decoder
A system includes a remote control device and a security device, wherein both devices share a unique and constant common key, algorithms or protocol specific to a pair formed by the remote control device and the security device. The unique and constant common key, algorithms or protocol are set up during a device initialization phase. The remote control device is configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiver of the security device. The remote control device, which is paired with the security device sending data towards the receiver, includes an encryption module and a memory to store the unique and constant common key. The data is encrypted by the encryption module with the unique and constant common key, and the security device includes a decryption module and a key corresponding to the unique and constant common key to decrypt the data received from the remote control device. |
| US08837730B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing channel reproduction delay in mobile terminal
An apparatus and a method reduce delay when reproducing digital broadcasting in a mobile terminal. More particularly, the apparatus and method reduce a reproduction delay, from having to stand by until an encrypted stream that matches with a traffic key is received, by receiving the traffic key in advance prior to the encrypted stream when a mobile terminal receives encrypted broadcasting. The apparatus includes a controller. The controller receives and stores a traffic key corresponding to an encrypted channel even when not entering the encrypted channel, and deciphers and reproduces the relevant channel using the stored traffic key when entering the encrypted channel. |
| US08837728B2 |
Server algorithms to improve space based authentication
A system and methods for location authentication are presented. An estimated server signal is estimated based on a generated known code signal, and a client received satellite signal is received from a client device. The client received satellite signal is compared to the estimated server signal to provide a comparison result. |
| US08837727B2 |
Method for privacy preserving hashing of signals with binary embeddings
A hash of signal is determining by dithering and scaling random projections of the signal. Then, the dithered and scaled random projections are quantized using a non-monotonic scalar quantizer to form the hash, and a privacy of the signal is preserved as long as parameters of the scaling, dithering and projections are only known by the determining and quantizing steps. |
| US08837726B2 |
Content protection key encryptor for security providers
Techniques are provided to receive at an encryption device from a control device an encryption request comprising a message and an identifier for a device. The control device and the device are associated with a security provider that provides secure content to the device using the message encrypted with a device key that is securely embedded in the device and also stored on the encryption device. The encryption device is associated with a key provider and the device key is not divulged to the security provider. At the encryption device, the device key is retrieved based on the identifier. The message is encrypted with the device key using a predetermined algorithm, and the encrypted message is then sent to the control device. |
| US08837724B2 |
Synchronization test for device authentication
Device authentication is based on the ability of a human to synchronize the movements of his or her fingers. A pairing procedure for two wireless devices may thus involve a synchronization test that is based on the relative timing of actuations of input devices on each of the wireless devices. In some aspects a synchronization test involves determining whether actuations of user input devices on two different wireless devices occurred within a defined time interval. In some aspects a synchronization test involves comparing time intervals defined by multiple actuations of user input devices on two wireless devices. |
| US08837715B2 |
Method and apparatus for secure iterative processing and adaptive filtering
Disclosed embodiments include methods and apparatuses for secure iterative processing of encrypted signals based on implementing a secure iterative processing protocol that avoids cipher blowup, and applying an iterative algorithm directly on the encrypted signals to generate an encrypted processed output signal. In a particular embodiment, the protocol comprises applying homomorphic linear processing, preparing and applying a rescaling module to avoid cypher blowup, and homomorphically adapting the encrypted signals. Specific embodiments implement iterative adaptive filtering algorithms in the encrypted domain including non-collaborative secure filtering and two-party filtering based on homomorphic encryption, interactive secure protocols, garbled circuits, or a combination thereof. |
| US08837713B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for enabling audio transmission within a communications session
In one embodiment, a communications device joins a full-duplex communications session and disables, at a first time, audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session. The communications device detects, at a second time after the first time, that an audio transmission enable control is in a first state and enables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the first state. At a third time after the second time, the communications device detects that the audio transmission enable control is in a second state and disables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the second state. |
| US08837709B2 |
Distributed hardware/software system for managing agent status in a communication center
An agent presence application for monitoring target agent resources and rendering agent states to subscribing applications is provided. The presence application has at least one first portion for collecting data regarding states of activity of the target agent resources, and at least one second portion for integrating the data and rendering the agent states to the subscribing applications. |
| US08837708B1 |
Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for tracking, reconciling, and reporting on DTMF data and voice data communicated between call centers and users
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for tracking, reconciling, and reporting on data representing Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) tones and voice signals communicated between call center and users during interactions therebetween. The system may include a data store adapted to store the DTMF data and a text corresponding to the voice data; a transcription process receiving data representing the voice signal and converting it into corresponding text; a report generation process obtaining the DTMF data and the text, transmitting a report containing the same to a client, and updating the date store accordingly; and a reconciliation process receiving data enabling reconciliation of data as tracked by the call center and as tracked by an entity other than the call center. The transcription process may operate as a third-party or an in-house entity relative to the at least one call center. |
| US08837707B2 |
Automatic integrated escalation in a unified messaging system
A user is identified based at least in part on a user identification designation associated with an incoming communication. A message recipient is then determined based at least in part on the identified user and one or more address books associated with message recipients by comparing the user identification designation to one or more entries in the one or more recipient databases. The incoming communication is routed to the determined message recipient. Escalation procedures are implemented up to a configured level in the recipient organization based on various criteria. As messages are escalated and deposited in mailboxes associated with the determined message recipients, the determined message recipients are notified of the deposited messages. |
| US08837705B2 |
Real-time probability based contact handling time
Systems and methods are provided to estimate the amount of service time left in a contact with a contact center. A system records metadata factors associated with contacts and the service time for the contacts. This information is incorporated into one or more service time probability distributions. A service time probability distribution is a function describing how much time a contact, having certain, defined characteristics, took historically. The distribution can subsequently be used to estimate service time for future contacts that have the same or similar characteristics. |
| US08837704B2 |
Client controlled dynamic call forwarding
A client-side signaling mechanism that allows a client to control how a telephone call is handled on a call server. The client user can create call routing rules on the client device using a client control component that manages session protocol messages. Once created, the call routing rule(s) created on the client are transmitted to the call server where a call routing component of the call server processes the rule(s) for a call related to the client. When the server receives the rule(s) and determines that the rule(s) are related to an existing call (incoming or currently in-process), the server halts current normal server rules processing for that call and executes the client-created rule(s). In one example, SIP session messages are employed for client control of server-side call forwarding. |
| US08837697B2 |
Call control presence and recording
Included are embodiments for detecting presence in a communications system environment. At least one embodiment of a method includes subscribing to events associated with a communication system and receiving a notification for an event, the event being associated with a communication between a first communications device and a second communications device. |
| US08837688B2 |
Provision of private information to voice telephone call parties
A system and method for providing private information content to a voice telephone call parties prior to, during or following a call. In one aspect, the system and method may be implemented in a voice telephone communication apparatus that is adapted to hold information content on behalf of the call party, gather information that is private to the call party and add it to the information store as part of the information content, and retrieve the information content from the information store and present it to the call party in response to an information presentation initiation action. In another aspect, the system cooperates with a premises or equipment monitoring system, such as a security system, to provide monitoring information to a telephone call party. |
| US08837686B2 |
Real-time voice logging of telephone calls
An office telephone system contains packet switched network and network telephone sets coupled to said packet switched network for transmitting and receiving speech data in addressed packets. A packet switched network interface taps the packet switched network and processes packets received from the packet switched network by identifying first and second packets that contain network voice call data for respective sides of a network telephone calls. The packet switched network interface mixing speech data from the first and second packets into streams while the call proceeds. Each stream comprising a mix of speech data from both sides of a respective one of the network telephone calls. An application program interface defines provides access to the streams to a programmable set of applications. In addition a line interface circuit taps call dedicate telephone lines outside the network and generates further speech data streams from signals from the call dedicated telephone lines. The application program interface defines provides interchangeable types of calls to access streams generated from both sources. |
| US08837680B2 |
Radiation transmission type target
A radiation transmission type target to be used for a radiation tube has a target metal 12 placed on a substrate 13, and has an antistatic member 14 placed on a surface of the substrate 13 opposite to a surface on which the target metal 12 is placed. The target suppresses its electrostatic charge, and enables the radiation tube to stable operate. |
| US08837677B2 |
Method and system for compton scattered X-ray depth visualization, imaging, or information provider
One aspect relates to at least a portion of at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider configured to receive an at least one Compton scattered X-ray that has scattered through a substantial scattering depth range to one or more substantial prescribed scattering depths within an at least one matter of an at least a portion of an individual based at least in part on a set of scattering characteristics, the set of scattering characteristics at least partially corresponding to the at least one matter of the least the portion of the individual; the at least the portion of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider being configured for providing an at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing through one or more visualization, imaging, or information providing depth ranges to one or more visualization, imaging, or information providing prescribed depths into the at least one matter of the least the portion of the individual. |
| US08837676B2 |
Virtual-slide creating device
It is possible to create a virtual slide of a subject of observation in a simple configuration without setting a movement pattern in advance. Provided is a virtual-slide creating device including a stage on which a sample is mounted; an objective lens that collects light from the sample; a relative movement mechanism that moves at least one of these components relative to each other in a direction crossing the optical axis of the objective lens; a position detecting unit that obtains relative position information of the stage and the objective lens; an image capturing unit that acquires a partial enlarged image of the sample; a display unit that displays the enlarged image acquired; an image saving unit that saves an enlarged image acquired by the image capturing unit each time at least one of the stage and the objective lens is moved relative to each other by a predetermined distance, based on the relative position information obtained; and an image processing unit that creates a virtual slide by forming an array of saved enlarged images based on the relative position information detected. |
| US08837674B2 |
Method for reducing diagnostic radiation dose in image guided radiotherapy
A method of minimizing radiation toxicity in image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is provided that includes using a probabilistic prediction algorithm that is operated on a suitably programmed computer and includes multimodality inputs and provides real-time geometric and topological target estimates to compensate for system latency, using an online adaptive imaging system that provides radiographic images of the target when the geometric and topological target estimates are in a region of predefined uncertainty, and using an image dose control algorithm, operating on a suitably programmed computer, that includes parameters for controlling dose per image, where instances for image acquisition are optimized according to a planned dose pattern and delivery result. |
| US08837673B2 |
Method for correctly geometrically assigning X-ray images
In a method for correctly geometrically assigning x-ray images of a patient an optically operating recording device is attached to an x-ray device generating the x-ray images. A dimensionally stable marker surface which can be optically detected by the recording device and defines a reference system is fixed to the patient in a fixed relative position. The x-ray device is brought into a first and second recording position such that the recording device is directed toward the marker surface. In a recording position the x-ray device produces a first and second x-ray image of the patient and the recording device produces a first and second recording of the marker surface. The respective geometric position of the first and second x-ray image is determined in the reference system from the recordings. The first and second x-ray images are correctly geometrically assigned to one another in accordance with their position. |
| US08837672B2 |
Concealed identification symbols and nondestructive determination of the identification symbols
The concealing of one or more identification symbols into a target object and the subsequent determination or reading of such symbols through non-destructive testing is described. The symbols can be concealed in a manner so that they are not visible to the human eye and/or cannot be readily revealed to the human eye without damage or destruction of the target object. The identification symbols can be determined after concealment by e.g., the compilation of multiple X-ray images. As such, the present invention can also provide e.g., a deterrent to theft and the recovery of lost or stolen objects. |
| US08837666B2 |
X-ray CT apparatus
Smoothing processing appropriate for a subject is performed and a CT image in which artifacts are reduced is acquired. At least a part of the X-ray detecting data 171 and the projection data 174 is used to generate boundary data 175, and at least one of the X-ray detecting data and the projection data is subjected to smoothing processing, by using the boundary data as a threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to perform smoothing processing by using as the threshold, the boundary data generated from the X-ray detecting data that passed through the subject or its projection data, enabling the smoothing processing adapted to the subject, and accordingly, the artifacts are removed while suppressing deterioration of spatial resolution. |
| US08837664B2 |
Power monitoring system
The power monitoring system has: a local power range monitor (LPRM) unit that has a plurality of local power channels to obtain local neutron distribution in a nuclear reactor core; an averaged power range monitor (APRM) unit that receives power output signals from the LPRM unit and obtains average output power signal of the reactor core as a whole; and an oscillation power range monitor (OPRM) unit that receives the power output signals from the LPRM unit and monitors power oscillations of the reactor core. The output signals from the LPRM unit to the APRM unit and the output signals from the LPRM unit to the OPRM unit are independent. |
| US08837660B2 |
Handling video transition errors in video on demand streams
A system, method, and apparatus for handling transition errors is presented herein. The transition errors include handling unreported time base discontinuities during trick mode transition, miscalculated time stamps during trick mode transition, erroneous sequence end codes, and unreported broken group of picture transmission. Unreported time base discontinuities are detected by comparing the program clock reference (PCR) value of the data packet to the system time clock (STC). If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the STC is set to the PCR value. Miscalculated time stamps are detected by examining the difference in PTS values between temporally adjacent data packets. If the difference is not within a margin of error from predetermined value, the PTS is disabled. Unreported broken groups of pictures are handled by skipping the first two B-frames of the first group of pictures following a trick mode transition. Erroneous sequence end codes are detected by determining whether a packet containing a sequence end code is associated with a time base change. If the packet is not associated with a time base change, the sequence end code is disregarded. |
| US08837659B2 |
Distributed digital reference clock
A communication system includes master host unit, hybrid expansion unit, and remote antenna unit. Master host unit communicates analog signals with service provider interfaces. Master host unit and hybrid expansion unit communicate N-bit words of digitized spectrum over communication link. Hybrid expansion unit converts between N-bit words and analog spectrum. Hybrid expansion unit and remote antenna unit communicate analog spectrum over analog communication medium. Remote antenna unit transmits and receives wireless signals over air interfaces. Master host unit includes master clock distribution unit that generates digital master reference clock signal. Master host unit communicates digital master reference clock signal over communication link. Hybrid expansion unit receives digital master reference clock signal from master host unit over communication link and generates analog reference clock signal based on digital master reference clock signal. Hybrid expansion unit sends, and remote antenna unit receives, analog reference clock signal across analog communication medium. |
| US08837658B2 |
Method and apparatus for sampling a serial data stream using a clock signal, based on a counter pattern
In one embodiment, a method includes determining pre-calculated information. The pre-calculated information is used to determine a counter pattern for a reference clock. The counter pattern include, for at least one data bit, a number of reference clock cycles of the reference clock that is determined based on a frequency of the reference clock and a data rate of a serial data stream. The serial data stream is sampled to read a plurality of data bits based on the counter pattern. A data bit is sampled based on the number of reference clock cycles associated with the data bit. |
| US08837653B2 |
High frequency signal receiver with self-calibrated group delay compensation
A signal receiver includes an antenna interface for receiving signals from an antenna, analog signal processing circuitry coupled to the antenna interface for processing the received signals to produce filtered signals, sampling circuitry to sample the filtered signals so as to produce digitized received signals, a digital compensator to receive the digitized received signals and compensate for non-uniform group delay introduced by the analog signal processing circuitry to produce compensated digitized received signals, and a digital processor to process the compensated digitized received signals so as to produce a result. |
| US08837650B2 |
System and method for discrete gain control in hybrid MIMO RF beamforming for multi layer MIMO base station
A multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) receiving system configured for receiving multiple transmission layers is provided herein. The system includes a plurality of beamformed tunable receiving antennas configured to receive a plurality of transmitted layers; and a control module configured to select for the beamformed antennas a single set of discrete weights for tuning said antennas for all of the transmitted layers so that the weights are selected for optimal performance of said receiving system, wherein said selection is carried out based on an extended Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) metric or other quality metric measured by the MIMO baseband module, and using said measured metric separately for each beamformed antenna to determine gain or attenuation independently of phase selection. |
| US08837649B2 |
Non-primary pilot channel discovery for interference cancellation
Methods and apparatus are described for processing a signal in a communication system. A signal may be received a user equipment, and a pilot transmission from a non-primary transmit antenna of a cell in the communication system may be detected in the signal based on metrics associated with a pilot channel. Information about the pilot channel is not signaled to the user equipment. The detected pilot transmission is used to improve receiver processing of the signal. |
| US08837648B2 |
OFDM communication reception device
An reception device includes: a fast-fourier-transform (FFT) circuit to FFT a first Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signal including a plurality of first symbols with a guard interval and a valid symbol using a plurality of FFT windows that includes different timings within a symbol length period; a propagation channel estimation circuit to extract pilot signals from the fast-fourier-transformed first OFDM signal, and estimate a plurality of propagation channel characteristics of the plurality of first symbols based on the pilot signals; and a propagation channel compensation circuit to obtain a propagation channel characteristic of a second symbol without a pilot signal based on the plurality of propagation channel characteristics and remove the propagation channel characteristic of the second symbol from a second OFDM signal obtained by fast-fourier-transforming the second symbol. |
| US08837644B2 |
Method and apparatus of cross-correlation with application to channel estimation and detection
The present disclosure provides for a method and apparatus for efficient cross-correlation between a reference sequence and a received sequence in a wireless communication system. The reference sequence includes a concatenation of sign-adjusted sub-sequences, the sign adjustments determined by a first sign sequence of a set of sign sequences. For example, the reference sequence may be an alternating concatenation of sign-adjusted Golay complementary pair sub-sequences. The received sequence is shifted to provide a plurality of time shifted sequences that are then cross-correlated with the sub-sequences to form a set of partial cross-correlations. The partial cross-correlations are sign-adjusted using the first sign sequence and combined to produce the cross-correlation between the reference sequence and the received sequence. The cross-correlations so produced may be used for channel signature (e.g. PHY-type) identification and/or channel impulse response estimation. |
| US08837643B2 |
Receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus includes a correlation operation unit and a determination unit. The correlation operation unit is configured to perform a correlation operation with a known signal on a received signal including the known signal in a predetermined interval. The determination unit is configured to determine whether or not a correlation peak interval detected by the correlation operation unit deviates from the predetermined interval. |
| US08837639B2 |
Parallel synchronizing cell with improved mean time between failures
In some embodiments, a synchronizing circuit includes at least one synchronization device that operates at a lower clock frequency than another synchronization device in the synchronization circuit. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes sampling a first signal at a first frequency to thereby generate a plurality of sampled versions of the first signal. The first frequency is a frequency of a clock signal divided by N. N is a number greater than one. The method includes sampling a second signal at the frequency of the clock signal. The second signal is based on sequentially selected ones of the plurality of sampled versions of the first signal to thereby generate an output version of the first signal. |
| US08837637B2 |
Method for dynamically adjusting one or more RF parameters and communications apparatus utilizing the same
A communications apparatus is provided. A radio frequency (RF) circuit is arranged to receive an RF signal from an antenna and process the RF signal according to one or more RF parameters to generate an intermediate signal. A signal processing unit is arranged to process the intermediate signal to generate a processed signal and generates signal processing information regarding requirements for processing the intermediate signal. An RF circuit controller is coupled to the RF circuit and the signal processing unit and arranged to dynamically adjust the RF parameters according to the signal processing information. |
| US08837636B2 |
Method and apparatus for out-of-channel emission suppression
A wireless communication device is provided that is capable of suppressing out-of-channel emissions. The wireless communication device includes an upsampled broadband multicarrier signal generator and multiple upsampled sidelobe signal generators. The upsampled broadband multicarrier signal generator receives a symbol stream and, based on the symbol stream, generates a broadband multicarrier signal comprising an in-channel signal and a first multiple out-of-channel sidelobes. Each upsampled sidelobe signal generator of the multiple upsampled sidelobe signal generators receives at least a portion of the symbol stream and, based on at least a portion of the symbol stream, generates an out-of-channel sidelobes to produce a second multiple out-of-channel sidelobes. The wireless communication device further includes a combiner that combines the broadband multicarrier signal and the second multiple out-of-channel sidelobes to at least partially suppress first multiple out-of-channel sidelobes of the broadband multicarrier signal. |
| US08837635B2 |
Controlling a transmit path based on monitored error vector magnitude (EVM) performance
Embodiments provide systems and methods to dynamically control a radio frequency (RF) transmitter based on monitored error vector magnitude (EVM) performance. Embodiments are enabled by a feedback path that allows estimating the EVM at the output of the transmitter and controlling the transmitter, including the power amplifier (PA), accordingly. As such, the transmitter (and the PA) can be operated as close as possible to the ideal operating point that meets, based on actual conditions, a specified EVM performance and desired output power. By doing so, the overall power consumption of the transmitter is reduced. |
| US08837633B2 |
Systems and methods for digital processing based on active signal channels of a communication system
A communication system includes digital signals that carry data and correspond to channels of a composite signal to be transmitted across a communication channel. Active channels are detected and used to configure digital processing. In one embodiment, active channels are detected, where a particular active channel corresponds to the presence of a particular one of the digital signals. Active channel detection may be used to configure pre-distortion of a composite signal to be transmitted to compensate for distortion in a digital-to-analog converter. Likewise, active channel detection may be used to optimize the configuration of an up-converter. In one embodiment, a programmable device is configured based on detected active channels into a plurality of different configurations. |
| US08837630B2 |
Signal transmission circuit and method for detecting signal transmission interface
A signal transmission circuit of an electronic device is provided. The electronic device is coupled to a signal reception circuit of a host via the signal transmission circuit. The signal transmission circuit includes a driving circuit module and a signal detection module. The driving circuit module provides at least one initialized signal and a detection signal. The initialized signal is output prior to the detection signal. The signal detection module is coupled to the signal reception circuit via a signal detection terminal. The initialized signal reduces a signal reference level of a reception terminal of the signal reception circuit. The signal detection module determines the type of the transmission interface of the signal reception circuit according to whether the detection signal of the signal detection terminal satisfies a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, a method for detecting the signal transmission interface is provided. |
| US08837629B2 |
Extended bandwidth digital Doherty transmitter
An extended bandwidth digital Doherty transmitter includes a baseband signal processing block including a digital predistortion unit. It also includes a digital signal distribution unit and a digital phase alignment unit, a signal up-conversion block, an RF power amplification block including the carrier amplifier and one or two peaking amplifiers; and an RF Doherty combining network. In another aspect, a digital Doherty transmitter includes a baseband signal block including a digital predistortion unit, a digital signal distribution unit and an adaptive digital phase alignment unit. In this aspect a signal up-conversion block includes three digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and a tri-channel up-converter or three single-channel up-converters. There is also an RF power amplification block including the carrier amplifier and two peaking amplifiers, and an RF Doherty combining network which includes quarter wavelength impedance transformers. |
| US08837627B2 |
Correlation prevention methods for satellite adaptive cancellation links
A method of reducing signal correlation in a symmetrical adaptive canceller link comprising spectrally inverting one of a first carrier signal and a second carrier signal by causing a spectral inversion of one of the first and second carrier signals using a modulator, transmitting the first and second carrier signals within a bandwidth to a remote receiver using a transmitting device such that a composite carrier signal results, and cancelling at least one of the first carrier signal from the composite carrier signal using a cancellation technique such that the second carrier signal results on one end of the link and the second carrier signal from the composite carrier signal using a cancellation technique such that the first carrier signal results on the opposite end of the link. |
| US08837625B2 |
Method of transmitting control information in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting control information in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes configuring downlink control information including a plurality of information fields according to a format of scheduling for transmission of a single codeword in a spatial multiplexing mode, wherein the plurality of information fields include a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) confirmation filed for indicating whether precoding is performed on downlink data by using a PMI reported by a user equipment and a transmitted precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) information field for indicating a codebook index, and at least one of the PMI confirmation field and the TPMI information field indicates an offset value of power for the downlink data transmission or interference information for the downlink data transmission, and transmitting the downlink control information. |
| US08837623B1 |
Data stream interleaving with non-monotonically arranged data rotations for spatially diverse transmission
Systems and techniques relating to processing multiple include, according to at least one implementation, a method including obtaining data streams to be transmitted, and applying data rotations to the data streams in connection with interleaving the data streams, wherein each of the data rotations has a constant rotation value for its corresponding stream index regardless of how many data streams are currently being transmitted, a second rotation value used for a second stream is larger than a first rotation value used for a first stream and also large enough to maximize rotation distance between the first and second streams when the current transmission has two streams, a third rotation value used for a third stream is greater than the first rotation value but less than the second rotation value, and a fourth rotation value used for a fourth stream is greater than the second rotation value. |
| US08837620B2 |
Adaptive multi-channel transmitter linearization system using a shared feedback receiver
Pre-distortion techniques, devices and systems for a multi-channel transmitter are described. An adaptation time is provided for each of the transmit chains in the multi-channel transmitter. During each adaptation time an output of a transmit chain is coupled to a shared feedback receiver. The shared feedback receiver generates a feedback signal that is used to vary pre-distortion for that transmit chain. A commutation controller varies at least one of: (a) an amount of the adaptation time for a transmit chain and (b) an order in which each of the transmit chains receives its adaptation time. |
| US08837619B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling dynamic channel feedback in a MIMO network
A communication method and apparatus for coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission, is provided. Sizes of codebooks for a plurality of base stations may be adjusted based on a status of channels between a target terminal and a plurality of base stations. The terminal feeds back, to at least one of the plurality of base stations, channel direction information (CDI) including a number of bits of feedback. |
| US08837618B2 |
Transmission processing method, transmitter, reception processing method, and receiver
Information bits are encoded according to a low density parity check code with code rate 7/15 and a codeword length of 16200. The resulting codeword bits are bit-interleaved and the interleaved bits are demultiplexed into 8 sequences of bits. The 8 sequences of bits are permuted according to a predetermined permutation rule: v0=b2, v1=b6, v2=b0, v3=b1, v4=b4, v5=b5, v6=b3, v7=b7. |
| US08837617B2 |
Process of synchronization in the time and frequency domain of multiple equipments in a transmission system with OFDM modulation
A system for determining a frequency error of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal having a first frequency. The system includes a plurality of filters configured to output a plurality of second signals, each of the plurality of second signals corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of different frequency bands of the OFDM signal. Each of the plurality of second signals includes a corresponding synchronization symbol associated with the OFDM signal. A Fourier transform circuit is configured to receive the plurality of second signals from each of the plurality of filters and output the plurality of second signals. The system is configured to determine the frequency error of the OFDM signal based on the synchronization symbols of the plurality of second signals. |
| US08837613B2 |
Pilot patterns for OFDM systems with multiple antennas
The present invention relates to orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) communication systems with multiple transmit antennas receive antennas, and in particular to methods for inserting scattered pilots (SPs) into the transmit signals of such OFDM systems, for estimating channel properties on the basis of the scattered pilots, a multi-antenna OFDM transmitter, and an OFDM receiver. In this context, it is the particular approach of the present invention to keep the same SP pattern like in the single-transmitter case, to partition the pilots into as many subsets as there are transmitters (transmit antennas), and to interleave these subsets both in time and in frequency. In this manner, the granularity of pilots of the same subset is reduced. This offers increased flexibility in designing the scattered pilot patterns and greater accuracy of the estimated channel properties. |
| US08837610B2 |
Stable low power mode for multicarrier transceivers
A stable Low Power Mode (LPM) for multicarrier transceivers is described that at least provides transmit power savings while enabling receiver designs that can easily operate without the detrimental effects of fluctuating crosstalk. In one exemplary embodiment, the LPM achieves power savings by reducing the number of used subcarriers without actually performing a power cutback on those subcarriers, thereby allowing a receiver to measure the SNR or noise levels and determine the crosstalk noise on the line regardless of a crosstalking modem being in a LPM or not. |
| US08837608B2 |
Systems and methods for configuring and operating a wireless control system in a vehicle for activation of a remote device
Control systems for mounting in a vehicle are configured for transmitting a control signal to a receiver associated with a remote device. A control system receives a first control signal associated with a first transmission scheme. The system determines a bit pattern of the first control signal, and, based on the determined bit pattern, the system determines a second transmission scheme. |
| US08837607B2 |
Reporting of channel state information
A transmit node device includes a receiver that is configured to receive a first sub-index and, for each of one or more matrices, a second sub-index. The first and second sub-indices have different time-frequency reporting granularity. The transmit node device also includes a processor that is configured to reconstruct each of the one or more matrices, which are indexed by the first and second sub-indices. |
| US08837605B2 |
Method and apparatus for compressed video bitstream conversion with reduced-algorithmic-delay
The present invention relates to converting media bitstreams across different networks in a media gateway without any algorithmic delay, and reduces the computation load within the transmission in the situation where the bandwidth of the outgoing network varies dynamically. A first embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a Reduced-Algorithmic-Delay Media Stream Unit Conversion module which is a light weight Simple Pass-Through operation. A second embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a Reduced-Algorithmic-Delay Video Rate Conversion. An alternative embodiment provides an apparatus and a method for a Smart Pass-Through Operation which involves switching between the Simple Pass-Through and the Rate Converter. The methods and apparatuses provided by the first and second embodiment can be used as a stand alone system, or as part of the module of the alternative embodiment. |
| US08837603B2 |
Method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding with reduced requirements for division operations
A method and apparatus for performing motion estimation in a digital video system is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that quickly calculates estimated motion vectors in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, a first multiplicand is determined by multiplying a first display time difference between a first video picture and a second video picture by a power of two scale value. This step scales up a numerator for a ratio. Next, the system determines a scaled ratio by dividing that scaled numerator by a second first display time difference between said second video picture and a third video picture. The scaled ratio is then stored calculating motion vector estimations. By storing the scaled ratio, all the estimated motion vectors can be calculated quickly with good precision since the scaled ratio saves significant bits and reducing the scale is performed by simple shifts. |
| US08837601B2 |
Parallel video encoding based on complexity analysis
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for encoding chunks of a video file in parallel. Embodiments may divide a source video file into a plurality of chunks, and may encode each chunk at a rate based upon complexity data associated with the chunk. The encoded chunks may then be reassembled to produce an encoded video file. |
| US08837598B2 |
System and method for securely transmitting video over a network
A method comprises receiving a bit stream associated with at least one video image, wherein the bit stream comprises at least one macroblock header and a plurality of macroblocks. The method continues by encrypting the at least one macroblock header. The method concludes by transmitting the bit stream such that the at least one macroblock header is in an encrypted format and at least one macroblock is in an unencrypted format. |
| US08837597B2 |
Method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding
A method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that allows the relative timing of nearby video pictures to be encoded in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, the display time difference between a current video picture and a nearby video picture is determined. The display time difference is then encoded into a digital representation of the video picture. In a preferred embodiment, the nearby video picture is the most recently transmitted stored picture. For coding efficiency, the display time difference may be encoded using a variable length coding system or arithmetic coding. In an alternate embodiment, the display time difference is encoded as a power of two to reduce the number of bits transmitted. |
| US08837589B2 |
Image decoding device which obtains predicted value of coding unit using weighted average
A video encoding method and apparatus and a video decoding method and apparatus. In the video encoding method, a first predicted coding unit of a current coding unit that is to be encoded is produced, a second predicted coding unit is produced by changing a value of each pixel of the first predicted coding unit by using each pixel of the first predicted coding unit and at least one neighboring pixel of each pixel, and the difference between the current coding unit and the second predicted coding unit is encoded, thereby improving video prediction efficiency. |
| US08837587B2 |
Process for coding and decoding video data of a sequence of images and corresponding encoder and decoder
The process comprising splitting of an image into blocks, intra coding of a current block using spatial prediction based on a matching pursuit algorithm selecting, from a dictionary of atoms, the atom the most correlated with a causal neighborhood of the current block, is characterized in that it performs the following steps: — determination of the two dimensional shift between the causal neighborhood and the selected atom, — generation of at least, a new phased atom taking into account the values of the two dimensional spatial shift, — use of this new atom for intra prediction, according to the matching pursuit algorithm, if better correlated than the selected one. Application to video data compression. |
| US08837586B2 |
Bandwidth-friendly representation switching in adaptive streaming
Plural representations of a video stream may be provided. The plural representations may comprise a first chunk, a second chunk, and a transition chunk. The first chunk may comprise a first bitrate and the second chunk may comprise a second bitrate. The first and second chunks may be in decode order starting with an instantaneous decoding refresh (IDR) frame. The transition chunk may be in decode order starting with a non-IDR frame. Next, a request to transition from the first chunk to the second chunk may be received. Then a transition from the first chunk to the transition chunk responsive to the request may occur and the transition chunk may then be provided to another device. |
| US08837585B2 |
Tertiary content addressable memory based motion estimator
Presented herein are Tertiary Content Addressable Memory based motion estimator(s). In one embodiment, there is presented a method for encoding a picture. The method comprises addressing a first memory with one or more data words for a first prediction block, and addressing a second memory with one or more data words for a second prediction block while addressing the first memory. |
| US08837584B2 |
Method of removing a blocking artifact using quantization information in a filtering system
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining quantization information related to at least one of a first block and an adjacent second block, comparing the quantization information with a predefined constant value, obtaining block type information for the first and second block, and performing a filtering process based on a result from the comparing step when both of the first block and the second block are intra-coded blocks according to the block type information. |
| US08837581B2 |
Power-line communication based surveillance system
A surveillance system configured for communicating with video cameras and other devices connected over a power-line communication network, such as within a residence, or alternatively a commercial building. The system may be manufactured and installed at low cost without the need to route individual cables to each surveillance video camera or device. Bandwidth within the power-line communication network is preferably dynamically allocated to device streams by a server in response to predetermined and event-driven priorities. By way of example, remote communication is supported for allowing remote access to surveillance data and control of the surveillance system. The system may be implemented as a standalone unit or integrated within existing forms of electronics equipment, such as consumer electronics equipment including a television set, a set-top box, or other forms of video-enabled equipment that is adapted for performing power-line network communication. |
| US08837577B2 |
Method of parallel video coding based upon prediction type
A system encoding and decoding video that uses a parallel encoding and decoding technique. |
| US08837574B2 |
Method for identifying data encoded by PPM modulation, and receiver for said method
An identification method for a data Sk is disclosed which includes; a) construction of a chronological sequence {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} of times of arrival Ti of pulses or a block of successive pulses, b) calculation of a value of similarity between this sequence {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} and a predetermined chronological sequence {TREFk1; . . . ; TREFkj; . . . ; TREFkM} of times of arrival coding the data Sk for several time offsets Ol between the sequence {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} and the sequence {TREFk1; . . . ; TREFkj; . . . ; TREFkM}, c) identification of the data Sk in the series {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} if the calculated value of similarity for one of the time offsets Ol exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US08837573B2 |
Apparatus and method thereof for compensating for gain changes of N-PAM modulate signals
A method for compensating for gain changes of an N-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-N) modulated signal. The method comprises comparing the PAM-N modulated signal to N−1 configurable thresholds, wherein the input PAM-N modulated signal is also equalized and the N−1 configurable thresholds are N−1 different voltage levels; tracking gain changes in the input PAM-N modulated signal by comparing the input PAM-N modulated signal to a compensation threshold; and adjusting a level of the at least one of the N−1 configurable thresholds of the N−1 comparators based on an output of the compensation comparator, thereby offsetting a crossing point of the at least one comparator respective of the at least one of the N−1 configurable thresholds to compensate for gain changes in the input PAM-N modulated signal. |
| US08837570B2 |
Receiver with parallel decision feedback equalizers
Described embodiments apply equalization to an input signal to a receiver such as a serial-deserializer. The receiver has an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), an M-way parallelizer, N serial buffers, N prefix buffers, and N decision feedback equalizers (DFEs), where M and N are greater than one. The ADC digitizes the input signal to form digitized symbols. The parallelizer assembles the digitized symbols into parallel sets of M digitized symbols. Each serial buffer has slots of M locations per slot and stores one set of M digitized symbols in one of the slots. The DFEs are responsive to common tap weight coefficients and produce parallel sets of M recovered data bits. Each DFE is first trained using sets of past digitized symbols loaded into a corresponding one of the prefix buffers and then processes digitized symbols stored in a corresponding one of the serial buffers. |
| US08837569B2 |
Decision feedback equalization with selectable tap
A system generates a set of candidate signals based on a received signal, whereby each candidate signal represents an adjustment of the signal for a different amount of potential noise. The system selects one of the candidate signals based on a selected subset of previous samples and the values of the selected subset of samples. The subset of previous samples is selected based on a predicted noise pattern. |
| US08837567B2 |
Systems and methods for channel estimation of MoCA signals
Systems and methods are provided, for estimating a channel based on previous channel estimations from the same source. Embodiments disclosed herein enable removal of the timing variation (from burst to burst) so that the channel can be more accurately estimated. Embodiments provide several systems and methods for averaging channel estimation information from each of the bursts. The systems and methods disclosed herein advantageously improve channel estimation accuracy and reduce modulation error. |
| US08837562B1 |
Differential serial interface for supporting a plurality of differential serial interface standards
An active capacitor multiplying circuit that in one embodiment comprises (i) a clock synthesis loop filter of at least second order comprising a series combination of a first resistor and a first capacitor, wherein the series combination is coupled between a first charge pump interface and ground, wherein the clock synthesis loop filter further comprises a second capacitor coupled between the first charge pump interface and the ground; (ii) a capacitor multiplying loop filter comprising a second capacitor coupled between a second charge pump interface and the ground, wherein the capacitor multiplying loop filter further comprises a second resistor coupled to the second charge pump interface and the second charge pump interface is coupled to the first charge pump interface; and (iii) an operational amplifier, driven by the first capacitor, for driving the second resistor, wherein a voltage presented at the first charge pump interface drives a voltage controlled oscillator. |
| US08837561B2 |
Initialization sequence for bi-directional communications in a carrier-based system
A method is provided. An initial bit sequence is received by a receiver. A local oscillator is locked initially to a local reference and subsequently to the received signal using the initial bit sequence, and automatic gain control (AGC) is performed once the local oscillator is locked to the local reference. A Costas loop is then activated so as to achieve carrier frequency offset (CFO) lock, and sign inversion is detected. The receiver then synchronized with an end-of-training pattern. |
| US08837560B2 |
Method and device for the contactless transmission of electrical power and information
In a method for interference suppression of a signal composed of symbols, each symbol is transmitted twice in temporal succession as first symbol and second symbol, so that a segment of a symbol corresponds to a segment of the first symbol and a segment of the second symbol. An interference-suppressed signal is composed from the first and second symbols. |
| US08837556B2 |
Method and apparatus for blind detection of secondary pilot signal in a wireless communication system
In one aspect, the present invention provides for blindly detecting the presence of one or more secondary pilot signals that are not being used to serve a communication apparatus, such as a User Equipment (UE). Among its several advantages, the approach to blind detection taught herein provides robust detection performance, yet it requires relatively few receiver resources. The contemplated apparatus, in at least one example embodiment, uses its blind detection of secondary pilot signal(s) to trigger suppression of secondary pilot interference, for improved reception performance. In a particular, non-limiting example, the apparatus operates in an HSDPA-MIMO network in a non-MIMO mode and blindly detects secondary pilot signal energy associated with the supporting network providing MIMO service to nearby equipment. |
| US08837553B2 |
Method and apparatus for addition data transmission and reception in digital broadcast system
Provided are an apparatus for addition data transmission includes: an IF broadcasting signal generating unit receiving the broadcast data, and FEC and modulation of the received broadcast data to generate a broadcasting signal in an intermediate frequency (IF) band; an IF addition signal generating unit receiving the addition data to generate an addition signal in the IF band by using direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS); an average power controlling unit controlling average power of the addition signal in the IF band; a signal combining unit combining the broadcasting signal in the IF band and the addition signal in the IF band to generate a combination signal; an RF upward converting unit upwardly converting the combination signal in a signal in a radio frequency (RF) band to a combination signal in the RF band; and a transmitting unit transmitting the combination signal in the RF band. |
| US08837552B2 |
Sealing device
A sealing device is arranged around a rod electrode extending vertically through an aperture made in the ceiling of an arc furnace and being vertically movable inside the furnace to prevent the access of gases from the furnace through the aperture to the atmosphere, and on the other hand to prevent air from flowing from the atmosphere into the furnace. The sealing device comprises a gas distribution chamber provided with an inlet channel for feeding essentially passive gas, such as nitrogen or air, into the gas distribution chamber. The sealing device also includes a slit nozzle encasing the electrode, through which nozzle a gas jet is arranged to be discharged from the gas distribution chamber towards the electrode in a direction that is at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane and has a slightly upwards inclined orientation, and that is, with respect to the furnace interior, pointed outwardly, so that the sealing is carried out owing to the effect of the created stagnation pressure. |
| US08837547B2 |
Lasers with InGaAs quantum wells with InGaP barrier layers with reduced decomposition
A method for preparing a VCSEL can use MBE for: growing a first conduction region over a first mirror region; growing an active region over the first conduction region opposite of the first mirror region, including: (a) growing a quantum well barrier having In1-xGaxP(As); (b) growing an transitional layer having one or more of GaP, GaAsP, or GaAs; (c) growing a quantum well layer having In1-zGazAsyP1-y; (d) growing another transitional layer have one or more of GaP, GaAsP, or GaAs; (e) repeating processes (a) through (d) over a plurality of cycles; and (f) growing a quantum well barrier having In1-xGaxP(As); growing a second conduction region over the active region opposite of the first conduction region, wherein: x ranges from 0.77 to 0.50; y ranges from 0.7 to 1; and z ranges from 0.7 to 0.99. |
| US08837544B2 |
Quantum optical device
A quantum device includes a resonator and a tuning structure. The tuning structure is made a material such as a chalcogenide and is positioned to interact with the electromagnetic radiation in the resonator so that a resonant mode of the first resonator depends on a characteristic of the tuning structure. The resonator is optically coupled so that a transition between quantum states associated with a defect produces electromagnetic radiation in the resonator. The characteristic of the tuning structure is adjustable after fabrication of the resonator and the tuning structure. |
| US08837541B2 |
Methods for manufacturing and using solid state laser systems having cladded lasing materials
In one embodiment, the instant invention is an optical structure that includes: an optical active medium of a solid state laser, where the optical active medium has a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a protective structure that is directly cladded a portion of the optical active medium, where the protective structure has a second coefficient of thermal expansion which matches the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical active medium, and where the protective structure is transparent to a wavelength that is within an absorption band of the optical active medium so that the optical structure has: the optical active medium that is protected from a physical damage, and the optical active medium that is capable of generating a laser beam having a first energy that is larger than a second energy generated by a control optical structure having the optical active medium without the protective structure. |
| US08837540B2 |
Simple, low power microsystem for saturation spectroscopy
A spectroscopic assembly is provided. The spectroscopic assembly includes a thermal isolation platform, a gas reference cell encasing a gas and attached to the thermal isolation platform, the gas reference cell having at least one optically-transparent window, and at least one heater configured to raise a temperature of the encased gas. When a beamsplitter is configured to reflect a portion of an input optical beam emitted by a laser to be incident on the at least one optically-transparent window of the gas reference cell, the reflected portion of the input optical beam is twice transmitted through the gas. When a detector is configured to receive the optical beam twice transmitted through the gas, a feedback signal is provided to the laser to stabilize the laser. |
| US08837535B2 |
Microcrystal laser for generating laser pulses
A microcrystal laser for generating laser pulses has a laser resonator which has a laser medium arranged between two mirrors; and an arrangement for stabilizing the optical path length is provided. The laser resonator has a saturable absorber medium for pulse generation. |
| US08837534B2 |
Element for the amplification of a light and method of making the same
An element for the amplification of a light by stimulated emission of radiation and a method of making the same is described herein. |
| US08837520B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and computer program
Random access operation is performed under a communication environment in which a plurality of communication modes having different transmission rate coexist with small overhead. A high-grade communication station spoofs information of a packet length and a rate in a decoding portion so that a value of (packet length)/(rate) corresponds to a duration where the communication is hoped to be stopped. The other station receiving the spoofed information receives the rest of the packet with the designated rate during the interval designated by the value of (packet length)/(rate). In this case, the packet length and the rate are not those of actually transmitted packet so that this packet is discarded. |
| US08837518B2 |
Method of communication using frame
A device and method for communicating by a mobile communication terminal in communication with a base station. The method according to an embodiment includes exchanging a frame of data with the base station. The frame of data includes a) a plurality of first subframes each having a first number of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) symbols, and b) a plurality of second subframes each having a second number of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) symbols different from the first number. A first and a last subframe each includes one of the plurality of first subframes. |
| US08837513B2 |
Scheduling and power saving with unscheduled service periods in a wireless system
A wireless client device associated with an access point records at which time T after a transmission time of a most recent beacon frame it gained access to the wireless medium for transmission of an uplink packet to the access point. The wireless client device self-schedules target transmission times for one or more future uplink packets, where each of the target transmission times is T after a respective expected transmission time of a beacon frame. Rather than immediately attempting to gain access to the wireless medium when it determines that another uplink packet is ready for transmission, the wireless client device waits until shortly before its next upcoming target transmission time to make the attempt. Implementation in wireless client devices that are attempting to transmit uplink packets to the same access point may prolong the amount of time they can remain in a doze state, potentially reducing their power consumption. |
| US08837512B2 |
TDMA voice communication method and apparatus
In accordance with a first aspect, a method, apparatus and system is disclosed for communicating within a TDMA communication system comprising receiving data from a plurality of transmitters in a stream of TDMA super-frames, wherein each transmitter transmits payload data in one particular frame within a defined super-frame, each super-frame comprising M frames, where M is a positive integer greater than one, determining, using a processor, a quality of received data from said transmitters, and if the quality of received data from one of said transmitters is below a quality threshold, granting said one of said transmitters the right to transmit data within a second frame in said super-frames, and collectively processing in a processor said data in both frames of said super-frame assigned to said one of said transmitters to reconstruct said data from said one of said transmitters Also, a method, apparatus and system for processing data received in a TDMA communication system utilizing a stream of TDMA super-frames, each super-frame having a structure comprising M frames, each frame designed to carry data of a duration of Y time units, from a different communication channel, where Y is a positive integer, said method comprising dividing said super-frame into N/M hyper-frames, where N is a factor of M, and partitioning said data from each of said transmitters into mini-frames of duration Y/N and interleaving said mini-frames of data from each of said transmitters into a TDMA transport stream comprising super-frames of M*N mini-frame. |
| US08837510B1 |
Apparatus and a method for allocating upstream bandwidth of a shared upstream channel of an optical network
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for allocating upstream bandwidth of a shared upstream channel of an optical network, the optical network interconnecting an apparatus with at least a first network unit and a second network unit, the method includes the stages of: (i) receiving requests for transmitting information towards the apparatus; and (ii) issuing data grants in response to at least the requests; wherein at least one data grant authorizes a first network unit to transmit data at a first bit-rate during at least one time-slot and at least one other data grant authorizes a second network unit to transmit data at a second bit-rate during at least one other time-slot, whereas the second bit-rate differs from the first bit-rate. |
| US08837506B2 |
Data transfer device
A data transfer device 210 is equipped with a plurality of communication ports 211a and 211b, a communication establishment processor 212, and a communication maintenance processor 213. The communication establishment processor 212 transmits and receives communication establishing information for establishing communication with an external device connected via the communication port to and from the external device. The communication maintenance processor 213 is configured to operate independently of the communication establishment processor 212 and, every time a predetermined transmission period elapses, transmits communication maintaining information for maintaining the establishment of communication with the external device, to the external device. In a state that communication with a plurality of external devices via the plurality of communication ports is established, the data transfer device 210 transmits data received from one of the plurality of external devices to the other one of the plurality of external devices. |
| US08837503B2 |
Parallel processing using multi-core processor
Disclosed are methods, systems, paradigms and structures for processing data packets in a communication network by a multi-core network processor. The network processor includes a plurality of multi-threaded core processors and special purpose processors for processing the data packets atomically, and in parallel. An ingress module of the network processor stores the incoming data packets in the memory and adds them to an input queue. The network processor processes a data packet by performing a set of network operations on the data packet in a single thread of a core processor. The special purpose processors perform a subset of the set of network operations on the data packet atomically. An egress module retrieves the processed data packets from a plurality of output queues based on a quality of service (QoS) associated with the output queues, and forwards the data packets towards their destination addresses. |
| US08837498B2 |
System and method for managing bandwidth based on a time of day
A method for managing bandwidth to a customer in response to a time of day. A current time of day is determined. A time of day profile selected by the customer from multiple time of day profiles is determined. The bandwidth allocated to the customer is adjusted in response to the current time of day and the time of day profile. The customer is charged in response to charges associated with the selected time of day profile. |
| US08837492B2 |
Multiplexed data stream circuit architecture
An apparatus comprising an ingress controller configured to receive a data frame comprising a high priority data and a low priority data, and an ingress buffer coupled to the ingress controller and configured to buffer the low priority data, wherein the high priority data is not buffered. Also disclosed is a network component, comprising an ingress controller configured to receive a data stream comprising high priority data and low priority data, and an ingress buffer coupled to the ingress controller and configured to receive, buffer, and send the low priority data, and further configured to receive a flow control indication, wherein the ingress buffer varies an amount of the low priority data sent from the ingress buffer in accordance with the flow control indication. |
| US08837486B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for automating return traffic redirection to a service appliance by injecting traffic interception/redirection rules into network nodes
Methods and apparatuses for automating return traffic redirection to a service appliance by injecting forwarding policies in a packet-forwarding element are disclosed herein. An example method for automating return traffic redirection can include: establishing a communication channel between a service appliance and a packet-forwarding element; and transmitting an out-of-band message over the communication channel to the packet-forwarding element. The message can include a forwarding policy that requests the packet-forwarding element to forward predetermined packets to the service appliance. |
| US08837480B2 |
Data redistribution in data replication systems
Data replication comprises: redistributing one or more originator data subsets among a plurality of originator nodes; determining data redistribution information pertaining to redistribution of the one or more originator data subsets among the plurality of originator nodes; and sending data redistribution information to a replica system. The data redistribution information is used by the replica system to redistribute one or more corresponding replica data subsets among a plurality of replica nodes; and the one or more corresponding replica data subsets are redistributed among the plurality of replica nodes without requiring the one or more originator data subsets to be sent to the replica system during redistribution. |
| US08837472B2 |
Method for transmitting a multi-channel data stream on a multi-transport tunnel, corresponding computer-readable storage means and tunnel end-points
A method is disclosed for transmitting a multi-channel data stream comprising frames comprising a plurality of channels, the transmitting being done via a multi-transport tunnel from a first tunnel end-point to a second tunnel end-point, the multi-transport tunnel implementing at least one first carrier supporting a transport protocol with acknowledgement and at least one second carrier supporting a transport protocol without acknowledgement.More specifically, the invention proposes to introduce a delay in the sending of data (< |
| US08837467B2 |
Multi-rate serializer/deserializer circuit with broad operating frequency range
A serializer and deserializer utilize upsampling and downsampling to operate over a broad range of frequencies. The serializer includes a bit repeater and a high-speed serializer. The bit repeater receives data to be serialized, upsamples the received data, and supplies the upsampled data to the high-speed serializer. The deserializer includes a high-speed deserializer and a downsampler. The high-speed deserializer supplies parallelized data to the downsampler. The downsampler decimates the parallelized data and supplies the decimated data to an output of the deserializer. |
| US08837466B2 |
Systems and methods to provide communication references based on recommendations to connect people for real time communications
Methods and apparatuses to selectively present communication references based on recommendations from related entities to connect people for real time communications. One embodiment includes: receiving from a user a selection of a first listing, including a reference to be used to request a connection for real time communications between the user and a first entity; responsive to the selection of the first listing, determining one or more entities related to the first listing; selecting a second listing based at least in part on data representing one or more recommendations from the one or more entities; and presenting to the user the second listing, the including a reference for the user to request a connection with a second entity for real time communications. In one embodiment, the first and second entities provide services over connections established via the references included in the first and second listings for real time communications. |
| US08837465B2 |
System and method for processing telephony sessions
In one embodiment, the method of processing telephony sessions includes: communicating with an application server using an application layer protocol; processing telephony instructions with a call router; and creating call router resources accessible through a call router Application Programming Interface (API). In another embodiment, the system for processing telephony sessions includes: a call router, a URI for an application server, a telephony instruction executed by the call router, and a call router API resource. |
| US08837460B2 |
Method and system for bridging and routing offload in a multiport wireless system
Aspects of a method and system for bridging and routing offload in a multiport wireless system are presented. Various aspects of the system may include a wireless network interface subsystem that enables transcoding of at least a portion of a data packet received by the wireless network interface subsystem. The wireless network interface subsystem may enable transfer of the transcoded portion of the data packet from the wireless network interface subsystem to a wired network interface subsystem that is communicatively coupled thereto. The transcoded portion of the data packet may be compliant with a format utilized by the wired network interface subsystem. |
| US08837459B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing asynchronous audio messaging
The present invention provides audio messaging in a communications network, e.g., a VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention establishes a non-duplex communication link between a first subscriber and a second subscriber. Audio messages are transmitted between the first subscriber and the second subscriber via the non-duplex communication link. |
| US08837458B2 |
Network apparatuses, networks, computer program products, and management station operational methods
Network apparatuses, networks, computer program products, and management station operational methods are provided. One aspect of the invention provides a network apparatus including a management station adapted to couple with a network including a plurality of managed devices, the management station being configured to output a plurality of initial commands for application to respective managed devices, the initial commands being configured to stimulate initial responses from the managed devices, the management station being further configured to receive the initial responses, to identify responding ones of the managed devices responsive to the received initial responses, and to provide an asset table containing the identified managed devices. Another aspect provides a management station operational method including providing a network comprising a plurality of managed devices; outputting a plurality of initial commands to the managed devices using a management station to stimulate initial responses from the managed devices; receiving the initial responses from the managed devices using the management station; and identifying the managed devices using the management station responsive to the receiving the initial responses. |
| US08837457B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting signal transmission starting point of terminal in wireless network
Disclosed is a method for adjusting a transmission time point of at least one second terminal in a wireless network by a first terminal. In the method for adjusting a transmission time point of a terminal, a transmission time point of the second terminal is set, a first frame including information regarding the transmission time point is transmitted to the second terminal, a first response frame transmitted according to the transmission time point from the second terminal is received, and the transmission time point is adjusted according to an arrival time of the first response frame. |
| US08837455B2 |
Method and device for service time division multiplexing
A method and device for service time division multiplexing as well as a method and a device for transmitting service are disclosed. The method for service time division multiplexing includes: selecting a part or all of radio frames in one time unit as specific radio frames; and selecting a part or all of subframes in the specific radio frames as specific subframes for sending a specific service. The specific service is a multimedia broadcast multicast service, or a unicast service, or one or more than one kind of services transmitted in broadcast or multicast mode. |
| US08837451B2 |
Method and system for implementing a call by a media gateway
The present disclosure discloses a method and a system for implementing a call by a media gateway, comprising: setting a master control network element in a media gateway cluster, and establishing a mapping relationship between a user number and the media gateway in the master control network element (100); when the media gateway determines that an uplink protocol interface corresponding to a calling party is interrupted, the media gateway transmits a dialing tone to the calling party and acquires the called party number, and requests the master control network element to determine a media gateway to which the called party belongs; the master control network element determines the media gateway to which the called party belongs according to the mapping relationship stored therein, and informs the media gateway initiating the request; the call between the media gateway as a calling gateway that initiates the request and the determined media gateway to which the called party belongs is completed (103). In the method of the present disclosure, under the help of the master control network element, normal conversation services of the users of the media gateway can be guaranteed even if the protocol service interface between the media gateway and the core network equipment is interrupted through the interactions among the media gateways in the media gateway cluster. |
| US08837450B2 |
Transmissionof HARQ control information from a user equipment for downlink carrier aggregation
Methods and apparatus are described for a User Equipment (UE) to transmit acknowledgement information together with data information in a Physical Uplink Shared CHannel (PUSCH) or separate from data information in a Physical Uplink Control CHannel (PUCCH). The HARQ-ACK payload for transmission in a PUSCH and the HARQ-ACK signal transmission power for transmission in a PUCCH are derived based on the existence and design of a Downlink Assignment Index (DAI) Information Element (IE) in the Downlink Control Information (DCI) formats scheduling receptions of data Transport Blocks (TBs) by the UE. |
| US08837445B2 |
Operating method for a WPAN device
A method of operating a device capable of periodically hopping a predetermined interval using a channel hopping sequence in order to improve low radio frequency (RF) reliability caused by single frequency based channel access. |
| US08837444B2 |
Setting up a call from a non-IMS to an IMS network whereby the gateway interfaces the HSS
The application relates to a method for setting up a call from a non-IMS telecommunication network, comprising a Network Gateway Node (NGN), to a destination node in an IMS network. The method comprises the NGN interfaces a combined database node comprising a Home Location Register (HLR) and a Home Subscriber Server (HSS). The method further comprises routing the call to the destination node in the IMS network, of which address is determined by information received from the combined database node. The method further comprises sending, sending, in response to receiving an initial call setup request message, an information request message to the combined database node for obtaining routing information for the setup of the call, the information request message comprising an indicator indicating at least one type of response that the NGN is able to process. |
| US08837443B2 |
Reducing congestion in wireless communication networks
In a method for controlling network congestion, a parameter to bar access from specific user equipment is adjusted. The adjusted parameter in a specific system information block which is different from a System Information Block Type2 is transmitted. The method may be performed by a base station. |
| US08837442B2 |
Wireless transmitter, wireless transmission method, wireless receiver and wireless reception method
A wireless transmitter which includes: a packetizer which generates a special packet with a payload containing transmitted video signals and a header containing distinguishing information used to distinguish the special packet from an IP packet; and a wireless transmitting section for generating and transmitting wireless radio signals which contain a special packet generated by the packetizer. |
| US08837440B2 |
Relay backhaul uplink HARQ protocol
The present invention relates to a method for configuring a retransmission protocol on the uplink between a network node and a relay node in a mobile communication system, the configuration being performed at a network node or at a relay node, and to the corresponding relay node apparatus and network node apparatus capable of configuring the retransmission protocol. In particular, the number of transmission processes is determined based on the position of time intervals available for the transmission and may be selected in order to control the round trip time of the retransmission protocol. Once the number of transmission processes has been configured, the transmission processes are mapped on the available time intervals in a predefined order and repetitively. |
| US08837439B2 |
Method and apparatus of transmitting control information
A wireless communication system is disclosed herein. More specifically, a method of transmitting control information from a user equipment in a wireless communication system is disclosed, wherein the method includes receiving a first transmission timing information for transmitting a first control information associated with one or more first downlink component carriers from a base station; determining a second transmission timing information for transmitting a second control information associated with one or more second downlink component carrier by using the first transmission timing information and an additional transmission timing information; and transmitting control information on the one or more second downlink component carriers in dependence upon the second transmission timing information to the base station. |
| US08837437B2 |
Method and apparatus for computing and reporting channel quality indication (CQI)
Techniques for computing and reporting channel quality indication (CQI) are described. In an aspect, a plurality of CQI computation methods may be supported, and each CQI computation method may indicate how CQI should be computed. One CQI computation method may be selected for use. CQI may then be computed and reported in accordance with the selected CQI computation method. In an exemplary design, a user equipment (UE) may obtain a selected method for computing CQI, which may be chosen based on the UE capability and/or other factors. The selected method may specify (i) CQI computation for a specific codeword among a plurality of codewords or (ii) CQI computation by averaging signal quality across a plurality of layers used for transmission. The UE may compute CQI in accordance with the selected method, send the CQI to a base station, and receive data sent by the base station based on the CQI. |
| US08837434B2 |
Method for transmitting short signaling in Mac-E PDU
A method for transmitting a short signaling in a Media Access Control-e Packet Data Unit (MAC-e PDU) includes sending control information bits incorporated with padding bits of the MAC-e PDU considering the padding bits from a User Equipment (UE) to a Node B, and sending a scheduling signaling from a service Node B to the UE according to the control information bits. Scheduling request information is transmitted with the existing padding bits. If every Transmission Time Interval (TTI) has padding bits, the UE may send the scheduling request signaling to Node B in every TTI. Therefore, the reference is provided for the Node B, and no extra load is caused to the system. |
| US08837429B2 |
Method for handover of a mobile node in a communications network
A method for handover of a mobile node (MN) in a communications network from a previous point of attachment (p-PoA) associated with a previous mobility access gateway (pMAG) to a new point of attachment (n-PoA) associated with a new mobility access gateway (nMAG), where the pMAG and nMAG are associated with a mobility anchor (LMA), comprises the nMAG receiving a handover indicator concerning the MN from the pMAG. After receiving the handover indicator at the nMAG, the nMAG establishes a transient binding with the LMA. Following establishment of the transient binding, the nMAG receives downloaded data for the MN from the LMA prior to establishment of a connection between the MN and the n-PoA. The method may be used with PMIP Mobile Internet Protocol (PMIP). |
| US08837428B2 |
Method to handover a subscriber between different base stations in a multi-layered wireless network
A method and system are provided for enabling an MS operative in a multi-layer wireless network, to be handed over to a target BS associated with another one of the multi-layers. By the method provided, if it is required that the MS which has not yet been provided with information that relates to a potential target BS associated with a layer different from the one with which its currently serving BS, be handed over to such a target BS, then upon receiving an acknowledgement from the target BS indicating its capability to provide service to the MS, a message is transmitted to the MS that comprises information to enable the MS to perform a fast network re-entry in order to communicate with the target BS. Next, a handover procedure between the MS and the target BS is initiated, during which the MS performs a fast network re-entry. |
| US08837423B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving data in a communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data in a communication system are provided. A serving node includes a transceiver/receiver including an antenna for transmitting and receiving data from at least one of plurality of customer equipments; a control processor responsive to an requesting handover message indicating handover to a target node for transmitting to the target node a sequence number message wherein the sequence number message has successfully received by the customer equipment; a memory for storing data to be transmitted to the customer equipment. |
| US08837420B2 |
MAC extensions for smart antenna support
Apparatus and methods implement aggregation frames and allocation frames. The aggregation frames include a plurality of MSDUs or fragments thereof aggregated or otherwise combined together. An aggregation frame makes more efficient use of the wireless communication resources. The allocation frame defines a plurality of time intervals. The allocation frame specifies a pair of stations that are permitted to communicate with each other during each time interval as well as the antenna configuration to be used for the communication. This permits stations to know ahead of time when they are to communicate, with which other stations and the antenna configuration that should be used. A buffered traffic field can also be added to the frames to specify how much data remains to be transmitted following the current frame. This enables network traffic to be scheduled more effectively. |
| US08837418B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamic spectrum arbitrage
Methods and system are provided for managing and monitoring allocation of RF spectrum resources based on time, space and frequency. A network may be enabled to allocate excess spectrum resources for use by other network providers on a real-time basis. Allocated resources may be transferred from one provider with excess resources to another in need of additional resources based on contractual terms or on a real-time purchase negotiations and settlements. A network may be enabled to monitor the use of allocated resources on real-time basis and off-load or allow additional users depending on the spectrum resources availability. Public safety networks may be enabled to make spectrum resources available to general public by allocating spectrum resources and monitoring the use of those resources. During an emergency, when traffic increases on a public safety network, the public safety networks may off-load bandwidth traffic to make available necessary resources for public safety users. |
| US08837417B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting a hopping pilot beacon signal in a communication system
Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting a Hopping Pilot Beacon (HPB) in a communication system. A number of installed switches corresponds to a number of Frequency Assignments (FAs) used in the communication system. A Demultiplexer (DEMUX) connects one of a plurality of first input lines, which provide an HPB signal to each of the switches, with a corresponding one of a plurality of output lines of the switches. An HPB Multiplexer (MUX) control block controls the DEMUX to connect one of the plurality of first input lines with one of the plurality of output lines, which is connected to a Numerical Controlled Oscillator (NCO) for outputting a corresponding signal to a radio frequency terminal through a frequency of a corresponding FA. |
| US08837416B2 |
Method for detecting a downlink control structure for carrier aggregation
This invention relates with a method for detecting a downlink control structure for carrier aggregation in communication network in which data transmission is scheduled by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). An UE receives higher layer signaling enabling carrier aggregation for the UE. The UE reads the PDCCHs of component carriers (CCs), wherein the downlink control information (DCI) in the PDCCHs of each CC is read according to one of a plurality of predefined formats derived from the higher layer signaling. |
| US08837413B2 |
Method of transmitting/receiving control information of data channel for enhanced uplink data transmission
A method of receiving control information for an uplink in a network includes receiving, by at least one Medium Access Control (MAC) sub-layer in the network, a MAC-e Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a User Equipment (UE) via an Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH) which is an uplink transport channel handled by the at least one MAC sub-layer; and acquiring the control information from the received MAC-e PDU, the control information indicating an amount of resources required by the UE. A first format of the MAC-e PDU is received when the control information is included with other information in the MAC-e PDU and a second format of the MAC-e PDU is received when only the control information is included in the MAC-e PDU. The first format of the MAC-e PDU includes a first indicator having a first specific value to indicate that the MAC-e PDU includes the control information. |
| US08837408B2 |
Method for processing data associated with session management and mobility management
The technical features of this document provide a method and wireless apparatus for processing data associated with bearer resources, session management, and/or mobility management. The method comprises transmitting a packet data network connectivity request message to a mobility management entity (MME) for establishing a packet data network connection; receiving a session management back-off time value from the MME when a request of bearer resource modification or bearer resource allocation for the established packet data network connection is rejected by the MME; starting a session management back-off timer according to the session management back-off time value, the session management back-off timer being associated with the established packet data network connection; and receiving a deactivate bearer context request message, from the MME, including a cause code indicating that reactivation is requested and stopping the session management back-off timer if the session management back-off timer is running. |
| US08837405B2 |
Methods and apparatus to reduce a time to transfer multiple PDN contexts during inter-radio access technology handoff
Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus and methods to reduce the time taken to perform multiple packet data network (PDN) context transfers during inter-radio access technology (IRAT) scenarios. Certain aspects provide methods and apparatus for wireless communication by a device capable of communicating in at least a first and second RAT networks. The device may have multiple PDN contexts established in the first RAT network. As part of a transition to the second RAT network, the mobile device may transmit a single signaling message that indicates at least two of the PDN contexts to be transferred. In some aspects, the single signaling message may also indicate a new PDN context to be established as part of the transition. |
| US08837404B2 |
Method of updating system information in wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method of a Base Station (BS) updating system information using a superframe structure in a wireless communication system, comprising transmitting a primary header including system scheduling information pertinent to an update of the system information and transmitting an updated secondary header. The system scheduling information comprises secondary header change state information indicating a change state of the updated secondary header, secondary header applying information indicating whether the secondary header change state information is applied to a current system, and a secondary header change indicator indicating the updated secondary header. |
| US08837402B2 |
Terminal device and signal transmission control method
Disclosed is a terminal device in which increase in the overhead of an uplink control channel can be suppressed even when SCTD is applied to the transmission of response signals and SRs. Either a response signal or SR is allocated to mutually different encoding resources, and a terminal (200) transmits from each of a plurality of antennas. A control section (208) transmits a response signal or SR using an SR resource or ACK/NACK resource, which are mutually different encoding resources, and a shared resource. The control section (208) uses the encoding resource, which is either the SR resource to which a response signal is allocated when a response signal and SR are generated concurrently, and to which an SR is allocated when only an SR is generated, or the ACK/NACK resource to which a response signal is allocated when only a response signal is generated. The control section (208) also uses the shared resource to which a response signal is allocated when a response signal and SR are generated concurrently and when only a response signal is generated, and to which an SR is allocated when only an SR is generated. |
| US08837398B2 |
Generating transmission schedules
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for generating a schedule to transmit data on a network. The method includes accessing information that identifies a quantity of data that a particular client device has designated for transmission. The method includes determining, using the information that identifies the quantity of data for each of multiple client devices, a first schedule that identifies a subset of packet time segments, from a frame that includes packet time segments, during which a first client device is permitted to transmit data to the computing system. The first client device is one of the multiple client devices. The information includes transmitting the first schedule. The schedule includes receiving a transmission of data from the first client device during the identified subset of packet time segments in accordance with the schedule. |
| US08837392B2 |
Application layer communication via single radio block access
Embodiments herein advantageously reduce the amount of control signalling and header information that must accompany an application layer message when transporting that message from a wireless device to a supporting application server via an intermediate node. To do so, the wireless device prepares a single radio block that includes the application layer message and an indication that the single radio block contains the entire application layer message. The device then sends a control message to the intermediate node that requests allocation of radio resources for sending the single radio block without establishing a temporary block flow (TBF). The device finally sends the single radio block using the allocated resources, without a TBF. Upon receiving the block, the intermediate node determines, based on the indication within the block, whether or not the block contains an entire application layer message. If so, the intermediate node forwards that application layer message towards the application server. |
| US08837391B2 |
Method of requesting radio resource in wireless communication system
A method of requesting a radio resource in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises setting a timer's expiry time, transmitting a radio resource request message to a base station, starting the timer and retransmitting the radio resource request message to the base station if a radio resource allocation message is not received until the timer expires, wherein the expiry time may be set variably based on a communication state. |
| US08837388B2 |
Methods and apparatus to perform assignments in wireless communications
Example methods and apparatus to perform assignments in wireless communications are disclosed. A disclosed example method to receive resource assignments at a mobile station involves receiving an assignment message from a network and identifying radio block periods assigned to the mobile station. At least one of the assigned radio block periods is separated from a next occurring one of the assigned radio block periods by at least one non-assigned radio block period. The example method also involves processing downlink transmissions from the network based on the assigned radio block periods. |
| US08837381B2 |
Using an uplink grant as trigger of first or second type of CQI report
Channel state feedback is provided from a UE to a base station as a first, detailed or a second, less detailed type of channel state feedback information. Initially it is determined whether the UE has received an uplink grant from the base station or not. If the UE has received an uplink grant, a first type of channel state feedback information is transmitted to the base station on the granted resource. If, however, the UE has not received an uplink grant, a second type of channel state feedback information is transmitted to the base station. Different types of channel state feedback information enables a UE and an associated base station to use available resources more efficiently, when requesting for and delivering channel state feedback information. |
| US08837379B2 |
Method and arrangement in a telecommunication system
The downlink control channels in a control region of each downlink subframe in a telecommunication system are divided into at least one common subset of the downlink control channels and a plurality of group subsets of the downlink control channels, such that the common subset or each common subset will be decoded by every user equipment, and each group subset will be decoded only by a limited group of user equipments. Resource assignment messages for a user equipment can then be transmitted on a downlink control channel of the relevant group subset, to avoid the need for messages to be decoded by a large number of UEs that will not act on them, while broadcast messages can be transmitted on a downlink control channel of the relevant common subset, to avoid the need for messages to be transmitted many times. |
| US08837377B2 |
Inter-domain coordination for MT and MO calls
A mobility management entity (MME) for setting up a call includes a first network interface which receives a tracking area update (TAU) request from a user equipment (UE). The MME includes a processing unit which translates the TAU request into a location area update (LAU) request. The MME includes a second network interface in communication with the processing unit which sends the LAU request to a mobile switching center (MSC) selected as a tracking MSC thereby establishing the MME as a network node through which the UE is paged. |
| US08837368B2 |
Transmission method of femtocell
A transmission method of a femtocell includes the following steps. The femtocell receives and temporarily stores multiple real-time transport protocol (RTP) packets from a UE in a buffer. When the RTP packets are temporarily stored for a time period, the femtocell samples the buffer at a sampling rate to generate multiple CS data packets. The CS data packets include a current CS data packet. When there exists no previous CS data packet received from the UE, the femtocell calculates a timestamp of the current CS data packet according to a current timestamp. When there exists the previous CS data packet, the femtocell calculates the timestamp of the current CS data packet according to the timestamp and a connection frame number (CFN) of the previous CS data packet and a CFN of the current CS data packet. |
| US08837363B2 |
Server for updating location beacon database
A location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location based service using same. Wi-Fi access points are located in a target geographical area to build a reference database of locations of Wi-Fi access points. At least one vehicle is deployed including at least one scanning device having a GPS device and a Wi-Fi radio device and including a Wi-Fi antenna system. The target area is traversed in a programmatic route to reduce arterial bias. The programmatic route includes substantially all drivable streets in the target geographical area and solves an Eulerian cycle problem of a graph represented by said drivable streets. While traversing the target area, Wi-Fi identity information and GPS location information is detected. The location information is used to reverse triangulate the position of the detected Wi-Fi access point; and the position of the detected access point is recorded in a reference database. |
| US08837362B2 |
Method and apparatus for inter-cell interference coordination paging of a mobile terminal in an idle state
A method and apparatus are provided for reliably paging a mobile terminal in the idle mode, even in an instance in which the mobile terminal is subjected to interference from a CSG cell. In this regard, a method is provided that includes causing an indication of an inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) paging period to be provided to the mobile terminal. The indication of the ICIC paging period includes an ICIC paging period TICIC and a number NABS of consecutive almost blank subframes (ABS) subframes in which a paging message is to be expected. The method also determines, for a respective ICIC paging period, the NABS nearest ABS subframes of the CSG cell relative to a paging occasion (PO) subframe of the mobile terminal. A paging message is also provided to the mobile terminal in one of the NABS nearest ABS subframes of the CSG cell. |
| US08837361B2 |
System and method for access over a cable television network
A system and method for allowing a computing device to associate wirelessly with one or more access points that are connected to a cable TV network when such device is in a range of such access point, even though such wireless device would not generally be authorized to receive content or data from the access point. Signals to and from the wireless device are carried over the cable TV network and transmitted to other devices associated with other access points attached to the cable TV network. |
| US08837351B2 |
Method and UE for setting a happy bit on an uplink E-DPCCH
A method and UE for setting a Happy bit on an uplink enhanced dedicated control channel are provided. The method includes: a UE transmits an uplink Enhanced Dedicated Channel (E-DCH) on more than one carrier, when criterion 1 and criterion 2 are met, the UE sets the Happy bit which is to be transmitted to a network side as “UNHAPPY” to indicate that the UE doesn't satisfy with the current serving grant. The disclosure optimizes the processing process of power control and resource scheduling, reduces call-drop rate, so that the performances of the UE and the NodeB are optimized. |
| US08837346B2 |
Repeater pass-through messaging
Embodiments of this invention include a network communications stack for a system for communicating data over a network. A media access control (MAC) layer running on a radio processor of the communications stack at least partially processes messages received from a network, i.e., before the message is passed to a host processor. Specifically, the MAC layer includes software configured to analyze a destination address contained in the message, and determine whether the destination address contained in the message matches a destination address programmed in the MAC layer. |
| US08837345B2 |
Wireless broadband systems with relay stations
In a wireless communications network using relay stations between the network controller and at least some of the subscriber stations, the total network throughput may be increased by using spatial multiplexing between the network controller and some relay stations. In networks with multiple tiers of relay stations, a relay station may dedicate some sub-channels to communicating directly with subscriber stations and dedicate other sub-channels to communicating with other downstream relay stations. |
| US08837344B2 |
Apparatus and method for multicast/broadcast service data transmission synchronization
An MBS data transmission synchronization apparatus of a radio access station is provided. The MBS data transmission synchronization apparatus includes an information reception unit that receives transmission synchronization information from an ACR, an information reception loss check unit that determines whether the received transmission synchronization information is lost, a content reception unit that sequentially receives a content packet including content time information from an MBS content source, a packet reception loss check unit that determines whether the received content packet is lost, a retransmission request unit that transmits a retransmission request message to the ACR, a transmission time determination unit that determines a transmission time of the received content packet on the basis of the transmission synchronization information and the content time information, and a content transmission unit that transmits the received content packet to mobile terminals at the transmission time. |
| US08837343B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signal
The disclosed method for processing a digital broadcast signal comprises encoding signaling information for mobile service data of the mobile service, the signaling information including first signaling data which includes transmission parameters and second signaling data which contains cross layer information between a physical layer and a upper layer, formatting a data group including known data, the first signal data and the mobile service data and transmitting the digital broadcast signal including data in the data group, wherein the mobile service in the digital broadcast signal is transmitted via first transmission mode or second transmission mode, wherein the slot is a basic time period for multiplexing of the mobile service data and main service data according to the first or second transmission mode, wherein the first signaling data includes slot indicating information identifying whether the slot is a slot for the first transmission mode or a slot for the second transmission mode. |
| US08837341B2 |
Operating method of low-power-consumption wireless sensor network system
The invention provides an operating method of low-power-consumption wireless sensor network system, which comprises a plurality of nodes. Wherein, the nodes can be enforced to enter a sleep state at a preset times and enter an awake state by a first light. |
| US08837333B2 |
System for satellite communications in tunnels
The present invention relates to a satellite communication system for extending communications between a vehicle and a satellite in an area of non-visibility of the satellite. The satellite communication system comprises a fixed transceiver system and a mobile transceiver system. The fixed transceiver system includes a first antenna intended to be positioned outside the area of non-visibility of the satellite, and at least one second antenna coupled with the first antenna and intended to be positioned in the area of non-visibility of the satellite. The fixed transceiver system is configured to receive through the first antenna downlink signals transmitted by the satellite on at least one downlink carrier frequency and to transmit the received downlink signals on the at least one downlink carrier frequency in the area of non-visibility of the satellite through the at least one second antenna. The mobile transceiver system is intended to be installed on the vehicle, includes a third antenna and a fourth antenna, and is configured to receive through the third antenna the downlink signals transmitted by the fixed transceiver system on the at least one downlink carrier frequency, to receive through the fourth antenna the downlink signals transmitted by the satellite on the at least one downlink carrier frequency, to determine whether the vehicle is in the area of non-visibility of the satellite or in an area of visibility of the satellite, and to transmit uplink signals on at least one uplink carrier frequency through the third antenna if the vehicle is in the area of non-visibility of the satellite or through the fourth antenna if the vehicle is in an area of visibility of the satellite. The fixed transceiver system is further configured to receive through the at least one second antenna the uplink signals transmitted by the mobile transceiver system on the at least one uplink carrier frequency and to transmit the received uplink signals to the satellite on the at least one uplink carrier frequency through the first antenna. |
| US08837329B2 |
Method and system for controlled tree management
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for facilitating a network, such as an Ethernet LAN, for efficient forwarding of data traffic by collecting neighbor information, generating and distributing link state advertisements, populating a topology database for the network, and calculating trees for each bridge serving as a root bridge. In a preferred embodiment the method and system also prepare one or more backup topologies, and store them for use if they are needed due to a failure condition detected in the network. In a particularly preferred embodiment, probabilities are assigned to various potential failure conditions, and the probability values are used to decide which backup topologies to calculate, store, or use. |
| US08837327B2 |
Method and device for managing network topology structure of machine to machine network
The disclosure discloses a method for managing network topology structure of a Machine to Machine (M2M) network. The method mainly includes: a control station of the M2M network obtains wireless link information of the M2M network; the control station completes establishment and/or adjustment of the network topology structure of the M2M network according to the obtained wireless link information. The disclosure also provides a device for managing network topology structure of an M2M network. By the disclosure, performing self-adaptive management on numerous terminals can be realized by the M2M network; by applying the disclosure to the wireless network management of the M2M network, manpower cost is saved and working efficiency is improved, and also it is of important significance to the smooth development of the telecom operation. |
| US08837322B2 |
Method and apparatus for snoop-and-learn intelligence in data plane
An approach is provided where incoming packets are received at a data plane and header fields are extracted from the incoming packet. Flows from a flow data store are matched with the extracted header fields from the incoming packet. Packet descriptor data associated with the incoming packet is marked in the selected incoming packet forming a marked ingress packet with marking performed when the matching fails. The marked ingress packet is forwarded to a control plane that retrieves flow-related data related to the marked ingress packet and updates the marked packet descriptor data using the retrieved flow-related data, thereby forming an updated marked packet. The control plane passes the updated marked packet back to the data plane for further processing to update the flow data stored in the flow data store. |
| US08837316B2 |
RTT based ranging system and method
A system and method are disclosed for performing ranging operations (700) between two or more wireless devices (STA1 and STA2). For some embodiments, the ranging operation allows each of a pair of ranging devices to estimate timing errors associated with measuring the time of arrival (TOA) of received signals, and to remove such timing errors from the measured TOA values. TOA and time of departure (TOD) information may also be exchanged between the devices using measurement action frames defined by IEEE 802.11v standards. In addition, an iterative process (800) is disclosed that allows a sequence of measurement action frames exchanged between the ranging devices to refine the timing errors and thus also refine the round trip time (RTT) value of signals exchanged between the devices. |
| US08837313B2 |
Mobile communication method and radio terminal
A mobile communication method, which configures a DRX cycle having an On duration in which a downlink signal transmitted from a serving base station is to be monitored and an Off duration other than the On duration in an RRC connected state where an RRC connection is established between a radio terminal and a radio base station, the mobile communication method comprising: a step A of measuring, at the radio terminal, reception quality of a reference signal transmitted from a cell even in the Off duration when the DRX cycle is configured. |
| US08837309B2 |
Device and method for estimating audiovisual quality impairment in packet networks
An audio and/or visual transmission quality device estimates transmission quality as perceived by a user based on observation and processing of objective metrics. The device preferably includes a primary integrator to generate an instantaneous estimate of user annoyance based on occurrence of frame loss events in a received signal. The device further preferably includes secondary integrators to process the instantaneous estimate of user annoyance in selected time intervals and generate a plurality of time-varying estimates of user annoyance valid over the selected time intervals. The device may further include a plurality of scaling modules to scale the plurality of time-varying estimates and generate a corresponding plurality of estimates of transmission quality as perceived by the user. The device may further include a modulation network to modify a sensitivity of the primary integrator to the occurrence of frame loss events in the received signal. |
| US08837306B2 |
Determination of a list of preferred mobile access networks
Telecommunications system including a network selection manager and a mobile node. The network selection manager is operable to determine a list of preferred mobile access networks to which the mobile node may be attached during an inactive state and to communicate the list of preferred mobile access networks to the mobile node. The list of preferred mobile access networks for selection is determined in accordance with operator determined conditions (e.g. load, congestion in the access networks, subscription info, location of the mobile, changes in the list since last communication to the Mobile Station, etc.). The mobile node is operable in the inactive state to select one of the plurality of mobile access networks which is available for attachment in dependence on the list of preferred mobile access networks communicated to the mobile node from the network selection manager. |
| US08837305B2 |
Interference management in a wireless communication system using beam and null steering
Interference that occurs during wireless communication may be managed through the use of beam and null steering techniques. A method, apparatus and medium of communication determine an interference direction of a non-associated access terminal generating an interfering signal. Transmitted and received signals are then transceived away from the interference direction. |
| US08837304B2 |
Devices for multi-group communications
A User Equipment (UE) configured for multi-group communications is described. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE detects a plurality of cells. The UE also determines to use multiple groups of one or more cells. The UE further determines a primary secondary cell (PSCell) for a non-primary cell (non-PCell) group based on UE-specific radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The UE additionally receives information using the multiple groups. |
| US08837300B2 |
Managing trace requests over tunneled links
In one embodiment, a head-end node of a tunnel, relative to a tail-end node, receives a trace request, and in response, generates an out-of-tunnel trace request based on the trace-request. The trace request is transmitted in-tunnel to the tail-end node, while also transmitting the out-of-tunnel trace request to at least one subsequent node. The head-end node may then receive a trace response from the tail-end node based on the in-tunnel trace request, as well as a trace response from each of the subsequent nodes based on the out-of-tunnel trace request. |
| US08837290B2 |
Handover in a soft cell network
Devices and methods for making a determination whether or not to handover a user equipment (UE) from a serving cell to a target cell are disclosed. The decision is based on a comparison that includes both control plane and data plane link quality considerations. The disclosed devices and methods may be applied to handover determinations in heterogeneous networks that implement a soft cell configuration. |
| US08837286B2 |
Communication system, flow control device, flow table updating method, and program
A communication system, wherein a switch node to which a terminal is connected can be recognized, and a flow table can be updated promptly in accordance with the status of the switch node. The communication system includes: a switch node that operates in accordance with a flow table in which processing content is defined for each of a plurality of flows, and a flow control device that includes a terminal management unit that records, based on a request to set a flow entry from the switch node, information of association between a terminal of a packet source and a switch node to which the terminal is connected, wherein the flow control device refers to the information of association to make the switch node execute a modification or deletion of a flow entry in the flow table. |
| US08837284B2 |
Method for scheduling guaranteed bit rate service based on quality of service
The disclosure discloses a method for scheduling a Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) service based on Quality of Service (QoS) and an apparatus implementing the method, wherein the method comprises the steps of: determining a scheduling priority of an online user according to an average rate of a GBR service of the user in a current Transmission Time Interval (TTI); and scheduling the user in accordance with the determined priority and allocating Resource Block (RB) resources to the user. With the scheduling method of the disclosure, the RB resource can be fully utilized, and the user rate which does not reach the GBR is quickly improved to make as many users as possible to reach the GBR, so as to increase the number of satisfied users in system. For the case in which a Maximum Bit Rate (MBR) is greater than the GBR, on the basis that as many users as possible are made to reach the GBR, the rates of the users can be further improved to increase the number of users with high rates. |
| US08837282B2 |
Method and apparatus for pooling bandwidth across disparate bandwidth reservations
In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a message associated with a data flow that includes a first indicator that identifies an amount of requested pool bandwidth and a second indicator that identifies a pool with which the data flow is associated. The pool is associated with a plurality of data flows that includes the data flow. The method also includes determining whether the pool has an overall bandwidth allocation, and, if so, determining whether reserving the amount of requested bandwidth would cause the overall bandwidth allocation to exceed a maximum pool bandwidth allocation. Finally, the method includes reserving approximately the amount of requested bandwidth when it is determined that reserving the amount of requested bandwidth would not cause the overall bandwidth allocation to exceed the maximum pool bandwidth allocation. Reserving approximately the amount of requested bandwidth includes increasing the overall bandwidth allocation by the amount of requested bandwidth. |
| US08837279B2 |
Technique for improving congestion control
A technique for controlling data transmission over a connection employing congestion control is provided. The technique comprises two basic aspects: Detecting a decrease of Round Trip Time in respect of the connection, wherein the detection is facilitated by comparing a short-term Round Trip Time average with a long-term Round Trip Time average (302); and, in response to a result of the detection, adjusting the congestion control so as to increase the data transmission rate (304). Particularly, adjusting the congestion control includes enabling a data transmission rate that is (even) higher than what would have been allowed by any conventional, congestion control. In effect, the present technique may ‘push’ the conventional congestion control when it is not increasing the data transmission rate fast enough. |
| US08837278B2 |
Concurrently applying an image file while it is being downloaded using a multicast protocol
A system and a process for deploying a computer file involves a client computer applying the computer file concurrently with downloading the computer file from a file server. The concurrent operations can be performed even when the data of the computer file is downloaded out of order. The computer file includes a plurality of file segments. The client computer obtains information defining the file segments and monitors the received data of the computer file during downloading. When downloading of a file segment is complete, the client computer applies the completed segment concurrently with receiving other segments of the computer file from the file server. The process can be used when the computer file is downloaded using a multicast protocol, but is not limited to use with multicast protocols. The client computer can request only needed segments of the computer file. |
| US08837277B2 |
Source routing convergence in constrained computer networks
In one embodiment, a source routing device (e.g., root device) pre-computes diverse source-routed paths to one or more nodes in a computer network. Upon receiving a particular packet, the device forwards the particular packet on a source-routed first path of the pre-computed diverse paths. In the event the device implicitly detects failure of the first path, then it forwards a copy of the particular packet on a source-routed second path of the pre-computed diverse paths in response. In one embodiment, implicit failure detection comprises seeing a second (repeated) packet with the same identification within a certain time since the first packet, and the second packet is forwarded on the second path. In another embodiment, implicit failure detection comprises not seeing a link-layer acknowledgment returned or receiving an error notification from a node along the broken path, and a stored copy of the particular packet is forwarded on the second path. |
| US08837276B2 |
Relay apparatus, relay method and computer program
A relay apparatus includes a first control section which connects to a first network, a second control section which connects to a second network, the type of which is different from that of the first network, and a relay section which selects a path to be operated as an active system from the first network and the second network and switches paths based on information regarding the first network and information regarding the second network, wherein the second control section converts a transmission unit for transmission in the first network into a transmission unit for transmission in the second network, and transmits the transmission unit to the second network. |
| US08837273B2 |
Using a single FHT to decode access-based handoff probes from multiple users
A method includes scrambling a Walsh sequence with a random sequence to produce a scrambled Walsh sequence. The method also includes transmitting the scrambled Walsh sequence as an access-based handoff probe. |
| US08837272B2 |
Adaptive time diversity and spatial diversity for OFDM
An adaptable orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing system (OFDM) that uses a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) to having OFDM signals transmitted either in accordance with time diversity to reducing signal fading or in accordance with spatial diversity to increase the data rate. Sub-carriers are classified for spatial diversity transmission or for time diversity transmission based on the result of a comparison between threshold values and at least one of three criteria. The criteria includes a calculation of a smallest eigen value of a frequency channel response matrix and a smallest element of a diagonal of the matrix and a ratio of the largest and smallest eigen values of the matrix. |
| US08837268B2 |
Network-specific powerline transmissions
A method for a network device of a powerline communications network includes selecting between a default preamble signal and a network-specific preamble signal specific to the network but not to a neighboring network and transmitting at least user data in conjunction with the selected preamble signal. Another method for a network device of a powerline communications network includes tuning a sensor to detect network-specific preamble signals specific to the network but not to a neighboring network and receiving at least user data associated with the preamble signals. |
| US08837264B2 |
Optical information device, optical disc driving device, optical information recording device, optical information reproducing device, gap control method, and optical pickup
An optical information device is provided with a first scattering medium (9), a second scattering medium (10), a third scattering medium (11); a diffraction element (4) which generates a plurality of light beams; an objective lens (6) which guides, to the first scattering medium (9) and to the third scattering medium (11) out of the first scattering medium (9), the second scattering medium (10), and the third scattering medium (11), two light beams out of the plurality of the light beams; and an arithmetic circuit (17) which detects a gap interval between the first scattering medium (9) and the third scattering medium (11), and an information medium (12), based on a change in an amount of reflected light from the first scattering medium (9) and from the third scattering medium (11). |
| US08837259B2 |
Source for marine seismic acquisition and method
Method, source and seismic vibro-acoustic source element configured to generate acoustic waves under water. The seismic vibro-acoustic source element includes an enclosure having first and second openings; first and second pistons configured to close the first and second openings; an actuator system provided inside the enclosure and configured to actuate the first and second pistons to generate a wave having first frequency; and a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure and configured to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure. |
| US08837257B2 |
Acoustic modulation protocol
Exemplary embodiments provide a computer-implemented method for generating a modulated acoustic carrier signal for wireless transmission from a speaker of a transmit device to a microphone of a receive device. Aspects of the exemplary embodiments include converting a message to binary data; modulating one or more selected frequencies for one or more acoustic carrier signals based on the binary data to generate one or more modulated acoustic carrier signals; filtering the one or more modulated acoustic carrier signals to remove any unintended audible harmonics created during modulation, including; equalizing the modulated acoustic carrier signal to pre-compensate for known degradations that will occur further along a signal path; setting a level of the modulated acoustic carrier signal for the intended application; and storing the modulated acoustic carrier signal in a buffer for subsequent output and transmission by the speaker. |
| US08837247B2 |
Method of operating semiconductor memory device with floating body transistor using silicon controlled rectifier principle
An exemplary semiconductor memory cell is provided to include: a floating body region configured to be charged to a level indicative of a state of the memory cell; a first region in electrical contact with the floating body region; a second region in electrical contact with the floating body region and spaced apart from the first region; a gate positioned between the first and second regions; a buried layer region in electrical contact with the floating body region, below the first and second regions, spaced apart from the first and second regions; and a substrate region configured to inject charge into the floating body region to maintain the state of the memory cell; wherein an amount of charge injected into the floating body region is a function of a charge stored in the floating body region. |
| US08837246B2 |
Memory device, operation method thereof and memory system having the same
A memory refresh method includes selecting at least one bank from among N banks of a memory device, and activating K word lines from among a plurality of word lines included in the at least one bank during one of L refresh cycles of a refresh period. Each of the N banks comprises M word lines, N, K and M are each a natural number greater than or equal to two, L is a natural number less than or equal to M, and K is equal to M*N/L. |
| US08837237B2 |
Dual function compatible non-volatile memory device
A dual function memory device architecture compatible with asynchronous operation and synchronous serial operation. The dual function memory device architecture includes one set of physical ports having two different functional assignments. Coupled between the physical ports and core circuits of the memory device are asynchronous and synchronous input and output signal paths or circuits. The signal paths include shared or dedicated buffers coupled to the ports, asynchronous and synchronous command decoders, a network of switches, and a mode detector. The mode detector determines the operating mode of the dual function memory device from a port, and provides the appropriate switch selection signal. The network of switches routes the input or output signals through the asynchronous or synchronous circuits in response to the switch selection signal. The appropriate command decoder interprets the input signals and provides common control logic with the necessary signals for initiating the corresponding operation. |
| US08837234B2 |
Voltage control method to minimize a coupling noise between adjacent global bit lines during read-while operation and memory device using the same
A memory device is provided, which includes a plurality of global bit lines, a discharge line, a switching circuit configured to connect the plurality of global bit lines to the discharge line in response to a discharge enable signal, a first discharge circuit configured to apply a first voltage that is higher than a ground voltage to the discharge line, a precharge circuit configured to apply a precharge voltage to a selected global bit line among the plurality of global bit lines, and a second discharge circuit configured to discharge the selected global bit line to a second voltage that is higher than the ground voltage. |
| US08837233B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes first and second bit lines, and a transistor coupled between the first and second bit lines. The semiconductor device further includes a substrate bias control circuit that supplies one of a first substrate bias voltage and a second substrate bias voltage to the transistor. By controlling the substrate bias voltage of the transistor, high-speed equalization is performed, and an increase in leak current at times of standby and activation is prevented. |
| US08837230B1 |
Circuits and methods for measuring circuit elements in an integrated circuit device
A memory circuit device having at least one test element interconnecting memory sections can include at least one first switch coupled to a first memory section between a first node within a tested section and an intermediate node, a test switch coupled between the intermediate node and a forced voltage node, and a second switch coupled between the intermediate node and a second node; wherein the forced voltage node is selectively coupled to receive a forced voltage substantially the same as a voltage applied to the second node, and the second node is coupled to at least a second memory section. |
| US08837225B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and operation method of the same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate and memory transistors, each of which has a laminate formed by alternately laminating insulating films and conductive films on the semiconductor substrate, a silicon pillar going through the laminate, a tunnel insulating film arranged on the surface of the silicon pillar facing the laminate, a charge accumulating layer arranged on the surface of the tunnel insulating film facing the laminate, and a block insulating film arranged on the surface of the charge accumulating layer facing the laminate and in contact with the conductive film. During a data deletion operation, a voltage is applied on the conductive film so that the potential of the silicon pillar with respect to the conductive film decreases as the cross-sectional area of the silicon pillar decreases. |
| US08837222B2 |
Methods and apparatuses including a select transistor having a body region including monocrystalline semiconductor material and/or at least a portion of its gate located in a substrate
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having a memory cell string including memory cells located in different levels of the apparatuses and a select transistor coupled to the memory cell string. In at least one of such apparatuses, the select transistor can include a body region including a monocrystalline semiconductor material. Other embodiments including additional apparatuses and methods are described. |
| US08837218B2 |
Three dimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory
A three dimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to an example of the present invention includes a memory cell array comprised of first and second blocks disposed side by side in a first direction, and a driver disposed on one end of the memory cell array in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. First select gate lines in the first block and first select gate lines in the second block are connected to the driver after they are commonly connected in one end in the second direction of the memory cell array in a relation of one to one. |
| US08837211B2 |
Robust initialization with phase change memory cells in both configuration and array
The present application discloses phase-change memory architectures and methods, in which an additional test is performed, after the normal power-valid signal, to assure that the phase-change memory components which are used for storing configuration data are able to operate correctly. Surprisingly, the inventor has discovered that this additional test is highly desirable when using phase-change memory for configuration data. |
| US08837210B2 |
Differential sensing method and system for STT MRAM
The invention relates to methods and systems for reading a memory cell and in particular, an STT MRAM. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for reading a memory cell includes a read path and a precharge path. The reference current is provided through the read path and is sampled via a sampling element in the read path. Subsequently, a current from the memory cell is provided through the same sampling element and read path. The output level is then determined by the cell current working against the sampled reference current. |
| US08837202B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for driving the same
In a conventional DRAM, when the capacitance of a capacitor is reduced, an error of reading data easily occurs. A plurality of cells are connected to one bit line MBL_m. Each cell includes a sub bit line SBL_n_m and 4 to 64 memory cells (a memory cell CL_n_m—1 or the like). Further, each cell includes selection transistors STr1—n—m and STr2—n—m and an amplifier circuit AMP_n_m that is a complementary inverter or the like is connected to the selection transistor STr2—n—m. Since parasitic capacitance of the sub bit line SBL_n_m is sufficiently small, potential change due to electric charge in a capacitor of each memory cell can be amplified by the amplifier circuit AMP_n_m without an error, and can be output to the bit line. |
| US08837200B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and read method for the same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: word lines; bit lines formed so as to three-dimensionally cross the word lines; and a cross-point cell array including cells each provided at a corresponding one of three-dimensional cross-points of the word lines and the bit lines. The cells include: a memory cell including a memory element that operates as a memory by reversibly changing in resistance value between at least two states based on an electrical signal; and an offset detection cell having a constant resistance value that is higher than the resistance value of the memory element in a high resistance state which is a state of the memory element when operating as the memory. |
| US08837199B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of wires, and a control circuit. The control circuit allows a first current to change a state to flow on a selected cell by applying a first potential difference between a pair of wires that sandwich the selected cell selected from the plurality of memory cells with respect to the semiconductor substrate vertically, and allows a second current lower than the first current to flow on an non-selected cell in the same direction as the direction of the first current by applying a second potential difference between a pair of wires that sandwich the non-selected cell connected to a wire shared with the selected cell on a different layer from the selected cell. |
| US08837195B2 |
Systems and methods for reading ferroelectric memories
A system and method are provided for reading ferroelectric memories in a manner that does away with a conventional requirement for inclusion of a charge or sense amplifier associated with each ferroelectric memory cell. Simple circuits are employed for modulating an AC signal that is generated and input, including wirelessly, to the circuits where a capacitance of a ferroelectric capacitor acts as a filter. Depending upon whether the ferroelectric memory (capacitor) is charged or discharged, it will have a different capacitance, which will affect the impedance that the signal sees. An ability to remotely read that signal difference, as an indication of capacitance, rather than an indication of charge, is provided to expand the use of ferroelectric memories to a broader spectrum of applications including use in RFID tags. |
| US08837194B2 |
Data holding device and logic operation circuit using the same
A data holding device includes a loop structure unit configured to hold data using a plurality of logic gates connected in a loop shape, a nonvolatile storage unit including a plurality of ferroelectric elements, the nonvolatile storage unit configured to store the data held in the loop structure unit in a nonvolatile manner using hysteresis characteristics of the ferroelectric elements, and a circuit separation unit configured to electrically separate the loop structure unit and the nonvolatile storage unit. The ferroelectric elements of the nonvolatile storage unit are surrounded by a dummy element smaller in width than the ferroelectric elements. |
| US08837192B2 |
N-bit rom cell
Among other things, an n-bit ROM cell, such as a twin-bit ROM cell, and techniques for addressing one or more ROM cell portions of the n-bit ROM cell are provided. A twin-bit ROM cell comprises a first ROM cell portion adjacent to or substantially contiguous with a second ROM cell portion. The first ROM cell portion is associated with a first data bit value. The second ROM cell portion is associated with a second data bit value distinct from the first data bit value. Because the first ROM cell portion is adjacent to the second ROM cell portion, OD-to-OD spacing between the twin-bit ROM cell and an adjacent twin-bit ROM cell is increased to provide, for example, improved isolation, cell current, ROM speed, and VCCmin performance in comparison with single-bit ROM cells, while maintaining a substantially similar to pitch as the single-bit ROM cells. |
| US08837190B2 |
System for retaining state data
According to one embodiment, a system for retaining M bits of state data of an integrated circuit during power down includes M serially coupled scan flip flops divided into M/N groups, where the M scan flip flops are able to save/restore the M bits of state data. Each group contains a merged scan flip flop coupled to a series of scan flip flops. The merged scan flip flop in each of the groups is coupled to a respective read port of a memory unit, and a final scan flip flop in each of the groups is coupled to a respective write port of the memory unit. The system enables the memory unit to save the M bits of state data in N clock cycles. Each merged scan flip flop has a read select input that enables restoring of the state data into the M scan flip flops in N clock cycles. |
| US08837185B2 |
Control of a modular converter having distributed energy stores with the aid of an observer for the currents and an estimating unit for the intermediate circuit energy
Methods and configurations controlling a converter having controllable power semiconductors, compare actual and target state values to obtain control difference values for a control unit producing setting voltage values. Control electronics provide control signals according to setting voltage values and transmit them to power semiconductors. The control unit generates voltage values so control difference values become small. Current and converter energy controls and energy balancing are performed jointly, actual state values are calculated by an observing unit based on setting voltage values considering measured current values and actual state intermediate-circuit energy values are calculated by an estimating unit considering measured intermediate-circuit energy values of positive and negative voltage sources. The observing and estimating units model the converter so actual state current and intermediate-circuit steady-state energy values correspond to error-free current and intermediate-circuit energy values. A periodic time-variant gain controller receives error-free values. |
| US08837183B2 |
Power switch series circuit and control method thereof
The present invention provides a power switch series circuit and its control method. The power switch series circuit includes a plurality of series modules, a control module and a drive module. At least one series module has a power switch and a detection module, and the detection module includes a detection unit and an isolation unit, so as to detect the overvoltage and output a voltage detection signal based on the detected voltage. The control module receives the voltage detection signal and outputs the corresponding control signal. The drive module amplifies the control signal to drive each power switch to turn ON or turn OFF. The control module outputs the corresponding control signal to turn off each power switch when the overvoltage happens. |
| US08837182B2 |
Apparatus and method for tracking maximum power point and method of operating grid-tied power storage system using the same
An apparatus for tracking a maximum power point includes a converter unit for converting a first power, outputted from a solar cell module, into a second power and a maximum power point control unit for searching for a maximum power point voltage and an open-circuit voltage corresponding to a temperature and solar radiation of the solar cell module, decreasing voltage of the first power from the open-circuit voltage to the maximum power point voltage in a soft-start manner, and then performing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control according to a Perturbation and Observation (P&O) algorithm. |
| US08837181B2 |
Step down switching regulator
A current limiting comparator generates a current limiting signal SLIM which is asserted when a detection voltage Vs at a detection terminal CS is higher than a predetermined threshold voltage VTH. A mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal SMSK which is asserted after a predetermined delay time TMSK elapses after a switching transistor is turned on. A pulse signal generating unit has: a function (a) in which, when the set signal SSET is asserted in a period in which the current limiting signal SLIM is negated, a pulse signal SPWM is switched to a first level; and a function (b) in which, when the reset signal SRST is asserted, or when the current limiting signal SLIM is asserted in a period in which the mask signal SMSK is negated, the pulse signal SPWM is switched to a second level. |
| US08837175B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive switching frequency control in switching-mode power conversion systems
Switching-mode power conversion system and method thereof. The system includes a primary winding configured to receive an input voltage and a secondary winding coupled to the primary winding. Additionally, the system includes a compensation component configured to receive the input voltage and generate at least a clock signal based on at least information associated with the input voltage, and a signal generator configured to receive at least the clock signal and generate at least a control signal based on at least information associated with the clock signal. Moreover, the system includes a gate driver configured to receive at least the control signal and generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the control signal, and a first switch configured to receive the drive signal and affect a first current flowing through the primary winding. |
| US08837173B2 |
DC to DC power converting device
A power converting device includes a switching unit, a resonant unit, a converting unit, a rectifying and filtering unit, an inductance-sensing unit, and a driver. The resonant unit is electrically connected to the switching unit and includes a resonant capacitor, a resonant inductor, and a variable magnetizing-inductor having at least two inductances, the resonant inductor is electrically connected to the resonant capacitor and the variable magnetizing-inductor. The converting unit is electrically connected to the resonant unit. The rectifying and filtering unit is electrically connected to the converting unit. The inductance-sensing unit is electrically connected to the rectifying and filtering unit, the inductance-sensing unit instantaneously senses inductances of the variable magnetizing-inductor. The driver is electrically connected to the inductance-sensing unit and the switching unit, the driver is configured for controlling a switching frequency of the switching unit according to an inductance instantaneously sensed by the inductance-sensing unit. |
| US08837169B2 |
EMI shielding device which can be easily assembled and disassembled
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding device includes first and second housing portions assembled along an assembly direction, at least two spaced-apart female fasteners fixed to one of the first and second housing portions, a plurality of male fasteners corresponding in number to the female fasteners and spacedly fixed to the other one of the first and second housing portions, and at least one grip member connected to one of the first and second housing portions. The grip member is applied with a force along the assembly direction or along a direction opposite to the assembly direction to engage or disengage the male and female fasteners. |
| US08837168B2 |
Electronic package structure
An electronic package structure including at least one first electronic element, a second electronic element and a lead frame is provided. The second electronic element includes a body having a cavity. The first electronic element is disposed in the cavity. The lead frame has a plurality of leads. Each of the leads has a first end and a second end. The first end of at least one of the leads extends to the cavity to electrically connect the first electronic element. |
| US08837165B2 |
Electronic device with button
An electronic device includes a panel, a base, a button, and a balance bar. The panel defines an opening. The base is fixed to a rear side of the panel. A switch and a resilient resisting portion are mounted to a front surface of the base. The button is sandwiched between the panel and the base. The button is partially received in the opening. Two pivot portions are formed a rear side of the button. The balance bar includes a first bar abutting against the resisting portion, two second bars respectively extending from opposite ends of the first bar, and two feet respectively extending from distal ends of the second bars to pivotably connect the pivot portions. When the button is pressed, the balance bar restricts the button to just move linearly to the switch. |
| US08837161B2 |
Multi-configuration processor-memory substrate device
A Multi-configuration Processor-Memory device for coupling to a PCB (printed circuit board) interface. The device comprises a substrate that supports multiple configurations of memory components and a processor while having a single, common interface with a PCB interface of a printed circuit board. In a first configuration, the substrate supports a processor and a first number of memory components. In a second configuration, the substrate supports a processor and an additional number of memory components. The memory components can be pre-tested, packaged memory components mounted on the substrate. The processor can be a surface mounted processor die. Additionally, the processor can be mounted in a flip chip configuration, side-opposite the memory components. In the first configuration, a heat spreader can be mounted on the memory components and the processor to dissipate heat. In the second, flip chip, configuration, the processor face can be soldered onto a non-electrically functional area of the PCB interface of the printed circuit board to dissipate heat. |
| US08837160B2 |
High-dielectric sheet, a printed circuit board having the high-dielectric sheet and production methods thereof
A method of producing a capacitor for a printed circuit board includes producing high-dielectric sheets and selecting ones of the high-dielectric sheets, which are substantially free from a defect after the heat process. Each of the high-dielectric sheets is produced by providing a first electrode, forming a first sputter film on the first electrode, forming an intermediate layer on the first sputter film by calcining a sol-gel film, forming a second sputter film on the intermediate layer, and providing a second electrode on the second sputter film. The high-dielectric sheets are subjected to a heat process in which the high-dielectric sheets are subjected to a first temperature at least once and a second temperature higher than the first temperature at least once. |
| US08837157B2 |
System for interconnecting electrical components
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing with a conductive surface. A circuit board may be positioned within the housing. The circuit board includes a deflectable portion that may be movable relative to the housing. A conductive pad is positioned on the deflectable portion of the circuit board. A spring member is positioned between the housing and the circuit board. The spring member may be movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The conductive pad of the circuit board may be spaced away from the conductive surface of the housing by the spring member in the first configuration and in contact with the conductive surface of the housing with the spring member in the second configuration. |
| US08837156B2 |
Contact type portable power
The present disclosure includes a protective sleeve assembly and a battery module, wherein the protective sleeve assembly includes a frame and a terminal fixing plate, a terminal circuit board and a connector port are arranged on the terminal fixing plate, an end of a conduction sheet is connected to the terminal circuit board, the other end of the conduction sheet is in a limiting hole of the terminal fixing plate; the battery module includes a upper cover, a lower cover and a charge-discharge control circuit board, a conduction electrode is arranged on the charge-discharge control circuit board and connected with a battery. When the mobile phone is fixed with the protective sleeve assembly, a special port of the mobile phone is transformed into a general port by the conversion circuit of the terminal circuit board, so it's easy to charge the mobile phone by the general port. |
| US08837155B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a first body and a second body, a first display unit mounted to the first body, and a slide module configured to move the first body and the second body with respect to each other. Further, the slide module includes a first slide member coupled to the first body, and a second slide member having a first bending portion and a second bending portion extending from a side end thereof in directions crossing each other, and configured to encompass at least part of side surfaces of the first slide member. In addition, the first bending portion and the second bending portion are spaced from at least one side surface of the first display unit with a predetermined gap from the side surface of the first display unit. |
| US08837152B2 |
Electronic module including handle and heat dissipating member
An electronic module including a supporting frame, a handle, an electronic device, and a heat dissipating member is provided. The handle assembled to the supporting frame is open or closed relative to the supporting frame. The electronic device is detachably assembled on the supporting frame. The heat dissipating member detachably assembled to the handle moves relative to the supporting frame with the handle. When the handle is closed relative to the supporting frame, the electronic device is fixed on the supporting frame by the handle, and the heat dissipating member leans against the electronic device. When the handle is opened relative to the supporting frame, the heat dissipating member is far away from the electronic device. |
| US08837148B2 |
Device for supporting, housing and cooling radiant modules of an antenna, particularly array antenna
The present invention relates to a device (1) for supporting, housing and cooling radiant modules (2) of an antenna, comprising a plate (3) for cooling said radiant modules (2) that can be fixed to means for supporting said antenna, said plate (3) having an upper surface and a lower surface; characterized in that it comprises a plurality of projecting guides (5) provided at least on one of said surfaces of said plate (3), so that each pair of said projecting guides (5) adjacent with surface on which are provided realize housing seats (6), in each one of which one of said radiant modules (2) is introduced; and pressing means (7, 15, 16, 17), integrated with said projecting guides (5), apt exerting a pressure on said radiant modules (2) so as to obtain a substantially uniform coupling between each of them and the surface of said plate (3) on which said projecting guides (5) are provided. The invention further relates to an array antenna. |
| US08837142B2 |
System for protecting a portable computing device
The invention relates to a system for protecting a portable computing device wherein the system comprises a device housing adapted to protectively encase a portable computing device, a protectively hardened user input device in communication with the device housing, and a protectively hardened display in communication with the device housing. When the portable computing device is encased within the device housing, a user of the portable computing device can operate the portable computing device via the protectively hardened user input device and the protectively hardened display. The device housing may further comprise sealing elements, insulating elements, and shock-absorbing elements. |
| US08837139B2 |
Flat heat pipe radiator and application thereof
A flat radiator with flat type heat pipe and its application for portable computers is provided. The heat pipe in a radiator use tubular type and plate type structures. An air convective extended heat exchange surface surrounds and is over against the fan impeller, such that the radiator is extremely compacted, and the heat transport distance in heat pipe is shortened. Further introducing enhanced convective heat transfer structure and setting the fins according to the aerodynamics improve the heat dissipating capacity. The restrictions to a radiator when installing are reduced, which helps to implement the standardization of the radiator series. Also portable computers using the radiator are provided. |
| US08837133B2 |
Display module
A display module includes a front frame, a rear housing, and a trimming board. The front frame includes a first positioning hole and a clamping hole. The rear housing includes a second positioning hole. The front frame is engaged with the rear housing. The second positioning hole communicates with the first positioning hole. The trimming board includes a bolt structure and a clamping structure. The bolt structure is adapted to pass through the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole for preventing the front frame from separated from the rear housing. The clamping hole is used for the clamping structure to pass through and prevent the clamping structure from separating from the clamping hole. |
| US08837129B2 |
Electronic device case
An electronic device case includes a casing body formed with an opening, a blocking mechanism disposed on the casing body, a cover disposed on the casing body and covering the opening, and an engaging component mounted on the cover. The blocking mechanism is formed with an engaging groove facing a direction opposite to the opening. The engaging component is adapted to be moved relative to the cover in the direction opposite to the opening, and includes a connecting plate removably received in the engaging groove, and an engaging plate extending obliquely from the connecting plate toward the direction opposite to the opening and angularly and removably engaging the engaging groove, so that the cover is removably positioned on the casing body. |
| US08837127B2 |
Wall-avoiding self-balancing mount for tilt positioning of a flat panel electronic display
A device for mounting an electronic display to a wall includes a support structure operably connected to a tilt head assembly and a display interface structure. The support structure includes an arm assembly that can be extended and rotated so that the electronic display avoids contacting the wall. The tilt head assembly includes an attachment member, guide structures for tilting the electronic display so that the electronic display remains self-balancing, and a plate for positioning the guide structures. The display interface structure facilitates attachment of the attachment member to the electronic display. |
| US08837126B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed. The display device comprises a flexible display screen and a body supporting the flexible display screen. The body comprises a first body comprising a sloping surface on a cross-section, a second body, and a third body comprising a sloping surface on a cross-section. The body comprises a first bending portion provided between the first body and the second body, and the sloping surface of the first body is attached to the second body by the rotation of the first body. |
| US08837113B2 |
Capacitor module with simplified wiring arrangement and structure
A capacitor module is provided with a plurality of capacitors juxtaposedly disposed to have electrode terminals that are composed of positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals, respectively. Neighboring capacitors, among the plurality of capacitors, are disposed adjacent to each other to define neighboring electrode terminals, among the electrode terminals thereof, with the same polarity. |
| US08837111B2 |
Capacitor element and capacitor device having the same
A capacitor forming unit according to one embodiment includes a dielectric plate with a plurality of through holes; a first conductor film formed on an upper surface of the dielectric plate; a first insulator film formed on the front end portion of the upper surface of the dielectric plate; a second conductor film formed on a lower surface of the dielectric plate; a second insulator film formed on the rear end portion of the lower surface of the dielectric plate; first electrode rods disposed in some of the through holes; and second electrode rods disposed in the remaining through holes where the first electrode rods are not disposed. The first electrodes are electrically connected to the first conductor film and electrically insulated from the second conductor film. The second electrode rods are electrically connected to the second conductor film and are electrically insulated from the first conductor film. |
| US08837109B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor
There is provided a multilayer ceramic capacitor, including: a multilayer body having a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of internal electrode layers alternately laminated; wherein each internal electrode layer has a width gradually decreases from a center thereof towards both ends thereof in a length direction; and when a width of each internal electrode layer at the ends thereof in the length direction is defined as a minimum width L2 and a width of a portion of a margin portion M in each dielectric layer is defined as a maximum width M2, the portion of the margin portion M having no internal electrode layer present thereon and corresponding to the ends of each internal electrode layer in the length direction, a ratio of M2 to L2 (M2/L2) ranges from 0.2 to 0.3. |
| US08837108B2 |
Glass substrate-holding tool and method for producing an EUV mask blank by employing the same
A glass substrate-holding tool, adapted to be employed during the production of a reflective mask blank for EUV lithography (EUVL), includes an electrostatic chuck and a supporting member. The chuck attracts a rear surface of a glass substrate in a non-contact manner by electrostatic attractive force. The supporting member partly supports the rear surface. An area ratio of a projected area of an active surface of the chuck for providing the electrostatic force to an area of a quality-guaranteed region of the rear surface is from 0.5 to 1.0. The active surface is apart from the rear surface by more than 20 μm. The supporting member is configured to support only a region including at least two of four sides defining an outer portion outside the quality-guaranteed region. |
| US08837105B2 |
Electrostatic discharging apparatus and financial apparatus
Provided is an electrostatic discharging apparatus, which comprises a rotation shaft, a transfer roller, and an electrostatic discharging member. The rotation shaft transmits driving force. The transfer roller is disposed on the rotation shaft to transfer a medium. The electrostatic discharging member is disposed on the rotation shaft to rotate together with the rotation shaft, and comprises a plurality of brushes for removing static electricity. |
| US08837104B2 |
Motor programming tool with handle-mounted PCB
A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The programming tool includes circuitry disposed in the tool body. The circuitry is electrically connected to the wiring and includes a power transmission portion and a data transmission portion. |
| US08837103B2 |
Circuit breaker trip unit with digital potentiometer
A circuit breaker trip unit includes an input section receiving a phase current level signal. A processor is in communication with the input section and generates a first trip signal based on the phase current level signal and user-adjustable trip settings. The trip settings include long time and short time pickup and delay settings. An analog instantaneous trip circuit is in communication with both of the input section and the processor. The analog instantaneous trip circuit includes a digital potentiometer having a non-volatile memory. The potentiometer provides a reference signal corresponding to a resistance setting stored in the memory. The analog instantaneous trip circuit compares the phase current level and reference signals, and generates a second trip signal based on a result of the comparing. The processor programs the resistance setting stored in the memory according to a user-adjustable instantaneous current pickup setting. |
| US08837101B2 |
Voltage-modifying device for electric meter
Aspects of the invention provide for qualifying a new meter with specific power supply requirements. In one embodiment, aspects of the invention include a system, including: an electric meter having a housing; and a voltage-modifying device connected to the electric meter for modifying a received voltage, such that the electric meter operates in accordance with a predetermined power supply requirement, wherein the voltage-modifying device is located within the electric meter housing or external to the electric meter housing. |
| US08837094B2 |
DC/AC inverter substrate having voltage abnormality detector circuit
A DC/AC inverter substrate includes a voltage abnormality detector circuit. All of a high voltage side detection sensor, a low voltage side detection sensor, and a high-voltage and low-voltage detection sensor in the voltage abnormality detector circuit are disposed without being electrically connected to a secondary side of a transformer or to a connection point. Those detection sensors are not damaged since overvoltage is not applied to the voltage abnormality detector circuit when abnormal discharge occurs because the detection sensors are not electrically connected. |
| US08837093B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for interrupting a current flow in a DC current path
A DC current path for DC power transmission includes at least a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series. A resonance circuit is configured to be connectable in parallel to the series connection of the at least one first switching element and second switching element by means of a switch. |
| US08837091B2 |
Head suspension having actuator in which piezolectric element is bonded with bonding tape, actuator and method of attaching piezoelectric element with bonding tape
A head suspension includes a base to be attached to a carriage, a load beam having a rigid part and a resilient part that connects the rigid part to the base, the load beam applying load onto a read/write head, a flexure attached to the load beam and supporting the head, an actuator attaching part located between the base and the head, and a piezoelectric element being deformable in response to a voltage applied thereto to move the head in a sway direction relative to the base. For the head suspension, it bonds the piezoelectric element with a bonding tape to the actuator attaching part and applies an adhesive to fix the piezoelectric element to the actuator attaching part. |
| US08837088B1 |
Microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) head with a current confinement structure
In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a main pole configured to emit a recording magnetic field for affecting a magnetic medium, the main pole serving as a first electrode and having a front portion at an air bearing surface (ABS) of the magnetic head and a rear portion extending from the front portion in an element height direction perpendicular to the ABS, wherein an upper surface of the main pole has a step transitioning from the front portion to the rear portion, a conductive layer positioned above the main pole, the conductive layer serving as a second electrode, a microwave oscillator positioned between the main pole and the conductive layer at the ABS of the Magnetic head and extending beyond the step in the element height direction, and a current confinement layer positioned between the microwave oscillator and the rear portion of the main pole. |
| US08837087B2 |
Thin magnetic film, method of manufacturing the same, and high frequency oscillator, magnetic head, magnetic recording medium, and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus using thin magnetic film
According to one embodiment, there is provided a thin magnetic film having a negative anisotropy of −6×106 erg/cm3 or less and including, on at least a nonmagnetic substrate, at least one seed layer made of a metal or metal compound, a ruthenium underlayer for controlling the orientation of an immediately overlying layer, and a magnetic layer having negative anisotropy in the normal line direction perpendicular to a surface of the magnetic layer and mainly containing Co and Ir, wherein the additive element concentration of Ir in the magnetic layer is 10 (inclusive) to 45 (inclusive) at %. |
| US08837082B2 |
Magnetic recording head having quilted-type coating
A module according to one embodiment includes a plurality of transducers; a tape bearing surface having a transducer region aligned with the transducers in a tape travel direction, and outer regions flanking the transducer region in a direction perpendicular to the tape travel direction; a first coating on the transducer region of the tape bearing surface; and a second coating on at least one of the outer regions of the tape bearing surface, the second coating being different than the first coating. |
| US08837073B2 |
Delayed disk drive preamplifier write turn on
Approaches described in this disclosure are generally directed to methods and devices for delaying a write turn-on of a memory device. A write control signal from a memory controller to a preamplifier of a storage device is asserted. A warm-up interval of write drivers of the preamplifier is initiated, the warm-up interval having a duration of predetermined length. Data is transmitted to the write drivers during the warm-up interval. |
| US08837072B2 |
Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment. |
| US08837061B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
Provided is a lens barrel including a fourth lens group that holds a fourth lens, a second lens group that holds a second lens and is disposed closer to an object than the fourth lens group, and a drive source that drives the fourth lens group in a direction along the optical axis. The fourth lens has a notch around a portion of an outer periphery thereof. The drive source is provided in the notch. |
| US08837056B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging device
Disclosed herein is a zoom lens including a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, and a fifth lens group having negative refractive power. The respective lens groups move in magnification variation from a wide angle end to a telephoto end. The fourth lens group is moved in optical axis direction to correct variation of an imaging position in association with magnification variation and perform correction of the imaging position in association with object distance change. Condition expression (1) is satisfied. 0.60 |
| US08837054B2 |
Liquid lens
A liquid lens includes a sealed shell, a gaseous material, a transparent carbon nanotube structure within the gaseous material, a liquid material, and a first electrode and a second electrode, a voltage being applied to the carbon nanotube structure causes rapid heating, which is transferred to the gaseous material to change the pressure thereof. |
| US08837051B1 |
Head mounted display with a roof mirror array fold
The present invention includes a head mounted display (HMD) worn by a user. The HMD includes a display projecting an image through an optical lens. The HMD also includes a one-dimensional retro reflective array receiving the image through the optical lens at a first angle with respect to the display and deflecting the image at a second angle different than the first angle with respect to the display. The one-dimensional retro reflective array reflects the image in order to project the image onto an eye of the user. |
| US08837050B2 |
Optical wedge redirection apparatus and optical devices using same
An exit pupil expander (904), operable as a numerical aperture expander and suitable for use with high angle of incidence scanned laser projection systems, includes a microlens array (910) and a varied thickness optical element (900). The varied thickness optical element can be configured to transform a principal beam (953) of a received scan cone (952) to be substantially orthogonal with an output of the exit pupil expander (904) or major surface of the microlens array (910). Further, the varied thickness optical element (900) can be configured to cause the received scan cone (952) to exit the varied thickness optical element (900) substantially symmetrically about the principal beam (953). The varied thickness optical element (900) can also be configured to introduce a controlled amount of spread to the received scan cone (952). The varied thickness optical element (900) is useful in correcting distortion, such as keystone distortion introduced by high angle of incidence feed. |
| US08837049B2 |
Window blind solar energy management system
Disclosed is a window blind solar energy management system for capturing solar energy to manage illumination and temperature within a defined space. Blinds comprising curved louvers are hung from the internal frame of a window, each louver having a concave, highly reflecting specular mirrored surface that focuses incoming solar beam radiation onto a thin area on the back of the adjacent louver. The angle of the louvers is adjusted by an integral automatic controller so that the thin strip of light can be focused on one or two of three regions on the back of the adjacent louver which are designed to either reflect, absorb, or reject the incoming light. |
| US08837044B2 |
Device for continuous adjustment of spectrometer gap widths
A microscope (10) has an aperture arrangement (29) that, in order to limit the dimension of a light beam (41), comprises an aperture opening (37). The size of the aperture opening (37) is adjustable with the aid of a first aperture member (32) and a second aperture member (34). At least one of the two aperture members (32, 34) is movable relative to the other aperture member (32, 34). The aperture members (32, 34) are spaced apart from one another when the aperture opening (37) is closed. |
| US08837042B2 |
Transillumination device for a microscope
A transillumination device (150) for a microscope (100) comprises a flat panel light source (151), a diaphragm arrangement (152) arranged behind the flat panel light source (151) in the radiating direction (AR) that comprises two diaphragm elements movable relative to one another, at least one of the two diaphragm elements having a cutout, the two diaphragm elements defining, together with the at least one cutout, a diaphragm opening, wherein the dimensions of the diaphragm opening in two mutually perpendicular directions are determined by the position of the diaphragm elements relative to one another. |
| US08837035B2 |
Electro-wetting transmissive and interference display device with adjustable function
An electro-wetting transmissive and interference display device with adjustable function includes a lower electrode, an upper electrode and an droplet disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, wherein the lower electrode, the droplet and the upper electrode are disposed on a substrate, and the droplet is enclosed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode by an ink jet printing method. |
| US08837033B2 |
Nested loop coherent beam combining system
A nested loop system for combining coherent laser beams, The system includes multiple laser amplifiers each configured for emitting one of the laser beams, an output beam splitter configured for sampling each laser beam and for coupling each sampled laser beam to an inner feedback loop module, an output beam sampler configured for splitting the combined beam into a primary and a sampled output beam and for coupling the sampled output beam to the inner feedback loop module, multiple inner loop phase modulators each paired with one of the laser amplifiers, and the inner feedback loop module. For each laser amplifier the inner feedback loop module is configured to use the sampled output beam and the sampled laser beam associated with that laser amplifier to create a different inner loop feedback signal and to couple that inner loop feedback signal to that laser amplifier paired inner loop phase modulator. |
| US08837029B2 |
Optical scanning device
Disclosed is an optical scanning device, including a mirror, a first drive beam configured to swing the mirror around a first axis, and a second drive beam configured to swing the mirror around a second axis, wherein the second drive beam is provided in such a manner that a plurality of beams extending in a direction intersecting with a direction of the second axis are joined with adjacent beams at edge portions thereof, and thereby has a zigzag shape, and each of the plurality of beams includes a rib extending in a direction of a width of the beam. |
| US08837025B2 |
Image reading device
An image reading device having a conveying unit for conveying an irradiated member that has a hologram area in a conveying direction; a first light source for applying light to an irradiated part in the hologram area; and a second light source separated from the first light source along the conveying direction and applying light to an irradiated part in the hologram area when the hologram area is conveyed by a prescribed distance. An irradiation angle at which the irradiated part is irradiated with the light of the first light source is made to be different from an irradiation angle at which the irradiated part is irradiated with the light of the second light source when the hologram part is conveyed by the prescribed distance. Lights reflected by the hologram area are respectively received to detect an electric signal of the hologram area of the irradiated member. |
| US08837023B2 |
Printing apparatus, composite image data generating apparatus, and composite image data generating program
A printing apparatus which prints a composite image formed of a background image and an input image on a recording medium includes: a display; a display image data generating section which generates data of a display image to be displayed on the display; a display controller which controls the display; an input region determining mechanism which determines at least one input region in which the input image is to be inputted on the background image displayed on the display; an image capturing mechanism which captures the input image inputted via the display; a composite image data generating section which generates data of the composite image from data of the background image and the input image captured by the image capturing mechanism; and a printing mechanism which prints the composite image on the recording medium based on the data of the composite image generated by the composite image data generating section. |
| US08837022B2 |
Image reader, image forming apparatus, and method of correcting output values
Disclosed is an image reader including a first reading unit that reads an image on a front surface of an object placed on a first background member to output a first output value; a second reading unit that reads an image on a back surface of the object placed on a second background member which is different from the first background member to output a second output value; a ground output detecting unit that detects first and second ground output values based on the first and second output values, respectively; a thickness calculating unit that calculates the thickness of the object based on an output ratio between the first ground output value and the second ground output value; and an output correction unit that corrects the first and second output values based on the calculated thickness of the object. |
| US08837021B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method, and computer-readable medium
An image processing apparatus which converts input image data into a designated color, the apparatus comprises a designation unit which accepts a designated color from a user; a holding unit which holds a representation color of a block, a color layout of pixels included in the block, and an other color contained in the block except for the representation color, the block being generated by compression and including a predetermined number of pixels that form the image data; and a color conversion unit which mono-colorizes the block into the designated color by converting at least one of the representation color and the other color into the designated color designated with the designation unit in accordance with the color layout. |
| US08837020B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with same
An image reading apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a document conveyance path, a transparent member, a guide member, a transparent sheet member and a first pressing member. The second housing is openable and closable with respect to the first housing. The document conveyance path is arranged in the second housing and conveys a document passing through a first position. The guide member is arranged on the transparent member at a side downstream of the first position. The transparent sheet member is arranged on the transparent member to cover the first position. The first pressing member is arranged to cover a part of the transparent sheet member upstream of the first position from above and presses the transparent sheet member. An end portion of the first pressing member is arranged inwardly of an end portion of the transparent sheet member in the main scanning direction. |
| US08837015B2 |
Illuminator and image reading device and image forming apparatus having the same
An image forming apparatus employing an illuminator configured to irradiate light to a photosensitive body to change a level of electrical potential of the photosensitive body. The illuminator includes at least one light source configured to generate light and a light guide configured to guide the light received from the light source toward the photosensitive body. The light guide includes at least one incidence face and an emission face. The at least one incidence face faces the light source in a main scanning direction to receive the light from the light source into the light guide. The light exits from the light guide through the emission face toward the photosensitive body. The emission face includes a diffusion pattern having a plurality of semi-cylindrical structures along a width direction of the light guide. A radius of curvature of the semi-cylindrical structures increases away from the at least one light source. |
| US08837012B2 |
Image-reading method and apparatus
An image-reading apparatus and method for controlling the image-reading apparatus including a document plate where an original document is placed, a line image sensor that reads an image on the document plate by scanning to obtain image data, a reference-setting image that is placed outside a region of the document plate at a position where the line image sensor is able to read the reference-setting image, and a control unit configured to set a reference position when the image sensor reads the image, wherein the control unit detects the reference-setting image from the image data and, depending on a power-on state of the image-reading apparatus, selects the manner in which the reference position is set based on the reference-setting image. |
| US08837011B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program
There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: detection means for detecting position information indicating a scanning position; interval prediction means for predicting a first scanning line interval indicating a distance in the sub-scanning direction between the scanning line of interest and a succeeding scanning line to be scanned after the scanning line of interest; interval calculation means for calculating, by using the position information held by the holding means, a second scanning line interval indicating a distance in the sub-scanning direction between the scanning line of interest and the scanned scanning line; and rate calculation means for calculating a correction rate on an exposure amount for the scanning line of interest so that a predicted density calculated using the first scanning line interval and the second scanning line interval matches with a predicted density calculated using a predetermined reference scanning line interval. |
| US08837009B2 |
Light guiding member, image reading device, and image forming apparatus including the image reading device
A light guiding member includes an input surface, an output surface, a counter surface, a reflective portion, and a diffusing portion. The light guiding member is a rod-shaped member that guides light in a longitudinal direction thereof. The input surface is one end face of the light guiding member and allows light to be input thereon. The output surface has a belt-like shape, extends in the longitudinal direction, and allows light to be emitted therefrom. The counter surface is located opposite the output surface. The reflective portion is a belt-like portion extending in the longitudinal direction and reflects light toward the output surface. The diffusing portion is a belt-like portion extending in the longitudinal direction and diffuses light emitted from the output surface. The diffusing portion is smaller than the reflective portion in width in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. |
| US08837008B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a drive unit that is mounted on a carriage having an image reading sensor, which is moved with respect to an original, mounted thereon and moves the carriage. The drive unit includes: a motor; a gear train for transmitting rotation of the motor so as to move the carriage; an encoder sensor for reading a code wheel fixed to a rotary shaft of the motor; and a support member for holding the motor. The encoder sensor is urged against a part of the support member by a resilient member, to be thus fixed to the support member. |
| US08837007B2 |
Image processing method for extracting an area of a document from a read image
An image processing method in which the image of a document is extracted from an image including the image of the document on a document positioning table, acquired by a line sensor scanning the document placed on the document positioning table while illuminating the document from the upstream side or the downstream side of the scanning includes extracting the edge of the image on the document positioning table to set a provisional document area based on the edge, detecting a bright area where light incident on the line sensor is excessive, at the illuminated edge on the upstream side or the downstream side in the scanning direction from the image of the provisional area, and determining the area of the document by removing the area where light is excessive from the provisional area. |
| US08837000B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and display method
An information processing apparatus includes: a total amount control unit that applies a total amount controlling process to perform correction such that a sum of density values of all pixels composing the color plane data and clear plane data becomes not larger than a certain value; a clear toner plane generating unit that generates clear toner plane data based on gloss control plane data, the clear plane data and the color plane data; a difference calculating unit that calculates a difference between the density value of a pixel of the clear toner plane data and the density value of the pixel of the clear toner plane data to which the total amount controlling process is applied, for each pixel; and a display unit that displays an inconsistent region composed of a pixel in which the difference is not smaller than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08836997B2 |
Method and system for imaging device characterization including look-up table construction via tensor decomposition
A method and apparatus for characterizing the performance of a printing device comprising printing a target set of patches with the device and measuring the printing device response with the printed target set; compiling a LUT from the printed target set and measured response; and representing the LUT as a tensor. According to one exemplary embodiment, tensor decomposition/parallel factor analysis is employed for compacting the tensor representation of the LUT. |
| US08836988B2 |
System and method for updating memories used to store information in a printing system
Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have a memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes storing a portion that stores a value indicative of an amount of a consumable that has been used. Discloses is a method and system for updating a memory that is integral to a component within a printing system. The value stored in the memory can be read to determine an amount of a consumable used. Alternatively, when a specific value is stored in the memory the printing system can deactivate the component. |
| US08836985B2 |
Process executing method, program thereof, and print instructing device
Provided is a method of executing a process by a driver using a storing unit having a first region capable of storing data and a second region capable of storing data with lower generality than the first region. The method includes storing a print-related value that relates to printing in the second region when an excess instruction that instructs the print-related value to be a value that exceeds a predetermined value is given. When the print-related value is not stored in the second region, a print instruction is given to a printing apparatus using print setting information including a print-related value stored in the first region at non-storing time. The method further includes giving a print instruction to the printing apparatus by using print setting information including a print-related value stored in the second region at storing time when the print-related value is stored in the second region. |
| US08836984B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method and storage medium for increasing the speed of printing data stored in an external storage medium by reducing the number of accesses to the medium
The image processing apparatus of one aspect of the present invention generates configuration information that includes information indicating the sizes of files included in print data stored in an external storage medium and the locations thereof in the print data. When obtaining each file in the print data, the image processing apparatus obtains an obtainment target file and another file to be used for printing of the same page together with the target file, within the extent of the storage capacity of a storage unit of the image processing apparatus, from the external medium in a single access to it in accordance with the configuration information, and temporarily save them in the storage unit. The image processing apparatus performs analysis for printing with respect to the saved files in order. |
| US08836983B2 |
Information processing device, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing device includes an execution unit that executes a control program for causing a functional unit to realize a predetermined function, a memory that stores the control program, a state variable indicating a state of the functional unit, and activation history of either initial activation or second and following activation, in a nonvolatile memory, and a communication unit that causes the execution unit to communicate with the functional unit, wherein the execution unit includes a first procedure where the control program is stored in the memory and the control program is read and is executed, and a second procedure where the control program pre-stored in the memory is read and is executed, refers to the activation history when activation is performed, executes the first procedure in a case of the initial activation, and executes the second procedure in a case of the second and following activation. |
| US08836979B2 |
Printing management program, printing management apparatus, printing management method, and printing system
A printing management program is disclosed. The program causes a computer to function as a printing job accepting unit which accepts a printing job from a pre-process within a printing process; a printing setting change accepting unit which accepts, from a user, a change of a printing setting which is set for the accepted printing job; a specifying unit which specifies a pagination setting for the printing job that is set in the pre-process; and a warning unit which provides a warning on a change of the printing setting depending on the specified pagination setting. |
| US08836976B2 |
Image transmission apparatus, image transmission system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, and image transmission method
An image transmission apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires image data and an identifier for identifying a transmission destination, a first transmission unit that transmits the image data to a transmission destination identified by the identifier, a receiving unit that receives a stop instruction for stopping the transmission while the first transmission unit is transmitting the image data, and a processing unit that when a transmission request of the image data is received from a host apparatus, performs stop processing for stopping the transmission when the receiving unit receives the stop instruction and performs stop prevention processing for preventing the stop processing from being performed or the stop instruction from being received when the transmission request of the image data is received from an external apparatus. |
| US08836972B2 |
Printer having web server function
A printer may comprise a command file storage unit, a receiving unit, a command file sending unit, and a first data sending unit. The command file storage unit may store a command file including a first command, a second command, and a third command. The first command is a command for sending a request for first data. The second command includes design data, and is a command for converting the first data into second data in accordance with the design data. The third command is a command for displaying a web page in accordance with the second data. The receiving unit may receive a request. The command file sending unit may send a response including the command file when a request for the command file is received. The first data sending unit may send a response including the first data when the request for the first data is received. |
| US08836968B2 |
Electronic apparatus having authentication function
Upon receiving an instruction to execute a function from a user, it is determined whether the user who issued the execution instruction has logged in in the case where the function needs data that is set on a user-by-user basis, and if the user has logged in, data that has been set for the logged-in user is given to the corresponding function processing unit, and the instructed function is executed. In the case where the use who issued the execution instruction has not logged in, once the user has been authenticated, the data that has been set for the user is given to the corresponding function processing unit, and the instructed function is executed. |
| US08836967B2 |
Image forming apparatus and computer readable medium having computer program product for measuring amount of mismatch stored thereon
An image forming device includes an image forming section, a CPU and memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the image forming device to provide functions including a data acquisition section, a mismatch correction section and a control section. The data acquisition section is configured to acquire a variation in factor that causes a mismatch of a parameter. The control section is configured to estimate an amount of mismatch of the parameter based on the variation and to send a request for measuring the amount of mismatch to the mismatch correction section when the estimated amount is equal to or larger than a reference value. The control section is also configured to alter at least one of calculation factors used for estimating the amount of mismatch and the reference value according to the measured amount. |
| US08836965B2 |
Printing system, job processing method, storage medium, and printing apparatus
In the event that the printing operations of a printing job have been interrupted by an interruption cause, and the cause of interruption for the interruption job is removed, resuming of the printing operations of the interrupted job is enabled with a resuming method corresponding to a user request, received from a user via a user interface, for a selection option that has been selected from multiple selection operations relating to resuming methods of the printing operations. This enables job resuming processing of a job regarding which printing has been interrupted to be suitably executed even under a printing environment such as a POD environment. |
| US08836963B2 |
Image processing apparatus, processing time simulation apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes: a fixing device that has a fast heating mode and a heat storage mode; and a selection section that selects any one of a case where execution of a job indicating an image forming process of a predetermined batch throughput is instructed, and when the fixing device returns to a normal power state from a power saving state, the fixing mode in which an image forming process is early completed is selected on the basis of a total throughput of the job to perform the image forming process, and a case where during the total throughput of the job is not determined or in a case where the job corresponds to a plurality of sets, the fast heating mode is selected as an initial operation for at least the first set to perform the image forming process. |
| US08836962B2 |
Universal device driver and device control program
A logical device registration process and universal device driver are described. Through use of the universal device driver, a device is registered as a logical device and associated with a first user. The registered logical device is then set as a default device for the user. The process may additionally include a default device setting program. |
| US08836958B2 |
Enhanced scanning of transparent fibers
An apparatus and methods for scanning and measuring transparent fibers. One example method includes placing the transparent fibers on a platen of a flat-bed style scanner and compressing the transparent fibers to the platen with a cover including a non-reflective surface adjacent to the transparent fibers. The method also includes spacing an image sensor apart from a light source on a carriage below the platen and transmitting light from the light source through the platen. The light refracts within the transparent fibers and reflects from the transparent fibers to the image sensor and is absorbed by the non-reflective surface of the cover. The method also includes capturing an image of the transparent fibers with the image sensor. |
| US08836957B2 |
Optoelectronic sensor
An optoelectronic sensor (10) is provided with a plurality of light transmitters (14) and light receivers (26) that form between one another a field (20) of mutually parallel monitoring beams (18), wherein beam shaping optics (16, 24) are assigned to the light transmitters (14) and the light receivers (26). The optics (16, 24) comprise a geometry and arrangement leading to a mutual overlap of the optics (16, 24) in a direction diagonal, in particular perpendicular, to the field (20). |
| US08836956B2 |
Device for sensing a capsule in a beverage production apparatus
The invention aims to provide a device sensing a capsule (2) inserted in a receptacle (1) in machine and physical parameters of liquid supplied by a beverage production apparatus flowing through the capsule in function of the type of capsule. The capsule containing beverage ingredient is inserted in a cylindrical or conical wide mouthed receptacle having an upper opening for inserting the capsule and a lower bottom closing the receptacle. The receptacle rotates around an axis of a hollow shaft (3) attached at the center and perpendicularly to the external face of the bottom of the receptacle, said shaft forming a hole at the center of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle. The device comprises a rod sliding in the shaft and passing through the hole of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle, said rod (4) being provided with a spring maintaining an end of the rod lifted inside the receptacle in contact with the capsule, the other end being inside the shaft. The device further comprising means for measuring the position of the end of the rod in the shaft, in order to control, in function of the size of the capsule inserted in the receptacle, rotation speed of the receptacle, discharge and physical parameters of liquid supplied by the beverage production apparatus flowing through the capsule. |
| US08836954B2 |
Optical profilometer using liquid crystal fabry-perot to project fringe pattern
Provided is an optical surface profilometer. The optical surface profilometer includes a Fabry-Perot resonator into which liquid crystals are inserted, a light source which supplies coherent light to the Fabry-Perot resonator, and a convex lens which is disposed in an interference pattern emitting plane of the Fabry-Perot resonator, wherein the coherent light supplied from the light source is incident to the Fabry-Perot resonator, wherein, when the light is incident, the Fabry-Perot resonator emits an interference pattern generated in a resonance mode, and wherein the interference pattern is configured so that a number of circular fringes having the same center are disposed non-linearly. As a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer of the Fabry-Perot resonator, an effective refractive index is changed, so that a resonance mode condition of the Fabry-Perot resonator is changed. As a result, a diameter of the interference pattern is also changed. A 3D surface profile of the object is measured by measuring and analyzing the change of the interference patterns. |
| US08836949B1 |
Systems and methods for characterizing near field transducer performance at wafer level using asymmetric interference waveguides
Systems and methods and apparatuses for characterizing near field transducer performance at wafer level using asymmetric interference waveguides are provided. One such system includes a light source, an input grating configured to receive light from the light source, a first waveguide arm and a second waveguide arm, each configured to receive the light, a surface plasmon receptor optically coupled to the first waveguide arm and the second waveguide arm and configured to receive light from the first waveguide arm in a first direction and the second waveguide arm in a second direction opposite of the first direction, where the first and the second waveguide arms are configured to induce a preselected phase difference in light arriving at the surface plasmon receptor, and an output grating optically coupled to the surface plasmon receptor, and a light detector coupled to, and configured to detect light from, the first output grating. |
| US08836948B2 |
High resolution structured illumination microscopy
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods and devices, including a method that includes generating two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns, at least one of the two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns being different from another of the two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns, and capturing respective images of a specimen resulting from the interference patterns. Also disclosed is a method that includes generating two or more sequential optical interference patterns, at least one of the two or more sequential optical interference patterns being different from another of the interference patterns, and removing from each of the generated interference patterns, using a beam stopper, a corresponding zero-order diffraction light component included in the respective generated patterns to obtain resultant corresponding two or more sequential optical interference patterns, directed at a specimen, with missing respective zero-order light components. |
| US08836943B2 |
Workpiece alignment device
An example embodiment relates to an alignment device including an optical aligner system including a plurality of aligners configured to measure a position of a workpiece having a plurality of alignment marks, and an optical member. The optical member is configured to diverge alignment beams reflected from neighboring alignment marks of the plurality of alignment marks and transmit the beams to neighboring aligners of the plurality of aligners respectively if a distance between the neighboring aligners is greater than a distance between the neighboring alignment marks. |
| US08836940B2 |
Test apparatus for liquid crystal display
A test apparatus is configured for testing a notebook including a liquid crystal display section and a body section. The positioning structure includes an optical testing module, an adjustable OTM mount, a fine-tuning module, a clamping module and a adjustable LCD mount. The optical testing module tests the liquid crystal display section, and is mounted to the adjustable OTM mount for moving the optical testing module. The optical testing module is attached to the fine-tuning module. The clamping module is for clamping the notebook. The adjustable LCD mount is mounted to the clamping module, and rotates the notebook relative to the optical testing module. |
| US08836939B2 |
Probe and optical measurement apparatus
A probe detachably connected to an optical measurement apparatus includes: a fiber that emits light by the optical measurement apparatus, and outputs reflected light and/or scattered light from an object to be measured; a covering member that covers a side face of the fiber; a cap that covers a distal end of the probe; a standard object that is provided on a surface of the cap facing the distal end of the fiber and that is used in calibration measurement by light emitted from the distal end of the fiber; an adhesive member that adheres the cap to the distal end of the probe and is made of an adhesive material; a heat-generating portion that generates heat to be applied to the adhesive member; and a thermal conduction portion that conducts heat that decreases the adhesive strength of the adhesive material with respect to the covering member. |
| US08836938B2 |
Standard for wavelength and intensity for spectrometers
The description relates to a standard for wavelength and intensity for spectrometers, particularly for calibrating and testing measurement heads in spectrometers which are usable primarily in the near infrared region (NIR) of the spectrum. The standard comprises a holder and a plate body arranged in the holder. The plate body is made of transparent plastic with high strength and dimensional stability over a large temperature range. The plastic has distinct absorption bands throughout the entire NIR range and has a chemical structure and composition ensuring an extensive moisture barrier against water absorption and water release in a reliable and stable manner over time. The plate body advantageously comprises an amorphous, transparent copolymer based on cyclic and/or linear olefins. |
| US08836936B2 |
Inspecting device for detecting appearance of debris on a surface of a glass substrate, inspecting apparatus and method for conducting inspection
The present invention discloses an inspecting device for detecting whether there is an appearance of debris on a surface of a glass substrate, including a laser unit, a platform, and an image sensor unit. The surface of the platform is coated with a light-absorbing material so as to absorb laser beams penetrating through the glass substrate to prevent the image sensor unit from receiving the reflected laser beam from the underside of the glass substrate. Besides, the present invention discloses an inspecting apparatus for detecting whether there is an appearance of debris on a surface of a glass substrate, using the inspecting device given above, and a method for conducting inspection. The inspecting device features a simplified configuration; the method is easy to operate; and the device can effectively prevent the background interference from the underside of glass substrates when determining whether there is an appearance of debris on top surfaces of glass substrates. The device prevents mistakes in detecting glass substrates; and the device improves the accuracy rate of inspection. |
| US08836931B2 |
Detection system and method for acquiring resonance angle of surface plasmon
The present disclosure provides a detection system for acquiring the SPR angle, including a modulatable SPR sensor to be detected; an incident light source apparatus; a photoelectric detector; a narrowband filter system; a modulated signal source for generating an alternating current signal that is used to modulate said modulatable SPR sensor; and a data processing system for recording the corresponding relationship between the incident angle and the intensity of the filtered reflected light and further obtaining the resonance angle of said modulatable SPR sensor. The present disclosure also provides a corresponding detection method for acquiring the SPR angle. |
| US08836929B2 |
Device and method for the optical measurement of an optical system by using an immersion fluid
A device for the optical measurement of an optical system, in particular an optical imaging system, is provided. The device includes at least one test optics component arranged on an object side or an image side of the optical system. An immersion fluid is adjacent to at least one of the test optics components. A container for use in this device, a microlithography projection exposure machine equipped with this device, and a method which can be carried out with the aid of this device are also provided. The device and method provide for optical measurement of microlithography projection objectives with high numerical apertures by using wavefront detection with shearing or point diffraction interferometry, or a Moiré measuring technique. |
| US08836926B2 |
Optical detector arrangement for document acceptor
A sensor arrangement for a banknote validator or other document acceptor using optical transmissive measurements includes at least one light source located on a first side of a document path and arranged to transmit light around the document path to a second side of the document path, the second side being opposite the first side. Optical detectors are located on the first side of the document path and arranged to receive light sent from the light source and passing through the document transport path. |
| US08836925B2 |
Imaging crystalline domains of small molecules
An apparatus and method for performing volume scanning of a sample comprised of chiral materials disposed in a matrix of non-chiral materials is disclosed. A laser is raster scanned in a plane of the volume such that the intensity of energy in the focal region is sufficient to generate second harmonic (SHG) energy. This energy is detected and may be processed into three dimensional images of the volume. The raster pattern is repeatedly stepped over an area of the sample so as to produce three dimensional images of time-dependent processes. |
| US08836921B2 |
Multiple channel locating
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for estimating a location on an object in a three-dimensional scene. Multiple radiation patterns are produced by spatially modulating each of multiple first radiations with a distinct combination of one or more modulating structures, each first radiation having at least one of a distinct radiation path, a distinct source, a distinct source spectrum, or a distinct source polarization with respect to the other first radiations. The location on the object is illuminated with a portion of each of two or more of the radiation patterns, the location producing multiple object radiations, each object radiation produced in response to one of the multiple radiation patterns. Multiple measured values are produced by detecting the object radiations from the location on the object due to each pattern separately using one or more detector elements. The location on the object is estimated based on the multiple measured values. |
| US08836920B2 |
Structure of an optical path for laser range finding
A structure of an optical path for laser range finding includes a main body and a light-emitting unit assembled in the main body. The main body has a transmitting channel, a receiving channel and a calibration channel. The light-emitting unit is assembled in the transmitting channel. The light-emitting unit emits an external optical beam and an internal optical beam. The external optical beam is emitted through the transmitting channel. The internal optical beam is emitted to the receiving channel via the calibration channel. An included angle is defined between the external optical beam and the internal optical beam. A receiver is mounted in the receiving channel. Under this arrangement, the external optical beam and the internal optical beam do not interfere with each other. |
| US08836917B2 |
Zone plate
A zone plate includes a plurality of consecutively arranged, adjacent, and alternating first and second regions. The first regions are arranged to be substantially transparent to a first predetermined wavelength of radiation and a second predetermined wavelength of radiation that is different from the first predetermined wavelength of radiation. The second regions are arranged to be substantially opaque, diffractive, or reflective to the first predetermined wavelength of radiation and substantially transparent to the second predetermined wavelength of radiation. |
| US08836914B2 |
Environmental system including vacuum scavenge for an immersion lithography apparatus
A liquid immersion lithography apparatus exposes a wafer through a liquid in a space under a lens. The apparatus includes a containment member provided such that the containment member surrounds the space under the lens, and a seal member provided between the lens and the containment member. The containment member has a first fluid inlet. The first fluid inlet removes fluid from a gap between the containment member and the wafer during the exposure. |
| US08836910B2 |
Light and sound monitor
The present invention comprises a light and sound sensor system and method for repetitively measuring the luminance, chromaticity, sound, and infrared illumination in a theater to detect any changes thereto so that the images being viewed on the screen and the sound in the theater can be kept at their optimal values. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system has an audio and video synchronization capability. By monitoring the audio and visual signals in real time, the exact time relationship between the signals is detected to determine whether they are properly synchronized. |
| US08836909B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device which can exhibit a blue phase stably is manufactured. A first substrate and a second substrate are attached by a sealant interposing a liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal composition therebetween, an alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is set to be an isotropic phase by heat treatment, the liquid crystal layer is irradiated with light so as to perform polymer stabilization treatment on the liquid crystal layer, and an alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is changed from an isotropic phase to a blue phase in the light irradiation. Thus, a liquid crystal display device which suppresses a defect which shows an alignment state other than a blue phase (an alignment defect) is manufactured. |
| US08836908B2 |
COF, COF carrier tape and drive circuit of liquid crystal television
An LCD panel, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus of the same are provided. The manufacturing method includes the following steps. The first substrate and the second substrate are combined and liquid crystal is disposed between the two substrates to form the LCD panel. The first substrate and the second substrate are fused. In the present disclosure, the interior of the combined LCD panel is isolated from the outside atmosphere by fusing the combined LCD panel. Therefore, the LCD panel can stay in the air for a long time without being damaged, thus solving the problem in the prior art that the atmosphere may break the sealant of the LCD panel in the manufacturing process of the LCD panel to cause the liquid crystal leakage. |
| US08836907B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates with a liquid crystal therebetween, a thin film transistor on the first substrate, a color filter layer of different colored layers between the liquid crystal and the thin film transistor, and an electrode structure layer between the liquid crystal and the color filter layer. The electrode structure layer includes a transparent insulating film, and first and second transparent conductive films formed on opposite sides of the transparent insulating film. The color filter layer includes a first region formed of one colored layer, and a second region formed of at least two laminated different colored layers. The first transparent conductive film covers an upper surface of the color filter layer in both of the first and second regions. |
| US08836905B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device and a liquid crystal display device. The method includes (1) preparing a TFT substrate and a CF substrate; (2) applying sealant resin to the TFT substrate or CF substrate to form an enclosing resin frame body that forms an entry opening on the CF substrate or the TFT substrate; (3) applying sealant resin to the entry opening of the enclosing resin frame body to form a closing section; (4) filling liquid crystal inside the enclosing resin frame body; (5) bonding the TFT substrate and the CF substrate together; and (6) subjecting the bonded TFT substrate and the CF substrate to curing at high temperature in order to cure the enclosing resin frame body. |
| US08836902B2 |
TFT-LCD, manufacturing method and driving method thereof
Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a TFT-LCD and manufacturing method and driving method thereof. The TFT-LCD comprises a color filter substrate, an array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the color filter substrate and the array substrate. A first strip-like electrode and a second strip-like electrode are formed in the area of a black matrix on the color filter substrate, an area surrounded by the first strip-like electrode and the second strip-like electrode comprises at least one sub-pixel area, and the first strip-like electrode and second strip-like electrode are electrically insulated from each other. |
| US08836894B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device
A backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device include a shell assembly having a display window, a liquid crystal panel installed in the shell assembly, and a backlight unit providing a backlight source. The backlight unit includes a light-outgoing top surface just opposite to the liquid crystal panel, a light guide plate adjacent to the incident side of the light-outgoing top surface, an optical diaphragm, a reflecting plate arranged on the bottom of the light guide plate, and a light source. The substrate or cooling plate is bent at its side close to the light-outgoing top surface to form a first bent portion; the first bent portion has a first reflecting surface for reflecting the light, making most of the light emitted by the light source enter the light guide plate, thus greatly improving the utilization ratio and transmittance of the light of the light source. |
| US08836892B2 |
Backlight assembly, liquid crystal display having the backlight assembly and method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display
A backlight assembly includes a waveguide plate guiding light, a first light-emitting module disposed on a first side of the waveguide plate, the first light-emitting module including a plurality of first light-emitting blocks, a second light-emitting module disposed on a second side of the waveguide plate, the second light-emitting module including a plurality of second light-emitting blocks, and a plurality of optical drivers controlling luminance levels of the first light-emitting blocks and the second light-emitting blocks, wherein at least one of the first light-emitting blocks, at least one of the second light-emitting blocks, and at least one of the optical drivers are connected to each other. |
| US08836891B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and game device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device including: a main display region (27) and a sub display region (28a, 28b) for emitting lights of respective different brightness levels; and a liquid crystal display panel (22) having a display surface (24) provided which a light guide body (70). The light guide body (70) is a transparent optical member, and has a part covering at least a boundary line (26) between the main display region (27) and the sub display region (28a, 28b), when seen in a plan view. Further, the part of the light guide body (70) covering the boundary line (26) is formed to have a cross section having a curvature. |
| US08836886B2 |
Frameless liquid crystal display device
A frameless liquid crystal display device includes a rear enclosure, a backlight module arranged inside the rear enclosure, a mold frame arranged on the backlight module and mounted to the rear enclosure, and a liquid crystal display panel arranged on the mold frame. The liquid crystal display panel has an upper portion mounted to the mold frame through vacuum suction cups, each of which includes a cup portion that is attached through suction to a non-displaying zone of a back surface of the liquid crystal display panel and a stem portion that is fixed to the mold frame by a screw so as to fix the upper portion of the liquid crystal display panel to the mold frame. The liquid crystal display panel forms a step and a surface decoration is bonded to the step to fix the liquid crystal display panel to the mold frame. |
| US08836885B2 |
Outer frame of display device, backlight module and LCD device
The invention provides an outer frame for a display device, a backlight module and an LCD device. The outer frame includes at least two sections; the sections include a mounting section for arranging the light source of the backlight module. In the invention, because the outer frame of the backlight module is divided into multiple sections, and one of the sections is used as a mounting section for arranging the light source, the light source is arranged on the mounting section of the outer frame when being assembled, and the required assembling action is simple in the assembling process; thus, the step of assembling the light source on the backplane or aluminum extrusion is omitted, and the assembling technology is simplified. In addition, when replacing the light source of the backlight module, only the mounting section of the outer frame is removed, and then the light source is replaced on the outer frame. Thus, most components of the backlight module are exposed into air because many components are removed, causing dust to enter inside the backlight module to affect the optical performance of the backlight module can be avoided, the replacement process of the light source can be simplified, and the stability of the LCD device can be increased. |
| US08836883B2 |
Flat panel display device, stereoscopic display device, plasma display device
The present invention provides a flat panel display device, which includes a backlight system and a display panel. The backlight system includes a light source, a light homogenization mechanism, and a back frame. The back frame carries the light source and the light homogenization mechanism. The light homogenization mechanism guides light from the light source to a light incidence surface of the display panel. The back frame includes at least two primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to for a main frame structure of the back frame. The at least two primary assembling pieces includes a primary assembling piece that has a heat source arranged thereon. The primary assembling piece that has the heat source arranged thereon has a first heat transfer capability. The remaining one or more primary assembling pieces of the at least two primary assembling pieces that have no heat source arranged thereon have a second heat transfer capability. The first heat transfer capability is greater than the second heat transfer capability. The present invention also provides a stereoscopic display device and a plasma display device. The back frame mold of the present invention is of a simple structure and can reduce the expenditure of the back frame mold, and can also save the material used for back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device. |
| US08836881B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present inventions enables reduction of outside dimensions of a small-size liquid crystal display device for a mobile phone and also elimination of an inclination of an image display area.A liquid crystal display panel 1 is mounted on a mold 6 made of resin. Because the mold 6 has not a wall surrounding the liquid crystal display panel 1, outside dimensions of the frame 7 can be made smaller. When the mold 6 with the liquid crystal display panel 1 mounted thereof is set in the frame 7, the mold 6 elastically deforms, and an inclination of a display area 31 of the liquid crystal display panel 1 is corrected by projections 62 formed on the mold 6. |
| US08836878B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel and a method for manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor array panel includes a substrate; a plurality of gate lines that are formed on the substrate; a plurality of data lines that intersect the gate lines; a plurality of thin film transistors that are connected to the gate lines and the data lines; a plurality of color filters that are formed on upper parts of the gate lines, the data lines, and the thin film transistors; a common electrode that is formed on the color filters and that includes a transparent conductor; a passivation layer that is formed on an upper part of the common electrode; and a plurality of pixel electrodes that are formed on an upper part of the passivation layer and that are connected to a drain electrode of each of the thin film transistors. |
| US08836875B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel which displays a left eye image and a right eye image; and a light-shielding barrier which has a slit section and a light-shielding section to cause binocular parallax, wherein the liquid crystal panel includes a first substrate which has a pixel electrode formed thereon, a second substrate which is separated from and opposed to the surface of the first substrate which has the pixel electrode formed thereon, and a liquid crystal layer which is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the pixel electrode has a plurality of strip-shaped parts which are arranged with intervals therebetween, and an extending direction of the strip-shaped parts is substantially perpendicular to an opening direction of the slit section. |
| US08836872B2 |
Switchable three-dimensional display
A switchable three-dimensional (3D) display includes a display device and a switchable parallax barrier that is disposed on the display device. The switchable parallax barrier includes a first electrode structure, a second electrode structure, and a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal layer is located between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure. The first electrode structure includes a planar electrode, a plurality of first bar electrodes electrically connected to one another, and an insulating layer. A partial region of the planar electrode is not covered by the first bar electrodes. The insulating layer is disposed between the planar electrode and the first bar electrodes, so that the planar electrode is electrically insulated from the first bar electrodes. |
| US08836868B2 |
Terminal device, terminal control method, and program
An information processing apparatus including an interface that receives a wireless signal, a power supply that converts an input direct current (DC) power supply into a predetermined voltage by switching the input DC power supply at a switching frequency to generate a driving power supply, and a controller that controls the switching frequency based on a condition of the interface. |
| US08836864B2 |
Display apparatus and control method thereof for displaying a picture-in-picture screen
A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a first signal processor which processes a first image; a second signal processor which processes a second image; a display unit which displays the processed first image on a main screen and the processed second image on a picture-in-picture (PIP) screen having a predetermined size and at least partially overlapping with the first image; a receiver which receives a pointer signal corresponding to a user's selection; and a controller which determines which one of the first image and the second image shows a pointer corresponding to the received pointer signal located thereon, and controls the second signal processor so that a result from performing an operation corresponding to a location of the pointer on the second image can be processed and displayed on the PIP screen if the pointer is located on the second image. |
| US08836863B2 |
Image display apparatus and channel information display method thereof
An image display apparatus and a channel information display method thereof are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes displaying an image from a selected channel on at least one region of a screen; sequentially receiving, by a tuner, images from a plurality of channels; storing the received images in a storage unit; and displaying the stored images from the plurality of channels simultaneously on at least multiple regions of the screen in response to a channel information function. |
| US08836859B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image display apparatus
Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus including an interlace/progressive conversion section configured to carry out interpolation processing on image data of the current field by making use of the image data of the current field and image data of a field leading ahead of the current field by one field period in order to obtain image data of a progressive system with no delay time. |
| US08836858B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing multi-cadence detection in a motion adaptive video deinterlacer
A method of deinterlacing an interlaced video having a plurality of fields is described. The method includes detecting cadence of each pixel of each of the fields of the interlaced video. The interlaced video is then deinterlaced in accordance with the cadence, if any, of each of the pixels of each of the fields of the interlaced video. A pixel-based multi-cadence detection method is also described. Moreover, a pixel-based multi-cadence detection apparatus is also described. |
| US08836856B2 |
Imaging unit with prisms and image sensor
An imaging unit includes an incident-side optical system; an incident-side prism including a first incident surface which is orthogonal to the optical axis of the incident-side optical system, a first reflecting surface and a first exit surface; an exit-side prism including a second incident surface, a second reflecting surface and a second exit surface which is orthogonal to the optical axis and from which light rays reflected by the second reflecting surface emerge; and an image sensor which receives light rays that emerge from the second exit surface. The first incident surface is positioned closer to the photographic object than the second exit surface. A deflection angle of parallel light rays, on the optical axis, at the first reflecting surface is greater than 90°, and a deflection angle of the parallel light rays at the second reflecting surface is smaller than 90°. |
| US08836852B2 |
Lens for a camera
Disclosed is an electronic device comprising an image sensor; a flash adjacent to the image sensor; an image sensor lens covering the image sensor; a flash lens covering the flash, the flash lens defining a chamfer on a flash surface, the flash surface adjacent to the image sensor lens; and a housing for housing the image sensor and the flash. |
| US08836851B2 |
Automatic exposure control based on multiple regions
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for performing auto-exposure operations in a digital image capture device. An image capture device's auto-exposure settings may be automatically adjusted by generating and then combining, in a dynamically weighted fashion, two sets of exposure values. One set of exposure values may be based on detected faces while the other set may be based on the image as a whole. Each set of exposure values may include a “measured” value and a “target” value, wherein each of these values may, in turn, be based on one or more (different) aspects of the image. Illustrative digital image capture devices in which the disclosed technology may be used include, but are not limited, to portable digital cameras, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, mobile music and video devices, and portable computer platforms such as notebook and tablet computers. |
| US08836849B2 |
Imaging apparatus, control method for imaging apparatus, and program
An imaging apparatus includes a storage control unit configured to, in acquiring a first AF adjustment amount, control a memory to store the first AF adjustment amount and a focal length acquired by a focal length acquisition unit in association with each other, wherein the storage control unit is configured to, in acquiring a second AF adjustment amount, control the memory to store the second AF adjustment amount and the focal length acquired by the focal length acquisition unit in association with each other. |
| US08836848B2 |
Vision system
The present disclosure relates to a vision system which may include a plurality of lenses coupled to an image sensor by a plurality of optical fiber bundles. Each of the plurality of lenses is configured to capture at least a portion of the scene. The image sensor may be located a distance from the plurality of lenses. The optical fiber bundles are configured to transmit optical image data from each lens to the image sensor. The image sensor is configured to convert the optical image data from each lens into corresponding electrical image data (“electrical image data”) for each lens. |
| US08836844B2 |
Image pickup apparatus for obtaining light field
An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging optical system, an image pickup element that includes a plurality of pixels, a lens array configured so that a ray from the same position on an object plane enters the pixels different from each other of the image pickup element in accordance with a pupil region of the imaging optical system through which the ray passes, and a controller configured to change an interval between the lens array and the image pickup element in accordance with a variation of a pupil of the imaging optical system. |
| US08836836B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus and control method for radiation imaging apparatus
A radiation imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit and an imaging control unit. The imaging control unit causes a switch unit, an accumulation unit, a removal unit, a holding unit, and an addition unit, which constitute a pixel circuit of the imaging unit, to operate at a timing before an imaging operation by the imaging unit so as to fix unstable voltages of the accumulation unit, the removal unit, the holding unit, and the addition unit to a predetermined voltage of a power supply connected via a switch unit. |
| US08836835B2 |
Pixel sensor cell with hold node for leakage cancellation and methods of manufacture and design structure
A reference pixel sensor cell (e.g., global shutter) with hold node for leakage cancellation, methods of manufacture and design structure is provided. A pixel array includes one or more reference pixel sensor cells dispersed locally throughout active light sensing regions. The one or more reference pixel sensor cells provides a reference signal used to correct for photon generated leakage signals which vary by locality within the active light sensing regions. |
| US08836831B2 |
Image sensor
An image sensor includes a sensor matrix including a plurality of sensing elements and a plurality of shutter control lines. Each sensing element includes an electronic shutter and a photo-detector, wherein the electronic shutter controls the exposure time of the photo-detector. Each shutter control line couples to a row or column of the electronic shutters, whereby different rows or columns of the electronic shutters can be independently controlled, and the photo-detectors in the same row or column can have the same exposure time. |
| US08836830B2 |
Flexible printed circuit board assembly with stiffener and camera module
A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) assembly includes a FPCB, a dielectric layer, a stiffener, and a conductive adhesive layer. The FPCB includes a surface and a conductive layer positioned on the surface of the FPCB. The conductive layer includes a circuit portion and a grounding portion connected to the circuit portion. The circuit portion is entirely covered by the dielectric layer and the grounding portion is exposed outside the dielectric layer. The conductive adhesive is positioned on the stiffener and includes a first adhering portion and a second adhering portion. A thickness of the second adhering portion is greater than the first adhering portion. A thickness difference between the second adhering portion and the first adhering portion is substantially equal to a thickness the dielectric layer. The first adhering portion is adhered to the dielectric layer and the second adhering portion is adhered to the grounding portion. |
| US08836829B2 |
Imaging device and imaging system that converts a pixel bit width depending on an operation mode
An imaging device comprising an imaging unit that outputs digital data of a pixel value indicating one of colors for each pixel and a conversion unit that outputs from ports I pieces of the digital data that has been input from the imaging unit in a first mode and output from part of the ports J (J |
| US08836825B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes: a lens optical system L having a first optical region D1 and a second optical region D2 having a different optical power from that of the first optical region D1; an imaging device N having a plurality of pixels P1, P2; and an array optical device K for causing light passing through the first optical region D1 to enter the pixel P1 and causing light passing through the second optical region D2 to enter the pixel P2. |
| US08836824B2 |
Systems and methods for threshold-based luma channel noise reduction
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for removing noise from the luminance (luma) channel in a digital image represented in the YUV color space are described. In general, an element from the luma channel may be selected and a region about that element defined. Using a threshold that is based on the selected luma element's value, similar luma values within the defined region may be identified and combined to provide a substitute value. The substitute value may be blended with the value of the selected element within the image's luma channel. In another implementation, element values from both an image's luma and chroma channels may be used to identify similar luma values. |
| US08836822B2 |
Temperature-compensated zoom lens system
A zoom lens system used in a spectrum region including visible light has movable lens groups moved for zooming, and has, in a movable lens group, a negative lens element made of a material fulfilling the conditional formulae Vd<55 and 0.0018×Vd+P<0.65 and, in a movable lens group, a positive lens element made of a material fulfilling the conditional formulae 60 |
| US08836820B2 |
Image capturing apparatus having a control unit controlling switching unit such that first image is displayed in case a predetermined motion is detected and a composite image is displayed in case motion is not detected, control method thereof, and storage medium
An image capturing apparatus, comprises an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of an object; a switching unit configured to switch a display unit so that either a first image captured in a first exposure time or a composite image composed of a second image captured in a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time is displayed; a detection unit configured to detect motion of the apparatus; and a control unit configured to control the switching unit so that the first image is displayed in a case where a predetermined motion has been detected by the detection unit and the composite image is displayed in a case where the predetermined motion is not detected. |
| US08836814B2 |
Method and apparatus for ambient light spectrum detection in digital photography
Digital camera or device with a digital camera unit is controlled in a process in which light spectrum power distribution is detected by a detector that has a plurality of narrow-band photo-electric sensors at locations spaced apart on an image capture unit of a digital camera unit. Each sensor has a given sensitive bandwidth within the frequency range of visible light. The number of the sensitive bandwidths is N that is greater than 3. A signal indicative of the light spectrum power distribution as detected by the detector is produced. |
| US08836812B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing device includes an image acquiring unit, a storage unit, and an image processing unit, wherein the image region is divided into a plurality of sub-regions in the vertical direction, and wherein when the rectangular range set in the image region extends over two or more sub-regions, the image processing unit acquires the cumulative value at a pixel position in the lowermost sub-region of the two or more sub-regions by adding the cumulative values in the upper sub-regions at the pixel position in the same column of a lowermost row in the upper sub-regions, over which the rectangular range extends, to the cumulative value in the lowermost sub-region at the pixel position in the lowermost sub-region. |
| US08836810B2 |
Imaging systems and methods for recovering object visibility
A system and method are provided for imaging in scattering media such as fog, water and biological tissues. Normally, such images suffer from poor visibility due to backscattering and signal attenuation. At least two images are taken of the scene using active widefield polarized illumination, with different states of a camera-mounted polarizer. The degree of polarization of backscatter is estimated in every point of the scene, leading to an estimation of the backscatter in every point of the scene. A portion or all of the value of backscatter can be deducted in each point of the scene resulting in an enhanced image with improved contrast and brightness range across the field of view. |
| US08836807B2 |
Method for reading out a high dynamic range image and device using the same
A method for reading out a high dynamic range image in an image sensor comprises: resetting a pixel array row by row from an initial row of the pixel array to process a first integration treatment for a first image when reaching a first start time; resetting the pixel array row by row from the initial row of the pixel array to process a second integration treatment for the first image when reaching a second start time; and resetting the pixel array row by row from the initial row of the pixel array to process a first integration treatment for a second image when reaching a third start time. |
| US08836806B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and image sensor
An image pickup apparatus that is capable of taking a distortion-free moving image without enlarging circuit scale. An image sensor has pixels each of which comprises a photoelectric conversion section that generates an electric charge corresponding to the incident light, a charge storage section that stores the electric charge, and an output section that outputs a voltage corresponding to the electric charge. The pixels include a first type pixel with a charge retention section that temporally holds the electric charge before transferring to the charge storage section, and a second type pixel without the charge retention section. A setting unit sets up a mode. A control unit controls to generate an image corresponding the output voltage from the first type pixel in a moving image pickup mode, and to generate an image corresponding to the output voltages from the first and second type pixels in a still image pickup mode. |
| US08836803B2 |
Video synthesizing apparatus and program
The invention provides data for display on the display area for a child frame when the child frame is synthesized and displayed on the parent frame in picture-in-picture playback in order to give the displayed area of the child frame in conformity with the video content in the parent frame, as well as providing a video display apparatus etc. for displaying the child frame at an appropriate displayed position using the data for display. A video display apparatus 1 includes: decoders 101 and 103 for decoding two sets of video data; a synthesizer 105 for synthesizing the decoded videos to output; an input unit 108 for commanding display/non-display of the child frame; a processing controller 109 for controlling the operations of decoders 101 and 103 in accordance with the command; and a position designator 110 which receives the command and the data for display and time information and designates the displayed position of the child frame to the synthesizer 105. The position designator 110 determines the displayed position of the child-frame video in accordance with displayable time information of the child-frame video and information on the displayed area or displayable area depending on time, included in the data for display. |
| US08836797B1 |
Methods and systems for measuring and correcting electronic visual displays
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for measuring and correcting electronic visual displays. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology includes generating a series of patterns for illuminating proper subsets of the light emitting elements of the display, such as regular grids of nonadjacent activated light emitting elements with the elements in between deactivated. For each generated pattern, an imaging device captures information about the activated light emitting elements. A computing device analyzes the captured information, comparing the output of the activated light emitting elements to target output values, and determines correction factors to calibrate the display to better achieve the target output values. In some embodiments, the correction factors may be uploaded to firmware controlling the display or used to process images to be shown on the display. |
| US08836794B2 |
Dual field of view multi-band optics
A dual field of view, all-refractive infrared optical system that images the mid-wave infrared light in one field of view and the short wave infrared light in the second field of view onto the same detector. The two fields of view vary in focal length by a factor of six. The narrow field of view images the SWIR radiation at a slow f/number of 10.0 while the wide field of view images the MWIR radiation at f/1.9. The field of view is changed via a single lens that changes its axial position within the lens, resulting in an axial zoom. The change in focal length and f/number at the same time enables an increased focal length without having to increase the aperture size by the ratio of the focal length change, but rather by the ratio of the focal length change divided by the ratio of the f/number change. |
| US08836793B1 |
True color night vision (TCNV) fusion
True color images are produced by combining data collected from one or more color cameras with data collected from one or more infrared cameras. The produced images are the result of combining portions of the visible light data with portions of the infrared light data that may have been captured at dark, at daytime or at low light level conditions. These images appear as normal color images, with infrared information highlighted in a non-distracting fashion. The true color images that are produced in this fashion can also facilitate identification and reproduction of various objects that may not be visible or readily identifiable in infrared or false color imagery. |
| US08836790B1 |
Remote monitoring system for tanks
An access and monitoring system that secures the operation of an actuator that opens or closes a valve to a storage vessel. The access and monitoring system has an on-site system having a valve, an actuator, a camera, a control panel with a keypad and signaling device, and a communication control unit that communicates with the valve actuator, the control panel and an off-site information processing unit. The on-site system communicates with the off-site information processing unit through a secure website residing on a server within the information processing unit. The access and monitoring system verifies and records the identity of all valve users that add samples to or remove samples from an on-site storage tank in a historical database. |
| US08836789B2 |
Camera arrangement for a vehicle and method for installing a camera arrangement in a vehicle
A camera arrangement for a vehicle, with a camera unit constructed to be pivoted between an active position and an inactive position, and a chamber accommodating the camera unit, wherein in the inactive position a sealing cover that seals the chamber is arranged on the camera unit, with the camera unit being inaccessible from outside, and wherein in the active position the camera unit is pivoted out of the chamber for optically capturing a surrounding area and the camera unit seals the chamber. A method for installing the camera arrangement in a vehicle is also disclosed. |
| US08836782B2 |
Wildlife surveillance camera
A wildlife surveillance camera has a housing and first and second battery compartments located in the housing, which battery compartments are sized to receive at least two batteries in end-to-end fashion. The battery compartments are separated from each other by a gap which contains the electronics for the camera. The camera unit has an inner door that closes the access openings into the battery compartments. An outer door is provided to provide access to the inner door. The camera image sensor, the triggering device and the display are all mounted to the rear portion of the housing. |
| US08836778B2 |
Portable fundus camera
A portable hand-held camera for imaging the fundus of an eye, the camera comprising a housing comprising an internal cavity terminating at a forward housing end, a forward lens, and a light source configured to direct light from locations distributed around the perimeter of the forward lens forwardly out of the housing end. In other embodiment, a portable hand-held camera for imaging the fundus of an eye includes optics configured to focus light reflected back from the fundus onto an image receptor, with the optics being capable of varying the field of view among differing portions of the fundus. Methods to ensure unique image identification and storage are described. |
| US08836776B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
There is provided an endoscope apparatus capable of stably and precisely measuring a distance to an object by suppressing variations in measured values of the distance to the object depending on the presence or absence of pigment dispersion or the like and capable of enabling observations based on clear and high quality images. The endoscope apparatus includes an optical system that condenses light from an object and simultaneously forms two optical images having the same characteristics with difference only in focal point; an imaging element that captures the two optical images formed by the optical system and acquires two images; and a calculation unit that obtains distance information corresponding to a distance to the object based on a contrast ratio of the two images in a range in which the two images acquired by the imaging element have a common contrast. |
| US08836770B2 |
3D display
A method of operating a stereo display device comprises addressing a display such that a stereo image is addressed in one field period by presenting left and right eye images in sequence with line-by-line addressing. A backlight is controlled in line-by-line manner with a different addressing rate to the addressing rate of the images. A shutter arrangement for a viewer is controlled by opening a shutter associated with one eye of the viewer when the respective image is displayed. |
| US08836767B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging method
An imaging apparatus and an imaging method, wherein a focus location direction discriminator estimates a direction toward a focus location based on two contrast evaluation values corresponding to two imaging optical systems having different image focusing locations. Therefore, the imaging apparatus and the imaging method can directly start an AF operation at current image focusing locations of two imaging optical systems, without setting the image focusing locations to fixed initial locations in a focusing operation of the imaging optical systems. As a result, AF operation time and power consumption are reduced without failing to find a direction of image focusing location. |
| US08836766B1 |
Method and system for alignment of a pattern on a spatial coded slide image
A method for preparing a spatial coded slide image in which a pattern of the spatial coded slide image is aligned along epipolar lines at an output of a projector in a system for 3D measurement, comprising: obtaining distortion vectors for projector coordinates, each vector representing a distortion from predicted coordinates caused by the projector; retrieving an ideal pattern image which is an ideal image of the spatial coded pattern aligned on ideal epipolar lines; creating a real slide image by, for each real pixel coordinates of the real slide image, retrieving a current distortion vector; removing distortion from the real pixel coordinates using the current distortion vector to obtain ideal pixel coordinates in the ideal pattern image; extracting a pixel value at the ideal pixel coordinates in the ideal pattern image; copying the pixel value at the real pixel coordinates in the real slide image. |
| US08836763B2 |
Imaging apparatus and control method therefor, and 3D information obtaining system
In a pantoscopic camera, right and left images, which overlap with each other, are captured from a subject. Overlap areas are detected from these images, and a composite image is produced from either of the overlap areas and non-overlap areas of the respective images. So long as a shutter button is not operated, the right and left images are successively captured to display the composite image as a moving through-image on an LCD. When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the LCD is switched from the composite image to an overlap area image that corresponds to the overlap area. On the basis of the detected overlap areas, 3D information on the subject may be obtained, or a stereoscopic image may be displayed. |
| US08836759B2 |
Display apparatus, 3D glasses, and control method thereof
Disclosed are a display apparatus, three-dimensional (3D) glasses and a control method thereof. The method of controlling three-dimensional (3D) glasses for a display apparatus includes: synchronizing clocks for communicating with the 3D glasses; generating drive timing information for driving shutters of the 3D glasses from the synchronized clocks and a frame sync signal of a displayed image; and transmitting a glasses control message, comprising the drive timing information, to the 3D glasses. |
| US08836758B2 |
Three-dimensional image processing apparatus and method of controlling the same
A 3D image processing apparatus includes: L and R graphic decoders which decode coded stream data to generate left-eye and right-eye image data; an image output control unit which outputs the generated image data; and a control unit which, when a decoding error occurs in generating one of the image data, and a successful decode occurs in generating the other of the image data, (i) shifts, by a preset offset, a pixel position of the other of the image data, to generate pseudo image data as the one of the image data, and (ii) outputs the pseudo image data to an image output control unit, wherein the image output control unit outputs the other of the image data and the pseudo image data, when the decoding error occurs in generating the one of the image data and the successful decode occurs in generating the other of the image data. |
| US08836754B2 |
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. |
| US08836750B2 |
Telepresence system, telepresence method, and video collection device
A telepresence system, a telepresence method, and a video collection device are disclosed. The telepresence system includes a video collection device, a video display device, an audio collection device, an audio player, and an audio and video communication device. The audio and video communication device transmits videos collected by the video collection device on a local end and audios collected by the audio collection device on the local end to a remote end through a network; the video display device and the audio player on the remote end play the images and audios respectively; and the video collection device is a panoramic camera. The technical solution under the present invention overcomes the poor effect of panoramic presence in the existing telepresence system, and improves the telepresence system in terms of depth presence, seamless display and eye contact. |
| US08836747B2 |
Motor control system and method for a laser scanning unit of an imaging apparatus
A scanning system for use in an imaging apparatus includes a mirror assembly having a rotating mirror with a plurality of facets, a motor operatively coupled to the rotating mirror and closed loop control circuitry coupled to the motor. The mirror assembly generates a lock signal indicative of whether or not the motor is substantially at a target speed. A controller is communicatively coupled to the mirror assembly for controlling rotation of the rotating mirror, the controller generating a reference signal received by the motor assembly indicating the target speed for the rotating mirror. The reference signal is varied based at least in part upon an acceleration profile that accelerates the motor so that overshoot of the target speed is substantially reduced. |
| US08836745B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, an exposure device including a plurality of light emitting elements, and a holding member configured to hold the exposure device at a mounting portion between first positioning members provided at both longitudinal end portions of the exposure device. In addition, a second positioning member positions the holding member relative to the image bearing member so as to position the exposure device relative to the image bearing member at the mounting portion, a second elastic member urges the holding member toward the image bearing member so as to maintain a positioned state of the second positioning member, and first and second adjusting members adjusts a distance in a direction of an optical axis between the image bearing member and the exposure device at both longitudinal end portions and at the mounting portion of the exposure device. The holding member has a rigidity necessary to curve the exposure device in the longitudinal direction when the second adjusting member adjusts a distance in the direction of the optical axis between the image bearing member and the exposure device at the mounting portion of the exposure device. |
| US08836744B2 |
Optical scanner device and image forming apparatus with scanning lens that can be machined easily
An optical scanning device includes a light source, a deflector, an incident optical system and one scanning lens. The scanning lens includes a first face and a second face. In a main scanning direction cross section of the scanning lens, when a scanning range is separated, with on axis as a reference, into an image height region of a first direction and an image height region of a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, the incident optical system is disposed on a side of the image height region of the first direction. Curvature of the first face in a sub scanning direction cross section decreases from on axis toward off axis in the main scanning direction, and curvature of the second face in the sub scanning direction cross section increases from off axis of the first direction toward the second direction in the main scanning direction. |
| US08836742B2 |
Image forming apparatus that stores change data to cope with events that are likely to affect image quality
Image forming apparatus includes elements as follows. Light-amount storing section stores, in the main scanning line divided into a plurality of blocks, light amounts of a light beam irradiated on the blocks. Change-data storing section stores a plurality of change data items set in the vicinity of each of block boundaries of the plurality of blocks. The plurality of change data items are used to cope with each of a plurality of events that are likely to affect the image quality in the vicinity of the block boundary. Irradiation control section selects, out of the plurality of change data items, change data for coping with an event selected out of the plurality of events and instructs Pulse generating section to generate, in the vicinity of the block boundary, pulse signal from which analog signal indicating a change in a value represented by the selected change data is obtained. |
| US08836737B2 |
Display device, method of disposing pixels, and pixel disposition program
A display device includes a first sub-pixel formed by a blue-type-hue colored area included in a visible light region whose hue changes in accordance with wavelength, a second sub-pixel formed by a red-type-hue colored area included in the visible light region, a third sub-pixel and a fourth sub-pixel formed by colored areas of two types of hues included in the visible light region, the two types of hues being selected from a hue range of from a blue hue to a yellow hue, and a plurality of pixels regularly disposed horizontally and vertically and each including the first to fourth sub-pixels. At least two of the four sub-pixels have different areas, and two of the four sub-pixels having smaller areas among the four sub-pixels are disposed so as not to be adjacent to each other. |
| US08836736B2 |
Variable flower display backlight system
Techniques for using variable flower assemblies to control light leakage between designated portions of light-emitting elements are provided. In some embodiments, a variable flower assembly (100) comprises a plurality of light-transmissive segments (102-1, 102-2, . . . , 102-6) each may be electronically set to a different light-transparency level. The variable flower assembly substantially forms a tube around a light-emitting element (104) mounted on a first plane. A first edge of each of the light-transmissive segments collectively surrounds the light-emitting element on a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. A second opposing edge of each of the light-transmissive segments collectively forms an opening of the tube. In some embodiments, a reflective assembly (120) which reflectance level is electronically controllable may surround the variable flower assembly. |
| US08836733B2 |
Gamma voltage controller, gradation voltage generator, and display device including them
The present invention relates to a gamma voltage controller, a gradation voltage generator, and a display device including them. The gamma voltage controller corrects luminance in high and low gradations according to a color mode of a display panel, and generates a plurality of gradation voltages through inflection point adjustment, thus minimizing gradation mismatch between color modes. |
| US08836728B2 |
Techniques to magnify images
Techniques to magnify images are described. An apparatus may comprise a media application that when executed by a processor is operative to present video information including images on a display. The media application may comprise a zoom control component operative to receive a zoom control directive to magnify an image portion of an image, increase a video resolution level for the image portion of the image, and magnify the image portion to form an enhanced magnified image. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08836723B2 |
Augmented reality methods and systems including optical merging of a plurality of component optical images
The present disclosure provides augmented reality methods and systems where two or more component optical images are optically overlaid via one or more beam splitters to form composite optical images. In some embodiments a second component optical image is an electronic optical image (an image from an electronically controlled emission source) while the first component optical image is one of a physical optical image (an image of a physical object from which diffuse reflection occurs), an electronic optical image, an emission optical image (an image from a non-electronic source that emits radiation), or a hybrid optical image (composed of at least two of a physical optical image, and electronic optical image, or an emission optical image). In some embodiments the first and second component optical images are used to provide feedback concerning the quality of the overlaying and appropriate correction factors to improve the overlay quality. |
| US08836721B1 |
Visualizing alternate information
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes providing a first image from a server system to a client computing device for display and providing a second image from the server system to the client computing device for display. The method also includes providing instructions from the server system to the client computing device for displaying a window over the first image that displays a portion of the second image within the window, where the portion of the second image displayed within the window corresponds to a position of the window over the first image, and where the portions of the second image include one or more rectangular shapes to approximate a curved shape. |
| US08836719B2 |
Crafting system in a virtual environment
A crafting system and method are provided that allow users or players in a social virtual environment to create their own unique virtual items for use on the site. With the crafting system and method, players can collect different types of materials, some more common than others, from within the virtual social environment to customize items, which the player can use to express their individuality as well as sell or trade within the environment. The complexity and uniqueness of the crafted item makes it much more difficult for another player to obtain the same materials and to replicate the design. |
| US08836717B2 |
System, method and utility to format images retrieved from a device
In one embodiment, an image formatting utility is embodied in code, stored and executed apart from any device that it retrieves images from, that, in response to receiving an image request from a device management tool: 1) retrieves an image from a device that is a target of the image request, the image illustrating at least a portion of the device; 2) retrieves component presence and status information for the device; 3) formats the image in response to the component presence and status information; and 4) returns the formatted image to the device management tool. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08836715B2 |
Method, apparatus and program for processing image data for display by a display panel of a display device, and a display device
A method of processing image data for display by a display panel of a display device. The method comprises receiving main image pixel data representing a main image and side image pixel data representing a side image, and performing a mapping of the pixel data to signals used to drive the display panel. The mapping is arranged to produce an average on-axis luminance which is dependent mainly on the main image pixel data and an average off-axis luminance which is dependent at least to some extent on the side image pixel data. A compression of the main image pixel data is performed in advance of or at least partly incorporated into the mapping, the compression being performed at least partly in dependence upon the main image pixel data and at least partly in dependence upon how the off-axis luminance varies with pixel data input to the mapping. |
| US08836714B2 |
Rapid, interactive editing of massive imagery data
A method, a system, and a computer-readable medium are provided which provide interactive editing of image data. Image data is sampled, by a computing device, at a first resolution. The first resolution is lower than a full resolution of the image data. Gradients for the sampled image data are calculated by the computing device. The computing device solves a system equation for color pixel data for each pixel of the sampled image data using the sampled image data and the calculated gradients. The computing device controls a display of the color pixel data on a display. |
| US08836712B2 |
Filtering mechanism for render target line modification
Modification messages may be filtered to reduce the load on a message channel between a render cache and a frame buffer compression. A group of cache lines may be checked to see whether both a subspan request hits an unlit bit and a modify message was already sent. If so, the modification message may be filtered. |
| US08836703B2 |
Systems and methods for accurate measurement with a mobile device
Certain examples provide collaboration systems, apparatus, and methods to facilitate display, review, and annotation of image data on a small display. An example method includes determining an initial display resolution by comparing an image dimension at an image display resolution and an available screen dimension of the reduced size display screen. The example method includes, based on a selected region of interest in an image, displaying the selected region of interest at the initial display resolution. The example method includes, using the selected region of interest, displaying image data in the selected region of interest to set a plurality of data points via user interaction with a touchscreen display. The example method includes computing a potential error introduced for a measurement between the plurality of data points based on a tolerance value. The example method includes adjusting the image display resolution and zoom based on the potential error. |
| US08836702B2 |
Ray tracing core and method for processing ray tracing
A ray tracing core comprises a ray tracing unit (RTU), a control unit, and a tree build unit (TBU). The ray tracing unit performs ray tracing based on a spatial partitioning structure. The control unit calculates the degree of complexity of the spatial partitioning structure by monitoring the load state of the ray tracing unit. The tree build unit builds the spatial partitioning structure having the degree of complexity which is calculated. The load state is determined based on a frame rate which is processed in the pertinent unit. The spatial partitioning structure applies a K-dimensional tree. For example, the degree of complexity can be modified according to either the maximum primitive number of a leaf node with respect to a K-dimensional tree structure or a tree depth. |
| US08836701B1 |
Surface patch techniques for computational geometry
A method and system for computer aided design (CAD) is disclosed for designing geometric objects, wherein interpolation and/or blending between such objects is performed while deformation data is being input. Thus, a designer obtains immediate feedback to input modifications without separately entering a command(s) for performing such deformations. A novel N-sided surface generation technique is also disclosed herein to efficiently and accurately convert surfaces of high polynomial degree into a collection of lower degree surfaces. E.g., the N-sided surface generation technique disclosed herein subdivides parameter space objects (e.g., polygons) of seven or more sides into a collection of subpolygons, wherein each subpolygon has a reduced number of sides. More particularly, each subpolygon has 3 or 4 sides. The present disclosure is particularly useful for designing the shape of surfaces. Thus, the present disclosure is applicable to various design domains such as the design of, e.g., bottles, vehicles, and watercraft. Additionally, the present disclosure provides for efficient animation via repeatedly modifying surfaces of an animated object such as a representation of a face. |
| US08836700B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for a tessellation engine using a geometry shader
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for providing tessellated primitive data to a geometry shader. The method comprises computing a set of tessellated vertices and a computed set of connectivity data based on an original set of vertices and an original set of connectivity data, generating computed vertex data based on the original set of vertices and the set of tessellated vertices, receiving the computed set of connectivity data, requesting a subset of the computed vertex data based on the computed set of connectivity data, and processing primitives defined by the subset of the computed vertex data. The system and computer program product are further disclosed for accomplishing a similar result as the aforementioned method. |
| US08836699B2 |
Generation of landmark architecture and sculpture based on chinese characters
By applying computer aided method, different combinations of 3D objects derived out of a set of pictorial characters may be generated in a computer system. Some of the 3D objects may be used as sources of landmark designs. Users can simply refine these objects with ‘function’, ‘program’ and ‘budget’ to further achieve their specific design goal. By screening a limited number of computer-generated 3D objects based on a selected candidate character set and operation rules, the system enables a designer to focus on selected potential objects as an initial design step, rather than starting everything from the scratch as in a conventional process. |
| US08836695B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method of rendering using a ray tracing scheme
Provided is an image processing apparatus. Ray tracing may be performed using a general scheme with respect to a plurality of reference pixels among pixels of an image to be rendered. With respect to a pixel excluding the reference pixels, geometry information may be interpolated based on a ray tracing result of adjacent reference pixels. |
| US08836694B2 |
Terminal device including a three-dimensional capable display
In a mobile phone, a display section capable of 3D display, which includes a high-definition liquid crystal, has a liquid crystal layer for generating a parallax barrier on the front surface thereof. A central controlling section judges suitability in 3D display of content based on the contents of the content before displaying the content in the display section, and displays the content in 3D when the content is judged to be suitable for 3D display. |
| US08836690B2 |
Display apparatus and drive method thereof and electronic device
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including a pixel array section and a drive section. The pixel array section has power supply lines, scan lines arranged in row, signal lines arranged in column, and pixels arranged in matrix at intersections of each of the scan lines and each of the signal lines. The drive transistor is connected at one of a pair of current terminals to the light emitting device and at the other of the pair of current terminals to the power supply line. The drive section supplies a control signal to each scan line and a video signal to each signal line to drive each pixel, executing a threshold voltage correcting operation, a write operation, and a light emitting operation. |
| US08836688B2 |
Display device
A display device which can prevent deterioration of a liquid crystal and reduction in display quality at low power consumption without lowering an aperture ratio is provided. An opposite voltage (Vcom) is applied to an opposite electrode (80) of a liquid crystal capacitive element (Clc). One ends of a pixel electrode (20), a first switch circuit (22), a second switch circuit (23), and a first terminal of a second transistor (T2) form an internal node (N1). The other ends of the first switch circuit (22) and the second switch circuit (23) are connected to a source line (SL) and a voltage supply line (VSL), respectively. A control terminal of a first transistor (T1) in the second switch circuit (23), a second terminal of the second transistor (T2), and one end of a boost capacitive element (Cbst) form an output node (N2). The other end of the boost capacitive element (Cbst) and the control terminal of the second transistor (T2) are connected to a boost line (BST) and a reference line (REF), respectively. This configuration makes it possible to perform an action (self-refresh action) to return the absolute value of the voltage between both ends of a display element part to the value at the time of a last writing action without performing a writing action. |
| US08836685B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The liquid crystal display device includes: first and second substrates disposed facing each other via a liquid crystal layer, each substrate having a plurality of pixels arranged thereon in matrix form; a first electrode formed for each pixel on the first substrate side; a second electrode formed for each pixel on the first or second substrate side; and the liquid crystal layer being driven by a liquid crystal drive voltage applied between the first and second electrodes; wherein an inequation of VLmin≦VLmax |
| US08836684B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of common electrodes arranged so as to counter pixel electrodes extending in the row direction on a substrate. First and second voltage supply lines to supply first and second voltages to the common electrodes are connected with the common electrodes through a first switch circuit. A second switch circuit is arranged between the first voltage supply line and signal lines to switch a connection between the first voltage supply line and the signal lines. A gate open circuit is connected to scan lines to simultaneously supply a signal to switch on the pixel electrodes to all the scan lines. In case the power supply of the liquid crystal display device is turned off, a control circuit starts the power OFF driving operation to set the potential of the pixel electrode and the common electrode to substantially same by switching the first and second switch circuits. |
| US08836683B2 |
Boosting circuit for wide range supply voltage, electronic device including the same and voltage boosting method
Provided is a boosting circuit. The boosting circuit includes a voltage generator, a booster, a voltage detector, and a selector. The voltage generator receives an external first voltage to output a second voltage. The booster boosts an input voltage to output a third voltage. The voltage detector detects at least one voltage level of the first to third voltages to output a selection signal. The selector transfers one of the first and second voltages as the input voltage of the booster in response to the selection signal. |
| US08836680B2 |
Display device for active storage pixel inversion and method of driving the same
A pixel circuit is disclosed that includes a video mode, a memory mode and an inversion mode of operation. The pixel circuit includes a pixel storage node for storing data to be output by a liquid crystal cell, a pixel write circuit configured to receive display data and provide the display data to the pixel storage node for storage thereon. Further, the pixel circuit includes a hold circuit operatively coupled to the pixel write circuit and configured to minimize leakage of charge from the pixel storage node through the pixel write circuit, and an internal inversion circuit operatively coupled to the hold circuit and the pixel storage node and configured to invert a voltage of the data stored on the pixel storage node and a voltage applied to a liquid crystal cell that receives data stored on the pixel storage node. |
| US08836672B2 |
System and method for improving machine vision in the presence of ambient light
A system and method utilizing two image sensors to simultaneously capture images of a FOV (field of view). The image sensors are arranged along the same optical path for viewing the FOV. The FOV is illuminated by an illuminator of a specific frequency band. An image is captured by the first image sensor which has a filter that passes at least a portion of the light of the frequency band of the illuminator. An image is captured by the second image sensor that has a filter to pass a band of frequencies adjacent to, but generally not including the frequency band of the illuminator. The images may be manipulated, for example, to provide enhanced performance and/or compensate for variables in the system. A processor subtracts the images to produce an image that represents light reflected back from the illuminator, excluding ambient light at the frequency of the illuminator. |
| US08836670B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, image input device and image input/output device
An image processing apparatus which is allowed to achieve a higher speed of a labeling process than ever before is provided. Sequential scanning is performed on pixels in a picked-up image represented by binarized data Din. Moreover, during the sequential scanning, while label information representing an identification number for each connected region in the picked-up image is, as occasion arises, allocated to a target pixel based on values of pixel data of the target pixel and neighboring pixels thereof, additional information (position information and area information) for each connected region corresponding to each label information is updated as occasion arises. Thereby the label information, the position information and the area information about the whole picked-up image are obtained by one sequential scanning process. |
| US08836666B2 |
Method and device for reducing noise interference in a capacitive touchscreen system
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of means and methods for reducing noise interference in a capacitive touchscreen system. Second noise signals related to first noise signals generated by an external noise source are provided to a touchscreen controller, which determines fundamental and harmonic frequencies associated with the first noise signals. In response to determining the fundamental and harmonic frequencies associated with the first noise signals, the touchscreen controller may shift the frequency at which drive signals generated thereby are provided to a capacitive touchscreen. As a result, undesired interference between the first noise signals and the drive signals is minimized or avoided. |
| US08836662B2 |
Method and device for key-press judgment based on touch screen
A method and device for key-press judgment based on a touch screen are disclosed. The method involves: detecting a press operation; when the press operation is detected, acquiring position information of current pressed point and extended information corresponding to the position information, until the end of this press operation is detected; judging a pressed key corresponding to this press operation according to the position information and the extended information of pressed points in this operation. |
| US08836660B2 |
Tactile display and CAD system
Provided is a technique capable of allowing a person to perceive a fine relief on an object surface clearly. A tactile device of a tactile display slides above an object. The tactile device comprises three rods which are free to move up and down. Lower ends of the rods are in contact with a surface of the object. Upper ends of respective rods touch a palmar-side skin equivalent to positions of three joints of a first finger or a second finger. When the tactile device is slid, upper ends of respective rods move up and down in accordance with a surface relief of the object. In response to the movement of the tactile device, the three rods push three finger joint positions of the palmar-side skin with a stroke equal to a height of the relief. |
| US08836654B2 |
Application window position and size control in (multi-fold) multi-display devices
Methods, systems, and/or devices are provided for application window management and/or application launching on multi-display devices. Application window management may including utilizing one or more touch displays to manage the size and/or position of a window representing an instance of an application. Some embodiments may involve maximizing the window from one display to multiple displays utilizing the touch display's functionality. Other embodiment may include a minimizing process involving decreasing the size of a window from display on multiple displays to a single display utilizing the touch display's functionality. Some embodiments may include application launch functionality based on the displacement of an icon associated with an application utilizing one or more touch displays from a multi-display device. |
| US08836653B1 |
Extending host device functionality using a mobile device
In one general aspect, a computer-readable storage medium can store instructions that when executed cause a mobile device to perform a process. The instructions can include instructions to establish a portion of a communication link with a host device, and receive, at the mobile device, an instance of at least a portion of a user interface operating at the host device and associated with an application operating at the host device. The instructions can include instructions to receive a first signal at the mobile device from a drawing device, to receive a second signal produced by a touch-sensitive display, and to send, via the portion of the communication link, a third signal representing an interaction of the drawing device with the instance of the user interface on the touch-sensitive display of the mobile device based on the first signal and the second signal. |
| US08836648B2 |
Touch pull-in gesture
Embodiments of a touch pull-in gesture are described. In various embodiments, a touch input is detected that starts at an edge of a touch-screen and progresses as an expanding contact region from the edge of the touch-screen toward approximately a center region of the touch-screen while the touch input remains in contact with the touch-screen. The expanding contact region is determined as a touch pull-in gesture to initiate a display of a user interface component. |
| US08836645B2 |
Touch input interpretation
A method of operating a touch display includes interpreting a touch input on the touch display as a first kind of gesture if a source of the touch input is of a first type and a parameter of the touch input is below a first threshold. The touch input is interpreted as a second kind of gesture if the source is of the first type and the parameter of the touch input is above the first threshold. The touch input is interpreted as the first kind of gesture if the source is of a second type and the parameter of the touch input is below a second threshold, the second threshold being different than the first threshold. The touch input is interpreted as the second kind of gesture if the source is of the second type and the parameter of the touch input is above the second threshold. |
| US08836642B2 |
Information processing device, program, and information processing method
There is provided an information processing device including a display control section which causes a three-dimensional space in which an object is arranged to be displayed on a display screen, an acquisition section which acquires a pointing operation in the three-dimensional space, and a position setting section which sets a pointing position in the three-dimensional space on the basis of the pointing operation. The display control section displays the pointing position in the three-dimensional space, a difference of the pointing position from a position of the object in a depth direction of the display screen having been corrected. |
| US08836639B2 |
Storage medium storing game program and game apparatus
A computer generating a three-dimensional space and the images to be shown on a display: sets a first angle of view of the virtual camera; displays the image in accordance with the first angle of view; detects a position on the displayed image pointed to by the input device; calculates a straight line passing through the detected position and the virtual camera in the three-dimensional space; identifies an object intersecting the straight line; automatically sets a second angle of view of the virtual camera to zoom in and display the identified object, and displays the identified object using the display device from the perspective of the second angle of view. |
| US08836635B2 |
Display device, brightness adjustment device, backlight device, and method of adjusting brightness to prevent a flash from occuring
A display device is provided, including circuitry configured to calculate a table representing a relationship between an average brightness and a gain of a video signal; revise the table in order to reduce a change amount of a gain of each frame in the table; calculate an average brightness of a video signal input for each frame; calculate a gain of a video signal from the table based on the calculated average brightness; adjust a video signal using the calculated gain; and a display panel that includes a plurality of pixels that emit light in response to a video signal and displays a video based on the adjusted video signal. A brightness adjustment device, a backlight device, and a method of adjusting brightness, each including the circuitry, are also provided. |
| US08836628B2 |
Method and device for driving liquid crystal panel using dot inversion system
Provided is a liquid crystal panel driving method and device employing a dot inversion system. The liquid crystal panel driving method includes the steps of: (a) generating an alternating signal; (b) adding a signal of a different potential to the alternating signal, to then be applied to input ends of a gamma voltage generating unit (72) and a common voltage generating unit (73); (c) applying an alternating common voltage generated from the common voltage generating unit (73) to a common electrode (220); and (d) generating the data voltage whose polarity is inverted in the gamma voltage generating unit (72) on the basis of the alternating common voltage generated by the common voltage generating unit (73). In the dot inversion system, a common voltage is formed to alternate and a data voltage is inverted on the basis of the alternating common voltage, to thereby provide an effect of performing touch detection by using the alternating common voltage in a high-definitive liquid crystal display device (LCD). |
| US08836627B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus for driving pixel array and pixel driving method
A liquid crystal display apparatus and a pixel driving method are provided. The liquid crystal display apparatus comprises a pixel array, a scan driving circuit and a data driving circuit. The pixel array comprises a plurality of first pixels, a plurality of second pixels, a plurality of third pixels and a plurality of fourth pixels. The scan driving circuit is configured to activate the first pixels and the fourth pixels sequentially and then activate the second pixels and the third pixels sequentially. The data driving circuit is configured to supply a first polarity data signal when the first pixels and the fourth pixels are activated and supply a second polarity data signal when the second pixels and the third pixels are activated. |
| US08836626B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for driving the same
An image sensor is provided which is capable of holding data for one frame period or longer and conducting a difference operation with a small number of elements. A photosensor is provided in each of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel accumulates electric charge in a data holding portion for one frame period or longer, and an output of the photosensor changes in accordance with the electric charge accumulated in the data holding portion. As a writing switch element for the data holding portion, a transistor with small leakage current (sufficiently smaller than 1×10−14 A) is used. As an example of the transistor with small leakage current, there is a transistor having a channel formed in an oxide semiconductor layer. |
| US08836622B2 |
Data line repair apparatus and method thereof
Disclosed are a data line repair apparatus and a method thereof, employed in a LCD panel having a repair line, and a repair operational amplifier coupled to the LCD panel including a first input end, a second input end and an output end, and the output end and the second input end are both coupled to a data line of the LCD panel and the repair line. The data line repair apparatus comprises a receiving module, receiving image data of a present frame from the data line; an acquiring module, acquiring output data corresponding to the image data of the present frame and image data of a former frame from preserved corresponding relationships of the aforesaid data; and an outputting module, outputting a voltage corresponding to the output data acquired by the acquiring module to the first input end in a scheduled period. |
| US08836618B2 |
Pixel circuit, light emitting diode display using the same and driving method thereof
A pixel circuit of a light emitting diode display includes a light emitting diode, six transistors and two capacitors. The effect of the variation of the threshold voltage of the transistor in the pixel circuit on the display quality can be improved through supplying specific the first to fourth control signals and the first to third reference voltages to the pixel circuit. A light emitting diode display using the aforementioned pixel circuit and a driving method of the aforementioned pixel circuit are also provided. |
| US08836612B2 |
Method and device for driving a plurality of display devices
A device includes a plurality of display modules configured to commonly receive a stream of video data from a controller and a video control masking unit. Each display module includes a display device. The video control masking unit receives one or more control signals that indicate how the video data is to be displayed by the display modules, and further receives at least one of: a clock signal for clocking the stream of video data that is provided in common to the plurality of display modules, and a data enable signal for enabling the display modules to process the video data; and in response thereto the video control masking unit masks at least one of the clock signal and the data enable signal to generate a plurality of masked signals each corresponding to one of the display modules, and provides each of the masked signals to the corresponding display module. |
| US08836609B2 |
Time type stereoscopic display device and time type stereoscopic image displaying method
A stereoscopic display device includes a display panel, and a light modulator. The display panel provides a first display information and a second display information alternately by scanning. The light modulator is disposed on the side of a display surface of the display panel and receives the first display information and the second display information. The light modulator provides a first modulating mode and a second modulating mode alternately by scanning synchronously with the display panel. The first modulating mode corresponds to the first display information, and renders the first display information having a first polarization state; the second modulating mode corresponds to the second display information, and renders the second display information having a second polarization state. |
| US08836608B2 |
MIMO antenna arrays built on metamaterial substrates
A magnetic permeability enhanced metamaterial is used to enhance the antenna array of a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) communication system. A rectangular patch antenna array is formed including a stack of a plurality of unit cells, where each unit cell includes an inductive loop of magnetic permeability enhanced metamaterials embedded in a host dielectric substrate. The use of such metamaterials permits the antenna arrays to be made smaller, and have less mutual coupling, when using a metamaterial substrate. The measured channel capacities of the antenna arrays are similar for the metamaterial and conventional substrates; however, the capacity improvement when using MIMO relative to single antenna communication systems is greater for antennas on metamaterial substrates. |
| US08836606B2 |
Coverage antenna apparatus with selectable horizontal and vertical polarization elements
An antenna apparatus comprises selectable antenna elements including a plurality of dipoles and/or a plurality of slot antennas (“slot”). Each dipole and/or each slot provides gain with respect to isotropic. The dipoles may generate vertically polarized radiation and the slots may generate horizontally polarized radiation. Each antenna element may have one or more loading structures configured to decrease the footprint (i.e., the physical dimension) of the antenna element and minimize the size of the antenna apparatus. |
| US08836601B2 |
Dual receiver/transmitter radio devices with choke
Wireless radio apparatuses for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmission/communication of high bandwidth signals having dual receivers and transmitters. Radio devices and systems may include a pair of reflectors separated by an isolation choke boundary. The device may be configured to operate in any appropriate band (e.g., a 5 GHz band, a 24 GHz band, etc.) and may simultaneously transmit and receive with minimal crosstalk. The isolation choke boundary may have ridges that extend between the first and second parabolic reflectors to a height that may be tuned to the band. The isolation choke boundary provides greater than 10 dB isolation between the first and the second parabolic reflectors may be in a fixed configuration relative to each other so that they are aligned to send/receive in parallel. The two reflectors may be formed of a single housing, with fixed parallel alignment. |
| US08836600B2 |
Quadrifilar helix antenna system with ground plane
A quadrifilar helix antenna system with a finite ground plane has a pair of bifilar helical elements extending upwardly from the finite ground plane. A symmetrical array of monopole elements surrounds the lower portion of the pair of bifilar helical elements in the near field so as to load the lower portion and thereby raise the phase center of the antenna to improve the circularly polarized far-field radiation at low elevation angles. |
| US08836596B2 |
Filter antenna
A multi-pole filter antenna may include aperture-coupled non-dominant mode cavity resonators, and an aperture-coupled dominant mode patch antenna. The filter antenna may be implemented in a multilayer printed circuit board or similar structure. The filter antenna may for example operate in the Ku-Band, the Ka-Band, the C-Band, or another band. |
| US08836594B2 |
Reconfigurable leaky wave antenna
A leaky wave antenna system is set forth. The antenna comprises: a microstrip fabricated on a top surface of a substrate; a ground plane formed on a bottom surface of the substrate; and a plurality of impedance components, each impedance component having one terminal electrically coupled to a lengthwise edge of the microstrip abutting the top surface of the substrate. A switch is electrically connected between each one of the plurality of impedance components and the ground plane. A control module coupled to the plurality of switches operates to specify a direction of a main beam radiating from the microstrip by selectively connecting one or more of the plurality of impedance components to the ground plane. |
| US08836591B2 |
Broadcasting receiving system
To improve the signal/noise ratio of a radio reception system intended for a vehicle, comprising multiple antennas having marked radiation characteristics with a directional effect, in each instance, it is proposed to orient the antennas in the vehicle at spatial sectors, with the proviso that their individual radiation characteristics supplement one another to produce a specific required radiation characteristic. For this purpose, the signals of the antennas are combined in an active combiner, with the interposition of amplifiers, and a sum signal is passed to a receiver by way of an output-side line. |
| US08836590B2 |
Locomotive modular antenna array
An antenna array for a body panel of a locomotive is described having a base support including at least a pair of elongated parallel structures forming a channel on the body panel of the locomotive cab. A plurality of removable plates are affixed to the elongated parallel structures for mounting an antenna on each of the removable plates, thereby allowing wiring from each antenna to extend from its respective removable plate through the channel formed by the base support. A junction box situated near the base support forms an enclosure about an aperture formed in the body panel of the locomotive. The junction box includes a plurality of interconnects for connecting wiring of each antenna to wiring of a device in the locomotive. In one embodiment, the junction box is integral to the base support. The integral junction box, base support arrangement may further include a lip formed about its periphery in which a cover mounted thereon. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an antenna array is provided for a body panel of a locomotive having a base support including a base support having a plurality of pillars on the body panel of the locomotive cab and a plurality of removable plates being supported by the pillars on the base support for mounting an antenna on each of the removable plates. |
| US08836588B2 |
Antenna device and electronic apparatus including antenna device
According to one embodiment, an antenna device according to this embodiment includes first and second feed terminals. The distance between the first and second feed terminals is set to a distance less than or equal to almost one quarter a wavelength corresponding to a predetermined resonant frequency. A first end of the first antenna including a first band, as a communication band, including the resonant frequency is connected to the first feed terminal. A first end of the second antenna including a second band, as a communication band, including at least the resonant frequency of the first antenna is connected to the second feed terminal. A first protruding portion is provided between the first and second antennas so as to protrude from a ground pattern of an antenna board. |
| US08836584B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a main body having a ground, a first conductor installed in the main body and connected with the ground so as to be power-fed, and a second conductor facing the first conductor in order to be configured to transmit and receive radio signals of a plurality of mutually adjacent frequency bands to and from the first conductor. The second conductor includes a first portion spaced apart by a pre-set distance from the first conductor so as to be coupled with the first conductor, and second portions extending from the first portion in both directions and coupled at a plurality of locations with the ground in order to form a plurality of conductive loops extending from the ground, the first conductor, and the second. |
| US08836583B2 |
Reflectarray
A reflectarray, including: a substrate; and a plurality of patches formed on each of areas into which a principal surface of the substrate is divided, wherein the plurality of patches are formed by including a gap. |
| US08836582B2 |
Mobile communication device and antenna structure therein
A mobile communication device having an antenna structure includes a grounding element and an antenna element. The antenna element includes an antenna ground plane, a radiation portion, and a shorted radiation portion, wherein the antenna ground plane is grounded to the grounding element. The radiation portion includes a signal feeding point, a first radiation section, and a second radiation section. First and second radiation sections are connected to the signal feeding point, and are extended toward the same direction. First end of the shorted radiation portion is electrically connected to the antenna ground plane, and second end is left open. There is a coupling gap between a designated section of the radiation portion close to the first end and the shorted radiation portion. Through the coupling gap, the shorted radiation portion is capacitively excited by the radiation portion and generates at least one resonant mode to increase antenna's operating bandwidth. |
| US08836580B2 |
RF proximity tags providing indoor and outdoor navigation and method of use
The navigation system method described herein could guide people around urban environments, detect guide and navigate them to destinations, add-on to the portable phone. We have focused on the task of detecting and navigating even in situations in which Global Positioning Systems (GPS) cannot provide this information, such as when the person is indoors or in crowded urban areas where there is no line of site to the GPS satellites. The information will be received directly from RF sensors and will display on the existing cellular phone as Bluetooth application. |
| US08836579B2 |
Tracking method combining a passive radar and other sensors
A method is disclosed for merging detection information produced by various sensors of a detection system formed by a passive radar system including various bistatic bases and by an external sensor. The method includes two processing phases. During the first phase, for each bistatic base of the passive radar bistatic plots produced by that bistatic base are first merged with bistatic plots produced on the basis of plots transmitted by the external sensor and projected into the bistatic base concerned. Then, by associating all the bistatic bases, bistatic tracking is applied to the merged bistatic plots and unmerged bistatic plots coming from the external sensor. During the second phase a cartesian tracking is generated on the basis of bistatic plots that contributed to forming the bistatic tracks. |
| US08836576B2 |
Power saving method adaptable in GNSS device
A method and system for navigation are provided to locate a GNSS device. The GNSS device comprises a RF front end receiving satellite signals of a plurality of satellites, and a GNSS device comprising a plurality of correlation channels each performing a correlation process to generate a correlation result from satellite signals corresponding to a satellite, a memory device for storage of the correlation results, and a processor performing acquisition and tracking based on the correlation results. |
| US08836575B2 |
Detection device, radar apparatus, detection method and detection program
This disclosure provides a detection device, which includes an image data generation module for generating image data based on echo signals, and a target object detection module for determining an existence of a target object based on a level of the echo signal at each location of the image data for every azimuth. The target object detection module determines a continuity of the echo signals in a distance direction and an azimuth direction for every target object, and outputs an end location for each target object based on a determination result at each location, including a plurality of locations adjacent to a location determined as being a non-target object location. |
| US08836571B2 |
Method for transmission of a geographic coordinate
A method for transmission to a receiver of a geographic coordinate λ of a transmitter positioned in a spherical coordinate system λ, φ, at least a portion of one hemisphere of the Earth's sphere being divided into N sections each bounded by a minimum φ and a maximum φ, each section being subdivided into X cells each bounded by a minimum λ and a maximum λ, X varying depending on the section, includes at least the following steps: partitioning all of the latitude sections into M+1 classes, M sections being interspersed between two sections of the same class; transmitting, in one and the same message, the coordinate λ of the transmitter referenced relative to the cell in which the transmitter is located and the class of the latitude section in which the transmitter is located, the range of the receiver being at the most equal to the width of a cell along the axis of variation of the coordinate λ. |
| US08836569B1 |
Synthetic aperture radar smearing
A synthetic aperture radar's surveillance is defeated by electronic camouflage that employs a protective shield to cover an intended target. The shield intercepts and modifies the interrogating radar pulses by modulating incident radar pulses to produce radar echoes shifted in Doppler frequency, whereby the returned echoes give a false depiction of the target, even to smearing the radar display. New structures are presented that exhibit variable reflectivity and variable dielectric characteristics of particular use in the foregoing and other electronic systems. |
| US08836568B2 |
Method and apparatus for clockless conversion of portion of electric charge to digital word
Method and apparatus for accumulation of electric charge delivered to the charge input (InQ) in the sampling capacitor (Cn) and in realization of the process of charge redistribution in the array of redistribution (A) by changing states of signals from relevant control outputs and in assignment of relevant values to bits in the digital word by means of the control module (CM). Method is characterized in that after detection of the beginning of the next gate signal (Gx+1), the charge is accumulated in the additional sampling capacitor (CnA), and then the process of charge redistribution is realized and relevant values are assigned to bits of the digital word. When the beginning of the subsequent gate signal (Gx+2) is detected, the next cycle begins and electric charge is accumulated in the sampling capacitor (Cn) again. |
| US08836564B2 |
A/D conversion device
An A/D conversion device generates a control clock signal having a cycle that is an integral multiple of a cycle of a reference clock signal. A shift voltage is generated which varies every cycle of the reference clock signal while the cycle of the control clock signal is taken as one cycle. An analog signal is offset by the shift voltage. The offset analog signal is converted to a digital signal every cycle of the reference clock signal. Outputs from the A/D converter are averaged every cycle of the control clock signal. |
| US08836562B1 |
Dual-string digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and related circuits, systems, and methods
Dual-string digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and related circuits, systems, and methods are disclosed. In embodiments disclosed herein, a primary voltage divider of the dual string-DAC is comprised of at least one adjusting circuit. The adjusting circuit is configured to maintain the ideal voltage of a selected resistor node pair across a secondary voltage divider circuit in response to a primary switch unit selecting a selected resistor node pair. In this manner, impedance isolation is not required between a primary voltage divider and the secondary voltage divider circuit of the dual-string DAC. As a result, as non-limiting examples, the area on an integrated circuit (IC) for a dual-string DAC may be decreased, power consumption of the DAC may be decreased, and/or the dual-string DAC may have increased performance by not requiring a settling time. |
| US08836561B2 |
Digital to-analog conversion circuit
A D/A conversion circuit includes: current generation circuits each including a constant current source configured to generate a current, a first MOSFET connected to the constant current source and configured to control a supply destination of the current, a first gate control section configured to exclusively supply a first voltage and a second voltage to a gate of the first MOSFET, and a first discharge switch connected to the first gate control section and the gate of the first MOSFET, controlled to be turned on at the same time as the first gate control section supplies the second voltage and controlled to be turned off before the first gate control section supplies the first voltage; a first current addition line; a discharge line; a first resistor connected to the first current addition line; and a voltage source configured to supply the second voltage to the first gate control sections. |
| US08836556B2 |
ADC, IC including the same, and ADC method thereof
An Analog to Digital Converter (ADC), an analog-to-digital conversion method, and an integrated circuit including the ADC. The ADC includes an input adjustment buffer stage, a sub-ADC, and a sample switch. The sample switch is coupled between the output node of the input adjustment buffer stage and the input node of the sub-ADC. When the sample switch is opened, the input adjustment buffer stage is configured to switch between a first work state and a second work state according to a predetermined rule, and to adjust an input voltage signal of the input adjustment buffer stage based on transitions between the first and second work states. When the sample switch is closed, the input adjustment buffer stage is configured to provide an adjusted voltage signal to the input node of the sub-ADC, and the sub-ADC is configured to perform an analog-to-digital conversion onto the adjusted voltage signal. |
| US08836554B2 |
Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit and weight error estimation/calibration method thereof
The present invention discloses a DAC circuit and a weight error estimation/calibration method thereof. In the method, an output switching circuit dynamically selects several conversion cells (at least containing know weight conversion cells (KWCC)) as a reference conversion cell group (RCCG) from all conversion cells, and dynamically selects at least one unknown weight conversion cell (UWCC) from all UWCCs. An ADC digitalizes the difference of the output of RCCG and the sum of the outputs of the UWCCs, and inputs the result to a digital controller. The digital controller controls the input of the RCCG according to the output of the ADC to make the output of the RCCG approximate the output of the UWCC. The digital controller uses the outputs of the ADC to work out the actual weights of the UWCCs and stores the actual weights in a calibration memory. |
| US08836551B2 |
Analog digital converter (ADC) and correction circuit and correction method therefor
An ADC has ADC channels converting an analog input signal into an digital output signal in a time interleave manner; a channel combiner combining channel digital signals respectively output by the ADC channels and generate the digital output signal; an adaptive filter provided at one of the plurality of ADC channels; and a correction circuit detecting a skew error in the digital output signal, generating a coefficient of the adaptive filter according to the skew error for setting it in the filter. According to the skew error, in a first setting, the correction circuit sets the coefficient such that the adaptive filter phase-shifts to one direction a phase of the channel digital signal and, in a second setting, the correction circuit sets the coefficient such that the adaptive filter phase-shifts to an opposite direction and sets a coefficient with which the skew error is suppressed to a desired level. |
| US08836548B1 |
Method and system for data compression at a storage system
A computer-implemented method for compressing data is disclosed. The method starts with determining a way to read a received data block in its native endian format of at a storage system, where the data block contains a set of data and the determination is based on sampling a subset from a set of data and checking variation of the values. The method selects a base value for the data block based on the determined way to read the data block and generates a set of updated data, where each value of the set of updated data corresponds to the base value and an original value. The method separates each data within the set of updated data into two portions with different bit-value distribution patterns and compresses one portion with a first algorithm while compresses another portion with a second algorithm different from the first. |
| US08836546B2 |
Keypad for a wireless device
A keypad for a wireless device is disclosed. The keypad comprises one or more key stems, each key stem having an upper key stem surface. The keypad also comprises one or more keycaps configured to be mounted over the one or more key stems, each keycap having a lower keycap surface for bonding to the upper key stem surface of each key stem with adhesive. The upper key stem surface includes at least one depression and at least one groove along a perimeter of the upper key stem surface. The depression and groove can help reduce the risk of adhesive flow to undesirable areas. |
| US08836544B1 |
Multifunctional displays and display systems for marine vessels
Multifunctional displays for a marine vessel having a propulsion system can include a sequential indicator, a first portion, a second portion and a transition portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion depicts changes in a characteristic of a first component of the propulsion system during a first operational mode of the propulsion system. The second portion depicts changes in a characteristic of a second component of the propulsion system during a second operational mode of the propulsion system. The transition portion depicts a change in operation of propulsion system between the first operational mode and the second operational mode. A marine vessel icon has first and second icons depicting changes in characteristics of the first and second components. The icon changes position when the operational mode of the marine vessel changes. |
| US08836543B2 |
Flight deck having a dual-view display and a method for operating same
A flight deck for an aircraft having a first display associated with a first pilot and displaying a first image comprising a first set of flight information for the first pilot and a second display associated with a second pilot and displaying a second image comprising a second set of flight information for the second pilot. The second display is a dual-view display simultaneously generating a third image along with the second image, with the second image viewable by the second pilot, but not the first pilot, the third image viewable by the first pilot, but not the second pilot, and the third image containing a subset of information from the second set of flight information. |
| US08836540B2 |
Streetlight system and method for escaping from disaster using the same
A streetlight system includes a plurality of streetlights, disaster warning systems positioned at each of the streetlights and a control center electrically connected with the disaster warning systems. The streetlights are positioned at roadways. Each of the disaster warning systems includes a control system and a broadcasting system. When the control center receives a disaster alert signal, the control center transmits information of disaster shelters and evacuating routes to control system, and the broadcasting system broadcasts information of the disaster shelters and the evacuating routes to people for leading people to escape. |
| US08836536B2 |
Device characterization system and methods
In an embodiment, a device characterization system includes a sensor to sense an attribute of a device, a processor, and an algorithm executable on the processor to collect time series data of the attribute from the sensor, detect edges in the data, identify clusters from the edges, label the clusters based on input from a supervisor, and estimate device characterization parameters from the clusters. |
| US08836533B2 |
Dynamic electronic communication device
An dynamic electronic communication device. The tag according to embodiments of the invention is designed or set to discount, promote, incentivize, or apply information at certain states or within a certain timeframe at initial deployment, the tags themselves being capable of handling the logic. The tag generally includes a circuit, such as a silicon chip, that controls a flexible printed display, which displays the information when applied. The tag is optionally encapsulated in a plastic or glass case. The tag is made of a suitably small size such that the tag can easily be placed on individual items, and can be secured to other objects via an adhesive backing, sewn in, pinned on, and the like. |
| US08836531B2 |
Active warning device for server and warning method thereof
The present disclosure provides an active warning device for server and the warning method thereof. The active warning device is applied to a server. When a control module in the server is departing from a midplane board, the active warning device can provide warning actively. Thereby, a user can notice that the control module is been drawing out of the server and then uses his both hands to support it for preventing tilt, fall, and hence damage of the control module. |
| US08836525B2 |
Isolated resistive current sensor
An isolated current-sensing system for use with a resistive current sense element includes an analog front-end configured to receive a voltage from the resistive current sense element, and to provide an analog output. A processing circuit receives the analog output, and provides a measurement signal indicative of the sensed current. An isolation circuit provides an isolation barrier, and is configured to pass the measurement signal. A programmable over-current protection alarm may be included, and configured to generate an alarm signal when the analog output exceeds a programmable threshold. The processing circuit may include a voltage-to-PWM converter. |
| US08836521B2 |
Hydration alert
One aspect of the invention is an apparatus including an alarm for alerting an operator to recharge a humidifier, wherein such alarm is generated other than through the use of a humidity sensor. In one embodiment the total work performed during heating and hydrating an insufflation gas is measured and an alarm generated when the total work performed exceeds a particular threshold. In another embodiment, a flow meter is used to measure the total flow of insufflation gas so that when the total flow of insufflation gas reaches a predetermined level an alarm is activated. |
| US08836520B1 |
Hydrogen sulfide sensor with water detection
An H2S (hydrogen sulfide) monitor includes a hydrogen sulfide sensor and a moisture sensor. In some examples, the H2S monitor emits a moisture alarm if the moisture sensor detects liquid water in an amount that exceeds or approaches a moisture tolerance limit of the hydrogen sulfide sensor. In some examples, the moisture sensor prevents the hydrogen sulfide sensor from triggering a false H2S alarm caused by moisture contaminating the hydrogen sulfide sensor. |
| US08836516B2 |
Snoring treatment
Health-sensing and health-action devices and systems are generally described. The health-sensing device may include one or more of a sensor, a filter, and a transmitter. The sensor may be configured to sense one or more factors relating to an indicator of a health related condition or occurrence such as snoring and may include one or more microphone devices, accelerometers, and/or MEMs devices. The filter may be configured to evaluate a signal from the sensor and determine if the indicator has been detected. The transmitter may be arranged for initiating a transmission based on a signal from the filter. The health-action device may be configured for responding to an indicator of a health related condition or occurrence of a user and may include one or more of a receiver, a processor, and a responder. The health-action device may stimulate the user or may cancel the snoring sound. |
| US08836510B2 |
Systems and methods for managing lost devices
A method for a device to determine that it has been lost is provided. The method comprises the device determining its current location, the device comparing its current location to a plurality of stored locations, and the device determining that it has been lost when its current location is a stored location that has been designated as a location where the device is unlikely to be located or is not a stored location that has been designated as a location where the device is likely to be located. |
| US08836506B2 |
Shipping container security unit quick mount device
Mounting devices for attaching electronics equipment to a cargo container. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mounting plate comprising a first portion for securing the electronics equipment to the mounting device, a second portion, coupled to the first portion at an edge of the first portion, at an approximate right angle to the first portion, and a third portion, coupled to the second portion at a second edge, wherein the third portion is approximately parallel to the first portion, wherein a length of the second portion being substantially similar to a width of a door of the cargo container, and the third portion is of sufficient length to retain the mounting device on the cargo container when the door of the cargo container is closed. |
| US08836505B2 |
Illumination control system and method for controlling illumination
According to one embodiment, an illumination control system includes a motion sensor and a central management server. The motion sensor acquires position information and action information of a person. The central management server holds holding position information of an illumination unit and necessary light amount information for action information of the person, acquires a necessary amount of light corresponding to the action information of the person based on the necessary light amount information, calculates a brightness control amount based on the position information of the illumination unit, and controls the illumination unit using the brightness control amount. |
| US08836504B2 |
System and method for the remote monitoring of potted plants
The invention relates to a system and method for determining the state, state changes, and/or condition changes of a potted plant and for indicating the determined state of said object to the owner or user thereof, wherein the system and method locally determine at least one physical and/or chemical parameter on top of on the side of or in the immediate vicinity of the plant (1) to be monitored by means of preferably several sensors or sensing elements (3). Said physical and/or chemical parameter is processed into a coded digital parameter signal and transmitted wirelessly, optionally by means of intermediate stages, to a central processor, which determines a statement about the state of the plant (1) from said coded digital parameter signal and other digital as an optical and/or acoustic indication of the current or prognosticated state of the plant/object (1). The sensation of the object is preferably simulated, which aims at triggering emotions in the user himself, for example, by means of language- and culture-independent icons. The data are determined, processed, and transmitted without significant time delay, in other words, in real time in principle. In the central processing, the data can be combined with further information, for example, the requirements profile of the object, historical data, data of similar objects, climate data, or weather forecasts. The user of the system can automatically be contacted if certain events are ascertained for the monitored object, if for example, an unfavorable forecast or a harmful parameter is ascertained. The sensors or sensing elements and further components are preferably placed in a plant container, an “intelligent flowerpot” so to speak, in such a way that the sensors or sensing elements are undetectable or barely detectable. Said “intelligent flowerpot” can comprise a “mobile sensor clip” as an essential component in addition to sensors arranged therein or thereon. |
| US08836502B2 |
Personal media device input and output control based on associated conditions
Systems and methods are provided for a media device that controls input and output characteristics based on one or more associated conditions. |
| US08836501B2 |
Methods and devices for serving as a proxy beacon for a tracking device
One feature includes a mobile device being used as a mobile beacon and proxy for a tracking device that may track an object, such as a pet. The mobile device may act as a beacon that transmits messages over a short range communications link to the tracking device. If the tracking device fails to receive the messages transmitted by the mobile device, it may be assumed that the pet has gone missing, and in response the tracking device may contact a tracking server with its location information via a wireless wide area network (WWAN). Additionally, the mobile device may act as a proxy of the tracking device by transmitting and receiving data to/from the tracking server using its own communication interface on behalf of the tracking device. This helps conserve the battery power of the tracking device because the tracking device does not use its own WWAN interface. |
| US08836500B2 |
Physical interaction device for personal electronics and method for use
The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device. |
| US08836497B2 |
Systems and methods for configuring analog process alarms in control devices
Systems and methods for configuring an analog process alarm in digital control devices are provided. In one example embodiment, a system may include a logic editor configured to create templates, including one or more alias names for corresponding one or more analog alarm sub-variables associated with an analog process variable, within the digital control system; a human-machine interface configured to provide to a user an analog alarm virtual block diagram visualizing processing logic associated with the analog process variable within the digital control system and to receive from the user a request to select a template from the created templates; and a template generator configured to automatically generate, based on the selection of the template, the alias names for the corresponding analog alarm sub-variables of the analog process alarm. The alias names may be defined directly on the analog process variable. |
| US08836496B2 |
Method and apparatus for fuel filling monitoring
A system includes a processor and an external fuel indicator. The processor is configured to instruct powering of a digital display in response to detection that one or more power-up indicators has been satisfied. The processor is also configured to obtain fuel-related readings as a vehicle is fueled. Also, the processor is further configured to determine at least one fuel-related statistic other than a current fuel level. Further, the processor is configured to output the at least one fuel-related statistic to the external fuel indicator. |
| US08836492B2 |
Driving support apparatus and driving support method
A driving support apparatus that sets a running road, on which a vehicle is able to run, on the basis of a road marking that indicates a lane boundary or a prohibited area and that, when the vehicle deviates from the running road, issues a warning or performs assisting so as to cause the vehicle to run within the running road changes a determination criterion, based on which a warning is issued or assisting is performed so as to cause the vehicle to run within the running road, on the basis of a degree of curve of the running road. |
| US08836490B2 |
Vehicle management
A system for golf course vehicle management can include a tag device having a transceiver and a vehicle management process. The vehicle management process includes an application service for receiving the location of the tag device from the transceiver, at least one geographical zone, and a tracking module for comparing the location to the zone and generating an alert when the location is within the zone. Also included in the process is a control module for recognizing the alert. The control module can initiate an action, such as performance of a vehicle control action by a vehicle controller device. |
| US08836489B2 |
Method of unauthorized vehicle movement detection
A system and method for detecting unauthorized vehicle movement that includes measuring a resting angle of a vehicle using a vehicle sensor; thereafter, detecting a change in the measured resting angle of the vehicle; determining that the detected change is not authorized; and sending an alert message based on the determination via a vehicle telematics unit. |
| US08836479B2 |
Alerting system using distributed notification delivery
A system and a method are disclosed for delivering an alert from a computer system using distributed notification delivery. The method comprises using a computer system to receive an alert initiation request from an alert operator, where the alert initiation request includes metadata of an alert to be delivered. The method extracts the metadata from the alert initiation request and from its persistent storage place and persistently stores the extracted metadata in a first storage place on the computer system. The method further makes an alert initiation request with one or more communication systems based on the extracted metadata of the alert. The method securely delivers the alert initiation request and extracted metadata to one or more communication systems, which store the metadata transiently for the duration of delivering the alert, deliver the alert to multiple alert recipients tracks delivery progress and collect alert responses, reporting these back to the computer system. |
| US08836478B2 |
Electronic device including finger sensor and related methods
An electronic device may include a housing and circuitry carried by the housing. The electronic device may also include a finger sensing device carried by the housing and coupled to the circuitry. The finger sensing device may include a mounting substrate, and a semiconductor interposer having a lower surface adjacent the mounting substrate. The finger sensing device may also include a plurality of semiconductor finger sensing die on an upper surface of the semiconductor interposer in side-by-side and abutting relation, and defining a finger sensing surface to receive at least one finger thereon. |
| US08836477B2 |
Portable communication machine and vehicular communication system using the same
A portable communication machine includes RF data generating means, RF wireless transmitting means for transmitting transmission data as an RF signal, RF wireless receiving means for receiving an RF signal transmitted from a vehicle-mounted machine, RF data analyzing means for analyzing received data, key operating means for instructing to control a vehicle by a user, storing means for storing control data of a vehicle-mounted information apparatus, attachable/detachable external apparatus communicating means, and controlling means for controlling the RF data generating means, the RF data analyzing means, the key operating means and the external apparatus communicating means, and is used along with an external apparatus and the vehicle-mounted information apparatus. |
| US08836476B2 |
Wireless light controller system and method
In some examples, wireless light controller technology includes methods and apparatuses. In other examples, the technology includes one or more lights on a power line. Each light of the one or more lights is individually controllable via power line communication over the power line. The technology further includes a wireless device configured to transmit wireless communication. The wireless communication includes instructions to control the one or more lights. The technology further includes a wireless light controller configured to receive the wireless communication and transmit the instructions to control the one or more lights over the power line communication to the one or more lights. |
| US08836475B2 |
Monitoring unit configuration management
A monitoring device in accordance with the disclosure stores a serial number list in non-volatile memory, the serial number list including data indicative of at least one valid serial number associated with one or more key fobs permitted to interact with the monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to receive a wakeup signal via a key fob interface configured to communicate with a key fob. The monitoring device reads a serial number from a key fob via the key fob interface and searches the stored serial number list for data indicative of a valid serial number matching the serial number read via the key fob interface. The monitoring device reads action data from the key fob via the key fob interface, the action data being indicative of an action to be taken by the monitoring device. The monitoring device, in response to the read serial number matching a valid serial number of the stored serial number list, takes an action based on the action data. |
| US08836474B2 |
Electronic access memory device and access point control
A lock system is provided including a plurality of access point controls and at least one access memory device. The access memory device is configured to communicate information between access point controls. |
| US08836469B2 |
Method and apparatus to accommodate both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation during a relationship-establishment mode of operation
A control circuit initiates a relationship-establishment mode of operation and operates in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation. When the control circuit completes one of these modes of operation (for example, the learn mode of operation, the pairing mode of operation, or either) the relationship-establishment mode of operation can switch to only using the remaining mode of operation during a remainder of the relationship-establishment mode of operation. One can also disable a previously-established relationship for each of a first category of remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through a learn mode of operation) when the user presses a button. Upon then detecting a second end-user assertion of the end-user interface, the control circuit can further disable a previously-established relationship with each of a second category of remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through a pairing mode of operation). |
| US08836458B2 |
Method for imparting annular oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions to a disk shaped member
A magnetic torque sensing device having a disk-shaped member with a magnetoelastically active region. The magnetoelastically active region has oppositely polarized magnetically conditioned regions with initial directions of magnetization that are perpendicular to the sensitive directions of magnetic field sensor pairs placed proximate to the magnetically active region. Magnetic field sensors are specially positioned in relation to the disk-shaped member to accurately measure torque while providing improved RSU performance and reducing the detrimental effects of compassing. |