Document Document Title
US08009941B2 Photonic systems and methods for encoding data in carrier electromagnetic waves
Various embodiments of the present invention are related to photonic systems and methods that can be used to encode data in carrier electromagnetic waves. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photonic switch comprises: a waveguide configured to guide electromagnetic waves; a number of holes in the waveguide that prevent propagation of the electromagnetic waves beyond the holes; a reservoir located beneath the holes and filled with a liquid having the same refractive index as the photonic crystal; and a device for forcing the liquid into the holes so that the refractive index of the holes matches approximately the refractive index of the waveguide and the electromagnetic waves can propagate within the waveguide beyond the holes.
US08009940B2 Photonic integrated circuit with improved signal quality and electrostatic discharge threshold
Embodiments of the present invention provide for enhanced monitoring of optical signal characteristics of an optical signal propagating in a signal channel of a photonic integrated circuit. The optical signal characteristics can be obtained with minimal signal loss in the optical signal path and reduced RF crosstalk, while the electrostatic discharge threshold for the photonic integrated circuit is increased, due to the inclusion of a second electro-optic element electrically coupled to a first electro-optic element as part of the signal channel.
US08009937B2 Charge-based memory cell for optical resonator tuning
An optical resonator configured to be tuned using a charge-based memory cell includes an optical cavity configured to transmit light and receive injected charge carriers; a charge-based memory cell in proximity to or within the optical cavity, the memory cell containing a number of trapped charges which influence the resonant optical frequency of the optical resonator. A method of tuning an optical resonator includes applying a voltage or current to a charge-based memory cell to generate a non-volatile charge within the memory cell, the nonvolatile charge changing a resonant frequency of the optical resonator.
US08009932B2 Automatic alignment of video frames for image processing
The provided is a method that can automatically align image frames in recorded video clips. Individual frames in video may shift and rotate due to shaking or vibration of a video camera. Unaligned frames make some imaging processing techniques difficult or infeasible. One example of image processing techniques is to isolate, recognize, and/or quantitatively analyze vapor plume images captured by an Infrared (IR) camera. Such techniques have a great potential to be used to automatically detect volatile organic compounds (VOC) leaked from process equipment at refineries and chemical plants. This invention is a technique for various subsequent image processing techniques. The invention uses spatially based Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) to determine amount of shift, rotation, and scaling to align image frames, and uses a digital filtering technique to improve the alignment.
US08009930B2 Auto-calibration method for a projector-camera system
A method for self-recalibration of a structured light vision system including a camera and a projector. A camera plane and a projector plane are defined, a Homography matrix between the camera plane and the projector plane is computed, and a translation vector and a rotation matrix are determined from Homography-based constraints. A computer vision system implementing the method is also described.
US08009929B2 Image-capturing apparatus, method, and program which correct distortion of a captured image based on an angle formed between a direction of an image-capturing apparatus and a gravitational direction
A digital camera includes a tri-axial acceleration sensor. The CPU determines a direction of the camera at a time of image capturing, on the basis of a gravitational direction which is detected by the tri-axial acceleration sensor, calculates a parameter for projection-correcting a captured image in a predetermined direction on the basis of the direction of the camera, and corrects a distortion of the captured image by using the parameter.
US08009925B2 Method and apparatus for processing video data
In one embodiment of the invention, the invention my concern a method including receiving digital images, each image including object pixels and non-object pixels; and filtering the non-object pixels from the object pixels. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08009924B2 Method and apparatus for recording image data
An apparatus for recording image data has an encoding processor that compresses original image data (for example, RAW data), having a plurality of pixels, in accordance with a lossless compression coding; and a recording processor that records the compressed image data or the original image data into a memory. If the size of the compressed image data is larger than that of the original image data, the recording processor records the original image data into the memory without carrying out a compression process.
US08009923B2 Method and system for motion estimation with multiple vector candidates
A method and system for performing motion estimation for a frame associated with a video signal. The method includes receiving at least a reference frame, a first frame, and a second frame, and providing a first plurality of vectors. The first plurality of vectors intersects the first frame within a first block and intersects the reference frame within a first plurality of blocks respectively. Additionally, the method includes determining a second plurality of vectors based on at least information associated with the first plurality of vectors. The second plurality of vectors intersects the second frame within a second block and intersecting the reference frame at a plurality of locations. Moreover, the method includes processing information associated with the plurality of locations, and determining a plurality of search areas corresponding to the plurality of locations in the second frame.
US08009922B2 Image compression/decompression device and method thereof
An image compression/decompression device and a method thereof are provided. In the method, a first array is generated according to an input image array, and further, a second array is generated by performing an edge detection algorithm according to the input image array. Besides, a plurality of elements of a third array is generated according to the first array. Furthermore, a group of elements of the third array is selected according to the second array. In addition, an average value of the group of elements is computed to obtain an element of an output image array. Each element of the input image array and the third array is M bits, and each element of the first array is N bits, wherein M and N are natural numbers, and M is larger than N. Thereby, the quality of a decompressed image is improved.
US08009919B2 Image managing apparatus and image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes: an image information storage that stores image information including locations where images are captured as information corresponding to captured image data; a cluster managing section that manages the image information with hierarchical clusters including a plurality of clusters configured in a plurality of layers; a display layer designation section that designates a layer to be displayed as a display layer among from an uppermost layer through a lowermost layer in the plurality of layers; a display condition designation section that designates a display condition of the image data; a conditional filtering section that selects such image data in the display layer that the image information thereof exists within a predetermined range based on the display condition; and a drawing section that draws in the display layer, as an image location display, the image captured locations of the image data selected based on the image information.
US08009917B2 Image processing device
An image processing device is structured such that an appropriate judgement of an image, at which blurring or disappearance or the like will occur, is possible. When pixels, which form a line image at which there is the possibility that blurring or disappearance will occur at the time of printing by using a printing plate, are extracted, a line image warning function gives notice by displaying a warning message on a monitor of a client terminal. Thereafter, image converting and print setting are carried out such that an extracted line image is clarified. In this way, when a proof is prepared, an image, at which there is the possibility that blurring or disappearance will occur on a printed matter obtained by using a printing plate, is clarified, and appropriate proofing is possible.
US08009914B2 Handwritten character recognition
A method for classifying a handwritten input character is disclosed. Character models are used. Each character model is associated with an output character and defines a model specific segmentation scheme for that output character and an associated segment model. The model specific segmentation scheme defines a minimum length corresponding to a number of points in a stroke of the output character and a minimum length threshold. Using each of the character models, the input character is decomposed into segments and the segments are evaluated against the segment model of the respective character model to produce a score indicative of the conformity of the segments with the segment model. The character model that produced the highest score is selected and the input character is classified as the output character associated with the character model that produces the highest score.
US08009913B2 System, method, apparatus and computer program product for capturing human-readable text displayed on a unit dose package
A system, method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for capturing human-readable text displayed on a unit dose package. In particular, identification information associated with a unit dose package may be used to determine a location and/or a format in which human-readable text, such as an expiration date or lot number associated with the corresponding unit dose medication, is displayed on the unit dose package. Once the location and/or format of the human-readable text has been determined, this information can be used in order to scan the unit dose medication and translate the human-readable text into machine-readable text using, for example, optical character recognition.
US08009911B2 Interactive image segmentation on directed graphs
Methods for segmentation of an object from a background in an image are disclosed. Segmentation is achieved by an adapted Random Walker segmentation method using directed edges in a graph. The segmentation applies the minimization of an approximation of an energy function. A minimizer of the approximated energy function can be found by using iterative steps. Weights are assigned to an edge between two nodes. The weights are dependent on the direction of an edge. A system for segmentation of an object from a background is also disclosed.
US08009909B2 Image processing apparatus and its method
Even through security information is embedded in a printed document, if the security level is changed after original data is printed, it is impossible to change the security level of a printed document. Hence, when vector data is generated from the printed document, vector data with a low security level is obtained, and that vector data can be edited and printed. Hence, a document image is read, the read image is segmented into image regions of different attributes, and pointer information embedded in each image region is extracted. An image of the image region from which no pointer information is extracted and whose vector conversion is instructed by the user is converted into vector data. A security level is set in the vector data, and the vector data set with the security level is registered in a server.
US08009906B2 Spectral gamut mapping based on a colorimetric gamut mapping
Mapping spectral colors in an Interim Connection Space (ICS) of a full spectral space based on a colorimetric gamut map in a color space is provided. A spectral color value in the ICS is accessed, and the spectral color value is transformed into a calorimetric color value in the color space. The calorimetric color value is mapped into mapped calorimetric color value in a first subspace of the ICS. Mapping the colorimetric color value includes gamut-mapping the calorimetric color value using the calorimetric gamut map, followed by identifying the color space with the first subspace. An intersection of a spectral gamut in the ICS and an affine subspace characterized by the mapped colorimetric color value is determined, and the spectral color value is projected onto the intersection. The first subspace is an orthogonal complement of a null space of a transformation from the ICS to the color space.
US08009900B2 System and method for detecting an object in a high dimensional space
A system and method for detecting an object in a high dimensional image space is disclosed. A three dimensional image of an object is received. A first classifier is trained in the marginal space of the object center location which generates a predetermined number of candidate object center locations. A second classifier is trained to identify potential object center locations and orientations from the predetermined number of candidate object center locations and maintaining a subset of the candidate object center locations. A third classifier is trained to identify potential locations, orientations and scale of the object center from the subset of the candidate object center locations. A single candidate object pose for the object is identified.
US08009899B2 Image filling methods
Image filling methods. A plurality of images corresponding to a target object or a scene are captured at various angles. An epipolar geometry relationship between a filling source image and a specific image within the images is calculated. The filling source image and the specific image are rectified according to the epipolar geometry relationship. At least one filling target area in the rectified specific image is patched according to the rectified filling source image.
US08009898B2 Apparatus and method for aligning images obtained by stereo camera apparatus
An apparatus and a method for aligning images obtained by a stereo camera apparatus are provided. The apparatus receives images from a first camera and a second camera and searches for a pixel block from an image obtained by one of the cameras (a non-reference camera) having the highest consistency ratio with a pixel block in a specific position of the image obtained by the other camera (a reference camera). Then, the apparatus changes a range of the region displayed on a screen among the image obtained by the non-reference camera according to the position of the searched pixel block to generate and output a stereoscopic image using an image having a screen display region focus of the respective cameras where the two cameras are aligned in the horizontal line.
US08009894B2 Method and apparatus for analysis of particles in a liquid sample
The invention relates to methods for analysis of particles in a liquid sample, the sample being retained in a sample retaining device, the method comprising: acquiring, by means of an image acquiring device, a plurality of images of said sample at different focus planes within the sample retaining device; analysing said images, by means of an image analyser, for identifying which, if any, of the particles of the sample are imaged in focus in each of the images, and analysing those particles which have been identified as being imaged in focus; wherein said plurality of images are acquired at different, essentially parallel, focus planes, which planes are separated from each other by a distance, said distance being less than 10 micrometers. The invention also relates to apparatuses adapted to be used for the inventive methods.
US08009893B2 Security document carrying machine readable pattern
The present invention relates generally to security documents (e.g., banknotes, ID documents, certificates, packaging, etc.). One claim recites a security document including a security pattern provided thereon. The security pattern includes a line structure in which lines width or line spacing is adjusted to convey a predefined, machine-readable pattern in a frequency transform domain. Another claim recites a security document including a security pattern provided thereon. The security pattern is provided in the security document through modifications to a color provided on the security document. The security pattern conveys a predefined, machine-readable pattern in a frequency transform domain. Of course, additional combinations and claims are provided as well.
US08009891B2 Systems and methods for image processing of 2D medical images
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for image processing including a database, an image processor, and a display. The database includes a plurality of image slices. Each image slice in the plurality of image slices is based at least in part on an object. The image processor is adapted to generate a display image. The display image includes a selected image slice rendered about perpendicular to a localizer image. The selected image slice is selected from the plurality of image slices. The display is adapted to display the display image.
US08009890B2 Image display apparatus and X-ray CT apparatus
The present invention aims to realize an improvement in image quality of a two-dimensional display extracted from a three-dimensional display image such as continuous tomographic images which tomographic images at a conventional scan or the like of an X-ray CT apparatus having a two-dimensional X-ray area detector of a matrix structure typified by a multi-row X-ray detector or a flat panel X-ray detector are arranged in a z direction corresponding to an imaging table travel direction. For the purpose, an image display apparatus of the present invention comprises image filter processing device for preforming a image filter processing on the three-dimensional image, wherein said image filter process varies depending on a cross sectional direction of said two-dimensional image to be displayed.
US08009889B2 Feature intensity reconstruction of biological probe array
The invention provides methods and systems for reconstructing feature intensities from pixel level data. In certain embodiments, the invention uses an empirically determined transfer function to construct a theoretical estimate of pixel level data and then iteratively updates feature intensities based on a minimum multiplicative error between the pixel level data and the theoretical estimate of the pixel level data.
US08009886B2 System and method for image registration
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for performing medical image registration. Pixel and voxel correspondences are formulated as energy minimization problems and are optimized with graph cuts. The method includes processing a first set of data and a second set of data using a graph cuts algorithm to determine a minimum value of an energy function. The energy function has a data term and a smoothness term. The method also includes performing registration for the first set of data and the second set of data based on the data term and the smoothness term of the energy function. The system includes a computer system for performing medical image registration. The computer system comprises a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory includes program code executable by the processor for executing a medical image registration algorithm.
US08009885B2 Image processing device and method for blood flow imaging
An image processing device is proposed and includes a reconstruction unit (51) for reconstruction of a 3D volume image of said object from said first series of X-ray projection images (D), a segmentation unit (52) for segmentation of the vessel tree from said 3D volume image, a forward projection unit (54) for forward projection of the segmented vessel tree onto said first and projection plane (R1, R2), respectively, and a mapping unit (55) for mapping of the image values of pixels of the vessel tree in said second and third, respectively, series of X-ray projection images onto corresponding voxels of said 3D volume image to obtain said time series of 3D volume images showing the blood flow in the vascular tree of the object.
US08009883B2 Method of and system for automatic object display of volumetric computed tomography images for fast on-screen threat resolution
A method of and a system for automatic object display of volumetric CT data for fast on-screen threat resolution are disclosed, wherein the CT data includes a CT image in a single energy CT scanner, or a CT image and a Z image in a multi-energy CT scanner, and a label image defining each object as a plurality of voxels of the volumetric CT data. The method comprises generating volumetric CT image data corresponding to a scanned bag; performing automatic threat detection to generate a label image; processing the volumetric CT data and the label image to obtain visualization parameters for each object; automatically generating display images for each object using corresponding visualization parameters; and displaying the generated display images for on-screen threat resolution.
US08009882B2 System and method for collecting DNA and fingerprints
A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.
US08009881B2 Digitization of a papillary structure
A method and apparatus is described for recording and digitizing intensity profiles (IP) of the papillary structure of the skin with high intensity resolution using sensors S with low intensity resolution. For this purpose, a plurality of digital image signals (DS, DS1, DS2) of an identical subarea e.g. of a fingerprint are recorded, whereby the continuous intensity domain (KI) of the fingerprint is scanned in different intensity resolutions, and/or different portions (A1, A2) of said continuous intensity domain (KI) are mapped to discrete intensity domains of the single digital image signals (DS, D1, DS2). By the pixelwise combination of all digital image signals (DS, DS1, DS2), a digital fingerprint image signal (PS) is finally produced whose discrete intensity domain (DI) represents a larger portion of the continuous intensity domain (KI) of the fingerprint and/or has a higher resolution intensity than each single one of the digital image signals (DS, DS1, DS2).
US08009879B2 Object recognition device, object recognition method, object recognition program, feature registration device, feature registration method, and feature registration program
Disclosed herein is an object recognition device for recognition of an object that exists in an image, the device including: an edge image creator configured to create an edge image from a target image; a local feature extractor configured to extract a feature of each edge point on an edge image, and determine a base point and a support point from edge points in a local area defined for the edge image; a feature matching unit configured to implement, with reference to a memory, feature matching of a base point and a support point to thereby acquire a matching pair; and a matching pair determiner configured to determine final matching pairs by employing matching pairs having a highest matching cost among matching pairs obtained by the feature matching unit, wherein an object in a target image is identified based on matching pairs determined by the matching pair determiner.
US08009878B2 Warning apparatus and method for avoiding eye stress
An exemplary warning method for avoiding eye stress of a computer user includes: capturing a number of consecutive images of the face of a computer user; processing the images to obtain a number of values each indicative of a degree of openness of the eyes of the computer user; counting an amount of values exceeding a predetermined threshold to obtain accumulated viewing time of the computer user; and triggering a warning means if the accumulated viewing time of the computer satisfies a predetermined condition.
US08009875B2 Personal identification device and method
The invention aims at providing personal identification in environments where non-contact is required, with high accuracy even though using a finger vein pattern images unclear and susceptible to positional deviations, wherein it has: a means for acquiring finger vein patterns without contact; a means for carrying out rotational correction using the outline of a finger as a method of taking out a vein pattern contained in the acquired image; a means for normalizing the position of the finger image with reference to the fingertip; a means for acquiring an overall vein pattern statistically by repetitively tracking regions of dark luminance intensities for a desired length from a desired position in the image; a matching means for comparing regions where vein patterns manifest vivid features; and a means for independent matching of subregions and evaluating positional deviations where matching is recognized.
US08009874B2 User validation of body worn device
A headset includes a detector providing an output indicating a donned or doffed condition, a memory storing a fingerprint data of an authorized headset user, and a fingerprint scanner for generating a fingerprint scan upon detecting a donned condition. The headset includes a finger pad on an exterior of the headset on which a fingerprint of a headset wearer is placed during a validation process and a processor for processing the fingerprint scan to validate the identity of a headset user.
US08009873B2 Method and apparatus for providing identification
A method of providing identification of an entity includes maintaining a database of identification data specific to the appearance and condition of entities, providing a unique description for each entity enabling access to the entity's identification data in the database, providing identification means adapted for portage with the entity and containing the unique description and maintaining secondary databases containing the entity's identification data as acquired from prior encounters so that multiple comparisons can be made to assure that the individual bearing the identification means is the same individual to whom the identification means were issued.
US08009869B2 Vehicle surrounding monitoring system and vehicle surrounding monitoring method
A vehicle surrounding monitoring system includes an image-capturing portion, a storage portion, a display-image generation portion, and a display portion. The image-capturing portion captures the image of at least a portion of the area surrounding the vehicle. The storage portion stores the image captured by the image-capturing portion. The display-image generation portion generates a synthesized image for display using a latest image that is captured by the image-capturing portion, and a previous image that is captured before the latest image is captured. The synthesized image is displayed on the display portion. The display-image generation portion decreases the level of visibility of an image region relating to the previous image, according to an elapsed time after the previous image is captured.
US08009866B2 Exercise support device, exercise support method and recording medium
An imaging unit captures images of the retroreflective sheets worn on both legs. A multimedia processor detects step and jump of a player on the basis of the pictures obtained by the image capturing to reflect to a video image and thereby the interactive system is constituted. It is possible to support a user so as to continuously perform a stepping exercise while reducing an economical burden of the user and realizing the space saving.
US08009865B2 Apparatus, method, and medium for tracking gesture
Provided is an apparatus, method, and medium for tracking a gesture, wherein, after a user is positioned approximately, a specific part of the user's body is tracked continuously. The gesture-tracking apparatus includes a positioning unit positioning a user appearing in an inputted image and a target-tracking unit tracking a first body part of the user.
US08009859B2 Method and systems for selecting test stimuli for use in evaluating performance of video watermarking methods
Provided is a method of selecting test stimuli for use in evaluating performance of a video watermarking algorithm, including the steps of: calculating an image complexity rate (ICR) for each of a plurality of test stimulus candidates and classifying them into L (where L is an integer more than or equal to 2) levels based on the calculated ICR values; calculating an energy distribution rate (EDR) for each of the plurality of test stimulus candidates, and classifying them into M (where M is an integer more than or equal to 2) levels based on the calculated EDR values; calculating a motion rate (MR) for each of the plurality of test stimulus candidates and classifying them into N (where N is an integer more than or equal to 2) levels of the calculated MR values; and selecting at least one test stimulus from each of the L levels, M levels, the N levels of the test stimuli, respectively.
US08009854B2 System for the projection of cinematographic works and digital works with sound
A system for the projection of cinematographic works or digital works with sound having at least one sound channel. The system comprises a screen and, for the sound channel, at least one woofer and at least one medium/treble transducer. The screen is a non-perforated screen. The medium/treble speaker is a flat sound transducer placed against the screen to the rear thereof in relation to the direction of projection. An extreme treble speaker is disposed on the periphery of the screen.
US08009853B2 Headphone device
A headphone device includes: an approximately U-shaped band portion, the band portion being configured such that one and the other ends thereof are held on temples near upper ends of the left and right pinnas of a wearer and an intermediate portion thereof is positioned at the occiput of the wearer; left and right side connecting members connected to the band portion; left and right side housings connected to the band portion via the connecting members in a manner hanging from the band portion; and left and right side headphone drivers disposed in the left and right side housings, respectively.
US08009846B2 Ultrasonic speaker and projector
An ultrasonic speaker including: a vibration film having a conductive layer; a pair of fixed electrodes provided oppositely to respective surfaces of the vibration film; and an ultrasonic transducer that causes the vibration film to generate sound waves by applying a DC bias voltage to the conductive layer of the vibration film while applying an alternating signal between the pair of fixed electrodes, and outputs the sound waves generated by the vibration film from two sound wave output surfaces via through-holes provided in each of the pair of fixed electrodes. The two sound wave output surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer are disposed in a direction intersecting with a sound wave emitting direction at right angles.
US08009844B2 Two way device free communications system
A two way communication system that does not require the use of a device by one of the communicators. The system employs an audio spotlight to project a signal to a specific location, where one person is, and a laser audio receiver to receive the response. Both the audio spotlight and the laser audio receiver are directed by a user seeking to communicate with the person at long range.
US08009843B2 Microphone circuit
A microphone circuit includes an amplifier for amplifying an electric signal output from an electroacoustic transducing module, an external power supply circuit capable of supplying power for driving at least the amplifier from the outside, a light source that is turned on when an external power is supplied through the external power supply circuit, and a photo relay having contacts that are turned on and off in response to blinking of the light source. The contacts of the photo relay are connected so as to output an output signal of the amplifier as a microphone output when the light source is turned on and output an output signal of the electroacoustic transducing module as the microphone output when the light source is turned off.
US08009841B2 Handsfree communication system
A handsfree communication system includes microphones, a beamformer, and filters. The microphones are spaced apart and are capable of receiving acoustic signals. The beamformer compensates for propagation delays between the direct and reflected acoustic signals. The filters are configured to a predetermined susceptibility level. The filter process the output of the beamformer to enhance the quality of the received signals.
US08009835B2 Frequency modulation-type transmitting apparatus
A front-end processing circuit applies predetermined processing to an input signal and outputs a processed signal. A frequency modulation circuit applies frequency modulation to the output signal of the front-end processing circuit and outputs a processed signal. The front-end processing circuit includes a variable amplifier and a level detector. The variable amplifier receives a feedback signal and amplifies a signal by an amplification factor corresponding to the feedback signal. The level detector outputs the feedback signal to the variable amplifier in accordance with a level of a signal obtainable in a circuit succeeding the variable amplifier. The front-end processing circuit maintains the signal supplied to the frequency modulation circuit at a constant level.
US08009833B2 Data communication apparatus, control method therefor, and program for implementing the method
A data communication apparatus which is capable of easily selecting a desired encryption scheme that is appropriate to the size of data that is to be transmitted. A key to be used for encryption is acquired. An encryption means corresponding to the acquired key is searched. The period of time required for encryption of data to be transmitted by the searched out encryption scheme is calculated. Encryption means candidates for encrypting data to be transmitted are determined based on the calculated period of time required for encryption. A user is notified of the determined encryption means candidates in a selectable manner together with the period of time required for encryption.
US08009828B2 Integrated shuffle validity proving device, proof integrating device, integrated shuffle validity verifying device, and mix net system
An integrated shuffle validity proving device (300) is provided correspondingly to an ordinal number K which is an integer representing an order. The device (300) has a permutation proof commitment unit (310) which, on receiving a commitment public key and a permutation storage commitment containing a permutation proof text made by first to (κ−1)-th integrated shuffle validity proving devices from outside, encrypts a permutation proof commitment created by adding a permutation proof text made by the κ-th integrated shuffle validity proving device to the received permutation storage commitment with the commitment public key and sends the encrypted permutation proof commitment to the outside.
US08009823B2 System and method for low-power echo and NEXT cancellers
A method to design low complexity and low power echo and NEXT cancellers based on wordlength reduction technique is presented. A circuit architecture to implement echo and cancellers is also presented. The low complexity and low power design relies on the fact that a TH precoder can be viewed as an IIR filter with an input equal to the sum of the original input to the TH precoder and a compensation signal. The proposed design also relies on the fact that sum of the original input to the TH precoder and the compensation signal has finite levels, which can be represented in less bits than the original input of the echo and NEXT cancellers. An improved design by exploiting the statistics of the compensation signal is also proposed to further bring down the complexity and power consumption of these cancellers.
US08009820B2 Intelligent service management system
A system manages the operations of an integrated communications provider. One aspect of the system is a work flow engine. The work flow engine decomposes the service model into sub-model components based upon whether crossing of plural networks is appropriate to provide requested telecommunication services and which service providers are available to provide service consistent with the location of the customer. The work flow engine also creates a telecommunications design from the sub-model components based on order rules of the service providers. The system automatically retrieves customer service records and preparing sales proposals based on those records. The system includes a gateway to incumbent local exchange carriers and trading partner service providers. The system incorporates features that automate comparisons between existing services and proposed services, optimizing on-net and off-net services, creation of cutover reports, issuance of service requests to local exchange carriers and trading partners, and alarming of failures of confirmations.
US08009818B2 Method for processing incoming call
A method for processing an incoming call using a communication device includes following steps. A phone number of the incoming call is detected. The phone number of the incoming call is logged. A ring duration of the incoming call is computed. The ring duration of the incoming call is compared with a predetermined time interval. If the ring duration of the incoming call is shorter than the predetermined time interval, related features are invoked thereby the incoming call is not returned.
US08009816B2 Arranging subscriber billing in telecommunication system
The invention relates to a method and a system implementing the method for arranging subscriber billing in a multi-provider environment wherein a subscriber desiring a service uses both a first network (A) and a second network (T). In order to bill the subscriber, either a tariff of the second network (T) is transmitted to the first network (A), a tariff of the first network is combined with the tariff of the second network and the subscriber is billed according to the combined tariff, or a billing identifier is generated in the first network (A) to be transmitted to the second network (T), the billing identifier is attached to billing information in both networks and the pieces of the billing information that comprise the same billing identifier are combined in order to bill the subscriber. The invention thus enables a subscriber in a multi-provider environment to be billed using a single bill.
US08009814B2 Method and apparatus for a voice portal server
Method, system, and computer program product for building a voice prompt menu for a collection of portlets by acquiring a list of portlets, building a voice menu comprising voice menu items to activate each of the portlets, acquiring a portlet profile containing customization information, and adapting the voice menu using the customization information in the portlet profile. The web portlet may define custom characteristics for consideration by the voice aggregator, for instance, in the positions for its menu items in the hierarchy of the voice portal menu.
US08009813B2 Telephone user interface programmable shortcut
A method for providing a telephone user interface programmable shortcut for a telephone-accessed system includes steps as follows. The telephone user interface programmable shortcut is mapped to a telephone key stroke sequence. The telephone-accessed system is dialed into via a telephone. The telephone key stroke sequence is pressed by the telephone-accessed system when the telephone user interface programmable shortcut is activated via the telephone.
US08009812B2 System and method of audible caller identification via a multimedia device
A method and system is disclosed that includes receiving an incoming call including caller identification information at an input responsive to a network. An audio alert and display information associated with the incoming call are sent to a multimedia device.
US08009811B2 Testing and quality assurance of interactive voice response (IVR) applications
A system receives a condition for an interactive voice response (IVR) application, automatically tests the IVR application based on the received condition, and generates a test result based on the automatic testing of the IVR application.
US08009804B2 Dose calculation method for multiple fields
Systems and methods for developing a treatment plan for irradiating a treatment volume within a patient are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, control points used to calculate a dose of radiation delivered to the treatment volume may be combined to result in a smaller number of control points. The smaller number of control points may allow more efficient calculation of dose distributions resulting in a treatment plan that can be delivered to the patient earlier or may allow additional iterations of treatment plan optimization resulting in a more accurate dose distribution being delivered to the patient.
US08009803B2 Treatment plan optimization method for radiosurgery
Systems and methods for providing radiosurgery treatment to a patient by combining methods from both traditional radiosurgery and radiotherapy are disclosed. A dose sufficient to kill tissue is applied to a target area while a steep drop off, or gradient, is provided at the border between the target area and adjacent areas so that other portions of the brain or nearby structures or organs are not damaged. The treatment plan is optimized by using both measures known in the art along with a new gradient index or curve that indicates the amount of the drop off at the border between the target area and the surrounding tissues.
US08009799B2 Tray for use in assessing the threat status of an article at a security check point
A tray for holding an article while the article is being subjected to penetrating radiation is provided. The tray has a surface on which the article can be placed while subjected to penetrating radiation. The surface has at least two areas, namely a first area and a second area, the first and second areas characterized by first and second signatures, respectively when exposed to penetrating radiation, wherein the first signature is different from the second signature. The second area corresponds to a reference material having a reference signature. The tray is placed on the conveyor belt of a scanning apparatus while the article rests on the surface of the tray so that the conveyor belt may advance the tray through the screening area of the apparatus. A method and system for performing security screening and using the tray are also provided.
US08009797B2 X-ray imaging apparatus, X-ray imaging method, and X-ray imaging program
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a phase grating, an absorption grating, a detector, and an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit executes a Fourier transform step of performing Fourier transform for an intensity distribution of a Moiré acquired by the detector, and acquiring a spatial frequency spectrum. Also, the arithmetic unit executes a phase retrieval step of separating a spectrum corresponding to a carrier frequency from a spatial frequency spectrum acquired in the Fourier transform step, performing inverse Fourier transform for the separated spectrum, and acquiring a differential phase image.
US08009796B2 X-ray CT system to generate tomographic phase contrast or dark field exposures
An x-ray CT system that generates tomographic phase contrast or dark field exposures, has at least one grating interferometer with three grating structures arranged in series in the radiation direction, with a modular design of the second and third grating structures. The distance between the first grating structure of the x-ray source and the second grating structure (fashioned as a phase grating) of the respective grating/detector modules is adapted, depending on the fan angle, corresponding to a period of the grating structure of the x-ray source projected onto the grating detector module at a respective fan angle (φi).
US08009794B2 Methods, apparatus, and computer-program products for increasing accuracy in cone-beam computed tomography
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-product programs for increasing accuracy in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) by obscuring portions of the radiation source so that the radiation only passes through the specific areas of the patient related to the regions-of-interest to the doctor. The obscuring action causes less radiation scattering to occur in the patient's body, thereby reducing a major source of error in the image accuracy caused by scattered radiation. Scattered radiation received by detector pixels that are obscured by direct-line of sight radiation may be used to estimate the scattered radiation in the un-obscured portion, which can be used to further increase the accuracy of the image.
US08009793B2 Method for imaging plaque using dual energy CT
Two x-ray CT images are acquired of arterial plaque using x-rays at two different energy levels. The reconstructed images are normalized by adjusting pixel brightness until pixels depicting a region containing calcium have substantially the same brightness. The normalized images are subtracted to produce an image that depicts iron in the arterial plaque.
US08009790B2 Debris Trap
A debris trap catches debris falling through a fuel bundle orifice in a nuclear reactor. The debris trap includes a shaft and a debris capture tray attached to an end of the shaft. The debris capture tray includes a tray cavity sized larger than the fuel bundle orifice.
US08009785B2 Method and system for implementing a PLL using high-voltage switches and regulators
A method and apparatus in an integrated circuit radio transceiver are operable to apply a modified control signal to drive logic that includes a plurality of first devices having a first threshold voltage and a first gate oxide thickness that are both greater than a second threshold voltage and a second gate oxide thickness for a greater second plurality of devices within the integrated circuit radio transceiver. The transceiver therefore generates a first control signal having a first magnitude operable to drive logic that includes a plurality of devices having a second threshold voltage and applies the first control signal to a level shifter to produce the modified control signal.
US08009784B2 Clock embedded differential data receiving system for ternary lines differential signaling
A clock embedded differential data receiving system for ternary lines differential signaling. The clock embedded differential data receiving system includes a monitoring portion which monitors voltage levels of first, second and third transfer signals to generate a clock signal, a first pre-data and a second pre-data, a data generating portion which detects the first pre-data and the second pre-data in response to a sampling control signal, and generates an output data group with decoding of the first pre-data and the second pre-data, and a timing controller to delay the transition time point of the clock signal with a delay phase which generates the sampling control signal.
US08009782B2 Downscaling system bandwidth
A larger second bandwidth is fitted to a first transmission bandwidth by blanking PRBs at one or both edges of the larger second bandwidth. A first set of control channels is mapped to unblanked PRBs of the second bandwidth using a restricted set of physical cell identities that map only to the unblanked PRBs. A second control channel is punctured so that after it is interleaved and cyclically shifted the punctured CCEs fall on the blanked PRBs, and this second control channel is power compensated for the punctured CCEs. The first set and the second control channels are assigned in view of the puncturing and blanked PRBs, an IFFT for the larger second bandwidth is performed on a signal using zeros at the blanked PRBs, the signal is filtered to the first bandwidth and transmitted over a bandwidth not to exceed the first bandwidth.
US08009780B2 Apparatus and method for generating effective signal to noise ratio (SNR) per stream in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system
A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system includes a first calculator for calculating pairwise error rates (PERs) for each modulation scheme combination which comprise elements smaller than or equal to receive antennas in number; a second calculator for calculating symbol error rates (SERs) for the each modulation scheme combination using the PERs; a converter for converting the SERs to effective signal to noise ratios (SNRs); and a determiner for determining one among sets of effective SNR per stream acquired from the modulation scheme combinations, as a final effective SNR per stream.
US08009778B2 Quantized channel state information prediction in multiple antenna systems
A CSI vector quantizer (VQ) system is provided for time-correlated channels. The VQ system operates a receiver forwarding quantized channel state information in the form of indices and a transmitter predicting channel state change. The VQ system is aimed at feedback channels, in which bit errors, erasures and delays can occur. The VQ system uses transmitter-side channel prediction algorithms that work with the quantized CSI information and allow the system to recover from feedback channel transmission errors, erasures and delays. Moreover, the techniques can be used to lower the required feedback rate, while keeping the system's throughput at the required level.
US08009777B2 Processing data in a digital communications system
A method of processing a signal in a wireless digital communications system, wherein a source of disturbance affects differently at least first and second portions of a received signal carrying user data and/or control data, the method comprising: identifying the second portion of the received signal, most affected by the source of disturbance; generating a first estimate of the disturbance (PI) for received samples in the first, less affected portion of the received signal; generating a second estimate of the disturbance (PI(SCH)) for received samples in the second portion of the received signal; and using the first and second disturbance estimates to generate reliability information for the data bits corresponding to the received signal samples, for use in a decoding process to estimate the transmitted data bits.
US08009775B2 Automatic frequency control for a wireless communication system with multiple subcarriers
Techniques for performing frequency control in an OFDM system are described. In one aspect, frequency acquisition is performed based on a received pilot, and frequency tracking is performed based on received OFDM symbols. For frequency acquisition, an initial frequency error estimate may be derived based on the received pilot, and an automatic frequency control (AFC) loop may be initialized with the initial frequency error estimate. For frequency tracking, a frequency error estimate may be derived for each received OFDM symbol, and the AFC loop may be updated with the frequency error estimate. Frequency error in input samples is corrected by the AFC loop with the initial frequency error estimate as well as the frequency error estimate for each received OFDM symbol. In another aspect, a variable number of samples of a received OFDM symbol are selected, e.g., based on the received OFDM symbol timing, for use for frequency error estimation.
US08009774B2 Devices for carrier recovery and related methods
Devices for carrier recovery and related methods are provided. A receiving signal is provided to perform an interpolation filtering process and a frequency multiplication sampling process. The receiving signal is then processed with a dealing signal. The dealing signal is generated by shifting a PN code with a frequency offset.
US08009773B1 Low complexity implementation of a Viterbi decoder with near optimal performance
A method and system for low-complexity implementation of a Viterbi Decoder with near optimal performance has been disclosed. The Viterbi decoding technique is diagrammatically represented as a trellis. The trellis includes various states at different time instants, and branches connecting these states. Each state has an associated state metric and a survivor path sequence, whereas each branch has a branch metric. The state metric for each current state is checked for crossing a predefined limit. If it crosses the predefined limit, the state metric is updated with a new metric that is obtained by subtracting a constant value from the state metric. Thereafter, the method finds a common path in the trellis at each state and updates the survivor path sequence of each state. The Most Significant Bits (MSBs) of the survivor path sequences of the states at a particular time instant are computed and the original data is decoded, based on the count of ‘0s’ and ‘1s’ in the MSBs.
US08009766B2 DTV receiving system and method of processing DTV signal
A digital television (DTV) receiving system includes a known data detector, and a channel impulse response (CIR) estimator, a CIR calculator, a coefficient calculator, and a multiplier. The known data detector detects positions of known data and field sync data included in a data group. The CIR estimator estimates CIRs of the data included in the data group using the detected positions of the field sync data and the known data. The CIR calculator performs interpolation or extrapolation based on a characteristic of each data region included in the data group. The coefficient calculator calculates equalization coefficients using the estimated CIRs, and the multiplier multiplies the data in the data group with the coefficients.
US08009765B2 Digital polar transmitter
A digital polar transmitter includes a baseband processor configured to receive an input signal and to convert the input signal into a baseband amplitude component and a baseband phase component. The transmitter also includes a phase modulator in communication with the baseband processor. The phase modulator is configured to modulate an RF carrier signal based on the phase component and to generate a phase-modulated RF carrier signal. A power amplifier is provided in communication with the baseband processor and the phase modulator. The power amplifier is configured to amplify the phase-modulated RF carrier signal based on the baseband amplitude component and to generate an amplified RF signal. The transmitter also includes a digital feedback loop in communication with the power amplifier and the baseband processor. The digital feedback loop is configured to detect the amplified RF signal and to provide a digital amplitude feedback signal and a detected phase feedback signal to the baseband processor.
US08009757B2 Method and apparatus for encoding a modulated signal in a communication system
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for encoding a modulated signal in a communication system. The method comprises generating an initial constellation, applying a vertical axis symmetry to the initial constellation to generate a first resulting constellation, translating the first resulting constellation to a left direction of the initial constellation to produce a left flipped constellation, applying a horizontal axis symmetry to the initial constellation to generate a second resulting constellation, translating the second resulting constellation to an up direction of the initial constellation to produce an up flipped constellation, applying a central axis symmetry to the initial constellation to generate a third resulting constellation; and translating the third resulting constellation to a left-up direction of the initial constellation to produce a left-up flipped constellation.
US08009750B2 Receiver window shaping in OFDM to mitigate narrowband interference
A receiver window for symbol extraction is provided. A symbol is spread across a plurality of sub-carriers of a frequency band for transmission. If the frequency band is affected by narrowband interference, the receiver window concentrates the narrowband interference energy to minimize its effect on distant sub-carriers within the frequency band. The receiver window is shaped for extracting the symbol from the frequency band, wherein the receiver window has a starting point before the start of the symbol. The receiver window overlaps a previous receiver window for the previous adjacent symbol on the same frequency band. The receiver window is shaped by overlapping and adding a channel impulse response segment from a zero-padded portion of the symbol to the beginning of the symbol and overlapping and adding a second portion from the previous zero-padded symbol (from the same frequency band) to the end of the symbol.
US08009748B2 Downlink channel transmission device and method thereof
A transmission device able to improve signal quality in a downlink channel is disclosed. The transmission device is for transmitting a control channel, a pilot channel, and a data channel, and includes a unit for transmitting the data channel by using a multi-beam or a variable directional beam, and a unit for transmitting a known signal as the pilot channel by using the multi-beam or the variable directional beam. The multi-beam includes plural fixed directional beams having respective fixed directions different from each other, and the variable directional beam is of a direction changing along with a position of a mobile terminal.
US08009746B2 Uplink signal receiving method and apparatus using successive interference cancellation in wireless transmission system based on OFDMA
An uplink signal receiving method and apparatus using successive interference cancellation (SIC) in a wireless transmission system based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) are provided. The uplink signal receiving method includes storing in a provisional storage each uplink intermediate frequency (IF) signal received through an antenna of a base station and subjected to analog-to-digital conversion; analyzing the uplink IF signals stored in the provisional storage and determining a terminal to be restored; converting a data symbol of the determined terminal to be restored from a time domain into a frequency domain; performing channel/phase correction on the converted data symbol; demodulating the corrected data symbol; determining if there is a terminal to be restored; and when there is a terminal to be restored, removing the demodulated data symbol of the terminal to be restored from the temporarily stored uplink IF signals and then updating the uplink IF signals; thereby, to reducing interference between sub-carriers of the terminals caused by deviation of a center frequency of the sub-carriers of terminals constituting the uplink signal in the OFDMA-based wireless transmission system.
US08009745B2 Time tracking for a receiver with guard interval correlation
Techniques for performing time tracking at a receiver are described. A first arriving path (FAP) and a last arriving path (LAP) are detected based on a channel impulse response estimate for a communication channel. The detected FAP and LAP may be correct or swapped. To resolve ambiguity in the detected FAP and LAP, a first hypothesis corresponding to the FAP and LAP being correctly detected and a second hypothesis corresponding to the FAP and LAP being incorrectly detected are evaluated. For each hypothesis, hypothesized FAP and LAP are determined based on the detected FAP and LAP, a correlation window is determined based on the hypothesized FAP and LAP, and correlation is performed using the correlation window. The correct hypothesis is determined based on correlation results for the two hypotheses. The receiver timing is updated based on the hypothesized FAP and LAP for the correct hypothesis and used for demodulation.
US08009744B2 Twisted pair communication system, apparatus and method thereof
A communication system comprises a twisted pair communication link operably coupled to at least two driver stages for providing at least two independent input signals on the twisted pair communication link. The at least two independent input signals on the twisted pair communication link are summed and input to a comparator arranged to compare the summed signal to a reference value. The output of the comparator is input to the at least two driver stages. The outputs from the at least two driver stages are summed and fed back and summed with one or more of the independent input signals.In this manner, adverse effects due to non-ideal symmetry between components in a twisted pair communication link, such as a Controller Area Network system, are reduced.
US08009741B2 Command packet system and method supporting improved trick mode performance in video decoding systems
A system, method, and apparatus for reducing the video decoder processing requirements are presented herein. During a rewind operation, a reference picture for a group of pictures is decoded and stored into a reference frame buffer. By storing a reference picture for the group, the reference picture need not be decoded to display each picture in the group during the rewind operation.
US08009733B2 Moving picture coding method and a moving picture decoding method
A moving picture coding apparatus includes a motion estimation unit (101) for performing motion estimation by fixing the one of two reference pictures as a reference picture indicated by an inputted default reference picture number DefRefNo and a variable length coding unit (107) for performing variable length coding on coded residual data ERes, a prediction type PredType, a reference picture number RefNo2 and motion vectors MV1, MV2 on a block-by-block basis, and outputting them as coded moving picture data Str.
US08009728B2 Parallel equalizer for DS-CDMA UWB system and method thereof
A parallel equalizer for a DS-CDMA UWB system and method thereof are provided. The parallel equalizer includes: a filter block for filtering a training input signal in a ‘training mode’, and filtering the plurality of input signals in parallel in a ‘symbol decision mode’; a symbol decision block for obtaining a symbol error based on a output from the filter block and a training symbol in the ‘training mode’, and estimating a transmission symbol for each of the input signals in the ‘symbol decision mode’, obtaining an error of one among the estimated transmission symbols for a symbol error calculating input signal; and an weight update block for updating a filter tap coefficients of the filter block based on the training input signal or the symbol error calculating input signal and the symbol error and transmitting the updated filter tap coefficients into the filter block.
US08009725B2 Translational switching system and signal distribution system employing same
A translational switch system includes first and second translational switches, and a signal bus coupled therebetween. The first translational switch includes one or more inputs configured to receive a respective one or more first input signals, a first plurality of outputs, and a second plurality of outputs. The second translational switch includes one or more inputs configured to receive a respective one or more second input signals, a first output, and a second output. The signal bus, coupled between the first and second translational switches, includes (i) a first bus line coupled to a first one of the first plurality of outputs of the first translational switch, and to the first output of the second translational switch, and (ii) a second bus line coupled to a first one of the second plurality of outputs of the first translational switch, and to the second output of the second translational switch.
US08009718B2 Wireless transmitter and receiver for use in an ultra-wideband direct spread pulse communication system
A wireless transmitter and receiver increase a desired/unwanted (D/U) ratio of a correlation output without increasing the number of data in an ultra-wideband direct spread pulse communication system for transmitting and receiving two series of data through different spreading code streams. In the spreading codes used in matched filters of the wireless transmitter, (2*N−2)-th and (2*N)-th values of a cross-correlation signal between first and second spreading codes are greater than 0, (2*N−3)-th and (2*N+1)-th values of an auto-correlation signal of the first spreading code are less than 0, and (2*N−3)-th and (2*N+1)-th values of an auto-correlation signal of the second spreading code are less than 0. The peak value of the cross-correlation signal does not need to be small, and since a value other than the peak value does not become large, the D/U ratio can increase.
US08009717B2 Process and equipment for the treatment of loads or residues of non-ferrous metals and their alloys
Equipment for the treatment of loads or residues of non-ferrous metals and their alloys include a rotary furnace having a vessel with a sealed door. An electrode is introduced into the rotary furnace and is used to establish a free burning convective electric arc with the load introduced into the furnace or with the furnaces bottom wall. The equipment is assembled over a hinged base which allows elevating or lowering its rotation axis with respect to a horizontal plane.
US08009715B2 Mode selection technique for a laser
A mode selection technique in a laser is described wherein a recess is formed in a surface of a waveguide in the laser. The recess provides a region of free space propagation within the waveguide which preferentially selects the lowest order mode. A mode selective RF excited CO2 slab laser, having a stable resonator in the waveguide dimension and a negative branch unstable resonator in the non-waveguide dimension, is constructed and the position and size of the recess is considered to provide low order mode selection.
US08009713B2 Semiconductor laser
A semiconductor laser includes an active layer, a first GaAs layer formed on the active layer, the first GaAs layer including a plurality of recessed portions periodically arranged, each of the recessed portions including a bottom surface of a (100) crystal surface and a slope including a (111) A crystal surface at least in parts, the recessed portion being disposed in contact with each other or with a minimal gap between each of adjacent ones of the recessed portions, the width of the bottom surface being greater than the minimal gaps, an InGaP layer formed on the recessed portion, and a second GaAs layer formed on the InGaAs layer over the recessed portion.
US08009706B2 Fiber laser light source
A fiber laser light source is provided with a laser resonator including a pair of fiber gratings optically connected to a fiber in a state that the fiber is interposed between the paired fiber gratings. The reflection center wavelength of a laser-exit side fiber grating, out of the paired fiber gratings, lies in a wavelength range where the reflectance of a fiber grating, out of the paired fiber gratings, closer to the pump laser light source is not smaller than 80% but not larger than 98%.
US08009705B2 Fiber MOPA system without stimulated brillouin scattering
Methods and systems for increasing the threshold for stimulated Brillouin scattering are described. A seed source may generate one or more chirped seed pulses characterized by a pulse duration τ, and a frequency chirp. The pulse duration τ may be greater than about 2 nanoseconds. A photonic crystal amplifier amplifies the seed pulses to produce one or more amplified pulses characterized by a peak power P greater than about 1 kilowatt. The pulse duration τ, frequency chirp, and the photonic crystal fiber may be selected such that a threshold for stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in the photonic crystal fiber is greater than the peak power P.
US08009702B2 Method and arrangement for local sychronization in master-slave distributed communication systems
A communication system which consists of several modules—operating in parallel on segments of a packet—to increase speed and handling capacity. One module acts as master, the others are slave modules controlled by control signals derived by the master module. It is important that in each module the data segment and the respective control signal of each packet are correctly synchronized, because in large systems the data paths carrying packet segments and the control signal paths may have substantially different delays. The invention provides for measurement of the propagation delay differences and for introducing a controlled delay in each slave module, so that data segments and control signals can be correctly correlated by delaying either the one or the other. Synchronization packets are transmitted besides normal data packets, for obtaining time stamps which are used to determine the delay difference.
US08009701B2 Secondary synchronization codebook for E-utran
Providing for secondary synchronization encoding utilizing a primary synchronization channel (P-SCH)-related scrambling code is described herein. Scrambled secondary synchronization codes (SSCs) can be assigned to multiple base stations of a radio access network (RAN). By way of example, PSC-based scrambling codes can be created from a plurality of M-sequences generated from a common polynomial expression. Further, an SSC codebook is provided that selects sequence pairs of a sequence matrix for generating SSCs. Selection can be based on transmission characteristics of resulting SSCs, providing reduced interference in planned, semi-planned and/or unplanned mobile deployments.
US08009699B2 Efficient encoding of out of order data packets in a network
An apparatus and system for encoding out of order data packets in a network are described. At a source unit, an out-of-order parameter is selected as the maximum out of order range value of data packets to be encoded with a minimum header size. A shifting parameter is then calculated using the selected out-of-order parameter. For a new data packet received, having a predetermined header field value, an interpretation interval is further calculated as a function of the shifting parameter and a reference value of a header field within a previously transmitted data packet. An encoding and compression algorithm is then applied to the predetermined header field value using the calculated interpretation interval, and the compressed value is further transmitted to a destination unit.
US08009693B2 Method and apparatus for transparent communication between a fibre channel network and an Infiniband network
A system and method for providing transparent communications between an Infiniband (IB) network and a Fibre Channel (FC) network are disclosed. One method comprises: (a) detecting FC node ports in the FC network; (b) creating virtual IB targets for each FC node port in the FC network; and (c) converting IB packets directed to the virtual IB targets into FC frames directed to the corresponding FC node port. It may further comprise intercepting management packets directed to the virtual IB targets and responsively emulating a subnet management agent (SMA) of the addressed virtual IB target. Another method comprises: (a) detecting IB channel adapters; (b) creating a virtual FC target for each IB channel adapter; and (c) converting any FC frames directed to the virtual FC targets into IB packets directed to the corresponding IB channel adapter. Fabric frames directed to the virtual FC targets may be intercepted and handled appropriately.
US08009689B1 Apparatus and method for dynamically limiting output queue size in a quality of service network switch
A method for sending a frame of data from a first channel to a second channel comprises reserving q of n available buffers of m total buffers to the first channel. A frame that is received from the first channel in i of the q buffers is stored and the status is changed to unavailable. The frame is selectively assigned to the second channel based on a number of the buffers j assigned to the second channel and a number of the buffers h neither reserved nor assigned to any channel, wherein i+j≦m and h+q≦n. The i buffers storing the frame are assigned to the second channel if the frame is assigned to the second channel. The status of the i buffers is changed to available if the frame is subsequently sent over the second channel.
US08009688B2 Decoding packets with deadlines in communications channels processing unit
A method of processing first and second record packets of real-time information includes computing for each packet a deadline interval and ordering processing of the packets according to the respective deadline intervals. A single-chip integrated circuit has a processor circuit and embedded electronic instructions forming an egress packet control establishing an egress scheduling list structure and operations in the processor circuit that extract a packet deadline intervals, place packets in the egress scheduling list according to deadline intervals; and embed a decoder that decodes the packets according to a priority depending to their deadline intervals.
US08009687B2 Measurement of network performance in transporting packet streams
A method and apparatus for measuring network performance. A packet from a stream of multimedia data packets is received from across a network during a measurement interval. The time interval from the start of the measurement interval to receiving the packet is measured. The response of a buffer to the received packet is determined. The level of the buffer just before the packet arrives is calculated, based on the time interval. The level of the buffer just after the packet arrives is calculated, based on the previous level. A performance measure for the network is determined based on at least one of the two levels.
US08009686B2 Methods and system for fast session establishment between equipment using H.324 and related telecommunications protocols
Methods of establishing multimedia telecommunication (a multimedia “call”) between equipment (“terminals”). More particularly, the invention provides methods for reducing the time required to establish calls between terminals implementing ITU-T Recommendation H.324 and derived or related standards or recommendations such as 3G-324M. More specifically, it relates to methods and apparatuses for (i) concatenating H.245 messages to pass between the terminals at the start of the call to establish the capabilities of both terminals and agree on the type and format of media and data to be exchanged (ii) using non-standard H.245 messages or standard H.245 messages with non-standard fields to accelerate establishment and (iii) informing each terminal of the capabilities of the other and proposing the type and format of media and data to be exchanged by means of fields inserted in the call signaling protocol used for bearer establishment prior to the H.324 stage of the call.
US08009680B2 System and method for a private wireless network interface
A private wireless network interface provides wireless signaling and protocols of a wireless macro network to allow a consumer to operate over a private wireless network. The private wireless network interface receives wireless signals compatible with a wireless macro network and transmits the signals over a broadband connection to a wireless service provider's wireless macro network. The private wireless network interface allows the use of mobile stations which are compatible with a wireless macro network to operate in a residence and have the signals backhauled over the residence's broadband connection. The private wireless network interface can provide wireless macro network coverage in any location with some type of coupling to the Internet.
US08009675B2 Method and a system for providing a certain quality of service to a mobile station in a mobile communication system
A method and a system are disclosed for providing a certain quality of service to a user-device within a mobile telecommunication system. The telecommunication system comprises one or several user-registers linked to a user-device, and one or several priority-tables associated with an area covered by the telecommunication system. A user-register is compared with a priority-table when a user-device linked to said user register enters the area associated with said priority-table. The user-device can then be provided with a certain quality of service depending on a possible correspondence between the user-register and the priority-table.
US08009674B2 Transport networks supporting virtual private networks, and configuring such networks
A layer 2 transport network, and components thereof, supporting virtual network functionality among customer edge devices. Virtual private network configuration can be accomplished with merely local intervention by preprovisioning extra channel (or circuit) identifiers at each customer edge device and by advertising label base and range information corresponding to a list of channel (or circuit) identifiers.
US08009673B2 Method and device for processing frames
A device and a method for processing a frame, the method includes: receiving a frame; retrieving a lookup key parse command that includes an instruction field and an bitmap representative of selected frame fields to be searched in the frame; generating a lookup key by extracting at least one frame field if the type of the received frame matches an expected frame type; and looking up, using the lookup key, for additional frame processing instructions.
US08009672B2 Apparatus and method of splitting a data stream over multiple transport control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connections
A method, system and apparatus for improving data transfer rate over a network are provided. When a piece of data is to be transmitted to a target system, it is divided into a number of packets and a determination is made as to whether the number of packets exceeds a threshold number. If so, the packets are transferred in parallel over a plurality of network connections. The ideal network connections are TCP/IP connections. Thus, each packet has an IP header, which contains an IP identification field. An indicium is placed into the IP identification field for proper reconstruction of the data by the target system.
US08009669B2 System of path computation element protocol support for large-scale concurrent path computation
A system for a global concurrent path computation in a communication network is disclosed. The system includes a path computation element communication protocol, wherein the protocol includes an indicator field indicating the global concurrent path computation, a global objective function field providing an overarching objective function, a global constraint field specifying at least one global constraint, a global concurrent vector field specifying at least one path computation request, and another indicator field indicating an outcome of a path computation request.
US08009668B2 Method and apparatus for router aggregation
One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of routing a packet by way of a router aggregation. A packet is received from outside the aggregation by an initially receiving router/switch unit. Router functions are performed by the initially receiving router unit, including modification of the packet. The packet is then sent to a layer 2 network of the aggregation, wherein switching functions are performed on the packet. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a cooperative aggregation of router/switch units. The aggregation includes a plurality of the router/switch units, and a switching network interconnecting the units. The cooperative aggregation functions as a single router from a perspective of an external network device coupled to the system.
US08009664B2 Method for exchanging media description information between user agents using session initiation protocol
A method for exchanging media description information between user agents using a session initiation protocol (SIP) comprises the steps of: providing information on an OS and sound module of a first user agent so that the first user agent generates, in a media description field of a session description protocol (SDP), an SIP message including the information on the OS and sound module of the first user agent, and sends it to a second user agent; and setting a processing format for voice data of the second user agent so that the second user agent determines the voice data format supportable by the first user agent from the information on the OS and sound module of the first user agent, compares it with the voice data format supportable by the second user agent, and sets a format commonly supportable by the first and second user agents as the voice data format of the second user agent.
US08009661B2 Cell searching system and method
For wireless networks that transmit synchronization signals allowing user equipment to synchronize to cells within the network and transmit reference signals allowing user equipment to determine cell identities, a method and apparatus taught herein advantageously link the synchronization signal sequences to the reference signal sequences according to a defined mapping. The linking simplifies the cell search process by allowing user equipment to determine cell identities based on mapping detected synchronization signal sequences to the corresponding reference signal or to the corresponding subset of reference signals in embodiments where there are more reference signal sequences than synchronization signal sequences. In at least one embodiment, the network is a 3G LTE network and at least the Primary Synchronization Signal (P-SyS) sequences are linked to the Downlink (DL) reference symbol sequences according to a defined mapping, thereby allowing to user equipment to determine cell identities from detected P-SyS sequences.
US08009659B2 Providing congestion and travel information to users
Processing link information related to traffic and travel information, in which link information is received including a link identification value associated with a particular link, a link identifier component enabling a determination of a link system to be employed in identifying the particular link referenced by the received traffic information, and a location type information component enabling a determination of a link location type of the particular link. Based upon the received information, a link system to be used to identify the particular link is determined. In addition, the link location type and the link identification are determined.
US08009656B2 Apparatus and method for providing feedback information in response to subcarrier reception
A radio communication apparatus capable of alleviating a burden in setting a transmission format and suppressing increases in the scale of the apparatus. In this apparatus, space multiplexing adaptability detection section (108) detects space multiplexing transmission adaptability for divided bands (DB-1 to DB-Nd) obtained by dividing a communication band to which Ns subcarrier signals belong in multicarrier transmission and to which a plurality of subcarrier signals belong, and outputs the detection results (#1 to #Nd). Transmission format setting section (110) sets a transmission format when carrying out radio transmission based on the detection results (#1 to #Nd) from space multiplexing adaptability detection section (108).
US08009653B2 MAC multiplexing and TFC selection procedure for enhanced uplink
A method implemented in a wireless communication system including a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a Node-B and a radio network controller (RNC) for quantizing multiplexed data allowed by grants to closely match a selected enhanced uplink transport format combination (E-TFC) transport block size is disclosed. The amount of scheduled and non-scheduled data allowed to be transmitted is quantized so that the amount of data multiplexed into an enhanced uplink (EU) medium access control (MAC-e) protocol data unit (PDU) more closely matches the selected E-TFC transport block size. In an embodiment, the amount of buffered data allowed to be multiplexed by at least one grant, (a serving grant and/or a non-serving grant), is quantized so that the sum of scheduled and non-scheduled data including MAC header and control information multiplexed into a MAC-e PDU more closely matches the selected E-TFC transport block size.
US08009648B2 Mobile ad hoc network with isosynchronous communications and related methods
A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) may include a plurality of mobile nodes. Each mobile node may include a wireless transceiver and a controller cooperating therewith for exchanging isosynchronous Internet Protocol (IP) communications with at least one adjacent mobile node. The isosynchronous IP communications may comprise at least one of voice communications and data communications.
US08009645B2 Method for requesting and allocating upstream bandwidth in a multi-hop relay broadband wireless access communication system
A method of requesting and allocating an upstream bandwidth in an RS in a multi-hop relay BWA communication system is provided. The RS receives an upstream bandwidth request message including an upstream bandwidth from at least one MS for a predetermined time period, detects the requested upstream bandwidth from the upstream bandwidth request message, calculates a total requested upstream bandwidth by summing the requested upstream bandwidth from the at least one MS, generates a new upstream bandwidth request message including the total requested upstream bandwidth, and sends the new upstream bandwidth request message to a BS.
US08009643B2 Anti-collision method and system in wireless network system
An anti-collision method and system in a wireless network system are provided. The anti-collision method includes: transmitting a beacon signal including information related to an owner type of a first device and information related to an available time interval of the first device; transmitting information related to a time interval selected from the available time interval to a second device having receiving the beacon signal from the first device; and updating the information related to the available time interval using information related to the selected time interval. The information related to the owner type of the first device includes information indicating one of a unicast device and a multicast device.
US08009642B2 System for transmitting high throughput data between multiple devices
A system for transmitting data directly between a plurality of client network devices in a network having an Access Point (“AP”) device separate from the plurality of client network devices is disclosed. The system may include a first client network device having a first client (“STA”) module and a second client network device of the plurality of client network devices.
US08009636B2 Method and apparatus for performing an access procedure
A base station for controlling transmission power during the establishment of a communication channel utilizes the reception of a short code during initial power ramp-up. The short code is a sequence for detection by the base station which has a much shorter period than a conventional access code. The ramp-up starts from a power level that is lower than the required power level for detection by the base station. The power of the short code is quickly increased until the signal is detected by the base station. Once the base station detects the short code, it transmits an indication that the short code has been detected.
US08009632B1 Method and system for use in a connected state handoff of an access terminal
A method of sending reset message sequence number is provided. During a connected state handoff of an access terminal (AT) between a source access network (AN) and a target AN, the source AN sends a reset message sequence number of the AT to the target AN. The source AN adds the reset message sequence number of the AT to the message sent to the target AN. Thereby, the problem in the existing systems that the source AN cannot send the reset message sequence number of the AT to the target AN and, thus, the target AN cannot perform a reset process on the AT when the AT is switched from the source AN to the target AN, is solved. An access network (AN) and a communication system are also provided.
US08009625B2 Method and apparatus for high rate packet data transmission
In a data communication system capable of variable rate transmission, high rate packet data transmission improves utilization of the forward link and decreases the transmission delay. Data transmission on the forward link is time multiplexed and the base station transmits at the highest data rate supported by the forward link at each time slot to one mobile station. The data rate is determined by the largest C/I measurement of the forward link signals as measured at the mobile station. Upon determination of a data packet received in error, the mobile station transmits a NACK message back to the base station. The NACK message results in retransmission of the data packet received in error. The data packets can be transmitted out of sequence by the use of sequence number to identify each data unit within the data packets.
US08009622B2 Method and apparatus for improved single cell adaption due to change in environment
A communication method for use in a wireless communications network is proposed, said method comprising the steps of—monitoring at least one property representative of the channel variability in time and/or frequency, for each of at least two channels in the cell, used to communicate with said at least two user terminals; —using the result of the monitoring to control, by a control node in the network or in one of the user terminals, the communication in the cell. The control of the communication may include artificially inducing time selectivity and/or frequency selectivity or selecting an operating mode for the cell.
US08009619B1 Server-side wireless communications link support for mobile handheld devices
A server-based method for implementing a communications link. The method includes receiving via a communications network a request for a communications link from a client communications component executing on a handheld device and establishing a wireless communications link with the handheld device by using a server communications interface executing on the server. An optimized protocol is automatically implemented between the client communications component and the server based on the wireless communications link type and the handheld device type, wherein the optimized protocol is implemented while maintaining a standardized application programming interface for the server communications interface, and wherein the communications link is established via the communications component functioning with a device API component to configure hardware of the handheld device.
US08009610B2 Communication platform and method for packet communication between a service provider and a radio communication device
The present invention relates to a communication platform for packet communication between at least one service provider in a first network and a radio communication device in a second network, the second network comprises a first network node provided to, at least partly, handle communication between the radio communication device and a gateway located in the second network. The gateway is provided to handle communication between the second network and the communication platform, and the communication platform is provided to collect first data information relating to the radio communication device and second data information relating to a service provider application connected to the radio communication device through the communication platform. The communication platform is further provided to relate the first and second data information to each other to generate a user record specifying usage characteristics for usage of the service provider application by the radio communication device.
US08009603B2 Transmitting page and broadcast control channel through the same time frequency resources across the sectors in a wireless communications system
The present invention describes transmitting the page channel, which may comprise a quick page channel and a regular page channel, and the broadcast control channel, which conveys the system information, through the same time-frequency resources across the sectors of a wireless communications network.
US08009601B2 Power saving when using aggregated packets
In a communications packet directed to multiple addresses and having a directory of the addresses in order of transmission, a device receiving the packet may use the directory to help determine when the last frame in which the device has an interest is received, and then enter a low power mode for the remainder of the packet reception. The device constructing the packet for transmission may arrange the frames in a manner that promotes overall power savings in the group of addressed devices.
US08009599B2 Wireless communication device and wireless communication method
A wireless communication device that transmits packets, on the basis of a packet transmission scheme for allocating wireless bands with virtual carrier sensing, has: monitoring module for monitoring packets communicated between other wireless communication devices and base stations for a local cell and another cell; determination module for determining whether a possibility exists that a local station receives other-cell interference resulting from communication between the wireless communication device in the other cell and the base station, on the basis of the monitoring result; occupancy period detection module for detecting an occupancy period occupied due to communication between the wireless communication device in the other cell and the base station, on the basis of the monitoring results, when determination is made that receiving the other-cell interference is possible; and timing recognition module for recognizing a timing for avoiding the other-cell interference in a predetermined period on the basis of the occupancy period.
US08009594B2 Method and apparatus for automatic power saving mode insertion when an unknown or an offensive receiver detected in a wireless access system
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system, etc. for automatic power saving mode insertion when an unknown or an offensive receiver detected in a wireless access system. A method comprises generating a look-up-table from AGWN payloads in a plurality of AGWN packets. The look-up-table is then transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver. Next, the method generates a coded packet from an AGWN packet in a data packet using the look-up-table, wherein a code from the look-up-table is substituted in place of the AGWN packet. Specifically, the substituting of the code from the look-up-table comprises substituting coded symbols representing AGWN payloads in the AGWN packets. Further, the generating of the look-up-table comprises generating the code to represent size and strength information regarding an AGWN, wherein the coded packet is generated with a size that is less than the data packet.
US08009593B2 Telecommunications system, method of managing a telecommunications system for optimized bandwidth usage during conference calls and program product therefor
A telecommunications system, method of managing a telecommunications system and program product therefore. Telecommunications system branches are linked to a network and to each other in a wide area network (WAN). Each branch includes telecommunications devices and a media processor that supports a concurrent port for each local telecommunications device. A controller, e.g., at a data center, selects media processing resources to aggregate system media during conference calls for efficient bandwidth use. The controller may select resources based on user location, Call Admission Control (CAC) policy bandwidth usage, and availability of media resources and media processor ports.
US08009585B2 Method and system for topology discovery in an SIP network
A method for discovering topology in an SIP network is disclosed. According to the method, the SIP network is divided into domains governed by corresponding SIP proxies. A management system creates a topology agent for each SIP-domain and registers it with the governor proxy of each SIP-domain. Each topology agent generates topology-exploring messages to other agent and accumulates topology-exploring messages from other agents, gather routing information of the SIP network based on the collected topology-exploring messages to deduce topology of the SIP network.
US08009582B2 Method and apparatus for performance monitoring in a communications network
A method and device for determining a packet drop indicator, for use in a communication system is described. The method comprises the following steps: A. determining the number of packets sent at a sending side within a first time period; B. determining the number of packets received at a receiving side within a second time period; and C. calculating a packet drop indicator on the basis of said number of sent packets and said number of received packets.
US08009576B2 Transmission links
An apparatus and method is disclosed with a circuit selecting a first number of transmission channels from a plurality of transmission channels for a first number of transmission links, wherein the selection depends on channel capacities of the first number of transmission channels. A second number of transmission channels is selected from the plurality of transmission channels for a second number of transmission links, wherein the selection depends on channel capacities of the second number of transmission channels.
US08009575B1 Network capacity forecasting and maintenance
Media, systems, and methods for ensuring adequate data-processing capacity in a communications network are provided. An embodiment of the method includes identifying a communications resource to evaluate, determine a maximum capacity that the resource is capable of handling, projecting a capacity-exhaustion timeline, wherein the timeline includes time estimations that are adjusted by an adjusting factor that is based at least in part on an accuracy of prior projection estimates. Determining a more accurate capacity exhaustion timeline allows for more accurate comparison against a time required to add such capacity. Recommends to effect capacity additions can be provided.
US08009573B2 Method for controlling charging of packet data service
A method for controlling the charging of packet data service includes: monitoring a number of event triggers; and when one of the event triggers is met, a Traffic Plane Function (TPF) requesting charging rules from a Charging Rule Function (CRF). In the preferred embodiments, the event triggers, which the TPF is required for request charging rules from the CRF according to are set by the CRF and then are provided to the TPF. Charging-relevant input information is provided in the request, based on which the CRF determines proper charging rules and sends the determined charging rules to the TPF. In this way, the timing that the TPF requests charging rules from the CRF becomes controllable, and redundant information caused by the unnecessary charging rule from the TPF becomes avoidable, which enables effective interaction between the TPF and the CRF and reasonable charging control of packet data service.
US08009572B2 Peer-to-peer telephone system
There is provided a peer-to-peer telephone system comprising a plurality of end-users and a communication structure through which one or more end-users are couplable for communication purposes. The system is distinguished in that the communication structure is substantially de-centralized with regard to communication route switching therein for connecting the one or more end-users. One or more end-users are operable to establish their own communication routes through the structure based on exchange of one or more authorization certificates, namely User Identity Certificates (UIC), to acquire access to the structure. The structure comprises an administration arrangement for issuing said one or more certificates to said one or more end-users.
US08009571B2 Method and system for PHY loop detection
A method, system and apparatus are provided for detecting a loop-back in a physical layer on an Ethernet link. In the physical layer, a device sends a base page on the Ethernet link. The base page has at least one next page capability bit set. Subsequently, the device receives a received base page. Thereafter, for detecting the loop-back, the next page capability bit is set in the received base page is determined.
US08009569B2 System and a method for maintaining quality of service through a congested network
In flow control, such as in Ethernet communication, the data is divided into queues of different priorities so that, when transmission is enabled, quality of service may be provided by first transmitting data of high priority. A networking element, such as a switch, a router, a bridge or a MAC, is adapted to transfer flow control information without awaiting its own buffer to fill. This reduces latency and facilitates the providing of networking elements without buffers.
US08009567B2 System and method for improved data transmission reliability over a network
In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided and includes a network device that identifies a data type of a payload of a data packet to be transmitted. The network device adapts one or more of data transmission rates according to the data type that was identified. A control portion of the data packet is used to identify the data type. In more specific embodiments, the data transmission rates are controlled by one or more link layer configuration parameters, which are controlled according to the identified data type of the data packet. In still other embodiments, the network device identifies data packets with payloads relating to Intra-coded picture frames (I-frames), Predicted pictures frames (P-frames), and Bi-directional predictive pictures frames (B-frames).
US08009566B2 Packet classification in a network security device
Methods and apparatuses are described for inspecting data packets in a computer network. One or more data packets through the network have associated header data and content. One method includes receiving a data packet, examining the data packet to classify the data packet including classifying the data packet using information included in the header and content, determining flow instructions for processing the packet based on both the header information and the content and processing of the packet using the flow instructions.
US08009563B2 Method and system for transmit scheduling for multi-layer network interface controller (NIC) operation
Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for multi-layer network interface controller (NIC) operation. An aspect of the invention may utilize a two (2) level work-conserving scheduling system for network interface controller operation and may comprise tracking for all L4/L5 offload connections with active transmit requirements as well as layer 2 (L2) level transmit requirements. The first level may comprise a round-robin scheme that may be utilized to select the next high priority, normal priority, and layer 2 (L2) transmit requirement independently. The send level arbitration may comprise a work-conserving programmable weighted round-robin priority scheme that may be utilized to select amongst the transmit tasks selected by the first level priority scheme.
US08009562B2 Integrated wireless distribution and mesh backhaul networks
Networks, devices and methods related to wireless networking. A wireless network using nodes that perform both distribution and backhaul functions is provided. These nodes constitute the key elements of a wireless network that would be deployed and controlled by a wireless network operator. Each node contains a distribution wireless module which is wirelessly coupled to the wireless end user device using a point to multipoint scheme. Also integrated into each node is at least one backhaul wireless module with a directional wireless antenna. Each backhaul wireless module communicates by way of a point to point wireless link with the backhaul module of one other node. The nodes in the wireless network are interconnected to form a mesh backhaul network. Because of the nature of a mesh network, data traffic can be routed around obstacles that may prevent line of site links. Furthermore, the mesh network allows dynamic routing of data traffic to avoid congestion points or downed links in the network.
US08009561B1 Systems and methods for permitting queues to oversubscribe
A system permits queues to use more than an allocated amount of bandwidth. The system allocates an amount of bandwidth to each of the queues and determines whether any of the queues is using less than the allocated amount of bandwidth. If so, the system reallocates the allocated bandwidth from one of the queues to at least one other one of the queues based on the amount of bandwidth used by each of the queues.
US08009553B2 Signal generating apparatus and signal generation method
A signal generating apparatus, which is adapted for outputting a multicarrier signal where data are multiplexed with respect to a plurality of subcarriers, includes: a rotation sequence selection signal generator for generating a plurality of rotation sequence selection signal sequences which vary the phase relationship between subcarriers on the basis of a plurality of phase rotation sequences and include the number of samples, which are smaller than that of actual transmission signals; and a minimum peak power signal generator for selecting a signal of which peak power becomes minimum from the plurality of rotation sequence selection signals to generate an actual transmission signal by using a phase rotation sequence multiplied with respect to the selected signal.
US08009551B2 Initial pilot frequency selection
The subject invention selects a starting sub-carrier frequency group for a pilot staggering sequence to facilitate in mitigating the possibility of pilot signal collisions. In one embodiment, a randomized starting sub-carrier frequency group of the pilot is utilized in a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of a frame. In another embodiment, a starting pilot sub-carrier frequency group number is determined by utilizing a random number generator such as, for example, a Pseudo-Noise (PN) sequence generator, seeded by a network identification (ID) number. In this manner, the starting sub-carrier frequency group is specific to that particular network. The subject invention also provides a more scalable system through the trading of system bandwidth for coverage.
US08009547B2 Optical recording and reproducing apparatus capable of identifying the type of optical disc based on reflectance, and reproducing method for optical disc
An optical disk includes a first area on which user information is recorded, and a second area in which a plurality of marks radially extending are arranged in a track direction in the optical disk. Information about the reflectance of the optical disk is recorded in the second area. It is intended to optimize the amplification factor of the reproduced signal on the basis of the information about the reflectance of the optical disk in the second area. Control data and user data can be reproduced quickly and highly reliably without depending on the relationship between the reflectances of a recording area and a non-recorded area of the optical disk.
US08009546B2 Over current protection device
An over current protection device is described. It includes a plurality of input channels for receiving an input signal; a plurality of low pass filters coupled to a first group of the plurality of input channels, wherein each low pass filter is associated with one input channel within the first group of input channels, the plurality of low pass filters operative for removing spikes in associated with the input signal; and a plurality of digital to analog converters coupled to a second group of the plurality of input channels, wherein each digital to analog converter is associated with one low pass filter in the second group of input channels, the digital to analog converters operative for triggering over current protection when a signal received from the associated low pass filter is beyond a preset level, wherein the over current protection device is on chip with the laser diode driver.
US08009543B2 Hologram optical device, compatible optical pickup including the hologram optical device, and optical information storage medium system including the compatible optical pickup
A hologram optical device, a compatible optical pickup including the hologram optical device, and an optical information storage medium system including the compatible optical pickup are provided. The hologram optical device includes: a first hologram area having a hologram that is asymmetric with respect to an optical axis to diffract an incident light in a 0th order diffractive light and a 1st order diffractive light, wherein light spots are formed by focusing the 0th order and 1st order diffractive lights using a lens. Accordingly, a light spot of the 1st order diffractive light is formed at a position separated from an optical axis of the lens when a light spot formed by the 0th order diffractive light is formed on the optical axis of the lens.
US08009540B2 Optical disc write control method and optical disc recording apparatus therefor
A write control method which varies a write power in response to a recording speed, a recording density, and a type of recording medium, and an optical disc recording apparatus suitable for the write control method. The write control method includes preparing a plurality of standard power values corresponding to recording speeds or recording densities for a plurality of record marks, selecting one of the plurality of standard power values with respect to a record mark to be recorded according to a recording speed or a recording density, and controlling write power of a laser beam according to the selected standard power value. The write control method and apparatus improve recording performance of an optical disc recording apparatus by differently setting write power values according to recording speeds, recording densities, and types of recording media.
US08009534B2 Method of recording data in multilayered recordable optical recording medium, recording and reproducing apparatus for recording the data in the recording medium and the recording medium
A method of recording data in a multilayered recordable optical recording medium is disclosed. When test recording is executed in a multilayered recordable optical recording medium having N recording layers (N is an integer of 2 or more), a test recording range in a test recording area of an (m+1)th recording layer is shifted relative to a test recording range in a test recording area of an mth recording layer by an amount greater than a difference of decentration amounts between the mth and the (m+1)th recording layers or a maximum decentration amount in the N recording layers. The shifting direction is inverse to a test recording range adding direction in a radius direction of the recording medium.
US08009533B2 Optical disc apparatus, a method of performing an optical power study of an optical disc apparatus, and a method of detecting a writing power of an optical disc apparatus
An optical disc apparatus and a method of performing an optical power study and detecting writing power in the optical disc apparatus. An optical pickup includes a light source to emit a laser beam according to an input optical power signal, an optical power detector to detect optical power of the laser beam using part of the laser beam, and an actuator to drive a lens to form a beam spot. To reduce the time required for the power study, a controller positions the optical pickup in a specific area of a disc and applies a predetermined range of optical power signals to the light source to perform the power study to determine its optical power characteristics using the optical power signal and the detected optical power while maintaining the actuator in a driving state in which writing and reading is possible.
US08009532B2 Recording device and method, and computer program, and recording medium
A recording apparatus includes: a first strategy calculating device (SCD) for calculating a first optimum strategy allowing jitter recorded at a first speed to satisfy a desired condition by adjusting a first standard strategy; a second SCD for calculating a second standard strategy at a second speed by performing clock cycle conversion according to a difference between the first and second speeds on the first standard strategy; a second power calculating device for calculating a second optimum power used at the second speed; a third SCD for calculating a second optimum strategy allowing jitter recorded at the second speed to satisfy a desired condition, by adjusting the second standard strategy; and a fourth SCD for calculating a third optimum strategy at a third speed, based on each of a difference between the first standard and optimum strategies and a difference between the second standard and optimum strategies.
US08009527B2 Optical pickup device
The optical pickup device according to the present invention includes: a light source which emits a first light at a first wavelength, a second light at a second wavelength and a third light at a third wavelength; an optical path combining unit which combines vectors of the first, second and third light emitted by the light source, and matches optical axes of the first light and the third light; a light collection unit which condenses the light from the optical path combining unit into the optical information storage medium; a diffraction element which diffracts reflected light from the optical information storage medium; a first photo detector, a second photo detector and a third photo detector which receives the diffracted light from the first diffraction element; and a prevention unit formed between the first diffraction element and the first photo detector, the second photo detector and the third photo detector, and which prevents irradiation of + first-order diffracted light diffracted by the first diffraction element into the first photo detector, the second photo detector, and the third photo detector.
US08009524B2 Optical pickup unit, apparatus for recording/reproducing data, method for controlling the apparatus, control method, and recording medium
An optical pickup unit, an apparatus for recording/reproducing data, a control method, and a recording medium are disclosed. Each of the optical pickup unit and the recording/reproducing apparatus includes a near-field lens, and uses a high-refraction lens, conically shaped, to effectively use the near-field. Two lens units are required to be compatible with a conventional recording medium. The lens unit is designed in consideration of a distance between the recording medium and the lens, and the tilt or vibration of the lens units is controlled.
US08009519B2 Apparatus and methods for maintaining a reliable time clock on a mobile computing device supporting satellite based position determination capability
Various embodiments for maintaining a reliable time clock on a mobile computing device are described. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device may optionally enable and disable acquisition of time data from multiple sources including a mobile network and a global positioning system (GPS) satellite. The mobile computing device may comprise a time clock to display local time information derived from stored time data and may prioritize the multiple sources for writing and overwriting the stored time data to converge to the most reliable time data available. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08009510B2 Two way check shot and reverse VSP while drilling
Methods and related systems are described making seismic measurements. Seismic energy is transmitted into the earth using a surface seismic source. The seismic energy is received with one or more downhole receivers located in a borehole. In response to the received seismic energy from the surface seismic source, seismic energy is transmitted into the earth using a downhole seismic source. The seismic energy from the downhole seismic source is then received with one or more surface receivers located on the surface of the earth. A delay interval is measured downhole between the first arrival of the seismic energy from the surface seismic source and the transmission from the downhole seismic source. A surface interval is measured between the transmitting of seismic energy from the surface seismic source and first arrival of the seismic energy from the downhole seismic source using the one or more surface receivers. Travel time can be calculated by subtracting the delay interval from the surface interval.
US08009508B2 Ultrasonic generator system
The system generates resonant ultrasonic vibrations, preferably in a torsional mode. A control circuit monitors, feedback signals therefrom, which are scanned to determine the frequency at which minima occur. The frequency of the ultrasonic signal is then adjusted to the frequency at which the minimum occurs.
US08009507B2 System and method for adaptable aperture planar phased array
A system for an adaptable aperture planar array for maintaining source resolution is provided. The system includes a first nested array defining a first aperture responsive to a first range of frequencies. The first aperture is sized based on an angle between the array and the source, and includes a first subset of sensor elements. The system includes a second nested array defining a second aperture responsive to a second range of frequencies that is less than the first range of frequencies. The second aperture is sized based on the angle between the array and the source, and includes a second subset of sensor elements. The first aperture and second aperture change in size as the angle changes, which results in a change in the sensor elements within the first subset and the second subset to maintain the source resolution for the array.
US08009502B2 Systems, methods and devices for power control in mass storage devices
Power-backup capabilities are provided by implementing a variety of different methods, systems and devices. According to one such implementation, an energy storage circuit is powered using a variable voltage controlled to limit the current draw from a power supply, to charge the energy storage circuit for providing backup power to a solid state drive (SSD) type of data storage arrangement. Certain applications involve controlling the power draw from the power supply, in response to feedback and/or power drawn from other circuits, as may be applicable to an initial startup of the energy storage circuit and/or the initial startup of a larger system in which the energy storage circuit is employed.
US08009501B2 Storage apparatus and power saving method thereof
This storage apparatus includes an access history storage unit for storing, when there is a write request for writing data into the data storage unit or a read request for reading data stored in the data storage unit, history of the write request or read request as access history, an operational information storage unit for storing operational information showing whether the data storage unit is operating, an access prediction unit for predicting whether the data storage unit will be accessed based on the access history, and an operational control unit for performing operational control of pre-starting the data storage unit when the data storage unit is shut off and the access prediction unit predicts that the data storage unit will be accessed, or stopping the data storage unit when the data storage unit is operating and the access prediction unit predicts that the data storage unit will not be accessed.
US08009500B2 Semiconductor memory device that can stably perform writing and reading without increasing current consumption even with a low power supply voltage
Cell power supply lines are arranged for memory cell columns, and adjust impedances or voltage levels of the cell power supply lines according to the voltage levels of bit lines in the corresponding columns, respectively. In the data write operation, the cell power supply line is forced into a floating state according to the bit line potential on a selected column and has the voltage level changed, and a latching capability of a selected memory cell is reduced to write data fast. Even with a low power supply voltage, a static semiconductor memory device that can stably perform write and read of data is implemented.
US08009494B2 Semiconductor memory device implementing full-VDD bit line precharge scheme using bit line sense amplifier
A semiconductor memory device using a full-VDD bit line precharge scheme by using a bit line sense amplifier includes a precharge unit precharging a bit line and a complementary bit line from a power voltage to a voltage that is less than the power voltage by a predetermined voltage, and the bit line sense amplifier including first and second transistors serially connected between the bit line and the complementary bit line to be cross-coupled to each other, wherein a gate of the first transistor is connected to the complementary bit line and a gate of the second transistor is connected to the bit line. The precharge unit precharges, in response to a first precharge signal, the bit line and the complementary bit line to a voltage that is less than the power voltage by a threshold voltage of the first or second transistor, and precharges, in response to a second precharge signal, the bit line and the complementary bit line from the power voltage to a voltage that is less than the power voltage by half of a threshold voltage of the first or second transistor.
US08009492B2 Circuit for generating data strobe signal and method
A circuit for generating a data strobe signal includes: a control signal generation unit configured to generate a strobe control signal defining an activation time period where a first data strobe signal and a second data strobe signal, which is an inverted signal of the first data strobe signal, are toggled; and a strobe signal output unit configured to output the first and second data strobe signals as a final strobe signal in the activation time period where the strobe control signal is activated.
US08009489B2 Memory with read cycle write back
A memory has a first bit line, a second bit line, and a word line. A memory cell is coupled to the word line and the first and second bit lines. A sense amplifier has a first input, a second input, a first output, and a second output. A pair of coupling transistors includes a first transistor and a second transistor. In one embodiment, the first transistor is coupled between the first bit line and the first input of the sense amplifier and the second transistor is coupled between the second bit line and the second input of the sense amplifier. A write back circuit is coupled to an output of the sense amplifier. The write back circuit writes back to the memory cell a value read from the memory cell during a read cycle.
US08009488B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cell array blocks connected to word lines, source lines, and bit lines, each memory cell array including memory cells each having a transistor with a floating body, a reference voltage generator configured to have a reference memory cell and generate a reference voltage for bit line sensing corresponding to a current flowing into a reference memory cell during a data read operation, first and second prechargers configured to precharge a bit line connected to non-selected memory cells to the reference voltage in response to first and second precharge control signals during the data read operation, and a sense amplifier configured to sense and amplify a voltage difference between a bit line connected to the selected memory cells and a bit line connected to the non-selected memory cells during the data read operation.
US08009486B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit for generating clock signals
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a write-read clock control signal generating unit that activates a read clock control signal and a write clock control signal in response to one of a write operational mode and a read operational mode after maintaining the read clock control signal and the write clock control signal at a deactivation state in response to one of an idle mode and a refresh operational mode, and a clock buffer that generates a read clock signal and a write clock signal in response to a clock signal, the read clock control signal, and the write clock control signal.
US08009484B2 Read circuit and read method
In a read circuit, a write circuit writes a data to be stored and/or a test data to the memory cell. A control circuit controls the write circuit to write the test data to the memory cell in a first phase, and to write the test data which is same as the first phase to the memory cell in a second phase. An integrator integrates voltages at one terminal of the memory cell during the first phase to obtain a first integrated voltage, and integrates voltages at one terminal of the memory cell during the second phase to obtain a second integrated voltage. A buffer stores the first integrated voltage. A comparator compares the first integrated voltage from the buffer with the second integrated voltage from the integrator to obtain the data.
US08009481B2 System and method for bit-line control
In one embodiment, a bit-line driver has a first driver having a source terminal coupled to a high-voltage supply bus and a drain terminal coupled to the bit-line, and a second driver having a source terminal coupled to a high-voltage return bus and a drain terminal coupled to the bit line. The bit-line driver also has a first pre-driver coupled to a gate terminal of the first driver and a second pre-driver coupled to a gate terminal of the second driver. The first and second drivers use a first type of transistor, and the first and second pre-drivers use a second type of transistor. The first type of transistor is rated at a higher voltage than the second type of transistor.
US08009480B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory system
According to an embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory system includes: a nonvolatile semiconductor memory; and a memory controller having: a memory interface unit that inputs commands to the nonvolatile semiconductor memory and inputs or outputs data between the nonvolatile semiconductor memory; a memory that stores writing information indicating a memory cell transistor that is written the latest in each of the NAND cell units; and a processor that sets a read voltage based on the writing information to read out data from the memory cell transistors connected to a first word line; wherein a row controller is configured to set a plurality of levels of the read voltage to be applied to the first word line, with respect to one threshold for discriminating data stored in a memory cell transistors.
US08009479B2 Memory formed by using defects
A non-volatile memory is provided. The non-volatile memory comprises at least a silicon-on-insulator transistor including a substrate; an insulating layer disposed on the substrate; an active region disposed on the insulating layer; and an energy barrier device disposed in the active region and outputting a relatively small current when the non-volatile memory is read.
US08009474B2 Semiconductor storage device and read voltage correction method
A semiconductor memory device comprises a semiconductor memory, a corrected voltage storage circuit which stores a corrected voltage produced by correcting a read voltage of the semiconductor memory, and a memory controller which reads the corrected voltage from the corrected voltage storage circuit and performs a read operation of the semiconductor memory using the corrected voltage.
US08009469B2 Multiple level cell memory device with single bit per cell, re-mappable memory block
A non-volatile memory device has a plurality of memory cells that are organized into memory blocks. Each block can operate in either a multiple level cell mode or a single bit per cell mode. One dedicated memory block is capable of operating only in the single bit per cell mode. If the dedicated memory block is found to be defective, a defect-free block can be remapped to that dedicated memory block location to act only in the single bit per cell mode.
US08009467B2 Magnetic random access memory
An MRAM according to the present invention has: a memory cell array; a first word line and a second word line each connected to a group of memory cells arranged in a first direction; a plurality of blocks arranged in a matrix form; a common word line connected to a group of blocks arranged in the first direction; and a bit line pair connected to a group of blocks arranged in a second direction. Each block has a plurality of memory cells, and each memory cell has a first transistor and a magnetoresistance element. Each block further has a second transistor to which the plurality of memory cells are connected in parallel. A gate of the second transistor is connected to the common word line. A gate of the first transistor is connected to the first word line. One of source/drain of the first transistor is connected to the first bit line, and the other thereof is connected to one end of the magnetoresistance element and connected to the second bit line through the second transistor. The other end of the magnetoresistance element is connected to the second word line.
US08009466B2 Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device is provided with a memory array including a plurality of memory cells. The plurality of memory cells includes: first and third memory cells arranged along one of an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered row, and a second memory cell arranged along the other. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes: a first transistor comprising first and second diffusion layers; a second transistor comprising third and fourth diffusion layers; and a magnetoresistance element having one of terminals thereof connected to an interconnection layer which provides an electrical connection between the second and third diffusion layers. The fourth diffusion layer of the first memory cell is also used as the first diffusion layer of the second memory cell. In addition, the fourth diffusion layer of the second memory cell is also used as the first diffusion layer of the third memory cell.
US08009463B2 Cell structure for dual port SRAM
A multi-port SRAM cell includes cross-coupled inverters each including a pull-up transistor and at least a pair of pull down transistors. The SRAM cell includes first and second access ports coupled to first and second word line conductors, each access port including a first pass gate transistor coupled to the data storage node and a second pass gate transistor coupled to the data bar storage node, each pass gate transistor being coupled to a respective bit line conductor, wherein the pull down transistors of the first inverter are formed in a first active region, the pull down transistors of the second inverter are formed in a second active region, the pass gate transistors coupled to the data storage node are formed in a third active region and the pass gate transistors coupled to the data bar storage node are formed in a fourth active region.
US08009462B2 SRAM architecture
A SRAM architecture includes a read/write control signal, a read/write control transistor block, an equalize transistor block, a 6-T SRAM cell, a sense amplifier block, a column selection transistor block and a write driver. The 6-T SRAM cell can store and write data. The sense amplifier block is used to read out the data stored in the 6-T SRAM cell correctly when the SRAM architecture performs a read operation and makes bit lines BL (bit line) and BLB( bitline) produce a minimum voltage difference. The column selection transistor block is used to select a column that the data is written in and read out. The write driver is used to perform a write operation to the 6-T SRAM cell of the column. The SRAM architecture can effectively increase the read SNM and dramatically reduce the power consumption.
US08009457B2 Write current compensation using word line boosting circuitry
Apparatus and method for write current compensation in a non-volatile memory cell, such as but not limited to spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM) or resistive random access memory (RRAM). In accordance with some embodiments, a non-volatile memory cell has a resistive sense element (RSE) coupled to a switching device, the RSE having a hard programming direction and an easy programming direction opposite the hard programming direction. A voltage boosting circuit includes a capacitor which adds charge to a nominal non-zero voltage supplied by a voltage source to a node to generate a temporarily boosted voltage. The boosted voltage is applied to the switching device when the RSE is programmed in the hard programming direction.
US08009456B2 Resistance change type memory
A resistance change type memory includes first, second and third drive lines, a resistance change element having one end connected to the third drive line, a first diode having an anode connected to the first drive line and a cathode connected to other end of the first resistance change element, a second diode having an anode connected to other end of the first resistance change element and a cathode connected to the second drive line, and a driver/sinker which supplies a write current to the resistance change element. A write control circuit is arranged such that when first data is written, the write current is caused to flow in a direction from the first drive line to the third drive line, and when second data is written, the write current is caused to flow in a direction from the third drive line to the second drive line.
US08009454B2 Resistance random access memory device and a method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a resistance random access memory (RRAM) device and a method of manufacturing the same. A resistance random access memory (RRAM) device may include a lower electrode, a first oxide layer on the lower electrode and storing information using two resistance states, a current control layer made of a second oxide on the first oxide layer and an upper electrode on the current control layer.
US08009451B2 Universal power adapter/converter
A universal power adapter has an input for receiving an input voltage from a power source and an output for supplying an output voltage selected from amongst two or more preset voltages. A voltage converter circuit converts between the input voltage and the two or more preset voltages. A connector tip connectable with the output connects one of the two or more preset voltages to the output.
US08009450B2 Method and apparatus for phase current balance in active converter with unbalanced AC line voltage source
Active power converters and methods are presented for converting input electrical power to output electrical power with converter switching control in which the individual phase voltage command values are compensated according to phase line voltage imbalances to compensate the converter control to provide balanced phase currents in the presence of unbalanced phase supply line voltages.
US08009448B2 Forward-flyback converter with active-clamp circuit
The present invention discloses a forward-flyback converter with active-clamp circuit. The secondary side of the proposed converter is of center-tapped configuration to integrate a forward circuit and a flyback circuit. The flyback sub-circuit operating continuous conduction mode is employed to directly transfer the reset energy of the transformer to the output load. The forward sub-circuit operating discontinuous conduction mode can correspondingly adjust the duty ratio with the output load change. Under the heavy load condition, the mechanism of active-clamp flyback sub-circuit can provide sufficient resonant current to facilitate the parasitic capacitance of the switches to be discharged to zero. Under the light load condition, the time interval in which the resonant current turns from negative into positive is prolonged to ensure zero voltage switching function. Meanwhile, the flyback sub-circuit wherein the rectifier diode is reverse biased is inactive in order to further reduce the power losses.
US08009447B2 Energy effective switching power supply apparatus and an energy effective method thereof
An energy effective switching power supply apparatus and an energy effective method thereof. The energy effective switching power supply apparatus includes a power transforming part having first and second coils to induce a voltage to the second coil using interactions between the first and the second coils with respect to the input voltage, a power outputting part to output a sensing signal when it is determined that a first DC voltage output by rectifying and smoothing the voltage induced to the second coil is greater than or equal to a reference voltage level, and a switching controlling part to adjust a switching frequency of a switching device to interrupt a current flowing in the first coil of the power transforming part when the sensing signal is received. Accordingly, a switching loss is controlled and an energy loss is reduced.
US08009442B2 Directing the flow of underfill materials using magnetic particles
Electronic devices and methods for fabricating electronic devices are described. One method includes providing a substrate and a die, and coupling the die to the substrate, wherein a gap remains between the die and the substrate. The method also includes placing an underfill material on the substrate and delivering at least part of the underfill material into the gap. The method also includes controlling the flow of the underfill material in the gap using magnetic force. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08009430B2 Techniques for data center cooling
Techniques for cooling in a data center are provided. In one aspect a computer equipment rack is provided comprising one or more air inlets; one or more exhaust outlets, and one or more of: an air inlet duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the air inlets, the air inlet duct having a lateral dimension that approximates a lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than a length of the computer equipment rack, and an air exhaust duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the exhaust outlets, the air exhaust duct having a lateral dimension that approximates the lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than the length of the computer equipment rack.
US08009425B2 Retaining apparatus for data storage device
A retaining apparatus for at least one data storage device includes a tray and a retaining device. The tray is used for receiving the at least one data storage device, and the retaining device is attached to the tray. The retaining device includes an elongated base member, an elongated arm member and a blocking member. The base member is attached to the front side of the tray. The arm member is pivotably attached to the base member about a pivot axis. The arm member has a retaining portion at the first distal end for retaining the retaining device at a retaining position. The blocking member is attached to the base member and slidable along a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The blocking member is capable of securing the arm member at a second distal end of the arm member opposite to the first distal end.
US08009424B2 Latching device and electronic device using the same
A latching device and an electronic device using the latching device are provided. The latching device is for fastening a cover assembly of the electronic device to a base assembly. The latching device includes a sliding member movably mounted in the cover assembly, a magnet fixed in the sliding member, and a hooking member pivotally fixing on the base assembly. The hooking member is made up of magnetic material. When the cover assembly is rotated to cover the base assembly, the hooking member is attracted by the magnet and hooks onto the cover assembly. When the sliding member slides, the sliding member pushes the hooking member to disengage from the cover assembly.
US08009422B2 Display element, portable equipment and imaging device
A portable equipment includes a flexible display element capable of being rolled up and unfurled, the display element including a back plate on a back side of the display element, which comes into contact with the display element when the display element is rolled up, and is bent such that at least a central portion of the back plate is separated from the display element due to a bend when the display element is unfurled, flatness of the display element being kept by a structure made up of the display element and the back plate when the display element is unfurled, and a pull-out slot for the display element on a main body of the portable equipment. The pull-out slot is flattened by a predetermined amount from a cross-sectional shape of the unrolled back plate, and has a clearance formed on a portion facing a surface of the display element.
US08009421B2 Display element, portable equipment and imaging device
A flexible display element capable of being rolled up and unfurled, comprises a back plate covering a back side of the display element, wherein the back plate comes into contact with the back side of the display element when the display element is rolled up, and at least a central portion of the back plate is separated from the display element to support the display element in a flat shape when the display element is unfurled. Thus, the display element and the back plate can be rolled up and carried with a simple configuration of the display element and the back plate, and the display element can be supported in a flat shape when unfurled. Therefore, it is possible to provide a flexible display element having high portability, ease of rolling, and retention of flatness during periods of use.
US08009420B1 Heat transfer of processing systems
A processing module may be provided. The processing module may include a mounting member configured to structurally support a first processing unit and receive thermal energy from the first processing unit through a coupling side of the first processing unit by conduction. The processing module may also include a base member coupled to the mounting member. The base member may be configured to receive thermal energy from the mounting member. A thermal conductivity of at least one of the mounting member and the base member may be greater than about 50 Watts/meter Celsius (W/m-C). Coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the mounting member, the base member, and the coupling side of the first processing unit may be matched.
US08009418B2 Information processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a heating device, a heat radiation module, a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature at a first position on a printed circuit board, a second temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature at a second position on the printed circuit board, which is farther from the heating device than the first position, a temperature difference detection module configured to detect a temperature difference which is obtained by subtracting the temperature at the second position from the temperature at the first position, and a performance determination module configured to execute a monitoring process of monitoring the temperature difference between the temperature at the first position and the temperature at the second position, and to determine whether a performance of the heat radiation module has lowered or not.
US08009415B2 Screen of laptop computer and laptop computer having the same
The present invention relates to a screen of a laptop computer and a laptop computer having the same. And the laptop computer comprises: a back cover; a fixing body mounted on the back cover; a liquid crystal screen mounted on the fixing body; and a cover plate received on the fixing body, wherein the cover plate covers the liquid crystal screen and the fixing unit, and the area of the cover plate corresponding to the liquid crystal screen is transparent. The fixing body comprises a fixing frame and/or supporting member. Each supporting member is connected to a side of the liquid crystal screen. The screen for a laptop computer having a configuration described above has an integral appearance, which not only protects the screen but also makes the screen appear more neat enhancing visual effect of the screen. The present invention also proposes a laptop computer having the above screen so that the computer has an excellent visual appearance in usage, which is more adapted to practical use.
US08009414B2 Electronic equipment and shelf member
The present invention includes flat-panel type display section (11), main body (12) which supports this flat-panel type display section (11), angle adjustment mechanism (13) for adjusting an inclination angle to a perpendicular direction of a display surface of flat-panel type display section (11), and shelf member (14) on which an article is to be placed. Then, as for shelf member (14), one end of the shelf member is provided near an upper edge of flat-panel type display section (11), and the other end of the shelf member is supported by main body (12). According to the present invention, since supporting plate (22) of shelf member (11) is supported by main body (12), shelf member (14) is not moved in connection with flat-panel type display section (11) when the display angle of flat-panel type display section (11) is adjusted by angle adjustment mechanism (13), and hence, the article is stably placed on shelf member (14).
US08009408B2 Laminated ceramic capacitor
Better high-temperature load characteristics are obtained in a laminated ceramic capacitor including a dielectric ceramic layer with a thickness of 1 μm or less. The laminated ceramic capacitor includes a plurality of stacked dielectric ceramic layers, a plurality of internal electrode layers, each disposed between dielectric ceramic layers, and external electrodes that are electrically connected to internal electrode layers. In this laminated ceramic capacitor, when the thickness of each dielectric ceramic layer is denoted by tc and the thickness of each internal electrode layer is denoted by te, tc is 1 μm or less, and tc/te is equal to or less than 1.
US08009405B2 Low maintenance AC gas flow driven static neutralizer and method
A low maintenance AC gas-flow driven static neutralizer, comprising at least one emitter and at least one reference electrode; a power supply having an output electrically coupled to the emitter(s) and a reference terminal electrically coupled to the reference electrode(s) with the power supply disposed to produce an output waveform that creates ions by corona discharge and to produce an electrical field when this output waveform is applied to the emitter(s); a gas flow source disposed to produce a gas flow across a first region that includes these generated ions and the emitter(s), the gas flow including a flow velocity; and wherein, during a first time duration, the output waveform decreases an electrical force created by the electrical field, enabling the gas flow to carry away from the emitter(s) a contamination particle that may be located within a second region surrounding the emitter(s), and to minimize a likelihood of the contamination particle from accumulating on the emitter(s). The first region may include the second region.
US08009395B2 Methods and apparatus for over-voltage protection of device inputs
Methods and apparatus for over-voltage protection of device inputs are disclosed. An example apparatus to protect a device from an over-voltage condition disclosed herein comprises a switch coupled between a device input and at least one component of the device, and a voltage compensator to pull a control input of the switch to a voltage associated with the device input to open the switch to protect the device component from the over-voltage condition.
US08009392B2 Thin film magnetic head and magnetic disk device
Foundation layers of a thin film magnetic head are disposed between insulating layers and bias magnetic field application layers, and are configured of Cr or Cr alloy. The insulating layers are configured of a Si oxide such that the Si content of the Si oxide is in the range of 30˜56 at % (atom %) and that the atom ratio of oxygen to Si (O/Si) is in the range of 0.8˜1.3. With the configuration, the occurrence rate of noise is reduced.
US08009386B2 Magnetic tape head with magnetic head layer formed on base substrate
A magnetic tape head has a base substrate, a magnetic head layer formed on the base substrate, and a closure piece formed on the magnetic head layer. The distance from a first plane comprising a point on the tape bearing surface of the base substrate to a third plane comprising a point on the tape bearing surface of the closure piece is equal to or greater than the distance from the first plane to a second plane comprising a point on the tape bearing surface of the magnetic head layer.
US08009381B2 Method and system for manufacturing a hard-disk drive
A method for manufacturing a hard-disk drive (HDD). The method for manufacturing a HDD includes writing servo tracks, and writing servo tracks into the HDD using a calculated control target value of a calculated servo pattern overlap amount. Writing servo tracks includes a first, second, third and fourth operation. The first operation includes: producing a first control equation for obtaining a servo pattern overlap amount; and, converting a root-mean-square error (RMSE) into a probability distribution. The second operation includes calculating a second control target value that results in an increased product yield, from the RMSE probability distribution. The third operation includes producing a second control equation for obtaining a calculated servo pattern overlap amount, by assigning the second control target value into the first control equation. The fourth operation includes calculating the calculated control target value using the second control equation and the magnetic-recording-head characteristic value.
US08009375B2 Apparatus and method for receiving and recording digital information
A digital information receiving apparatus and method in which a receiver receives a digital signal including a video signal and an audio signal, wherein the received video signal is bit-compressed by a first compression method and the received audio signal is bit-expanded by a second compression method which is different from the first compression method, a demodulator demodulates the received digital signal, and an expander bit-expands the demodulated digital signal.
US08009369B2 Apochromatic lens
An apochromatic lens with an aperture and exclusively refractive optical elements, comprising a plurality of lenses arranged in lens groups along an optical axis, wherein lenses of different materials are provided and wherein the lenses respectively comprise one of the following listed materials: calcium fluoride (CaF2), synthetic quartz (SiO2) or another radiation-resistant optical material.
US08009368B2 Aspherical fiber coupling lens
An aspherical fiber coupling lens applied to a photoelectric coupling module is disclosed. The spherical fiber coupling lens is a bi-convex lens with positive refraction power and having a first optical surface and a second optical surface, both are aspherical surfaces while optical features of the lens satisfy the following conditions: 0.5 < d 2 f < 1.5 ; 1.0 < R 1 - R 2 R 1 + R 2 < 2.0 ; 1.2 < ( 1 R 1 - 1 R 2 ) · f < 2.2 wherein f is the effective focal length of the lens, d2 is thickness of the lens on optical axis, Nd is refraction index of the lens, R1, R2 respectively are curvature radiuses of the first optical surface and the second optical surface of the lens. Thereby the lens has features of small focus, compact volume and high coupling efficiency so that applications of the photoelectric coupling module are improved.
US08009364B2 Lens for LED lamps
The present invention relates to a lens for use with a lamp having at least one LED light source. The lens preferably includes a plurality of projections each having a substantially flat top surface and a plurality of sloping side surfaces, preferably suitable for dispersing the emitted light. Such a variance in light emission may enhance the light being viewed from different angles and positions therefrom.
US08009360B2 Micro-optic security and image presentation system presenting a synthetically magnified image that appears to lie above a given plane
A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
US08009355B2 Optical element having periodic structure and optical apparatus using the same
An optical element includes a first periodic structure portion being formed on a base portion and having a one-dimensional periodic structure in which a first medium and a second medium with a smaller refractive index than that of the first medium are alternately disposed in a first direction, and a second periodic structure portion being formed on the first periodic structure portion and having a periodic structure in which a third medium and a fourth medium with a smaller refractive index than that of the third medium are alternately disposed in the first direction. At an interface between the first and second periodic structure portions, a ratio of the first medium in the first periodic structure portion and a ratio of the third medium in the second periodic structure portion are different from each other. The element has a good form birefringence effect and a high reflection-suppressing effect.
US08009354B2 Fresnel lens and projection display device using one such lens
A Fresnel lens comprises at least one first prism and one second prism. Each prism has a first side and a second side which forms with a main axis an angle greater than that formed by the first side and the main axis. Conventionally, the second side of the first prism collimates the light received from a light source in line with the main axis. In order to improve the optical effectiveness, the second side of the second prism transmits the light received from the source in a first direction slightly different from the main axis.
US08009347B2 MEMS display
A displaying apparatus that includes a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. A method of manufacturing a displaying apparatus that includes forming a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements.
US08009345B2 Crystallization apparatus, crystallization method, device, and light modulation element
A crystallization apparatus includes a light modulation element, and an image forming optical system that forms a light intensity distribution set based on light transmitted through the light modulation element on an irradiation surface. The crystallization apparatus irradiates a non-single crystal semiconductor film with light having the light intensity distribution to generate a crystallized semiconductor film. A curvature radius of at least one isointensity line of a light intensity substantially varies along the isointensity line in the light intensity distribution on the irradiation surface, and a curvature radius of at least a part of the isointensity line has a minimum value of 0.3 μm or below.
US08009339B2 Holographic recording medium, holographic writing system and holographic reading system
A holographic recording medium including a recording layer on a substrate, which records data information in a light interference pattern. In the holographic recording medium, information on a thermal expansion characteristic of a recording material contained in the recording layer and/or information on temperature dependency of the refractive index of the recording material are recorded within the holographic recording medium in advance.
US08009335B2 Image-reading processing apparatus, image reading apparatus, and image-reading processing method
An image-reading processing apparatus is connected to an image reading apparatus being capable of reading both surface images of a document, including a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes a double-face reading control unit that controls the image reading apparatus to scan both the surfaces of the document, a coordinate acquiring unit that acquires a coordinate group of a position serving as an edge candidate of the document based on a grayscale value in image data of each of the surfaces read by the double-face reading control unit, a straight line detecting unit that detects a straight line group corresponding to an edge portion of the document based on the coordinate group acquired by the coordinate acquiring unit, a straight line inverting unit that inverts the straight line group detected by the straight line detecting unit, and a straight line selecting unit that determines the straight line group suitable for the edge portion from the document in the straight line group detected by the straight line detecting unit on one surface and the straight line group inverted by the straight line inverting unit on the other surface to select the straight line group.
US08009332B2 Apparatus and methods for two point tone reproduction curve calibration
Systems and methods provide increased accuracy in recalibrating the tone reproduction curve (TRC) for a photoelectric image sensor that senses density values. The sensor outputs sensed density values for tone patches. A recalibrated TRC is calculated from the original TRC, the known densities of the tone patches, and the sensed density values of the tone patches.
US08009330B2 Method for imaging flexographic plates
A method for reducing waste in imaging of flexographic plates comprises the steps of: receiving an electronic art file (10); displaying the file on a computer display; selecting a set of polygonal areas (11, 12) from the displayed file in response to cost calculation associated with the selection of the set of polygonal areas; automatically offering alternative polygonal areas based on automatic cost calculation analysis based on the selection of the polygonal areas; ganging the polygonal areas into a compacted slugs file (208); imaging the compacted slugs file on a flexographic imaging device to produce compacted flexographic plate (209); cutting the compacted flexographic plate according to the selection the polygonal areas into independent flexographic slug plate pieces (210); and mounting the flexographic slug plate pieces on a carrier (211) while matching the original structure of the electronic art file.
US08009328B2 Document optimization using solid monochrome colors and outlining
Methods of the present invention allow for optimization of color and shades of gray documents prior to their conversion to a monochrome format. If color/gray elements are identified in the document, the distance between them and their intensity is determined. If there are elements with the same or similar intensity in close proximity to each other, colors of some of the elements may be replaced with solid monochrome colors, and/or dithered surfaces, and/or monochrome patterns. Further, the elements may be outlined. These improvements make elements in the document more distinguishable after its conversion to a monochrome format. The described color optimization and outlining may have wide applicability in the Internet Fax technology.
US08009323B2 Image forming apparatus with sheet-handling device preparatory operation control
An image forming apparatus which is capable of bringing processing devices, such as sheet feed devices and post-processing devices connected respectively to the image forming apparatus, into operable states in timing optimal for carrying out an image forming job, thereby improving productivity and operation rate of the image forming apparatus as well as saving energy. A print job is analyzed to determine at least one sheet feed device and at least one post-processing device to be used in executing the print job, and states of the determined devices are checked to determine at least one of the sheet feed device and the post-processing device to be caused to start a preparatory operation in advance before the print job is executed. Power supply to the at least one of the sheet feed device and the post-processing device is turned on in timing such that the preparatory operation is completed in time for the start of execution of the print job.
US08009322B2 Information processing apparatus and control method thereof, and program
Bleed widths are set for finishing pages. An imposition method that requires to execute binding processing of sheets is set. Bleed regions including the finishing pages are determined based on the set bleed widths for the finishing pages, and the size of the finishing page. The allocation of manuscript data is so determined as to align the center of the manuscript data to be allocated to that of a bleed region on the side to undergo the binding processing of the determined bleed regions, based on the setting contents.
US08009321B2 Determine movement of a print medium relative to a mobile device
A method of using a mobile device to determine movement, relative to the mobile device, of a print medium being printed on by the mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device includes a printer. The mobile device further includes a sensor in a media feed path of the printer and a processing means. A surface of the print medium bears coded data indicative of a plurality of locations on the surface. The method uses the sensor to sense the coded data at a plurality of locations on the surface. The sensed coded data is decoded in order to determine the locations, and the movement of the print medium relative to sensor is determined from the locations.
US08009320B2 Image forming device capable of controlling auto color registration and method of controlling auto color registration
An image forming device capable of controlling an auto color registration (ACR) and a method of controlling an ACR. In the image forming device, a sensor detects preliminary test patterns by colors on a conveying belt; a color registration correction unit determines a present alignment state of the respective colors using data detected using colors by the sensor, and judges whether to perform a correction work of relative registration positions of the respective colors on the basis of the result of the determination; and a control unit forms actual test patterns on the conveying belt if it is judged that the correction work should be performed, and controls the sensor and the color registration correction unit to re-detect the data using colors and to perform the correction work.
US08009319B2 Image formation device, image formation system and image processing program storage medium
There is provided an image formation device including: a receiving section, which receives content information of a printing object from a content recording server via a network; a judgement section, which judges a category of the received content information; a specification section, which specifies a printing method and printing parameter in accordance with the judged category; and a printing section, which prints the printing object with the printing method in accordance with the specified printing parameter.
US08009315B2 Information management apparatus and method, image forming system apparatus and method, and computer readable medium and computer data signal for document information
An information management apparatus comprises: an assignment unit that uniquely assigns a region on an imaginary plane for a page of a document that is output by an image forming apparatus; a receiving unit that receives a request for assignment by the assignment unit, and identification information that identifies the document; a notification unit that notifies the image forming apparatus of coordinate values in a region assigned by the assignment unit, as coordinate values expressed on the document image of the page using a predetermined code; a storage unit that stores, for each region assigned by the assignment unit, region information that indicates the region and the identification information, the region information and the identification information being stored associated with each other; and a search unit that, when a coordinate value is input, searches for the identification information associated with the region that includes the coordinate value in the storage unit.
US08009307B2 Fax handling system and method
A system and method for detecting interruptions that occur during the process of sending images of a set of source pages via facsimile transmission and determining that two separate transmissions are associated with each other. An initial fax transmission is received, and its interruption is automatically determined. The initial transmission is automatically matched with a subsequent transmission. A method for receiving one or more documents transmitted from a user via facsimile transmission which identifies and corrects an error in the document(s) received includes receiving one or more document via facsimile transmission and identifying the existence of any of a predetermined set of errors in the transmission. The identified errors are corrected through subsequent transmissions and/or manual user intervention in response to a logical set of predetermined options.
US08009306B2 Printing apparatus and print system
A print data forming apparatus has an authentication information setting unit which sets authentication information into a print job. A print processing apparatus has: a print job storing unit which receives and stores the print job in which the authentication information has been set; an operation panel control unit which receives the authentication information based on a print request; an authentication discriminating unit which compares the authentication information based on the print request received through the operation panel control unit with the authentication information of the stored print job, thereby discriminating whether or not they coincide; and a print job managing unit which, if they coincide, allows all print jobs having the authentication information that coincides with the authentication information based on the print request among the stored print jobs to be print-processed. A print system which can perform the authentication printing with high workability is obtained.
US08009305B2 Method, program, and apparatus for detecting a copy-prohibited document and prohibiting a reproduction of the detected copy prohibited document
An image processing apparatus includes a first memory, a data detector, a second memory, a third memory, and a determiner. The first memory stores a reference pattern including a plurality of reference basic units, each of which represents specific minimal information, is superposed on input image data, and represents specific entire information. The data detector detects a basic unit in the input image data based on the reference basic unit included in the reference pattern stored in the first memory. The second memory accumulates a number of basic units detected by the data detector. The third memory stores a predetermined value. The determiner determines whether the number of basic units detected by the data detector and stored in the second memory is equal to the predetermined value stored in the third memory.
US08009304B2 Printing control apparatus and printing control method
A printing control apparatus is provided which can produce an appropriate copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by adding a monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern even if monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which a color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set. When the monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which the color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set, and if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern color is output with its color unchanged, the color is not converted into 100% black. Considering this, when a forced monochrome mode is selected, even if the user's setting for the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is color, the color is changed to monochrome (black) before output. If the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting is for color, the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting is changed to the monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting so that the printing processing is performed in the monochrome mode using the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting.
US08009303B2 Double-sided print layout previewing
Defect-free printing is achieved by previewing on a display prior to printing, device functions and print specifications. Preview of double-sided faces is concurrently provided when double-sided printing is specified. A preview image is displayed indicating a first printing face on which a plurality of pages have been placed based on a layout attribute, a double-sided printing attribute and document data. The preview image is further modified based on whether or not specified pages of the document data have or have not been deleted.
US08009300B2 Information processing apparatus, print data generating method, print control program, and computer-readable recording medium
When an Offset or rotation sort output is designated as an output style, whether document data of one copy is printed to one paper (physical sheet) and outputted or not is discriminated. When it is printed to one paper, it is intended to enable the print such that the Offset or rotation output is not performed. An information processing apparatus has: a finishing command setting unit which can set a finishing command to a printer so as to rotation-sort-output or Offset-output the document data; and a counter for counting the number of physical sheets to which the document data of one copy whose output is desired is allocated. The finishing command setting unit sets the finishing command in a manner such that when the document data of one copy is printed onto one physical sheet as a result of the counting by the counter, the rotation sort output or the Offset output is not performed, and when the document data of one copy is printed onto two or more physical sheets, the rotation sort output or the Offset output is performed.
US08009299B2 Method for beam calibration and usage of a calibration body
The invention relates to a method of calibration of the beam position of a corpuscular beam. A calibration body with structures is used, wherein the structures have a structure period PS in the plain section and within each structure there is a position L intended for the measurement. For the calibration, at least one detection signal each at structures in the plain section of the calibration body is generated, wherein the corpuscular beam is deflected with deflectors on beam target positions L1 with the beam target period P1, which is larger than half of the structure period PS, whereby a basic calibration is used for the control of the deflectors, and wherein the beam target deflections deviate either in the beam target period P1 from the structure period PS and/or in the beam target position L1 from the position L.
US08009298B2 Method and apparatus for acquiring reference grating of three-dimensional measurement system using moire
Disclosed herein is a method of acquiring a reference grating of a three-dimensional measurement system using moiré, wherein the three-dimensional measurement system includes a light source, a projection grating, a grating actuator and a camera, and analyzes the moiré pattern acquired through the camera to measure the shape of the object. The method includes the steps of acquiring an initial reference grating using the light source and the projection grating, confirming whether or not the acquired initial reference grating includes noise through a noise detector, and moving the projection grating through the grating actuator to acquire the next reference grating when the initial reference grating does not include noise and correcting the reference grating when the reference grating includes noise. The method can remove the noise included in the reference grating to improve the accuracy of measurement of an object.
US08009297B2 Optical image measuring apparatus
Provided is an optical image measuring apparatus capable of obtaining a high-accuracy image without being influenced by a movement of an object to be measured. Flash light is emitted from a xenon lamp (2) and converted into broad band light by an optical filter (2A). A polarization characteristic of the flash light is converted into linear polarization by a polarizing plate (3). Then, the flash light is divided into signal light (S) and reference light (R) by a half mirror (6). A polarization characteristic of the reference light (R) is converted into circular polarization by a wavelength plate (7). The signal light (S) and the reference light (R) are superimposed on each other by the half mirror (6) to produce interference light (L). A CCD (23) detects interference light having the same characteristic as that of the produced interference light (L). The produced interference light (L) is divided into an S-polarized light component (L1) and a P-polarized light component (L2) by a polarization beam splitter (11). The polarized light components are detected by CCDs (21 and 22). A signal processing section (20) of a computer (30) forms an image of the object to be measured (O) based on detection signals from the CCDs (21, 22, and 23).
US08009295B2 Chemical sensing with noise pre-compensation
This invention relates generally to the systems and methods for chemicals detection such as explosives and others, and more particularly to optical devices and the methods of their use based on sensing of gases and residue materials. This sensing includes detection of optical spectrum and relative concentration of the chemical followed by the chemical identification based on these data. The sensing is based on photothermal interferometry method modified by implementation of coherent optical detection using a balanced receiver, where the incoming optical signal is mixed with a local oscillator beam. An additional phase shift is embedded in the local oscillator beam for adaptively negating the background noise in the incoming optical signal thus improving the system performance.
US08009294B2 Chemical sensing system and method
A photo-thermal, interferometric spectroscopy system is disclosed that provides information about a chemical, such as explosives and the like, at a remote location. It may be used for solid residue detection on a surface. The system includes a novel light detector system with a matrix of optical elements focusing portions of a received light beam on input waveguides of an optical combiner. The combiner adjusts the phases of the received beam portions and combines them together to maximize the intensity of an output beam. The output beam is detected by a detector, and information about at least one of, absorption spectrum and concentration of the chemical is recovered. In the preferred embodiment the detector is a coherent detector based on 90-degrees optical hybrid.
US08009293B2 Modulation cancellation method in laser spectroscopy
Novel methods and laser spectroscopic systems for accurately measuring the concentration of compounds are disclosed herein. The disclosed methods utilize a modulation cancellation technique resulting in a significantly increase in the sensitivity and accuracy of laser spectroscopic measurements. In general, the methods and systems utilize modulation phase-shifting and amplitude attenuation to cancel the signals detected from at least two modulated light beams. Thus, any signal detected will be directly proportional to the concentration measurement.
US08009288B2 Devices and methods for dual excitation Raman spectroscopy
Spectroscopic analysis systems and methods for analyzing samples are disclosed. An analysis system may contain an electromagnetic radiation source to provide radiation, a spectroscopic analysis chamber to perform a coherent Raman spectroscopy (e.g., stimulated Raman or coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy), and a radiation detector to detect radiation based on the spectroscopy. The chamber may have a resonant cavity to contain a sample for analysis, at least one window to the cavity to transmit the first radiation into the cavity and to transmit a second radiation out, a plurality of reflectors affixed to a housing of the cavity to reflect radiation of a predetermined frequency, the plurality of reflectors separated by a distance that is sufficient to resonate the radiation. The spectroscopic analysis system may be coupled with a nucleic acid sequencing system to receive a single nucleic acid derivative in solution and identify the derivative to sequence the nucleic acid.
US08009285B2 Photomask mounting/housing device and resist inspection method and resist inspection apparatus using same
A resist inspection apparatus is provided which has a configuration in which a reticle is separated from a pellicle. A reticle cassette is made up of two pieces of plate members. A hollowed portion with a shape allowing the reticle to be inserted into the plate member. Another hollowed portion having a shape being slightly larger than that of the resist of the reticle is formed on the plate member. In the circumference of the hollowed portion is placed a pellicle frame on which a protective film is formed in a stretched manner. In the concave portion is housed in the reticle with a resist on the reticle directed toward the hollowed portion. The reticle is put in sealed space.
US08009284B2 Method for detecting electromagnetic wave
A method for detecting an electromagnetic wave includes: providing a carbon nanotube structure including a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged along a same direction. The carbon nanotube structure is irradiated by an electromagnetic wave to be measured. The resistance of the carbon nanotube structure irradiated by the electromagnetic wave is measured.
US08009278B2 Customizable spectral profiles for filtering
Computer program products comprising tangible computer-readable media having instructions that are executable by a computer to generate a customized spectral profile, which can be used to generate a corresponding filter. The instructions can comprise: generating a trial source spectrum; determining an uncorrected lamp source spectrum; calculating one or more optical indices using the trial source spectrum or the uncorrected lamp source spectrum; and optimizing one or more of the optical indices by varying the trial source spectrum to generate the customized spectral profile.
US08009271B2 Projection optical system, exposure apparatus, exposure system, and exposure method
A projection optical system PL for forming an image of a first plane M on a second plane P has at least one first wedge prism 4 each of an entrance surface and an exit surface of which has a plane and in which a predetermined first wedge angle is made between the plane of the entrance surface and the plane of the exit surface, and when a coordinate system is so defined that a Z-axis direction is set along a direction of a normal to the first plane M, an X-axis direction along a direction of an intersecting line between the plane of the entrance surface and the plane of the exit surface, and a Y-axis direction along a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, the first wedge prism 4 is arranged rotatably substantially around the Y-axis direction.
US08009269B2 Optimal rasterization for maskless lithography
A lithographic system is provided in which an extent of overlap between pattern sections is adjusted in order to match a size of a pattern section to a size of a repeating portion of the pattern to be formed.
US08009268B2 Immersion optical lithography system having protective optical coating
An immersion lithography system is provided which includes an optical source operable to produce light having a nominal wavelength and an optical imaging system. The optical imaging system has an optical element in an optical path from the optical source to an article to be patterned thereby. The optical element has a face which is adapted to contact a liquid occupying a space between the face and the article. The optical element includes a material which is degradable by the liquid and a protective coating which covers the degradable material at the face for protecting the face from the liquid, the protective coating being transparent to the light, stable when exposed to the light and stable when exposed to the liquid.
US08009264B2 Composition for photo-alignment film, photo-alignment film, and optically anisotropic medium
According to a composition for a photo-alignment film of the present invention, which includes an azo compound and a polymer that exhibits mutual solubility with the azo compound, an adhesion to a substrate, particularly to a plastic substrate, is improved within both a photo-alignment film having a haze of not more than 1 obtained by forming a layer of the above composition for a photo-alignment film on a substrate and subsequently irradiating the layer with light to generate a liquid crystal alignment ability; and an optically anisotropic medium, wherein a layer (A) obtained by irradiating a layer of the above composition for a photo-alignment film with light to generate a liquid crystal alignment ability, and a polymer layer (B) obtained by polymerizing a liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group in an aligned state generated by the layer (A) are bonded and laminated together by covalent bonds.
US08009263B2 Bistable display
A bistable display having one or more permanent hideable mark, and a method of forming the permanent hideable mark, are described. The permanent hideable mark can be hidden and revealed numerous times without loss of information.
US08009261B2 Liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of first and second supports
A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate and a CF substrate arranged to face each other and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein a plurality of first supports are arranged to extend from one of the substrates to reach the other substrate and a plurality of second supports, which are shorter than the first supports, are arranged to extend from one of the substrates to the other substrate.
US08009260B2 Flexible printed circuit and liquid crystal module using the same
A flexible printed circuit used for being disposed between a frame and a conductive casing of a liquid crystal module is provided. The frame includes a main plate and a side plate which is connected to a side of the main plate. The flexible printed circuit includes a body and a grounding portion. The body is used for being disposed on the main plate of the frame. The grounding portion extends from the body. The grounding portion is bent to a predetermined angle with respect to the body, so that the grounding portion is disposed on the side plate of the frame. The grounding portion has a metal layer contacting an inner wall of a side plate of the conductive casing. The flexible printed circuit has a hole located at the position where the grounding portion is connected the body.
US08009258B2 Display panel, method of inspecting lead bonding of display panel, and lead bonding method of display panel
A display panel including a substrate and a plurality of films for carrying chips is provided. The substrate has a display region and a non-display region located at one side of the display region. The non-display region has a plurality of pad regions, and each pad region has a plurality of first leads and at least one first displacement measuring mark disposed therein. The first displacement measuring mark is located at at least one side of all the first leads. The films for carrying chips are correspondingly sticking on the substrate. Each film for carrying chips has a plurality of second leads and at least one second displacement measuring mark. The second displacement measuring mark is located at least one side of all the second leads and is corresponding to the first displacement measuring mark. The second leads are correspondingly connected with the first leads.
US08009257B2 Liquid crystal display including a spacer and passivation formed of the same material
A liquid crystal display includes first and second substrates. The first substrate has a first insulating substrate, and a pixel electrode formed on the first insulating substrate with a first opening pattern. The second substrate has a second insulating substrate, and a common electrode formed on the second insulating substrate with a second opening pattern. The first and the second opening patterns proceed parallel to each other while being arranged in an alternate manner. A liquid crystal material is injected between the first and the second substrates. A spacer is positioned at an end of the second opening pattern to maintain the distance between the first and the second substrates.
US08009253B2 Electro-optical device having insulating layer with varying thickness in the reflection and transmission displays
An electro-optical device includes: a sealant provided between a pair of substrates in a frame shape; an electro-optical material layer formed by sealing an electro-optical material within a region surrounded by the sealant; an insulating layer provided within the region surrounded by the sealant on at least one of the pair of substrates; and an alignment layer provided between the insulating layer and the electro-optical material layer. The region surrounded by the sealant includes an effective display region where display is performed and a peripheral region located between the effective display region and the sealant, and the insulating layer within the peripheral region is formed with a recessed portion to which a material of the alignment layer flows.
US08009252B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a liquid crystal layer that is held between first and second substrates; an upper polarization plate that is disposed on an outer side of the first substrate; and a protection plate that is fixed to and disposed on an outer side of the upper polarization plate, wherein the upper polarization plate has a structure where an outer peripheral portion of the upper polarization plate is not fixed to the protection plate.
US08009251B2 High brightness liquid crystal display
The LCD sequentially includes, from bottom to top, a backlight module, a first polarizer, a first substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a second substrate, and a second polarizer. The second substrate includes multiple transparent areas thereon. The first substrate includes multiple light-focusing arrays. Each of the light-focusing arrays includes multiple high-refractive areas and low-refractive areas disposed between the high-refractive areas. The multiple high-refractive areas includes a first high-refractive area and multiple second high-refractive area disposed on two sides of the high-refractive areas symmetrically, wherein the widths of the second high-refractive areas are the same and smaller than the width of the first high-refractive area.
US08009237B2 Display substrate, method for manufacturing the same, and display panel having the same
A gate line and a data line are formed on a base substrate. A first sensor line is parallel with the gate line. A sensor gate electrode is extended from the first sensor line. A sensor active pattern having a plurality of island-type sub-active members is formed on the first sensor gate electrode. A second sensor line is parallel with the data line. A first sensor drain electrode is extended from the second sensor line at the sensor active pattern. A second sensor drain electrode corresponding to the first sensor gate electrode is formed on the sensor active pattern. A pixel electrode is electrically connected to the gate line and the data line. A sensor electrode part electrically connects the first and second sensor drain electrodes spaced apart from the pixel electrode. Light is reflected by the first and second sensor drain electrodes, which have an embossed shape.
US08009236B2 Broadcast transmission relay circuit
A transmission relay circuit, a broadcast signal relay method, and a signal detection device are disclosed. Preferably, the transmission relay circuit includes a microcontroller, a broadcast signal sensing and discerning circuit configured for determining the broadcast signal selected from a group consisting of (NTSC, ASI, DS-3, SDI, and HD-SDI signals). The method preferably includes the steps of determining a signal type, directing the signal to an analog broadcast signal processing circuit when the signal is determined to be to be an analog video signal, directing the signal to a digital broadcast signal processing circuit when the signal is either a digital video signal, or a digital video transport signal, and relaying the processed signal to a local loop provider. The detection device preferably includes at least a multi-layer printed circuit board with an isolation/buffer amplifier and terminator, and a signal detection circuit for detecting and determining the broadcast signal type.
US08009235B2 Auto-detection circuit and control method for video signals
An auto-detection circuit for detecting video signals includes a reception end for receiving a video signal, a synchronization signal detector coupled to the reception end for generating a waveform according to voltage variation of the video signal, a peak value detector coupled to the synchronization signal detector for determining peak value of the wave form, a direct current voltage level switch coupled to the peak value detector for switching output voltage as first direct current voltage level or second direct current voltage level, and an output end coupled to the direct current voltage level switch for outputting the output voltage.
US08009233B2 Broadcasting and communication receiver apparatus
A digital receiver to effect display of at least one of video or a plurality of background information blocks each indicative of a program time period, including: a display change controller provided in the digital receiver, which changes a displayed shape of a particular background information block indicative of a program time period in the grid when the program time period indicated by the particular background information block exceeds a program time period which is displayed in a first prescribed zone; a full display controller controlling display of the program start time and program end time to occur concurrently together with the selected background information block on a same display whenever the selected background information block is selected.
US08009232B2 Display control device, and associated method of identifying content
A display control device is provided for specifying a notable scene in content based on characteristic data included in one of video data and audio data of the content to be reproduced. A predetermined scene in the content is detected, based on an evaluation value, and a related image is displayed, in response to the detection of the notable scene in the content. A related image with a predetermined size based on an image of the notable scene may be presented to a display.
US08009231B2 System and method of transmission and reception of progressive content with isolated fields for conversion to interlaced display
Systems and methods of coding progressive content with isolated fields for conversion to interlaced display are provided. Some systems and methods may find use in, for example, digital video compression systems and methods. Film material may be encoded as video material with an intended field polarity and an explicit 3:2 pull-down operation for interlaced display (e.g., a 30-frames-per-second display).
US08009229B1 Helmet safety system
The present invention discloses a helmet with a plurality of electronic safety devices. The safety devices of the present invention include an audio and video communication system. The video communication system features include a video camera system that can transmit images to a central location, and a display system that can display images transmitted via satellite on a unique heads up display located within the helmet's pivotal safety glasses. The helmet's pivotal safety glasses have a specially designed display that allows users to view images broadcasted to them without having the bulky designs and limited sight problems associated with the traditional display apparatuses of the prior art.
US08009226B2 Digital camera with improved portability and ease of use
A digital camera having a camera body, a shutter release button, a photographic optical system, a display cover, a lens/strobe flash cover, a nonskid grip pits/projection, a mode dial, operation buttons, indication lamps, a display screen, and a strobe flashing unit. When the camera is not in use, the display screen is covered by the display cover and a lens of the photographic optical system and the strobe flashing unit are covered by the lens/strobe flash cover to provide protection to such features. The lens/strobe flash cover is mechanically coupled to the display cover via a coupling mechanism such as a gear mechanism or a link mechanism or a chain/wire mechanism, or a combination of those mechanisms. An electric power switch to turn on and off an electric power supply to operate the digital camera is activated coupled to the movement of the display cover and the lens/strobe flash cover.
US08009223B2 Image sensor, focus detection device, focus adjustment device and image-capturing apparatus
An image sensor includes: a plurality of imaging pixel rows, which include a plurality of types of imaging pixels with varying spectral sensitivity characteristic that are arrayed two-dimensionally based upon a first spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern; and at least one non-imaging pixel row, which includes a plurality of non-imaging pixels that are disposed in place of some of the plurality of types of imaging pixels in the plurality of imaging pixel rows. The plurality of imaging pixel rows include adjacent imaging pixel rows made up with the plurality of types of imaging pixels and set adjacent to the non-imaging pixel row; and the adjacent imaging pixel rows assume a second spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern different from the first spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern, so that spectral sensitivity characteristics different from spectral sensitivity characteristics achieved in conformance to the first spectral sensitivity characteristics array pattern are achieved via specific imaging pixels making up part of the adjacent imaging pixel rows.
US08009222B2 Image pickup apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
To provide an image pickup apparatus with excellent optical characteristics as well as high reliability and a method of manufacturing the same, capable of efficiently manufacturing the image pickup apparatus in large quantities. The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a support board 10, an image pickup device 20 mounted on the support board 10, and a lens component 30 provided on the light receiving region of the image pickup device 20, wherein the lens component 30 has a protrusion part 33 provided around the lens part 31, and the height of the protrusion part 33 from the surface of image pickup device 20 is greater than that of the top 31A of lens part 31 from the surface of the image pickup device 20.
US08009218B2 Method for driving semiconductor device having capacitive load, method and apparatus for driving load, and electronic apparatus
When a signal is read from a CCD solid-state image pickup element, the CCD solid-state image pickup element is driven with at least two driving voltages so that high-speed reading is performed with generation of noise due to interference between the driving voltages reduced. The CCD solid-state image includes a charge storage section between a vertical transfer register and a horizontal transfer register. By performing the transfer of charge in the direction of columns during an effective transfer period of the transfer in the direction of rows, signal charge of one row generated by a light receiving sensor is transferred to the charge storage section, and by performing the transfer outside the effective transfer period in the transfer in the direction of the row, the signal charge of one row transferred to the charge storage section is transferred to the horizontal transfer register.
US08009217B2 Solid-state imaging device
In a solid-state imaging device, provided is a solid-state imaging device in which a first gate insulation film 22 for the readout transistor 12 in a pixel is formed so as to be thicker than a second gate insulation film 23 for an amplification transistor 14 in the pixel, and the second gate insulation film 23 for the amplification transistor 14 in the pixel is formed so as to be thicker than a third gate insulation film 24 for an n-type micro transistor 17 and a p-type micro transistor 18 in a peripheral region outside the pixel, whereby it is possible to suppress a 1/f noise of the amplification transistor 14 and also possible to increase a saturated charge amount.
US08009214B2 Individual row calibration in an image sensor
A column parallel image sensor such as an active pixel sensor includes a calibration circuit for the readout circuit within the active pixel sensor. The calibration circuit produces a value that is stored and used to offset any noise in the A/D converter. The calibration is carried out each time that each row is read out so in effect the calibration's individual for each pixel. Hence, any noise within the calibration evens out within the image, and is effectively random within the image and hence becomes less noticeable within the image.
US08009211B2 Image sensing apparatus and image capturing system
An image sensing apparatus includes a pixel unit which has an array of a plurality of groups each including a plurality of pixels arrayed in a row direction and a column direction, and an adding unit configured to add, of pixel signals output from the plurality of pixels arrayed in the groups, homochromatic pixel signals. The adding unit has, for each group, a common pixel amplifier commonly connected to homochromatic pixels. The adding unit adds the pixel signals of the homochromatic pixels in the gate portion of the common pixel amplifier so that the spatial centers of gravity of the pixels added in the group are arranged at equal pitches in at least one of the row direction and the column direction.
US08009207B2 Noise reduction device for reducing noise in image using blackout image, electronic camera, program, and method
The noise reduction device includes an image storage unit, a blackout image processing unit, and a noise processing unit. The image storage unit captures image data obtained by imaging a field with an image sensor, and stores the image data therein. The blackout image processing unit captures blackout image data obtained by imaging by the image sensor that is shaded, and extracts a specific noise component of the blackout image data. The noise processing unit reduces a noise in the image data based on the specific noise component of the blackout image data.
US08009203B2 Digital photographing apparatus, tracking method, and recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the tracking method
A digital photographing apparatus, a tracking method, and a recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the tracking method are provided which effectively determine a target image as a partial image corresponding to a reference image in a frame image. The digital photographing apparatus includes: an image pickup device; a mask preparer which prepares a mask having the same size as a reference image that is smaller than a current frame image; a matching data obtainer which obtains a plurality of pieces of matching data by applying the mask to a plurality of matching images having the same size as the reference image; and a target image determiner which determines one of the matching images as a target image by using the matching data.
US08009200B2 Multiple sensor input data synthesis
New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.
US08009199B2 Composite photographing method and mobile terminal using the same
A composite photographing method and mobile terminal using the same are disclosed. The composite photographing method includes receiving a composite shooting request, demarcating a target scene into individual shooting areas on the basis of a touch event signal from a touch screen;, and photographing the individual shooting areas to produce a single composite photograph.
US08009196B2 Camera having networked interactive printer
A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The interface module receives the image from the computer system and the printing module receives the image from the network interface module and print the image on a second surface.
US08009195B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing system, image input apparatus, image input system and information exchange method for modifying a look-up table
An information processing apparatus includes, an input device that inputs image data output from an electronic camera, a storage device that stores the input image data; and a control device. The image-processing device is capable of modifying the contents of a look-up table in the electronic camera by using a plurality of control points. The information processing apparatus is capable of exchanging the control points and the contents of the look-up table with the electronic camera and the camera is able to store the control points.
US08009191B2 Integrated marine search system
The invention relates to a marine recovery system comprising the following features: a chart plotter (1) a position sensor (10) arranged for displaying the vessel's (2) position (2N, 2E) in said chart plotter (1); a position receiver (21) for other vessels' (221, 222, . . . ) or objects (24) position (23N, 23E) and possibly their identity, and for displaying them in said chart section (4); an pointing camera unit (3) for directing a stabilized main axis (31) towards a target (5) in or by the sea, and arranged for calculating the target's position (5N, 5E), a camera image (45) for being displayed in said chart plotter (1) with an aiming circle (55) representing said stabilized main axis (31), and for moving said camera image (45) to a new desired position (53N, 53E) in said chart section (4); an identification unit (7) connected to the pointing unit (3) arranged to select and assign to said target (5) a class (51) and for storing said assigned class (51) and said target's (5) position (53N, 53E) as an object (24) with a stored position (58N, 58E) in a second memory (82) for display as symbols (22s) in said chart plotter (1).
US08009184B2 Thermal response correction system for multicolor printing
Thermal history control is performed in a thermal printer in which a single thermal print head prints sequentially on multiple color-forming layers in a single pass. Each pixel-printing interval may be divided into segments, each of which may be used to print a different color. The manner in which the input energy to be provided to each print head element is selected may be varied for each of the segments. Different energy computation functions may be used to compute the energy to be provided to the print head in each of the segments based on the predicted print head element temperature at the beginning of the segment, the color to be printed, and the energy that was supplied when printing other colors during the time period between the beginning of the segment of the current pixel-printing interval and the end of the equivalent segment of the previous pixel-printing interval.
US08009183B2 Thermal printer and method of controlling the same
Two or more kinds of thermal paper are set in a paper housing unit, whether the thermal paper are double-side thermal paper or one-side thermal paper is previously determined by printing marks and detecting the printed marks, and the thermal paper are selectively fed for double-side printing and one-side printing.
US08009181B2 Display method and display apparatus using this method
An object of the present invention is to provide a display method capable of displaying all gray levels of an input image signal with reduced flicker, and a display apparatus using this method. The present invention provides a display method that allows a display apparatus to display gray levels represented by a first number of bits of an image signal inputted to a driver circuit that drives the display apparatus, when the first number of bits is larger than a second number of bits of gray-level data outputted from the driver circuit. The display method of the present invention includes a first pseudo gray-level display step of performing frame rate control while handling a first number of frames as one set, so as to add pseudo gray levels into the intervals between the individual gray levels represented by the second number of bits, and a second pseudo gray-level display step of performing frame rate control while handling a second number of frames as one set, so as to add at least one pseudo gray level into at least one of the intervals between the individual gray levels to which the first pseudo gray-level display step has been applied, wherein the second number of frames is different from the first number of frames.
US08009180B2 Display apparatus containing controller driver with correcting circuit and method of driving display panel
A display apparatus includes a display panel; a correcting circuit configured to carry out gamma correction on input gradation data in response to correction data which specifies a shape of a gamma curve to generate output gradation data; and a driving circuit configured to drive the display panel in response to the output gradation data from the correcting circuit. The correcting circuit carries out approximation calculation for the gamma correction based on the input gradation data by using a correction calculation equation whose coefficients are determined based on the correction data, and the correction calculation equation is switched based on a value of the input gradation data and a value of the correction data.
US08009176B2 System and method for processing graphics operations with graphics processing unit
Disclosed is a system and method for processing graphic operations on a plurality of data structures of an image with a graphics processing unit and memory. The disclosed techniques of the system and method create an accumulation buffer of the data structures for accumulating changes to the data structures. A separate buffer is then created from at least a portion of the data structures of the accumulation buffer. The disclosed techniques read the data structures from the separate buffer with the graphics processing unit. The graphics processing unit operates on the data structures read from the separate buffer with the operation. Then, the disclosed techniques write the results of the operation onto the portion of the accumulation buffer corresponding to the separate buffer.
US08009172B2 Graphics processing unit with shared arithmetic logic unit
This disclosure describes a graphics processing unit (GPU) pipeline that uses one or more shared arithmetic logic units (ALUs). In order to facilitate such sharing of ALUs, the stages of the disclosed GPU pipeline may be rearranged relative to conventional GPU pipelines. In addition, by rearranging the stages of the GPU pipeline, efficiencies may be achieved in the image processing. Unlike conventional GPU pipelines, for example, an attribute gradient setup stage can be located much later in the pipeline, and the attribute interpolator stage may immediately follow the attribute gradient setup stage. This allows sharing of an ALU by the attribute gradient setup and attribute interpolator stages. Several other techniques and features for the GPU pipeline are also described, which may improve performance and possibly achieve additional processing efficiencies.
US08009161B2 Differential signal interfacing device and related method
The present invention provides a differential signal interfacing device, including a reduced swing differential signaling (RSDS) transmitter and a plurality of RSDS receivers, in order to improve RSDS signal capacity. The RSDS transmitter is coupled to the plurality of RSDS receivers via a bus and transmits a RSDS signal in a discontinuous manner. The plurality of RSDS receivers receives the RSDS signal for signals of different types.
US08009158B2 Display device, manufacturing method thereof, control method thereof, and optoelectronic device
A display device including a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a backlight module, and a photo-sensing device is provided. The backlight module is disposed below the LCD panel and is suitable for providing a light source. The photo-sensing device is built in the LCD panel and includes a plurality of photo-sensors having different illumination sensing capabilities. The backlight module modulates the output intensity of the light source according to the sensed result of one of the photo-sensors. Thereby, the display device can precisely modulate the intensity of the back light according to the intensity of ambient light so as to improve the contrast ratio and to reduce the power consumption.
US08009157B2 Drive circuit and drive method of light emitting display apparatus
A drive circuit for a light emitting display apparatus including a pixel circuit having a light emitting device for emitting a light having brightness determined based on supplied current and a drive transistor for supplying the current to the light emitting device, comprises a threshold value correction circuit converting a second signal including a threshold voltage of the drive transistor and a data voltage, the second signal being output from the drive transistor when a first signal including the data voltage is input into the control electrode of the drive transistor, into a third signal including the threshold voltage of an inverted polarity and the data voltage or a voltage corresponding to the data voltage, to output the converted third signal to the pixel circuit. The pixel circuit includes a switch for supplying the third signal to the control electrode of the drive transistor.
US08009156B2 Haptic sense rendering apparatus and haptic sense rendering method
A haptic sense rendering apparatus is disclosed that includes a haptic sense rendering unit, a magnet, a coil that magnetically interacts with the magnet and drives the haptic sense rendering unit, and a drive circuit that generates a drive signal for driving the haptic sense rendering unit to emphasize at least one of a drive starting operation and a drive terminating operation and supplies the generated drive signal to the coil.
US08009152B2 Refined coordinate detection method and error correction method for touch panel
A refined coordinate detection method for a touch panel, which more finely measures coordinates of an object without increasing the number of infrared emitting/receiving elements, and an error correction method, which minimizes position detection errors caused by received optical level errors due to external environment or their inherent characteristics, are provided. In the detection method, received levels of infrared emitting/receiving elements corresponding to left and right ends of object are measured and stored and the levels and a maximum received level are compared to calculate the refined coordinates. In the correction method, a lower limit level at a position where infrared reception is most significantly impeded by object is calculated through a comparison calculation of maximum and minimum received levels and it is detected that an object is present at a position only when a lower limit level at that position is not greater than the calculated one.
US08009143B2 Tablet PC and method for keyboard containing the same
A tablet computer is provided. The tablet computer includes: an electronic computing base having receiving portion; a liquid crystal display pivotally connected to the electronic computing base; a keyboard detached contained in the receiving portion and wirelessly communicating with the electronic computing base; a container disposed on the receiving portion; and a cover mounted on the receiving portion and pivotally connected to the electronic computing base.
US08009141B1 Seeing with your hand
The disclosure describes methods and systems for gathering and conveying information, for example, such as with a hand of a user. In one embodiment, the method may include using a detector to record a series of images of an environment and detecting a predetermined motion by comparing two or more images in the series. The method may include selecting a function based on the predetermined motion and triggering the function. In another embodiment, the method may include using a first detector to record a first series of images of an environment and using a second detector to record a second series of images of an environment. The method may include detecting a predetermined relative motion by comparing one or more images from the first series with one or more images from the second series, and selecting and/or triggering a function based on the predetermined relative motion.
US08009140B2 Master-slave manipulator system
In a master-slave manipulator system, an intuitive operation can be achieved by a simple structure in which a layout of a monitor and an operation input device is not limited. A master-slave manipulator system is provided with a manipulator, a camera, a monitor, an operation input device, a manipulator controller and a master controller. The master controller is provided with an operation an information acquisition portion for operation command acquiring an operation reference data on the basis of the command by the operation input device, an acquirement information division portion dividing the operation reference data into a position movement reference data and an orientation reference data, and a moving direction compensation controller compensating the position movement reference data on the basis of the orientation reference data so as to output a position moving command compensation information. The manipulator controller controls the position and orientation of the manipulator on the basis of the position moving command compensation information and the orientation reference data.
US08009137B2 Image display apparatus and method of controlling over-current therefor
An image display apparatus includes: a lighting unit which includes a lamp unit, and illuminates light onto a display screen; a power supply unit which supplies electric power to drive the lamp unit in the lighting unit; a main circuit unit which outputs a brightness control signal to control brightness of the lighting unit, and controls the power supply unit; and a constant voltage generator which is provided between the main circuit unit and the power supply unit, and controls magnitude of the brightness control signal which is output from the main circuit unit, to generate a constant voltage, wherein, by detecting over-current flowing in the lamp unit, the main circuit unit outputs the brightness control signal to apply a corresponding voltage to the lamp unit according to a form of the over-current, or activates the constant voltage generator so that the brightness control signal can be controlled by the constant voltage generator.
US08009136B2 Liquid crystal display panel and display apparatus having the same
A liquid crystal display panel includes n-number of gate lines, (m+1)-number of data lines and (m×n)-number of pixels, wherein the ‘n’ and ‘m’ are natural numbers. The gate lines are extended in a first direction. The data lines are extended in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first and last data lines are electrically connected to each other. The pixels are arranged in a matrix shape. M-number of the pixels is arranged along the first direction, and n-number of the pixels is arranged along the second direction. A pixel electrode of the pixels arranged in the second direction are electrically connected to left and right data lines alternately to enhance a display quality and reduce power consumption.
US08009135B2 Display and source driver thereof
A source driver for driving a display panel includes a sample/hold circuit, a first low voltage amplifier, a second low voltage amplifier, a first multiplexer, a high voltage amplifier, a second multiplexer, and a third multiplexer. The sample/hold circuit outputs a first sampled-held voltage and a second sampled-held voltage. The first and second low voltage amplifiers receives the first and second sampled-held voltages, respectively, and generates a first and second low pixel voltage, respectively. The first multiplexer outputs one of the first and second low pixel voltages according to a polarity signal. The high voltage amplifier ,generates a high pixel voltage. The second and third multiplexers output one of the first low pixel voltage and the high pixel voltage and one of the second low pixel voltage and the high pixel voltage, respectively, to a data line according to the polarity signal.
US08009133B2 Display device and method of operating the display device to change luminance during a selected portion of a frame
A display panel includes a first switching element, a liquid crystal capacitor and a second switching element. The first switching element receives a gate signal and a data signal. The liquid crystal capacitor is connected to the first switching element, and charged with an initial pixel voltage corresponding to the data signal. The second switching element operates in response to a compensation gate signal applied from a compensation gate line. The compensation capacitor is connected to the second switching element to reduce the liquid crystal capacitor's voltage to a value below the initial pixel voltage when the second switching element is turned on. Accordingly, motion blur can be reduced or eliminated.
US08009131B2 Liquid crystal display panel and testing system and method thereof
A testing system of a liquid crystal display panel including a substrate, a driving circuit, a first testing pad, and a second testing pad is provided. The substrate includes a pixel array whose one side has a pixel testing area. The driving circuit is formed on the substrate and connected to the other side of the pixel testing area for providing a signal to the pixel array. The first testing pad is connected to the driving circuit. The second testing pad is connected to the pixel testing area. The testing method of the liquid crystal display panel includes: respectively testing whether the liquid crystal display panel and the pixel testing area have a defect and accordingly generating a first testing pattern and a second testing pattern; combining the first testing pattern and the second testing pattern to determine whether the defect occurs at the driving circuit or the pixel array.
US08009125B2 Organic electroluminescent display device
In an organic electroluminescent (EL) display device, a main display panel and a sub display panel share a data line and a power supply voltage line. The organic EL display device has a top emission type main display panel and a bottom emission type sub display panel in a single display panel. The main display panel is composed of main pixels, each having a compensation circuit for compensating a threshold voltage, and the sub pixel display is composed of basic sub pixels without any compensation circuit. Each of the sub pixels has a boost capacitor which increases a data voltage, and which is disposed between a scan line and a storage capacitor so as to use the same voltage and power supply voltage as the main pixels. The sub pixels having the boost capacitor are disposed in the sub display panel, so that the main and sub display panels share the data line and the power supply voltage line.
US08009123B2 Method for grayscale display processing for multi-grayscale display to reduce false contours in a plasma display device
In the PDP device, for example, two types of SF lighting patterns (A and B modes) are equally divided and arranged in spatially different regions in a field. For example, the patterns are arranged in a zigzag manner in units of pixels. At all lighting steps, existence of an absence of light-on SF which becomes a cause of false contour is permitted only in one mode. Accordingly, a generation rate of absence of light-on SF per field when the modes are combined is low, and the level of false contour can be reduced. Further, the spatial arrangement of each mode is optionally changed among the fields.
US08009120B2 Reinforcement fabrics with electronic transmission capabilities
Antennas using nonwoven geotextiles with embedded metallic or other wave carrying fibers are described herein. The geotextiles antennas are designed to be an internal, integral part of the nation's infrastructure. Geotextile antennas are flexible and easily conform to natural and manmade surfaces such as exterior building surfaces, for example, roads, roofs and bridges. Geotextile antennas are considerably less vulnerable to damage and probably much less expensive than the current, highly vulnerable and costly cell towers. In particular, geotextiles used in roads are especially well protected by the asphalt pavement above. The fabric-based conformal antenna enhances the usefulness and reliability of the communication infrastructure which is exceedingly vulnerable to vandalism, terrorism and natural disasters.
US08009118B2 Open-ended two-strip meander line antenna, RFID tag using the antenna, and antenna impedance matching method thereof
An open-ended two-strip meander line antenna, an RFID tag using the same and an antenna impedance matching method thereof are provided. The antenna includes: a radiating strip line for deciding a resonant frequency of the antenna; and a feeding strip line for providing a radio frequency (RF) signal to an element connected to the antenna, wherein ends of the radiating strip line and the feeding strip line are open.
US08009116B2 Device for two-dimensional imaging of scenes by microwave scanning
For two-dimensional imaging of scenes through continuous passive or active microwave scanning, use is made of a fully mechanized directional antenna array comprising a main reflector (1), a primary radiator array (3) and a subreflector (2) having a small size in comparison to the main reflector and being tilted relative to the optical axis (7) of the directional antenna array. First drive means (8) are operative to rotate the subreflector (2) about the optical axis (7), and second drive means (17,18) are operative to move the total directional antenna array in a direction approximately vertical to the optical axis (7). The moving speed of the subreflector (2) is very high in comparison to that of the total directional antenna array. The shape of the main reflector (1), the shape of the subreflector (2), the primary radiator (3), the distance between primary radiator and subreflector and the distance between subreflector and main reflector as focusing parameters are attuned to each other in such a manner that, for a given scene distance, an optimum focusing and an optimum size of the field of view are achieved. The focusing parameters and the moving speeds of the two drive means are set in a manner allowing for a gapless, continuous scanning of the scene with the aid of the focusing spot (12) moving at the scene distance. Applicability in remote investigation, particularly in earth observation and in safety technology.
US08009112B2 Feed assembly for dual-band transmit-receive antenna
A Ka/Ku-band transmitter-receiver comprises a tri-band feed of a Ka-band transceiver, in conjunction with an array of phase combined patch receiving, antennas that operate at the Ku-band frequencies.
US08009109B2 Internal antenna having surface-mounted receptacle
Disclosed herein is an internal antenna having a surface-mounted receptacle. The internal antenna includes a printed circuit board, a radiator, and a frame. The printed circuit board is configured such that a receptacle is surface-mounted thereon. The radiator is connected to the printed circuit board. The frame is configured such that the printed circuit board and the radiator are mounted thereto.
US08009101B2 Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a spiral line electrode portion and a first capacitance electrode connected to the inner end of the line electrode portion, which are disposed on the top surface of a substrate. A second capacitance electrode opposing the first capacitance electrode and a cross line electrode, which connects the second capacitance electrode and a connecting portion that connects the top and bottom surfaces, are disposed on the bottom surface of the substrate. The connecting portion electrically connects the outer end of the line electrode portion and an end of the cross line electrode. A wireless IC is mounted such that terminal electrodes thereof are connected to the connecting portion and an end of a radiating electrode. A radiating/resonating electrode including the line electrode portion, the capacitance electrodes, and the cross line electrode can act both as a resonant circuit for a resonant tag and as a radiating electrode serving as an RFID tag.
US08009100B2 Radio frequency emitter detection and location method and system
A system and method for detecting and locating a radio frequency emitter. A number, N, of receiving units using the same bandwidth, center frequency, and measurement time duration receive signals from the emitter. Higher Order Statistics (HOS) are used to calculate a correlation function between the received signals using one of the received signals as a reference. Results of the correlation function are used to form volumes of probabilities in a subset of an N−1 dimensional space of information regarding the location of the emitter. Each correlation function result in the subset corresponds to a single point in physical space.
US08009097B1 Beamforming with partial channel knowledge
A method in a transmitter for selecting steering vectors for simultaneously transmitting a plurality of streams (NS) between the transmitter and a receiver, where the receiver has NR receive antennas, where the transmitter knows respective channels associated with M receive antennas of the receiver, and where M is less than NR, includes constructing a partial channel matrix that describes a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) channel between the transmitter and the M receive antennas, generating L independent vectors using the partial channel matrix, wherein L is a rank of the partial channel matrix, selecting a respective steering vector for each of the plurality of streams to be transmitted to the receiver, including, if NS is less than or equal to L, selecting NS of the L independent vectors as the steering vectors, and, if NS is greater than L, (i) selecting the L independent vectors as steering vectors to steer L of the plurality of streams; and (ii) selecting NS−L orthogonal vectors in a null space of the L independent vectors.
US08009096B2 Method, system and apparatus for determining antenna weighting for transmit diversity
A method, system and apparatus for determining at least one relative characteristic of a transmit diversity transmitter based on at least one quality indicator based on signals received on the plurality of antennas. In some embodiments of the invention, the relative characteristic may be a relative power or amplitude ratio and/or a phase difference between the signals transmitted on the different antennas.
US08009093B2 Method and device for predicting GNSS satellite trajectory extension data in mobile apparatus
A method and device for predicting satellite trajectory extension data in a mobile apparatus. The device in accordance with the present invention comprises an I/O interface and a microprocessor. The input/output (I/O) interface is used for obtaining at least one satellite navigation message for at least one satellite. The microprocessor is used for determining a propagating condition according to the satellite navigation message, estimating at least one parameter of a satellite trajectory prediction model according to the propagating condition, and propagating at least one set of satellite trajectory extension data by using the satellite trajectory prediction model.
US08009089B2 Multiple clock signal generation from a common oscillator
A system and method of providing a clock signal to a navigation satellite receiver in a device is disclosed. A clock signal generated by a voltage controlled temperature compensated crystal oscillator (VCTCXO) in a cellular engine of the same device is appropriated to clock a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) programmed to generate an adjusted clock signal suitable for use in receiving signals from navigation satellites and to heterodyne them down to baseband or an intermediate frequency for processing. Preferably, if the cellular engine has an automatic frequency control (AFC) module for adjusting the voltage control input to the VCTCXO to compensate for a change in the operating environment of the cellular engine, the AFC module modifies the control word in the NCO to counteract such adjustment so that the adjusted clock signal provided to the navigation satellite receiver is not unduly impacted. The use of the NCO ensures that the adjusted clock signal remains phase continuous throughout any such adjustments, so that positional lock of the navigation satellite receiver should not be lost. The sharing of the VCTCXO by the cellular engine and the navigation satellite receiver results in component cost and board space savings, economy in power consumption and reduced engineering effort in routing clock signals throughout the circuit board.
US08009088B2 Method and transit time tester for monitoring the transit time of small-sized goods to be conveyed, particularly of letters and similar mail items
Disclosed is a method and a transit time tester for monitoring the transit time of an item to be conveyed, particularly a mail consignment, wherein the movements of a consignment are registered and stored in a transit time tester for later evaluation of the sequence of transportation. The transit time tester is equipped with sensors, satellite-based positioning system (GPS) receiver and storage media, corresponding in its dimensions and characteristics to the item to be conveyed to be monitored and determined from the sensor data the current type of conveyance with the aid of a microprocessor. To be monitored, the transit time and the routes of transportation of standard letters and similar mail consignments over a number of days. The receiver for the GPS is selectively switched on and off as a function of the changing conditions of reception and the current type of conveyance of the item to be conveyed.
US08009086B2 System and method for geo-locating a receiver with reduced power consumption
A system and process for the geo-location of an asset given no a priori knowledge regarding time and location of the asset with minimized power consumption is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the system is accurate to about 30 meters CEP (50% circular error probable) using just a short segment, e.g., 100-200 ms, of digitized GPS L1 signal data.
US08009083B2 Detection and ranging apparatus and method of designing detection and ranging apparatus
A method of designing a detection and ranging apparatus having an M number of transmitting elements and an N number of receiving elements, includes decomposing a desired polynomial equation representing an array factor of a K element sensor array into a first polynomial equation representing an array factor of an M element sensor array and a second polynomial equation representing an array factor of an N element sensor array, determining arrangement of the M number of transmitting elements based on the first polynomial equation, and determining arrangement the N number of receiving elements based on the second polynomial equation, wherein K=M×N, or K≧max(M, N).
US08009079B2 Methods for two-dimensional autofocus in high resolution radar systems
Provided are two-dimensional autofocus methods in a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system which include: (1) two-dimensional pulse pair product algorithm including shear PGA, eigenvector phase history (“EPH”), shear PGA/EPH); (2) two-dimensional optimization algorithms including parametric one-dimensional estimate/two-dimensional correction, parametric two dimensional estimate/two-dimensional correction, unconstrained two-dimensional nonparametric and constrained two-dimensional nonparametric methods; (3) a two-dimensional geometry filter algorithm; (4) a two-dimensional prominent point processing algorithm; (5) a one-dimensional phase estimate of higher order two dimensional phase errors; and, (6) a fast SHARP parametric autofocus algorithm.
US08009078B1 Configurable analog input channel with galvanic isolation
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a configurable analog input channel with galvanic isolation. In one embodiment, the invention provides a configurable input channel for selectively receiving one of a plurality of different analog sensor inputs. The input channel includes an interface for implementing switch settings for a selected type of input signal; a set of input terminals, wherein at least two of the set of input terminals are selectively utilized to correspond with the selected type of input signal; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the input signal into a digital output, wherein an operation of the analog-to-digital converter is determined based on the switch settings; and an isolation barrier for isolating the configurable input channel.
US08009075B2 Analog to digital converter (ADC) with extended dynamic input range
A method and apparatus is disclosed to extend a dynamic input range of an analog to digital converter (ADC). A composite ADC may include one or more ADCs. The one or more ADCs compare a signal metric of an analog input signal to quantization levels to produce intermediate digital output signals using one or more non-clipping input values. The composite ADC may select among the one or more intermediate digital output signals based on the signal metric of the analog input signal to produce a final digital output.
US08009068B1 Filter driven DC-free code
A storage device includes a signal processor that receives an input signal that includes a direct current (DC) voltage offset. An encoder receives the input signal from the signal processor and selectively inverts portions of the input signal based on at least one of an average DC value and a weighted DC value of the input signal.
US08009067B2 Method and apparatus for coding and decoding using bit-precision
Discussed are a method and an apparatus of encoding/decoding by using a bit precision. In accordance to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to encoding and decoding an image or a video by using a bit precision. Accordingly, compression efficiency can be improved and the decoding complexity can be reduced by encoding/decoding video data by use of the bit precision.
US08009066B2 Method and apparatus for coding and decoding using bit-precision
Discussed are a method and an apparatus of encoding/decoding by using a bit precision. In accordance to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to encoding and decoding an image or a video by using a bit precision. Accordingly, compression efficiency can be improved and the decoding complexity can be reduced by encoding/decoding video data by use of the bit precision.
US08009064B2 Data input device for portable terminal
Provided is a data input device which is employed in a portable terminal and used as an auxiliary input device. The data input device includes first data input means mounted on a predetermined position of a side surface of the main body of the portable terminal so that a portion of the first data input means is exposed to the outside, and operating when the exposed portion is rotated; second data input means operating when the exposed portion is pressed; a holding unit for maintaining a stopped state of the first data input means; and an elastic sliding unit for returning the second data input means to an initial position.
US08009062B2 Vehicle traffic flow data acquisition and distribution
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for vehicle traffic flow data acquisition and reporting for onboard vehicle navigation. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for vehicle traffic flow data acquisition and reporting for onboard vehicle navigation can include acquiring imagery of multiple vehicles traveling on a roadway between two locations and individually identifying the different vehicles in the imagery. An elapsed time of travel can be determined for the individually identified vehicles between the two locations and a rate of travel can be computed for each of the individually identified different vehicles based upon the elapsed time of travel. Thereafter, the rate of travel for at least one of the individually identified different vehicles can be broadcast to a subscriber for at least one of the two locations.
US08009060B2 Remote monitoring of munition assets
Remote monitoring of the munition assets is directed to providing a munitions monitoring system and method for monitoring the environment approximate to a munition and transferring data of the environment to a location remote from the munition for storage or processing. A local monitoring device communicates directly with a remote device at a location remote from the munition, the monitoring device being proximate to a munition with a plurality of sensors that monitor the environment of the munition. The local monitoring device can communicate directly with a centralized relay system that is located in the general proximity to a munitions stock pile and/or with a mobile remote device, such as mounted on a vehicle or a hand-held device. The data can be correlated with the operability of the munition.
US08009054B2 Systems, methods and apparatus for adjusting a low battery detection threshold of a remote control
Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a low battery detection threshold in a remote control. An embodiment of a method includes determining a type of a battery powering a remote control of an entertainment device and determining a first low battery threshold for the battery based on the type of the battery. The first low battery threshold indicates a low battery condition of the remote control. Responsive to measuring a voltage of the battery, a determination is made regarding whether the voltage of the battery is below the low battery threshold. Responsive to determining that the voltage of the battery is below the first low battery threshold, a low battery message is transmitted to an entertainment device. The entertainment device utilizes the message to present an indicator to a user regarding the low battery condition of the remote control.
US08009052B2 Method and system for monitoring the power state of an X-ray emitter and/or an X-ray detector
In a method and system for monitoring the power state of an x-ray emitter and/or an x-ray detector, the x-ray emitter is operated according to a set of test parameters, so as to emit x-rays that strike at least a portion of the detector region of the x-ray detector. At least one value characterizing the operation of the x-ray emitter and/or the x-ray detector is determined, and this detected parameter is compared with a comparable reference parameter value. The power state of the x-ray emitter and/or the x-ray detector is determined based on deviation of the detected parameter from the reference parameter.
US08009051B2 Sleep warning apparatus
A sleep warning apparatus includes a stimulation generating portion, a reaction detecting portion, a warning determining portion, and a warning generating portion. The stimulation generating portion generates stimulation to a person before a warning is given to the person. The stimulation is used to take reaction of the person. The reaction detecting portion detects the reaction of the person to the stimulation when the stimulation generated by the stimulation generating portion is given to the person. The warning determining portion determines whether or not the warning is required to be given to the person depending on whether or not the reaction detecting portion detects the reaction of the person to the stimulation. The warning generating portion gives the warning to the person when the warning determining portion determines that the warning is required to be given to the person.
US08009045B2 Method for alerting physical approach
A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.
US08009042B2 Radio-frequency lighting control system with occupancy sensing
A load control system controls an electrical load provided in a space and comprises a load control device and one or more occupancy sensors. The load control device controls the load in response to the wireless control signals received from the occupancy sensors. Each occupancy sensor transmits an occupied control signal to the load control device in response to detecting an occupancy condition in the space and a vacant control signal to the load control device in response to detecting a vacancy condition. The load control device turns on the load in response to receiving the occupied control signal from at least one of the occupancy sensors, and turns off the load in response to receiving vacant control signals from both of the occupancy sensors. The load control device is operable to determine that no wireless control signals have been received from the occupancy sensors for the length of a predetermined timeout period and to subsequently turn off the load.
US08009041B2 Access monitoring and control system and method
An access monitoring and control system is provided. The access monitoring and control system includes a sensing device configured to collect data points regarding at least one of movement of a person through an access portal and a state of the access portal and a processing unit configured to receive the data points from the sensing device and to form activity clusters from the data points based upon similar patterns of inactive or active behaviors.
US08009039B2 EAS power management system
A system and method for managing the power consumption of power-consuming devices. A remote device manager transmits power save schedules to a local device manager over a communication network such as the internet. The local device manager transmits power save commands to one or more devices in a location such as a store, over a dedicated local communication network. The commands instruct one or more devices to activate or de-activate its power save mode according to the power save schedules. The commands could be dependent upon one or more trigger events.
US08009034B2 Integrated tracking, sensing, and security system for intermodal shipping containers
A security system for freight containers comprises: a locking device to reliably attach to the container and prevent unauthorized opening of the container doors; a sensing device to sense conditions affecting the container; and, a communication system configured to transmit the output of the sensing device to a system administrator located remotely from the container. The locking and sensing devices may be capable of two-way communication with the system administrator, whereby the administrator may interrogate the locking/sensing device at selected times. The locking device may contain a GPS receiver whereby its geographic location at various times may be monitored either continuously, periodically, or after a trip is completed. The system may include a visual display on the exterior of the container capable of displaying selected messages. The messages may be preprogrammed or may be changed as the container moves from one geographic location to another.
US08009033B2 System and method for providing synergistic alert condition processing in an automated patient management system
A system and method for providing synergistic alert condition processing in an automated patient management system is presented. An alert condition is classified along a continuum that includes adverse outcome potential versus medical intervention impact potential. The alert condition is managed by assigning a disposition based on relative placement of the alert condition along the continuum. An alert notification is communicated over a selectable mode of communications and is conditioned upon the assigned disposition being actionable.
US08009011B2 Electrically adjustable resistor
An electrically adjustable resistor comprises a resistive polysilicon layer dielectrically isolated from one or more doped semiconducting layers. A tunable voltage is applied to the doped semiconducting layers, causing the resistance of the polysilicon layer to vary. Multiple matched electrically adjustable resistors may be fabricated on a single substrate, tuned by a single, shared doped semiconductor layer, creating matched, tunable resistor pairs that are particularly useful for differential amplifier applications. Multiple, independently adjustable resistors may also be fabricated on a common substrate.
US08009008B2 Inductor mounting, temperature control, and filtering method and apparatus
Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in conjunction with a inductor mount mounting to a mounting surface. The inductor mount may comprise an inductor having a center opening, and a surface area encompassing all of a front face, a back face, an inner surface about the center opening, and an outer edge concentric about the center opening. The inductor mount may further include mounting hardware holding the outer edge of then inductor to the mounting surface. A cooling element moves air into contact with the front face, through the center opening, and around the outer edge of the inductor. In various embodiments, the mounting hardware contacts less that ten percent of the surface area of the inductor.
US08009005B2 Reactor apparatus for a railway vehicle
A reactor apparatus for a railway vehicle includes a coil assembly, a side cover, through bolts inserted into the coil assembly, cover supporting members, a pair of frames, and ribs that reinforce the pair of frames. A support/fixation section of each frame is fixed to an under surface of a vehicle pedestal. The pair of the frames are disposed on both sides of the coil assembly, and support the through bolts and the cover supporting member. For each rib, leg members that extend from corresponding reinforcing body are penetrated into and welded to the corresponding frame. For each cover supporting member, a leg member that extends from corresponding cover supporting body is penetrated into and welded to the corresponding frame.
US08008995B2 Stripline filter and manufacturing method thereof
The element size of a stripline filter that achieves a high efficiency percentage with optional stable filter characteristics, is reduced. A stripline filter includes substantially L-shaped top surface resonant lines. The top surface resonant lines include connection electrode parts, first line parts, and second line parts. The connection electrode parts are formed so as to have a width greater than line widths of side surface resonant lines. Each line part faces an edge of a corner portion of a central top surface resonant line at an interval. An edge of each first line part on an edge side of a dielectric substrate, other than a connection portion with the connection electrode part, faces an edge of the dielectric substrate at an interval.
US08008994B2 Tunable capacitive input coupling
Various exemplary embodiments include a cavity having a tuning assembly with tunable capacitive coupling. The tuning assembly may have a recess having a specified depth, designed for a default magnitude of coupling into the cavity. A sleeve may be fully inserted within the recess to have the structure operate at that default coupling magnitude. If a different amount of coupling is desired, the sleeve may be inserted to a particular depth that only includes part of the recess, enabling repeatable tuning of a plurality of cavities.
US08008993B2 Thin-film bulk-acoustic wave (BAW) resonators
A thin-film bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator, such as SBAR or FBAR, for use in RF selectivity filters operating at frequencies of the order of 1 GHz. The BAW resonator comprises a piezoelectric layer (14) having first and second surfaces on opposing sides, a first electrode (16) extending over the first surface, and a second electrode (12) extending over the second surface, the extent of the area of overlap (R1) of the first and second electrodes determining the region of excitation of the fundamental thickness extensional (TE) mode of the resonator. The insertion loss to the resonator is reduced by providing a dielectric material (18) in the same layer as the first electrode (16) and surrounding that electrode. The material constituting the dielectric material (18) has a different mass, typically between 5% and 15%, from the material comprising the first electrode (16) it surrounds. The mass of the dielectric material (18) can be lower or higher than the mass of the first electrode (16). Planarisation of the dielectric material (18) enhances the performance of the device.
US08008988B1 Radio frequency switch with improved intermodulation distortion through use of feed forward capacitor
A radio frequency (RF) switch using a field effect transistor has 2nd order intermodulation distortion improved through use of a feed forward capacitor electrically connected between the gate and a voltage coupler connected between the source and drain of the FET. With a control voltage provided at the gate through a gate feed resistor for operation of the FET, the feed forward capacitor feeds an RF voltage from the drain terminal and the source terminal to the gate terminal through the gate feed resistor.
US08008987B2 Balun circuit manufactured by integrate passive device process
A Balun circuit manufactured by integrate passive device (IPD) process. The Balun circuit includes a substrate, a first coplanar spiral structure, and a second coplanar spiral structure. One end of the innermost first left coil of the first coplanar spiral structure is electrically connected to the innermost first right coil through a first bridge. Two ends of the first coplanar spiral structure are electrically connected to the outermost first left coil and the outermost right coil respectively. One end of the innermost second left coil of the second coplanar spiral structure is electrically connected to the innermost second right coil through a second bridge. Two ends of the second coplanar spiral structure are electrically connected to the outermost second left coil and the outermost second right coil respectively. The first left coils and the second left coils are interlaced. The first right coils and the second right coils are interlaced.
US08008974B2 Power amplifier system with power control function
A power amplifier system with power control function provides accurate and efficient power control by controlling a bias voltage and a bias current of the power amplifier at the same time. A power amplifier system with power control function according to an aspect of the invention may include: a power amplifier receiving a bias voltage and a bias current from a power voltage source and having a gain controlled according to the magnitude of the bias voltage and the bias current; a voltage detection controller detecting the magnitude of the bias voltage being supplied to the power amplifier and comparing the magnitude of the bias voltage with a predetermined reference voltage to control the magnitude of the bias voltage; and a current detection controller detecting voltage having a magnitude equivalent to the magnitude of the bias current being supplied to the power amplifier and comparing the magnitude of the voltage equivalent to the magnitude of the bias current with the reference voltage to control the magnitude of the bias current.
US08008973B2 Amplifier for amplifying a high-frequency signal
A transistor is provided to amplify a high frequency signal. A gate/base of the transistor receives the high frequency input signal. A variable capacitor is connected between the gate and a source/between the base and an emitter of the transistor. A variable inductor is connected with the source/the emitter of the transistor.
US08008968B2 Multipath amplifier
Because of variations in open loop gain and bandwidth in successive approximate register (SAR) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), designing amplifiers with the desired characteristics is difficult. Here, a multipath amplifier is provided that accounts for the variations in open loop gain and bandwidth. Preferably, a number of cascaded amplifiers are provided that can auto-zero to account for offset voltages so as to allow the multipath amplifier to be stable over the desired open loop gains and bandwidths.
US08008965B2 Device for supplying power to an intergrated circuit
The device (12) is used for supplying power to a rapid clocking and/or a rapidly clocked integrated circuit (13), which has a circuit load (17) to be supplied with power and an internal capacity (15) connected parallel to the circuit load (17). The integrated circuit (13) has a high clocking frequency (f1) which is in particular at least in the MHz range. A supply unit (14) which is in particular designed as a current source is directly connected to the internal capacity (15). The supply unit (14) has an internal resistance, the impedance value of which is so high at the clocking frequency (f1) that a current (ID2) which supplies the circuit load (17) originates to a greater degree from the internal capacity (15) than from the supply unit (14).
US08008964B1 Variable input voltage charge pump
A device for providing a constant output voltage based on a variable input voltage is provided. The device may include: (1) a charge-pump comprising a plurality of cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells can be configured as an input cell, a stepping cell, or a load cell; (2) a comparator; and (3) a differentiator coupled to the comparator output, wherein the differentiator is configured to monitor the comparator output and produce a reset pulse each time the comparator output changes its state. The device may further include: (1) a decimator; (2) an up/down counter; and (3) a controller for detecting whether the device is operating in a first predetermined mode or a second predetermined mode, wherein the two modes relate to the configuration of the plurality of cells into the input cell, the stepping cell, and/or the load cell.
US08008958B2 Electronic device and method of correcting clock signal deviations in an electronic device
A digital electronic device is provided which comprises a digital clock deviation detecting means and a digital clock correcting means. The clock deviation detecting means is used to detect a deviation of a first clock signal of the electronic device and/or the duty cycle of the first clock signal. The clock correcting means is used to correct the first clock signal and/or the duty cycle of the first clock signal if the clock deviation detecting means has detected a deviation of the first clock signal and/or the duty cycle of the first clock signal. The clock correcting means comprises at least a first and second compensation path (P1, P2) for compensating deviations in the first clock signal and/or the duty cycle thereof, when the first clock signal passes through the first or second path. The first path (P1) does not induce a compensation and is selected if the clock deviation detecting means has not detected a deviation in the first clock signal. The second path (P2) includes a first compensation and is selected if the clock deviation detecting means has detected a deviation of the first clock signal.
US08008957B2 Inverting zipper repeater circuit
Repeater circuits including an inverting zipper repeater circuit and an inverting gain-enhanced repeater circuit are described.
US08008956B1 Frequency synthesizer and high-speed automatic calibration device therefor
A frequency synthesizer and an automatic calibration device are disclosed. An automatic calibration device for a phase-locked loop based frequency synthesizer includes: a frequency-to-digital converter for converting a frequency of a signal outputted from a voltage controlled oscillator into a first digital value; a frequency difference detector for calculating a difference between the first digital value outputted from the frequency-to-digital converter and a second digital value corresponding to a target frequency; an automatic frequency calibration logic for selecting an optimal control code for a capacitor bank such that an output frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator is closer to the target frequency; and a loop bandwidth calibration logic for tuning a charge pump gain such that a loop bandwidth is kept constant in the optimal control code using the frequency-to-digital converter. Thus, the calibration speed can be increased, and the loop bandwidth can be kept constant within the output frequency range.
US08008954B2 Multi-phase signal generator and method
Multi-phase signal generators and methods for generating multi-phase signals are described. In one embodiment, the clock generator generates quadrature clock signals including those having 90, 180, 270 and 360 degrees phase difference with a first clock signal. One of the intermediate clock signals may be used as an enable signal to guide locking of all signals. For example, the 180 degree clock signal may be inverted and used as an enable signal to guide locking of the initial and 360 degree signals in a single phase adjustment procedure. The 0 and 360 degree signals may be delayed before their phase is compared to compensate for duty cycle error in the clock signals.
US08008952B2 Buffer circuit having switch circuit capable of outputing two and more different high voltage potentials
A buffer circuit outputs a low voltage and high voltages as opposed logic signals and a first high voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the first high voltage as the high voltages. The buffer includes a logic control circuit, a first MOS transistor provided between a power supply for feeding the first high voltage and an output terminal, the first MOS transistor including a gate receiving a control signal of the first high voltage level outputted from the logic control circuit, and a backgate receiving the first high voltage, a second MOS transistor provided between a power supply for feeding the second high voltage and the output terminal, the second MOS transistor including a gate receiving a control signal of the second high voltage level outputted from the logic control circuit, and a backgate receiving the second high voltage, and a first switch circuit provided between the first MOS transistor and the output terminal and controlled ON/OFF state thereof by the control signal of the second high voltage level.
US08008945B2 Level-shift circuit
A level-shift circuit converts a first voltage level into a second voltage level different from the first voltage level. The level-shift circuit includes a first high-side signal detection circuit, a second high-side signal detection circuit, a drive circuit and electric current detection circuits. The first high-side signal detection circuit sets a logical voltage state of the second voltage level via a first capacitor. The second high-side signal detection circuit resets the logical voltage state of the second voltage level via a second capacitor. The drive circuit on-off drives a high-side switch connected to a low-side switch in series by a set signal of the first high-side signal detection circuit and a reset signal of the second high-side signal detection circuit. The electric current detection circuits detect an electric current flowing into or from the first and/or second capacitors.
US08008941B2 Polishing head testing with movable pedestal
A polishing head is tested in a test station having a pedestal for supporting a test wafer and a controllable pedestal actuator to move a pedestal central wafer support surface and a test wafer toward the polishing head. In another aspect of the present description, the test wafer may be positioned using a positioner having a first plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around the pedestal central wafer support surface. In another aspect, the wafer position may have a second plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around an outer wafer support surface disposed around the pedestal central wafer support surface and adapted to support a test wafer. The second plurality of test wafer engagement members may be distributed about a second circumference of the ring member, the second circumference having a wider diameter than the first circumference. Additional embodiments and aspects are described and claimed.
US08008939B2 Component test apparatus and component transport method
A component test apparatus performing a test on an electronic component is disclosed. The component test apparatus includes a component loading device, a transport hand, and a component unloading device. A plurality of functional stations have mutually different functions and are spaced apart at equal intervals along a movement direction of the transport hand. The transport hand has a plurality of index units that are capable of holding the electronic component independently from one another and operating independently from one another. The index units are spaced apart at intervals equal to the intervals at which the functional stations are spaced apart along a transport direction of the electronic component from a loading position toward a test position.
US08008933B2 System and method for baseband calibration
A system includes at least one of a first generator, at least two of a second generator, and a load board. The at least one of a first generator one of receives and transmits analog signals. The at least two of a second generator one of receives and transmits digital signals. The load board is disposed between the first generator and the second generators and electrically coupled therebetween to calibrate parameters relating to communications. The load board includes a direct path for each of the analog signals between the at least one of the first generator and a corresponding number of devices under test and for each of the digital signals between the at least two of the second generator and a corresponding number of devices under test.
US08008929B2 Method and apparatus for measuring a lifetime of charge carriers
An apparatus for measuring a lifetime of charge carriers that has a measuring probe and a component for directing ultraviolet radiation to a measuring position. The measuring probe also includes at least one electrode provided at a predetermined spatial relationship to the measuring position. A microwave source is adapted to direct microwave radiation to the measuring position, a microwave detector is adapted to measure an alteration of an intensity of microwave radiation reflected at the measuring position in response to the ultraviolet radiation and a semiconductor structure holder is adapted to receive a semiconductor structure and to provide an electric contact to a portion of the semiconductor structure. Additionally, a device for moving the substrate holder relative to the measuring probe is provided for positioning at least one portion of the semiconductor structure at the measuring position. The apparatus includes a power source adapted to apply a bias voltage between the semiconductor structure holder and the electrode.
US08008928B2 Apparatus and method for the measurement of mass and/or moisture of dielectric objects
An apparatus for the measurement of mass and/or moisture of dielectric objects, with an analysing unit, at least one high frequency generator, at least one high frequency detector and with a high frequency resonator, wherein the at least one high frequency generator can generate at least two modes which are independent from each other, having different resonance frequencies in the resonator, the at least one high frequency detector can measure the occurring frequencies for each mode in the resonator, and the analysing unit can determine a shift of the resonance frequency (A) and a change of the resonance curve for the measured frequencies in each mode, and can calculate the mass and/or moisture of the dielectric object from the determined values for the shift of the resonance frequency (A) and the change of the resonance curve.
US08008927B1 Method and apparatus for ground bounce and power supply bounce detection
A method and apparatus for ground bounce and power supply bounce detection in devices have been disclosed. In one case one input to a differential amplifier is coupled to a reference voltage and another input to the differential amplifier is coupled to a measurement point and the output of the differential amplifier is coupled to a flip flop. The flip flop has an output indicating when a bounce threshold is exceeded.
US08008926B2 UHF partial discharge and location measuring device for high-voltage power devices
Disclosed is a UHF partial discharge and its location measuring device for high-voltage power devices. The measuring device includes a partial discharge sensor, an external noise sensor, an analogue-digital converter, a peak detector, a partial discharge signal processor, an arrival time detector, a discharge location processor, and a display unit.
US08008925B2 Electrical partial discharge pulse marker discrimination
A marker pulse discriminator monitor that enables filtering of partial discharge pulses for monitoring the condition of a generator in a power plant system. The monitor detects partial discharge pulses emanating from the generator and includes a plurality of first modules connected to respective isophase buses adjacent to the generator. Each of the first modules generate a marker pulse in response to a partial discharge pulse. The monitor also includes an analyzer unit connected to the isophase buses adjacent to a step-up transformer. The analyzer unit receives each partial discharge pulse and each marker pulse and determines a differential value corresponding to a difference between a time of arrival of a partial discharge pulse and a time of arrival of a corresponding marker pulse to identify partial discharge pulses originating at the generator and to identify the isophase bus associated with the corresponding partial discharge pulse.
US08008923B2 Method for bypassing a power cell of a power supply
A method. The method includes determining that a failure has occurred in a power cell of a multi-cell power supply. The method also includes moving a part of a first contact which is connected to first and second output terminals of the power cell from a first position to a second position, moving a part of a second contact which is connected to a first input terminal of the power cell from a third position to a fourth position, and moving a part of a third contact which is connected to a second input terminal of the power cell from a fifth position to a sixth position.
US08008922B2 Ballast and wiring lamp fixture tester
Apparatus and methods for testing a light fixture power circuit are therefore provided. The light fixture power circuit may energize a fluorescent lamp by providing power at first and second power terminals. The lamp holder may include a lamp pin guide for guiding the tube's contact pins toward the first and second power terminals. The apparatus may have probes that simulate the tube's contact pins. The probes may be robotically inserted into the lamp holder in a manner that is similar to the manner in which the contact pins would be inserted. This may eliminate the requirement to use fluorescent tubes to test the light fixture power circuit. The apparatus may include circuitry for testing the impedance of the light fixture power circuit at the first and second power contacts.
US08008921B2 Surveying using vertical electromagnetic sources that are towed along with survey receivers
A system to perform a marine subterranean survey includes at least one vertical electromagnetic (EM) source and at least one EM receiver to measure a response of a subterranean structure that is responsive to EM signals produced by the vertical EM source. At least one tow cable is used to tow the EM source and EM receiver through a body of water.
US08008920B2 Method and apparatus for utilizing time division multiple waveform transmitting
A method and apparatus of constructing a signal for a controlled source electromagnetic survey is described. In one embodiment, a method is described that includes determining a first waveform and a second waveform, the first waveform and second waveform related to a combined frequency spectrum and bandwidth associated with a geophysical survey line. Then, a signal is constructed by sequencing the first waveform with the second waveform. This signal may be utilized in a transmitter, which may be pulled by a vessel along the geophysical survey line.
US08008918B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and scanning-condition setting method
A Signal-to-Noise (SN) ratio maintained scanning-condition recalculating unit re-sets a value of a scanning parameter other than an SN ratio included in scanning conditions when the size of a Field Of View (FOV) to be set for a scan is changed, so as to make the SN ratio of an image to be taken under after-change scanning conditions equal to or larger than the SN ratio of an image assumed to be taken under before-change scanning conditions. A scanning-condition edit/scan positioning unit then sets scanning conditions based on the value of the scanning parameter recalculated by the scanning-condition recalculating unit.
US08008909B2 Analysis and compensation circuit for an inductive displacement sensor
A circuit arrangement for analysis and compensation of the signals for an inductive displacement sensor is provided. The circuit includes a first operating amplifier, a second operating amplifier and a coil for a displacement measurement, in parallel with the second operating amplifier output and the second operating amplifier first input and connected to a capacitance in series with the coil inductance and coil resistance to form an RLC series tuned circuit. In order to improve the accuracy of a measured resonance frequency, the circuit arrangement can be extended with a second coil for a temperature compensation, by connecting a first of the ends of the coil winding to a second end of the coil winding of the first coil and a second of the ends of the coil winding to the second input of the first operating amplifier.
US08008908B2 Low power magnetic field sensor
A magnetic field sensor for low power applications includes a magnetic field sensing element that, during sample intervals, provides a signal proportional to a sensed magnetic field and also includes a comparator circuit that, during the sample intervals, compares the magnetic field signal to threshold levels to generate a sensor output signal indicative of a strength of the magnetic field. According to a dual sample rate feature, initially the magnetic field signal is sampled at a first predetermined sample rate and, following detection of a transition of the sensor output signal, is sampled at a second, faster predetermined sample rate for a predetermined interval. According to a user-programmable sample rate feature, a user may select to operate the sensor at a fixed, predetermined sample rate or at a user-specified sample rate. The magnetic field sensor may also or alternatively detect the speed and/or direction of rotation of a rotating magnetic article.
US08008907B2 Delay line calibration circuit comprising asynchronous arbiter element
A delay line calibration circuit is disclosed herein. The calibration circuit has an arbiter circuit having a unit for determining which of two signals that arrive first; a first and a second synchronous element each having an input for receiving a clock signal, and one of them having a unit for outputting the clock signal a clock period later; and a calibration circuit having inputs connected to the outputs of the arbiter circuit for receiving a signal from it indicative of whether the signal input to the arbiter circuit from the delay line is ahead or after the signal input to the arbiter circuit from the second element, the calibration circuit further being connected to the delay line for calibrating the delay line in accordance with the signal received from the arbiter circuit. The invention in at least one embodiment provides improved calibration of delay lines.
US08008905B2 Waveform observing apparatus
There is provided a waveform observing apparatus with a reduced depth in such a manner that the waveform observing apparatus is one including a terminal board, connecting wiring extending from external equipment, a memory for receiving measured data through the terminal board, to store the measured data, and a display for displaying the measured data in waveform, the apparatus including: a first intra-body substrate, installed in an erect state inside a body frame of the waveform observing apparatus; a plurality of first connectors, provided on the first intra-body substrate; and a measurement module, which is connector-connected to the first connector of the first intra-body substrate, to be installed between the first intra-body substrate and the terminal board, and also includes a measurement circuit, wherein a plurality of measurement modules are detachable in an aligned state with respect to the erect first intra-body substrate.
US08008904B1 Voltage and temperature invariant current setting circuit
A current supply circuit provides current that is substantially invariant with voltage supply and temperature changes. The current supply circuit has an input node connectable to a voltage supply and an output node operable to provide an output current. The current supply circuit includes a current source circuit coupled to a reference voltage node and configured to provide the output current at the output node, wherein a voltage at the reference voltage node controls current output of the current source circuit. The current supply circuit also includes a reference-setting circuit coupled to the reference voltage node and operable to establish a reference current level of the current source circuit, a common-emitter circuit coupled to the input node, and an emitter-follower circuit coupled to the input node, the emitter-follower circuit having an input coupled to an output of the common-emitter circuit and an output coupled to the reference voltage node.
US08008901B2 Regulated power supply with multiple regulators sharing the total current supplied to a load
Disclosed is a digital current sharing structure and method in which a plurality of regulators are configured to share the load current. Current share circuits in each of the regulators are configured to measure and compare the average current provided by that particular regulator with the overall average current provided by all the regulators. Each of the current share circuits then provides an output so that the output of each regulator is adjusted to provide the same amount of current to the load. Digital processing with both analog and digital averaging are disclosed. Also disclosed is a programmable hysteresis technique to eliminate relatively trivial adjustments.
US08008899B2 Method of controlling a DC-DC convertor in discontinuous mode
A DC-DC converter includes an induction coil cooperating with two switches, which operate alternately, to supply output voltage of a determined level relative to input voltage. The converter control method includes, in each cycle, a first phase of first duration with first switch controlled to make it conductive, and to increase current in the induction coil, and a second phase with second switch controlled to be conductive and to decrease current in the induction coil during a second adjustable time period. Detection device detects, at the end of the second phase, sign of overvoltage across one terminal of the induction coil connected to the switches, and supplies a detection signal kept in a high or low state, depending upon sign of detected overvoltage. Timing device receives detection signal for adapting, in each successive cycle, the second duration of the second phase to cancel out current in the induction coil.
US08008894B2 Adjusting a top charge capacitor voltage according to an operating temperature of the capacitor
An apparatus includes a capacitor and logic to adjust an operating temperature of the capacitor according to a charge on the capacitor, and/or to adjust a charge of the capacitor according to the operating temperature of the capacitor to improve the useful life of the capacitor and increase its reliability.
US08008891B2 Simple method for accurately determining a state of charge of a battery, a battery management system using same, and a driving method thereof
A battery management system using a measurement model modeling a battery, and estimating a SOC (state-of-charge) of the battery, and a battery driving method thereof. The battery management system is constructed with a sensor, a predictor, a data rejection unit, and a measurement unit. The sensor senses a charging and discharging current flowing through the battery, a temperature of the battery, a terminal voltage of the battery. The predictor counts the charging and discharging current, and estimates the state-of-charge of the battery. The data rejection unit generates information associated with an error generated from the measurement model, as a function of at least one of the battery temperature, the charging and discharging current, the state-of-charge, and a dynamic of the charging and discharging current. The measurement unit corrects the estimated state-of-charge of the battery, using the measurement model and the information associated with the error.
US08008887B2 Method and device for recharging using portable multi-voltage solar cell
A portable solar cell charger and methods of charging electronic devices using the same are disclosed. A portable solar cell charger comprises at least one solar cell plate holding a plurality of solar cells; a film with reformed surface formed on the solar cell plate; a power control part supplying a load side with power after perceiving a voltage required from the load side; and a case holding the solar cell plate and the power control part. A method of charging an electronic device using a solar cell charger comprises perceiving a voltage required from a load side using a microprocessor; converting the perceived voltage using D/A converter; comparing the converted voltage with a voltage from a solar cell plate; integrating signals from a comparator and a pulse generator; adjusting the voltage from the solar cell plate; and supplying the voltage from the solar cell plate into the load side.
US08008886B2 Power converter
A power converter is provided with a rectifying circuit, an inverter circuit, and a common mode filter including a common mode choke coil and a capacitor. The switching frequency of a PWM rectifying circuit is set at three times the switching frequency of a PWM inverter. Alternatively, the resonance frequency of the common mode filter is set at twice the carrier frequency of the rectifying circuit or the PWM inverter circuit or more.
US08008885B2 Power converters
A power converter interfaces a variable voltage and variable frequency motor to a fixed voltage and fixed frequency network. A first inverter is connected to the motor stator. A dc link is connected between the first inverter and a second inverter. Each inverter includes switches. A filter is connected between the second inverter and the network. A first controller for the first inverter uses a dc link voltage demand signal indicative of a desired dc link voltage to control the first inverter switches to achieve a desired dc link voltage level. A second controller for the second inverter uses a power demand signal indicative of a power to be transferred to the dc link from the network through the second inverter, and a voltage demand signal indicative of a voltage to be achieved at the filter to control the second inverter switches to achieve desired power and voltage levels.
US08008882B2 Rotation speed controlling system for shredder motor
A system for controlling the rotation speed of a shredder motor is disclosed. It consists of a bridge rectifier circuit, a forward/reverse controlling switch, a motor speed switch, and AC motor coils. By changing a switch, it is possible to activate the following four modes: forward fast, reverse fast, forward slow, and reverse slow. A user can thus operate a shredder at high torque and low rotation speed or high rotation speed and low torque depending on the number of sheets to be shredded.
US08008881B2 Voltage protecting apparatus
A voltage protecting apparatus is used for detecting voltage of a motor driver, and adjusting the voltage of the motor driver when at an over-voltage state. The motor driver includes a direct current (DC) power source and a power board. The voltage protecting apparatus includes a switch unit, a voltage transform unit, a controller, a voltage detector, and an over-voltage judger. When the controller outputs a high level signal, the switch unit is turned on, the voltage transform unit transforms the output voltage of the DC power source to a low voltage. The over-voltage judger receives the low voltage and compares the low voltage to a predetermined voltage. When the low voltage is greater than the predetermined voltage, the over-voltage judger outputs a control signal to the controller for signaling the controller to control the power board so as to adjust the voltage of the motor driver.
US08008880B2 Motor controller and electric power steering apparatus
A signal generating section includes a second calculating section that corrects phase resistance. The calculating section stores resistance values of phases that have been measured in advance and a reference resistance value. The calculating section calculates correction components, which cancel a voltage drop term of a voltage equation of a d-q coordinate system changing depending on the rotation angle of the motor, based on the stored resistance values and the reference resistance value. The signal generating section superimposes the correction component and the correction component on a d-axis voltage command value and a q-axis voltage command value, respectively. The d-axis voltage command value and the q-axis voltage command value are thus corrected in such a manner as to suppress a torque ripple caused by difference among the resistance values of the phases.
US08008876B2 Hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle includes, in one example, a motor-generator driven by an engine to generate alternating current, wherein the motor-generator is further configured to start the engine, a motor for driving the vehicle, a diode rectifier to rectify alternating current generated by the motor-generator, an inverter connected to a feed circuit between the diode rectifier and the motor to convert direct current in the feed circuit into alternating current, a power supply connected to a line connecting the diode rectifier with the inverter, a first feed circuit to supply current to the motor to drive the vehicle through the diode rectifier and the inverter in series a second feed circuit to connect the motor-generator with the power supply while bypassing at least the diode rectifier, and an alternating current converter provided in the second feed circuit.
US08008872B2 Method of shutting down a high pressure discharge lamp and driving unit for driving a high pressure discharge lamp
The invention describes a method of shutting down a high pressure discharge lamp (1) in which a pair of electrodes (2) is disposed in an arc tube (3), which method comprises reducing, upon receipt of a shut-down request (SR), the lamp power (P) towards a reduced power level (PR) required to sustain a long-term arc discharge between the electrodes (2), and driving the lamp (1) towards the reduced power level (PR) for a reduced power duration before completely shutting down the lamp power (P), whereby, prior to reducing the lamp power (P) towards the reduced power level (PR), the lamp power (P) is reduced to an undershoot power level (Pu), which undershoot power level (Pu) is lower than the reduced power level (PR) required to sustain a long-term arc discharge between the electrodes (2), and the lamp is driven at this undershoot power level (Pu) for an undershoot power duration (tu) before increasing the lamp power (P) again to approach the reduced power level (PR). Moreover the invention describes an appropriate driving unit (4) for driving a high pressure discharge lamp (1) and an image rendering system (40), particularly a projector system, comprising such a driving unit (4).
US08008870B2 Constant-current drive circuit
A voltage supplied from a power supply is boosted by a boosting circuit unit to generate a direct-current voltage, and the pulse-shape direct-current voltage is applied to LED while a constant-voltage control unit controls the direct-current voltage. The operation of LED is controlled by a control unit and a PWM unit. When the current is passed through LED, the constant-voltage control unit obtains information on the current passed through LED from a potential difference between both ends of a resistor, and on-and-off control of the voltage applied to LED from the boosting circuit unit is performed at a high frequency based on the information. Therefore, the voltage applied to LED can be controlled to keep the current passed through LED constant.
US08008868B2 Discharge lamp starter, method for controlling the same, and projector
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure a discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes a controller configured to control an AC conversion circuit to perform AC conversion control for controlling the timings at which a polarity of the discharge lamp driving AC current is reversed. The controller is configured to control the power control circuit to perform current control for controlling a magnitude of the DC current. The controller changes the accumulated energy supplied to each electrode of a discharge lamp in one cycle of the discharge lamp driving AC current in accordance with a periodic pattern. The periodic pattern includes a plurality of segmented periods during each of which the accumulated energy is maintained at a same level for a plurality of cycles of the discharge lamp driving AC current, and a level of the accumulated energy in at least two of the segmented periods differ from each other.
US08008866B2 Hybrid light source
A hybrid light source comprises a high-efficiency lamp, for example, a fluorescent lamp, and a low-efficiency lamp, for example, a halogen lamp. A control circuit individually controls the amount of power delivered to each of the high-efficiency lamp and the low-efficiency lamp, such that a total light output of the hybrid light source ranges throughout a dimming range from a minimum total intensity to a maximum total intensity. The high-efficiency lamp is turned off and the low-efficiency lamp produces all of the total light intensity of the hybrid light source when the total light intensity is below a transition intensity. The low-efficiency lamp is controlled such that the correlated color temperature of the hybrid light source decreases as the total light intensity is decreased below the transition intensity. The hybrid light source is characterized by a low impedance throughout the dimming range.
US08008865B2 Multiple failure detection shutdown protection circuit for an electronic ballast
A shut-down circuit configured for use with an electronic ballast coupled to a lamp in a control path includes a device for sensing the electrical energy associated with the control path, and a sensing circuit for shutting down the ballast in the event that the energy does not conform to a predetermined condition. The sensed energy may be current indicative of lamp installation or short circuit, or voltage indicative of arcing or open circuit. The device for sensing the electrical energy associated with the control path may be an isolation transformer, or alternative devices such as optical isolators may be employed. The circuitry may further include electronic componentry to disable the sensing circuit during initial energization of the lamp. In one disclosed example, the sensing circuit includes a node that should be at or near a predetermined electrical potential when the lamp is operating properly, and a switch such as a Schmitt trigger coupled to the node that turns on or off to shut down the ballast if the node is not at or near the predetermined electrical potential. In an implementation used to detect voltage fluctuations indicative of arcing, the circuitry may include a high-pass filter or differentiator and detector to detect high-frequency noise. Alternatively, a phase-locked loop may be coupled to a low-pass filter to detect high-frequency noise indicative of arcing. In another alternative implementation, a microprocessor performing a digital signal processing algorithm may determine the presence of an abnormal condition.
US08008864B2 Single LED string lighting
A solid state lighting unit constituted of: a control circuitry; a single string of light emitting diodes, the single string constituted of a plurality of sections each comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes; and a plurality of bypass paths each responsive to the control circuitry, each of the plurality of bypass paths arranged to provide bypass to a particular one of the plurality of sections, wherein the control circuitry is operative to identify an open circuit condition of a particular one of the plurality of sections, and activate the bypass path arranged to bypass the open circuit section, thereby providing light through sections not exhibiting an open circuit condition.
US08008863B2 Driving system and method for color sequential liquid crystal display (LCD)
A driving system and method for color sequential liquid crystal display (LCD) are described. The driving system includes a sensor, scanning modules, switching modules and a control unit. The control unit receives the sensing signal from the sensor and controls the first switching module based on the sensing signal for switching the scanning module to select one of the scanning modes in response to the environment temperature. The control unit adjusts the scanning direction of the liquid crystal display according to the switched scanning mode. The control unit controls the switching module based on the driving mode corresponding to the sensing signal. Further, the switching module switches the gamma voltage-setting module for selecting one of the voltage-setting values in response to the sensing signal and driving the liquid crystal display.
US08008862B2 Shine-through hydrogen lamp
A shine-through, low pressure discharge, hydrogen lamp has a metallic housing structure shielding the discharge space in a lamp bulb filled with hydrogen. In this lamp a diaphragm (4) made of electrically insulating material is fixed in the metallic housing part (2) which is to face a visible light source.
US08008860B2 Organic EL element with forward tapered bank containing fluorine resin
An organic EL display panel having a functional layer with a uniform film thickness is provided. The organic EL display panel of the present invention contains anode electrodes set on the substrate; organic EL layers set on the anode electrodes; line-state banks defining the organic EL layers in a line-state region; second banks defining two or more regions in the line-state region. The line-state banks and the second banks contain a fluorine resin, a fluorine concentration of the fluorine resin gradually changes along a thickness direction of each of the line-state bank and the second bank, and the fluorine concentration at a top of each of the line-state bank and the second bank is higher than the fluorine concentration at a bottom surface of each of the line-state bank and the second bank.
US08008859B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display for minimizing light from entering the pixels is provided. The organic light emitting display includes a substrate including a pixel region and a pixel-separating region between pixel regions; a first insulating layer on the substrate; a first electrode in a pixel region and on the first insulating layer; a pixel definition layer overlapping an edge region of the first electrode and in a region between the pixel region and the pixel-separating region; an organic light emitting layer on the first electrode and the pixel definition layer; a second electrode on the organic light emitting layer; and a black matrix between the first insulating layer and the pixel definition layer and extending outwardly past an edge region of the pixel definition layer into the pixel-separating region, such that the pixel definition layer is separated from the first insulating layer.
US08008857B2 Organic light emitting display with reflective electrode
An organic light emitting display is disclosed. One embodiment of the organic light emitting display includes a substrate member and a plurality of pixels that are formed on the substrate member. At least one of the pixels includes a thin film transistor, a light emitting element that is electrically connected to the thin film transistor, and a reflective layer that is disposed between the thin film transistor and the light emitting element and that is insulated from each of the thin film transistor and the light emitting element.
US08008845B2 Lighting device which includes one or more solid state light emitting device
There is provided a lighting device which has at least one solid state light emitter and a substantially transparent heat sink. The heat sink and the solid state light emitter are positioned and oriented relative to one another such that if the solid state light emitter is illuminated, light emitted by the solid state light emitter which exits the lighting device passes through at least a portion of the heat sink. Also, there is provided a lighting device which has at least one solid state light emitter and means for extracting heat from the solid state light emitter.
US08008844B2 Triple walled lamp
A lamp in which an inner bulb containing a light emitting tube or a light emitting filament and an outer bulb containing the inner bulb are attached coaxially to a base, and a spacer made of a thin metal sheet is attached to an exhaust tube protruding from a central region at the top end of the inner bulb coaxially supporting the inner bulb to the outer bulb. The spacer has a central plate formed with an aperture allowing the exhaust tube to be inserted through the central plate, and a plurality of fingers protruding inward along the inner periphery of the aperture, and three or more strips, each branched radially outward from the central plate and formed in a curved shape coaxially supporting the inner bulb and the outer bulb.
US08008840B2 Drive unit
A drive unit which generates less heat may be provided. The drive unit includes a piezoelectric element (P1) having a piezoelectric layer (1), a drive power supply (14) configured to apply a driving voltage at a predetermined frequency to the piezoelectric element (P1) such that vibration including stretching vibration and bending vibration is generated in the piezoelectric element (P1), and a movable element (9) which is movable relative to the piezoelectric element (P1) according to the vibration of the piezoelectric element (P1). The difference between the resonance frequency of the bending vibration of the piezoelectric element (P1) and the anti-resonance frequency of the stretching vibration of the piezoelectric element (P1) is smaller than the difference between the resonance frequency of the bending vibration of the piezoelectric element (P1) and the resonance frequency of the stretching vibration of the piezoelectric element (P1).
US08008838B2 Lamb wave type elastic wave device
Provided is a device of a high-frequency resonator using Lamb wave type elastic wave having excellent frequency temperature characteristics, the device having a significantly small frequency change, and including an interdigital transducer for generating at least one Lamb wave type elastic wave, or the interdigital transducer and a reflector, arranged on a quartz substrate. The cut angle of the quartz substrate and a propagation direction of the Lamb wave type elastic wave expressed in Euler angles (λ, μ, θ) satisfy any one of following expressions (Expressions 1 to 3): λ=90°, μ=17° to 21° or μ=159° to 163°, θ=0° to 10°  (Expression 1) λ=210°, μ=17° to 21° or μ=159° to 163°, θ=0° to 10°  (Expression 2) λ=330°, μ=17° to 21° or μ=159° to 163°, θ=0° to 10°.  (Expression 3)
US08008836B2 Piezoelectric phase shifter
The disclosed is a piezoelectric phase shifter, which comprises: an input part for inputting input voltages; an output part for outputting output voltages; and a control part for tuning phase difference between the output and input voltages, which are made of a piezoelectric ceramic plate. Further, the input, output and control parts are separated by insulating gaps respectively. The wide phase shift range and good ability to manage high power and relatively high energy transmission efficiency may be obtained by the disclosure.
US08008833B2 Stator for an electrical machine
A stator for an electrical machine, in particular a rotary current generator, is proposed, in which the stator (36) is made by the flat-packet technique and comprises at least one stator iron (10) and a stator winding (30), and the stator iron (10) has a substantially annular-cylindrical shape, and the stator iron (10) has an axial direction (a) which is oriented in the direction of a cylinder axis, and the stator iron (10) has an end face, oriented in the direction of the cylinder axis and defining a slot area (ANut), and a ratio (A) formed of the slot area (ANut) and the end face area amounts to between 0.4 and 0.8.
US08008832B2 Electric motor and method for manufacturing an electric motor
An electric motor, includes a stator, which is composed at least of stamp-packed tooth segments, the tooth segments being able to be slid together radially in the manufacture and being able to be held together by retaining elements slid on axially.
US08008831B2 Stator for rotary electric machine
A stator for a rotary electric machine with wedge members insertable into slots without being bent or folded is provided. A coupling portion is integrally formed at a non-inserted end portion, which is not inserted into a slot, of a wedge member, the coupling portion extending across an end of a partition wall portion and an end of a block portion. The wedge member and the coupling portion are formed of a synthetic resin material. Two or more coupling portions of two or more adjacently disposed wedge members are integrally formed as a continuous coupling portion.
US08008823B2 Electric machinery of magnetic pole or magnetic circuit wrapped PM magnetic pole
An electric machinery provided with a PM magnetic pole wrapped by a permeable polar face and a magnetic circuit from an individual magnetic pole provides an innovative design of having disposed the PM magnetic pole wrapped between the permeable polar face and the magnetic circuit from the individual magnetic pole to prevent PM magnetic pole from falling off and avoid PM magnetic pole magnetic force from being weakened by inverse excitation during the operation.
US08008822B2 Electrical generator arrangement
In some circumstances such as with regard to contra-rotating turbo prop arrangements in aircraft it is desirable to vary the pitch of the blades and/or provide de-icing facilities. Advantageously, these blade pitch and de-icing facilities could be provided through electrical actuators. Unfortunately, provision of electrical power to such rotating components traditionally requires utilization of slip rings which are subject to wear. By providing a self-contained electrical generator including a first hub and second hub with respective generator parts it is possible to utilize the contra-rotating nature in order to create relative motion and therefore electrical power generation in coils opposed by permanent magnets. Slide contacts for electrical connection are avoided whilst electrical power can be generated within the rotating reference frame defined by the hubs.
US08008815B2 Planar stage moving apparatus for machine
A planar stage moving apparatus for a machine includes: first to fourth linear motors for applying, between a base, i.e. a fixed body and a table, i.e. a movable body, a movement force to the table, each linear motor including a stator core on which a coil is wound and which is fixed to the base and a mover core to which a permanent magnet is attached and which is fixed to the table; an air bearing unit provided between the base and the table to move the table under the influence of magnet fields when currents are applied to the coils of the linear motors; and a linear encoder installed on one side of the table to measure movement of the table.
US08008813B2 Systems and methods for an improved linear motor
An improved linear motor is provided useful in conjunction with audio equipment for reduced distortion audio output at high voice coil displacements. The improved linear motor may include a yoke, a gap plate which forms an air gap with the yoke, magnets coupled to the yoke and the gap plate, a former, and a voice coil coupled to the former. The magnets generate a magnetic field across the air gap, which is relatively narrow. The former and coil fit in the air gap and may move in a vertical direction. The voice coil includes more than one segment, each having differing electrical resistance. The differing resistances cause the force on the voice coil to be uniform regardless of displacement of the voice coil vertically within the air gap. Resistance differences between the segments may be caused by differing the wire lengths making up each segment of the coil. Likewise, each segment may be made of differing material to vary resistance.
US08008812B2 Paper shredder control system responsive to touch-sensitive element
The invention is directed to a touch-sensitive paper shredder control system. The touching feature is implemented through a series of electronic circuits, taking input from a conductive touch panel on the shredder feed throat, processing the signal, and through a motor driving circuit, stopping the mechanical parts of the shredder. The system has a touch detection circuit unit, which contains a bioelectricity controlled switching circuit to sense the conductive touch panel. The bioelectricity controlled switching circuit is configured to trigger a ground switching circuit in the touch detection circuit unit which outputs to a multifunction control circuit unit. The control circuit unit then takes care of the remaining protection issues. The touching device for paper shredders protects humans and other living beings including pets from injuries through automatic and real time monitoring. The complete control process is both safe and sensitive.
US08008809B2 3-phase high power UPS
A 3-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) including first, second, and third AC/DC converters, a DC/DC converter, and at least one DC/AC converter coupled to multiple electrical buses. The first, second, and third AC/DC converters each being configured to receive AC power and to provide multiple DC signals to the multiple electrical buses. The DC/DC converter being configured to convert DC voltages present on the multiple electrical buses to a DC voltage that can be used to charge a battery. The DC/AC converter being configured to receive DC power from the multiple electrical buses and to provide an AC output. The 3-phase UPS being configured such that when suitable AC power is provided to the AC/DC converters, the DC/DC converter is configured to charge a battery, and when suitable AC power is not provided to the AC/DC converters, the DC/DC converter is configured to provide DC power to the multiple electrical buses using power provided by the battery.
US08008808B2 Method and apparatus for controlling a hybrid power system
The present invention provides a simplified method of controlling power among the various sources and loads in a power system. Power generating sources are each connected to a common DC bus through a converter designed to optimize power flow to the DC bus. A DC storage device is connected to the common DC bus through a power regulator designed to maintain a constant voltage on the DC bus. Further, an inverter may be provided to convert the DC voltage to an AC voltage for a customer load or for connection to the utility grid. Each power conversion device is independently controlled to provide a modular and simplified power control system.
US08008805B2 Power conversion apparatus and motor drive system
A power conversion apparatus includes a plurality of power modules, a plurality of capacitors and a bus bar. Each of the power modules has a direct current terminal section and an alternating current terminal section. Each of the power modules is configured and arranged to convert a direct current inputted from the direct current terminal section into a respective phase of a multiple-phase alternating current and to output the multiple-phase alternating current to the alternating current terminal section. Each of the capacitors is arranged with respect to a corresponding one of the power modules. The bus bar forms an inter-phase current path between the power modules that are adjacent and forms an intra-phase current path between one of the power modules and a corresponding one of the capacitors such that an impedance of the inter-phase current path is smaller than an impedance of the intra-phase current path.
US08008804B2 Methods, systems and apparatus for regulating frequency of generated power using flywheel energy storage systems with varying load and/or power generation
Featured are methods for regulating the AC frequency of the electrical power be supplied on an electrical distribution system or grid. Such a method includes electrically coupling an energy storage sub-system to the electrical distribution network, where the energy storage sub-system includes one or more flywheel energy storage systems. Also featured as devices, systems and apparatuses embodying such methodologies or for use in implementing such methodologies of the present invention.
US08008802B2 Bi-level switching with power packs
An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a cycle control to cycle between the first power switch and a second power switch. An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a delay element to delay an operation of the first power switch. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a constant-on control and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic control. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a manual-on control, and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic-on control.
US08008799B2 Integrated circuit with supply line intra-chip clock interface and methods for use therewith
An integrated circuit includes a first circuit and a plurality of first power supply lines for providing a first power to the first circuit. A first intra-chip clock interface generates a first clock signal on the first power supply lines. A plurality of second power supply lines are coupled to the plurality of first power supply lines and further couple a second power to the second circuit. A second intra-chip clock interface recovers the first clock signal from the second power supply lines. The second circuit operates based on the first clock signal.
US08008798B2 Wind turbine drivetrain system
A wind turbine is provided having a drivetrain with a gearbox and a gearbox housing, at least one gear stage and an output shaft coupled within the housing. The gear stage exerts an axial thrust force on the output shaft during operation of the wind turbine. A generator includes a generator housing and an input shaft connected to the output shaft of the gearbox. The generator includes a rotor and a stator coupled to the generator housing. The rotor is coupled to the input shaft such that the rotor is positioned radially inward from the stator. At least one bearing is shared between the gearbox output shaft and the generator input shaft, and this bearing carries a portion of the axial thrust force. The generator is skewed to exert an opposing axial thrust force on the input shaft, so that the axial thrust force carried by the bearing is reduced.
US08008795B2 Power generation system, wind turbine, and a method of controlling the wind turbine for supplying power to an electrical grid
A power generation system is disclosed for supplying power to an electrical grid. The system comprises a synchronous machine and coupling means for coupling the synchronous machine to a prime mover. Control means are provided to control the system such that the system is selectively operable in two modes. In the first mode, the synchronous machine is coupled to the prime mover and acts as a synchronous generator to supply power to the grid. In the second mode the synchronous machine is decoupled from the prime mover and acts as a synchronous condenser. This can allow parameters of the grid, such as power factor and voltage, to be adjusted.
US08008786B2 Dynamic pad size to reduce solder fatigue
A semiconductor device is provided which comprises a substrate (501) having a plurality of bond pads (503) disposed thereon. Each bond pad has a major axis and a minor axis in a direction parallel to the substrate, and the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis increases with the distance of a bond pad from the center of the substrate.
US08008781B2 Apparatus and method for reducing pitch in an integrated circuit
An apparatus and method, the apparatus includes an electronic chip package including an electronic chip having a first contact pad and a second contact pad thereon and being free of an intervening contact pad therebetween, a first dielectric layer coupled to the electronic chip over the first and second contact pads, and a second dielectric layer coupled to the first dielectric layer such that a dielectric layer boundary is formed therebetween. The first dielectric layer has a first contact pad via formed therethrough at a first location corresponding to the first contact pad and extending down thereto. The second dielectric layer has a second contact pad via formed therethrough at a second location corresponding to the second contact pad and extending down thereto such that a second contact pad multi-layer via is formed through the first and second dielectric layers at the second location corresponding to the second contact pad.
US08008774B2 Multi-layer metal wiring of semiconductor device preventing mutual metal diffusion between metal wirings and method for forming the same
A multi-layer metal wiring of a semiconductor device and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The multi-layer metal wiring of the semiconductor device includes a lower Cu wiring, and an upper Al wiring formed to be contacted with the lower Cu wiring, and a diffusion barrier layer interposed between the lower Cu wiring and the upper Al wiring. The diffusion barrier layer is formed of a W-based layer.
US08008773B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating semiconductor device
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device, including a semiconductor chip including a first electrode and a second electrode of a semiconductor element, the first electrode and the second electrode being configured on a first surface and a second surface of the semiconductor chip, an encapsulating material encapsulating the semiconductor chip, the surface portion being other than regions, each of the regions connecting with the first second electrodes, each of inner electrodes being connected with the first or the second electrodes, a thickness of the inner electrode from the first surface or the second surface being the same thickness as the encapsulating material from the first surface or the second surface, respectively, outer electrodes, each of the outer electrodes being formed on the encapsulating material and connected with the inner electrode, a width of the outer electrode being at least wider than a width of the semiconductor chip, and outer plating materials, each of the outer plating materials covering five surfaces of the outer electrode other than one surface of the outer electrode being connected with the inner electrode.
US08008772B2 Semiconductor device, manufacturing method thereof, composite metal body and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having a structure in which a semiconductor element and a Cu or Ni electrode are connected by way of a bonding layer comprising Cu, and the Cu bonding layer and the Cu or Ni electrode are diffusion-bonded to each other. The bonding layer is formed by conducting bonding in a reducing atmosphere by using a bonding material containing particles of Cu oxide with an average particle size of 1 nm to 50 μm and a reducing agent comprising an organic material, thereby providing excellent bonding strength to Ni or Cu electrode.
US08008771B2 Semiconductor chip package, electronic device including the semiconductor chip package and methods of fabricating the electronic device
A semiconductor chip package including a semiconductor chip including a first surface having bonding pads, a second surface facing the first surface, and sidewalls; a molding extension part surrounding the second surface and the sidewalls of the semiconductor chip; redistribution patterns extending from the bonding pads over the molding extension part, and electrically connected to the bonding pads; bump solder balls on the redistribution patterns; and a molding layer configured to cover the first surface of the semiconductor chip and the molding extension part, while exposing portions of each of the bump solder balls. The molding layer has concave meniscus surfaces between the bump solder balls adjacent to each other.
US08008770B2 Integrated circuit package system with bump pad
An integrated circuit package system includes an integrated circuit, and forming a patterned redistribution pad over the integrated circuit.
US08008769B2 Heat-dissipating semiconductor package structure and method for manufacturing the same
A heat-dissipating semiconductor package structure and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The method includes: disposing on and electrically connecting to a chip carrier at least a semiconductor chip and a package unit; disposing on the top surface of the package unit a heat-dissipating element having a flat portion and a supporting portion via the flat portion; receiving the package unit and semiconductor chip in a receiving space formed by the flat portion and supporting portion of the heat-dissipating element; and forming on the chip carrier encapsulant for encapsulating the package unit, semiconductor chip, and heat-dissipating element. The heat-dissipating element dissipates heat generated by the package unit, provides EMI shielding, prevents delamination between the package unit and the encapsulant, decreases thermal resistance, and prevents cracking.
US08008768B2 Semiconductor device having heat radiating configuration
A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes: a casing, a board and a semiconductor chip. The chip includes: an element part; a heat sink bonded to the element part; an insulting layer located on the heat sink so that the heat sink is located between the element part and the insulating layer; and a side wall insulating layer covering all of end faces of the heat sink. The semiconductor chip is located between the casing and the board, so that the insulating layer is directed to the casing to enable heat radiation from the heat sink toward the casing via the insulating layer.
US08008763B2 Stacked electronic component and manufacturing method thereof
A stacked electronic component comprises a first electronic component adhered on a substrate via a first adhesive layer, and a second electronic component adhered by using a second adhesive layer thereon. The second adhesive layer has a two-layer structure formed by a same material and having different modulus of elasticity. The second adhesive layer of the two-layer structure has a first layer disposed at the first electronic component side and a second layer disposed at the second electronic component side. The first layer softens or melts at an adhesive temperature. The second layer maintains a layered shape at the adhesive temperature. According to the stacked electronic component, occurrences of an insulation failure and a short circuiting are prevented, and in addition, a peeling failure between the electronic components, an increase of a manufacturing cost, and so on, can be suppressed.
US08008761B2 Optical semiconductor apparatus
An optical semiconductor apparatus composed of a cap and a base, includes: a metal package including a plurality of openings penetrating through the base from outside to inside, a lead with its end portion protruding to the inside of the base and an insulator covering a side surface of the lead being inserted into each of the openings, and the lead being insulated from the base; an insulating film with its backside bonded to the inside of the base; and a semiconductor component placed on the base or on the insulating film. The insulating film covers the opening up to the vicinity of the side surface of the lead.
US08008759B2 Pre-molded clip structure
A method for making a premolded clip structure is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first clip and a second clip, and forming a molding material around the first clip comprising a first surface and the second clip comprising a second surface. The first surface of the first clip structure and the second surface of the second clip structure are exposed through the molding material, and a premolded clip structure is then formed.
US08008758B1 Semiconductor device with increased I/O leadframe
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor package (e.g., a QFP package) including a uniquely configured leadframe sized and configured to maximize the available number of exposed leads in the semiconductor package. More particularly, the semiconductor package of the present invention includes a generally planar die pad or die paddle defining multiple peripheral edge segments. In addition, the semiconductor package includes a plurality of leads. Some of these leads include exposed bottom surface portions which are provided in at least one row or ring which at least partially circumvents the die pad, with other leads including portions which protrude from respective side surfaces of a package body of the semiconductor package. Connected to the top surface of the die pad is at least one semiconductor die which is electrically connected to at least some of the leads. At least portions of the die pad, the leads, and the semiconductor die are encapsulated by the package body, with at least portions of the bottom surfaces of the die paddle and some of the leads being exposed in a common exterior surface of the package body.
US08008748B2 Deep trench varactors
A deep trench varactor structure compatible with a deep trench capacitor structure and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. A buried plate layer is formed on a second deep trench, while the first trench is protected from formation of any buried plate layer. The inside of the deep trenches is filled with a conductive material to form inner electrodes. At least one doped well is formed outside and abutting portions of the first deep trench and constitutes at least one outer varactor electrode. Multiple doped wells may be connected in parallel to provide a varactor having complex voltage dependency of capacitance. The buried plate layer and another doped well connected thereto constitute an outer electrode of a linear capacitor formed on the second deep trench.
US08008746B2 Semiconductor device
An n+-emitter layer arranged under an emitter electrode is formed of convex portions arranged at predetermined intervals and a main body coupled to the convex portions. A convex portion region is in contact with the emitter electrode, and a p+-layer doped more heavily than a p-base layer is arranged at least below the emitter layer. In a power transistor of a lateral structure, a latch-up immunity of a parasitic thyristor can be improved, and a turn-off time can be reduced.
US08008744B2 Selective STI stress relaxation through ion implantation
A first example embodiment comprises the following steps and the structure formed therefrom. A trench having opposing sidewalls is formed within a substrate. A stress layer having an inherent stress is formed over the opposing trench sidewalls. The stress layer having stress layer sidewalls over the trench sidewalls. Ions are implanted into one or more portions of the stress layer to form ion-implanted relaxed portions with the portions of the stress layer that are not implanted are un-implanted portions, whereby the inherent stress of the one or more ion-implanted relaxed portions of stress layer portions is relaxed.
US08008740B2 Low resistance tunneling magnetoresistive sensor with composite inner pinned layer
A high performance TMR sensor is fabricated by employing a composite inner pinned (AP1) layer in an AP2/Ru/AP1 pinned layer configuration. In one embodiment, there is a 10 to 80 Angstrom thick lower CoFeB or CoFeB alloy layer on the Ru coupling layer, a and 5 to 50 Angstrom thick Fe or Fe alloy layer on the CoFeB or CoFeB alloy, and a 5 to 30 Angstrom thick Co or Co rich alloy layer formed on the Fe or Fe alloy. A MR ratio of about 48% with a RA of <2 ohm-um2 is achieved when a CoFe AP2 layer, MgO (NOX) tunnel barrier, and CoFe/NiFe free layer are used in the TMR stack. Improved RA uniformity and less head noise are observed. Optionally, a CoFe layer may be inserted between the coupling layer and CoFeB or CoFeB alloy layer to improve pinning strength and enhance crystallization.
US08008738B2 Integrated differential pressure sensor
An integrated differential pressure sensor includes, in a monolithic body of semiconductor material, a first face and a second face, a cavity extending at a distance from the first face and delimited therewith by a flexible membrane formed in part by epitaxial material from the monolithic body and in part by annealed epitaxial material from the monolithic body, an access passage in fluid communication with the cavity, and in the flexible membrane at least one transduction element configured so as to convert a deformation of the flexible membrane into electrical signals. The cavity is formed in a position set at a distance from the second face and is delimited at the second face with a portion of the monolithic body.
US08008736B2 Analog interferometric modulator device
Disclosed is new architecture of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. The device has a partially reflective optical layer, a deformable mechanical layer and a mirror layer, each of which forms an independent electrode. A support post separates the optical layer from the mechanical layer. The mirror layer is located and movable between a first position and a second position, which are located between the optical layer and the mechanical layer. The mirror is spaced from the support post, and mirror is responsive to voltages applied to the three electrodes, thereby moving between the first position and the second position. By applying various combinations of voltage differences between the optical layer and the mirror, and between the mirror and the mechanical layer, the location of the mirror between the first and second positions is tunable throughout the space between the two positions. The tunable MEMS device can be used as an analog display element or analog electrical device such as a tunable capacitor. The MEMS device of the disclosed architecture can also be operated in a non-analog manner.
US08008730B2 Semiconductor device, and manufacturing method thereof
To provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device which can improve the reliability of the semiconductor device. A first insulating film for covering a semiconductor element formed in a semiconductor substrate is formed by a thermal CVD method or the like which has a good embedding property. A second insulating film is formed to cover the first insulating film by a plasma CVD method which has excellent humidity resistance. A plug is formed to penetrate the first insulating film and the second insulating film. A third insulating film comprised of a low-k film having a relatively low dielectric constant is formed over the second insulating film. A wiring is formed in the third insulating film by a damascene technique to be electrically coupled to the plug.
US08008729B2 Integrated circuit with a contact structure including a portion arranged in a cavity of a semiconductor structure
An integrated circuit includes a contact structure with a buried first and a protruding second portion. The buried first portion is arranged in a cavity formed in a semiconductor structure and is in direct contact with the semiconductor structure. The protruding second portion is arranged above the main surface of the semiconductor structure and in direct contact with a conductive structure that is spaced apart from or separated from the main surface of the semiconductor structure. An insulator structure is arranged below and in direct contact with the contact structure.
US08008727B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device including a pad and first mosfet
To reduce the leak current in the MOSFET connected between the pad and the ground. There are provided a pad PAD for an input or output signal, an n-type MOSFET M1a connected between the pad PAD and the ground and having its gate terminal and backgate connected in common, and a potential control circuit 10 that controls a potential Vb of the gate terminal and the backgate of the n-type MOSFET M1a based on a potential Vin of the pad PAD. The potential control circuit 10 comprises n-type MOSFETs M2 and M3; the n-type MOSFET M1a has its gate terminal and backgate connected to backgates and drains of the n-type MOSFETs M2 and M3; the n-type MOSFET M2 has its source grounded and its gate terminal connected to the pad PAD via a resistance R; and the n-type MOSFET M3 has its source connected to the pad PAD and its gate terminal grounded.
US08008725B2 Field transistors for electrostatic discharge protection and methods for fabricating the same
A field transistor for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection and method for making such a transistor is described. The field transistor includes a gate conductive layer pattern formed on a field oxide layer. Since the gate conductive layer pattern is formed on the field oxide layer, a thin gate insulating layer having a high possibility of insulation breakdown is not used. To form an inversion layer for providing a current path between source and drain regions, a field oxide layer is interposed to form low concentration source and drain regions overlapped by the gate conductive layer pattern.
US08008723B2 Semiconductor device including a plurality of diffusion layers and diffusion resistance layer
Aimed at reducing the area of a protective circuit in a semiconductor device provided therewith, a semiconductor device of the present invention has a first-conductivity-type well, a plurality of first diffusion layers formed in the well, a plurality of second diffusion layers formed in the well, and a diffusion resistance layer formed in the well, wherein the first diffusion layers have a second conductivity type, and are connected in parallel with each other to an input/output terminal of the semiconductor device; the second diffusion layers are arranged alternately with a plurality of first diffusion layers, and are connected to a power source or to the ground; the diffusion resistance layer has a second conductivity type, and is located in adjacent to any of the plurality of second diffusion layers; the diffusion resistance layer is connected to the input/output terminal of the semiconductor device, while being arranged in parallel with the first diffusion layers, and connects the internal circuit and the input/output terminal of the semiconductor device.
US08008722B2 Multi-layer nonvolatile memory devices having vertical charge storage regions
Some embodiments of the present invention provide nonvolatile memory devices including a plurality of intergate insulating patterns and a plurality of cell gate patterns that are alternately and vertically stacked on a substrate, an active pattern disposed on the substrate, the active pattern extending upwardly along sidewalls of the intergate insulating patterns and the cell gate patterns, a plurality of charge storage patterns disposed between the plurality of cell gate patterns and the active pattern, respectively, the plurality of the charge storage patterns being separated from each other, tunnel insulating patterns disposed between the plurality of cell gate patterns and the active pattern, respectively, and the tunnel insulating patterns extending to be directly connected to each other and a plurality of blocking insulating patterns disposed between the plurality of cell gate patterns and the plurality of charge storage patterns, respectively. A sidewall of the cell gate pattern may be recessed laterally so that an undercut region is defined and the charge storage pattern is disposed in the undercut region.
US08008721B2 High-voltage-resistant MOS transistor and method for manufacturing the same
A high-voltage-resistant MOS transistor having high electrical strength and a method for manufacturing the same, whereby to effectively decrease cost of manufacturing, are provided. The gate electrode includes a pair of separate opposition parts and a combination part sandwiched by the pair of opposition parts so that the opposition parts are opposed to each other so as not to overlap with the element region and the combination part overlaps with the element region. Each length of the opposition parts in a junction direction is longer than that of the combination part. The sidewall insulating film is formed so as to be continuous between the opposition parts and partially overlap with the element region. Therefore, the number of processes and a processing period for forming the MOS transistor can be decreased and uniformity of LDD lengths of the MOS transistors can be improved.
US08008716B2 Inverted-trench grounded-source FET structure with trenched source body short electrode
This invention discloses bottom-source lateral diffusion MOS (BS-LDMOS) device. The device has a source region disposed laterally opposite a drain region near a top surface of a semiconductor substrate supporting a gate thereon between the source region and a drain region. The BS-LDMOS device further has a combined sinker-channel region disposed at a depth in the semiconductor substrate entirely below a body region disposed adjacent to the source region near the top surface wherein the combined sinker-channel region functioning as a buried source-body contact for electrically connecting the body region and the source region to a bottom of the substrate functioning as a source electrode. A drift region is disposed near the top surface under the gate and at a distance away from the source region and extending to and encompassing the drain region. The combined sinker-channel region extending below the drift region and the combined sinker-channel region that has a dopant-conductivity opposite to and compensating the drift region for reducing the source-drain capacitance.
US08008715B2 Semiconductor device
There is provided a semiconductor device comprising: a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type provided on the first semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type; a semiconductor region of the first conductivity type selectively provided on a front surface portion of the second semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type; a first main electrode provided in contact with a surface of the semiconductor region; a second main electrode provided on a side of the first semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, the side being opposite to the surface on which the second semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type is provided; a gate wiring provided on the second semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type around an element region in which the semiconductor region is provided; a trench penetrating the second semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type to reach the first semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, and also extending under the element region and the gate wiring; a gate electrode provided inside the trench in the element region with a gate insulating film interposed in between; and a gate electrode lead portion provided inside the trench under the gate wiring with the gate insulating film interposed in between, and contacting the gate wiring and the gate electrode.
US08008708B2 Metal line of semiconductor device having a diffusion barrier and method for forming the same
An insulation layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate so as to define a metal line forming region. A diffusion barrier having a multi-layered structure of an Mox1Si1-x1 layer, an Mox2Siy2Nz2 layer, and an Moy3N1-y3 layer is formed on a surface of the metal line forming region. A metal layer is formed on the diffusion barrier so as to fill the metal line forming region of the insulation layer.
US08008707B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device provided with charge storage layer in memory cell
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulation layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer formed on the first insulation layer, a second insulation layer formed on the charge storage layer, and a control electrode formed on the second insulation layer. The second insulation layer includes a first silicon oxide film formed above the charge storage layer, a silicon nitride film formed on the first silicon oxide film, a metal oxide film formed on the silicon nitride film, and a nitride film formed on the metal oxide film. The metal oxide film has a relative permittivity of not less than 7.
US08008700B2 Non-volatile memory cell with embedded antifuse
A nonvolatile memory device includes at least one memory cell which comprises a first diode portion, a second diode portion and an antifuse separating the first diode portion from the second diode portion.
US08008695B2 Image sensor with backside passivation and metal layer
An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer that low-pass filters light of different wavelengths. For example, the semiconductor layer proportionately absorbs photons of shorter wavelengths and proportionately passes more photons of longer wavelengths such that the longer wavelength photons often pass through without being absorbed. An imaging pixel having a photodiode is formed on a front surface of the semiconductor layer, where the photodiode is an N− region formed within the P-type region of the semiconductor layer. A P+ layer is formed between the N− region of the photodiode and a back surface of the semiconductor layer. A mirror that primarily reflects photons of red and/or infra-red wavelengths is formed on the back surface of the semiconductor layer.
US08008690B2 Amorphous-silicon thin film transistor and shift register having the same
An amorphous-silicon thin film transistor and a shift resister shift resister having the amorphous-silicon TFT include a first conductive region, a second conductive region and a third conductive region. The first conductive region is formed on a first plane spaced apart from a substrate by a first distance. The second conductive region is formed on a second plane spaced apart from the substrate by a second distance. The second conductive region includes a body conductive region and two hand conductive regions elongated from both ends of the body conductive region to form an U-shape. The third conductive region is formed on the second plane. The third conductive region includes an elongated portion. The elongated portion is disposed between the two hand conductive regions of the second conductive region. The amorphous-silicon TFT and the shift resister having the amorphous TFT reduce a parasitic capacitance between the gate electrode and drain electrode.
US08008688B2 Photodiode and method of fabrication
The present invention provides a highly reliable photodiode, as well as a simple method of fabricating such a photodiode. During fabrication of the photodiode, a grading layer is epitaxially grown on a top surface of an absorption layer, and a blocking layer, for inhibiting current flow, is epitaxially grown on a top surface of the grading layer. The blocking layer is then etched to expose a window region of the top surface of the grading layer. Thus, the etched blocking layer defines an active region of the absorption layer. A window layer is epitaxially regrown on a top surface of the blocking layer and on the window region of the top surface of the grading layer, and is then etched to form a window mesa.
US08008687B2 Electrostatic discharge protection device
An electrostatic discharge protection device including a substrate, a first doped region, a first gate electrode, a second doped region, a second gate electrode, and a third doped region is disclosed. The substrate has a first conductive type. The first doped region has a second conductive type and is formed in the substrate. The first gate electrode is formed on the substrate. The second doped region has the second conductive type and is formed in the substrate. A transistor is constituted by the first doped region, the first gate electrode, and the second doped region. The second gate electrode is formed on the substrate. The first and the second gate electrodes are separated. The third doped region has the first conductive type and is formed in the substrate. A discharge element is constituted by the first doped region, the second gate electrode, and the third doped region.
US08008686B2 Light emitting diode chip
An LED chip includes a substrate, a semiconductor device layer, a wall structure, and a number of electrodes. The semiconductor device layer is disposed on the substrate and includes a first-type doped semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, an active layer disposed on a portion of the first-type doped semiconductor layer, and a second-type doped semiconductor layer disposed on the active layer and having a first top surface. The wall structure is disposed on the first-type doped semiconductor layer that is not covered by the active layer and surrounds the active layer. Besides, the wall structure has a second top surface higher than the first top surface of the second-type doped semiconductor layer. Additionally, the electrodes are disposed on and electrically connected with the first-type doped semiconductor layer and the second-type doped semiconductor layer.
US08008684B2 Light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting device according to an embodiment is provided. The light emitting device comprises a second electrode layer, a third conductive semiconductor layer comprising a schottky contact region and an ohmic contact region on the second electrode layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer on the third conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer on the second conductive semiconductor layer, a first conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer, and a first electrode layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer.
US08008682B2 Alumina substrate and method of making an alumina substrate
An alumina substrate and method of making an alumina substrate using oxidation is provided. Generally, photoresist masks are used to protect selected areas of an aluminum layer. The unprotected or exposed areas of the aluminum layer are then oxidized during a photolithography process. The protected, unexposed areas of the aluminum layer retain their conductive properties while the oxidized areas are converted to alumina, or aluminum oxide, which is non-conductive. Accordingly, an alumina substrate having conductive areas of aluminum is formed. In one embodiment, the alumina substrate includes an alumina layer, one or more aluminum vias formed within the alumina layer, each of the one or more aluminum vias extending between the bottom of the alumina layer and the top of the alumina layer, wherein the one or more aluminum vias are integrally formed within the alumina layer.
US08008677B2 Light emitting device and fabrication method thereof and light emitting system using the same
A light emitting device comprises a light emitting element having a first electrode and a second electrode, and a semiconductor member having a cavity in a principal surface thereof, inside which the light emitting element is mounted, and electrically connected to the light emitting element, wherein the semiconductor member is constructed as a voltage regulating diode for stabilizing a voltage supplied from the exterior. As a result, the light emitting element can be protected from a static electricity or a surge voltage flowed therein from the exterior, the entire size of the system can be remarkably reduced so as to simplify a structure thereof, and heat generated from the system can be effectively discharged to the exterior. In addition, by providing a reflection portion in the cavity, light emitted from the light emitting element can be efficiently condensed.
US08008676B2 Solid state light emitting device and method of making same
There is provided a solid state light emitting device comprising at least one light emitting active layer structure and at least one structure selected from among: (1) a first element having at least a first region which has an index of refraction gradient, (2) a first element, at least a portion of which has an index of refraction which is lower than an index of refraction of a side of the active layer, (3) first and second elements, in which one side of the second element is positioned on a side of the active layer and the first element is positioned on the other side of the second element, and in which at least a portion of the first element has an index of refraction which is lower than the index of refraction of at least a portion of the second element. Also provided are methods of making such devices.
US08008673B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device 1 includes a base 2 and a light-emitting element 3 that is disposed on the base 2. The light-emitting element 3 is made up of a plurality of semiconductor layers including a light-emitting layer, and at the same time, is covered with a wavelength converting portion 4 that includes a wavelength converting material. The light-emitting layer emits primary light, and the wavelength converting material absorbs part of the primary light and emits secondary light. The luminance of the primary light emitted from the edge portion of the light extraction surface of the light-emitting device 3 is higher than the luminance of the primary light emitted from the inner region located inside the edge portion, and the ratio of the primary light and the secondary light that are emitted from a light extraction surface 6 of the wavelength converting portion 4 is substantially uniform across the light extraction surface 6 of the wavelength converting portion 4. Thereby, a light color difference across the light extraction surface of the wavelength converting portion that covers the light-emitting element can be reduced further, and it is possible to irradiate an irradiation surface with light of uniform color.
US08008671B2 Light-emitting device and method for fabricating the same
A transparent conductive semiconductor substrate 70 comprising a light emitting layer section 24 is directly bonded on one of main surfaces on a main compound semiconductor layer 50 composed of Group III-V compound semiconductor, wherein an alkali metal atom concentration on a bonded boundary surface between the main compound semiconductor layer 50 and the transparent conductive semiconductor substrate 70 is adjusted to be equal to or greater than 1×1014 atoms/cm2 and equal to or less than 2×1015 atoms/cm2. Herewith, it provides a light emitting device capable of sufficiently decreasing boundary surface resistance between the light emitting layer section and the transparent conductive semiconductor substrate.
US08008670B2 Light emitting device
An object is to provide a light emitting element using an inorganic compound as a light emitting material, which has ever-higher luminous efficiency and can be driven with low voltage. The chance of excitation of light emitting centers (atoms) in a light emitting layer is increased to enhance luminous efficiency by providing a carrier supply layer in order to increase the number of carries in the light emitting layer of a light emitting element using an inorganic compound, and drive voltage of the light emitting element or a light emitting device is reduced.
US08008665B2 Fan-out, display substrate having the same and method for manufacturing the display substrate
A display substrate having a fan-out and a method for manufacturing the display substrate are disclosed. The fan-out includes an insulating substrate, a first line, a second line, a resistance control pattern, and first and second detour pattern. The first line is disposed on the insulating substrate and is connected to a pad. The second line is formed from the same layer as the first line and is connected to a thin-film transistor (TFT). The resistance control pattern is formed from a different layer than the first and second lines. The first and second detour patterns are formed from a different layer than the first and second lines and the resistance control pattern, and connect the first and second lines with the resistance control pattern, respectively.
US08008662B2 Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate having a low-resistance metallic layer and a method of manufacturing the display substrate. The gate conductors are extended in a first direction. The source conductors are extended in a second direction crossing the first direction including a lower layer of molybdenum or a molybdenum alloy, and an upper layer of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The pixel areas are defined by the gate conductors and the source conductors. A switching element is formed in each of the pixel areas and includes a gate electrode extended from the gate conductor and a source electrode extended from the source conductor. The pixel electrode includes a transparent conductive material, and is electrically connected to a drain electrode of the switching element.
US08008660B2 Display apparatus and electrophoretic display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a substrate; a display area including a plurality of pixels provided on the substrate; a switching element provided for each of the pixels, the switching element including a first semiconductor layer formed of a first organic semiconductor; and a humidity sensor provided on the substrate and outside the display area. The humidity sensor includes, as a humidity sensitive layer, a second semiconductor layer formed of a second organic semiconductor having a correlation in terms of electric characteristics with the first organic semiconductor.
US08008659B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A substrate bias is controlled such that a leakage current is minimum. A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises a leakage detecting circuit which detects a leakage current by using leakage detecting MOSFETs, a control circuit which generates a control signal depending on an output from the leakage detecting circuit, a substrate bias generating circuit which changes a substrate bias depending on the control signal, and a controlled circuit including a MOSFET having the same characteristics as that of each of the leakage detecting MOSFETs. The leakage detecting circuit detects a substrate leakage current which includes as the substrate bias becomes deep and a subthreshold leakage current which decreases as the substrate bias becomes deep. A control signal is transmitted to the substrate bias generating circuit such that the substrate bias is made deep when the substrate leakage current is smaller than the subthreshold leakage current and such that the substrate bias is made shallow when the substrate leakage current is larger than the subthreshold leakage current.
US08008658B2 Thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the same, and flat panel display device having the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) using an oxide semiconductor layer as an active layer, a method of manufacturing the TFT, and a flat panel display (FPD) including the TFT are taught. The TFT includes a gate electrode formed on a substrate, an oxide semiconductor layer electrically insulated from the gate electrode by a gate insulating layer, and the oxide semiconductor layer including a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, and a source electrode and a drain electrode respectively electrically contacting the source region and the drain region. The oxide semiconductor layer is formed of an InZnO or IZO layer (indium zinc oxide layer) including Zr. The carrier density of the IZO layer is controlled to be 1×1013 to 1×1018 #cm−3 by controlling an amount of Zr.
US08008650B2 Transistor with nanotube structure exhibiting N-type semiconductor-like characteristics
An object of the present invention is to provide a new n-type transistor, different from the prior art, using a channel having a nanotube-shaped structure, and having n-type semiconductive properties. To realize this, a film of a nitrogenous compound 6 is formed directly on a channel 5 of a transistor 1 comprising a source electrode 2, a drain electrode 3, a gate electrode 4 and the n-type channel 5 having a nanotube-shaped structure and provided between the source electrode 2 and the drain electrode 3.
US08008639B2 System for processing an object
A processing system comprises a gas supply apparatus with which process gas is supplied to an object. An activation beam activates the gas thereby inducing a chemical reaction between material at the surface of the object and the process gas causing ablation of material from the surface or deposition of material at the surface. The gas supply apparatus is formed from a stack of plates providing a gas conduit system between at least one gas inlet and at least one gas outlet.
US08008636B2 Ion implantation with diminished scanning field effects
Ion implantation systems and scanning systems are provided, in which a focus adjustment component is provided to adjust a focal property of an ion beam to diminish zero field effects of the scanner upon the ion beam. The focal property may be adjusted in order to improve the consistency of the beam profile scanned across the workpiece, or to improve the consistency of the ion implantation across the workpiece. Methods are disclosed for providing a scanned ion beam to a workpiece, comprising scanning the ion beam to produce a scanned ion beam, adjusting a focal property of an ion beam in relation to zero field effects of the scanner upon the ion beam, and directing the ion beam toward the workpiece.
US08008635B2 Method for sample preparation
Method and system for preparing samples for use in electron microscopy. The method and system use a focused ion beam (FIB) instrument and a scanning electron microscope to improve the time efficiency of the FIB instrument. The FIB instrument incorporates machining means for preparing thin-film samples by ion beam irradiation. The scanning electron microscope incorporates a gas supply means and a manipulator equipped with a probe. The gas supply means ejects gas at the sample after it has been shifted from the FIB instrument together with a sample holder. The sample is irradiated with an electron beam while the gas is injected at the sample from the gas supply means under the condition where the probe is contacted with the sample. Thus, the sample is bonded to the probe.
US08008633B2 Specimen stage-moving device for charged-particle beam system
A charged-particle beam system is offered which is equipped with a Z-motion mechanism to enable tomography. The Z-motion mechanism includes a rotary disk having three tapering surfaces on which balls are nested. The rotary disk is rotated via a worm gear to cause the balls to go upward along the tapering surfaces. This pushes an overlying elevatable disk upward, i.e., in the Z-direction. Consequently, the specimen stage is pushed up in the Z-direction.
US08008627B2 Radiation imaging element
A radiation imaging element that includes a plurality of pixel portions each having a phosphor layer that absorbs radiation transmitted through a subject to emit light, a photoelectric conversion portion that includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, and a TFT which outputs a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the TFT includes at least a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode, and an electric insulating layer is further provided so as to be electrically connected between the active layer and at least one of the source electrode or the drain electrode.
US08008625B2 Method and apparatus for high-sensitivity single-photon emission computed tomography
A method and apparatus are disclosed for high-sensitivity Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The apparatus includes a two-dimensional (2D) gamma detector array that moves to different positions in a three-dimensional (3D) volume space near an emission source and records a data vector g. In particular, the 3D volume space in which emission data g is measured extends substantially along a radial direction r pointing away from the emission source and each photon detector element in the 2D gamma detector array is provided with a very large collimator aperture. Data g is related to the 3D spatial density distribution f of the emission source, noise vector n, and a system matrix H of the SPECT/PET apparatus through the linear system of equations g=Hf+n. This equation is solved for f by a method that reduces the effect of noise.
US08008622B2 Electron beam apparatus and method of generating an electron beam irradiation pattern
High-contrast exposure is performed by use of a small dose of electron beams, a pattern is formed on a wafer with high accuracy, and high-precision inspection is performed. In pattern formation, proximity effect correction processing is performed. Moreover, exposure of electron beams is performed based on a result of filtering using an inverse characteristic of exposure characteristics of the electron beams. Furthermore, in pattern inspection, electron beams are irradiated based on a result of filtering for obtaining a peripheral region of an edge of the pattern formed.
US08008620B2 Substrate for mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry method
A substrate for mass spectrometry includes a first reflective member that is semi-transmissive/semi-reflective, a transparent member, and a second reflective member that is reflective, sequentially provided to form an optical resonator. The optical resonator includes, on a surface of the first reflective member, a sample separation portion at which surface interaction occurs with a plurality of analytes contained in a sample liquid. The analytes are separated on the sample separation portion to perform mass spectrometry on each of the analytes. A sample in contact with the surface of the first reflective member is irradiated with laser beam L to generate resonance in the optical resonator, and an electric field on the surface of the first reflective member is enhanced by the resonance. The enhanced electric field is utilized to ionize analytes S in the sample and to desorb the analytes S from the surface.
US08008619B2 High sensitivity mass spectrometer interface for multiple ion sources
An interface for mass spectrometers. The interface uses non coaxial sampling pathways of the analyte ion beam prior to entering the entrance of a mass spectrometer for decreasing chemical background, and can be done in such a way as to permit multiple sprayers, increasing sample throughput and sensitivity for LC/MS (liquid chromatography/MS). The interface includes an ion source having an exit from which a beam of analyte ions are emitted, a curtain plate and an aperture in the curtain plate member, an orifice plate having an orifice therein. The orifice plate is being spaced from the curtain plate member defining a flow passageway therebetween, and the aperture in the orifice plate is aligned with a sample entrance to a first vacuum stage of a mass spectrometer maintained substantially lower than atmospheric pressure. The aperture in the curtain plate member is non coaxially aligned with the orifice in the orifice plate and the interface includes a gas flow mechanism for directing a counter flow gas into the flow passageway.
US08008617B1 Ion transfer device
Ions carried in a flowing gas stream are transferred to another gas stream of different composition or purity through an ion selective aperture communicating between the gas streams. The ion selective aperture is formed of a central layer which has an electrically conductive layer on each of its surfaces. One or more open channels extend through the central layer and surface layers allowing physical movement of ions therethrough under the urging and influence of an electric field created by imposing a voltage differential between the conductive surface layers of the ion selective aperture. The gas flow rates of the different gas streams may be independently varied to allow adjustment of ion concentration and flow rate to meet the needs of the ion destination. This device can control sample ion introduction into gas-phase ion detectors, such as ion mobility analyzers, differential mobility analyzers, mass spectrometers, and combinations thereof.
US08008613B2 Light sensing device having a color sensor and a clear sensor for infrared rejection
A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08008608B2 Microwave autoclave
An autoclave for pressure and temperature treatment of objects includes a pressure container having a pressure resistant wall which encloses a pressure chamber for receiving the objects to be treated, the pressure chamber having a free inner diameter of at least 1.5 m; and a heat source for heating the objects received in the pressure chamber, the heat source including a plurality of microwave sources irradiating microwave radiation, which are arranged outside the pressure container. The microwave sources are distributed over the pressure resistant wall at an areal density of at least 4 microwave sources per square meter surface area of the pressure resistant wall; and the microwave radiation irradiated by the microwave sources is coupled through the pressure resistant wall into the pressure chamber.
US08008606B2 Composite heating element with an integrated switch
The present invention provides a composite heating element suitable for heating an article when activated by a power source. The composite heating element comprises a first backing layer and a discontinuous circuit formed of a conductive material disposed on the first backing layer. The discontinuous circuit has terminal ends for electrical connection with the power source and defines at least one gap between the terminal ends. The composite article further comprises a second backing layer spaced from the first backing layer. A trace formed of a conductive material is disposed on the second backing layer. The trace is aligned with the at least one gap for forming a complete circuit when the first and second backing layers at least partially abut each other with the trace extending across the gap and contacting the discontinuous circuit.
US08008603B2 Boiler protection apparatus and method
Apparatus and methods for protecting a boiler and heating system from damage comprising a control board having inputs and outputs, a processor having inputs and outputs, at least one ambient sensor in communication with the processor, at least one boiler sensor in communication with the processor, a power failure relay, the power failure relay being in communication with the processor wherein the power failure relay is capable of detecting power failure of the boiler, an alarm relay connected to the control board by the at least one output and which is capable of sending notification to an alarm system. When an ambient temperature detection event occurs the ambient sensor communicates with the processor and switches the control board from passive mode to monitoring mode. When a temperature detection event or a heating system malfunction occurs the boiler sensor or power failure relay or other types of sensors communicate with the processor and initiate an alarm pathway or provide a circulation mode for circulating water through a heating system of an enclosure to be heated by the boiler and heating system. The control board may provide for the boiler to return to normal function when the temperature detection event or the heating system malfunction ends. The apparatus may also be used to prevent boiler, heating system and enclosure damage by initiating other actions when a heating system malfunction occurs.
US08008602B2 Electrostatic chuck heater
An electrostatic chuck heater is provided including a base which is formed by applying conductive paste containing a binder to upper and lower surfaces of an alumina sintered body to print an electrostatic electrode and heater electrode, calcining the alumina sintered body, arranging alumina powder above the electrostatic electrode and alumina powder below the heater electrode, and pressing the alumina powder and alumina sintered body in the above state for pressure sintering. The diffusion area ratio of the conductive material near the electrostatic electrode in the dielectric layer is set to not more than 0.25%.
US08008600B2 Fiber laser apparatus
The fiber laser apparatus comprises an amplifying section for amplifying seed light by cladding-pumping, and has a structure for further using a residual component of pumping light for cladding-pumping in order to heat the object. A guiding optical fiber is provided between an amplifying optical fiber of the amplifying section and an output optical system converging the single-mode amplified seed light on the object, the guiding optical fiber serving to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the output optical system. The guiding optical fiber has a structure enabling the single-mode propagation of the amplified seed light outputted from the amplifying optical fiber and multimode propagation of the residual pumping light. Because the object is irradiated with the converged amplified seed light, while being heated with the residual pumping light outputted from the output optical system, even an object with a complex shape can be subjected to efficient laser processing.
US08008597B2 Sheet post-processing apparatus
A sheet post-processing apparatus which is capable of reliably producing desired labels and suppressing increases in user office expenses, job time, and environmental load. A laser cutting unit cuts a sheet being conveyed along a sheet conveying path or a sheet discharged onto a post-processing tray, with a laser beam, and a CPU circuit section and a sheet post-processing apparatus control section control the laser cutting unit such that the laser cutting unit cuts a label sheet as the sheet, based on layout information in a label sheet mode of the image forming apparatus.
US08008596B2 Plasma processing apparatus and electrode used therein
A plasma processing apparatus performs a specific plasma processing on a target substrate by disposing a first and a second electrode to face each other in a processing chamber, and supplying high-frequency electric power to at least one of the first and the second electrodes to thereby generate a plasma while introducing a processing gas onto the target substrate supported by the second electrode. The electrode for use as the first electrode includes: an electrode plate facing the second electrode; a support for supporting the electrode plate, wherein the support is in contact with a surface of the electrode plate and the surface is opposite to the second electrode; and a dielectric portion, provided on a contact surface of the support with the electrode plate, and having a shape in which a center portion thereof has a height different from that of an edge portion thereof.
US08008594B2 Vacuum insulated switchgear
A vacuum insulated switchgear has a busbar compartment, in which phase-segregated double-break, three-position vacuum circuit breakers are disposed; and feeder compartments disposed at both sides of the busbar compartment respectively, in each of which phase-segregated double-break, three-position vacuum circuit breakers are disposed. The busbar compartment and the feeder compartments are aligned in a row, and a second-phase insulated busbar is provided to connect one of the fixed contacts of a second-phase breaker in the busbar compartment to a fixed contact of a second-phase breaker in one of the feeder compartments. A first-phase insulated busbar is provided to connect one of the fixed contacts of a first-phase breaker in the busbar compartment to a fixed contact of a first-phase breaker in one of the feeder compartments adjacent to the busbar compartment, and the second-phase insulated busbar and the first-phase insulated busbar are disposed in different positions in height.
US08008593B2 Switch for seesaw key
A switch comprises a key top to be pushed down; an operation knob pushed down by the key top to rotate around a pivot point, having a working portion; and a contact rubber switch pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob. The rubber switch is provided with a push-button portion having an upper surface pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob and an under surface formed with a movable contact; and a skirt portion extending obliquely downward from an edge of the push-button portion. The skirt portion has a thinner portion on the side of the pivot point of the operation knob and a thicker portion on the opposite side of the pivot point. The push-button portion has an upper surface inclined upward toward the side of the pivot point. The switch has advantages such as simple structure, reliable conduction, and excellent click feeling.
US08008591B2 Key button structure for electronic device
A key button structure (10) for using in a portable electronic device (100) is provided. The key button structure (10) include a housing (14) having a joining portion (1428) formed on the outer wall (1422) of the housing (14) and a key body (124) have a mating portion (1245) formed thereon corresponding with the joining portion (1428).
US08008587B2 Circuit breaker carrier assembly with spring guide
A spring guide is provided for a carrier assembly of an electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, a circuit breaker. The carrier assembly includes a carrier body, a plurality of movable contact arms pivotably coupled to the carrier body, and a plurality of contact springs. Each of the contact springs is disposed between a portion of the carrier body and a corresponding number of the movable contact arms. Each spring guide includes a guide member disposed between a corresponding one of the contact springs and the corresponding number of movable contact arms to maintains alignment therebetween. The guide member preferably includes a planar portion including a first side, which spans a pair of adjacent movable contact arms, and a second side, which includes a projection. The projection is disposed within the coils of the corresponding one of the contact springs.
US08008585B2 Switching apparatus comprising a plurality of switching assemblies, and associated method
An improved electrical switching apparatus comprises a plurality of electrical switching assemblies in a ganged configuration. A bridging device mechanically connects together the actuator devices of the electrical switching assemblies to cause the simultaneous tripping of all of the electrical switching assemblies when an overload or an arc fault is detected on any electrical switching assembly of the gang.
US08008584B2 Panel circuit structure
A panel circuit structure for transmitting electrical signals to an active area is provided. The panel circuit structure includes a first transmission pad, a first test pad, a second transmission pad, a second test pad, and a third transmission pad, which are connected to a driving element. The first transmission pad, the first test pad, the second transmission pad, and the second test pad transmit electrical signals to the active area via the first transmission lines and second transmission lines. The first transmission pads and the second transmission pads are disposed at a first end of the driving element while the third transmission pad is disposed at a second end of the driving element. The first and second test pads are disposed outside the coverage area of the driving element.
US08008577B2 Constructive arrangement in an umbilical cable and a process for the manufacture thereof
An umbilical cable, particularly adequate for subsea exploration, contains two or more three-phase power supply circuits, each consisting of three conductors grouped in a trefoil configuration, each conductor including a metal core surrounded by an insulating sheath, each conductor being provided with an individual shielding whose cross-section is less than, equal to or greater than that of the core. Advantageously, each insulating sheath may be surrounded by a layer of semiconductor material. Filler spacers made of an insulating material, preferably polyethylene, may be used to aid in the positioning of the trefoils. The cable provides an economy of material, an increased flexibility, a reduction of the diameter of the finished cable and a substantial decrease of manufacturing time as compared with cables produced in accordance with the known art. A manufacturing method for an umbilical cable is also disclosed.
US08008571B2 Thermoelectric composite semiconductor
Heat transfer to refrigerate or heat uses a thermoelectric semiconductor structure including a P-type composite of dices of semiconductor material alloyed with P-type material forming spaced collector regions at junctions with a P-type conductive material for flux of electrical current and a N-type composite of dices of semiconductor material alloyed with N-type material forming spaced collector regions at junctions with a N-type conductive material for flux of electrical current. The thickness of each the dices is sufficient to form a PN junction. Electrically conductive buss bars form an electrical circuit between the dices of N-type conductivity and the dices of P-type conductivity. An electrically conductive buss bar forms an electrical circuit connection between the dices of N-type conductivity and the dices of P-type conductivity. An electrical potential is applied by terminals between the P-type composite and the N-type composite to induce a flux of heat concurrent with the flux of electrical current.
US08008570B2 Display assembly and display device having the same
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display assembly received in a cover by the front mounting method, a combining recess is formed on a corner formed at which a side part and an upper portion of a supporting part meet together, and a first hole is formed on a bottom of the combining recess. A first opening exposing the first hole is formed in a top surface part of a front receiving frame. A bottom part of a rear receiving frame supporting a rear face of a display module has a second hole corresponding to the first hole. An incision portion opening the sidewall part of the rear receiving frame exposes the second hole, the first reinforcement member is bent around an edge of the sidewall part, and connects the opposite edges. As such, the width of a frame of the cover is reduced, and the rear receiving frame improves the strength against external force.
US08008569B2 Musical sound generating device and storage medium storing musical sound generation processing program
Upon activation by a power-on operation, a CPU transfers part of waveform data items of predetermined tone colors from a waveform data storage to a waveform RAM, and after this, transfers data items including the remaining waveform data to be transferred. Thereby, a musical sound generating device assigns the transferred waveform data items to make it playable when the transfer of the part of the waveform data has been completed, and changes the assignment of the waveform data to make it playable in an ordinary state when the transfer of the remaining waveform data has been terminated.
US08008567B2 Music reproducing system for collaboration, program reproducer, music data distributor and program producer
A music reproducing system includes a musical instrument for reproducing a music tune on the basis of the MIDI music data, a sound reproducer for reproducing a music tune and/or narration from audio data codes and a server computer for distributing programs, MIDI files and audio files to the musical instrument and sound reproducer, and a program contains plural music tunes and narration; while a program is being reproduced in collaboration between the musical instrument and the sound reproducer, the audio data codes are converted to an audio signal expressing the narration through the sound reproducer, and the music tunes are reproduced on the basis of the MIDI files through the musical instrument; and the duration data codes of audio file are supplied to the musical instrument so as to make the musical instrument and the sound reproducer synchronized with each other.
US08008562B2 Image processing apparatus, musical score editing method executed thereon, and storage medium storing program
An image processing apparatus that processes image data representing a musical score inputs image data of a musical score document to the image processing apparatus, detects a blank area in the musical score based on the input image data, and generates image data in which an assistance sign has been added in the blank area in correspondence with a sign in the musical score.
US08008557B1 Inbred corn line NPJC7538
Basically, this invention provides for an inbred corn line designated NPJC7538, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPJC7538, with plants of another corn plant. The invention relates to the various parts of inbred NPJC7538, including culturable cells. This invention also relates to methods for introducing transgenic transgenes into inbred corn line NPJC7538, and plants produced by said methods.
US08008547B2 Glyphosate-N-acetyltransferase (GAT) genes
Proteins are provided herein, including proteins capable of catalyzing the acetylation of glyphosate and other structurally related proteins. Also provided are polynucleotides capable of encoding these proteins, compositions that include one or more of these proteins and/or polynucleotides, recombinant cells and transgenic plants comprising these compounds, diversification methods involving the compounds, and methods of using the compounds. Some of the methods and compounds provided herein can be used to render an organism, such as a plant, resistant to glyphosate.
US08008544B2 Methods for altering the reactivity of plant cell walls
Methods and means are provided for the modification of the reactivity of plant cell walls, particularly as they can be found in natural fibers of fiber producing plants by inclusion of positively charged oligosaccharides or polysaccharides into the cell wall. This can be conveniently achieved by expressing a chimeric gene encoding an N-acetylglucosamine transferase, particularly an N-acetylglucosamine transferase, capable of being targeted to the membranes of the Golgi apparatus in cells of a plant.
US08008542B2 Compositions, cells, and plants that include BKI1, a negative regulator of BRI1-mediated BR signaling
This invention provides recombinant cells and transgenic plants that display selectively increased or decreased response to brassinosteroids, resulting in increased yield. Methods of modulating brassinosteroid responses, and of modulating plant phenotypes, are provided.
US08008539B1 Generation of transgenic human soluble amyloid precursor protein alpha expressing mice
The present invention relates to a novel animal model for neurological degenerative diseases, especially autism, relating to overexpression of human secreted APP-alpha. This novel animal model exhibits several aspects of amyloidopathy. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the double transgenic animals, to cells and cell lines derived from these animals. Moreover, a method for the evaluation of the in vivo effects of a test compound on secreted APP-alpha expression and autism pathology in these animals is provided.
US08008534B2 Liquid phase hydroprocessing with temperature management
A method of hydroprocessing hydrocarbons is provided using a substantially liquid-phase reactor having first and second catalyst beds with a heat transfer section positioned therebetween. The first and second catalyst beds and the heat transfer section are combined within the same reactor vessel. Each catalyst bed having an inlet temperature and an exit temperature and having a hydroprocessing catalyst therein with a maximum operating temperature range. The method hydroprocesses the hydrocarbons and removes sufficient heat from the hydrocarbons using the heat transfer section so that the exit temperature of the hydrocarbons existing the first catalyst bed is substantially maintained below the maximum operating temperature range of the hydroprocessing catalysts in the first bed and, at the same time, also providing the hydrocarbons to the second catalyst bed at the inlet temperature so that the exit temperature of the hydrocarbons at the exit of the second catalyst bed also does not exceed the maximum operating temperature range of the hydroprocessing catalyst in the second bed.
US08008533B2 Process for regasifying a gas hydrate slurry
Continuous process for regasifying a feed stream having (i) a slurry phase comprising gas hydrate particles suspended in a produced liquid hydrocarbon and optionally free produced water and (ii) optionally a gaseous phase comprising free produced gaseous hydrocarbon thereby generating a regasified multiphase fluid and for separating the regasified multiphase fluid into its component fluids. The method includes (a) heating the feed stream to above the dissociation temperature of the gas hydrate thereby regasifying the feed stream by converting the gas hydrate particles into gaseous hydrocarbon and water, (b) separating a gaseous hydrocarbon phase from the regasified multiphase fluid thereby forming a gaseous hydrocarbon product stream and a liquid stream comprising a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and water, (c) separating the liquid stream comprising a mixture of the liquid hydrocarbon and water into a liquid hydrocarbon phase and an aqueous phase; and (d) removing the liquid hydrocarbon phase as a liquid hydrocarbon product stream. The regasification production facility additionally has a concentrator vessel and the feed stream is passed to the concentrator vessel prior to being heated in step (a) to above the dissociation temperature of the gas hydrate particles wherein a gaseous phase comprising free gaseous hydrocarbon separates from the feed stream in the concentrator vessel and is removed from the concentrator as a gaseous hydrocarbon stream.
US08008530B2 Process for preparing methyl mercaptan
The present invention relates to a process for continuously preparing methyl mercaptan from hydrogen sulphide and methanol in a direct connection with the preparation of hydrogen sulphide.
US08008529B2 Chiral ligands used in transition metal catalysts for asymmetric addition reactions especially hydrogenation
Ligands of the formula (I) secondary phosphine-Q-P(═O)HR1 (I) in the form of mixtures of diastereomers or pure diastereomers, in which secondary phosphine is a secondary phosphine group with hydrocarbon radicals or heterohydrocarbon radicals as substituents; Q is a bivalent bisaryl or bisheteroaryl radical with an axial chiral centre to which the two phosphorus atoms are bonded in the ortho positions to the bisaryl or bisheteroaryl bridge bond, or Q is a bivalent ferrocenyl radical with a planar chiral centre or without a planar chiral centre, to which the phosphorus atom of the secondary phosphine is bonded directly or via a C1-C4-carbon chain to a cyclopentadienyl ring, the —P*(═O)HR1 group is bonded either on the same cyclopentadienyl ring in ortho position to the bonded secondary phosphine or on the other cyclopentadienyl ring; P* is a chiral phosphorus atom, and R1 is a hydrocarbon radical, a heterohydrocarbon radical or a ferrocenyl radical, where R1 is a ferrocenyl radical with a planar chiral centre when Q is a ferrocenyl radical without a planar chiral centre. Metal complexes of these ligands are homogeneous catalysts for asymmetric addition reactions, particularly hydrogenations.
US08008528B2 N-substituted monomers and polymers
Biocompatible, bioresorbable polymers comprising a plurality of monomeric repeating units containing an amide group, wherein said amide groups are N-substituted and the N-substituent and degree of N-substitution are effective to lower the melt viscosity, the solution viscosity, or both, compared to the same polymer without N-substitution.
US08008525B2 Receptor function regulating agent
An agent for regulating 14273 receptor function, which is useful as a preventing or treating drug for diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia or the like, is provided. An agent for regulating 14273 receptor function comprising a compound containing an aromatic ring and a group capable of releasing a cation.
US08008515B2 Catalyst for partial oxidation of olefin, preparation method thereof, and process for preparing alkylene oxide
A catalyst for partial oxidation of olefin, which comprises silver or silver oxide and an alkali metal or a compound thereof supported on an α-alumina carrier containing silicon or a compound thereof, wherein the silicon or the compound thereof exists at a position substantially identical to that of a particle of the alkali metal or the compound thereof, a preparation method thereof, and a process for preparing olefin oxide which comprises subjecting olefin to vapor-phase oxidation with a molecular oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst.
US08008513B2 4-((phenoxyalkyl)thio)-phenoxyacetic acids and analogs
The invention features 4-((phenoxyalkyl)thio)-phenoxyacetic acids and analogs, compositions containing them, and methods of using them as PPAR delta modulators to treat or inhibit the progression of, for example, dyslipidemia.
US08008511B2 Process for modifying drug crystal formation
A process for modifying the crystal habit of acicular drug substances, crystals obtained by such a process, and particular crystal forms or modifications of mycophenolic acid or mycophenolate sodium are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystals, methods of treatment and uses thereof.
US08008508B2 Organocatalyst
The present invention provides an organocatalyst of formula (I), wherein R1 is —H, —OH, —O—Si(R4)(R5)(R6) or C1-6alkoxy, in which R4, R5 and R6 are identical or different and independently selected from the group consisting of C1-6alkyl, phenyl and phenyl substituted with C1-6alkyl; R2 is —OH or ═O; X1 is one selected from the group consisting of —NH—, —S— and X2 is one selected from the group consisting of —C(═O)—, —CH2— and and X1 is different from X2. The high yield and enantioselectivity of an addition reaction are obtained by using the organocatalyst of the present invention.
US08008498B2 1,2-dihydroquinoline derivative having substituted phenylamino lower alkyl group and ester-introduced phenyl group as substituents
The compounds represented in general formula (1) and a salt thereof are useful for glucocorticoid receptor modulator. The R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R3 and R4 may be the same or different and represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R6 represents a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a hydroxy group, a lower alkoxy group, a nitro group or a cyano group; X represents —C(O)—, —C(O)NR8—, —S(O)2— and the like; R7 and/or R8 may be the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, a heterocyclic group which may have a substituent, a lower alkoxy group which may have a substituent and the like; Y represents a lower alkylene group; and P represents 0, 1, 2 or 3.
US08008494B2 Soluble amide and ester pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blockers
The present invention relates to pyrazinoylguanidine compounds represented by formula (I): where X, Y and R1-R4 are as defined herein. The compounds of the present invention are useful as sodium channel blockers.
US08008488B2 Pyrimidin-2-one compounds and their use as dopamine D3 receptor ligands
The invention relates to pyrimidin 2-one compounds of general formula (I), in addition to the derivatives and tautomers of (I) and the physiologically acceptable salts of said compounds. In said formula, A represents linear or branched C3-C6 alkene, which can have a double bond or triple bond and/or a group Z, which is not adjacent to the nitrogen atom of the pyrimidinone ring and is selected from O, S, C(O), NR3, C(O)NR3, NR3C(O), OC(O) and C(O)O; B represents a group of the formula (II), in which X stands for CH2 or N and Y stands for CH2 or CH2CH2, or X—Y can also jointly represent C═CH, C═CH—CH2 or CH—CH═CH; R1 and R2 are defined as cited in the description and the claims; and Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic group. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical agent, containing at least one compound (I) and the tautomers, derivatives and/or acid addition salts of said compound, optionally together with physiologically acceptable carriers and/or auxiliary agents. The invention also relates to the use of compounds of formula (I), and their tautomers, derivatives and pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts for producing a pharmaceutical agent for treating diseases which respond to the influence of dopamine D3 receptor ligands.
US08008487B2 Substituted thieno[2,3-D]pyrimidines as fungicides
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines, having fungicidal activity.
US08008481B2 Indazole compounds
Novel compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs and biologically active metabolites thereof of Formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined herein, which are useful as therapeutic agents.
US08008480B2 Process for the purification of meloxicam
A process for purifying meloxicam form I from a crude meloxicam, which comprises: i. contacting the crude meloxicam with an amine in a non-aqueous solvent to form a meloxicam salt; ii. isolating the meloxicam salt; iii. dissolving the meloxicam salt in an aqueous solvent to form a salt solution; and iv. adding an acid to the salt solution to precipitate free meloxicam.
US08008477B2 Method for preparing a composition containing at least one internal dehydration product for a hydrogenated sugar
The subject of the present invention is a novel method for preparing a composition of internal dehydration product of a hydrogenated sugar, comprising: a) a step of distilling a medium containing the said internal dehydration product in order to obtain a distillate enriched with this product, b) optionally, at least one subsequent step of purifying the distillate thus obtained, c) a subsequent step of bringing the distillate obtained during step a), and then optionally subjected to step b), into contact with an agent capable of improving the stability of the internal dehydration product predominantly contained in the distillate, the said agent not being in gaseous form, d) optionally, a subsequent step of shaping the resulting composition of internal dehydration product of a hydrogenated sugar. This method makes it possible in particular to obtain a stable isosorbide composition, characterized by its purity and/or its content of certain stabilizing or nonstabilizing species.
US08008472B2 RNA interference mediated inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of HIV genes. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of HIV infection, AIDS, and/or disease and conditions related to HIV infection and/or AIDS in a subject or organism.
US08008468B2 RNAi expression constructs with liver-specific enhancer/promoter
The present invention provides compositions and methods suitable for RNAi specifically in the liver so as to treat diseases or disorders.