| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08095149B2 |
Method and system for administrating GIS data dictionaries
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for administrating GIS data dictionaries. In one embodiment, a mobile electronic device is assigned to a workgroup. The method further comprises selecting a data dictionary comprising at least one desired GIS feature type which was not originally intended for use by the mobile electronic device based upon the assigned membership of the mobile electronic device to the workgroup. The method further comprises sending the data dictionary to the mobile electronic device via a wireless communication network. |
| US08095145B2 |
Method and system of distributing transmissions in a wireless data transmission system
A method and System for communicating between a mobile device, and first and second transceivers are described. The second transceiver is positioned in an area covered by the first transceiver. The first transceiver and the mobile device can exchange data on at least one of a plurality of channels. The mobile device transmits a first signal to the first transceiver on the at least one of a plurality of channels. The second transceiver transmits a second signal to the mobile device on a channel outside of the plurality of channels. |
| US08095143B2 |
Random access channel (RACH) reconfiguration for temporarily extended cell coverage
A device obtains a service change associated with a cell in a radio network, and identifies helper cells in the radio network that need new random access channel (RACH) parameters due to the service change. The device also determines a RACH parameters configuration for the helper cells, and configures the helper cells with the determined RACH parameters configuration. |
| US08095138B2 |
Resource allocation apparatus, central control apparatus, wireless base station, wireless communication system, resource allocation method and resource allocation program in computer-readable medium
A wireless communication system allocates resource information used in performing wireless communication to wireless base stations in order not to generate interference between access-side wireless interfaces and backbone-side wireless interfaces. Each of the wireless base stations includes an access-side wireless interface for covering wireless terminal devices and a backbone-side wireless interface for connecting the wireless base stations with each other. The wireless base station allocates resource information that is common to the wireless base stations to the backbone-side wireless interface that performs the wireless communication between the wireless base stations, and allocates resource information that does not generate interference with the backbone-side wireless interface to the access-side wireless interface. |
| US08095136B2 |
Method for determining if a first cell managed by a first base station is neighbour of a second cell managed by a second base station
The present invention concerns a method for determining if a first cell managed by a first base station is neighbour of a second cell managed by a second base station, the cells being cells of wireless cellular network, the wireless cellular network comprising a telecommunication network enabling the transfer of information between the base stations. The first base station monitors the amount of information transferred between the first base station and the second base station through the telecommunication network and determines if the second cell managed by the second base station is neighbour of the first cell managed by the first base station according to the amount of monitored information transferred between the first base station and the second base station through the telecommunication network. The invention concerns also the associated device. |
| US08095135B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing seamless call handoff between networks that use dissimilar transmission methods
Call handoff from an 802.1x network to a cellular network, and vice versa. A wireless device that has both cellular and 802.1x capability detects the strength of a cellular signal and of an 802.1x signal. If a call is taking place over the 802.1x network and the strength of the 802.1x signal drops below a particular level and the strength of the cellular signal is above a certain level, the call is handed off from the 802.1x network to the cellular network. If a call is taking place over the cellular network and the cellular signal strength drops below a certain level while the 802.1x signal strength is above a certain level, the call is handed off from the cellular network to the 802.1x network. In addition, the user of the wireless device can manually initiate the handoff by actuating a handoff selector of the wireless device. |
| US08095130B2 |
Controlling hand-off in a mobile node with two mobile IP clients
Extending Mobile IP to support both local and remote access by using two MIP client stacks in the end node, a roaming Node in the local access network, a standard Home Agent in the remote network. Messages between the AR and the MN, and between the internal modules of the MN, are then used to control hand-off for each MIP client and to enable backwards compatibility with legacy remote access clients. |
| US08095129B2 |
System and method for optimizing roaming in a wireless data network
A system and method for a mobile client device to associate with a preferred access point in a wireless network A determination is made as to whether the mobile client device is stationary within the wireless network The preferred access point is determined between the different access points within the wireless network. The mobile client device associates with the preferred access point to gain desired access to the wireless network |
| US08095128B2 |
Device management system for remotely accessing terminal equipments
A device management system for remotely setting parameters to Terminal Equipments connected to a network comprises a Terminal Equipment management application (210), servers connected to the network, each supporting a different remote management protocol, and means (200) for, upon a generic functionality-oriented request (307) from the Terminal Equipment management application, and for each one of the Terminal Equipments: querying (305) a database (300, 301, 302, 303) of profiles containing all the objects supported by each Terminal Equipment; determining a remote management protocol if more than one is supported by each Terminal Equipment; mapping said generic functionality-oriented request into a request specific to each Terminal Equipment; and sending a command to each Terminal Equipment through the server (121) supporting the determined protocol. |
| US08095126B2 |
User-assisted programmable appliance control
A transmitter is configured to transmit activation signals based on transmission schemes in which one of the schemes is an appropriate scheme such that the appliance activates upon receiving an activation signal that is based on the appropriate scheme and has a code associated with the appliance. The transmitter is configured to receive a code represented by a sequence of bits and to transmit a sequence of different activation signals including different sets of first and second activation signals until user input indicating activation of the appliance is received by the transmitter. Each set of activation signals is based on a respective scheme, each first activation signal includes the sequence of bits and each second activation signal includes a bitwise reversal of the sequence of bits. |
| US08095124B2 |
Systems and methods for managing and monitoring mobile data, content, access, and usage
A system, method, and process for managing and monitoring mobile data, content, access, and usage of mobile devices are provided. The described exemplary system, method, and process provide an infrastructure for managing and monitoring various applications and services of mobile devices such as Internet access, voice, messaging, gaming, music, and video. |
| US08095123B2 |
Wireless communication system
A wireless communication system includes a first device having a communications control circuit configured to initiate transmission of a wireless communication signal, and a second device including a communication interface circuit and a number of other circuits. The communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to provide information carried by the wireless communication signal to at least one of the other circuits. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to receive information specified by the wireless communication signal from at least one of the other circuits and to transmit another wireless communication signal carrying the retrieved information back to the first device. In either case, the communication interface circuit is unresponsive to control thereof by any of the number of other circuits. The communications control circuit controls all wireless communication between the first and second devices. |
| US08095122B2 |
Method and system for routing special number calls using a common telecommunication network
A method for routing a special number call to an appropriate answering position using a common telecommunication network includes: (a) placing an extant special number call to a switching center; (b) ascertaining the appropriate answering position for receiving the extant call; (c) providing to a gateway switch call-information for routing the extant call to the appropriate answering position; (d) in no particular order: (1) associating the call-information with a temporary number; and (2) providing the temporary number to the switching center; (e) employing the temporary number as a called party number for routing the extant call through the network to the gateway switch; and (f) operating the gateway switch to employ the call-information associated with the temporary number for routing the extant call to the appropriate answering position. |
| US08095116B2 |
Method for delivering multimedia files
A technique for delivering a multimedia data file, such as an MMS, from an originator having an originator server associated therewith to a recipient having a recipient server associated therewith is provided. The technique comprises establishing a communication path from the originator to the recipient via the originator server and recipient server. The recipient server receives the data file or portions thereof uploaded to the originator server from the originator. Thereafter, the recipient server individually forwards the data file portions received from the originator server without waiting for receipt of the complete data file. |
| US08095114B2 |
System and method for provisioning broadcast and multicast services in a wireless network
A method of provisioning broadcast services and multicast services in a mobile station is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of a program to be transmitted by a base station at a subsequent predetermined time. A BCMC Request Order is generated based on the selection. The BCMC Request Order is sent to the base station to request transmission of the program at the subsequent predetermined time. |
| US08095112B2 |
Adjusting security level of mobile device based on presence or absence of other mobile devices nearby
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for adjusting security status on a mobile device, the method comprising: collecting security-related contextual information which includes information of nearby mobile devices and/or the geographic location of the intelligent mobile device; evaluating a threat level based on the collected security-related contextual information; invoking a security policy; and adjusting the security status of the mobile device based on the threat level and the security policy. |
| US08095111B2 |
Methods for providing overdraft protection for post-paid communication service plans
Methods for adding minutes to a calling plan having a calling plan period. The methods including determining whether a threshold number of minutes have been reached during the calling plan period; and incrementally adding minutes to the calling plan when the threshold number of minutes has been reached. The cost per minute of the added minutes is less than the high-cost per minute rate normally associated with exceeding the threshold number of minutes during the calling plan period. |
| US08095110B2 |
Method for a device to perform a function in response to a command from a printer
A method is disclosed of controlling a function of a device. The device is operative to perform the function in response to a command from a printer. The method starts by printing a control interface containing information relating to the function and coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the control interface and of at least one reference point of the control interface. Next, indicating data is received by the printer from a sensing device. The indicating data contains the identity of the control interface and at least one position of the sensing device relative to the control interface. The sensing device forms the indicating data when placed in an operative position relative to the control interface using the coded data. Finally, the printer issues the command relating to the function to the device. |
| US08095107B2 |
Voice messaging prioritization
A voice radio communication system prioritizes radio voice communications so that higher priority voice transmission is given precedence. The communication system comprises a transmitter that inserts a digital watermark into a voice communication. Software in a receiver decodes the digital watermark to determine a priority requested by the sender, and other information about the sender and the message. The software determines the message priority based on multiple factors. Voice transmissions are digitally recorded and played in order of priority. Options exist for the user to control the playback. |
| US08095105B2 |
Method of operating radio receiver implemented in a single CMOS integrated circuit
A single chip superhetrodyne AM receiver is disclosed herein. To compensate for process variations in the implementation of the IC, bias currents setting the operating conditions for various amplifiers and other components in the system are adjusted based on frequency control signals in a PLL circuit in the local oscillator. Since the magnitude of the control signal reflects the process variations, the bias currents are adjusted based on the control signal to offset these variations in other portions of the receiver. To further improve the signal to noise ratio of the receiver, the IF filter is tuned within a range so as not to include any integer multiple or integer divisor of the timing reference frequency. Various techniques are described for enabling a complete superhetrodyne AM receiver to be implemented on a single chip which receives an antenna input signal and outputs a digital data signal. |
| US08095104B2 |
Semiconductor device and electronic device having the same
A semiconductor device includes an antenna circuit for receiving a wireless signal, a power supply circuit generating power by the wireless signal received by the antenna circuit, and a clock generation circuit to which power is supplied. The clock generation circuit includes a ring oscillator which self-oscillates and a frequency divider which adjusts frequency of an output signal of the ring oscillator in an appropriate range. A digital circuit portion is driven by a clock having high frequency accuracy, so that a malfunction such as an incorrect operation or no response is prevented. |
| US08095096B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for operating upon received data at a receiving station capable of diversity operation
Apparatus, and an associated method, for a receiving station, such as the receive part of a mobile station, that has diversity antennas. The receiving station includes both legacy demodulators and a diversity demodulator. Calculations are made to determine signal indicia associated with the signal energy detected at the diversity antennas. Responsive to the signal indicia, selection is made as to whether to utilize demodulation data, demodulated pursuant to a diversity demodulation technique or pursuant to a legacy demodulation technique. As the characteristics of received signals change, reselection of the demodulation is correspondingly made, such as on a frame-by-frame basis of frame-formatted data. |
| US08095092B2 |
Power efficient transmitter with high dynamic range
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for transistor matching. The power transmitter comprises a first, second, and third amplification path. The paths are selectively activated and deactivated to output a received signal with high efficiency and linearity. The first amplification path is configured to receive a first signal and output a first amplified signal to a first port of a output power combiner when activated and provide an impedance that results in a high reflection factor when deactivated. The second amplification path is configured to receive a second signal with 90° phase shift with respect to the first signal and output a second amplified signal to a second port of the combiner when activated and provide an impedance that results in a high reflection factor when deactivated. The third amplification path is configured to receive a third signal and output a third amplified signal to a third port of the output power combiner when activated and provide an impedance that results in an impedance that matches the output impedance when deactivated. |
| US08095090B2 |
RF power amplifier controller circuit
A power amplifier controller circuit controls a power amplifier based upon an amplitude correction signal indicating the amplitude difference between the amplitude of the input signal and an attenuated amplitude of the output signal. The power amplifier controller circuit comprises an amplitude control loop and a phase control loop. The amplitude control loop adjusts the supply voltage to the power amplifier based upon the amplitude correction signal. The phase control loop adjusts the phase of the input signal based upon a phase error signal indicating a phase difference between phases of the input signal and the output signal to reduce phase distortion generated by the power amplifier. The amplitude control loop and the phase control loop may also adjust the gain and/or phase of the power amplifier, respectively. |
| US08095089B1 |
Predictive transmitter calibration
A method and apparatus for calibrating a device. The method includes: selecting a first power level at which a device is to transmit a radio frequency signal; receiving a radio frequency signal having been transmitted from the device based on a predetermined calibration value associated with the first power level; measuring a power level of the radio frequency signal transmitted from the device; based on the measured power level of the radio frequency signal, adjusting the predetermined calibration value associated with the first power level so that (i) a measured power level associated with a radio frequency signal transmitted from the device based on the adjusted predetermined calibration value falls within a predetermined range of the first power level; and based on the adjusted predetermined calibration value, calibrating each predetermined calibration value for a plurality of power levels other than the first power level. |
| US08095084B2 |
Non-real-time selection of distributed DHO nodes
The present invention relates to an arrangement adapted to be located in a network node, e.g. in a RNC, in a mobile communication network. The arrangement selects at least one diversity handover, DHO, node, that is to perform macro diversity functions, amongst the nodes of the mobile communication network comprising macro diversity functionality means. The selection is based on base station combinations of said mobile communication network. The arrangement comprises means for retrieving at least one DHO node, that is to perform macro diversity functions, from a database comprising base station combinations of said mobile communication network and a pre-calculated DHO node selection for each such base station combination. The present invention also relates to said database. The database comprises means for storing base station combinations of said mobile communication network and means for storing a pre-calculated Diversity Handover node selection for each such base station combination. |
| US08095081B2 |
Device and method for hands-free push-to-talk functionality
A device for hands-free push-to-talk functionality may include a push-to-talk sensor or switch operable by at least one of a preset audible signal, a predetermined movement of the sensor or switch, air pressure or the like. The device may also include means to control operation of a communications device in response to signals from the push-to-talk sensor or switch. |
| US08095078B2 |
Communication terminal device
In an embodiment of the invention, a communication terminal device, which may include a message generation circuit configured to generate an information inquiry message which specifies that another communication terminal device should transmit information about performance features of units in the physical layer or the data link layer of the other communication terminal device to that communication terminal device, a transmitting circuit configured to transmit the information inquiry message, a receiving circuit configured to receive an information message with the information from the other communication device terminal, and a selection circuit which is configured to use the information to select units in the physical layer or the data link layer of the communication terminal which should be used to set up a communication link to the other communication terminal device. |
| US08095077B2 |
Signal power estimation
Two versions of the auto-covariance matrix of a received signal are obtained. One version is dependent upon the fraction of the power of a transmission site that goes into the wanted signals and a value is sought for this fraction that produces a good match between the two versions. |
| US08095075B2 |
System and method of detecting a sleeping cell and remedying detected conditions in a telecommunication network
A node in a telecommunications network having a number of cells is informed of a sleeping cell. Within the telecommunications network, information of a potential sleeping cell detected by a user equipment (UE) operating in the telecommunications network is sent to the node. The UE may determine that the cell is a potential sleeping cell upon failing to receive a response from the cell after a specified number of Radio Resource Control attempts. The node determines whether the potential sleeping cell is a sleeping cell. A status of the sleeping cell is confirmed as an actual sleeping cell in the network, and the node sends an alarm alerting the network of the sleeping cell. A self-healing action may be automatically performed on the sleeping cell. |
| US08095073B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved mobile station and hearing aid compatibility
A mobile station includes an adjustable member for increasing a separation distance between an audio signal output device and an electronic circuit to reduce EMI proximate the audio signal output device caused by the electronic circuit. In one embodiment, the adjustable member comprises a slide member that extends at least a portion of the audio signal output device away from the electronic circuit to increase the separation distance. In another embodiment, the adjustable member comprises a pivot member that rotates the electronic circuit (or audio signal output device) away from the audio signal output device (or electronic circuit) to increase the separation distance. In any event, increasing the separation distance between the audio signal output device and the electronic circuit decreases the EMI proximate the audio signal output device, and therefore EMI effects on external circuits proximate the mobile station, such as a hearing aid. |
| US08095070B2 |
Wireless reader tags (WRTS) with sensor components in asset monitoring and tracking systems
A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. |
| US08095067B2 |
Frequency translating repeater with low cost high performance local oscillator architecture
A frequency translating repeater (120) for use in a time division duplex (TDD) radio protocol communications system includes local oscillator (LO) circuits (210, 310, and 410) to facilitate repeating by providing isolation, reduced phase noise, reduced pulling, and the like. Tunable LOs (441, 442) can be directly coupled to down-converters (413, 414) and up-converters (426, 427) for increased isolation, reduced phase noise, less stringent frequency accuracy, and a reduced potential for pulling. |
| US08095064B2 |
Satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system
The present invention provides a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to standard frequencies so as to permit for signals to travel via existing wiring which the present day amplifiers can transport in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna. |
| US08095062B2 |
Media width sensors containing axially spaced paddles and method of using the media width sensor
The present application is directed to sensors and methods of use to determine a width of a media sheet moving along a media path. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a shaft that extends at least partially across the media path. First and second paddles may extend outward from the shaft and into the media path. The paddles may be axially spaced apart along a length of the shaft, and the first paddle may be positioned upstream along the media path from the second paddle. A flag may extend outward from the shaft. A detector may be positioned in proximity to the shaft. In use, the shaft may rotate during contact between the media sheets and the paddles to move the flag. The detector may be able to differentiate between a first amount of rotation due to contact with a wide media sheet and a second amount of rotation with a narrow media sheet to determine a width of the media sheets. |
| US08095059B2 |
Image forming apparatus with coating mode
Provided is an image forming apparatus containing: an image-bearing member; a toner removal unit configured to remove a toner remained on the image-bearing member; a coating unit configured to coat a surface of the image-bearing member with a lubricity imparting agent; a unit configured to change a coated state of the lubricity imparting agent which has been applied to the image-bearing member by the coating unit; and a controlling unit configured to control the coating unit so as to operate a coating mode for at least the period when the image-bearing member is rotated once or more in the course of image formation, wherein the coating mode is a mode in which an amount of the lubricity imparting agent applied onto the image-bearing member is increased compared to an applied amount of the lubricity imparting agent during an ordinal operation for image formation. |
| US08095054B2 |
Transfer device and image forming apparatus using the same
The transfer portion for use in an image forming apparatus includes: an intermediate transfer belt having a toner image temporarily transferred from a photoreceptor drum; roller members that support and stretch the intermediate transfer belt; and strip-like guide elements that guide conveyance of the intermediate transfer belt. The guide elements are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt with the first and second ends opposed to and arranged a predetermined gap apart from each other. Each of the first and second ends is formed with a first (second) perpendicular surface that is perpendicular to the advancing direction of the belt and a first (second) inclined surface that is inclined relative to the belt advancing direction. The first and second perpendicular surfaces are formed in such a position that the first and second ends become tapered by the first and second inclined surfaces, respectively. |
| US08095044B2 |
Rotary member driving apparatus
A rotary member apparatus includes a main drive unit configured to apply a driving torque to a photosensitive drum through a drive transfer unit, a torque limiter configured to limit the driving torque transmitted from the main drive unit to the photosensitive drum, a compensation drive unit configured to apply a torque for adjusting an angular velocity of the photosensitive drum, an encoder configured to detect the angular velocity of the photosensitive drum, and a compensation drive controller configured to control the torque applied by the compensation drive unit on the basis of a detection result obtained by the encoder. |
| US08095043B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of abrading photoconductor of the apparatus
An image forming apparatus of the present invention is arranged to hold an intermediate transfer belt and a photoconductive drum out of contact with each other. In a non image formation process in a first mode, the intermediate transfer belt and the photoconductive drum are separated from each other upon completion of the image formation, thereby preventing contamination of the photoconductive drum due to back transfer. In a non image formation process in a second mode, the intermediate transfer belt and the photoconductive drum are separated from each other upon completion of the image formation, and then the intermediate transfer belt and the photoconductive drum are contacted with each other again upon completion of secondary transfer of an image. They are driven for a predetermined time with a speed difference therebetween, thereby abrading the surface of the photoconductive drum to refresh it. |
| US08095040B2 |
Intermediate transfer-type image forming apparatus with separation/contact mechanism
In an embodiment of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt that primarily transfers a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum; a secondary transfer unit including a transfer mechanism portion that secondarily transfers the primarily transferred toner image to a paper; an optical sensor that detects a reference toner image on the transfer belt; and a shutter that protects a detection face of the optical sensor, wherein a separation/contact mechanism portion disposed so as to be brought into contact with both of the shutter and the secondary transfer unit is provided, and the separation/contact mechanism portion allows the shutter to move so as to open and allows the secondary transfer unit to move so as to separate from the transfer belt when the reference toner image is detected by the optical sensor, and allows the shutter to move so as to separate from the transfer belt when the secondary transfer unit is drawn out from an apparatus main body. |
| US08095039B2 |
Image forming apparatus with an opening and closing unit
An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; an opening and closing unit disposed so as to be openable and closable for the main body; a fixing unit fixing the opening and closing unit to the main body; a structure including a component for realizing an image forming function and/or a transfer medium-conveying function, the structure being supported movably for the main body; a bias unit disposed between the opening and closing unit and the structure, the bias unit biasing the structure so as to be pushed to a member mounted within the main body; a constraining unit constraining the opening and closing unit and the structure against a bias force of the biasing unit when the fixing unit does not fix the opening and closing unit; and a releasing unit releasing the opening and closing unit and the structure from being constrained when the fixing unit fixes the opening and closing unit. |
| US08095035B2 |
Developing device, process unit, and image forming apparatus, with supporting members, grooves, and supported developing roller
A developing device includes a main body that is arranged between a pair of supporting members and includes a developing roller. Both end portions of the developing roller are supported by the supporting members in a first direction in which the developing roller is movable toward and away from an image carrier. A groove is formed on each of the supporting members. Either one of an end portion of the developing roller and a bearing that supports the end portion is inserted into the groove. Either one of at least one of the end portions of the developing roller and at least one of the bearings is movable in the groove in a second direction that intersects the first direction. |
| US08095033B2 |
Winding member, cartridge, and cartridge assembling method
A winding member winds a seal member that seals an opening of a developer storage unit. The winding member includes a first holding portion having a first engaging portion, and a second holding portion having a second engaging portion to be engaged with the first engaging portion, configured to hold the sealing member between the first and second holding portions, wherein an end of the first holding portion and an end of the second holding portion are connected, so that the first holding portion and the second holding portion are relatively movable, and wherein the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion while the sealing member is held between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. |
| US08095025B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of efficient toner concentration control
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form a plurality of toner images on an image carrier, an optical detector configured to detect reflection light from the toner image, and dedicated to detect infrared rays and near-infrared rays, and a controller configured to perform a predetermined control using a detection results of the optical detector. Gradation pattern that is comprised of a plurality of toner patches formed in the image forming unit with an image forming condition to have different adhesive amounts, and is formed of at least two colors, and detection values detected by the optical detector are used for the predetermined control. |
| US08095024B2 |
Image forming device and image forming method detecting a reference point on an intermediate transfer member
An image forming device that transfers a plurality of toner images of different colors in layers, onto an intermediate transfer member by controlling a timing of forming each of the plurality of toner images, based on a reference position on a surface of the intermediate transfer member, the image forming device comprising: an uneven part detecting unit operable to detect at least one uneven part that is any of a depression and a projection, on the surface of the intermediate transfer member; and a reference uneven part setting unit operable to set a reference uneven part that defines the reference position, from among the at least one uneven part detected by the uneven part detecting unit. |
| US08095022B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of calculating amount of toner adhesion accurately
A forming-dot counting section counts a number of dots of a subject color based on dot pattern data of the subject color. An overlapping-dot counting section compares the dot pattern data of the subject color and the dot pattern data of at least one other color of which dots are formed prior to the subject color, and counts a number of overlapping dots of the subject color that are formed in an overlapping relation with the dots of the at least one other color. A calculating section calculates the amount of adhering toner of the subject color by subtracting an estimated amount of non-adhering toner from an estimated amount of adhering toner. The estimated amount of adhering toner is estimated based on the number of dots of the subject color. The estimated amount of non-adhering toner is estimated based on the number of overlapping dots. |
| US08095019B2 |
Digital clock and data recovery scheme
A method and apparatus providing clock and data recovery within an optical receiver using three CMA FIR filters with different group delays where filter coefficients are adapted to provide for a filter exhibiting a group delay of one sample period from which symbols for further processing are provided. |
| US08095018B2 |
Quaternary phase modulator
In a quaternary phase modulator including two phase modulators disposed in parallel and a phase adjuster that adjusts a phase difference when the outputs of the two phase modulators are combined, there are provided a second light source that introduces light propagated in a backward direction, a first controller that controls the bias of the two phase modulators so that the intensity of the backward light is a minimum on the input side of the quaternary phase modulator, and a second controller that controls the bias of the phase adjuster so that a result monitored by a photodiode having a bandwidth not exceeding the bit rate on the output side of the quaternary phase modulator is a minimum, the first controller being implemented after the second controller is implemented. |
| US08095016B2 |
Bidirectional, optical transmitting/receiving module, optical transmitting/receiving device, and bidirectional optical transmitting/receiving module manufacturing method
To provide a low-cost and fine-property bidirectional optical transmitting/receiving module and the like, which include a de-multiplexing device that uses a V-letter shaped optical waveguide and a dielectric multilayer filter. Formation of an end face where the dielectric multilayer film is formed and separation of optical modules are performed in separate steps, and the end face at the intersection of the V-letter shaped optical waveguide, on which the dielectric multilayer filter is formed, is formed by dry etching to achieve high smoothness. Further, a cutting face of the optical module is set at a position that is isolated from the end face at least by 3 μm. Through the above, the smooth end face is protected from roughness of the cutting face caused by a light emitting element separating step, and the dielectric multilayer filter is formed on that end face. |
| US08095004B2 |
Passive optical network system and operation method of the same
In a passive optical network system, in order that by measuring a transmission distance and a transmission time between an OLT and an ONU in operation of the system, if the distance or the time is short, communication is conducted at a high transmission speed to increase a capacity of user; if the distance or the time is long, communication is conducted at a low transmission speed to increase the capacity of user communicating in a state in which a predetermined quality is secured, a main station includes a signal communication circuit to communicate with subsidiary stations at a first or second transmission speed and a controller to measure a transmission distance or a transmission time between the main station and each subsidiary station. Based on a result of the measurement, the controller selects a transmission speed for communication with the subsidiary station. |
| US08095002B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing problems on a time division multiple network access (TDMA) optical distribution network (ODN)
A method and corresponding apparatus for diagnosing problems on a time division multiple access (TDMA) optical distribution network (ODN) is provided. An example method may include: (i) measuring no-input signal power level on a communications path configured to carry upstream communications between multiple optical network terminals (ONTs) and an optical line terminal (OLT) in a passive optical network (PON) at a time no upstream communications are on the communications path from the ONTs to the OLT; (ii) comparing the measured no-input signal power level to a threshold; and (iii) generating a notification in an event the threshold is exceeded. Through the use of this method, faults in optical transmitters, such as bad solder joints, can be determined. Such faults may cause errors in parameters, such as ranging or normalization parameters, associated with communications. By determining the faults, the time required to resolve communications errors can be reduced. |
| US08095001B2 |
Portable equipment with heat radiating structure
In a digital camera implementing the present invention, a metal tripod seat is arranged on a cabinet, a circuit part that generates heat is accommodated in the cabinet, the circuit part is connected with the tripod seat in a heat conducting manner, and a cover strip made of resin extending from the cabinet covers the tripod seat. The tripod seat is arranged at one end of the cabinet, and the outer surface of the cabinet has a projection formed at a site facing the circuit part, and forms a heat radiating space allowing flow of heat to the other end of the cabinet with the circuit part. |
| US08094998B2 |
Device for making a beverage, provided with a water boiler
A device for making a predetermined quantity of a hot beverage includes a boiler chamber for heating water and a tubular heating element inside the boiler chamber near the bottom of the boiler chamber. A main portion of the tubular heating element extends along a helical line around a horizontal axis. The bottom of the boiler chamber includes a wall substantially having the shape of a part of cylindrical surface around the horizontal axis. |
| US08094986B2 |
Double clad fiber and fiber end processing method, and fiber-combiner connecting structure including the same
A double clad fiber includes a core, a first cladding provided so as to cover the core, and a second cladding provided so as to cover the first cladding. The second cladding has a plurality of pores extending in a length direction and arranged so as to surround the first cladding. In at least one fiber end, the second cladding has been removed by mechanical processing so that the at least one fiber end is formed by the core and the first cladding. |
| US08094985B2 |
Multi-core holey fiber and optical transmission system
A multi-core holey fiber with suppression of crosstalk deterioration among transmitted optical signals in a plurality of cores, and an optical transmission system using the fiber are disclosed. The multi-core holey fiber comprises a plurality of cores arranged separately from each other, and a cladding surrounding the plurality of cores wherein the cladding has plurality of holes arranged in a triangular lattice shape to create hole layers around the plurality of cores. Additionally, d/Λ is not more than 0.5, where Λ [μm] is lattice constant of the triangular lattice, d [μm] is diameter of each of the holes; a distance between adjacent cores is equivalent to not less than six hole layers; the cores arranged farthest from the center of the multi-core holey fiber is surrounded by not less three hole layers; and the sum of the coupling coefficients between the adjacent cores is not more than 1.6×10−5/m. |
| US08094981B2 |
Three color digital gobo system
A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example. |
| US08094980B2 |
Proof-mass with supporting structure on integrated circuit-MEMS platform and method of fabricating the same
Provided is a micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) device including a substrate; at least one semiconductor layer provided on the substrate; a circuit region including at least one chip containing drive/sense circuitry, the circuit region provided on the at least one semiconductor layer; a support structure attached to the substrate; at least one elastic device attached to the support structure; a proof-mass suspended by the at least one elastic device and free to move in at least one of the x-, y-, and z-directions; at least one top electrode provided on the at least one elastic device; and at least one bottom electrode located beneath the at least one elastic device such that an initial capacitance is generated between the at least one top and bottom electrodes, wherein the drive/sense circuitry, proof-mass, supporting structure, and the at least one top and bottom electrodes are fabricated on the at least one semiconductor layer. |
| US08094979B2 |
Polarization-based optical switching
An optical switch, comprising a plurality of light inputs and a plurality of light outputs. The switch additionally includes a polarization beam splitter, configured to split light beams received through the input carriers into separate first and second polarization components and a plurality of semi-transparent mirrors and polarization rotators arranged to allow controllable deflection of the first and second polarization components from the beam splitter to a selected one of the light outputs, wherein the one or more different planes defined for at least 15% of the semi-transparent mirrors by the possible paths of the first polarization component passing through the semi-transparent mirror in the arrangement do not coincide with planes defined by the possible paths of the second polarization component passing through any of the semi-transparent mirrors in the arrangement. A controller of the switch is adapted to control the beam rotators in order that the semi-transparent mirrors deflect beams from desired inputs to desired outputs. |
| US08094978B2 |
Polarization rotator and method for manufacturing the same
An optical circuit comprises: a first waveguide; a second waveguide: and a third waveguide that converts mode field and direction of polarization of light of said first waveguide at the same time to perform wave guiding to said second waveguide: wherein large aspect ratio directions of corresponding ends of a core of said first waveguide and a core of said second waveguide differ from each other. |
| US08094977B2 |
Intrusion detection system for use on single mode optical fiber using a simplified polarimeter
A telecommunications optical fiber is secured against intrusion by detecting manipulation of the optical fiber prior to an intrusion event. This can be used in a non-locating system where the detection end is opposite the transmit end or in a locating system which uses Fresnel reflections and Rayleigh backscattering to the transmit end to detect and then locate the motion. The Rayleigh backscattering time sliced data can be stored in a register until an intrusion event is detected. The detection is carried out by a polarization detection system which includes an optical splitter which is manufactured in simplified form for economic construction. This uses a non-calibrated splitter and less than all four of the Stokes parameters. It can use a polarimeter type function limited to linear and circular polarization or two linear polarizers at 90 degrees. |
| US08094968B2 |
Image creating method and image creating system
For a halftone representation of a grayscale data of an original image of P tones, an output resolution, a screen ruling frequency, and a screen angle are based to set a basic array of L×L pixels, where L is an integer greater than 1, and a number N of tones reproducible by the basic array is compared with P to generate a dither array using the basic array as its sub-array, such that numbers are assigned to pixels of sub-arrays by a prescribed rule, in order between the sub-arrays, starting from prescribed ones of centered and centermost pixels of the sub-arrays. |
| US08094967B2 |
Image analysis
This invention concerns image analysis of video signals or data in order to detect prior, block-based processing, and to quantify block-related picture impairments. Adjacent samples of video data are high pass-filtered, rectified and auto-correlated to form an auto-correlation function. The auto-correlation function may be analysed to provide information regarding block size and other block artefact measures. |
| US08094954B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing program that performs a level conversion on multilevel input image data
A binary conversion error value as to neighboring pixels stored in an error value storage portion is added to a pixel density of a subject pixel, which is read from an input image storage portion, at a ratio based on an error distribution matrix, so that a modified density is calculated. A determination is made as to whether the modified density is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and an output image is binarized based on the determination, and stored in an output image storage portion. An output density, which is a value of the output image for calculating the binary conversion error value, is set to a value corresponding to a print mode currently set. By subtracting the output density from the modified density, the binary conversion error value generated in the binarization process for the subject pixel is calculated. |
| US08094953B2 |
Adaptive and progressive protection of fixed images encoded in wavelets
A process for secured distribution of fixed numerical images according to a nominal format resulting from numerical encoding in wavelets, represented by a original stream including a packet relating to organization of a binary sequence that contains at least a block that regroups numerically encoded simple elements according to a mode specified inside the stream and utilized by decoders that are capable of reconstructing or decoding it to be able to correctly display the image including modifying at least one of the simple elements according to at least a substitution operation including extracting the simple element, followed by its replacement by lure data, modifying a principal stream to conform to a nominal format including modified blocks and packets, and by a path that is separate from the principal stream of complementary numerical information and allowing reconstruction of the original stream from calculations, on destination equipment, as a function of the principal stream and the complementary information. |
| US08094952B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image compressor device includes a memory controller to store a plurality of compressed unit items in the continuous address range, and a pointer generator to generate pointer data including address information of the plurality of compressed unit data items. |
| US08094950B2 |
Signal processor
A data compressing method comprises first step in which a data is orthogonally transformed so that an orthogonal transform data is generated. A processing step executed subsequent to the first step is divided into a processing step for an alternate-current component of the orthogonal transform data and a processing step for a direct-current component of the orthogonal transform data. The processing step for the direct-current component includes a second step in which an inverse transform equivalent to a decoding process of the orthogonal transform data is executed on the orthogonal transform data. |
| US08094947B2 |
Image visualization through content-based insets
A method and a system for forming an inset image are disclosed. The method includes identifying a region of interest in an original image. An inset is generated, based on the region of interest. A region of low interest is identified in the original image. The inset is applied to the region of low interest to form an inset image. The region of interest is scaled differently from the inset in the inset image. The method can proceed automatically or substantially automatically, without the need for significant user input. |
| US08094941B1 |
Character recognition for overlapping textual user input
Techniques described herein may recognize handwritten characters that are written at least partially over the top of one another that are input to a computing device. The handwritten characters may be formed of one or more strokes. A user may write characters or parts of words over approximately the same area of graphical user interface (i.e., on top of each other) without having to wait for a timeout between character input and without having to select a button or provide another input indicating the character is complete before entering input for another character. Once a character is at least partially recognized, a graphical indication corresponding to the user input displayed on a screen may be altered. Such alterations may include fading or changing size or location of the graphical indication. |
| US08094940B2 |
Input method transform
Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, a data processing system and a computer program product for transforming character data input between a first writing system and a second writing system. The computer implemented method comprises receiving character data input of a first writing system and ensuring the character data input contains normalized characters. A predefined transform is selected based on the character data input of the first writing system and output to a second writing system to transform the normalized characters of the first writing system to character data output of the second writing system, and providing the character data output to a display process. |
| US08094936B2 |
Method and apparatus to segment motion area in real-time to detect motion in surveillance camera system
A method and apparatus to segment a motion area in real-time to detect motion in a surveillance camera system are provided. The method includes updating a background image by using a previous input image from among an input image sequence, generating a difference image between a current image of the image sequence and the background image, generating a second function to minimize a first function including regularized energy in the motion area of the difference image and regularized energy in an area without motion of the difference image and segmenting the motion area based on the second function. Therefore, while noise is removed, the motion area is segmented accurately and rapidly even in a low illumination environment so as to detect a moving object. |
| US08094935B2 |
Representative color extracting method and apparatus based on human color sense and data histogram distributions
A histogram generating section generates a histogram for each channel of a color space which shows colors of pixels constituting an image, in which tone levels of said channel are divided into plural intervals as classes, and frequency of appearance of tone levels of the pixels in each interval is shown as degree. An interval extraction section extracts the intervals in each of which the frequency of appearance becomes local maximal value. A score calculation section calculates scores of the extracted intervals. The score indicates visibility of color to human based on human color sense. An interval selection section selects one or more extracted interval to be representative color, based on the calculated scores. A representative color extraction section generates the representative colors based on tone levels of the selected intervals. |
| US08094932B2 |
Color image correcting apparatus and color image correcting method in which the averaged high frequency image is superimposed on the low frequency image
A color image correcting apparatus includes: a high frequency image generating unit, generating a high frequency image having a high frequency component extracted from a color original image, represented by pixel values of a plurality of channels, for each channel; an average high frequency image generating unit, generating an average high frequency image by assigning an average pixel value, obtained by averaging pixel values of pixels of the channels of the high frequency image in the same coordinate, as pixel values for the channels in the same coordinate, respectively; a low frequency image output unit, generating a low frequency image having a low frequency component extracted from the original image; and a correction image generating unit, generating a corrected image of the original image by superposing the average high frequency image on the low frequency image. |
| US08094929B2 |
Color identifying apparatus and color identifying method
A color identifying apparatus for identifying the color of a reaction surface which has caused a color reaction with a gas to be specified, includes a reference data storage that stores a plurality of associated sets of reference color information represented by the difference between one and the remaining other two of signal intensities of R, G, B signals of RGB bitmap images of a reaction surface which has caused a color reaction with a gas, and identifying information for identifying the reaction surface, an image capturing unit for capturing an image of the reaction surface and generating RGB bitmap images of the reaction surface, an arithmetic unit for generating color information represented by the difference between one and the remaining other two signal intensities of R, G, B signals from the RGB bitmap images generated by the image capturing unit, and an output unit for outputting the identifying information. |
| US08094921B2 |
Method and system for remote rework imaging for part inconsistencies
A system and method for remote rework imaging a part for an inconsistency is provided. The part is scanned with a nondestructive inspection device. An image of a part inconsistency is communicated from the nondestructive inspection device to a programmable device. The image of the part inconsistency is viewed with the programmable device. The image of the part inconsistency is edited with the programmable device using an input device in communication with the programmable device. The edited image is communicated from the programmable device to a visible light projector. The edited image is projected onto the part inconsistency using the visible light projector. |
| US08094915B2 |
“In vitro” diagnostic method for diseases affecting human or animal tissues
The present invention relates to an “in vitro” diagnostic method for diseases affecting human or animal tissues, in particular for the diagnosis of diseases involving inflammation and fibrosis in human or animals, more particularly for liver diseases. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for diagnosing “in vitro” abnormal morphological conditions in human or animal tissues affected by a chronic inflammatory disease, which comprises observing an image of a biopsy sample of the human or animal body in which said abnormal condition can be detected and metrically quantifying said abnormal morphological condition, wherein said step of metrically quantifying comprises detecting the extent of the fibrotic and of the inflammatory tissue by means of: i) calculating the fractal corrected perimeter (Pf) and/or area (Af) of the collagen islets, and ii) calculating the percentage area of the clustered inflammatory cells by means of the formula ACINF/AB·100, wherein ACiNF is the actual area of the inflammatory cells belonging to clusters and AB is the area of the biopsy sample. |
| US08094913B2 |
Image processing device for processing image having luminance information, and control method thereof
An image processing device by which a user can operate a window level value without being conscious of a photometric interpretation of an image is provided. In the image processing device, the operation direction for increasing or decreasing the window level value is reversed according to the photometric interpretation of the input image, according to whether the window level operation direction is the right-and-left direction or the up-and-down direction, and according to whether or not to execute the grayscale inversion. |
| US08094908B2 |
Method and system for estimating randoms in imaging data
A method for estimating randoms in PET imaging data includes acquiring imaging data that includes a plurality of singles and a plurality of randoms, where the randoms exhibit a non-exponential decay, generating a randoms correction estimate based on the non-exponential decay, and applying the randoms correction estimate to the imaging data to generate corrected imaging data. The method further includes generating an image using the corrected image data. An imaging system and computer readable medium programmed to estimate randoms is also provided. |
| US08094907B1 |
System, method and computer program product for fast conjugate phase reconstruction based on polynomial approximation
A fast conjugate phase reconstruction method for MRI is based on a polynomial expansion of the off-resonance phase accrual term. The expansion is truncated and can be a Taylor or Chebyshev expansion. |
| US08094906B2 |
Bone segmentation
A method of automatically identifying bone components in a medical image data set of voxels, the method comprising: a) applying a first set of one or more tests to accept voxels as belonging to seeds, wherein none of the tests examine an extent to which the image density has a local maximum at or near a voxel and falls steeply going away from the local maximum in both directions along an axis; b) applying a second set of one or more tests to accept seeds as bone seeds, at least one of the tests requiring at least one voxel belonging to the seed to have a local maximum in image density at or near said voxel, with the image density falling sufficiently steeply in both directions along at least one axis; and c) expanding the bone seeds into bone components by progressively identifying candidate bone voxels, adjacent to the bone seeds or to other previously identified bone voxels, as bone voxels, responsive to predetermined criteria which distinguish bone voxels from voxels of other body tissue. |
| US08094903B2 |
System and method for coronary digital subtraction angiography
A method and system for extracting coronary vessels fluoroscopic image sequences using coronary digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are disclosed. A set of mask images of a coronary region is received, and a sequence of contrast images for the coronary region is received. For each contrast image, vessel regions are detected in the contrast image using learning-based vessel segment detection and a background region of the contrast image is determined based on the detected vessel regions. Background motion is estimated between one of the mask images and the background region of the contrast image, and the mask image is warped based on the estimated background motion to generate an estimated background layer. The estimated background layer is subtracted from the contrast image to extract a coronary vessel layer for the contrast image. |
| US08094902B2 |
Data management in a linear-array-based microscope slide scanner
Systems and methods for processing, storing, and viewing extremely large imagery data rapidly produced by a linear-array-based microscope slide scanner are provided. The system receives, processes, and stores imagery data produced by the linear scanner as a series of overlapping image stripes and combines the data into a seamless and contiguous baseline image. The baseline image is logically mapped into a plurality of regions that are individually addressed to facilitate viewing and manipulation of the baseline image. The system enables dynamic imagery data compression while scanning and capturing new image stripes that eliminates the overhead associated with storing uncompressed image stripes. The system also creates intermediate level images, thereby organizing the baseline image into a variable level pyramid structure referred to as a virtual slide. The system facilitates the use of virtual slides in applications such as telemedicine, telepathology, microscopy education, and analysis of high value specimens like tissue arrays. |
| US08094900B2 |
Fusion of multiple imaging planes for isotropic imaging in MRI and quantitative image analysis using isotropic or near-isotropic imaging
In accordance with the present invention there is provided methods for generating an isotropic or near-isotropic three-dimensional images from two-dimensional images. In accordance with the present invention the method includes, obtaining a first image of a body part in a first plane, wherein the first image generates a first image data volume; obtaining a second image of the body part in a second plane, wherein the second image generates a second image data volume; and combining the first and second image data volumes to form a resultant image data volume, wherein the resultant image data volume is isotropic or near-isotropic. |
| US08094896B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for detection of organ wall thickness and cross-section color-coding
Systems, method and apparatus in which some implementations of respiratory structure imaging includes tracking a portion in a organ, determining wall contours in the portion and color-coding confidence in the wall contours. Some implementations of the color-coding includes selecting a cross section of a portion, determining average intensity of a wall in the organ from equally space ray vectors, determining confidence from a distribution of the average intensity, labeling sections of an organ image in reference to the average intensity, and color coding sections of the image in the memory according to the confidence. |
| US08094889B2 |
Procedure for verifying the integrity of document
Procedure for verifying the integrity of documents which comprises a characterization of the original document to obtain a hash (508) and a stage of integrity verification, this stage comprising in turn, representing (601) the digital document to be verified in a matrix format; adapting (602) said document to a determined resolution in the characterization and correcting (603) the inclination, obtaining a corrected image (604); obtaining (605), the displacement produced between the contents in the original document and the document to be verified; obtaining (610) optimal displacement coordinates for each one of the regions of the corrected image; obtaining (611) one metric from the quantified coefficients of the corrected image and the corresponding ones in the original document; deciding (612) on the integrity of each region of the digitalized document using the previous metrics; and finally deciding (613) on the integrity of the document based on the results of the previous step. |
| US08094887B2 |
Method and system for analyzing image identifications to identify an entity
A method for analyzing image identifications to determine whether image identifications identify an entity (e.g., license plate of a vehicle). Identification sets are received from at least one optical character recognition (OCR) engine. Each identification set includes a character string and an associated confidence level. Each character string is derived by the respective OCR engine from an image of the entity. An identification set is received from each OCR engine. The character strings are compared, resulting in identifying all conflicting character strings, wherein any two non-identical character strings are considered to be conflicting. The confidence level in each identification set is analyzed, resulting in determining whether each confidence level exceeds a predefined threshold confidence level. At least one rule is applied to the preceding results to ascertain whether or not the entity has been identified. An indication of whether or not the entity has been identified is stored. |
| US08094886B1 |
Thermal wake/vessel detection technique
A computer-automated method for detecting a vessel in water based on an image of a portion of Earth includes generating a thermal anomaly mask. The thermal anomaly mask flags each pixel of the image initially deemed to be a wake pixel based on a comparison of a thermal value of each pixel against other thermal values of other pixels localized about each pixel. Contiguous pixels flagged by the thermal anomaly mask are grouped into pixel clusters. A shape of each of the pixel clusters is analyzed to determine whether each of the pixel clusters represents a possible vessel detection event. The possible vessel detection events are represented visually within the image. |
| US08094885B2 |
System and method for tracking an electronic device
A system for tracking a spatially manipulated user controlling object using a camera associated with a processor. While the user spatially manipulates the controlling object, an image of the controlling object is picked-up via a video camera, and the camera image is analyzed to isolate the part of the image pertaining to the controlling object for mapping the position and orientation of the device in a two-dimensional space. Robust data processing systems and computerized method employing calibration and tracking algorithms such that minimal user intervention is required for achieving and maintaining successful tracking of the controlling object in changing backgrounds and lighting conditions. |
| US08094879B2 |
Methods for recommending personal care product and tools therefor
A tool including a frame that includes an aperture and a boundary marker disposed about the aperture. The boundary marker includes a first marker region disposed about the aperture and a second marker region disposed about the first marker region. The color of the first marker region is different from the color of the second marker region. The tool also includes a color correction scale disposed proximate to the aperture. The color correction scale has at least a first color correction region and a second color correction region. The color of the first and second color correction regions each have an LCh value of between L=73.5 C=15.3 h=55.6 and L=32.5 C=11.6 h=48.3. |
| US08094873B2 |
Mobile video-based therapy
Mobile video-based therapy, using a portable therapy device that includes a camera, a therapy application database, a processor, and a display. The camera is configured to generate images of a user, and the therapy application database is configured to store therapy applications. The processor is configured to select, from the therapy application database, a therapy application appropriate for assisting in physical or cognitive rehabilitation or therapy of the user, to invoke the therapy application, to recognize a gesture of the user from the generated images, and to control the invoked therapy application based on the recognized gesture. The display is configured to display an output of the controlled therapy application. |
| US08094871B2 |
Method and apparatus for inserting video watermark in compression domain
An apparatus and method for video watermarking are provided. The apparatus and method include receiving a bit stream encoded by a video encoder by a spatial domain information analyzer and extracting information from a spatial domain of an image with respect to code words forming the bit stream, grouping the code words for each segmented domain by a domain classifier based on the information from the spatial domain, determining a sign of the each segmented domain by a domain sign determiner and inserting a watermark in the each segmented domain according to the sign determined by the domain sign determiner by a watermark bit inserter. |
| US08094870B2 |
Encoding and decoding data in an image
A graphically based encoded image, symbol or icon that can serve as a link from physical material or visual displays to electronic data to retrieve specific or general information. In one example, a graphic image is encoded with a value that is linked to a reference lookup table. For example, a numeric value may be encoded to form an encoded image by providing a primary image, such as a logo, and by positioning one or more secondary images or shapes in reference to the primary image, wherein the position of the secondary image relative to the primary image corresponds or relates to the numeric value. Generally, the encoded image may be in the form of any shape, figure or logo, and may be associated with, for example, an advertisement, web site, marketing program, corporate promotion, product promotion, sweepstakes, business cards, personal information, and other mediums for the exchange of information. |
| US08094866B1 |
Loudspeaker without extraneous cone forces due to air trapped behind the dust cover
A loudspeaker in which the cone contains holes which allows the air behind the dust cover to flow freely in and out from behind the dust cover as the cone moves. There may also be a hole or holes in the lower suspension to allow air to escape from behind the lower suspension without ever becoming turbulent. All edges on the cone and basket are to be rounded as much as economically possible to prevent the air flow from becoming turbulent. The back of the speaker should be wrapped in a cloth like nylon tulle to prevent magnetic particles from getting into the magnetic structure causing speaker failure. |
| US08094865B2 |
Speaker surround structure for maximizing cone diameter
A surround that is generally arched in shape and that includes a radial exterior flange that extends downward from exterior side of the arched portion of the surround and that adhesively attaches to the inner wall or edge of the mounting ring of the frame of the loudspeaker. |
| US08094864B2 |
Diaphragm unit and speaker using the same
A diaphragm unit is arranged to be used in a loudspeaker including a frame. The diaphragm includes a diaphragm and an edge joined to an outer periphery of the diaphragm. The diaphragm extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first center line extends along the longitudinal direction. The edge has an outer periphery being arranged to join to the frame, and an inner periphery joined to the outer periphery of the diaphragm. The edge has a convex surface having substantially a semi-circular cross section. The convex surface of the edge has grooves provided therein. The grooves extend from the inner periphery of the edge to the outer periphery of the edge. The grooves have cross sections each having a U-shape or a V-shape, and are arranged symmetrically about the first center line of the diaphragm. This diaphragm unit provides an elongated loudspeaker reproducing bass sounds with small distortions. |
| US08094861B2 |
Speaker
The present invention relates to a speaker, comprises a housing having a top housing cap and a bottom housing cabinet. The top housing cap with a plurality of through slots are provided on the top housing cap and the bottom housing cabinet which provides with an accommodating space; a speaker unit having a bowl-shaped seat; an amplifying circuit; an USB cable for gaining the required power; an audio cable for obtaining audio signals; a cup-shaped cabinet that can be provided on the bottom housing cabinet, so a space where a resonating effect can be generated is defined between the bowl-shaped seat of the speaker unit and the cup-shaped cabinet, therefore vibrations generated by the speaker unit is transferred to an output of good-quality sound effect. |
| US08094853B2 |
Speaker system and fitting device
A speaker system includes a cabinet, a front baffle, a speaker unit, a rear baffle, and a fitting member fitted in the rear baffle. The front baffle includes a front duct segment extending backward from the rear thereof. The rear baffle includes an opening portion, a duct connecting portion, and a receiving portion having a semicircular cross section. The receiving portion extends from the opening portion to the duct connecting portion while protruding backward. The opening portion, the receiving portion, and the duct connecting portion have a groove. The receiving portion has an engagement hole. The fitting member having a semicircular cross section is formed by double molding. The frame of the member is made of relatively rigid resin and the rim thereof is made of relatively flexible resin. The frame has an engagement projection. The receiving portion and the fitting member constitute a sealed rear duct segment. |
| US08094852B2 |
Headset
A headset for using an electronic device worn on a head, includes an ear clip formed to have a shape conforming to and wearable on a root of auricle. The ear clip includes a core that can plastically be deformed according to a difference between shapes of the root of auricle and a protecting material that covers the core. |
| US08094847B2 |
Method for manufacturing acoustical devices and for reducing especially wind disturbances
A method for manufacturing an acoustical device, especially a hearing device. A device casing is provided with an acoustical/electrical input converter arrangement with an electric output. An audio signal processing unit establishes audio signal processing of the device according to individual needs and/or purpose of the device. At least one electrical/mechanical output converter is provided. A filter arrangement with adjustable high-pass characteristic has a control input for the characteristic. The following operational connections are established: between the output of the input converter arrangement and the input of the filter arrangement, between the output of the filter arrangement and the control input, between said output of the filter arrangement and the input of the processing unit, between the output of the processing unit and the input of the at least once output converter. |
| US08094846B2 |
Deep sub-micron MOS preamplifier with thick-oxide input stage transistor
The present invention relates to a condenser microphone assembly comprising a condenser microphone transducer comprising adjacently positioned diaphragm and back-plate members having an air gap there between. Moreover, the assembly comprises a deep sub-micron MOS integrated circuit die comprising a preamplifier comprising a first signal input terminal for receipt of electrical signals generated by the condenser microphone transducer. The first signal input terminal is operatively coupled to an input stage of the preamplifier, said input stage comprising a thick-oxide transistor. The present invention further relates to a deep sub-micron MOS integrated circuit die comprising a thick-oxide transistor-based preamplifier. |
| US08094840B2 |
Thermal sound generating device
A thermoacoustic generating apparatus (1) is for generating acoustic waves by temperature modulation of solids, and is provided with: a thermoelement layer (12); a first electrode layer (11), laminated on one surface of the thermoelement layer; and a second electrode layer (13), laminated on the other surface of the thermoelement layer. |
| US08094838B2 |
Voice command of audio emitting device
A method of extracting a voice command produced in an enclosed or partially enclosed environment, includes providing an impulse response signal of the enclosed or partially enclosed environment; recording the voice command and ambient sounds; and using the impulse response signal to extract the recorded voice command. |
| US08094832B2 |
Modular automotive multimedia and telematic extension box and head unit
The present invention relates to a modular automotive multimedia and telematic extension unit and head unit. In one embodiment, the present invention is an extension unit including a storage unit storing an application of an external personal electronic device, a processor connected to the storage unit, and a first connection unit connected to the storage unit and configured to be connected to a head unit in an automobile. |
| US08094827B2 |
Sound reproducing apparatus and sound reproducing system
The present invention provides a sound reproducing system and a sound reproducing apparatus that can provide a high realistic sensation to a user, without having to do a troublesome task on the user's side.A surround-sound system (100) includes: an array speaker system (20) that is formed with speaker units SPU having the same characteristics; and a signal processing apparatus (120) that drives the speaker units SPU independently of one another and amplifies an audio signal. The signal processing apparatus (120) includes: a signal processing control unit (260) that calculates each filter coefficient for each of the speaker units so as to generate reverberant components to be reflected by a wall surface of a listening room (10) when the audio signal or test signal is amplified through the array speaker system (20) based on preset reverberant characteristics; and a filtering unit (250) that divides the audio signal or test signal by the same number as the number of speaker units so as to obtain unit signals, and then performs signal processing on each of the unit signals divided based on each of the filter coefficients. |
| US08094826B2 |
Method and system for equalizing a loudspeaker in a room
Disclosed is a method for equalizing a first loudspeaker positioned in a room in order to compensate for an influence of the room, the method comprising the steps of 1) measuring a listening position transfer function from electrical input of the first loudspeaker to a sound pressure at a listening position in the room, 2) determining a global transfer function representing a spatial average of sound pressure level in the room generated by the first loudspeaker, 3) determining an upper gain limit as a function of frequency, the upper gain limit being based on an inverse of the global transfer function, 4) determining an equalizing filter based on an inverse of the listening position transfer function, wherein a gain of the equalizing filter is limited to a maximum gain in accordance with the upper gain limit, and 5) equalizing the first loudspeaker according to the equalizing filter. |
| US08094816B2 |
System and method for stream/block cipher with internal random states
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for performing data encryption and decryption using a stream or block cipher with internal random states. The method includes splitting the input data into a predetermined number of blocks and processing each block. The processing includes creating sub-blocks, permuting the sub-blocks, replacing bytes using a lookup table, rotating bits, performing expansion and combining sets of bits. The element of randomness employed in this process allows for the same input to yield the same output, with differing internal states. |
| US08094815B2 |
Arithmetic method and apparatus for supporting AES and ARIA encryption/decryption functions
Provided are an arithmetic method and apparatus for supporting Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Academy, Research Institute and Agency (ARIA) encryption/decryption functions. The apparatus includes: a key scheduler for generating a round key using an input key; and a round function calculator for generating encrypted/decrypted data using input data and the round key. Here, the round function calculator includes an integrated substitution layer and an integrated diffusion layer capable of performing both AES and ARIA algorithms. |
| US08094814B2 |
Method and apparatus for using counter-mode encryption to protect image data in frame buffer of a video compression system
Certain aspects for protecting image data in a video compression system may include encrypting image data utilizing counter-mode scrambling. The encrypted image data may be buffered in at least one frame buffer. The buffered encrypted image data may be decrypted by utilizing counter-mode descrambling. |
| US08094813B2 |
System and method for modulus obfuscation
Disclosed herein are methods for obfuscating data on a client, on a server, and on a client and a server. The method on a client device includes receiving input data, storing an operation value in a secure location, performing a modulus obfuscation on the operation value, performing a modulus operation on the operation value and the input data, performing a modulus transformation on the operation value and the input data to obtain client output data, and checking if the client output data matches corresponding server output data. The method on a server device includes receiving input data, performing a modulus transformation on the input data to obtain a result, performing a plain operation on the result and an operation value to obtain server output data, and checking if the server output data matches corresponding client output data from a client device that (1) receives input data, (2) stores an operation value in a secure location, (3) performs a modulus obfuscation on the operation value, (4) performs a modulus operation on the operation value and the input data, and (5) performs a modulus transformation on the operation value and the input data to obtain client output data. In an optional step applicable to both clients and servers, the method further includes authenticating the client input data and the server input data if the server output data matches the client output data. In one aspect, server input data and client input data pertain to a cryptographic key. |
| US08094809B2 |
Frame-based level feedback calibration system for sample-based predictive clipping
A feedback calibration system and a method for controlling an electronic signal are disclosed. The feedback calibration system includes an input controller adapted to modify an input signal in response to a control signal and generate a modified input signal, a signal processing block including a signal analyzer, wherein the signal processing block is adapted to process the modified input signal to generate an output signal and the signal analyzer is adapted to detect an undesirable condition of the output signal and transmit a detection signal corresponding to the undesirable condition, a transfer function estimator adapted to model and transmit a transfer function estimate of the signal processing block in real-time in response to the detection signal, and a programmable device adapted to transmit the control signal to the input controller for modifying the input signal, wherein the control signal is based upon the transfer function estimate. |
| US08094806B2 |
Input devices and their use
A touch-sensitive input device has an exposed, continuous surface defining a planar area, and a grid of sense elements coextensive with the area of the exposed surface and responsive to engagement of the exposed surface by an operator to establish a position of said engagement of the exposed surface. The exposed surface varies in elevation across its planar area to form a series of tactile features. The exposed, continuous surface is affixed to the grid of sense elements. An electronic circuit is configured to interpret large-scale capacitance variations of the grid as an intended input from the operator in a region identified by the capacitance variation, and to interpret small-scale capacitance variations of the grid as a position of engagement of the exposed surface by the operator. |
| US08094801B2 |
Providing of service(s) by a service control component to telephony device(s) on a call through employment data stream(s) associated with the call
A service control component of an apparatus in one example provides to one or more telephony devices of a plurality of telephony devices on a call, one or more services associated with one or more numbers associated with the one or more telephony devices on the call through employment of one or more data streams associated with the call. |
| US08094799B2 |
Enabling and disabling terminating features of a terminating switch
An apparatus in one example has: a telecommunication system having an originating switch operatively coupled to at least one terminating switch; the terminating switch having at least one terminating call feature for a respective terminating terminal operatively coupled thereto; and the telecommunication system having a terminating call feature control function such that enabling and disabling of the at least one terminating call feature for the respective terminating terminal is effected by a predetermined signal message from the originating switch. Thus, embodiments of the present method and apparatus provide a mechanism for communication from the originating switch to the terminating switch regarding the nature of the call and the kinds of terminating features that are to be applied or not applied. |
| US08094798B2 |
Telematics unit number provisioning
Examples of the invention are used to provide a system and method for provisioning a telematics unit number based on a phone number already used by a customer. In examples, the telematics unit is provisioned with a number that aligns with a rate center plan, which is likely to result in a number that is local to a number the customer uses for dialing the unit and/or matches the area code of a number on the customer's account. In example a wireless telephone number is assigned to a vehicle telematics unit from an inventory of available wireless telephone numbers by querying the inventory to identify the wireless telephone number that matches one or more of the customer's home rate center, customer's NPA, customer's NXX, and customer's overlay NPA information based on a plurality of predetermined conditions. |
| US08094797B2 |
Service provisioning and activation engines for system
A request management and workflow engine for a communications system is disclosed that may include a provisioning service order engine and a provisioning network engine. The provisioning service order engine may process the service order according with a defined and configured workflow and generate a service order result reflecting the result of the activation and provisioning of the services on the network. The provisioning network engine may manage the provisioning of the services into the network generating the expected network command specific for the services to be provisioned. |
| US08094794B2 |
Advertising message referrals
Advertising referral methods and systems allow a first user to refer advertisements of interest to other users, taking advantage of pre-existing social networks. A referral server may coordinate a referral by either receiving a referral message from the first user for forwarding to another user, or by receiving notification of the referral message. Information about the referral may be stored in a database. If another user accesses the referred advertisement, additional information may be received by the referral server and stored in the database. The first user may be credited with inducements based on the referred advertisement and whether or not another user accessed it. |
| US08094793B1 |
Billing cycle division system, method, and computer program product
A system, method and computer program product are provided for distributed billing. In use, service usage information associated with a plurality of customers is distributed to a plurality of billing processor platforms in substantially a billing cycle-independent manner, for processing purposes. To this end, less billing processor platform resources are wasted. |
| US08094791B2 |
Biometric systems and methods for enhanced caller identification and call intercept
A system includes at least one service switching device in communication with a first calling device and a second calling device. The system further includes at least one service control point in communication with the at least one service switching device and is configured to route incoming and outgoing calls between the first and the second calling devices, wherein the service control point is configured to collect and save biometric keystrokes from a calling party to identify the calling party to a called party. |
| US08094790B2 |
Method and software for training a customer service representative by analysis of a telephonic interaction between a customer and a contact center
A computer program for training a customer service representative by analyzing a telephonic communication between a customer and a contact center is provided. A code segment selects at least one identifying criteria. A code segment identifies a pre-recorded first telephonic communication corresponding to the selected identifying criteria. The first telephonic communication has first event data associated therewith. A code segment generates coaching assessment data corresponding to the identified pre-recorded first telephonic communication. A code segment identifies a pre-recorded second telephonic communication corresponding to the selected identifying criteria. The second telephonic communication has second event data associated therewith. A code segment compares the identified pre-recorded second telephonic communication to the identified first telephonic communication within the coaching assessment data. A code segment generates a notification based on the comparison of the identified pre-recorded second telephonic communication with the identified first telephonic communication within the coaching assessment data. |
| US08094789B2 |
Provisioning unified messaging system services
In a particular embodiment, a system includes a messaging system configured to provide a messaging service. The messaging system includes a centralized Internet Protocol switching network, an Internet access subsystem, a voice access subsystem, a mail subsystem and a storage subsystem. One or more of the subsystems may be coupled to the centralized Internet Protocol switching network via one or more communication links integrated with and internal to the messaging system. |
| US08094788B1 |
System and method for the creation and automatic deployment of personalized, dynamic and interactive voice services with customized message depending on recipient
A system and method for the creation and delivery of automated, personal information service gathers news, weather, financial and other data for transmission by telephone or other media. The recipient of a given voice broadcast may be detected and discriminated to adjust the content delivery. For instance, if a machine pick-up is detected, the call may be terminated or the message curtailed. Secondary recipients may be authorized in a subscriber's service profile, and other delivery preferences may be registered. |
| US08094787B2 |
Method and system for utilizing information for efficient recording solutions in a complex multi-media recording environment
System and method for recording telephone calls comprising receiving computer telephony integration fields from first and second sources, identifying which of the CTI fields are physical CTI fields to be used for locating audio to be recorded, identifying which of the CTI fields are logical CTI fields, identifying one of the physical CTI fields received from the first source and one of the logical CTI fields received from the second source as being related to a specific telephone call and recording said telephone call based on audio location information from the physical CTI field associated with the call. |
| US08094786B2 |
Method and system for monitoring and recording voice from circuit-switched switches via a packet-switched network
Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for monitoring and recording voice from circuit-switched switches via a packet-switched network. A circuit-switched or VoIP recording system may record and/or live-monitor telephone calls by trunk and/or extension tapping over a packet-switched network. Alternatively, a circuit-switched or VoIP recording system may record and/or live-monitor telephone calls over a packet-switched network by activating the service observation feature of the circuit-switched switch either by feature code dialing or a computer telephony integration (CTI) link command. |
| US08094783B2 |
Method and system for performing materials analysis with reflected inelastic scatter
A method for performing materials analysis of an object using an X-ray system includes generating an X-ray beam using an X-ray source having an anode and acquiring a scatter spectrum from Compton scatter produced when the X-ray beam interacts with the object. The scatter spectrum is acquired using an energy resolving detector. A Compton profile is extracted from the scatter spectrum by processing the scatter spectrum using a control system of the X-ray system. The Compton profile includes peaks at characteristic lines of the anode. The method further includes identifying a characteristic of a material of the object using the Compton profile, and outputting an indication of the characteristic of the material. |
| US08094781B1 |
Portable X-ray back scattering imaging systems
Methods and systems for inspecting objects are disclosed. A portable X-ray backscatter imaging system includes a microfocus X-ray tube to emit X-rays at an object under inspection. A track system rasters the microfocus X-ray tube to inspect the object. A portable hood may enclose the microfocus X-ray tube and the track system against the object A rotation mechanism rotates the microfocus X-ray tube to angle the emitted X-rays at the object. A plurality of solid state detectors receive scattered X-rays to generate an image of the object. |
| US08094778B2 |
Radiographic imaging device
There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a radiation source that irradiates radiation and can move to a directly-facing position at which the radiation source directly faces the object of imaging in a directly-facing direction, a first diagonal incidence position that is at an angle to the directly-facing position, and a second diagonal incidence position that is at an angle at a side opposite the first diagonal incidence position to the directly-facing position; a radiation detector; and a control section that acquires radiologist information relating to an radiologist and, on the basis of the acquired radiologist information, selects one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position, wherein the radiographic imaging device captures radiographic images at the directly-facing position and at one of the first diagonal incidence position and the second diagonal incidence position selected by the control section. |
| US08094775B2 |
X-ray computer tomography apparatus including a pair of separably movable collimators
An X-ray computer tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a two-dimensional array type X-ray detector, a rotating mechanism, a pair of collimators, a collimator moving mechanism which separately moves the pair of collimators in a direction almost parallel to a rotation axis, a reconstruction processing unit which reconstructs image data in a reconstruction range, and a collimator control unit. The collimator control unit controls the position of each collimator in accordance with the distance between an X-ray central plane corresponding to a cone angle 0° and an end face of the reconstruction range. The collimator moving mechanism moves each of the pair of collimators in the range from the outermost position corresponding to the maximum cone angle to the innermost position offset from a position corresponding to a cone angle of nearly 0° to the opposite side. |
| US08094774B2 |
X-ray computed tomography apparatus
A control unit performs helical scanning an subject while moving a top along a direction substantially parallel to a body axis. An acquisition unit acquires projection data via an X-ray detector. A projection data extraction unit extracts a projection data set necessary for the reconstruction of image data associated with a predetermined slice position from the projection data. A weighting unit assigns a smaller weight to first projection data of the extracted projection data than a weight assigned to second projection data, the first projection data being acquired outside a predetermined period including a predetermined acquisition time of the projection data at the predetermined slice position, the second projection data being acquired within the predetermined period. A reconstruction processing unit reconstructs image data on the basis of the first projection data and the second projection data to which the weights are assigned. |
| US08094771B2 |
Nuclear voltaic cell
The invention describes a product and a method for generating electrical power directly from nuclear power. More particularly, the invention describes the use of a liquid semiconductor as a means for efficiently converting nuclear energy, either nuclear fission and/or radiation energy, directly into electrical energy. Direct conversion of nuclear energy to electrical energy is achieved by placing nuclear material in close proximity to a liquid semiconductor. Nuclear energy emitted from the nuclear material, in the form of fission fragments or radiation, enters the liquid semiconductor and creates electron-hole pairs. By using an appropriate electrical circuit an electrical load is applied and electrical energy generated as a result of the creation of the electron-hole pairs. |
| US08094770B2 |
Dynamic phase tracking using edge detection that employs an edge counter
A phase-locked loop includes a sample selector configured to select a set of samples from an oversampled portion of a data signal, a dynamic phase decision control circuit configured to indicate whether a predetermined number of edges is present in the set of samples, and a phase detector configured to determine a skew condition and a direction of the skew condition of the set of samples based on the indication of the dynamic phase decision control circuit. The phase detector is configured to produce a set of skew detection signals based on at least one skew condition determination. The phase-locked loop further includes a loop filter configured to filter the set of skew detection signals. The loop filter is also configured to produce a set of phase adjustment signals based on the set of skew detection signals. The sample selector is configured to select a set of samples from the oversampled portion of the data signal, based on the set of phase adjustment signals. In one embodiment, the dynamic phase decision control circuit is also configured to detect an absence of edges in the set of samples, and a state change of the loop filter is inhibited according to the indication of the absence of edges. |
| US08094760B2 |
Channel estimation
Aspects describe channel estimation in an OFDM system. Baseline DFT-based channel estimation can be performed and scaling can be applied to mitigate distortion in the DFT-based estimations. In some aspects, baseline DFT-based channel estimation can be performed and tones for which DFT-based estimate is deemed unreliable can have MMSE based processing applied locally. If orthogonal sequence is deemed excessive, orthogonal sequence cancellation can be applied prior to the MMSE based processing. |
| US08094759B2 |
System and method for broadband pulse detection among multiple interferers using a dynamic filter receiver
A system and method to detect broadband pulses in the presence of multiple strong narrow band interferers is disclosed whereby a dynamic filtering method is used to detect and notch out the interfering signal by forming notch filters at the precise location of the narrow band interferers. |
| US08094753B2 |
Device for estimating symbol timing or frequency offset with reliability of demodulated signal determined
A PHS mobile phone set is provided with an offset estimation device which estimates an offset of a signal received through digital communication and makes use of the estimated offset as correction information for offset correction. The received signal is corrected in offset by use of the estimated offset and then demodulated. In the offset estimation device, the estimated offset is updated on the basis of the control signal indicating whether or not the demodulated digital signal is reliable. |
| US08094752B2 |
Ultra-wideband signal amplifier
Amplifier for an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal receiver having a signal input (15) for receiving an ultra-wideband signal which is sent by a transmitter (1) and which is transmitted in a sequence of transmission channels (Ki) (which each have a particular frequency bandwidth) which has been agreed between the transmitter (1) and the receiver (4); a transistor (18) whose control connection is connected to the signal input (15); a resonant circuit (26, 30, 31) which is connected to the transistor (18) and whose resonant frequency can be set for the purpose of selecting the transmission channel (Ki) in line with the agreed sequence of transmission channels; and having a signal output (29) for outputting the amplified ultra-wideband signal, the signal output being tapped off between the transistor (18) and the resonant circuit. |
| US08094749B2 |
Signaling format for wireless communications
Methods, devices and systems for wireless communication generate signals by determining whether legacy devices are within a proximal region of the wireless communication. When at least one legacy device is within the proximal region, a frame is formatted to include a preamble field, a signal field, and a data field. Further, the uncoded bits are encoded according to a coding format. The coding format is determined according to bits in the preamble and applicable sub-field lengths. |
| US08094747B2 |
Transmit methods for CCFI/PCFICH in a wireless communication system
A method of transmitting a control channel format indicator (CCFI), also known as PCFICH (Physical Control Format Indicator Channel), in case where the length of a coded CCFI is not an integer multiple of three, including mapping a plurality of two-bit CCFI into a codebook with each component codeword having three bits; generating a sequence of codewords selected from the codebook by repeating the selected component codeword for predetermined times; generating a codeword by concatenating the sequence of the selected component codewords with the original CCFI bits; and transmitting the codeword carrying information of CCFI. The method further includes a step of generating a permutation of each of the four codewords by assigning K repetitions of the three-bit component codeword to the number of K resource units respectively and mapping remaining K bits of each of the four codewords separately to the number of K resource units. |
| US08094746B2 |
Transmission method and system for the discrete multi-tone modulation data
A transmission method and system of the discrete multi-tone modulation data, the method includes: generating, at a transmitting side, a first bit table according to data to be transmitted, wherein items of the first bit table include carrying data information on each line during this data transmission; modulating and transmitting, at the transmitting side, the data according to the first bit table to a receiving side; and demodulating, at the receiving side, the received data according to the first bit table to obtain corresponding data. With the transmission method and system for discrete multi-tone modulation data provided in embodiments of the present invention, the line rate and the transmission power on lines can be dynamically and timely adjusted according to information ratio of the line transmission, by using a dynamic bit table (BIT table) to carry variable information on the data carried by lines, thereby saving power resource. |
| US08094745B2 |
Power control using denoised crosstalk estimates in a multi-channel communication system
An access node of a communication system is configured to generate denoised crosstalk estimates for respective channels of the system and to adjust power levels of signals transmitted over one or more of the channels based on the denoised crosstalk estimates. The access node obtains crosstalk estimates for the respective channels. The access node is configured to convert the crosstalk estimate for a given channel to a discrete transform domain, to substantially eliminate in the discrete transform domain one or more designated portions of the crosstalk estimate for the given channel, and to convert remaining portions of the crosstalk estimate for the given channel back from the discrete transform domain to obtain the corresponding denoised crosstalk estimate for the given channel. The access node may comprise one or more central offices of a DSL communication system. |
| US08094743B2 |
Spatial modulation method and transmitting and receiving apparatuses using the same in a multiple input multiple output system
A spatial modulation method and transmitting and receiving apparatuses using the spatial modulation method in a MIMO system are provided. The spatial modulation method uses an index of an activated antenna and a signal modulation constellation as an information source. The spatial modulation method is applied to the transmitting apparatus. The receiving apparatus uses a spatial modulation detection method in which a channel path gain is repeatedly multiplied to detect the spatially modulated signal efficiently. |
| US08094742B2 |
Digital television transmitter/receiver and method of processing data in digital television transmitter/receiver
A digital television (DTV) transmitter and a method of processing known data in the DTV transmitter are disclosed. The method of processing known data in a digital television (DTV) transmitter includes generating a known data sequence, trellis-encoding the known data sequence, the trellis-encoded known data sequence having upper, middle, and lower bits, wherein at least one of the upper, middle, and lower bits has an m-sequence property, and mapping the trellis-encoded known data sequence into one of 2-level, 4-level, and 8-level data sequences, wherein the mapped data sequence has substantially an m-sequence property, wherein a data sequence has an m-sequence property when a peak value among auto-correlation values of the data sequence having a length of N is 1 and all the off-peak auto-correlation values are −1/N. |
| US08094732B2 |
Method and device for estimating a multicarrier signal propagation channel
A method is provided for estimating a propagation channel composed of successive symbols of a multicarrier signal, each comprising at least one reference pilot and a plurality of data-carrying frequencies. Such a method comprises, in particular, at least one step consisting of correcting the at least one reference pilot on the basis of a first estimation of a propagation channel, in order to provide a second, more precise estimation of the channel. |
| US08094730B2 |
Hybrid error concealment method
Disclosed herein is a hybrid error concealment method. The hybrid error concealment method of the present invention includes a first step of calculating a side match distortion, measured when a motion vector for an arbitrary intra-frame is assumed to be zero, and the intra-frame is temporally reconstructed, a second step of applying temporal error concealment when the side match distortion, calculated at the first step, is less than a predetermined low threshold value, a third step of applying spatial error concealment when the side match distortion, calculated at the first step, is greater than a predetermined high threshold value, and a fourth step of performing error concealment based on (x,y)=α·t(x,y)+β·s(x,y) when the side match distortion, calculated at the first step, exists between the low threshold value and the high threshold value. According to the present invention, the hybrid error concealment method improves PSNR performance compared to a conventional spatial error concealment algorithm used in H.264, and obtains greatly improved performance characteristics, particularly when motion is small and the value of a quantization parameter is relatively low. |
| US08094729B2 |
Method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding with reduced requirements for division operations
A method and apparatus for performing motion estimation in a digital video system is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that quickly calculates estimated motion vectors in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, a first multiplicand is determined by multiplying a first display time difference between a first video picture and a second video picture by a power of two scale value. This step scales up a numerator for a ratio. Next, the system determines a scaled ratio by dividing that scaled numerator by a second first display time difference between said second video picture and a third video picture. The scaled ratio is then stored calculating motion vector estimations. By storing the scaled ratio, all the estimated motion vectors can be calculated quickly with good precision since the scaled ratio saves significant bits and reducing the scale is performed by simple shifts. |
| US08094728B2 |
Method for creating a customized TV/radio service from user-selected contents and playback device using the same
A method for creating a customized TV/radio service from user-selected contents is disclosed. The method is applied to a playback device for receiving a number of digital audio/video services. The method includes decoding the received digital audio/video services to obtain a plurality of content elements and metadata corresponding to the content elements; examining the digital audio/video services to determine breaks between the content elements; checking the associated metadata for each content element against a list of user-provided keywords/genres corresponding to the user-selected contents; recording the content elements, a plurality of advertisements and associated keywords describing contents of the advertisements when the corresponding metadata substantially match at least one of the user-selected contents; and constructing a playlist of the recorded contents for the user to create the customize TV/radio service when the user wishes to play the recorded contents. |
| US08094725B2 |
Video coder, coding controller, and video coding method
A coding section encodes plural pieces of video data sequentially. A measuring section measures a time period which the coding section has used for coding video data. When the time period measured by the measuring section is judged to be longer than a predetermined time based on a frame rate of the video data, a control section selects at least one piece of video data to be coded after the video data coded by the coding section out of the plural pieces of video data and generates a predetermined bit stream instead of coded data of the thus selected video data without allowing the coding section to encode the selected data. |
| US08094724B2 |
Order value for specifying relationship between video pictures
A method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that allows the relative timing of nearby video pictures to be encoded in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, the display time difference between a current video picture and a nearby video picture is determined. The display time difference is then encoded into a digital representation of the video picture. In a preferred embodiment, the nearby video picture is the most recently transmitted stored picture. For coding efficiency, the display time difference may be encoded using a variable length coding system or arithmetic coding. In an alternate embodiment, the display time difference is encoded as a power of two to reduce the number of bits transmitted. |
| US08094722B2 |
Intra prediction method for luma block of video
An intra prediction method for a luma block of a video is provided. The present invention provides a solution for unifying the intra prediction of the luma block of the video, which simplifies a plurality of prediction equations defined by video standard. The predication values of common terms in the prediction equations are calculated in advance and directly selected for predicting the luma block of the video. Accordingly, only a few function parameters or register settings are needed to be modified, and then a plurality of prediction modes may use the same software function or hardware circuit to obtain the prediction values. |
| US08094712B2 |
Apparatus for processing a data stream having a hierarchical layer structure and including encoded data sets and raw data sets and method thereof
An apparatus for processing a data stream having a hierarchical layer structure and including encoded data sets and raw data sets is provided. The apparatus includes a first processing circuit for generating an enable signal corresponding to a predetermined layer of the hierarchical layer structure when detecting that a data set of the data stream corresponds to the predetermined layer, and a second processing circuit coupled to the first processing circuit for detecting whether an identifier of the data set corresponds to one predetermined raw data set identifier when receiving the enable signal from the first processing circuit. |
| US08094710B1 |
Wide band noise early detection and protection architecture for a frequency domain equalizer
Apparatus and methods are described for detecting an impulse noise and for controlling frequency domain equalizer (FEQ) coefficient updating in response to impulse noise detection. Upon detection of the impulse noise, FEQ coefficient updating may immediately be frozen to prevent the FEQ coefficients from being corrupted by the impulse noise. The FEQ coefficient updating may be resumed after the impulse has ended, allowing for normal operation and channel detection. |
| US08094704B2 |
Detecting wireless channel status from acoustic discrimination of spectral content
Systems and methods of detecting wireless channel status from acoustic discrimination of spectral content are described. In one aspect, a wireless system includes a spectrum analyzer, a detector, and a controller. The spectrum analyzer is operable to acoustically discriminate spectral content of an input electrical signal in multiple discrete frequency channels. The detector is operable to determine respective statuses of the frequency channels from the acoustically discriminated spectral content. The controller is operable to select one of the frequency channels based on the determined statuses of the frequency channels. |
| US08094702B2 |
System and/or method for detecting multi-tone jamming
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for processing a signal received from a satellite positioning system (SPS) in the presence of a multi-tone jammer. In one particular implementation, processing of a signal may be altered in response to detection of one or more conditions. |
| US08094693B2 |
Laser control method and laser control circuit
A laser control method includes the steps of: using a laser control circuit which includes a constant current circuit that maintains a constant current flowing through a semiconductor laser element, and which includes an adder and a multiplier connected to a stage preceding the constant current circuit, and using detection means for calibration for detecting an applied laser output; calculating, on the basis of a detection signal output from the detection means, a reference bias value and a reference gain value for obtaining a specified laser output with respect to a specified input to the multiplier; inputting the reference bias value and the reference gain value to the adder and the multiplier, respectively; and controlling the applied laser output from the semiconductor laser element by performing calibration. |
| US08094691B2 |
Yb: and Nd: mode-locked oscillators and fiber systems incorporated in solid-state short pulse laser systems
The invention describes classes of robust fiber laser systems usable as pulse sources for Nd: or Yb: based regenerative amplifiers intended for industrial settings. The invention modifies adapts and incorporates several recent advances in FCPA systems to use as the input source for this new class of regenerative amplifier. |
| US08094690B2 |
Wavelength converting element and wavelength converting laser apparatus
A wavelength converting element that is of a planar waveguide type, includes a plate-like nonlinear optical material, and performs a wavelength conversion on a fundamental wave of a laser beam by propagating the fundamental wave in a plurality of laser oscillation modes in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the plate-like nonlinear optical material, the direction being perpendicular to an optical axis, wherein periods of polarization inversions of the nonlinear optical material are changed so that each of the periods has a width of a phase matching band A that includes phase matching conditions of at least two of the plurality of laser oscillation modes and so that a non-polarization-inversion region and a polarization inversion region are formed in the nonlinear optical material. |
| US08094689B1 |
Laser systems configured to output a spectrally-consolidated laser beam and related methods
A laser apparatus includes a plurality of pumps each of which is configured to emit a corresponding pump laser beam having a unique peak wavelength. The laser apparatus includes a spectral beam combiner configured to combine the corresponding pump laser beams into a substantially spatially-coherent pump laser beam having a pump spectrum that includes the unique peak wavelengths, and first and second selectively reflective elements spaced from each other to define a lasing cavity including a lasing medium therein. The lasing medium generates a plurality of gain spectra responsive to absorbing the pump laser beam. Each gain spectrum corresponds to a respective one of the unique peak wavelengths of the substantially spatially-coherent pump laser beam and partially overlaps with all other ones of the gain spectra. The reflective elements are configured to promote emission of a laser beam from the lasing medium with a peak wavelength common to each gain spectrum. |
| US08094687B2 |
Method and apparatus of clock transmission between networks
A method of clock transmission between networks and an apparatus of clock transmission are disclosed, in which a second group of information corresponding to a clock transferred by a first network equipment based on a first protocol, and the second group of information corresponding to a clock transferred by a second network equipment based on a second protocol are acquired, and a source selection is performed in a united way by adopting a source selection manner based on the second protocol according to the second group of information. Therefore, the equipment in different types of networks can conveniently select a clock with a higher class from clocks transferred based on different protocols, so as to realize a normalization management on the clocks transferred based on different protocols. |
| US08094685B2 |
Systems and methods for synchronizing multiple video streams
A system and method to produce video data by transmitting time information with the video data. The equivalent horizontal and vertical timing at the reception device are reconstructed. The method includes receiving one or more control packets specifying a quantity of pixels in an associated data packet. Data packets are received that contain the quantity of pixels specified in the associated control packet. A time interval between received control packets is determined. A running average of the time intervals is calculated and a time interval of a current control packet is determined. The running average is compared with the time interval of the current control packet. A clock frequency is adjusted as a function of the comparing step. |
| US08094683B2 |
Adaptive clock method and system
A device and method are disclosed for correctly restoring a read clock when there are a plurality of STM data stream transmission sources. In a CES device of an ATM communication system, ATM cells from respective connections, which are to be delivered to the same outgoing line, are accumulated in a reassembly buffer memory and a PLO control unit aggregates the amount of ATM cells accumulated in the reassembly buffer memory for each connection. Subsequently, the PLO control unit calculates the frequency of a read clock based on the amount of accumulated ATM cells for each connection. A PLO restores the read clock which is applied to read data from the reassembly buffer memory for delivery to an STM network. |
| US08094680B1 |
Automatic configuration
A method of generating an intermediate format for configuration values of telephony devices. The method includes collecting lists of configuration fields from a plurality of administrable devices; and generating a configuration file format, which includes more configuration fields than supported by any one of the administrable devices, based on the collected lists. |
| US08094675B2 |
Router and method for routing data
A device and method for routing network data through a network. The device comprises an end cap assembly which includes an end cap coupled to a wiring card having an interposer board. The method includes processing a plurality of network transmissions through an end cap, and routing the network transmissions to an interposer board. |
| US08094670B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing network processing functions
A novel network architecture that integrates the functions of an internet protocol (IP) router into a network processing unit (NPU) that resides in a host computer's chipset such that the host computer's resources are perceived as separate network appliances. The NPU appears logically separate from the host computer even though, in one embodiment, it is sharing the same chip. |
| US08094667B2 |
RTP video tunneling through H.221
A system is provided. The system includes a first gateway operable to receive a real-time protocol (RTP) packet including video data from a first endpoint; and a second gateway operable to communicate with a second endpoint. The first gateway is operable to communicate the RTP packet to the second gateway in a sub-channel portion of an frame-based protocol. |
| US08094665B1 |
Packet forwarding using intermediate policy information
Intermediate policy information is used to translate policy information between forwarding domains. For example, a network device may associate intermediate policy information, such as intermediate CoS information, with a packet. The network device utilizes the intermediate CoS information to indirectly map first class of service (CoS) information that conforms with a first protocol to second CoS information that conforms to a second protocol. The network device may, for example, apply a first policy to map the first CoS information to the intermediate CoS information and a second policy to map the intermediate CoS information to the second CoS information. |
| US08094664B2 |
Session based communication
A user terminal requesting a session establishment although the session already exists, is informed on the existing session in a response to the request. If the user terminal offered in the request one or more media types that were rejected, the response contains an indication of a reason for rejection. |
| US08094656B2 |
Method and apparatus for network bandwidth conservation
Methods and apparatus for conserving bandwidth within a network based on two or more different service levels. In an exemplary embodiment, programming that is simulcast on two or more program channels is mapped to one physical channel during periods when the programming is scheduled at only one service level (e.g., standard definition), thereby conserving bandwidth on the network that would otherwise be consumed by the simultaneous broadcast on the two or more channels. When the programming service level becomes heterogeneous across the channels (e.g., SD and HD simulcast), physical channel(s) supporting the HD content are provided within a local service area only “on-demand” using, for example, a switched digital channel allocation. Accordingly, no HD broadcast occurs within a given area until at least one user requests it, thereby further conserving network bandwidth. |
| US08094651B2 |
Emergency call services for wireless network roaming
A method and apparatus for emergency call services for wireless network roaming. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a request for an emergency telephone call from a mobile device, the mobile device communication over the Internet, the mobile device roaming in a visited wireless network when the emergency call is made. The method further includes establishing a session for an emergency services call and connecting the mobile device to emergency services. |
| US08094648B2 |
Method and system for mobile-to-mobile web service handling
A method for web service handling in peer-to-peer communication is provided. A web service (412-1) associated with a web service identity e.g. a URI is arranged in a first mobile node (410). Unique identification information is formed by combining the web service identity with a unique circuit switched identifier of the mobile node, such as the E.164 number. The unique identification information is transmitted to a registration unit (440) and registered together with location information that enables for other mobile nodes (420) to find the web service. The location information may for example comprise the current IP address of the first mobile node and the port number for the web service at this node, or relate to an intermediate device used to reach the web service at the first mobile node. |
| US08094647B2 |
System and method for providing requested quality of service in a hybrid network
Telephone calls, data and other multimedia information is routed through a hybrid network which includes transfer of information across the internet. A media order entry captures complete user profile information for a user. This profile information is utilized by the system throughout the media experience for routing, billing, monitoring, reporting and other media control functions. Users can manage more aspects of a network than previously possible, and control network activities from a central site. The hybrid network also contains logic for responding to requests for quality of service and reserving the resources to provide the requested services. |
| US08094646B2 |
Controlling jittering effects
Effects of variation in computational latency can be controlled by using a processor to perform computations associated with a signal processing process, each computation related to processing an input sample to generate an output, and allocating a processing cost per computation that is less than a maximum processing cost of the processor for performing any one of the computations and greater than an average processing cost of the processor for performing the computations. The allocated processing cost for a computation is an allocated time period between receipt of the input sample and generation of the output for the computation. A task requiring a processing time greater than the allocated processing cost is handled as a source of jitter in the signal processing process. |
| US08094645B2 |
Communication system for transmission of link layer datagram over a wireless network
A network controller for facilitating roaming of a mobile wireless communications device between access points communicates with at least one access point over a wired network which, in turn, communicate with a mobile wireless communications device over a wireless network. The network controller includes a data processing system including a protocol stack that facilitates a communication session between the mobile device and a network device on the wired network, and a session table identifying session information for each said communication session. The session information identifies the current access point with which the mobile device is currently associated. The protocol stack updates the session table from session information received from the current access point, maintains a first virtual circuit with the network device, maintains a second virtual circuit with the current access point, and bridges communication between the virtual circuits in accordance with the session information. |
| US08094644B2 |
Method and system for dynamically configuring a traffic flow template
A system and method for configuring a Traffic Flow Template, TFT, in real time. The present invention dynamically adapts the TFT to control the routing of downlink data packets from a GGSN to an MS. When the MS sends an uplink data packet on a premium bearer channel, a TFT controller extracts from the uplink data packet, parameters which include at least the destination address of the uplink data packet. A downlink packet filter subset for filtering downlink data packets is then defined as a function of the extracted parameters. For example, the downlink packet filter subset may identify downlink data packets having a source address that matches the destination address of the uplink data packet. The TFT is then modified as a function of the downlink packet filter subset to route the identified downlink packets through the premium bearer channel to the MS, and to route differently, downlink data packets having source addresses that do not match the destination address of the uplink data packet. |
| US08094642B2 |
Polling method and vehicle search method in digital radio communication system
The present invention provides a polling method in a radio digital communication system making it possible to shorten time required for polling without causing increase in an error rate and to efficiently manage and administrate communications. In a digital radio communication system for collecting information from a plurality of terminal stations by polling, a polling response signal to be transmitted from each terminal station to a base station has a frame format constructed of a one-frame in which a cyclic bit pattern is placed at a leading end of the frame format. |
| US08094640B2 |
Full duplex wideband communications system for a local coaxial network
Systems and methods are disclosed for a full duplex wideband communications system for a local (e.g. in-home) coaxial network. The system employs a Frequency-division duplex (FDD) scheme that allows identical wideband modems to communicate with each other. To achieve this, the wideband modems contain a duplexer and a switch that allows reversing the connection of the wideband transmitter and receiver to the duplexer. Each wideband modem includes a control modem that is used to control access to the wideband channels. A wideband transmitter, which may be included in a modem associated with a server set-top terminal (STT), transmits a video presentation to a wideband receiver, which may be included in a modem associated with a client STT. |
| US08094639B2 |
Method for multiplexing data and control information
A method for multiplexing a data information stream, including a systematic symbol and a non-systematic symbol, and a control information stream of at least three types in a wireless mobile communication system is disclosed. The method includes mapping the data information stream to a resource area so that the systematic symbol is not mapped to a specific resource area to which the control information stream is mapped, and mapping the control information stream to the specific resource area. |
| US08094636B2 |
Wireless communication system for communicating via wireless LAN
Provided is a wireless communication system, comprising: a base station providing communication by a plurality of communication methods; and a mobile node for communicating with the base station by the plurality of communication methods. The mobile node calculates a first distance between a wireless LAN access point and the mobile node; and judges whether the communication by the wireless LAN is possible by comparing the calculated first distance and a second distance that is a distance within which communication by a wireless LAN is available. |
| US08094635B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing Short Message Service in wireless communication networks
A method for implementing Short Message Service (SMS) in a wireless communication network may be implemented by a mobile station. The method may include sending mobile-originated SMS data while in idle mode. Ranging procedures may be used to send the mobile-originated SMS data. The method may also include receiving mobile-terminated SMS data while in the idle mode. Receiving the mobile-terminated SMS data may include receiving a broadcast page message from a base station, and the broadcast page message may include an identifier for the mobile station. |
| US08094634B2 |
Sender and/or helper node modifications to enable security features in cooperative wireless communications
Wireless protocols that employ a helper node are adapted so that they may take advantage of authentication security (and perhaps encryption security). Thus, such protocols may be used with security protocols such as 802.11i protocol (or the like) for example. |
| US08094631B2 |
Coexistence system and method for wireless network devices
A wireless network interface includes a component, a first sub-client module that operates using a first wireless protocol, and a second sub-client module that operates using a second wireless protocol. The first and second wireless protocols are different. The first and second sub-client modules share use of the component. A component sharing control module selectively transitions the first sub-client module into and out of a state to allow the second sub-client module to use the component during the state. |
| US08094629B2 |
Wireless local area network real-time quality management
The present invention provides a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) terminal, having a wireless interface that exchanges packetized communications with servicing Access Points (APs). A processing unit communicatively coupled to the wireless interface selects an appropriate programmable COder/DECoder (CODEC) with which to convert incoming packetized communications to incoming user communications, and outgoing user communications to outgoing packetized communications. A user interface coupled to the programmable CODEC receives the incoming user communications and produces the outgoing user communications. The processing unit monitors the serviced packetized communications to determine a communication quality level delivered by the wireless interface. Then the processing unit chooses the selected coding scheme based upon the communication quality level. |
| US08094627B2 |
Method for the support of high bit rate services in a mobile communication system
One object of the present invention is a method for the support of high bit rate services in a mobile communication system, said method comprising a step wherein a network entity signals to a Mobile Station, according to signalling procedures used in case of access via a broadband Access Network, at least one bit rate higher than the maximum bit rate specified in case of access via a non broadband Access Network, based on bit rates as defined according to signalling procedures used in case of access via said non broadband Access Network. |
| US08094622B2 |
Mobile communication system and method
A mobile communication system enables data reception in correct order, with regard to a reversed data order caused by a route change in data transfer from a source base station to a target base station and in direct transmission from a gateway to a target base station is provided. In the mobile communication system, at the time of handover processing performed accompanying a movement of the user equipment from the source base station to the target base station, the source base station transfers to the target base station, a part of packet data not yet transmitted to the user equipment, among packet data received from the upper-level device, and when transferring the part of packet data, the source base station assigns transfer start information, indicating a start of transfer, to a header in a top packet of the untransmitted packet data. |
| US08094621B2 |
Fast handover protocols for WiMAX networks
A method performs handover of a mobile station (MS from a current base station (BSC) connected to a target base station (BST) via a backbone in a Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) mobile communication network. The MS, before handover, transmits a Connection Identifier Request (CID-REQ) to the BST via the BSC, and receiving a Connection Identifier Response (CID-RSP) from the BST via the BSC. The MS, before handover, transmits a Subscriber Station (SS) Basic Capability Request (SBC-REQ), and receives a SS Basic Capability Response (SBC-RSP) from the BST via the BSC. Then, the MS transmits a Ranging Request (RNG-REQ) to the BST, and receives a Ranging Response (RNG-RSP) from the BST. During the handover, the MS transmits a Registration Request (REG-REQ) to the BST, and receives a Registration Response from the BST to establish the connection between the MS and the BST. |
| US08094616B2 |
OFDMA contention-based random access channel design for mobile wireless systems
Short spreading is used within a random access channel in an OFDM based network to spread data for transmission through the channel. The resource allocation of the random access channel is divided into a number of resource blocks in frequency, time, or both frequency and time. Each resource block has a dimension that is only a portion of the overall size of the resource allocation. During contention, a randomly selected short spreading code may be used to provide data spreading within a randomly selected resource block. |
| US08094615B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and program
A radio communication apparatus includes a first detection unit configured to detect a first signal in a first carrier sense period contained in a pre assigned reception slot, a relaying unit configured to relay the detected first signal, a second detection unit configured to detect a second signal in a second carrier sense period contained in a pre assigned transmission slot, and a stopping unit configured to stop transmission in the transmission slot when the second detection unit detects the second signal. |
| US08094608B1 |
Method and apparatus for generating and transmitting packets on behalf of a wireless client
An apparatus comprising An input circuit to receive packets of data from a network, A memory stores packet filter criteria for one or more wireless clients, A filter circuit selects one or more of the packets of data according to the packet filter criteria, A packet circuit prepares one or more reply packets for each of the packets of data that are selected by the filter circuit, An output circuit transmits the reply packets to the network. |
| US08094607B2 |
Method and system for saving bandwidth during broadcasting/multicasting
Multi-channel network communication is improved by reducing the amount of data that is transmitted over connections that can stem from a similar source. Content of data packets transmitted from the source are reduced and the result is compared to previously transmitted data packets. If identical packets are found, then only an identification of the packet is transmitted. At the receiving side, the identification is used to identify a previously received data packet and use that as though it was the recently received packet. If a similar packet is identified, then the identification of the similar packet, along with change information is transmitted to the receiving side. |
| US08094599B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving common logical channel and dedicated logical channel transmissions via a high speed downlink shared channel
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving common logical channel and dedicated logical channel transmissions via a high speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) are disclosed. A medium access control (MAC)-hs entity generates a MAC-hs protocol data unit (PDU) carrying a MAC-c/sh/m PDU and/or a MAC-d PDU. A UE-specific HS-DSCH radio network temporary identifier (H-RNTI) may be used for the MAC-d PDU, and a cell-specific H-RNTI may be used for the MAC-c/sh/b PDU. Alternatively, a cell-specific H-RNTI and one of a cell RNTI (C-RNTI) and a universal terrestrial radio access network RNTI (U-RNTI) may be used in a Cell_FACH state. The logical channel type and identity may be inserted in a MAC-hs PDU header or indicated by a distinct H-RNTI. A logical channel type for common logical channels may be identified in a MAC-c/sh/m PDU header. The logical channel type and identity may be identified by a queue identity. |
| US08094596B2 |
Wireless personal area network Zigbee receiver and receiving method thereof
There are provided a wireless personal area networks (WPAN) Zigbee receiver and a receiving method thereof that can obtain a spreading gain by a reduction in data rate. A wireless personal area network Zigbee receiver receiving a signal packet including a plurality of functional units having a plurality of symbols, the plurality of functional units each repeated as many as a predetermined extension number according to an aspect of the invention includes: a preamble detection unit detecting a, and generating a preamble synchronization; and an SFD synchronization unit comparing, each symbol of SFD units included in the signal packet with a predetermined SFD reference symbol continuously and repeatedly as many as the extension number, and generating an SFD synchronization signal when each of the symbols of the SFD units is equal to the SFD reference symbol as many as the extension number. |
| US08094591B1 |
Data carrier detector for a packet-switched communication network
A data carrier detector for a packet-switched communication network. The detector includes an envelope detector to provide peak-to-peak amplitude of an incoming waveform at any given time, a peak-to-peak amplitude monitor to monitor peak-to-peak amplitude, and to set a trigger when the peak-to-peak amplitude changes by a predetermined amount. The detector also includes a data packet searcher to start searching for a data packet when the peak-to-peak amplitude monitor issues the trigger. The detector further includes a data packet processor to process and extract information from the recovered data packet. |
| US08094590B2 |
Cross link multiplexer bus
A cross link multiplexer bus comprising a plurality of cross link multiplexers and a plurality of interconnects. The plurality of cross link multiplexers has a destination port configured to receive a signal and an origin port configured to produce the signal. The plurality of interconnects has a set of interconnects coupled between a pair of adjacent cross link multiplexers. Preferably, the destination port is in a first cross link multiplexer, the origin port is in a second cross link multiplexer, and the first cross link multiplexer is configured to convey the signal toward the second cross link multiplexer in more than one direction. In an embodiment, the signal is capable of being represented as a series of characters, and a character is capable of being represented as a number of bits. Preferably, the plurality of cross link multiplexers includes a delay buffer to delay conveyance of a first bit so that it remains substantially synchronized with a second bit. Preferably, the set of interconnects includes a first interconnect to convey the first bit and a second interconnect to convey the second bit. The lengths of the first and the second interconnects are substantially equal. |
| US08094585B2 |
Membership management of network nodes
Nodes of the network are organized into a tree structure having a plurality of vertices. Each vertex of the tree structure comprises a group having a plurality of nodes. Membership information is maintained at each node. The membership information for a given node comprises information about a group to which the given node belongs and child groups of the group to which the given node belongs in the tree structure. The steps are performed at least in part by a processor. |
| US08094583B2 |
Arrangement and method relating to routing of IP traffic in mobile wireless networks
The present invention relates to a proactive optimized link state protocol and a node with routing means supporting such a protocol implementing multipoint relaying for distribution of control messages, e.g. comprising hello messages, which are extended and comprise neighbour information, link status information and resource related information, and second control messages, e.g. TC messages comprising information relating to MPR selectors which are extended to also hold information of a shared information repository (4) adapted to hold generic service related information. Internal information repositories (231i, 232, 233) are extended to additionally hold resource related information for neighbours, neighbour links and multipoint relay selectors. The protocol implements cross-layer (21, 22, 23) communication. |
| US08094580B2 |
Distributed admission control
A first network client requests initiation of a data transfer with a second network client. An admission control facility (ACF) responds to the initiation request by performing admission analysis to determine whether to initiate the data transfer. The ACF sends one or more packets to the second network client. In response, the second network client sends acknowledgment packets back to the ACF. The ACF performs admission analysis based on the packets sent and the acknowledgment packets, and determines whether the data transfer should be initiated based on the analysis. The admission analysis may be based on a variety of factors, such as the average time to receive an acknowledgment for each packet, the variance of the time to receive an acknowledgment for each packet, a combination of these factors, or a combination of these and other factors. |
| US08094571B2 |
Channel quality feedback mechanism and method
Methods and apparatus are presented for improving the feedback of channel information to a serving base station, which allows a reduction in the reverse link load while allowing the base station to improve the forward link data throughput. Over a channel quality indicator channel, three subchannels are generated; the re-synch subchannel, the differential feedback subchannel, and the transition indicator subchannel. The information carried on each subchannel can be used separately or together by a base station to selectively update internal registers storing channel conditions. The channel conditions are used to determine transmission formats, power levels, and data rates of forward link transmissions. |
| US08094569B2 |
Failover and failback of communication between a router and a network switch
A router is provided. The router includes a primary interface, a backup interface, a processor, and a memory. The primary interface and backup interface may be used to communicate with a network switch. The router may be configured to determine whether the primary interface is stable. The primary interface is stable when the primary interface may be used to exchange information with a network switch over a primary network segment. The router may be configured to activate the primary interface when the primary interface is determined to be stable. The router may also be configured to activate the backup interface when the primary interface is determined to be not stable. The backup interface may be activated for the exchange of information with the network switch. |
| US08094566B2 |
Test apparatus and test method
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, comprising a test module section that tests the device under test; a test control section that generates control packets for controlling the test module section; and a connecting section that receives the control packets from the test control section and transmits the control packets to the test module section. The test module section includes a first test module that operates according to control packets having a first packet structure and a second test module that operates according to control packets having a second packet structure, which is obtained by adding an expansion region to a control packet having the first packet structure, the test control section transmits control packets having the second packet structure to the connecting section, and the connecting section (i) removes the expansion region from control packets having the second packet structure received from the test control section and transmits the resulting control packets to the first test module, and (ii) transmits control packets having the second packet structure received from the test control section to the second test module. |
| US08094565B2 |
Loop detection for mobile IP home agents
The present invention relates to a method and computer-readable medium for loop detection in data packet communication utilizing a tunnel in a network comprising a plurality of nodes. The method comprises the steps of, when a first node transmits a data packet, encoding an identification of the first node in at least two header fields of the data packet to be transmitted, and when the first node receives a data packet, analyzing the at least two header fields of the data packet, deciding if a loop exists by determining if the data packet was sent by the first node itself, based on the analysis of the at least two header fields of the data packet. |
| US08094559B1 |
Consumption of a permitted data rate by grouped data streams
This document describes tools that enable data network equipment to use its permitted data rate or physical maximum rate even if one of its links fail or it transmits more data on some links than others. To do so, the tools may track how much of a permitted data rate is used by a group of physical links. If the group is using more than the permitted data rate, the tools may limit the group to that rate. If some of the physical links in the group fail, the tools enable the group to use either its permitted data rate or the physical maximum rate of the group. In addition, the tools allow unique permitted data rates in two directions by a group of physical links. The tools may be used at ingress or egress modules within equipment depending upon the application and implementation. |
| US08094551B2 |
Exchange of access control lists to manage femto cell coverage
System(s) and method(s) provide access management to femto cell service through access control list(s) (e.g., white list(s), or black list(s)). White list(s) includes a set of subscriber station(s) identifier numbers, codes, or tokens, and also can include additional fields for femto cell access management based on desired complexity. White list(s) can have associated white list profile(s) therewith to establish logic of femto coverage access based on the white list(s). Access lists exchange among subscribers that posses provisioned femto access points and elect to share access lists also is provided. Transference of access list(s) among subscribers is secured and based at least in part on subscriber privacy policy. Subscribers can be prompted to opt in access list sharing, or to update privacy policies to allow reciprocate sharing and update privacy settings. Based at least in part on association criteria, component identifies femto access points for a subscriber to access lists with. |
| US08094550B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling network communication parameters
Methods and systems for controlling network communication parameters (e.g., data transfer rate) employed by two or more network nodes communicating over a network communications link by using the Inter-Packet Gap (IPG) length to sending network communication parameter information (e.g., rate control information) between the nodes over the network communications link. |
| US08094547B2 |
Orthogonal frequency and code hopping multiplexing communications method
An Orthogonal Frequency and Code Hopping Multiplexing (OFCHM) communication method based Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) in a wireless communication system in which a plurality of communication channels are synchronized through a single medium. Six types of spreading and hopping methods are included, a method of controlling spreading and hopping depending on channel states, and a method of determining whether radio resources, consisting of subcarriers and orthogonal codewords, are allocated in a hopping manner according to the quality of service in the OFCHM communication method based OFDM. Furthermore, an embodiment employing six multiple array antennas is included. For this purpose, a method of combining a collision comparator and controller for monitoring the operations of a subcarrier group hopping pattern generator and an orthogonal code hopping pattern generator, a multiplexer and data symbol mapper, and the collision of hopping patterns that are composed of subcarriers and orthogonal codewords, and comparing data symbols to be transmitted to second communication stations to determine whether the data symbols collide in a symbol interval, a beam-forming processor for managing the operation of multiple array antennas, and a weighting vector controller is proposed. |
| US08094540B2 |
Optical pickup and optical device
An optical pickup includes a first laser beam light source 1 for emitting a light flux of a first wavelength, a diffraction grating 5 and an optical device 6 having a second laser beam light source 7 for emitting a light flux of a second wavelength and a hologram element 8. In operation, the diffraction grating 5 diffracts the backward light of the first wavelength at a predetermined angle. The hologram element 8 diffracts the backward light of the second wavelength by a first area 8a and also diffracts the backward light of the first wavelength at a reversed-polarity angle to the first area 8a by a second area 8b. |
| US08094539B2 |
Optical information detection method, optical pickup, and optical information recording and reproducing apparatus
An interference-type optical pickup, an optical information detection method, and an optical information recording and reproducing apparatus, which allow easy adjustment of a path difference between two lights, have a high signal amplification effect and are suitable for size reduction of an optical system, are provided. A signal light reflected from an optical disk and a reference light branched from the same light source and guided into detectors without being projected onto the optical disk are caused to interfere with each other on detectors. Detector outputs in four interference states in which phase relationships between the reference light and the signal light are different from each other by degrees are simultaneously obtained and calculated. Accordingly, a readout signal RF that is always stable and amplified with high quality is obtained even when an optical path changes due to disk undulations. The four detector outputs are simultaneously obtained by use of four quadrant photo detectors, and are calculated, to thereby also obtain a servo signal. |
| US08094537B2 |
Information storage medium and method of recording/reproducing the same
An information storage medium has user data areas and additional data areas, and sync patterns to distinguish the additional data areas from the user data areas. The information storage medium includes a user data area in which user data is recorded and an additional data area located in at least one of areas before and after the user data area. Second sync patterns used in the additional data area are different from first sync patterns used in the user data area. |
| US08094536B2 |
Reproducing apparatus
In a reproducing apparatus, a reading unit reads an information signal from a storage medium, and a converter converts the information signal reproduced by the reading unit into a first digital signal by sampling the information signal in accordance with a reference clock signal with a predetermined frequency higher than the frequency of the information signal. An oversampling unit generates a second digital signal by increasing the number of samples of the first digital signal output from the converter. A data detector selects two adjacent samples from the second digital signal on the basis of the frequency of the information signal reproduced by the reading unit and a phase change of the information signal. The data detector then generates read data using the selected samples of the digital signal. |
| US08094531B2 |
Apparatus for and method of detecting tracking error signals
An apparatus for detecting a tracking error signal includes an optical detector to receive light beams reflected from an optical disc and having a plurality of detecting regions; and a phase difference extracting unit to extract a phase difference between a pair of optical signals output from the optical detector, wherein the phase difference extracting unit repeatedly moves a first graph representing one optical signal from among the pair of optical signals by a predetermined distance with respect to a second graph representing another optical signal from among the pair of optical signals, the first and second graph represent optical signal values with respect to t-axis, adds differences between optical signal values of the first graph and optical signal values of the second graph corresponding to predetermined positions of the t-axis, the adding differences is repeated for each of the repeatedly moved positions of the first graph, and outputs a moved distance of a position where the added value is smallest as a phase difference. |
| US08094529B2 |
Apparatus for recording of information
With an object of executing excellent finishing processing when information is recorded to a rewritable type record medium or a write once type record medium, the finishing processing is switched by whether a kind of a medium for recording information is the rewritable type record medium or the write once type record medium and a method of executing the finishing processing is switched based on a state of supplying power. |
| US08094528B2 |
Method for reading media information from optical recording media
A method for reading media information from optical recording media is provided which allows media information to be rapidly and stably read from the recording media. Index marks are successively detected at a plurality of positions spaced at predetermined intervals along radial direction of the recording media, and a center position is selected from amongst the positions at which the index marks have been successively detected. Media information read at the selected center position is used to rapidly and accurately perform a recording operation on a label surface of the optical recording media. |
| US08094527B2 |
Optical disk apparatus
An optical disc apparatus includes: a first signal generating portion which generates a first signal that is obtained by processing signal which is output from the photo detecting portion, and which shows a peak in case where a focus position of an objective lens is matched on a recording surface of an optical disc; a second signal generating portion which generates a second signal that is obtained by slicing the first signal at a prescribed level to be digitalized; and a movement stopping portion which stops moving of the objective lens if the second signal is asserted by existence of the recording surface that is a target to be reproduced or to be recorded, then it is negated, and the state to be negated is continued for a prescribed time interval when focus control is performed. |
| US08094517B2 |
Flasher sonar device with LCD annotations
A flasher sonar device includes a motor driven flasher that produces light output pulses at angular positions along a flasher ring lens based upon sonar returns. A liquid crystal display (LCD) positioned concentrically with the flasher ring lens displays a dynamic annotated range scale associated with the flasher ring lens. A controller coordinates operation of the motor driven flasher and the LCD. |
| US08094511B2 |
Non-volatile memory device having high speed serial interface
A non-volatile memory device comprises an interface circuit for receiving a plurality of signals. The plurality of signals provides multiplexed address and data and command signals in a serial format. An input buffer stores a plurality of the plurality of signals received in serial format and reconstitutes the address, data and command signals, and has an output. A command circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the command signals therefrom. An address circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the address signals therefrom. A data buffer circuit receives the output of the input buffer and stores the data signals therefrom. An array of non-volatile memory cells stores data from and provides data to the data buffer in response to address signals from the address decoder. A state machine is connected to the command circuit and controls the array of non-volatile memory cells. An output buffer receives data from the data buffer circuit and provides data to the interface circuit. |
| US08094509B2 |
Apparatus and method for placement of boosting cell with adaptive booster scheme
A memory includes memory arrays and boost converter circuitry. The boost converter circuitry provides at least one boosted voltage to each of the memory arrays when the memory array is being accessed. The boosted voltages may include a word line voltage, and/or a pass gate voltage provided to the gates of pass line transistor in a sector decoders and/or an array decoder for the memory cells being accessed. The boost converter circuitry includes at least two boost converters, and a switch. When one of the memory arrays is accessed, the switch either couples the boost converters together or does not couple the boost converters together based on the distance of the memory array being accessed from the boost converters. |
| US08094503B2 |
Method of programming an array of NMOS EEPROM cells that minimizes bit disturbances and voltage withstand requirements for the memory array and supporting circuits
A method for programming and erasing an array of NMOS electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cells that minimizes bit disturbances and high voltage requirements for the memory array cells and supporting circuits. In addition, the array of N-channel memory cells may be separated into independently programmable memory segments by creating multiple, electrically isolated P-wells upon which the memory segments are fabricated. The multiple, electrically isolated P-wells may be created, for example, by p-n junction isolation or dielectric isolation. |
| US08094502B1 |
Write-precompensation and variable write backoff
A technique for writing data is disclosed. The technique includes estimating an amount of additional voltage on a victim cell of a solid-state storage device caused by writing to one or more other cells in the solid-state storage device, determining a modified write value for the victim cell based at least in part on a desired value for the victim cell and the estimated amount of additional voltage, and writing the modified write value to the victim cell. |
| US08094498B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device storing data by accumulating charges in a floating gate, memory units, each of which includes a first MOS transistor as a read device, a bit cell composed of a first capacitor as a capacitance coupling device and a second capacitor as an erase device, and a decode device including a second MOS transistor and a third MOS transistor, are arranged in array. This attains nonvolatile memory capable of bit by bit selective erase arranged in array to thus reduce the core area remarkably. |
| US08094495B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device
A nonvolatile memory device includes a data memory cell array having multi level memory cells divided into two groups, a write sequence memory cell array configured to store a write sequence indicating in which of the two groups the multi level data was written first, and a write time memory cell array configured to store the number of write operations performed on the memory cells. The memory device further includes a control circuit configured to control a program operation by determining allocation of data corresponding to a minimum physical voltage distribution causing a reaction of the memory cells, such that a shift of a first minimum physical voltage causing a reaction due to the first write operation and a shift of a second minimum physical voltage causing a reaction due to the second write operation are equal regardless of write sequence. |
| US08094492B2 |
Reducing the impact of interference during programming
A system for programming non-volatile storage is proposed that reduces the impact of interference from the boosting of neighbors. Memory cells are divided into two or more groups. In one example, the memory cells are divided into odd and even memory cells; however, other groupings can also be used. Prior to a first trigger, a first group of memory cells are programmed together with a second group of memory cells. Subsequent to the first trigger and prior to a second trigger, the first group of memory cells are programmed separately from the second group of memory cells. Subsequent to the second trigger, the first group of memory cells are programmed together with the second group of memory cells. Before and after both triggers, the first group of memory cells are verified together with the second group of memory cells. |
| US08094487B2 |
Method for read-out of information in magnetic recording element and method for read-out of information in magnetic random access memory
Provided are a method for read-out of information in a magnetic recording element and a method for read-out of information in a magnetic random access memory. In the method, a magnetic recording element including a magnetic free layer where a magnetic vortex is formed is prepared, and “0” or “1” is assigned according to a core orientation of a magnetic vortex formed in the magnetic free layer. The magnetic vortex core formed in the magnetic free layer rotates on the magnetic free layer by applying a current or magnetic field, of which a direction varies with time, to the magnetic free layer with the magnetic vortex formed. “0” or “1” assigned according to the core orientation of the magnetic vortex formed in the magnetic free layer is read out by measuring a characteristic caused by a difference in a rotation radius of the magnetic vortex core. Herein, the rotation radius of the magnetic vortex core, which is formed in the magnetic free layer and rotates by the applied current or magnetic field, varies with the core orientation of the magnetic vortex formed in the magnetic free layer. |
| US08094477B2 |
Resistance change semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device includes a memory cell array having memory cells positioned at respective intersections between a plurality of first wirings and a plurality of second wirings, each of the memory cells having a rectifier element and a variable resistance element connected in series, and a control circuit selectively driving the first and second wirings. The control circuit applies a first voltage to the selected first wiring and applies a second voltage to the selected second wiring to apply a certain potential difference to a selected memory cell positioned at a intersection between the selected first and second wirings, and brings at least one of nonselected first wirings into a floating state. |
| US08094472B2 |
Power factor correction converter capable of fast adjusting load
A power factor correction converter capable of fast adjusting load functions to (a) convert a single-phase AC voltage into a DC voltage output; (b) control an input current and an input voltage for a correspondent electrical phase, namely the power factor that is 1; and (c) control a DC output voltage level. The converter is provided with a booster-based AC-DC converter as a core, in which the circuit includes a rectification circuit, a switching circuit consisting of a DC inductor and a power crystal, an energy-saving capacitor, a protection circuit, a microprocessor, and auxiliary circuits around. The power factor control, output voltage, and current control and filter modules function in the form of software program instead of conventional hardware circuits. Further, a powerful controller uses an output current feedback to enhance the DC output voltage to suppress the disturbance of load. |
| US08094471B1 |
Power supply using double latch circuit for automatic input voltage range programming
A power supply includes a rectifier circuit having a rectifier mode and a voltage doubler mode. An AC switch is coupled to the rectifier circuit and switches the rectifier circuit into the rectifier mode when a higher AC line voltage is supplied and a voltage doubler mode when a lower AC line voltage is supplied. A control circuit is connected to the AC switch and detects the higher or lower AC line voltages and is operable for latching the rectifier circuit in the rectifier mode when the higher AC line voltage is detected and in the voltage doubler mode when the lower AC line voltage is detected. The latch circuit maintains a latched configuration in either the rectifier or voltage doubler mode during voltage transients and in the rectifier mode during start-up transients. |
| US08094468B2 |
Control circuit having off-time modulation to operate power converter at quasi-resonance and in continuous current mode
A control circuit is developed to adaptively operate a power converter at quasi-resonance (QR) and in a continuous current mode (CCM) to achieve high efficiency. The control circuit includes a PWM circuit generating a switching signal coupled to switch a transformer. A signal generation circuit generates a ramp signal and a pulse signal. The pulse signal is generated in response to the ramp signal for switching on the switching signal. A feedback circuit produces a feedback signal according to an output load of the power converter. The feedback signal is coupled to switch off the switching signal. A detection circuit is coupled to the transformer for generating a valley signal in response to the waveform of the transformer. The valley signal is further coupled to generate the pulse signal when the ramp signal is lower than a threshold. The level of the threshold is correlated to the feedback signal. |
| US08094467B2 |
Induction power system
An induction power system configured to drive a load includes a primary side circuit (PSC) and a secondary side circuit (SSC). The PSC has a main inductor configured to generate a current-induced magnetic field. The SSC has an induction electrification unit (IEU) and a power distribution unit (PDU). The IEU has a first inductor and a second inductor connected in series, and is adjacent to the main inductor to generate an induced AC. The PDU has a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switching device. The first capacitor and the first inductor are connected in series and generate a series resonance to supply a control power. The second capacitor is connected in parallel with the first inductor, the second inductor, and the first capacitor, and generates a parallel resonance, to provide a load power. When the switching device is turned on, the load power is supplied to the load. |
| US08094466B2 |
Resonant converter
The invention relates to a resonant converter (1) which has multiple outputs (7a, 7b) and contains a transformer (4) with a primary winding (5) and at least two secondary windings (6a, 6b) having different winding directions. In this way it is possible to design as cost-effectively as possible a resonant converter with multiple outputs, two of which can be controlled separately from each other. |
| US08094462B2 |
High frequency tuner module and tuner module
Disclosed is a high frequency tuner module, including: a circuit component; signal lines; a GND line; and a multilayer board formed by laminating a plurality of layers, wherein the circuit component is placed on a top layer surface of the multilayer board; the signal lines and the GND line are formed inside the multilayer board; and among the signal lines, high frequency signal transmitting signal lines to transmit a high frequency signal are formed on a single layer inside the multilayer board. |
| US08094460B2 |
Orientation-tolerant land pattern and method of manufacturing the same
A land pattern, a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a PCB incorporating a land pattern. In one embodiment, the land pattern includes: (1) a quadrilateral component outline area having diagonally opposed first and second corners and diagonally opposed third and fourth corners, defined according to a body configuration of a particular component type and located on a surface of a substrate and (2) first and second exposed conductive pads located within said area respectively proximate said first and second corners, coupled to respective first and second circuit conductors of said substrate, configured according to a terminal configuration of said type and separated from said third and fourth corners such that a component of said particular component type may be placed on the land pattern in multiple orientations without causing a short circuit. |
| US08094458B2 |
Semiconductor package with embedded magnetic component and method of manufacture
A printed circuit board (PCB) substrate which can be used in a semiconductor package, such as BGA and LGA, has a top surface and a bottom surface. A magnetic component includes a laterally extending bottom plate, two or more vertically extending posts, and a laterally extending top plate, wherein the bottom plate is fully embedded within the PCB substrate and the two or more posts extend in the PCB substrate from the bottom plate toward the upper surface of the PCB substrate. The top plate contacts an end of each of the two or more posts along the top surface of the PCB substrate. |
| US08094452B1 |
Cooling and power grids for data center
A facility is described that includes one or more enclosures defining an interior space, a plurality of power taps, a plurality of coolant supply taps, and a plurality of coolant return taps. A flow capacity of the supply taps and a flow capacity of the return taps can be approximately equal over a local area of the interior space. The plurality of power taps, the plurality of supply taps, and the plurality of return taps can be divided into a plurality of zones, with taps of each zone are configured to be controllably coupled to a power source or a coolant source independently of the taps of other zones. The taps can be positioned along paths, and paths of the power taps can be spaced from associated proximate paths of supply and return taps by a substantially uniform distance along a substantial length of the first path. |
| US08094451B2 |
Onboard computer equipped with a stand-alone aeraulic cooling device
The present invention proposes an onboard computer equipped with a stand-alone aeraulic cooling device. Its main benefit is that it improves the effectiveness of the aeraulic cooling of onboard computers, thanks to the provision of ducts (N1, N2, N3) routing a cool air stream (FA) to the hot spots of the electronic modules (E1, E2, E3, E4). |
| US08094448B2 |
Battery cover assembly for electronic device
A battery cover assembly (100) for use in a portable electronic device, comprises a main body (30), a battery cover (10), and a elastic member (20). The battery cover (10) includes a plurality of latching portions (122). The elastic member (20) is mounted in the main body (30), and includes a body section (24) and a resisting section (28) extending from the body section (24). The latching portions (122) engages through openings in the body section (24) and are elastically resisted by the resisting portion (28) to releasably latch the battery cover (10) to the main body (30). When detaching the battery cover (10) from the main body (30), the resisting section (28 is elastically biased by the latching portions (122) to accumulate elastic force, the latching portions (122) is pushed away from the body section (24) under the elastic force of the resisting section (28). |
| US08094447B2 |
Display device having wind path plate
A display device includes a substrate having light emitting elements for display on a front surface; a substrate supporting body having an opening in the center and positioned on the back surface side of the substrate to support a peripheral region of the substrate; a case body positioned on the back surface side of the substrate supporting body and covering a part of the center opening; a fan unit arranged in the case body; a wind path plate arranged between the fan unit and the back surface of the substrate and forming a wind path to pass airflow generated by driving the fan unit only on the back surface side of the substrate; and a power supply arranged in the case body and on the back surface of the wind path plate; and wherein the airflow impinges the wind path plate through the fan, thereafter passes through the wind path and is discharged to the outside from the back side of the wind path plate. According to the present invention, it is possible to cool down a substrate uniformly and efficiently in a display device using light emitting elements arranged on the substrate without raising cost or complicating the structure. |
| US08094446B2 |
Bracket for mounting hard disk drive
A HDD assembly comprises a HDD defining a plurality of mounting holes therein and a bracket for fixing the HDD. The bracket comprises a fixing plate and a holding frame connected with the fixing plate. The holding frame defines a receiving space for receiving the HDD therein. The holding frame comprises a resilient clip. The resilient clip forms a plurality of poles engaging in the mounting holes of the HDD, to firmly fix the HDD in the receiving space of the bracket. |
| US08094444B2 |
Sliding type portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a first housing: a second housing coupled with the first housing such that the second housing can slide while facing the first housing, guide ribs arranged on the first housing, guide slits arranged on the second housing, and at least one protuberance arranged on either an outer surface of each guide rib and an inner wall of each guide slit. The guide slits extend along a direction in which the second housing slides and each guide rib is restricted in each guide slit so as to guide a sliding movement of the second housing. The at least one protuberance contacts either an inner wall of each guide slit or an outer surface of each guide rib. |
| US08094440B2 |
Bag computer system and bag apparatus
Disclosed is a system comprised of a bag and computer combination which allows the bag wearer to quickly access and use a computer while mobile. The system can be in three forms and all three are used in the same way: a pivoting cover is moved out of the way to expose a display which pivots into the line of sight of the wearer/operator. When assembled, all the components are physically connected and electrical components are electrically connected. Additional components include a keyboard or write pad mounted on the pivoting cover or on a separate pivoting mount near the center bag front, a display prop which braces the display in various angular positions and side pockets fitted for peripherals. An example is cited using a bag with flap mounts and equipment which mounts to the flaps using clamps. |
| US08094431B2 |
Methods for improving the dielectric properties of a polymer, and related articles and devices
In one aspect of the present invention, a method for increasing the dielectric breakdown strength of a polymer is described. The method comprises providing the polymer and contacting a surface of the polymer in a reaction chamber with a gas plasma, under specified plasma conditions. The polymer is selected from the group consisting of a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 150° C., and a polymer composite comprising at least one inorganic constituent. The contact with the gas plasma is carried out for a period of time sufficient to incorporate additional chemical functionality into a surface region of the polymer film, to provide a treated polymer. Also provided are an article and method of manufacture. |
| US08094429B2 |
Multilayer capacitors and methods for making the same
A capacitor device may include a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer. The first electrode may be coupled with a first terminal of the capacitor device. The second electrode is under the first electrode and may be coupled with a second terminal of the capacitor device. The second electrode may be electrically isolated from the first electrode. The third electrode is under the first electrode and the second electrode and may be electrically isolated from the second electrode and electrically coupled with the first electrode. The first dielectric layer has a first dielectric constant and may be sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second dielectric layer may have a second dielectric constant and may be sandwiched between the second electrode and the third electrode. In one embodiment, the second dielectric constant is at least five times larger than the first dielectric constant. |
| US08094425B2 |
Combination current sensor and relay
A protection device for monitoring current in a power cable to an electrical device and for controlling a remotely located starter for the electrical device in response to a system controller. The device includes a transformer magnetically linked with the power cable to produce a voltage signal in response to the presence of a changing current within the power cable. An input circuit located in a single housing together with the transformer is electrically connected to the transformer so as to receive the voltage signal. The input circuit produces, in response to the voltage signal, either a first signal or a first circuit condition at the output terminal of the input circuit, representative of the changing current in the power cable. A switch circuit also in the same container with the transformer has a terminal for sensing either a second signal or a second circuit condition of the remotely located system controller. The switch circuit has a second terminal to provide either a third signal or a third circuit condition effective to control the starter, in response to sensing one of the second signal and the second circuit condition. All of the transformer, the input circuit, and the switch circuit are located in a single unitary package which is easily mounted and adjusted to a desired position. |
| US08094421B2 |
Current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) read sensor with multiple reference layers
A current-to-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) read sensor with multiple reference layers and associated fabrication methods are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the multiple reference layers of a CPP tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) read sensor includes a first reference layer formed by a ferromagnetic polycrystalline Co—Fe film, a second reference layer formed by a ferromagnetic substitute-type amorphous Co—Fe—X film where X is Hf, Zr or Y, and a third reference layer formed by a ferromagnetic interstitial-type amorphous Co—Fe—B film. The first reference layer facilitates the CPP TMR read sensor to exhibit high exchange and antiparallel-coupling fields. The second reference layer provides a thermally stable flat surface, thus facilitating the CPP TMR read sensor to exhibit a low ferromagnetic-coupling field. The multiple reference layers may induce spin-dependent scattering, thus facilitating the CPP TMR sensor to exhibit a high TMR coefficient. |
| US08094418B2 |
Vertically stacked DFH heater design for protrusion shape control
A vertically stacked DFH design in a read/write head is disclosed that allows independent control of write gap protrusion and read gap protrusion. A first heater is formed in an insulation layer proximate to a sensor in a read head. A second heater is formed in a second insulation layer proximate to the write pole tip in a main pole layer. The two heaters are connected in series or in parallel through leads to a power source that activates the heaters. In one embodiment, the heaters have a fixed resistance ratio. Preferably, there are two drivers in the power source so that a first power can be applied to the first heater and a second power can be applied to the second heater to enable an adjustment of reader protrusion/writer protrusion or gamma ratio. Fast reader and writer actuation is achieved and low power consumption is realized. |
| US08094417B2 |
Magnetoresistance device
A magnetoresistance device has a channel extending between first and second ends in a first direction comprising non-ferromagnetic semiconducting material, such as silicon, a plurality of leads connected to and spaced apart along the channel, a gate structure for applying an electric field to the channel in a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction so as to form an inversion layer in the channel and a face which lies substantially in a plane defined by the first and second directions and which is configured such that an edge of the channel runs along the face. |
| US08094410B2 |
Spindle motor with flange land portion for ensuring flatness of recording disc
A spindle motor rotatably drives recording discs, and includes a base plate, a stator, a rotor hub, a yoke, a rotor magnet, and a hydrodynamic bearing. The hub includes a disc support cylindrical portion for supporting the recording discs in the radial direction, an annular disc mount portion formed on an outer circumference of the cylindrical portion for mounting the recording discs thereon, and an annular projection formed on the lower portion of the disc mount portion in the axial direction and having an outer circumference to which the yoke is fixed. The disc mount portion is formed with an annular non-contact surface formed on the upper portion in the axial direction, and an annular disc receiving face formed around an outer circumference of the non-contact surface and upward of the non-contact surface in the axial direction for being in contact with the recording disc in the axial direction. |
| US08094408B2 |
Magnetic disk drive sealed with low vapor pressure fluorine oil
A sealing type magnetic disc drive comprising a disc, a spindle motor for rotationally driving the disc, a head for recording or reproducing information on the disc, a base on which an actuator assembly is provided to move the head in the radius direction on the disc, and a cover jointed with the base, and low density gas is filled in the space where the base and the cover are joined, wherein low vapor pressure oil or a low viscosity adhesive is filled in a hole present at the joint of the base and the cover. |
| US08094405B1 |
Repetitive error correction method for disk-drive servo control systems
Methods, systems and computer program products for compensating repeatable run-out (RRO) are described. In some implementations, RRO may be compensated by predicting the RRO and subsequently subtracting the predicted RRO from the actual value of the RRO to cancel out the undesired effect caused by the RRO during operation. More specifically, RRO generated at each spindle motor rotation may be predicted by measuring the position errors associated with the RRO with respect to a current position of a read/write head. A computational model then may be utilized to determine one or more correction factors to compensate for the RRO. |
| US08094394B2 |
Optical filter
An optical filter that transmits light of the visible light region includes a dielectric substrate; a dielectric layer that is formed on a surface of the dielectric substrate; and a first metal structure group in which a plurality of first metal structures are arranged two-dimensionally in an isolated state in the in-plane direction of the dielectric substrate, that is provided between the dielectric substrate and the dielectric layer, comprising: the first metal structures having first and second lengths in first and second directions orthogonal to each other, which lengths are equal to or less than a first wavelength in the visible light region; and a transmittance of the first wavelength being reduced or a reflectance being increased by surface plasmons induced on a surface of the first metal structures by resonance between light incident on the dielectric substrate or the dielectric layer and the first metal structures. |
| US08094393B2 |
Reflectors made of linear grooves
An embodiment of a method of designing a grooved reflector comprises selecting two given wavefronts; and designing two surfaces meeting at an edge to form a groove such that the rays of each of the given wavefront become rays of a respective one of the given wavefronts after a reflection at each of the surfaces. Multiple grooves may be combined to form a mirror covering a desired area. A mirror may be manufactured according to the design. |
| US08094391B2 |
Driving device, imaging device including the same, and imaging apparatus
A driving device includes: a bending displacement member (1A), partially fixed, which is excited by electrical control to be bent and displaced; a bending displacement member (1B), partially fixed, which is excited by electrical control to be bent and displaced; an elastic member (2) joined to the bending displacement members (1A, 1B); a friction member (3), joined to the elastic member (2), which is capable of partially making contact with a body tube (4); and a camera module housing (6) capable of housing the bending displacement members (1A, 1B), the elastic member (2), and the body tube (4). The bending displacement members (1A, 1B) may be disposed along an inner wall of the camera module housing (6). The driving device may also include control means for exciting the bending displacement members (1A, 1B). |
| US08094389B2 |
Solid immersion lens holder
A solid immersion lens holder 200 includes a holder main body 8 having a lens holding unit 60 that holds a solid immersion lens 6, and an objective lens socket 9 for attaching the holder main body 8 to a front end of an objective lens 21. The solid immersion lens 6 is held in a state of being unfixed to be free with respect to the lens holding unit 60. A vibration generator unit 120 that causes the holder main body 8 to vibrate is attached to the objective lens socket 9. The vibration generator unit 120 has a vibrating motor 140 held by a motor holding member 130, and a weight 142 structured to be eccentric by weight is attached to an output shaft 141 of the vibrating motor 140. A vibration generated in the vibration generator unit 120 is transmitted to the solid immersion lens 6 via the objective lens socket 9 and the holder main body 8. Thereby, achieving the solid immersion lens holder capable of improving the close contact between the solid immersion lens and an observation object. |
| US08094384B2 |
Camera, handlens, and microscope optical system for imaging and coupled optical spectroscopy
An optical system comprising two lens cells, each lens cell comprising multiple lens elements, to provide imaging over a very wide image distance and within a wide range of magnification by changing the distance between the two lens cells. An embodiment also provides scannable laser spectroscopic measurements within the field-of-view of the instrument. |
| US08094383B2 |
Optical imaging lens
An optical imaging lens, from object side to image side, includes a positive first lens element that is a meniscus aspherical lens having a convex surface on the object side, an aperture stop, a negative second lens element that is a meniscus aspherical lens having a convex surface on the image side, a positive third lens element that is an aspherical lens while on the lens center, the convex surface is on the object side; and from the center toward the edge, the refractive power changes from positive power, through an inflection point, to negative power. The optical imaging lens satisfies specific mathematical conditions. |
| US08094380B2 |
Projection objective and projection exposure apparatus with negative back focus of the entry pupil
The disclosure concerns a projection objective, which can include an object plane in which an object field is formed, an entry pupil, a mirrored entry pupil (RE) in a mirrored entry pupil plane obtained by mirroring the entry pupil (VE) at the object plane, an image plane, an optical axis, at least a first mirror and a second mirror. The projection objective can have a negative back focus of the entry pupil, and a principal ray originating from a central point of the object field and traversing the objective from the object plane to the image plane can intersect the optical axis in at least one point of intersection, wherein the geometric locations of all points of intersection lie between the image plane and the mirrored entry pupil plane. |
| US08094379B2 |
Optical arrangement of autofocus elements for use with immersion lithography
A lithographic projection apparatus includes an optical element through which a substrate is exposed with an exposure beam. A space between the optical element and the substrate is filled with liquid during the exposure. A gap is formed between a member and a surface of the optical element through which the exposure beam does not pass. The liquid is supplied to the gap. |
| US08094375B2 |
Iodine-type polarizer, polarizing plate and method for producing thereof
There is provided a method for producing a polarizer having improved cross transmittance. The method for producing a polarizer includes: dyeing a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based film with molecular iodine by immersing the PVA-based film in an aqueous iodine solution (a dyeing step); absorbing the molecular iodine into the PVA-based film using an aqueous boric acid solution (a cross-linking step); arranging the molecular iodine in the certain direction by stretching the PVA-based film in a certain direction (an stretching step); and drying, in an oven, the PVA-based film in which the molecular iodine is oriented; wherein a phosphate compound is added to the iodine aqueous solution (the dyeing step) or the aqueous boric acid solution (the stretching step) so that a weight ratio of the boric acid: the phosphate compound is in a range of 1:0.1 to 1:10. |
| US08094373B2 |
Polarization element, method for manufacturing the same, liquid crystal device, and electronic apparatus
A polarization element including a plurality of protection films, one of the plurality of protection films being provided on one of the plurality of metal thin wires. The plurality of metal thin wires includes a first metal thin wire, and a second metal thin wire adjacent to the first metal thin wire. The plurality of protection films includes a protection first film and a second protection film. A first mask is provided between the upper end of the first metal thin wire and the first protection film, and a second mask is provided between the upper end of the second metal thin wire and the second protection film. The first and second protection films form an air gap below the first mask. |
| US08094372B2 |
Telescope and binocular body member
A telescope 110 includes: a single objective optical system 113; and a binocular body member (111, 112); the binocular body member including a mount portion 116 for connecting to the objective optical system 113, and a controller 114 for controlling the objective optical system, thereby providing a telescope capable of making binocular observation of an image of an object formed by a single objective lens. |
| US08094366B2 |
Electrical characterization of interferometric modulators
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for testing the electrical characteristics of reflective displays, including interferometric modulator displays. In one embodiment, a controlled voltage is applied to conductive leads in the display and the resulting current is measured. The voltage may be controlled so as to ensure that interferometric modulators do not actuate during the resistance measurements. Also disclosed are methods for conditioning interferometric modulator display by applying a voltage waveform that causes actuation of interferometric modulators in the display. |
| US08094362B2 |
Method and system for color optimization in a display
Disclosed herein are iMoD displays optimized by utilizing different materials for one or more different color subpixels. Such optimized displays have improved color gamut over displays where all subpixels are constructed with the same material. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing such displays and methods for optimizing iMoD displays. |
| US08094361B2 |
Polymer shutter compositions and devices for infrared systems
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions and devices operable for infra-red transmission and blocking comprising a layered structure having a first electrically conducting layer, a conjugated electrochromic polymer layer, an electrolyte layer and a second electrically conducting layer, wherein the first and second electrically conducting layers have an infrared transparency and the conjugated electrochromic polymers may be operable to be electrically switched between a transparent state that transmits infrared light to an opaque state that does not transmit infrared light. In some embodiments, a device of the disclosure may also have one or more outer substrates sandwiching the other layers. Some embodiments relate to single-layered devices. Some embodiments relate to combined layers. Compositions and devices of the disclosure may be integrated into a wide variety of infrared systems for transmission, shuttering and calibration applications. |
| US08094360B2 |
Room temperature molten salt and display element
A salt molten at room temperature that does not contain any organic solvent, excelling in stability; and a display device that is improved in the durability in high-temperature environment by virtue of the use thereof. There is provided a salt molten at room temperature characterized by being composed of a silver salt and any of compounds of the following general formula (I) or general formula (II). |
| US08094357B2 |
Mirror control device
A mirror control device includes a pivotally supported mirror (230), electrodes (340a-340d) spaced apart from the mirror (230), a driving voltage generation means (401) for generating a driving voltage corresponding to the desired tilt angle of the mirror (230) for each electrode, a bias voltage generation means (402) for generating, as a bias voltage for each electrode, a voltage which causes the tilt angle of the mirror (230) to have the same predetermined value upon being independently applied to each of the electrodes (340a-340d), and an electrode voltage applying means (403) for adding, for each electrode, the bias voltage to the driving voltage and applying the voltage after addition to a corresponding one of the electrodes (340a-340d). |
| US08094356B2 |
Light scanning device and image forming device
A light scanning device includes a light source outputting a laser beam, a light deflecting unit having a light reflecting unit, the light deflecting unit being adapted to be rotatable about a predetermined axis and scanning an object with the laser beam reflected by the light reflecting unit, a drive controlling unit controlling a deflection angle variation in a vertical direction of the light deflecting unit per unit time so that an interval between scanning lines in the vertical direction by the light deflecting unit is constant, and a driving unit rotationally driving the light deflecting unit in accordance with an rotational angle determined by the driving controlling unit. |
| US08094355B2 |
Laser projection system with a spinning polygon for speckle mitigation
A laser projection system comprises: (i) a coherent light source including at least one laser configured to emit an output beam carrying signal data; (ii) a scanning optics, the scanning optics comprising at least one scanning reflector, the scanning reflector positioned in an optical path of the output beam; and (iii) a rotating polygon prism; wherein (a) the scanning reflector is configured to direct the output beam towards the polygon prism and scan the output beam across a projection surface; and (b) the polygon prism is configured to transmit the scanned output beam through its body, and create a virtual image of the scanning reflector, such that said virtual image of the scanning reflector is moving when said polygon prism rotates. |
| US08094353B2 |
Cylindrical lens, optical beam scanning apparatus using the same, image forming apparatus, and method of manufacturing the lens
A cylindrical lens according to the present invention is a cylindrical lens of a bi-concave type in which both of a surface on which light is made incident and a surface from which the light is emitted are formed as concave surfaces, wherein, in at least one of the concave surfaces, both ends of the concave surface projecting to outer sides are formed to coincide with a plane, a normal of the plane being an optical axis of the cylindrical lens. |
| US08094348B2 |
Duplex document scanning apparatus and method thereof
A duplex document scanning apparatus and method thereof are described. The duplex document scanning apparatus includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a switch module, a data conversion unit, and a scanning control device. The first image sensor senses the first analog image signal and the second image sensor senses the second analog image signal. The switch module switches the first image sensor and the second image sensor to select the first analog image signal and the second analog image signal. The data conversion unit converts the first and second analog image signals to generate first and second digital image signals. The switch control module of scanning control device generates a switch signal to control the switch module. The scanning control device has a switch control unit and processes the first digital image signal and a second digital image signal. The switch control unit generates a switch signal for controlling the switch module and the switch module simultaneously outputs the first analog image signal and the second analog image signal to the data conversion unit during a signal period of the switch signal. |
| US08094343B2 |
Image processor
An image forming processor includes a generating unit and a correcting unit. The first characteristic quantity data obtaining unit obtains a set of first characteristic quantity data. The receiving unit receives data of an original image. The second characteristic data obtaining unit obtains a set of second characteristic quantity data based on the data of the original image. The generating unit generates at least one set of image data concerning the first characteristic quantity data. The display unit displays the at least one set of image data to prompt a user to specify one set of image data among the at least one set of image data. The correcting unit corrects the original image by using the set of second characteristic quantity data and a set of first characteristic quantity data that has been used to generate the one set of image data specified by the user. |
| US08094336B2 |
Printer with interpreter
A printer for printing on a web of record members such as labels, tags, etc. includes an interpreter and a memory for storing an application program. The interpreter is enabled or disabled by the receipt of a command. When enabled, the interpreter processes an application program to extract data from a received data stream and to construct one or more data packets in a predetermined printer control language to be sent to a parser. When the interpreter is disabled, the received data may be processed by an XML or PCL task and forwarded to the parser, bypassing the interpreter. |
| US08094335B2 |
Image processing apparatus for converting print data to bitmap data, and outputting a color or monochrome image
An image processing apparatus is provided that can accurately and rapidly perform color/monochrome judgment for print image data. In the image forming apparatus, a command analyzing unit interprets externally received PDL data, and a first color/monochrome judging unit performs the color/monochrome judgment based on an attribute of an image object. When a data type of the attribute is not raster image data and color information is monochrome, it is immediately judged that the image is monochrome. Only when the first color/monochrome judging unit judges that the image is color, a second color/monochrome judging unit performs the color/monochrome judgment every time a rendering unit generates band data. If at least one pixel of color data exists, it is judged that the image is color. With such a configuration, the color/monochrome judgment can be performed accurately and rapidly. |
| US08094331B2 |
Printer having a media database and web system service
A printer, system, method and computer program for printing, the printer comprising: a media database arranged to store print media data; a web service system arranged to implement a web service; and communication means for communicating data stored in the media database to a user via the web service. The printing supports media extensibility, and information relating to the printing media, such as color profiles, can be communicated between a user and the printer via a web service. |
| US08094329B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for processing an image with secure job interruption
An image processing apparatus performs authentication of users. A first and second user inputs first and second user information, respectively, through an input section. A controller controls the authentication section to perform first authentication of the first user information, and controls the job execution section to execute the first job if the first authentication is successful. The controller controls the job execution section to halt execution of the first job upon an interrupt by the second user, and to execute the second job when the first job remains interrupted. A memory stores interrupt information indicative of a status of execution of the first job when the interrupt occurs. The controller controls the authentication section to perform second authentication of the first user information after the second job has been completed, and then controls the job execution section to resume execution of the first job if the second authentication is successful. |
| US08094326B2 |
Image processing apparatus, job processing method, storing medium, and program
An image processing apparatus executes an image process by using a sheet feeding unit or a sheet discharging unit selected from a plurality of sheet feeding units and sheet discharging units. The image processing apparatus stores attribute information for specifying one of the sheet feeding units or one of the sheet discharging units to correspond to an application generating a print job and controls a selection of one of the sheet feeding units or one of the sheet discharging units so as to execute a print job based on the stored attribute information. |
| US08094325B2 |
Interactive system including substrate and electronic pen with retractable nib
An interactive system including a printed substrate having coded data disposed thereon an an electronic pen for interacting with the substrate. The pen includes an infrared light source; an image sensor; a cartridge having a nib for contacting said substrate; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense said coded data only when said force sensor detects that said nib is in contact with said substrate. |
| US08094324B2 |
Combined host and imaging device menu interface
An imaging method enabling spontaneous, single-site implementation of, and control over, the execution of an imaging job employing the combinable native functionalities and related user-accessible controls of plural, currently available, imaging-related instrumentalities. This method features the steps of (a) establishing, with respect to a selected plurality of such instrumentalities, an appropriate instrumentality-intercommunication capability, (b) utilizing that established capability, enabling the suitable presentation, adjacent the location of at least one of such instrumentalities, of an active user combinational interface which, in relation to a user-intended imaging job, provides, via that interface, user-chooseable selection access to different functionalities and control combinations drawn from the availability of all of such instrumentalities' functionalities and controls, and (c) in response to interface designation-invocation by a user of such presented and combined functionalities and controls, executing the imaging job in the context of utilizing all of the so-user-chosen functionalities. |
| US08094322B2 |
Method and apparatus for the determination of the 3D coordinates of an object
In a method for the determination of the 3D coordinates of an object (2), a pattern is projected (1) onto the object (2) and the pattern reflected by the object (2) is taken (3) and evaluated. To improve such a method, a pattern is projected onto a first part region (12) of the object (2) in a first step and the pattern reflected by this part region (12) of the object (2) is taken. In a second step, a pattern is projected onto a second part region of the object (2) and the pattern reflected by this part region of the object (2) is taken. The patterns taken are evaluated. |
| US08094320B2 |
En-face OCT with parallel detector array
In an OCT apparatus, an object light beam is returned from a target and interferes with a reference light beam. Image information is obtained from a depth Z in the target that depends on the optical path difference between the object and reference beams with a resolution that depends on the coherence length of the light. A scanner transversely scans the target with the object beam over a plurality of image points defined by the resolution of the apparatus. Interface optics directs the reference and object beams onto an array of detector elements such that the optical path difference between the reference beam and the object beam varies across the array. The reference beam and the object beam interfere with each other over the array of detector elements for individual image points on the target during each transverse scan. A memory stores a subset of data points corresponding to each individual image point obtained from each detector elements of the array. A processor processes one or more of the subsets of data points to derive image information extending over a range of depths in the target for each individual image point. The obtained image information is displayed on a displace device. |
| US08094319B2 |
Image diagnostic apparatus and method
An image diagnostic apparatus includes a probe capable of light transmission and reception, wherein a reflection light is obtained from the probe by scanning the probe rotatingly, and a tomographic image is formed and outputted based on the obtained reflection light. A light-shield is provided to shield the light transmitted to the probe, a connection detector detects whether or not the probe is connected, and a controller controls the light-shield based on a detected result by the connection detector. |
| US08094317B1 |
Plasmonic router
A plasmonic router can include a first surface plasmon guide and a second surface plasmon guide. A surface plasmon can be generated in either of the plasmon guides. Each plasmon guide has an energy barrier, which can be selectively decreased to allow selective propagation of the generated surface plasmon through the plasmon guide. The generated surface plasmon has an evanescent wave that extends outwardly from the plasmon guide by a spatial extent. To allow for surface plasmon propagation between plasmon guides, the plasmon guides can be spaced apart by a predetermined gap that is less than the spatial extent of the surface plasmon. When that occurs, the surface plasmon will “jump” the predetermined gap and propagate from one plasmon guide to the other plasmon guide. |
| US08094316B1 |
Surface plasmon resonance coupler and disperser sensor
A surface plasmon resonance coupler and disperser system is provided. A sensor element includes a diffraction grating having a periodically modulated surface. A light source faces the sensor element and emits an optical wave through a collimating element, which is provided in optical alignment with the light source. The optical wave is projected directly onto the periodically modulated surface of the diffraction grating. A detector faces the diffracting grating and is in receipt of the optical wave that is diffracted off the sensor element. |
| US08094314B2 |
Optical sensing based on surface plasmon resonances in nanostructures
Devices and techniques for using nanostructures such as nanohole metal films to construct SPP sensors for sensing various substances. |
| US08094312B2 |
Apparatus and methods for analyzing samples
The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for analyzing biological samples. The apparatus, systems, and methods can involve using a vacuum source to pull microfluidic volumes through analytical equipment, such as flow cells and the like. Additionally, the invention involves using optical equipment in conjunction with the analytical equipment to analyze samples and control the operation thereof. |
| US08094310B2 |
Optical alignment tool and method of alignment
An alignment tool for use in calibrating an optical bench and/or alignment of an optical system such as a collector optical system for EUV and X-ray applications is disclosed. The optical system includes multiple nested mirrors attached to a mechanical support. The tool includes a mechanical interface plate, a lower reference ring, an upper reference ring and a pinhole member disposed spaced apart axially in sequence; a first positioning device attached to the mechanical interface plate and to the lower reference ring; the first positioning device being adapted for precisely adjusting the position of the lower reference ring in two dimensions; a second positioning device attached to the mechanical interface plate and to the upper reference ring and adapted for precisely adjusting the position of the upper reference ring in two dimensions; a third positioning device attached to the upper reference plate and to the pinhole member and adapted for precisely adjusting the position of the pinhole member in three dimensions; a mechanical interface mounted on or integral with the mechanical interface plate and being substantially identical in form to that of the mechanical support of the optical system. |
| US08094306B2 |
Micro ring grating spectrometer with adjustable aperture
A spectrometer includes a micro-ring grating device having coaxially-aligned ring gratings for diffracting incident light onto a target focal point, a detection device for detecting light intensity, one or more actuators, and an adjustable aperture device defining a circular aperture. The aperture circumscribes a target focal point, and directs a light to the detection device. The aperture device is selectively adjustable using the actuators to select a portion of a frequency band for transmission to the detection device. A method of detecting intensity of a selected band of incident light includes directing incident light onto coaxially-aligned ring gratings of a micro-ring grating device, and diffracting the selected band onto a target focal point using the ring gratings. The method includes using an actuator to adjust an aperture device and pass a selected portion of the frequency band to a detection device for measuring the intensity of the selected portion. |
| US08094305B2 |
Efficient optical arrangement for illumination and detection of label-free biosensors and method to reduce interference fringes in label-free imaging
An optical arrangement for illuminating a surface of a biosensor is described. The biosensor is preferably a sensor having periodic surface grating structure. The arrangement includes a light source generating light, collimating optics for collimating the light from the light source, and first reflecting surface receiving light from the collimating optics and directing incident light onto a surface of the biosensor and a second spatially separated reflecting surface receiving light reflected from the surface of the biosensor. The arrangement further includes telecentric optics (e.g., telecentric lens) receiving light from the second surface of the prism. The telecentric lens directs light onto an entrance slit of a spectrometer. The arrangement increases the light collection efficiency at the spectrometer as compared to prior art arrangements. The use of an incoherent light source and an arrangement in which incident light impinges upon the biosensor surface at a non-normal angle of incidence parallel to the direction of the grating lines on the sensor eliminates undesirable interference fringes in peak wavelength value measurements of the sensor. |
| US08094304B2 |
Two-photon microscope with spectral resolution
A microscope for generating an image of a sample, the microscope includes a light source for generating a pulsed light; an optical scanner receiving the pulsed light and transmitting the pulsed light to the sample to be imaged causing the sample to emit energy; a dispersive element that receives the emitted energy from the sample, disperses the energy into its spectral elements and transmits the spectrally dispersed energy; and a camera that generates a spectrally resolved image of the sample based on the spectrally dispersed energy from the dispersive element. Also described is a method of generating spectrally resolved images of the sample. |
| US08094302B2 |
Spectrophotometer
Disclosed herein is a spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer includes a CPU having a signal prediction part and a comparison/calculation part. The signal prediction part predicts the strength of an output signal from a photodetection unit during the next period based on the strength of the output signal from the photodetection unit. The comparison/calculation part compares a reference value, which defines the limit value of electrical current passing through a photomultiplier tube, of the strength of an output signal from an AD converter with a predicted value predicted by the signal prediction part. In a case where the predicted value exceeds the reference value, a voltage applied to the photomultiplier tube is calculated so that the strength of an output signal from the photodetection unit during the next period does not exceed the reference value. An applied voltage control part is configured to perform applied voltage control based on an applied voltage value calculated by the comparison/calculation part when the predicted value of the strength of an output signal from the photodetection unit during the next period exceeds the reference value. |
| US08094294B2 |
Multipoint method for identifying hazardous agents
The invention relates to apparatus and methods for assessing occurrence of a hazardous agent in a sample by performing multipoint spectral analysis of the sample. Methods of employing Raman spectroscopy and other spectrophotometric methods are disclosed. Devices and systems suitable for performing such multipoint methods are also disclosed. |
| US08094293B2 |
Glass thickness measurement using fluorescence
An apparatus and method for measurement of the stress in and thickness of flat glass or curved glass segments is disclosed that uses fluorescence to quickly and accurately ascertain both the thickness of the stress layers and the wall thickness in addition to the stress curve in flat glass or curved glass segments. The apparatus and method may be used to quickly and accurately measure both the stress in and the thickness of flat glass or curved glass segments at a plurality of various locations therein. The apparatus and method are adapted for large scale flat glass or curved glass segment manufacturing, and are capable of high speed measurement of the stress in and the thickness of the flat glass or curved glass segments. |
| US08094291B2 |
Device for a length measurement and adapter for accomodating a device for a length measurement
The invention relates to a device for a length measurement providing a housing, a sending device for producing an optical measuring beam, a receiving device for detecting parts of the measuring beam that have beam scattered back from the measuring object and a redirecting device for redirecting the measuring beam that has been send out by the sending device and/or the receiving area of the receiving device. The invention relates also to an adapter for accommodating a device for a length measurement with a housing, a sending device for producing an optical measuring beam and a receiving device for detecting parts of the measuring beam that is scattered back from the measuring object, whereby the adapter provides frame for accommodating the device and a redirecting device for redirecting the measuring beam that has been send out by sending device and/or the receiving area of the receiving device. |
| US08094286B2 |
Method and device for processing a sequence of source pictures
The invention relates to a method for combating the copying of source pictures by means of a camera while they are being displayed, for example using a camcorder in a movie theatre. To this end, it is known, in classical projection systems, to modulate by a carrier wave the brightness of some pixels of the pictures. The frequency of the carrier wave is usually constant and generally half the refresh frequency. The main problem with such systems is that once a pirate has figured out what the modulation frequency is, he can configure his camcorder shutter to filter out this frequency and bypass the anti-camcorder method. According to the invention, the frequency of the carrier is changed at least once throughout the displaying of the sequence pictures or the movie, to defeat all camcorders standards (PAL/NTSC) and shutter configurations. |
| US08094285B2 |
Method for manufacturing a reflection plate
It is to suppress the interference of the reflected light easily and securely even in a highly fine liquid crystal display device. The reflection plate comprises recessed or protruded parts and a reflection film formed over the recessed or protruded parts. A unit shape of the recessed or protruded parts is a polygon, an arbitrary point other than a centroid of the polygon that constitutes the recessed or protrude part is placed at a position that meets with an orderly-mannered lattice point as an origin, and each of the unit-shape polygons is arranged at a position that is rotated randomly with respect to the origin. |
| US08094284B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel including patterned pixel electrodes having micro slits, electronic apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided. A photo-alignment layer and a patterned pixel electrode are formed on a first and a second substrates respectively. A liquid crystal layer is formed between the photo-alignment layer and the patterned pixel electrode. The patterned pixel electrode includes intersected electrodes having a first directional portion and a second directional portion intersected therewith, and stripe electrodes having slits therebetween connect at least one of the first directional portion and the second directional portion. When an electric field between the first and the second substrates is substantially zero, the liquid crystal molecules near the photo-alignment layer have a pre-tilt angle while those on another side are substantially perpendicular to the second substrate. As the liquid crystal layer is driven, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are substantially arranged along an extending direction of the slits. |
| US08094280B2 |
Array substrate, liquid crystal display device having the same, and manufacturing method thereof
An array substrate includes a gate line disposed along a first direction on a substrate; a gate electrode extending from the gate line; a gate insulating layer over the substrate, including the gate line; a first plane layer on first portions of the gate insulating layer; a semiconductor layer on second portions of the gate insulating layer and on the first plane layer; a second plane layer over the first plane layer; a data line; a source electrode and a drain electrode on the semiconductor layer and on the second plane layer, the source electrode extending from the data line; a passivation layer on the second plane layer, the source electrode, the drain electrode and the semiconductor layer; and a pixel electrode on the passivation layer, the pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain electrode via a first contact hole. |
| US08094276B2 |
Production method of liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal display device
To provide a production method of a liquid crystal display device and a liquid crystal display device, in which generation of a joint line on a display screen is suppressed and yield can be improved even if a substrate is subjected to an alignment treatment by completing exposure for the substrate through several exposures in a liquid crystal display device including pixels each having two or more domains. The present invention is a production method of a production method of a liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display device including: a pair of opposed substrates; a liquid crystal layer formed between the pair of opposed substrates; and an alignment film arranged on a liquid crystal layer side surface of at least one of the pair of opposed substrates, and the liquid crystal display device having two or more regions which differ in alignment azimuth in a pixel, wherein the production method comprises an exposure step of exposing the alignment film in such a way that a substrate plane is divided into two or more exposure regions through a photomask in each exposure region, and in the exposure step, exposure is performed in such a way that adjacent two exposure regions have an overlapping exposure region where the adjacent two exposure regions partly overlap with each other, and the photomask has a halftone part corresponding to the overlapping exposure region. |
| US08094274B2 |
Low-cost large-screen wide-angle fast-response liquid crystal display apparatus
A super large wide-angle high-speed response liquid crystal display apparatus manufactured by using a photolithographic procedure for three times. The invention adopts a halftone exposure technology to form a gate electrode, a common electrode, a pixel electrode and a contact pad, and then uses the halftone exposure technology to form a silicon (Si) island and a contact hole, and a general exposure technology to form a source electrode, a drain electrode and an orientation control electrode. A passivation layer uses a masking deposition method. A film is formed by using a P-CVD method, or a protective area is formed at a local area by using an ink coating method or spray method, and a TFT array substrate used for the super large wide-angle high-speed response liquid crystal display apparatus manufactured by using a photolithographic procedure for three times can be produced. |
| US08094273B2 |
Color filter with different alignment structures and display panel using the same
A display panel and a color filter substrate thereof are provided. The display panel includes a first substrate, an alignment structure set, a second substrate, a pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer. The alignment structure set includes a first and a second alignment units disposed on the upper electrode. The first alignment unit is different from the second alignment unit. The pixel electrode is formed on the second substrate and includes a first electrode and a second lower electrode opposite to the first and second alignment units, respectively. A color filter may be disposed between the first substrate and the alignment structure layer to form a color filter substrate. |
| US08094272B2 |
Liquid crystal displays
A liquid crystal display comprises two parallel spaced substrates and a liquid crystal layer with negative dielectric anisotropy interposed between the substrates. The ratio d/p, the cell gap d between the substrates to the pitch p of the liquid crystal layer, is equal to or less than 0.3, and the retardation value Δn*d may be in the range of 0.25-0.4. In absence of electric field, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged vertically to the substrates, and when the sufficient electric field is applied, the liquid crystal molecules are parallel to the substrates and twisted by 90° from one substrate to the other. |
| US08094266B2 |
LCD apparatus with improved color filter configuration
An LCD apparatus includes an LCD panel having a color filter for a plurality of color components and having a plurality of pixels each associated with one of the color components of the color filter, and a side lighting-type backlight unit disposed under the LCD panel. The backlight unit includes a light guide and a light source disposed at least at one lateral end of the light guide, and further includes a reflecting layer on a side opposite to a side facing the LCD panel to reflect light coming towards the reflecting layer from the light guide. The color filter is configured to compensate a change in color spectrum in the ambient light that has passed through the LCD panel and the light guide and that has been reflected by the reflecting layer back to the light guide and the LCD panel so that the color temperature of white display of the LCD panel by the ambient light remains substantially the same as the color temperature of the original ambient light. |
| US08094260B2 |
Back light module and liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) including an LCD panel and a back light module is provided. The back light module is disposed below the LCD panel. The back light module includes a planar light source, a reflective polarized light enhancement film, a first prism film and a λ/4 phase retardation film. The planar light source is disposed below the LCD panel, while the reflective polarized light enhancement film is disposed between the LCD panel and the planar light source. The first prism film is disposed between the reflective polarized light enhancement film and the planar light source. Besides, the λ/4 phase retardation film is disposed between the reflective polarized light enhancement film and the first prism film. The back light module has a relatively high light utilization rate, and the LCD has favorable display luminance. |
| US08094259B2 |
Liquid crystal display without color filter
Provided is a liquid crystal display (LCD) without a color filter, the LCD including: a liquid crystal panel comprising front and rear glass substrates and a plurality of red, green, and blue liquid crystal subpixels disposed between the front and rear glass substrates corresponding to red, green, and blue lights, respectively; a backlight unit disposed in rear of the liquid crystal panel and comprising a plurality of three-color light supply units supplying the red, green, and blue lights, respectively, and separated from one another so that the plurality of three-color light supply units are compartmentalized; and a lenticular lens array disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the backlight unit, inducing the red, green, and blue lights irradiated by the three-color light supply units into the red, green, and blue liquid crystal subpixels included in the liquid crystal panel and comprising a plurality of lenticular lens groups comprising a plurality of lenticular lenses, wherein the plurality of lenticular lens groups are separated from one another so that the plurality of lenticular lens groups are compartmentalized to correspond to the three-color light supply units, respectively. A lenticular lens array sheet is attached to the liquid crystal panel to remove the color filter in the liquid crystal panel that is the most part of light losses so that light loss can be reduced, power consumption can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be reduced. |
| US08094256B2 |
Active matrix substrate, a liquid crystal panel, a display device, a television receiver, and methods of correcting and producing the substrate and panel
An active matrix substrate in which wherever a short between adjacent pixel electrodes of a liquid crystal panel is located in peripheral portions of the pixel electrodes, the short can be efficiently corrected without forming both short-circuited pixels into black dots, and a liquid crystal panel having the active matrix substrate, as well as methods of correcting the AM substrate and the liquid crystal panel. Each of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix in an active matrix substrate is divided into a plurality of minute regions, and the minute regions are integrally connected by electrically connecting portions. A plurality of lines arranged to transmit signals to each of the pixel electrodes are placed so as not to coincide with the electrically connecting portions of each of the pixel electrodes. |
| US08094254B2 |
Active matrix display device comprising a light shielding layer surrounding a transparent conductive film and a portion of said light shielding layer extends over and said transparent conductive film
In an active matrix type liquid crystal display device, a plurality of pixels connected to thin film transistors (TFTs) are arranged in an active matrix form in a pixel portion, and driven by a driver circuit portion. The pixel portion and the driver circuit portion are formed on one of a pair of insulating substrates. A liquid crystal material is interposed between the insulating substrates. An black matrix material made of an organic resin is formed over the one insulating substrate in which the driver circuit portion has been formed. An flat film is formed on the black matrix material. |
| US08094253B2 |
Display device, driving method of display device, and driving method of display element
Disclosed herein is a driving method of a display device. The display device includes display elements arranged in a form of a two-dimensional matrix and each have a driving circuit and a light emitting section. The driving circuit includes a driving transistor having a gate electrode and source/drain regions and a capacitance section, and a current flowing through the light emitting section via the source/drain regions of the driving transistor. The driving method includes the step of performing a first writing process, a second writing process, and then setting the gate electrode of the driving transistor in a floating state. A current corresponding to a value of a voltage retained in the capacitance section for retaining a voltage of the gate electrode of the driving transistor with respect to a source region of the driving transistor flows through the light emitting section, so that the light emitting section emits light. |
| US08094251B2 |
Method for manufacturing lower substrate of liquid crystal display device
A method for manufacturing a lower substrate of a liquid crystal display device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) forming a patterned first metal layer, a first insulating layer, a patterned second metal layer and a second insulating layer on a substrate in sequence; (b) coating a transparent electrode layer and a negative photo resist layer on the second insulating layer; (c) irradiating the photo resist layer from the second surface of the substrate; (d) irradiating the photo resist layer from the first surface of the substrate, wherein part of the photo resist layer superposed over the second metal layer is covered by a mask; and (e) removing un-reacted photo resist and patterning the transparent electrode. |
| US08094248B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device, having: a liquid crystal display medium that has a liquid crystal layer disposed between a pair of electrodes disposed facing with each other and that displays an image by reflecting or transmitting outside light according to the orientation of the liquid crystal layer; and an electrostatic actuator disposed at a side opposite to a display surface of the liquid crystal display medium, in which the liquid crystal display device displays an image by changing the orientation of the liquid crystal layer by application of a voltage to a specific area of the liquid crystal display medium through the pair of electrodes according to image data after the orientation of the liquid crystal layer is changed to the planar state by applying a stress to the liquid crystal display medium by the electrostatic actuator. |
| US08094247B2 |
Nanowire-based transparent conductors and applications thereof
A transparent conductor including a conductive layer coated on a substrate is described. More specifically, the conductive layer comprises a network of nanowires that may be embedded in a matrix. The conductive layer is optically clear, patternable and is suitable as a transparent electrode in visual display devices such as touch screens, liquid crystal displays, plasma display panels and the like. |
| US08094246B2 |
Polarization conversion device, polarized illumination optical device, and liquid crystal projector
A polarizing split layer and a reflection layer are alternately provided on bonding surfaces between prism rods which constitute a polarized beam splitter array. Polarization conversion devices are bonded to emission surfaces of the prism rods from which linearly polarized light being reflected by the polarizing split layers and being reflected by the reflection layer are emitted. In the polarization conversion device, each edge line of a rectangular prism element is inclined by 45° with respect to a polarization direction of linearly polarized light being incident. On each inclined surface of the rectangular prism element, a retardation film whose optical axis matches the normal line of the inclined surface is formed. The retardation film serves as a uniaxial negative C plate which gives a phase difference of a ½ wavelength to incident light. |
| US08094245B2 |
Display screen support mechanism and television set
In a display screen support mechanism, a first hole portion receiving a platelike support shaft is provided in the form of a symmetrical sector formed by connecting two sectoral forward ends which are symmetric with respect to a hole center, and a display screen support member is rotatable about the platelike support shaft serving as a rotating shaft within an angular range of the symmetrical sectoral hole portion in a state where an end of the platelike support shaft in a longitudinal direction comes into contact with an arcuate inner peripheral surface of the symmetrical sectoral hole portion. |
| US08094244B2 |
Display screen turning apparatus
A display screen turning apparatus capable of improving assembling workability and suppressing jolting at a time of rotation is obtained. This display screen turning apparatus includes a rotating member mounted with a display screen portion and rotatable in a horizontal plane, a base provided with an upright portion rotatably holding the rotating member and having a first hole, a regulating member so mounted on the upright portion of the base as to prevent the rotating member from moving upward, and a stop member formed in a tapered shape by end surface portions, and holding a state where the regulating member is in contact with the rotating member by inserting the stop member into the first hole of the upright portion of the base and pressing the regulating member. |
| US08094240B2 |
Television receiver, image processing device, and high-quality image display system
A television receiver transmits channel information obtained based on a remote control signal from a television remote controller to an image processing device through an HDMI interface section. The image processing device receives the channel information through the HDMI interface section, subjects an image signal obtained from a television broadcasting radio wave corresponding to the channel information to high-quality image processing performed in a high-quality image processing section, and transmits the processed image signal to the television receiver through the HDMI interface section. The television receiver receives high-quality image data through the HDMI interface section, and displays a high-quality image expressed by the high-quality image data on an image display section. |
| US08094239B1 |
3:2 pulldown detection
Field-based detection of 3:2 pulldown in a sequence of digital video fields using a programmable graphics processor is described. The detection is performed using a threshold value to determine equivalence between a pair of fields of digital video data. Furthermore, additional threshold values may be used to control switching into a mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed and out of the mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed. Look ahead can be used to detect when to switch into or out of the mode where duplicated fields of digital video data are identified and not displayed, reducing the occurrence of visual artifacts. |
| US08094234B2 |
System and method for multistage frame rate conversion
System and method for multistage frame rate conversion. A method comprises receiving an incoming frame at a first frame rate, and determining whether a fault condition exists. The method also includes if the fault condition does not exist, toggling a write buffer pointer from a first frame buffer to a second frame buffer, and storing the incoming frame in the second frame buffer. The method additionally includes if the fault condition exists, determining whether a previously received frame was repeated, discarding the incoming frame if the previously received incoming frame was not repeated, and storing the incoming frame in one of the frame buffers pointed to by the write buffer pointer if the previously received incoming frame was repeated. |
| US08094227B2 |
Solid state image sensor
A solid state image sensor capable of preventing image degradation, such as shading and ringing, from occurring in an image portion along the left edge of a screen. The solid state image sensor includes, in addition to a horizontal drive circuit that generates a horizontal drive pulse for driving a horizontal register, a pseudo-horizontal drive circuit that generates a pseudo-horizontal drive pulse successive to the horizontal drive pulse during a horizontal blanking interval. The horizontal drive circuit and pseudo-horizontal drive circuit are connected to a horizontal driver power supply unit, which generates, during the horizontal blanking interval, a current that is equal to a current generated by the horizontal driver power supply unit during an effective interval. This arrangement can prevent any power supply ripples from occurring immediately after the beginning of the effective interval. |
| US08094226B2 |
Solid-state image capturing apparatus and electronic information equipment
A solid-state image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged; a driving circuit for driving each pixel of the pixel array; and a power supply circuit for stepping down an external source voltage supplied from an external power source to generate a pixel source voltage to be supplied to each pixel of the pixel array, where the power supply circuit includes a driver transistor for generating a pixel source voltage from the external source voltage and the driver transistor is operative in a saturated state. |
| US08094220B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and driving method of solid-state imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes an A/D conversion circuit in each column. A connecting unit is provided for connecting a register circuit in a certain column to a register circuit in another column, and an operation is performed for holding, in register circuits through the connecting unit, digital signals obtained by performing A/D conversions of analog electric signals at different timings in one horizontal synchronizing period. |
| US08094210B2 |
Image synthesis apparatus, image pickup apparatus, image synthesis method, and program
An image synthesis apparatus is provided. The image synthesis apparatus includes a synthesis control block configured to determine a synthesized gain from a plurality of image signals having different exposure times, and a synthesis processing block configured to synthesize a plurality of image signals by use of a synthesized gain determined by the synthesis control block. In determining the synthesized gain, the synthesis control block references a predetermined predicted image signal ratio to exclude a domain of a pixel position having an image signal improper for the determination of a synthesized gain from a subject of the synthesized gain determination. |
| US08094209B2 |
Imaging signal processing apparatus
An image signal processing apparatus includes a sensing section which includes R, G, and B pixels and produces R, G, and B color signals, a first adding section which adds, while weighting pixels, a color signal of a center pixel of a pixel arrangement and color signals of the peripheral pixels to produce a first addition signal, a contour signal generating section which generates a contour signal from the color signals before the addition, a second adding section which adds the contour signal to the first addition signal to produce a second addition signal, a ratio coefficient calculation section which calculates a ratio coefficient of an average value of the R, G, and B color signals to a sum-up value of the average values, and an RGB signal generating section which generates new R, G, and B signals using the ratio coefficients and the first or second addition signal. |
| US08094208B2 |
Color filters and demosaicing techniques for digital imaging
Color filter arrays or mosaics are provided for imaging a scene with diffraction limited optics. A distribution of color types in a color filter array is biased toward smaller wavelengths to avoid or reduce loss of spatial resolution information at higher wavelengths due to a larger extent of diffraction at the higher wavelengths. Demosaicing methods for reconstructing a partial or full color image from raw image data involve applying correction factors to account for diffraction. The correction factors are based on pixel size and/or a measure of the extent of diffraction (e.g., an Airy disk diameter) for each wavelength in the color filter array. |
| US08094203B2 |
Imaging apparatus having moving image shooting function
In a digital camera (1), when a plurality of EV shift values are selected and operation of a set key is performed by a user, a CPU calculates shutter speeds that respectively correspond to the selected EV shift values (S6). Next, the CPU repeatedly picks up images in sequence at the individual calculated shutter speeds, sorts the picked-up frame image data by shutter speed, and generates moving image data for individual shutter speeds. Then, the CPU multiple-displays the generated moving image data for each shutter speed as through images (S9), and records the generated moving image data for each shutter speed (S17). |
| US08094202B2 |
Moving image capture apparatus and moving image capture method
A moving image capture apparatus generates a data file to record, on a recording medium, an image signal output from an imaging unit, extracts character information from the image signal to be recorded on the recording medium, sets a parameter value used for selection as a file name according to a characteristic of appearance of the character information, calculates an evaluation value from the set parameter value, and sets character information based on the calculated evaluation value as a file name of the image signal. Furthermore, the moving image capture apparatus generates a thumbnail of the file based on an image signal from which character information for which the calculated evaluation value is relatively large has been extracted. |
| US08094192B2 |
Driving support method and driving support apparatus
A driving support method and a driving support apparatus clearly project an image of a specific target object onto a pillar within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a camera installed on the vehicle that captures a dead-angle area created by the pillar and a projector projecting the image captured by the camera onto the interior surface of the pillar. The driving support unit also includes an image processor that sets a reference point Pc on an indicator on a road surface, sets a virtual plane VP passing through the reference point Pc, performs coordinate conversion for image data input from the camera onto the virtual plane VP, and outputs to a projector the image data for which the coordinate conversion has been performed. |
| US08094190B2 |
Driving support method and apparatus
A driving support unit captures an image of a driver's blind spot due to presence of a pillar of a vehicle includes at least first and second cameras which are mounted on the vehicle, a display device for displaying the image on the interior surface of the pillar and a control section for detecting position of the head of the driver, calculating a blind spot angle due to the presence of the pillar in accordance with the position of the head of the driver, and for selecting, based on the calculated angle, one of the cameras to capture the image. The first camera captures an image the major portion of which is an area to the side of the vehicle, and the second camera captures an image the major portion of which is an area to the front of the vehicle. |
| US08094183B2 |
Panoramic imaging device
A panoramic imaging device comprises: a photodetector array; a lens array having, on one plane, a center lens for receiving light in a front range of 36° to form a central unit image on the photodetector array, and left and right side lenses for receiving lights in left and right ranges each of 72° in capture angle of 180°; and four prisms in two pairs placed facing the side lenses. The two pairs of left and right prisms (more inclined and less inclined pairs) collect lights in divided two pairs of left and right ranges each of 36° in the 72° range (pairs closer to, and farther from, the front range), respectively, to form four side unit images on the photodetector array which are combined with the central unit image to reproduce a panoramic image without using wide-angle lenses or complex image correction process. |
| US08094180B2 |
Conveying apparatus and recording apparatus
A conveying apparatus includes a lever swinging in contact with a recording medium conveyed along a conveying path in a conveying direction, a sensor detecting the swinging of the lever, a moving unit for moving the lever from a position where the lever is allowed to contact the recording medium in the conveying path to a position where the lever is retracted from the conveying path, a guide unit being movable between a first position and a second position, the guide unit guiding the recording medium conveyed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction to the conveying path when the guide unit is located in the second position and a transmitting unit for transmitting the movement of the guide unit to the moving unit through motion of at least one member to link the movement of the guide unit from the first position to the second position with the movement of the lever to the position where the lever is retracted from the conveying path, the movement of the lever being performed by the moving unit. |
| US08094178B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming image
In an image forming apparatus, a separating unit separates each laser beam into a first laser beam used for measuring light intensity and a second laser beam used for scanning a photosensitive element, a photoelectric converting unit measures a light intensity of each of the first laser beams and outputs a voltage indicative of the light intensity. A control unit controls a light intensity of each of the laser beams based on a common drive current and a corresponding one of a current correction value, which is set by each of the laser beams to correct a light intensity of a corresponding one of the laser beams based on a corresponding one of the voltages output by the photoelectric converting unit. |
| US08094177B2 |
Modifying rotation speed within an image-forming device
In an image-forming device includes an image-forming unit, a first conveying unit, a first changing unit, and a second changing unit. The image-forming unit includes a rotatable mirror, a light-emitting unit, a photosensitive drum, a developing unit, a transferring unit. An electrostatic latent image composed of a plurality of line electrostatic latent images extending in a main scanning direction over a first length is formed on the photosensitive drum. The first conveying unit conveys a recording medium to the transferring position in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The first changing unit changes a rotating speed of the rotatable mirror to change the first length. The second changing unit proportionally changes a conveying speed of the first conveying unit in accordance with the change of the rotating speed of the rotatable mirror. |
| US08094176B2 |
Drawing apparatus and method, and computer program
A plotting device (1) includes: plotting means (13) for plotting a desired pattern onto a label plane by applying a laser beam (LB) to the label plane (120) of a recording medium (100); drive means (15) for driving the plotting means along the label plane; voltage application means (17) for applying a first voltage and a second voltage for driving the drive means to the drive means; and control means (31) for controlling the voltage application means so that the first voltage and the second voltage have the same polarity and amplitude when the plotting means is positioned at the initial position corresponding to the position where plotting of the desired pattern onto the label plane is to be started. |
| US08094171B2 |
Rotation driving method of liquid crystal display device
A rotation driving method of a LCD device includes a first step of rotating the LCD device 180° such that source driving units are disposed at a lower portion of the liquid crystal panel, a second step of outputting scan signals from gate driving units in reverse order, a third step of reestablishing image data provided to the source driving units, a fourth step of reversing arrangement of the image data outputted to sub-pixels, a fifth step of shifting and outputting the image data corresponding to selected odd horizontal lines and even horizontal lines by one sub-pixel, a sixth step of exchanging the image data for the first and third sub-pixels with each other, and a seventh step of outputting the image data rearranged by the third to sixth steps to the liquid crystal panel such that the image data synchronize with the scan signals according to the second step. |
| US08094167B2 |
Display color correcting system
A display color correcting method is provided. A first plurality of input color values are provided to a display, wherein the input color values correspond to a plurality of vertices of a plurality of cubes within a cubic color space of the display. Each cube has two vertices arranged along a gray diagonal of the cubic color space. A response value is measured for each of the color values and a first plurality of calibration values is determined, the calibration values corresponding to the first plurality of input color values. A second plurality of calibration values corresponding to a second plurality of input color values is determined by interpolating the first plurality of calibration values. |
| US08094160B2 |
Moving-picture processing apparatus and pre-fetch control method
A moving-picture processing apparatus has a pre-fetch memory pre-fetching a portion of a decoded picture stored in an external memory, and a miss/hit determination unit determining a manner in which a miss occurs in response to a read request to the pre-fetch memory. |
| US08094156B2 |
Rigless retargeting for character animation
Motion may be transferred between portions of two characters if those portions have a minimum topological similarity. The portions or structures of the source and target character topologies may be represented as one or more descriptive files comprised of a hierarchy of data objects including portion identifiers and functionality descriptors associated with portions of the respective source or target topology. To transfer motion between the source and target characters, the motion associated with the portions or structures of the source character identified by a subset of source portion identifiers having corresponding target portion identifiers is determined. This motion is retargeted to and attached to the corresponding portions or structures of the target character identifiers. As a result, the animation of the portions of the target character effectively animates the target character with motion that is similar to that of the source character. |
| US08094153B2 |
Game apparatus, storage medium storing a game program, and game controlling method
A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and on the first LCD, a two-dimensional game screen including objects positioned in a two-dimensional coordinate is displayed. When a two-dimensional coordinate of a specific object out of the objects positioned in the two-dimensional coordinate satisfies a predetermined condition, a three-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects is calculated on the basis of the two-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects. The object is modeled in the calculated three-dimensional coordinate, moved by a predetermined animation, and then shot by a virtual camera. Accordingly, a game screen of an image (animation) of the three-dimensional virtual space shot by the virtual camera is displayed on the second LCD. |
| US08094150B2 |
Automatic 3D modeling system and method
An automatic 3D modeling system and method are described in which a 3D model may be generated from a picture or other image. For example, a 3D model for a face of a person may be automatically generated. The system and method also permits gestures/behaviors associated with a 3D model to automatically generated so that the gestures/behaviors may be applied to any 3D models. |
| US08094147B2 |
Display device and method for transmitting clock signal during blank period
A display device includes a data line, a timing controller configured to apply a transmission signal corresponding to data bits to a data line during an active period in which the data bits are transmitted and apply a transmission clock signal to the data line during a blank period in which the data bits are not transmitted, and a data driver configured to sample the transmission signal (hereinafter, a reception signal) applied through the data line to recover the data bits and drive a display panel according to the recovered data bits. The display device can transmit a clock signal through the data line during the blank period. |
| US08094146B2 |
Driving method for pixel circuit and display apparatus
Disclosed here is a driving method for a pixel circuit which includes a light emitting element, a driving transistor for applying current in response to a signal value applied between a gate and a source thereof to the light emitting element when a driving voltage is applied between a drain and the source thereof, and a holding capacitor connected between the gate and the source of the driving transistor for holding the input signal value, the driving method comprising steps carried out within a light emitting period of one cycle which includes a no-light emitting period and the light emitting period, the steps including a first step to a sixth step. |
| US08094137B2 |
System and method of detecting contact on a display
A system for detecting contact on a display is provided. The system comprises a planar medium associated with the display and includes at least one edge facet and opposing surfaces. The system also includes one or more optical sources operatively coupled to the at least one edge facet for transmitting an optical signal into the planar medium such that the transmitted optical signal is totally internally reflected between the at least one edge facet and opposing surfaces. An optical sensing device is positioned to substantially face at least a portion of the edge facet and adapted to detect at least one object contacting a first surface of the opposing surfaces. The optical sensing device is operative to detect a portion of the optical signal emitted from the first surface at a location corresponding to the object contacting the first surface. |
| US08094136B2 |
Optical touchpad with three-dimensional position determination
An optical touchpad that may be able to provide accurate, reliable information about the position of an object in three-dimensions. The optical touchpad may enable a determination as to whether the object is engaged with the touchpad or hovering just above the touchpad. When the object is in contact with the optical touchpad, the optical touchpad may enable a determination of the force applied by the object to the optical touchpad. The optical touchpad may enable a determination of an object type of the object. These and other determinations of information related to the object may enhance the control provided by the touchpad system to the user as an electronic interface. The operation of the optical touchpad may further enable an enhanced frame rate, reduced optical noise in the optical signal(s) guided to the one or more sensors, augment the ruggedness of the optical touchpad, an enhanced form factor (e.g., thinner), and/or provide other advantages. |
| US08094131B2 |
Touch control virtual screen apparatus
A touch control virtual screen apparatus is provided. The touch control virtual screen apparatus includes a screen, an optical structure, and a detection module. The screen is adapted for emitting light. The optical structure includes at least one optical lens, and is adapted for configuring an image of a virtual screen in a space corresponding to a screen image, in accordance with the optical imaging principle. The detection module is adapted for detecting whether a user touches the image of the virtual screen, and detecting a signal corresponding to a position of the virtual screen being touched, and converting the signal into the position and a related instruction corresponding to the position. In such a way, the user is allowed to operate digital content displayed on a virtual screen in a touch control manner, without directly touching the screen. |
| US08094130B2 |
Portable electronic device and method of controlling same
A portable electronic device that has a housing, a moveable touchscreen display constrained by the housing, the touchscreen display including a touch-sensitive input surface overlying a display device, a single mechanical switch disposed between a back surface of the touchscreen display and a base of the housing, and operational components including a processor within the housing and connected to the touchscreen display and the single mechanical switch. The touchscreen display moves relative to the base in response to application of sufficient force to the touchscreen display resulting in actuation of the single mechanical switch. A method of controlling the portable electronic device includes providing a graphical user interface for user interaction, receiving input from the touchscreen display and the single mechanical switch, and providing output to the display device responsive to receipt of a combination of the input from the touchscreen display and the single mechanical switch. |
| US08094129B2 |
Touch sensing using shadow and reflective modes
A touch panel is described which uses at least one infrared source and an array of infrared sensors to detect objects which are in contact with, or close to, the touchable surface of the panel. The panel may be operated in both reflective and shadow modes, in arbirary per-pixel combinations which change over time. For example, if the level of ambient infrared is detected and if that level exceeds a threshold, shadow mode is used for detection of touch events over some or all of the display. If the threshold is not exceeded, reflective mode is used to detect touch events. The touch panel includes an infrared source and an array of infrared sensors. |
| US08094127B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display, e.g., for displaying information relevant to the operation of a motor vehicle, on the display, an actuator layer being arranged, the operating surface geometry of which is deformable as a function of a control signal. |
| US08094125B2 |
Encoding module for input device
An encoding module applied to a computer input device is described, which includes an encoder and a scroll wheel. The encoder is electrically disposed on a circuit board of the computer input device and is protruded with a revolving shaft. The scroll wheel has a wheel axle passing there through and is rotatably disposed within a shell of the computer input device. One end of the wheel axle has two opposite clamping arms, so as to clamp the revolving shaft. Once the scroll wheel is rotated, the revolving shaft is driven to rotate together. |
| US08094118B2 |
Dynamic backlight scaling for power minimization in a backlit TFT-LCD
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for determining a pixel transformation function that maximizes backlight dimming while maintaining a pre-specified distortion level. The method includes determining a minimum dynamic range of pixel values in a transformed image based on an original image and the pre-specified distortion level and determining the pixel transformation function. The pixel transformation function takes a histogram of the original image to a uniform distribution histogram having the minimum dynamic range. |
| US08094117B2 |
Shift register array, and display apparatus
A display apparatus comprises a shift register array. The shift register array comprises a plurality of shift registers. At least one shift register comprises a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a driving circuit. The gate and the first electrode of the first transistor receive an input signal. The gate of the second transistor is coupled to the second electrode of the first transistor. The second electrode of the second transistor generates an output signal. The first electrode of the second transistor receives a clock signal. The third transistor is used to pull down a voltage level at the gate of the second transistor. The driving circuit determines an on/off status of the third transistor in response to the input signal and the output signal. |
| US08094116B2 |
Serial-parallel conversion circuit, display employing it, and its drive circuit
The present invention relates to a serial-parallel conversion circuit of a display device.First latch circuits for sampling and latching a serial signal in accordance with sampling pulses outputted from a shift register (31) are provided in association with stages of the shift register (31). In addition, second latch circuits for latching signals outputted from the first latch circuits are provided in association with portions of the stages of the shift register (31). In this case, of all the stages of the shift register (31), the number of stages associated with the second latch circuits is less than the total number of stages of the shift register by two or more. |
| US08094112B2 |
Liquid crystal display driving method/driving circuit capable of being driven with equal voltages
A display apparatus comprising a plurality of pixel portions arranged in a matrix, a signal driver circuit which generates apply voltages corresponding to display data, and applies the apply voltages to the pixel portions, a scan driver circuit which applies a selecting voltage to selected ones of the pixel portions, and a level shifter circuit which converts a voltage level of the display data into a drive voltage level of the signal driver circuit, thereby producing level-shifted display data. The signal driver circuit generates the apply voltages based on the level-shifted display data. |
| US08094108B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal display driving circuit
A gradation voltage adjustment section for increasing a positive gradation voltage VHX of an X-th gradation and a negative gradation voltage of the X-th gradation so that the increment corresponds to a charge pull-in amount ΔV is provided in a gradation voltage generation circuit of each source driver. In at least one embodiment, a center value between the positive and negative gradation voltages is adjusted for each driver in accordance with a slant of the charge pull-in amount ΔV in a direction of a gate signal line, thereby suppressing a flicker without varying a gradation characteristic. Further, a center value between the positive and negative gradation voltages is adjusted for each horizontal line or for every plural lines in a single frame in accordance with a horizontal direction deviation and a vertical direction deviation of the charge pull-in amount ΔV in a transfer block, thereby suppressing a flicker without varying a gradation characteristic. |
| US08094107B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus containing driver IC with grayscale voltage generating circuit
A liquid crystal display (LCD) driver integrated circuit (IC) includes a grayscale voltage generating circuit generating grayscale voltages from a set of supply reference voltages. A converting section having connection terminals drives each of data lines of an LCD display panel through one of the connection terminals based on one of the grayscale voltages. The grayscale voltage generating circuit includes a resistance circuit having resistances connected in series and voltage buffers connected to the resistance circuit to bias the resistance circuit. When two of the LCD driver ICs are used, non-inversion input terminals of pairs of the voltage buffers in a first of the two LCD driver ICs and a corresponding voltage buffer in the second LCD driver IC are commonly connected to the reference voltage generating circuit, and connection terminals in the first LCD driver IC are connected to connection terminals in the second LCD driver IC. |
| US08094106B2 |
Flat panel display
A flat panel display includes a display panel and a control circuit. The display panel has a display area and a peripheral area. Besides, the display panel includes a pixel array, signal lines, first rescue lines, second rescue lines, and an adjustable load. The pixel array is located in the display area, and the signal lines extend from the display area to the peripheral area and electrically connect the pixel array. The first rescue lines, the second rescue lines, and the adjustable load are disposed in the peripheral area. Each of the second rescue lines crosses an end of one of the signal lines, and the adjustable load is electrically connected with the first rescue lines. The control circuit includes a driving unit and a rescue unit. The driving unit is electrically connected with the signal lines, and the rescue unit is electrically connected with the first rescue lines. |
| US08094102B2 |
Single full-color LED with driving mechanism
A package structure of full-color LED (Light Emitting Diode) with driving mechanism includes an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, a red LED dice, a green LED dice, a blue LED dice, and corresponding current limiting resistors. The IC chip has a driving mechanism to control the red LED dice, the green LED dice, and the blue LED dice. By the specific arrangement of these internal elements, the package structure generates full-color light with high resolution, compact structure and high mixing uniformity, and also achieves low cost and decreases usage of space. |
| US08094098B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display device includes a display area including a plurality of pixels connected to scan lines, light emission control lines and data lines; a scan driver electrically connected to the display area through the scan lines and light emission control lines; a data driver electrically connected to the display area through the data lines; an optical sensor for generating an optical sensor signal corresponding to the brightness of the ambient light; a first luminance control unit for providing a first luminance control signal for controlling a gamma-corrected gray level voltage of a data signal in accordance with the optical sensor signal; and a second luminance control unit for providing a second luminance control signal for controlling a pulse width of the light emission control signal in accordance with the optical sensor signal and the data of one frame. |
| US08094094B2 |
Light emitting device having a discharging circuit and method of driving the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting device for preventing a cross-talk phenomenon and a pectinated pattern. The light emitting device includes data lines, scan lines, pixels and discharging circuit. The data lines are disposed in a first direction. The scan lines are disposed in a second direction different from the first direction. The pixels are formed in cross areas of the data lines and the scan lines. The discharging circuit discharges respectively a first data line and a second data line of the data lines to a first discharge voltage and a second discharge voltage during a first sub-discharging time of a discharging time, and couple the first data line to the second data line during a second sub-discharging time of the discharging time. Here, the second discharge voltage has different magnitude from the first discharge voltage. |
| US08094093B2 |
Plasma display apparatus
A AC type plasma display apparatus has been disclosed, which satisfies various requirements such as the number of gradations that can be displayed, the display luminance, and the upper limit of power and, further, the efficiency of light emission and the luminance can be increased as much as possible and the display quality of which is not deteriorated. In the plasma display apparatus, a frame is composed of plural subfields, an image is displayed by causing a sustain discharge to occur in each subfield, the sustain discharge can be caused to occur by at least a first sustain waveform and a second sustain waveform different from the first sustain waveform, and the ratio of the first sustain waveform to the second sustain waveform changes, both waveforms being used to cause the sustain discharge to occur in each subfield. |
| US08094088B2 |
Antenna apparatus
In an antenna apparatus, a radiation element includes a perturbation element. A first power feeding line has a first end connected to the radiation element and is configured to feed power to the radiation element. A second power feeding line has a first end configured to feed power to the radiation element through electromagnetic coupling. The radiation element, the first power feeding line and the second power feeding line are arranged on a same plane to constitute a balance type antenna. |
| US08094085B2 |
Cabinet of electrical apparatus and antenna apparatus
Disclosed is a cabinet of an electrical apparatus including: a base; a cover to cover over the base; a gasket placed on a top face of the base and nipped between a bottom edge section of the cover and the base; a fastening section to penetrate through the base from a bottom face to the top face of the base to connect to an inner face of the cover and to tighten so that the base is pulled to a cover side; a seal integrally formed with the gasket to surround on the top face of the base a through hole which the fastening section penetrates; and a hood provided on an inner face of the cover so as to surround a connecting portion of the fastening section and the cover, and the hood being pressed against the seal. |
| US08094082B2 |
Polarization diversity multi-antenna system
The invention relates to a polarization diversity multi-antenna system comprising a first slot type antenna (20) and at least one second patch type antenna (30), said first and second antennas sharing the same ground plane (10), the slot of the first antenna being laid out in said ground plane and the patch of the second antenna being at least partly plumb with said slot. |
| US08094076B2 |
Multiband antenna
A multiband antenna includes a feed portion, a radiating portion, and a ground via. The feed portion includes a first feed section and a second feed section paralleled to each other. The radiating portion includes a first radiator, a second radiator and a third radiator. The first radiator is L shaped with a free end. The second radiator is L shaped with a free end. The free ends of the second radiator and the first radiator extend toward to each other and partially overlap to define a slot therebetween. The third radiator includes a trapezoid section and a connecting section. The short portion includes a first short section and a second short section. The first short section connects the first radiator to the ground via, and the second short section connects the second radiator and the third radiator to the ground via. |
| US08094074B2 |
Dynamic radiation pattern antenna system
The present invention relates to a dynamic radiation pattern antenna system comprising a plurality of antenna units, a control unit and an electronic interface. The plurality of antenna units has electronically controllable radiation patterns. The control unit is dynamically controlling the radiation pattern of the plurality of antenna units and the electronic interface connects the plurality of antenna units to the control unit. |
| US08094066B2 |
Method and system for calculating position
A method for calculating a position of a moving vehicle using a first unit that performs a correlation process on a satellite signal received from a satellite to capture the satellite signal and calculate the position and velocity of the moving vehicle and a second unit capable of detecting at least the velocity of the moving vehicle includes: calculating a determination velocity which is the velocity determined using the results of the calculation by the first unit and the results of the detection by the second unit; determining a correlation integration period used when the first unit performs the correlation process using the error in the determination velocity; and calculating the position of the moving vehicle using the results of the calculation by the first unit and the results of the detection by the second unit. |
| US08094065B2 |
Method for processing a set of signals of a global navigation satellite system with at least three carriers
A method for processing a set of navigation signals of a global navigation satellite system with at least three carrier signals is disclosed in which the processing of the navigation signals is based on a linear combination of the carrier signals to a combined signal. The weighting coefficients are selected such that the combined phase signal is free from geometry and free from frequency-independent disturbance variables. |
| US08094064B2 |
Ground-based system and method to monitor for excessive delay gradients
A processing function to monitor a horizontal delay gradient in satellite signals is provided. The processing function includes a satellite differencing module, a double differencing module, and a gradient estimator module. The satellite differencing module receives carrier phase measurements for at least two satellites from at least two reference receivers that have a known geometric relationship to each other. The satellites include a monitored satellite and at least one other satellite. The satellite differencing module determines differences in the carrier phase measurements between signals from the monitored satellite and at least one other satellite. The double differencing module forms double-differences between pairs of the at least two reference receivers; compensates the double-differences between the pairs for the known difference-in-position of the reference receivers; and averages the double differences. The gradient estimator module estimates a magnitude of the horizontal delay gradient based on the averaged compensated double-differences for the monitored satellite. |
| US08094063B1 |
Image filtering and masking method and system for improving resolution of closely spaced objects in a range-doppler image
A method and system for enhancing a radar image provides for application of digital imaging processing techniques to a range-Doppler image produced by a radar system. The application of digital processing techniques includes a 2-D band-pass filter including a smoothing filter followed by a differentiating filter applied to the image. A constraint on concavity is placed upon the resultant 2-D band-pass filtered image to create a mask. The application of this mask to the original image results in an enhanced range-Doppler image with increased resolution. |
| US08094062B2 |
Fore/aft looking airborne radar
An antenna system for an airborne radar system with a dorsal unit having two opposing long sides extending in a height direction (Z) and a longitudinal direction (X), and two opposing short sides extending in a lateral direction (Y) and the height direction (Z), and an upper side opposing a bottom side each extending in the longitudinal direction (X) and the lateral direction (Y). The antenna system comprises antenna devices being interspaced and mounted in connection to one of the short sides or both the short sides and extending in the height direction (Z). Each of the antenna devices comprises a waveguide board. |
| US08094053B2 |
Signal generating apparatus and test apparatus
Provided is a signal generating apparatus comprising a DA converter that outputs an output signal corresponding to input data supplied thereto; a sample/hold unit that is provided between the DA converter and an output end of the signal generating apparatus, and that samples an output voltage of the DA converter and holds the sampled output voltage; a comparing section that compares (i) a level of a signal output from an analog circuit that propagates the output signal to output a signal corresponding to the input data to (ii) a level of the signal output by the DA converter; and a control section that, during a holding period, (iii) provides the DA converter with comparison data instead of the input data to cause the DA converter to output a comparison voltage corresponding to the comparison data, (iv) causes the comparing section to compare a voltage of the signal output by the analog circuit to the comparison voltage, and (v) adjusts the output voltage of the DA converter based on a comparison result of the comparing section. |
| US08094050B2 |
Bandwidth mismatch estimation in time-interleaved analog-to-digital converters
With high speed, high resolution time-interleaved (TI) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), bandwidth mismatches between the various ADC branches can pose a significant problem. Previously, though, no adequate solution has been found. Here, a method and apparatus are provided that can calculate and compensate for bandwidth mismatches in a TI ADC, enabling a high speed, high resolution TI ADC to be produced. |
| US08094047B2 |
Data serializer apparatus and methods
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having an output line, clock nodes to receive clock signals, the clock signals being out of phase with each other, and selector circuits to receive data in parallel. In at least one embodiment, the selector circuits are responsive to the clock signals to transfer the data serially to the output line. Such apparatus and methods can also include a control unit to influence a portion of a signal that represents at least a portion of the data at the output line. Additional apparatus and methods are described. |
| US08094043B2 |
Road map with indicated road segments
One embodiment is to visually direct the focus of the user to specific road segments on a road map surface by the use of colors or symbols overlaid on certain roadways shown on a road map. In numerous embodiments, it will provide the user with a quick visual reference to the location of certain road segments which meet the map designers pre-requisite criteria which would vary for different types of maps, and which would visually indicate different levels of enjoyment that could be anticipated or expected along these certain road segments by the use of various colors or shades of colors, or the use of symbols of various sizes such as dots or stars. Our application would respond to the unfulfilled needs of certain segments of the travelling public such as motorcyclists and RVers, their desire often for enjoyment more than expediency. |
| US08094042B2 |
Aircraft steering angle warning system
A steering angle warning system comprising a rotation-measuring unit located on an aircraft, and an alarm unit. The rotation-measuring unit is arranged to output a first signal dependent on the steering angle between a nose landing gear of the aircraft and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft fuselage. The alarm unit is arranged to generate an alarm, in dependence on the first signal, when the steering angle is greater than a predetermined value, for example, 60 degrees. The rotation-measuring unit may also be arranged to perform a function in relation to an aircraft steering system, for example to indicate the steering angle to the pilot during ground manoeuvres. |
| US08094039B2 |
Application solution of infrared communication in automatic sensing sanitary wares
An application solution using infrared communication in automatic sensing for use in bathroom sanitary wares. A main circuit board emits an infrared pulse signal on one side to detect a user. After a user is detected, the main circuit board produces a group of pulse collated code opening valve signals to drive another infrared emitting diode to send this collated code. The infrared receiving diode on the slave board receives this collated code, transforms it into a pulse signal and then transmits it to the chip for procession. If the collated codes agree with each other, the solenoid valve can be controlled to open or close the valve. At the same time, the collated code is returned to the main circuit board, which consequently stops emitting the collated code signal for opening the valve. |
| US08094036B2 |
Monitoring device for a laser machining device
A monitoring device (10) for a laser machining device (12) that has one or more laser beams (13) that are displaced along a predetermined adjustable trajectory (14, 16) along a workpiece (18) includes one or more sensors (20, 22) which monitor(s) the processing signal (24) of the machining process in a three-dimensional section (26). The one or more sensors (20, 22) activate an alarm device or interrupter (28) for the one or more laser beams (13) of the laser machining device (12) if the one or more process signals (24) in the section (26) exceed a predetermined threshold value or fall short of it, the one or more sensors (20, 22) being independent of the laser machining device (12). |
| US08094035B2 |
Storage rack safety device
A safety device for a storage rack can include a length of webbing configured to span across a rear side of the storage rack. A sensor device can be coupled to one end of the webbing and a signaling device can be configured to communicate with the sensor device. The signaling device can include a selectively actuatable alert indicator. The sensor device can be operable to sense an increase in tension in the webbing when an item is placed in a position on the storage rack so as to engage the webbing. The sensor device can generate a signal indicative of the increase in tension and communicate the signal to the signaling device. The signaling device can be operable to actuate the at least one alert indicator responsive to the communicated signal so as to provide an indication of a position of the item relative to the storage rack. |
| US08094028B2 |
Radio frequency alignment object, carriage and associated method of storing a product associated therewith
A carrier apparatus is provided that includes a body and a fastener configured to affix the body to a product. The body includes a radio frequency (RF) transponder tag, or marker for directing inclusion of an RF transponder tag, at a designated location on the body. The apparatus of this aspect further includes a positioning feature configured to position the body, RF transponder tag and affixed product relative to an RF antenna separate from the RF transponder tag. This positioning feature may be configured to position the body, RF transponder tag and affixed product in a manner ensuring approximately at least a predetermined spatial relationship between the RF transponder tag and the antenna or one or more other RF transponder tags located proximate the RF transponder tag. A carriage apparatus and method of storing a product are also provided. |
| US08094027B2 |
Method for molding an object containing a radio frequency identification tag
A method for applying a radio frequency identification tag to an object, e.g., a container, by means of an insert molding process or in-mold decorating process. Such a method can be utilized to simplify the manufacturing processes for applying a radio frequency identification tag to an object, e.g., a container. The molding process can be a conventional molding process, such as, for example, injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, transfer molding, and rotational molding. However, the conventional molding process is modified by inserting a radio frequency identification tag into the cavity of the mold prior to forming the molded article. The modified molding process results in a molded article having a radio frequency identification tag encapsulated by the polymeric material of the molded article. |
| US08094026B1 |
Organized retail crime detection security system and method
A method for using electronic product identification devices to track the purchase or theft of any multiple merchandise items in a food store or other retail shopping store environment, to determine if a large quantity of items are in the process of being stolen, to activate an alarm condition in a surveillance camera system, alert store security, and send tag information (list of stolen contents thereof) and a video clip file or URL of a web site link to view a video file to store security using remote mobile devices, and to law enforcement if desired. |
| US08094023B1 |
Phononic crystal devices
Phononic crystals that have the ability to modify and control the thermal black body phonon distribution and the phonon component of heat transport in a solid. In particular, the thermal conductivity and heat capacity can be modified by altering the phonon density of states in a phononic crystal. The present invention is directed to phononic crystal devices and materials such as radio frequency (RF) tags powered from ambient heat, dielectrics with extremely low thermal conductivity, thermoelectric materials with a higher ratio of electrical-to-thermal conductivity, materials with phononically engineered heat capacity, phononic crystal waveguides that enable accelerated cooling, and a variety of low temperature application devices. |
| US08094021B2 |
Monetary package security during transport through cash supply chain
An armored carrier or other transport entity may scan a remotely-readable identification tag, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, of each monetary package being picked up and/or delivered. The scanner used by the armored carrier may notify the armored carrier if one of the monetary packages goes out of range without being checked out, such as within a period of time. Also, if that monetary package is not returned within range within a particular period of time, the scanner may automatically notify a centralized system. The scanner may further be aware of scheduled monetary packages to be picked up. If not all of the monetary packages as expected are picked up, then the scanner may also notify the armored carrier. |
| US08094009B2 |
Health-related signaling via wearable items
Systems and methods are described for configuring and using displays, speakers, or other output devices positioned by an article of clothing or other such structure wearable by a healthcare recipient, for example, in a clinic or residential care facility. |
| US08094006B2 |
Portable bearing test device
A portable bearing test device includes a power supply that is operable to supply direct current (DC) electrical power via a plurality of power supply outputs and a circuit common. Independent bearing test circuits are coupled to receive output electrical power from one of the power supply outputs, and are further adapted to independently couple to a separate rotating machine test bearing. Separate indicator lights are electrically coupled in series in each of the independent bearing test circuits. |
| US08094004B2 |
Turn signal device self cancelling feature
A multi-function turn signal arrangement for an incorporating vehicle includes a user interface having a plurality of operator specifiable signaling modes including a right-direction-signal momentary blinking mode and a left-direction-signal momentary blinking mode. A controller is configured to receive input from the user interface indicative of an operator specified direction and mode and to initiate an automated signaling routine when one of the respective momentary blinking modes is specified and the controller determines that the incorporating vehicle is traveling at a speed within a predetermined speed range. The turn signal is maintained until a steering wheel of the incorporating vehicle is turned a predetermined amount in the signified direction and returned to the neutral, straight-ahead-driving position for a predetermined period of time and the vehicle remains in the predetermined speed range. |
| US08094003B2 |
Display control unit, on-vehicle display system, display controller, and on-vehicle display
An on-vehicle display control unit includes a CPU to which vehicle data of various kinds are inputted and a graphic LSI arranged to generate display data to be outputted to a display. The graphic LSI is arranged to generate predetermined display data from image data generated by a meter ECU. However, if there is a problem in a state of the meter ECU or an input status of 3D moving picture data, the graphic LSI receives a fail safe control from the CPU (4), thereby to generate fail safe display data corresponding to the predetermined display data. This realizes an on-vehicle display system capable of stably displaying important vehicle information. |
| US08094002B2 |
Interior rearview mirror system
An interior rearview mirror system includes a mirror mounting button and a plurality of attachment members adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, and a structure is configured for mounting to the attachment members attached at the vehicle windshield. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing, and the mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. The structure is configured to receive and be supported by the plurality of attachment members at the vehicle windshield, and, with the structure receiving and being supported by the attachment members, (a) the structure at least partially surrounds the mirror mounting button and (b) the structure accommodates a forward facing camera having a field of view through the vehicle windshield. |
| US08094000B2 |
Surroundings monitoring apparatus for a motor vehicle
In a surroundings monitoring apparatus, a front approaching object detection section detects a front approaching object that is approaching the vehicle from ahead from among objects sensed by a front millimeter wave radar. An object specifying section specifies the object which has been detected as the front approaching object by the front approaching object detection section from among objects sensed by a rear millimeter wave radar. A rear approaching object detection section excludes the object specified by the object specifying section from the objects sensed by the rear millimeter wave radar to detect a rear approaching object that is approaching the vehicle from behind. |
| US08093999B2 |
Driver assistance system and method with object detection facility
A method is provided for attracting the attention of a motor vehicle driver to a potential hazardous spot in an image, which is illustrated in a real form on a display of the motor vehicle or in a virtual form in a region of the motor vehicle. At least one laser scanner provided in the vehicle scans the surroundings in front of the vehicle and determines the shape of an object and the distance of the object from the vehicle. At least one infrared camera, in particular a thermal imaging camera, is provided on the vehicle. It records the surroundings in front of the vehicle and makes available the real or virtual image of the surroundings for display to the driver. The object is compared with at least a first reference object within the scope of a first pattern recognition process. If there is significant correspondence between the object and the reference object, that area on the real or virtual image displayed to the driver in which the object is to be found is determined. The respective area of the image and/or the respective object is highlighted in the image. |
| US08093998B2 |
System and method for setting functions according to location
An apparatus, system, and method for controlling functions of a vehicular alarm. The method includes receiving one or more signals including location information, determining a location of the vehicle using the location information, setting one or more functions based on the location information, determining whether an alarm function is activated, and activating the one or more functions according to the setting upon determining that an alarm has been activated. The method may further include using GPS data or signals transmitted from one or more base stations (e.g., from cellular telephone base stations, computer networks, proprietary transmitters, etc.) to determine the position of the apparatus (e.g., installed in the vehicle). The apparatus may also inform a user of regulations relating to an area dependent upon its location. |
| US08093993B2 |
Identification tag information reminder system and method and portable identification tag information reminder device using the method
An identification tag information reminder system and a method thereof are provided. The system comprises an identification tag, for storing a tag identification code, an identification condition data and a reminder message corresponding to the identification condition data; and a portable device, comprising a memory, for storing a plurality of predetermined reminder conditions; an identification tag access module, for accessing the tag identification code, the identification condition data and the reminder message corresponding to the identification condition data of the identification tag; a processing module, for comparing the predetermined reminder condition with the tag identification code and the identification condition data to generate a comparison result; and an indicating module, for outputting the reminder message according to the comparison result. |
| US08093982B2 |
Three dimensional inductor and transformer design methodology of glass technology
An inductor or transformer for use in integrated circuit devices that includes a high-resistivity substrate. The inductor includes a plurality of conductive traces around the substrate forming a continuous conductive path from a first to a second port. The conductive path can be solenoid-shaped. Some of the conductive traces can be formed during back-end-of-line processing or backside plating of an integrated circuit die. The transformer includes a first inductor with input and output ports, and a first continuous conductive path therebetween; and a second inductor with input and output ports, and a second continuous conductive path therebetween. The second inductor is independent of and electromagnetically coupled to the first inductor. The first and second conductive paths can be solenoid-shaped. The first conductive path can be interleaved with the second conductive path. |
| US08093979B2 |
Transformer based voltage supply
There is disclosed a voltage summer including a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, wherein a first voltage to be summed is connected to the primary side and a second voltage to be summed is connected to the secondary side. There is further disclosed a transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding and having a turns ratio of primary winding to secondary winding of x:y, providing x turns in series in the primary winding and providing y turns in series in the secondary winding; providing an equal number of turns in the primary and secondary windings; and closely coupling each primary winding turn with a secondary winding turn. |
| US08093977B2 |
Magnet assembly for a magnet valve
The invention relates to a magnet assembly for a magnet valve. The assembly has an inner pole and an outer pole as well as a coil. The coil is arranged between the inner pole and the outer pole and the coil wound directly onto the inner pole. According to the invention, the magnet assembly is used for actuating a closing element in a magnet valve. |
| US08093975B2 |
Semiconductor switching module optimized for resistance to short circuits
A semiconductor switching module including a housing having openings to remove pressure which occurs during a short circuit. The housing openings, which can be sealed by thin walls dimensioned so that so that parts which carry current cannot be touched from outside and the walls can be destroyed or removed by the pressure which occurs during a short circuit. |
| US08093968B2 |
Microelectromechanical element and electromechanical switch using the same
A microelectromechanical element of a hydrophobic surface structure with a long life and high reliability and an electromechanical switch using the microelectromechanical element are provided. The surface of an electrode has a composite surface structure of a first area made of a first material forming the electrode and a second area made of a second material at least having hydrophobicity. The surface structure is the composite surface structure of the electrode material and a monolayer, whereby physical compression of the monolayer is avoided. A structure wherein the monolayer is not formed on the propagation path of a radio frequency signal is adopted, so that an increase in an insertion loss and electric field damage are avoided. |
| US08093966B2 |
Impact solenoid assembly for an electrical receptacle
An impact solenoid assembly for an electrical receptacle includes an armature having first and second ends. A resilient member is disposed between a latch and the second end of the armature. The resilient member spaces the armature from the latch. A plunger abuts the second end of the armature. When the solenoid is activated, the solenoid drives the armature toward the plunger, thereby creating momentum in the armature prior to striking the plunger. This increases the force with which the armature and plunger strike the latch. |
| US08093965B2 |
Add-on trip module for multi-pole circuit breaker
An add-on module adapted to be attached to the basic mechanical structure of a multi-pole circuit breaker includes multiple extended terminal plates each of which is adapted to replace one of the input and output terminals for one of the poles, multiple electromechanical transducers each of which is coupled to one of the extended terminal plates for producing a mechanical movement in response to a predetermined magnitude of electrical current in the extended terminal plate to which that transducer is coupled, a mechanical actuator coupled to the electromechanical transducers and to the movable contacts for operating the trip mechanism in response to a predetermined movement of any of the transducers, and a calibration element for adjusting mechanical movement of at least one of said multiple electromechanical transducers so as to control an aspect of trip actuation. |
| US08093963B2 |
Laminated bandpass filter, high-frequency component and communications apparatus comprising them
A three-stage-resonator, laminated bandpass filter comprising electromagnetically coupled first to third resonator electrodes, adjacent first and second resonator electrodes and a third resonator electrode being different in a grounding direction, and a coupling-capacitor electrode extending over resonator electrodes. |
| US08093961B2 |
Duplexer formed on piezoelectric substrate
To provide a duplexer which is small in size and excellent in separation characteristic of transmission/reception signals. An antenna port is disposed on a center of a rearward side in a disposition area of a duplexer, a high band side filter and a low band side filter are respectively disposed on a left side and a right side of the antenna port, a parallel arm at a last stage in the low band side filter, a parallel arm at a last stage in the high band side filter, a first signal port and a second signal port seen from the antenna port are positioned on a forward side of the antenna port, a ground side of a parallel arm on a front stage side of the parallel arm at the last stage in the low band side filter and a ground side of a parallel arm on a front stage side of the parallel arm at the last stage in the high band side filter are mutually connected via a conductive path formed on a piezoelectric substrate at a rearward side of the antenna port, and the parallel arms connected by the conductive path are positioned on the rearward side of the parallel arms at the last stages. Accordingly, a separation characteristic at a high band side is improved. |
| US08093960B2 |
Filter duplexer and communication device
A filter has a filter section that is provided with a balanced input terminal including a terminal 1 and a terminal 2 and a balanced output terminal including a terminal 3 and a terminal 4, and that passes a signal in a passband out of input balanced signals, and a balanced-to-unbalanced converter that is connected between the filter section and a single terminal. In the filter section, the frequency transfer characteristics between the terminals 1 and 3 differ from the frequency transfer characteristics between the terminals 2 and 4. |
| US08093955B2 |
Applying charge pump to realize frequency jitter for switched mode power controller
Method and apparatus for adding jitter to an oscillator for reducing EMI are disclosed An oscillator circuit includes an oscillator configured to generate a first clock having a first frequency and a frequency jitter circuit including a charge pump configured to charge and discharge first and second capacitors repeatedly for obtaining a time-varying voltage having a second frequency. The time-varying voltage is coupled to the oscillator to vary the first frequency within a frequency range. The charge pump includes a first switch for coupling the first capacitor to a voltage source and a second switch for coupling the first capacitor to the second capacitor. A charge transfer between the first and second capacitors is configured to provide the time-varying voltage. |
| US08093953B2 |
Amplifier system with digital adaptive power boost
An amplifier system with digital adaptive power boost includes a charge pump for providing a power supply to an amplifier. The charge pump may switch between a fixed input DC voltage and a boosted value for a certain period of time in response to an increase in an input signal to the amplifier. The charge pump may use a switching transistor which is switched on only when the input signal to the amplifier exceeds a threshold. The amplifier system may be used for envelope tracking, especially for envelope tracking of low duty cycle signals, e.g., xDSL or vDSL. |
| US08093952B2 |
Method and system for precise current matching in deep sub-micron technology
Aspects of a method and system for precise current matching in deep sub-micron technology may include adjusting a current mirror to compensate for MOSFET gate leakage currents by using feedback circuits. The feedback circuits may be implemented from active components to create active feedback circuits. If the reference current to be mirrored is noisy, a smoothing effect may be achieved by introducing a low-pass filter coupled to the current mirror design. The active feedback may comprise amplifiers, which may comprise one or more amplifier stages. The amplifier may amplify either a bias voltage error or a bias current error. Furthermore, a transimpedance amplifier may be utilized in the feedback loop. The output bias current of the current mirror may be stabilized dynamically during adjusting. Multiple current sources may be utilized in the current mirrors. |
| US08093950B2 |
Power amplifier having transformer
A power amplifier amplifying and compositing differential signals and capable of suppressing harmonics is provided. The power amplifier includes first amplifiers amplifying a first input signal and a second input signal, which are differential signals, a first coil receiving the first input signal and the second input signal amplified by the first amplifiers, a second coil magnetically coupled with the first coil and outputting a composite signal of the amplified first input signal and second input signal, a third coil magnetically coupled with the second coil, and a first capacitor coupled between both ends of the third coil, wherein one end of the first capacitor is coupled to a ground node. |
| US08093949B2 |
Signal pre-distortion facility for amplifier non-linearity compensation
A digital pre-distortion system which can provide the flexibility to model the highly non-linear distortion associated with High Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers while through a novel implementation of a least squares estimation process allows an implementation well suited for an FPGA application where limited resources and in particular memory resources are available. |
| US08093948B2 |
Power amplifier
There is provided a power amplifier that can maintain a constant gain by detecting a level of a signal being input and a level of a signal being output. A power amplifier according to an aspect of the invention may include: an amplification section having at least one amplification unit amplifying an input signal according to an adjustable gain to thereby output the amplified input signal; a detection section detecting signal levels of an input signal and an output signal of the amplification section; and a gain maintaining section controlling a bias power according to a detection result of the detection section so that a gain of the amplification section is maintained within a predetermined gain range. |
| US08093943B2 |
Phase noise correction device and its method
A phase noise correction device having a function for accurately detecting a phase noise component and capable of reducing a load on a reception device is provided. A phase noise correction device for correcting a phase noise generated in a local oscillator includes: a division section that divides a signal generated in the local oscillator; a reference signal generation section that generates a signal of the same frequency as that of the divided signal; a phase difference detection section that detects a phase difference between the divided signal and the generated reference signal; and a phase noise correction section that gives a phase rotation to a baseband signal in the direction that cancels the phase noise according to the detected phase difference as a phase noise component. |
| US08093942B2 |
Frequency translation module data clamp
An architecture for processing signal communications between a frequency translation module and an integrated receiver decoder. According to an exemplary embodiment, the signal processing apparatus comprises a demodulator for generating a first signal responsive to an FSK signal, said first signal comprising a varying amplitude and a clamping means for generating a second signal, wherein said second signal has a first value when the amplitude of the first signal is above a predetermined value, and wherein said second signal has a second value when the amplitude is below a second predetermined value. |
| US08093941B2 |
Systems and devices for dynamically scaled charge pumping
Systems and devices for dynamically scaled charge pumping are presented. Example embodiments of the disclosed systems of dynamically scaled charge pumping enable regulation of the output voltage at a particular ratio and to dynamically control the ratio based on the input voltage. A charge pumping circuit is enabled by an oscillator. The charge pump oscillator is enabled by the output of a comparator. The comparator compares an input voltage to a comparator voltage, which is a divided version of the output voltage. The output voltage is referenced to a regulated voltage and the comparison voltage is divided between the two voltages by a resistor divider. The regulated voltage remains flat until the input voltage equals the reference voltage. At that point, the regulated voltage will begin to rise and follow the input voltage. Before the reference voltage is reached, the output voltage equals the input voltage multiplied by the resistor divider ratio. Once the input voltage reaches the reference voltage, the difference between the output voltage and the input voltage becomes a constant. |
| US08093938B2 |
Cascoded level shifter protection
A cascoded level shifter for receiving an input signal in a low voltage range and for generating an output signal in a high voltage range is disclosed. The cascoded level shifter is subdivided into a first voltage section and a second voltage section, the first voltage section having a lower voltage supply than the second voltage section, and a combined voltage across the first voltage section and the second voltage section corresponding to the high voltage range, the cascoded level shifter comprising: an input node configured to receive an input signal; a cascoded device disposed in one of the first voltage section and the second voltage section, the cascoded device comprising a driver switch connected in series with a cascode switch at a midpoint node, the cascode switch switching in dependence on a reference voltage of a reference node and the input signal; and reference voltage perturbation circuitry, configured to cause a transient perturbation to the reference voltage in response to a transition of the input signal to cause the cascode switch to switch. |
| US08093937B2 |
Seamless coarse and fine delay structure for high performance DLL
A clock synchronization system and method avoids output clock jitter at high frequencies and also achieves a smooth phase transition at a boundary of coarse and fine delays. The system may use a single coarse delay line configured to generate two intermediate clocks from an input reference clock and having a fixed phase difference therebetween. The coarse delay line may have a hierarchical or a non-hierarchical structure. A phase mixer receives these two intermediate clocks and generates a final output clock having a phase between phases of the intermediate clocks. The coarse shifting in the delay line at high clock frequencies does not affect the phase relationship between the intermediate clocks fed into the phase mixer. The output clock from the phase mixer is time synchronized with the input reference clock and does not exhibit any jitter or noise even at high clock frequency inputs. |
| US08093935B2 |
Logic circuit
A logic circuit includes two two-terminal switching devices and receives first and second pulses as inputs. Each of the two devices has two different stable resistivity values for each applied voltage that is greater than a first threshold voltage (Vth1) and is smaller than a second threshold voltage (Vth2) that is larger than Vth1. Each switching device, when a voltage less than or equal to Vth1 is applied, becomes in a first state having the higher resistivity of the two resistivity values, whereas when a voltage more than or equal to Vth2 is applied, becomes in a second state having the lower resistivity of the two resistivity values. The two devices are connected in series in a direction with uniform polarity to each other. The first and second states are selectively generated in the first and second devices by a combination of inputs of the first and second pulses. |
| US08093931B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
In a semiconductor integrated circuit device generating internal power from external power, an abnormal operation may occur due to an indefinite state of a control signal when the external power is applied and the internal power rises. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes an internal power generating circuit, a control circuit receiving internal power and supplying a first control signal, and a power-on reset circuit generating a reset signal at rising of the internal power. When internal power rises, the reset signal masks an indefinite state of the first control signal supplied from the control circuit. |
| US08093924B2 |
Low side driver
An output driver circuit has an input, an output node, and first and second transistors coupled in series between the output node and a first source of operating potential. Parasitic diodes of the first and second transistors are anti-serially coupled. The output driver circuit has first and second control circuits coupled to control the first and second transistors respectively. The first transistor is controlled as a controlled current source depending on a signal at the input during normal conditions when the current that flows through the output is in a first direction, and the second control circuit controls the second transistor to prevent unwanted DC current at the output from flowing through the output in a second direction. The first and second transistors are also controlled to limit unwanted transient currents during an EMC disturbance substantially symmetrically. |
| US08093923B2 |
Semiconductor device
An RESURF region is formed so as to surround a high-potential logic region with an isolation region interposed therebetween, in which a sense resistance and a first logic circuit which are applied with a high potential are formed in high-potential logic region. On the outside of RESURF region, a second logic circuit region is formed, which is applied with the driving voltage level required for driving a second logic circuit with respect to the ground potential. In RESURF region, a drain electrode of a field-effect transistor is formed along the inner periphery, and a source electrode is formed along the outer periphery. Furthermore, a polysilicon resistance connected to sense resistance is formed in the shape of a spiral from the inner peripheral side toward the outer peripheral side. |
| US08093909B2 |
Method and device for measuring phase noise
A method and a device for measuring the phase noise of a signal registers the measurement signal (V) with a given measurement frequency (f1) and with a superimposed phase noise (f1(t)), divides the measurement signal (V) into a first and second measurement signal (V1′, V2′), derives a first signal (V1) with a first frequency ((f1+f1(t))/N) reduced relative to the measurement frequency (f1) and the superimposed phase noise (f1(t)) and a second signal (V2) with a second frequency ((f1+f1(t))/M) reduced relative to the measurement frequency (f1) and the superimposed phase noise (f1(t)), determines a third signal (V3) with a third frequency (f3(t)) compensated by the measurement frequency (f1) relative to the first frequency ((f1+f1(t))/N) of the first signal (V1) and a fourth signal (V4) with a fourth frequency (f4(t)) compensated by the measurement frequency (f1) relative to the second frequency ((f1+f1(t))/M) of the second signal (V2) and determines a correlation spectrum from the third and fourth signal (V3, V4). The frequencies of the third and fourth signal (V3, V4) come to be disposed in each case within the frequency range of the correlation spectrum as a result of the frequency division of the frequency (f1+f1(t)) of the first and second measurement signal (V1′, V2′). |
| US08093905B2 |
Power supply device and sequencer system
A smoothing unit includes a first and a second smoothing capacitors, a first and a second discharge resistors connected in parallel to both ends of the first and the second smoothing capacitors, respectively. During a normal operation, both the first and the second smoothing capacitors are connected electrically to a live line. On the other hand, during a degradation diagnosis, the first and the second smoothing capacitors are alternately connected electrically to the live line at a predetermined timing, and a smoothing capacitor not electrically connected to the live line is subjected to the degradation diagnosis. |
| US08093902B2 |
Device estimating a state of a secondary battery
A diffusion estimation unit follows a diffusion equation in an active material that is represented by a polar coordinate to estimate a distribution in concentration of lithium in the active material. An open circuit voltage estimation unit obtains an open circuit voltage in accordance with a local SOC(θ) based on a concentration of lithium obtained at an interface of the active material as estimated by the diffusion estimation unit. A current estimation unit uses a battery's voltage measured by a voltage sensor, the estimated open circuit voltage, and a parameter value that is set for the battery by a battery parameter value setting unit, and follows a voltage-current relationship model expression simplified from an electrochemical reaction expression to estimate the battery's current density. A boundary condition setting unit sequentially sets a boundary condition for the diffusion equation of the diffusion estimation unit for the active material's interface, as based on the battery's estimated current density. Thus a battery model that allows an internal state to be estimated based on an electrochemical reaction dynamically and can also achieve an alleviated operating load can be used to estimate a state of a secondary battery. |
| US08093894B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method for improving uniformity in sensitivity map
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a sensitivity map data generating unit and a sensitivity corrected image data generating unit. The sensitivity map data generating unit generates reference image data based on data for generating sensitivity map data of a phased array coil and generates the sensitivity map data by using reference image data after correction processing obtained by applying the correction processing to improve a uniformity with the reference image data based on the reference image data and phased array coil data for generating the sensitivity map data. The sensitivity corrected image data generating unit acquires image data for imaging with the phased array coil and performs sensitivity correction of the image data using the sensitivity map data. |
| US08093892B2 |
System with 90 degree sense layer magnetic orientation
A system including a sense layer, a first pinned layer and a first interlayer. The first pinned layer is held in a fixed magnetic orientation. The first interlayer is configured to couple the sense layer and the first pinned layer and provide a magnetic orientation in the sense layer that is 90 degrees from the fixed magnetic orientation. The magnetic orientation in the sense layer rotates in response to an external magnetic field. |
| US08093891B2 |
Vertical Hall Effect sensor
A complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor system in one embodiment includes a doped well extending along a first axis of a doped substrate, a first electrical contact positioned within the doped well, a second electrical contact positioned within the doped well and spaced apart from the first electrical contact along the first axis, a third electrical contact positioned within the doped well and located between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact along the first axis, and a fourth electrical contact electrically coupled to the doped well at a location of the doped well below the third electrical contact. |
| US08093889B2 |
Sensor circuit
Provided is a sensor circuit that is small in circuit scale, but is capable of temperature compensation. A reference voltage circuit (BL1) which compensates a temperature includes only a voltage divider circuit, and hence the sensor circuit is small in circuit scale. The sensor circuit is also capable of temperature compensation because temperature changes of reference voltages (VTH11 and VTH12) and reference voltages (VTH21 and VTH22) match a temperature change of an output signal (OUTA) of an amplifier circuit (AMP1) which is caused by a temperature change of an output signal of a Hall element (HAL1). |
| US08093884B2 |
Directional coupler
One embodiment comprises a directional coupler system comprising a substrate having a top surface and a backside surface, with the backside surface comprising a metalization ground portion and an unmetalized portion. A power line is coupled to the top surface, with the power line having an input adapted to receive a power signal, a first trace coupled to the input, a second trace in parallel with the first trace and coupled to the input, and an output coupled to the first and second traces and adapted to emit the power signal. A sensor line is coupled to the backside surface unmetalized portion, with the sensor line adapted to emit a sensor line signal having a sensor line signal level generally proportional to the power signal. Finally, a thermo-conductive base platform coupled to the metalized portion of the backside surface. |
| US08093882B2 |
Low heat dissipation I/O module using direct drive buck converter
A current-loop output circuit for an industrial controller provides for low power dissipation and reduced part count by driving current loads of different resistances directly from a switched voltage source. Proper filtering and design of a feedback loop allows the necessary transient response times to be obtained. |
| US08093880B2 |
Programmable voltage reference with a voltage reference circuit having a self-cascode metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor structure
A programmable voltage reference includes a temperature compensated current source and a voltage reference circuit. The temperature compensated current source includes an output configured to provide a reference current. The voltage reference circuit includes an input coupled to the output of the temperature compensated current source and a reference output. The voltage reference circuit includes a self-cascode metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor structure that includes a first device that is diode-connected and operates in a weak inversion saturation region and a second device that operates in a weak inversion triode region. A length of the second device is selectable. The voltage reference circuit is configured to provide a reference voltage on the reference output based on the reference current. |
| US08093877B2 |
Transient voltage compensation apparatus and power supply using the same
A transient voltage compensation apparatus and a power supply using the same are provided. The power supply mainly uses a compensation circuit coupled between an input terminal and an output terminal of a power converter. When a load of the power supply is switched in a very short time, a power coupled to the compensation circuit is retrieved to compensate the output of the power supply, such that the output voltage is kept steady, and the transient response of the power supply is increased. |
| US08093874B1 |
Method and system for adding boost functionality to a buck switcher with minimal cost
A buck (with boost) switcher is provided that adds boost functionality to a buck switcher without compromising the buck's performance with extra series-coupled switches nor requiring a second inductor. The switcher has an integrated circuit that is capable of receiving a power supply voltage and a mode signal and generating on separate outputs either a boost voltage or a buck voltage based on the power supply voltage and the mode signal. The mode signal corresponds to one of a buck mode and a boost mode. The switcher also has a single inductor that is coupled to the integrated circuit and is capable of being used by the integrated circuit to generate the boost voltage (or a high voltage capable current) in the boost mode and to generate the buck voltage in the buck mode. |
| US08093872B2 |
Method for Maximum Power Point Tracking of photovoltaic cells by power converters and power combiners
This invention relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) a photovoltaic cell by a power converter that provides an output current at voltages useful to operate electronics or charge batteries. This invention also relates to a method for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) multiple photovoltaic cells by a power combiner that combines the output of the multiple photovoltaic cells into a single output. The power combiner is comprised of multiple power converters, one for each photovoltaic cell. Each power converter used in these methods has an input-regulating element that has an output wave form with a characteristic that is related to the photovoltaic cell voltage and current. As a result only the photovoltaic cell voltage is directly measured in these methods and the photovoltaic cell current is determined indirectly. |
| US08093868B2 |
In situ verification of capacitive power support
A mechanism for in situ verification of capacitive power support is provided. A memory system uses a super capacitor to support a voltage rail when input power is lost or interrupted. The voltage discharge curve is a function of load and capacitance of the component. By stepping the regulated power supply to a lower output within the voltage range and recording voltage and current draw at the super capacitor as it discharges to the new regulator output voltage, the super capacitor holdup capability can be tested. |
| US08093867B2 |
Charging apparatus and charging method
A charging apparatus is provided and is configured to accept temperature information corresponding to a temperature of a secondary battery or a battery pack, supply a charging current to the secondary battery or the battery pack when the temperature is within a set charge temperature range, and interrupt the charging current when the temperature is beyond the set charge temperature range. |
| US08093866B2 |
Method for managing charging of a rechargeable battery
The management method comprises a charging phase and may comprise an optional prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery. Comparison of the absolute value of the slope of the voltage at the battery terminals with a full-charge threshold at the end of each period, when a pulsed current is applied, is used as end-of-charging criterion in the charging phase and/or as full-charge criterion in the phase of estimating the state of charge. The charging phase by pulsed current is interrupted when the slope reaches the full-charge threshold. This same comparison constitutes the criterion for estimating the necessity for going to a charging step after the prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery. |
| US08093865B2 |
Charging device with backflow prevention
A charging device which is capable of preventing charging current from flowing even if a battery pack remains mounted thereon after charging of the battery pack is completed, thereby preventing deterioration of batteries of the battery pack. A circuit including a semiconductor switch generates a DC power for charging the battery pack. A backflow prevention diode is connected between the semiconductor switch and the battery pack. When charging of the battery pack has been completed, a secondary charge control circuit causes a DC voltage input to the backflow prevention diode to be made lower than the voltage of the battery pack. |
| US08093862B2 |
Systems, apparatus and methods for battery charge management
Systems, apparatus, and methods for automobile battery management is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing balanced and individualized charging to a battery pack is provided. The apparatus uses microcontrollers to determine a charge level of the batteries, and correspondingly controls a power balancer to apply a charge current to the battery in relation to the charge level, and dissipates the remaining charge current as heat energy. In one embodiment, a system controller controls a balanced charging operation of the battery system, provides an interface for a user to monitor cell-level parameters, and protects the battery cells from undercharging or overcharging during the charging or discharging operations. |
| US08093857B1 |
Polyphase electric motor
A polyphase electric motor has a rotor, a stator with a plurality of slots, a plurality of main windings and a plurality of auxiliary windings installed in slots of the stator, and a main winding and an auxiliary winding that correspond to a selected phase of an alternating current power source. The auxiliary windings are connected to the motor terminals through a plurality of capacitors, and the auxiliary windings and corresponding capacitors are connected in parallel to the main windings. The main winding and the auxiliary winding of the selected phase are offset by about 80 to about 100 electrical degrees. A power of the plurality of main windings is at least 75% of a power of the polyphase electric motor at full load rating and the power of the plurality of main windings is motoring at 25% of the full load rating. |
| US08093856B2 |
Position control apparatus for numerically controlled machine
In a position control apparatus that drives a feed-axis with a servomotor of a machine tool, the machine tool may be quickly accelerated or decelerated in a state where a machine structural member that supports and fixes a structural member including a driving system has a lower rigidity, or in a state where an element having a lower rigidity is present beyond a load position where the detection by a linear scale is performed. In such cases, a generated deflection may induce a displacement in a mechanical system. A relative locus error may be generated between a workpiece to be processed and a front end portion of the tool. Further, a mechanism rigidity generally changes according to a machine posture. The generated deflection amount changes in magnitude. The present embodiment estimates and compensates a displacement amount of the front end portion of the tool that may be caused by the deflection of the mechanical system. Moreover, in calculating an estimation amount, the present embodiment can change a parameter corresponding to the mechanism rigidity based on the machine posture. Thus, the front end of the tool can move accurately along a desired locus relative to the workpiece to be processed. |
| US08093855B2 |
Low speed control method and apparatus for servo motor
A low speed control method and an apparatus for a servo motor. The control apparatus comprises: an encoder capable of acquiring a speed signal from a servo motor and encoding the speed signal to output a low-resolution encoded signal; an insertion calculation unit capable of receiving the low-resolution encoded signal from the encoder to be processed by an interpolation operation for converting the low-resolution encoded signal into a high-resolution encoded signal to be outputted therefrom; a servo control chip capable of setting internal parameters and receiving the high-resolution encoded signal from the insertion calculation unit to be processed by a calculation process so as to output a switch control instruction; and a power module capable of receiving the switch control instruction from the servo control chip and then transmitting the same to the servo motor for adjusting the operation speed of the servo motor. |
| US08093852B2 |
Motor control device
A motor control device has a plurality of drive circuits that are respectively provided on arms of an inverter circuit that supplies current to an AC motor, the plurality of drive circuits driving respectively a plurality of switching elements included on the arms; a power source control circuit that performs a control of a plurality of power supply circuits that supply power respectively to the plurality of drive circuits; a low-voltage circuit area that includes the power source control circuit; a plurality of high-voltage circuit areas, each high-voltage circuit area including a drive circuit from the plurality of drive circuits; and a plurality of transformers that serve as the plurality of power supply circuits and respectively join the low-voltage circuit area and the plurality of high-voltage circuit areas in an insulated state. |
| US08093851B2 |
Fan module and system
A fan module, especially a fan module which may reduce a rotating speed of a fan automatically when an object with static electricity gets into the fan is provided. The fan module includes a frame, a fan, an electrostatic induction unit and a controller. The fan is disposed in the frame, and the electrostatic induction unit is disposed on the frame and adjacent to the fan. The controller is electrically coupled to the electrostatic induction unit. When an object with static electricity gets into the electrostatic induction unit, the electrostatic induction unit outputs a sensing value to the controller. The controller determines whether to reduce the rotating speed of the fan according to the sensing value. |
| US08093848B2 |
Motor driving apparatus and motor driving method
One terminal of a first capacitor is set to a fixed electric potential. A charging/discharging circuit charges/discharges the first capacitor using a current that corresponds to an input signal which specifies the revolution of a motor. A comparator compares a voltage at the first capacitor with a predetermined voltage. A control signal generating unit generates a control voltage having a level that corresponds to an edge timing of a frequency signal synchronized with the rotation of the motor and an edge timing of the comparison signal output from the first comparator. Furthermore, the control signal generating unit switches the charging/discharging state of a charging/discharging circuit according to an edge of the periodic signal and an edge of the comparison signal. The motor is driven with a torque according to the control voltage. |
| US08093847B2 |
Motor drive circuit, method, and disc device using the same
A back electromotive force detection circuit detects a zero-crossing point by comparing a back electromotive force Vu in at least one coil of a motor with a center tap voltage at a common node of the coils, and outputs a back electromotive force detection signal. A switching control circuit controls switching states of multiple switching circuits based upon the back electromotive force detection signal, thereby adjusting the current flowing through the coils. A window generating circuit outputs a window signal at a predetermined level during a period obtained by multiplying the cycle of the back electromotive force detection signal by a predetermined coefficient before the detection of the zero-crossing point. The switching control circuit stops the switching operation during a period in which the window signal is maintained at the predetermined level, thereby setting the state to the high impedance state that corresponds to a non-driving period. |
| US08093845B2 |
Controller and MCU chip for controlling 3-phase brushless DC motor
The present invention discloses a 3-phase brushless DC motor controller, which comprises: a unit for generating a PWM signal; an ADC for converting a back electromotive force (BEMF) signal from an analog form into a digital form; a synchronization and extraction unit operating in synchronization in part with the PWM signal for extracting the digital BEMF signal to obtain a corresponding ZCP signal; and a unit for judging whether a commutation operation is to be performed according to a change of the corresponding ZCP signal. A wait instruction and a delay instruction help to accurately acquire the digital BEMF signal. |
| US08093843B2 |
Vehicle controller and control method
By the vehicle controller of the present invention, when the economy mode is selected by a driver, boosting by a converter is limited and output torque of a motor is limited. Even in the economy mode, however, if the driver requests large torque, either the limit on boosting or the limit on output torque is cancelled. As a result, a vehicle controller for a vehicle including a battery, a converter boosting/lowering the battery voltage and a motor operating with the power from the converter is provided, by which unnecessary power consumption is reduced and the torque requested by the driver can be generated. |
| US08093839B2 |
Method and apparatus for driving CCFL at low burst duty cycle rates
A cold cathode fluorescent lamp controller constituted of a pulse generator exhibiting a cycle period; a burst dimming control operative to set a burst dimming duty cycle for the pulse generator; a comparator arranged to receive a signal indicative of the value of current through a load driven by the pulse generator and compare the received signal to a reference signal; an error detection circuit operative to shut down the pulse generator responsive to an output of the comparator indicating that the received signal is less than the reference signal for a predetermined number of cycles of the pulse generator; and a disable circuit arranged to prevent, when the set burst dimming duty cycle is less than a predetermined value, the shut down of the pulse generator responsive to the output of the comparator indicating the received signal is less than the reference signal. |
| US08093837B2 |
Lamp ballast and an illumination apparatus
A lamp ballast capable of lighting a discharge lamp and an incandescent lamp each at an optimum condition. The lamp ballast has a DC-DC converter, an inverter that converts an output of DC-DC converter into an AC power for applying the same to a lamp load, a starting circuit generating a high voltage pulse from the AC power to provide the same to the lamp load, and a controller that controls the DC-DC converter and the inverter to provide a variable DC voltage and the AC power of variable frequency. The controller has a starting mode of operating the inverter at a starting frequency to generate the high voltage, and a lighting mode of operating the inverter at a lighting frequency lower than the starting frequency. The controller has a detection mode of causing the DC-DC converter to output a detection voltage of a predetermined level prior to the starting mode, a discharge lamp lighting program of operating, after the detection mode, the inverter in the starting mode and subsequently in the lighting mode, and an incandescent lamp lighting program of operating, after the detection mode, the inverter in the lighting mode without through the starting mode. When the detection voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller selects the discharge lamp lighting program, and otherwise selects the incandescent lamp lighting program. When the incandescent lamp is connected, the ballast turns on the incandescent lamp without applying a high voltage pulse so as to avoid lowering of the lamp life. |
| US08093836B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for striking a discharge lamp
A circuit arrangement for striking a discharge lamp, comprising: a drive apparatus, having an output adapted to provide a drive signal with a predeterminable frequency; an inverter, which is coupled to the output of the drive apparatus, and having an output adapted to provide a square-wave signal with a predeterminable duty factor; a load circuit, which is coupled to the output of the inverter and has at least one terminal for the discharge lamp, the load circuit comprising a lamp inductor, which is coupled in series between the output of the inverter and the at least one terminal for the discharge lamp; a first control loop with a first reference variable, a first manipulated variable and a first controlled variable, the first control loop having a first time constant; a second control loop with a second reference variable, an auxiliary manipulated variable and a second controlled variable, the second control loop having a second time constant; and a strike detection apparatus, which is adapted to detect striking of the discharge lamp and, after detection of the striking to switch over the first and the second control loops from the striking operation mode to the continuous operation mode. The auxiliary manipulated variable of the second control loop represents the first reference variable of the first control loop, the first time constant being smaller than the second time constant by at least a factor of 10, and the first manipulated variable represents the duty factor of the output signal of the inverter. |
| US08093834B2 |
Automotive HID headlamp ballast control IC
A ballast control integrated circuit for a ballast driving a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. The control integrated circuit has a first circuit for controlling a DC to DC converter receiving a first DC voltage and providing an increased DC voltage. The first circuit includes a driver for providing a pulsed signal to drive a first switch coupled to a flyback transformer of the DC to DC converter. A second circuit controls a DC to AC converter, the second circuit controlling a switching circuit receiving the increased DC voltage and driving the HID lamp with an AC voltage. The second circuit has a driver circuit for driving the switching circuit. The switching circuit is an H-bridge switching circuit coupled to drive the HID lamp. |
| US08093830B2 |
Semiconductor light source driving apparatus and semiconductor light source driving method
The semiconductor light source driving apparatus has: a semiconductor light source that is driven by a current; a voltage source that drives the semiconductor light source; an output voltage controlling circuit that controls a drive current value for driving the semiconductor light source by controlling an output voltage of the voltage source; an output current detecting circuit that detects an output current of the semiconductor light source; a current command circuit that specifies a reference value of a drive current which is applied to the semiconductor light source; a current comparing circuit that compares the output current detected by the output current detecting circuit and the reference value specified by the current command section; and an impedance detecting circuit that detects an impedance of the semiconductor light source. The output voltage controlling circuit controls the output voltage of the voltage source based on an output of the current comparing circuit and an output of the impedance detecting circuit. |
| US08093822B2 |
LED driver and control method thereof
An LED driver providing an LED lighting current to an LED path, extracts the LED lighting current information from the LED path to produce a first signal including an AC component and a DC component, and extracts the DC component information of the first signal to produce a second signal to regulate an average of the LED lighting current. This LED driver implements real constant average current regulation for an LED lighting apparatus, eliminates the need of output capacitor as well as rectifier diode in most applications to simplify the circuit of the power stage, and is applicable to power stages of various modes. |
| US08093821B2 |
Driving method for improving luminous efficacy of a light emitting diode
A driving method for improving luminous efficacy of a light emitting diode (LED), the method comprising: periodically switching a DC current supplied to the LED between a high current level lH and a low current level lL, the low current level lL being fixed at zero or raised above zero to produce a DC offset; and maintaining an average current at a first value If by adjusting the duty cycle acting on the high current level lH and any one from the grouping consisting of: adjusting the high current level lH and adjusting the low current level lL, and adjusting the high current level lH or adjusting the low current level lL. |
| US08093818B2 |
Plasma display and voltage generator thereof
A plasma display device including a plasma display panel (PDP), a temperature detector for detecting temperature of the PDP, a driver for applying a driving voltage to a scan electrode, and a controller for generating a control signal to control the driver according to the temperature. The driver includes a transistor and first and second resistors. The transistor is coupled between a first power source and the scan electrode. The first power source supplies a scan voltage to the scan electrode. At least one of the first resistor and the second resistor is a variable resistor having a resistance that varies according to the control signal of the controller. A low discharge due to high temperature can be reduced or prevented, and the number of power sources of the plasma display device can be reduced. |
| US08093816B2 |
Cold cathode tube lamp
A cold cathode tube lamp which can be lighted easily when the ambient temperature is low. The cold cathode tube lamp comprises discharge tubes having a pair of electrodes and being driven when a voltage having an AC component is supplied thereto, and ballast capacitors connected with at least one of the pair of electrodes. The ballast capacitor is arranged to come into thermal contact with the discharge tube and to increase the capacitance as the surface temperature of the ballast capacitor decreases. |
| US08093812B2 |
Plasma tube array-type display sub-module and display device
This invention provides a plasma tube array-type display sub-module that realizes one seamless large screen of a display device and prevents degradation in quality of an image to be displayed on the large screen. The electromagnetic wave shield layer is formed so as to extend beyond an effective display region over, where the plurality of plasma tubes is arranged on one side of the front-side supporting sheet. Moreover, at least one further function layer is formed only over the effective display region. The front-side supporting sheet with display electrodes and the electromagnetic wave shield layer is bent toward the back direction along a side end of the effective display region in order to join plasma tube array-type display sub-modules. |
| US08093811B2 |
Flat display panel module and flat display apparatus
A technique for improving impact resistance performance of a panel is provided in a module or display apparatus with a flat display panel. In a PDP module, a filter is bonded onto a front surface side of a PDP, and a base chassis is bonded to a rear surface side with a two-sided tape. In an attaching portion for the base chassis and a casing, a spring structure portion having a sloped portion and a space is provided in an area of the base chassis so as to correspond to a connecting part of the casing. Impact to glass of the PDP is buffered to an impact force in a direction vertical to a surface of the PDP due to a spring property of the spring structure portion. |
| US08093809B2 |
Electroluminescent display device
A color electroluminescent (EL) display device comprises a transparent substrate, and a transparent electrode arranged on the transparent substrate. The EL display also includes an electroluminescent layer arranged on the transparent electrode that comprises a plurality of pixel units. Each pixel unit comprises at least two regions comprising electroluminescent materials capable of emitting light of different colors. The EL display further comprises a plurality of opposing electrodes arranged on the electroluminescent layer. Each of the opposing electrodes cooperates with the transparent electrode to apply a voltage to one of the at least two regions of each pixel unit. |
| US08093805B2 |
Vapor deposition mask, organic electroluminescent display device, and manufacturing method therefor
In an organic electroluminescent display device comprising a wiring layer, an insulating layer, a first electrode, an organic electroluminescent layer, and a second electrode, wiring which conducts with a second electrode is arranged between light emitting pixels, and is provided either between an organic electroluminescent layer and the second electrodes, or on top of the second electrodes. |
| US08093803B2 |
Electro-optical device, electronic device, and method for manufacturing electro-optical device
An electro-optical device includes a substrate, a partition disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of electro-optical elements disposed on the substrate. Each element includes a functional layer having an electro-optic function, with a resolution in a first direction that corresponds to an interval between the elements in the first direction. The plurality of elements constitute element arrays and are divided into a plurality of element groups. The element arrays are arranged in a direction crossing the first direction. Each group includes the corresponding electro-optical elements aligned in a second direction crossing the first direction, and each of the plurality of element regions includes at least one of the element groups and extends in a third direction crossing the first direction as viewed from the top. |
| US08093801B2 |
Display device having parabolic light reflecting portions for enhanced extraction of light
Disclosed herein is a display device provided with: (A) a plurality of light-emitting devices comprising a first electrode, an organic layer including a light-emitting layer and a second electrode configured to resonate light, which is generated in the light-emitting layer, between a first interface defined by an interface between the first electrode and the organic layer and a second interface defined by an interface between the second electrode and the organic layer, and (B) a transparent upper substrate having a first side facing the second electrode and a second side located on an opposite side of the first side, and fixed above the second electrode. |
| US08093798B2 |
Luminescent substance of the class of nitride silicates and light source having such a luminescent substance
A phosphor from the class of nitridosilicates from the M-Al—Si—N system, comprising a cation M, wherein M is represented by Ca alone or is represented by a mixture of Ca with at least one further element from the group Ba, Sr, Mg, Zn, Cd, Li, Na, Cu, wherein the phosphor is activated with at least one element from the group Eu, Ce which partly replaces M, characterized in that the phosphor forms a phase that is to be assigned to the system M3N2-AlN-Si3N4, wherein the atomic ratio of the constituents M:Al≧0.375 and the atomic ratio Si/Al≧1.4. |
| US08093795B2 |
Field emission back light unit, cathode structure thereof and method for fabricating the same
Provided is a field emission device, and more particularly, a field emission back light unit which makes an interconnection connected with an external electrode simple and capable of local dimming. To this end, a cathode structure for the field emission back light unit includes a plurality of data electrodes formed on a cathode substrate and spaced apart from one another, an insulating layer formed on the data electrodes, and having exposure regions exposing the predetermined data electrodes, cathode electrodes formed on the insulating layer and electrically connected with the data electrodes through the exposure regions, and at least one field emitter formed on the cathode electrodes, wherein a cathode block is defined based on the cathode electrodes electrically isolated from one another, and brightness of each cathode block can be controlled according to current supplied through the data electrode. |
| US08093793B2 |
Fluorescent lamp made of glass and having particular composition
An object of the present invention is to provide fluorescent lamps used as a light source for liquid crystal display devices, which have excellent characteristics in terms of preventing solarization, the properties for blocking ultraviolet rays, and the physical and thermal strength, and preventing scratching. The present invention provides fluorescent lamps made of glass containing 55.0% to 75.0% of SiO2; 10.0% to 25.0% of B2O3; 1.0% to 10.0% of Al2O3; 0% to 3.8% of Na2O; 0% to 3.0% of Li2O; 3.0% to 10.0% of K2O; 3.2% to 16.0% of Na2O+Li2O+K2O; 0.5% to 8% of TiO2; 0.1% to 5% of CeO2; 0.6% to 8.1% of TiO2+CeO2; 0.001% to 0.05% of Fe2O3; 0% to 0.7% of Sb2O3; 0.1% to 3.0% of SnO2; and 0.5% to 10.0% of at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of Gd, Y, La, Yb and Lu by weight, and is characterized in that the coefficient of linear expansion in a temperature range of 30° C. to 380° C. is 34×10−7/° C. to 58×10−7/° C. |
| US08093790B1 |
Waterproof LED lamp
A waterproof LED lamp has a lamp housing, a top lid, a base and a power contact assembly. The lamp housing has an LED circuit board mounted therein. The top lid is mounted on the lamp housing and above the LED circuit board. A lid seal ring is mounted between the top lid and the lamp housing to prevent moisture from entering the lamp housing. The base has multiple LED modules mounted therein and has a base seal ring mounted between the lamp housing and the base to prevent moisture from entering the lamp housing. A heat-conducting tube is mounted inside the lamp housing. A waterproof insulation layer sheathed on the heat-conducting tube and a gasket mounted between the base and the power contact assembly prevent moisture entering the lamp housing through the power contact assembly and the base. Accordingly, an overall waterproof effect can be achieved. |
| US08093784B2 |
Piezoelectric power generating element, and method of generating electric power using the piezoelectric power generating element
Provided is a relatively easy-to-fabricate piezoelectric power generating element capable of generating a large amount of electric power while comprising a bridge-type vibration beam that is resistant to damage from external vibration. This element comprises a support member, a strip-shaped vibration beam, a piezoelectric layer, and electrodes. The first and second ends of the vibration beam are fixed to the support member. The piezoelectric layer and the electrodes are provided on the surface of the vibration beam. The vibration beam extends in a plane when it is not vibrating. The vibration beam has a first portion that extends from the first end fixed to the support member, a second portion that extends from the second end fixed to the support member, and a third portion that connects the end of the first portion opposite to the first end and the end of the second portion opposite to the second end. The vibration beam has a shape such that, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane, a first direction in which the first portion extends is a direction closer to the second end, and a second direction in which the second portion extends is a direction closer to the first end, the first and second directions each make an angle of more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to a straight line connecting the center of the first end and the center of the second end, and the third portion intersects once the straight line. |
| US08093781B2 |
Electrochemical actuator
The present invention provides systems, devices, and related methods, involving electrochemical actuation. In some cases, application of a voltage or current to a system or device of the invention may generate a volumetric or dimensional change, which may produce mechanical work. For example, at least a portion of the system may be constructed and arranged to be displaced from a first orientation to a second orientation. Systems such as these may be useful in various applications, including pumps (e.g., infusion pumps) and drug delivery devices, for example. |
| US08093780B2 |
Micro-oscillation element with adjustable resonance frequency of oscillating portion
A micro-oscillation element facilitates adjusting the natural frequency relevant to the oscillating motion of the oscillating portion. The micro-oscillation element includes, for example, an oscillating portion, a frame, and a link portion that connects the oscillating portion and the frame. The link portion defines the oscillation axial center of oscillating motion of the oscillating portion with respect to the frame. The oscillating portion includes a main oscillating body, and a weight portion attached to the main oscillating body. The weight portion is movable in a direction intersecting the oscillation axial center. |
| US08093774B2 |
Direct current motor
A direct current motor includes: a stator (2) on which a plurality of coils (4) is provided; a rotor (8) including a plurality of permanent magnet magnetic poles (9) that is provided so as to face an inner periphery of the stator, and a pipe (11) on one end; a current-carrying portion (19) that is provided on the other end of the rotor (8) and commutates current supplied from a power source to the coils (4) on the stator (2); a sleeve bearing (6) that holds the rotor (8); and a ball bearing (7) that holds the rotor (8) and has a larger load-bearing capacity than that of the sleeve bearing (6). Furthermore, the pipe (11) holds the ball bearing (7) and is in direct contact with the ball bearing (7). |
| US08093771B2 |
Power-generating wheel hub
A power-generating wheel hub includes a hub shaft including a mounting section, and a bobbin including a tubular body sleeved around the mounting section, two flange plates connected respectively to two opposite ends of the tubular body, and a coil wound around the tubular body. Two magnetic yoke disks are sleeved on the mounting section adjacent respectively to outer faces of the flange plates, and each includes a plurality of angularly spaced-apart radial protrusions, and a plurality of indentations each formed between two adjacent ones of the radial protrusions. The indentations in the two magnetic yoke disks are staggered axially with respect to each other. Magnetic yoke claws respectively include radial arms inserted respectively into the indentations in the magnetic yoke disks and abutting against the outer faces of the flange plates, and axial arms extending axially from the respective radial arms and arranged annularly around the coil. |
| US08093770B1 |
Electric motor with liquid-cooled end windings
Cooling of the end windings on a stator of the electric motor can be made more uniform if a physically-compliant, thermally-conductive cap is placed over the end windings. In one embodiment, a liquid coolant is sprayed on the outside of the cap. The cap serves to make the temperature more uniform in the end windings. In an alternative embodiment, a cover is placed over the cap with a coolant jacket formed between the cap and the cover. A coolant, such as transmission fluid or engine coolant, can be circulated in the coolant jacket. |
| US08093768B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a housing, a plurality of buttons mounted on the housing for operating the portable electronic device, a power supply received in the housing for supplying working electric power to the portable electronic device, and a generator unit. The generator unit includes a plurality of magnetic components mounted on the buttons and a plurality of windings received in the housing and electronically connected to the power supply. Thereby induced currents for charging the power supply are generated when the magnetic components are moved with the movements of the operated buttons. |
| US08093767B2 |
Linear-resonant vibration module
Various embodiments of the present invention comprise linear-resonant vibration modules that can be incorporated in a wide variety of appliances, devices, and systems to provide vibrational forces. The vibrational forces are produced by linear oscillation of a weight or member, in turn produced by rapidly alternating the polarity of one or more driving electromagnets. Feedback control is used to maintain the vibrational frequency of linear-resonant vibration module at or near the resonant frequency for the linear-resonant vibration module. Linear-resonant vibration modules can be designed to produce vibrational amplitude/frequency combinations throughout a large region of amplitude/frequency space. |
| US08093765B1 |
System for noise reduction in circuits
Disclosed is an improved noise reducing apparatus using an anti-circuit, including a digital logic circuit and a digital anti-circuit corresponding to the digital logic circuit. The digital anti-circuit functions to cancel noise generated by the digital logic circuit. The anti-circuit includes logic to generate a similar number of switching edges as the logic circuit, where the anti-circuit edges are in the opposite direction as the logic circuit. The anti-circuit may have a circuit structure close to that of the noisy circuit, or can be formed of components different in structure but generating an output pattern similar to (and opposite from) the noisy circuit. In some embodiments, the differently structured components can include a state machine coupled to a memory or look-up-table. |
| US08093762B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
In a power phase period when in normal operation, switch portions SW2H and SW2L and switch portions SW3H and SW3L are turned ON, respectively, and switch portions SW1H and SW1L are turned OFF. And floating power supply is provided from an electrostatic capacitance element CS to buses A and B, a floating control circuit 4, a transmitter circuit 5, and a receiver circuit 6, respectively. In a data phase period, the switch portions SW1H and SW1L are turned ON, and the switch portions SW2H, SW2L, SW3H, and SW3L are turned OFF. By that manner, the electrostatic capacitance element CS is charged by the power supply of a battery B, and an electrostatic capacitance element CH provides the floating power supply to the floating control circuit 4, the transmitter circuit 5, and the receiver circuit 6, respectively. By this manner, a floating switch unit 7 in which the number of the switch portions is considerably reduced can be configured. |
| US08093760B2 |
Bipolar pulse generators with voltage multiplication
A bipolar pulse generator includes two, two-conductor transmission lines coupled together with a load positioned between the two transmission lines. Each conductor of a transmission line we define as a segment. Two segments of one transmission line are charged and switchably coupled to two segments of the other transmission line to produce a bipolar pulse on the matched load. This bipolar pulse generator may be implemented in a flat or a folded design. The generator may include two transmission line structures coupled together with a load positioned between each transmission line structures. The first transmission line structure may include a stepped transmission line and an embedded transmission line segment. A switch may be coupled between the embedded transmission line segment and another segment of the transmission line structure. During operation, the first transmission line structure may be charged to a potential with the switch in the open position and, when the switch is closed, the charge on the first transmission line structure together with the second transmission line structure generates a bipolar pulse on the matched load. |
| US08093757B2 |
Device for distributed maximum power tracking for solar arrays
The present invention is a system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected DC/DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC/DC converter. In one form the system for providing power from solar cells includes one or more solar generators wherein each of said solar generators has one to nine solar cells; a maximum power tracker operatively associated with each solar generator, each of said maximum power tracker includes a buck type DC/DC converter without an output inductor, each of said maximum power trackers are operatively connected in series with each other; an inductor operatively connected to the series connected maximum power trackers; and means for providing electrical power from the inductor to load means, wherein each of said maximum power trackers is controlled so that the operatively associated solar generator operates at its maximum power point to extract maximum available power. |
| US08093755B2 |
Uninterruptible power supply with wireless communication of detected data
A power supply system includes a power supply device, a switch device, a detecting device and a wireless operating terminal. The power supply device is connected to an electric appliance via the switch device to supply electric power to the electric appliance. The detecting device is connected to the switch device to detect working electric potential of the power supply device and the electric appliance, thereby generating and recording detecting data of the power supply device and the electric appliance. The wireless operating terminal communicates with the detecting device for remotely receiving the detecting data from the detecting device. |
| US08093754B2 |
High voltage array converter
Methods for compensating for reduced power output in stages of electrical power may be implemented within a direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. In some embodiments two or more stages are connected in series. In some embodiments tow or more stages are connected in a “Y” configuration. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source. |
| US08093750B2 |
Power strip system
A power strip system includes a master control socket, at least one subsidiary socket of which the power on/off status is decided by a current of the master control socket, a current detecting unit connected with the master control socket for detecting the current of the master control socket and sending a corresponding current signal, a control module receiving and analyzing the current signal sent by the current detecting unit and then generating a corresponding control signal, a voltage regulating module providing a regulated voltage for the control module to be used as a power supply of the control module, and a switch module including a switch device and a switching unit controlling the switch device to turn on/off the subsidiary socket according to the control signal of the control module. |
| US08093747B2 |
Aircraft electrical power system architecture using auxiliary power unit during approach and taxi
An electrical power system architecture uses an auxiliary power unit as an electrical power source during taxi (ground idle) and approach idle (if required). Using the APU as a power source enables a low pressure spool driven electrical generator to be off-line when its speed is too low for it to operate effectively. |
| US08093743B2 |
Plant for the production of electric power from the movement of waves
A plant for producing electrical power from the movement of waves. An offshore dam has a fixed generally vertical surface which is located in open water having wave movement and located vertically at the water surface. A submerged part which is fixed relative to the dam has an opening below the waves and in close proximity to the plane of the vertical surface to receive sea water. A force exerting structure such as a hydraulic pump or a thrust arrangement receives the water through the opening and forces that water through a one-way valve beyond which it is led to a turbine for producing electric power. |
| US08093741B2 |
Method and system for providing increased turbine output for doubly fed induction generator
A system and method for supplying increased frequency supporting current from a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) to assist in maintaining grid stability is provided. The output capability of a line side converter associated with the DFIG is enhanced by significantly increasing the current handling capacity of electric switches forming the converter. A dynamic brake is also provided across a DC link bus coupling the line side converter to another converter coupled to the rotor of the DFIG. The dynamic brake is controlled based on the voltage across the DC link bus. |
| US08093740B2 |
Wind power generation system and operation method thereof
A wind power generation system wherein procedure for controlling the blade pitch is changed in accordance with the rate of decrease in the amplitude of the grid voltage, and when over current occurs in the grid-side power converter, the grid-side power converter is brought into the gate-blocked condition whereas the generator-side power converter continues its operation. |
| US08093734B2 |
Cogeneration system
In a cogeneration system having at least with a generation unit comprising a generator connectable to an AC power feed line between a commercial power network and an electrical load, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator, and a battery, the cogeneration system producing hot air/water through exchange heat generated by the engine to supply to a thermal load, it is determined whether it is a predetermined self-diagnosis time, and when the result is affirmative, the generation unit is operated by an output of the battery and self-diagnoses is made on at least one of output voltage of the battery, a speed of the engine and an output of the generator, when it is determined to be the predetermined self-diagnosis time. |
| US08093728B2 |
Connection by fitting together two soldered inserts
A connection device between two components includes a hollow conductive insert, into which is fitted another conductive insert, the electrical connection between the two inserts being provided by means of a solder element. |
| US08093726B2 |
Semiconductor packages having interposers, electronic products employing the same, and methods of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor package and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, first and second semiconductor chips stacked on the substrate. An interposer is disposed between the first and second semiconductor chips. The interposer has a non-planar top surface. |
| US08093724B2 |
Semiconductor storage device
a semiconductor storage device is provided with a plurality of active regions formed in the shape of a band in a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of word lines arranged at equal intervals so as to intersect the active regions; a plurality of cell contacts that includes first cell contacts formed in the active regions in the center portions in the longitudinal direction thereof, and second cell contacts formed at each end portion at both ends in the longitudinal direction; bit line contacts formed on the first cell contacts; bit lines wired so as to pass over the bit line contacts; storage node contacts formed on the second cell contacts; storage node contact pads formed on the storage node contacts; and storage capacitors formed on the storage node contact pads. The center positions of the storage node contacts are offset in a prescribed direction from the center positions of the second cell contacts. The center positions of the storage node contact pads are offset in a prescribed direction from the center positions of the storage node contacts. |
| US08093721B2 |
Flip chip semiconductor package and fabrication method thereof
There is provide a flip chip semiconductor package comprising: an electrode pad formed a semiconductor substrate; a lower metal bonding layer formed on the electrode pad; an upper metal bonding layer formed on the lower metal bonding layer and having a post shape of a predetermined height; and a conductive bump formed on the upper metal bonding layer, and a solder bump covers at least partially the surface of the upper metal bonding layer. An insulating layer for electrode reconfiguration is formed around the electrode pad on the substrate, and the insulating layer has a predetermined thickness to prevent the penetration of α particles from the solder bump. The semiconductor package may further comprise an oxidation preventing layer between the solder bump and the upper metal bonding layer. In accordance with the present invention, there is realized the flip chip semiconductor package which improves the adhesive strength of the solder bump and which more improves the reliability in the flip chip bump structure of fine pitches. |
| US08093718B2 |
Chip structure and stacked structure of chips
A chip structure and a stacked structure composed of the chip structures are provided. The chip structure has a substrate and at least one compliant contact. Furthermore, the chip structure may further have a redistribution layer for redistributing pads originally disposed around the substrate in a specific arrangement. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The compliant contact is embedded into the substrate and protrudes outside the first surface and the second surface of the substrate. The compliant contact has a compliant bump and a conductive layer encapsulating the compliant bump. The conductive layer can be connected with the redistribution layer. Two chip structures can be connected with each other through their compliant contacts or through their compliant contacts or redistribution layers. |
| US08093717B2 |
Microstrip spacer for stacked chip scale packages, methods of making same, methods of operating same, and systems containing same
A chip package includes a microstrip spacer disposed between a first die and a second die. The microstrip spacer includes electrically conductive planes that are ground planes for at least one of the first die and the second die. A method includes operating the first die at a first clock speed and operating the second die at a second clock speed. A system includes a chip package with a microstrip spacer and a system housing. |
| US08093714B2 |
Chip assembly with chip-scale packaging
A chip assembly may comprise a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. The chip assembly may comprise a first die having a circuit surface and a connecting surface, the circuit surface comprising one or more integrated circuits. The chip assembly may comprise a chip-scale frame having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a well region, the well region having an opening within the inside surface, the well region having a wall, the well region housing the first die, the first die attached to the wall by a first coupling mechanism, the inside surface coupled to the top surface of the substrate by a second coupling mechanism. The chip assembly may comprise a heat sink coupled to the outside surface of the chip-scale frame using a third coupling mechanism. |
| US08093710B2 |
Non-uniform feedthrough and lead configuration for a transistor outline package
A transistor outline package having a feedthrough via and lead configuration that maximizes the amount of usable area on a header of the package is disclosed. In one embodiment, the package includes a header having an interior surface that includes a first and second lead assembly. The first lead assembly includes two vias having a first diameter, with each first via being positioned along a first pin circle imaginarily defined on the interior surface of the header. Each first via also includes first leads received therein. The second lead assembly includes four vias having a second diameter each, with each second via being positioned along a second pin circle that has a diameter greater than that of the first pin circle. Each second via includes second leads received therein. This configuration increases usable area on the header interior surface between the leads, enabling relatively larger submounts to be placed thereon. |
| US08093706B2 |
Mounting structure of semiconductor device and electronic apparatus using same
A mounting structure includes: at least one semiconductor device having solder bumps as outer terminals and a flexible wiring board with wiring formed thereon. The semiconductor device is structured to be wrapped by the flexible wiring board, the mounting structure is provided with outer electrodes on both sides of the flexible wiring board, one side being a side where outer terminals of the semiconductor device are formed, and the other side being an opposite side thereof. At least one wiring layer is formed on the flexible wiring board. A supporting member is provided covering side faces and a surface of the semiconductor device opposite to the side where the outer terminals are formed and protruding from the side faces of the semiconductor device and extending toward the surface on which the outer terminals are formed. |
| US08093705B2 |
Dual face package having resin insulating layer
A dual face package includes a semiconductor substrate including a through-electrode connected to a die pad disposed on one side of the semiconductor substrate, and a lower redistribution layer disposed on another side thereof and connected to the through-electrode, an insulating layer including a post electrode connected to the through-electrode, and an upper redistribution layer disposed on one side thereof and connected to the post electrode, and an adhesive layer disposed on the one side of the semiconductor substrate so as to attach the insulating layer to the semiconductor substrate such that the through-electrode is connected to the post electrode. |
| US08093701B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method and electronic equipment using same
A method of manufacturing semiconductor devices includes the following steps. That is, a support board is adhered to a rear surface of a substrate proper which has a plurality of circuit element parts with prescribed functions formed on a circuit forming plane on an obverse surface thereof. First groove portions are formed in the substrate proper. An insulating film (17) is formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate (50) by using an insulating material, and holes are formed in the first groove portions. Metal wiring patterns (8) are formed which extend from electrode portions to at least parts of inner walls of the holes. A prescribed amount of the support board at a bottom of each of the holes is removed. A conductive material is filled into the holes thereby to form penetration electrodes (10). A second groove portions are formed in the first groove portions. |
| US08093697B2 |
Microelectronic packages and methods therefor
A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes providing a microelectronic package having a substrate, a microelectronic element overlying the substrate and at least two conductive elements projecting from a surface of the substrate, the at least two conductive elements having surfaces remote from the surface of the substrate. The method includes compressing the at least two conductive elements so that the remote surfaces thereof lie in a common plane, and after the compressing step, providing an encapsulant material around the at least two conductive elements for supporting the microelectronic package and so that the remote surfaces of the at least two conductive elements remain accessible at an exterior surface of the encapsulant material. |
| US08093696B2 |
Semiconductor device
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device is provided, that includes a semiconductor carrier; a cavity formed within the semiconductor carrier, the cavity extending from the top surface of the semiconductor carrier into the semiconductor carrier; and at least one semiconductor chip provided within the cavity. |
| US08093693B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with encapsulation lock
An integrated circuit package system is provided including forming an external interconnect having a lead tip and a lead body, forming a recess in the lead body from a lead body top surface, connecting an integrated circuit die and the external interconnect, and molding the external interconnect with the recess filled. |
| US08093692B2 |
Semiconductor device packaging including a power semiconductor element
A portion of a frame body is fixed on a surface of a heat-radiating plate, and on frame body, a semiconductor chip is die-bonded. Next, a prescribed electrode of semiconductor chip and corresponding lead terminal and the like are electrically connected by a prescribed wire. Next, the lead frame is set in a metal mold such that the semiconductor chip is covered with resin from above the semiconductor chip. Thermoplastic resin is introduced into the metal mold, and semiconductor chip and the like are sealed. By taking out the resulting body from the metal mold, a semiconductor is formed. Thus, a semiconductor device can be provided with reduced manufacturing cost. |
| US08093690B2 |
Chip package and manufacturing method thereof
A chip package including a shielding layer having a plurality of conductive connectors for better electromagnetic interferences shielding is provided. The conductive connectors can be flexibly arranged within the molding compound for better shielding performance. The shielding layer having the conductive connectors functions as the EMI shield and the shielding layer is electrically grounded within the package structure. |
| US08093687B2 |
Methods for forming an assembly for transfer of a useful layer using a peripheral recess area to facilitate transfer
Methods for transferring of a useful layer from a support are described. In an embodiment, the method includes for facilitating transfer of a useful layer from a support by providing an interface in a first support to define a useful layer; and forming a peripheral recess on the first support below the interface so that the periphery of the interface is exposed to facilitate removal and transfer of the useful layer. An epitaxial layer can be formed on the useful layer after forming the recess, with the width and depth of the recess being sufficient to accommodate the volume of residual material resulting from formation of the epitaxial layer without covering the periphery of the interface. Alternatively, an epitaxial layer can be formed on the useful layer after forming the recess, wherein the peripheral recess is configured for receiving sufficient residual material from the epitaxial layer to prevent bonding between the residual material and the useful layer. |
| US08093680B1 |
Metal-insulator-metal-insulator-metal (MIMIM) memory device
The present memory device includes first and second electrodes, first and second insulating layers between the electrodes, the first insulating layer being in contact with the first electrode, the second insulating layer being in contact with the second electrode, and a metal layer between the first and second insulating layers. Further included may be a first oxide layer between and in contact with the first insulating layer and the metal layer, and a second oxide layer between and in contact with the second insulating layer and the metal layer. |
| US08093677B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method
A semiconductor device and manufacturing method is disclosed. One embodiment provides a common substrate of a first conductivity type and at least two wells of a second conductivity type. A buried high resistivity region and at least an insulating structure is provided insulating the first well from the second well. The insulating structure extends through the buried high resistivity region and includes a conductive plug in Ohmic contact with the first semiconductor region. A method for forming an integrated semiconductor device is also provided. |
| US08093676B2 |
Semiconductor component including an edge termination having a trench and method for producing
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body having a first side, a second side, an edge delimiting the semiconductor body in a lateral direction, an inner region and an edge region. A first semiconductor zone of a first conduction type is arranged in the inner region and in the edge region. A second semiconductor zone of a second conduction type is arranged in the inner region and adjacent to the first semiconductor zone. A trench is arranged in the edge region and has first and second sidewalls and a bottom, and extends into the semiconductor body. A doped first sidewall zone of the second conduction type is adjacent to the first sidewall of the trench. A doped second sidewall zone of the second conduction type is adjacent to the second sidewall of the trench. A doped bottom zone of the second conduction type is adjacent to the bottom of the trench. Doping concentrations of the sidewall zones are lower than a doping concentration of the bottom zone. |
| US08093673B2 |
Columnated backside illumination structure
Imager devices, systems including the imager devices and methods of forming the imager devices are provided. The imager device has a substrate with first and second opposing sides. The imager also includes an array of imager pixels at the first side of the substrate, each including a photoconversion device. An antireflective material is on the second side of the substrate and a dielectric material is over the antireflective material. A light guide material is disposed within a plurality of openings in the dielectric material and optically aligned with a respective photoconversion device. |
| US08093671B2 |
Semiconductor device with a bulk single crystal on a substrate
Device and method of forming a device in which a substrate (10) is fabricated with at least part of an electronic circuit for processing signals. A bulk single crystal material (14) is formed on the substrate, either directly on the substrate (10) or with an intervening thin film layer or transition region (12). A particular application of the device is for a radiation detector. |
| US08093670B2 |
Methods and apparatus for integrated circuit having on chip capacitor with eddy current reductions
Methods and apparatus for providing an integrated circuit including a substrate having a magnetic field sensor, first and second conductive layers generally parallel to the substrate, and a dielectric layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers such that the first and second conductive layers and the dielectric layer form a capacitor, wherein a slot is formed in at least one of the first and second conductive layers proximate the magnetic field sensor for reducing eddy currents in the first and second conductive layers. |
| US08093669B2 |
Magnetic nanotransistor
The present invention discloses methods and processes for producing magnetic nanotransistors containing carbon nanotubes. The nanotube is attached to at least one magnetic particle, the nanotube is then placed in between the two fixed magnetic moments, and subjected to an external magnetic field. The current passing through the nanotube can be controlled using the external magnetic field. |
| US08093666B2 |
Lanthanide yttrium aluminum oxide dielectric films
Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus include a lanthanide yttrium aluminum oxide dielectric film on a substrate for use in a variety of electronic systems. The lanthanide yttrium aluminum oxide film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The lanthanide yttrium aluminum oxide film may be formed by atomic layer deposition. |
| US08093664B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and depletion-type MOS transistor
A peripheral circuit includes at least a first transistor. The first transistor comprises a gate electrode formed on a surface of a semiconductor layer via a gate insulating film. A channel region of a first conductivity type having a first impurity concentration is formed on a surface of the semiconductor layer directly below and in the vicinity of the gate electrode. A source-drain diffusion region of the first conductivity type is formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer to sandwich the gate electrode and has a second impurity concentration greater than the first impurity concentration. An overlapping region of the first conductivity type is formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer directly below the gate electrode where the channel region and the source-drain diffusion region overlap. The overlapping region has a third impurity concentration greater than the second impurity concentration. |
| US08093663B2 |
Semiconductor device, method of fabricating the same, and patterning mask utilized by the method
A semiconductor device. The device comprises an active region isolated by an isolation structure on a substrate. The device further comprises a gate electrode extending across the active area and overlying the substrate, a pair of source region and drain region, disposed on either side of the gate electrode on the substrate in the active area, and a gate dielectric layer disposed between the substrate and the gate electrode. The gate dielectric layer comprises a relatively-thicker high voltage (HV) dielectric portion and a relatively-thinner low voltage (LV) dielectric portion, wherein the HV dielectric portion occupies a first intersection among the drain region, the isolation structure, and the gate electrode, and a second intersection among the source region, the isolation structure, and the gate electrode. |
| US08093660B2 |
Semiconductor device
A voltage mitigating element mitigating a voltage applied across a gate insulating film in an off state of an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is arranged to a gate electrode node of a P-channel MOS transistor provided for suppressing flow-in of holes at the time of turn-off of the IGBT. Withstanding voltage characteristics are improved and an occupation area thereof is reduced while maintaining switching characteristics and a low on-resistance of an insulated gate bipolar transistor. |