Document Document Title
US08200422B2 Information presentation apparatus, information presentation method, information presentation program, and computer-readable recording medium
A detecting unit of an information presentation apparatus detects information concerning driver gaze directed toward a screen displaying map information indicating a current position of a mobile object. A determining unit determines information concerning specific items to be given to a driver from among predetermined information items. An obtaining unit obtains the information determined by the determining unit based on the map information. A generating unit generates guidance information that provides, by sound, the information obtained at the obtaining unit. An output unit outputs the guidance information generated by the generating unit.
US08200419B2 Braking control system and braking control method
A braking control system (1) includes: an ECU (20) that determines the likelihood of collision with an object based on detection results by a millimeter wave radar (10), a stereo camera (11) and the like; a brake actuator (30) that automatically applies a braking force based on the determination results; a steering angle sensor (14) that detects the steering condition by a driver; and so forth. When it is determined that a collision with an object is likely and automatic braking is started, and it is subsequently determined that a collision with the object is avoided through a steering operation by the driver, the ECU (20) sets a smaller gradient with which the target deceleration (target braking force) in the automatic braking is reduced in comparison to when a collision with the object is avoided not through the steering operation by the driver.
US08200415B2 Method and device for controlling the operating mode of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for controlling the operating mode of an internal combustion engine (1) comprising several cylinders (3) and an injection system (4) with one injection unit (5) per cylinder (3). According to said method: a digital measuring signal, which characterizes the combustion of fuel (6) in the internal combustion engine (1), is first determined; said digital measuring signal is then transformed into a frequency range; a misfiring of the ignition is detected using the amplitude information of the transformed measuring signal and if a misfiring has occurred, the injection of the individual cylinders (3) is deactivated sequentially for a predefined period and for each cylinder the corresponding digital measuring signal that characterizes said cylinder is determined and transformed into the frequency range and a misfiring cylinder (3) is identified during the evaluation of the transformed measuring signal using the amplitude information. The invention also relates to a device for controlling the operating mode of an internal combustion engine (1) using a method of this type.
US08200411B2 Method and system for fuel vapor control
A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
US08200409B2 Travel control system for vehicle
A travel controller which controls the travel of a subject vehicle based on a distance to and a relative speed with respect to a control object determined by a control object determiner. If stoppage of the subject vehicle by a decelerating operation of a driver is detected by a manual stoppage detector and a comparator determines that a distance to the object in or on a travel locus is equal to or larger than a determination threshold value, the comparator excludes the object from being considered as a control object.
US08200407B2 Vehicle control device
A vehicle control device which can provide compatibility between a high grip performance and fuel efficiency is provided. When a camber angle of a wheel 2 is adjusted to a negative camber, ground contact pressure in a first tread 21 is increased and ground contact pressure in a second tread 22 is decreased. Accordingly, the high grip performance is provided. On the other hand, when the camber angle of the wheel 2 is adjusted to a positive camber, the ground contact pressure in the first tread 21 is decreased and the ground contact pressure in the second tread 22 is increased. Accordingly, a rolling resistance becomes low, and fuel saving is achieved. In this manner, by adjusting the camber angle of the wheel 2, the compatibility can be provided between conflicting performances of the high grip performance and the fuel saving.
US08200406B2 Reducing brake noise during low pressure braking
A mechanism for reducing brake noise during braking of a vehicle. The mechanism includes controllers and methods that “hold” a currently applied braking torque rather than applying the operator-requested braking torque when a vehicle is traveling at a low speed and the operator-requested braking torque is within a predetermined range. The controllers and methods “release” the previously “held” braking torque and apply the operator-requested braking torque once the operator-requested braking torque is outside the predetermined range.
US08200401B2 Determining and reconstructing changes in load on lifting gear
The invention relates to a method of determining changes in loads on lifting gear, whereby a change in load is determined within load curve data at a transition point of the load curve gradient, and whereby the load curve is broken down into discrete-time observation intervals at the transition points. It further relates to a method of reconstructing load situations on lifting gear, for which such a method of determining changes in load is used.
US08200399B2 Method of controlling a baler and a baler
A baler (1) composed of a pick-up device (4) for picking up a crop string (12), a compression device for compressing the crop in a compression direction to form a bale, the compression device having components (19) for measuring a distribution of a charging degree transversely to the compression direction. The baler (1) also has a 3D imaging device (11) for recording a 3D image (23) of the field and the crop string (12) in front of the baler (1), and a control device including a data processor (13) for controlling the baler (1) in dependence on data from the 3D image (23) and the charging degree (25).
US08200398B2 Automated control of boom and attachment for work vehicle
A first sensor detects a boom position of a boom based on a first linear position of a first movable member of a first hydraulic cylinder. A second sensor detects an attachment position of an attachment based on a second linear position of a second movable member of a second hydraulic cylinder. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the ready position state in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.
US08200397B2 Automatic rearview mirror adjustment system for vehicle
Mirrors on a motor vehicle are adjusted by monitoring the position of a first, preferably manually adjusted, mirror and adjusting the position of additional mirrors based on the monitored position of the first one of the mirrors.
US08200392B2 Vehicular steering control device
A vehicle steering control apparatus (10) is provided with: a steering force applying device (15, 30) for applying a steering force front wheels (5, 6); and a lateral force detecting device (42) for detecting a lateral force of each of the front wheels and rear wheels (7, 8), the steering force applying device applying, to the front wheels, a convergent steering force which steers the front wheels in a direction in which yaw oscillation converges, if a ratio of the lateral force (Fr) of the rear wheels to the lateral force (Ff) of the front wheels becomes a ratio of possibly causing the yaw oscillation in a vehicle (1).
US08200388B2 Hybrid vehicle
A control section determines either EV travel or HV travel to control drive of an engine. A ratio calculation section calculates an EV/HV travel ratio, and a display section displays the EV/HV ratio as a percentage. In this way it is possible to easily recognize the EV/HV travel ratio.
US08200382B2 Method and system for torque control of a hybrid automobile after a start
The invention is directed to a method and a system for controlling a drive torque of a hybrid drive unit (10) of an automobile after a start. The hybrid drive unit (10) includes a first drive source (12), in particular an internal combustion engine, includes at least one electric machine (14), which can be operated either in motor-mode or in generator-mode, wherein the electric machine (14) provides in motor operation an electromotive torque (M_EM), which in conjunction with a torque (M_VM) of the first drive source (12) represents a total drive torque of the drive unit (10), and supplies in generator-mode electric power.
US08200369B2 Use of statistical analysis in power plant performance monitoring
A technique of implementing performance monitoring in a power plant is appropriate to control operating parameters and factors connected with the efficiency of the energy production process in an energy marketplace that is more complex than in the past, and that takes variable costs besides the cost of fuel into account, e.g., environmental credits, equipment degradation and repair costs, electrical energy trade market factors like ramp rate, LMP (Locational Marginal Pricing) factors, the ability to deliver contracted power levels and spot transactions, etc. The technique applies a statistical analysis to collected power plant data to determine the factors that are best controlled or changed to affect (increase) the efficiency or other primary performance indication of the plant, as well as to establish baseline or best-possible operational constraints to be used to control the plant in the future.
US08200368B2 Automatically adjusting irrigation controller with temperature and rainfall sensor
Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation, an irrigation control unit comprises at least one input adapted to be coupled to and receive signals from a rainfall sensor and a temperature sensor, the signals corresponding to current values of an amount of rainfall and temperature. The unit also includes a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables and a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory. The processor is adapted to determine plant water requirements at least in part using the historical values of the plurality of variables and the current values of the temperature and the amount of rainfall.
US08200367B2 Bulk material transport system
In a material handling system having a material feeder, a material container may be configured to discharge material to the material feeder and a process aid may be engaged with the material container, a method including determining a process indicator associated with a material flow characteristic of the feeder during operation of the feeder, determining a difference between the process indicator and an indicator threshold value, adjusting the operation of the process aid based on the value of the difference determined above between the process indicator and the indicator threshold value.
US08200358B2 Hard drive temperature control
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) temperature control system includes an HDD including a temperature sensor. An Operating System (OS) driver is coupled to the temperature sensor and includes a temperature data retrieval engine that is operable to retrieve HDD temperature data from the temperature sensor and transmit the HDD temperature data. A shared data storage is coupled to the OS driver and operable to store the HDD temperature data transmitted from the temperature data retrieval engine. A fan speed controller is coupled to the shared data storage and operable to use the HDD temperature data stored in the shared data storage to adjust the speed of a fan.
US08200356B2 Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus data acquisition apparatus and semiconductor manufacturing system
A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus data acquisition apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a production management system interface unit which may communicate with the production management system, an apparatus interface unit which communicates with the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and a production management system substitution unit which may communicate with the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus via the apparatus interface unit. When the production management system can communicate with the production management system interface unit, the production management system and the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus communicate with each other via the production management system interface unit and the apparatus interface unit to receive process data output from the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. When the production management system cannot communicate with the production management system interface unit, the production management system substitution unit and the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus communicate with each other via the apparatus interface unit to receive process data output from the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus.
US08200354B2 Assembly task verification system and method
A method for verifying completion of a task is provided. In various embodiments, the method includes obtaining location coordinates of at least one location sensor within a work cell. The at least one sensor is affixed to a tool used to operate on a feature of a structure to be assembled, fabricated or inspected. The method additionally includes, generating a virtual object locus based on the location coordinates of the at least one location sensor. The virtual object locus corresponds to a computerized schematic of the structure to be assembled and represents of all possible locations of an object end of the tool within the work cell. The method further includes, identifying one of a plurality of candidate features as the most likely to be the feature operated on by the tool. The identification is based on a probability calculation for each of the candidate features that each respective candidate feature is the feature operated on by the tool.
US08200329B2 Combined hemodynamic and EGM-based arrhythmia detection
A medical device and associated method for detecting arrhythmias that includes electrodes for sensing cardiac electrical signals and a hemodynamic sensor for sensing a hemodynamic signal. An episode of cardiac electrical event intervals meeting cardiac arrhythmia detection criteria is detected from the sensed electrical signals. Cardiac mechanical events and/or cardiac mechanical event intervals are measured from the hemodynamic signal and used to withhold or confirm a cardiac arrhythmia detection of the episode.
US08200326B2 Calibration of impedance monitoring of respiratory volumes using thoracic D.C. impedance
A system includes an implantable medical device that includes a trans-thoracic impedance measurement circuit providing a trans-thoracic impedance signal of a subject. A controller is coupled to the trans-thoracic impedance circuit. The controller extracts a respiration signal from the trans-thoracic impedance signal, measures a breathing volume of the subject using the amplitude of the respiration signal and a breathing volume calibration factor, computes an adjusted breathing volume calibration factor using a reference baseline value of the trans-thoracic impedance and a measured baseline value of the trans-thoracic impedance, and computes a calibrated breathing volume using the adjusted breathing volume calibration factor.
US08200325B2 Micropower neural amplifier with adaptive input-referred noise
A micropower neural amplifier with adaptive power biasing for use in multi-electrode arrays is provided. The micropower neural amplifier includes a low noise gain stage. The low noise gain stage is implemented using an amplifier and pseudoresistor elements.
US08200323B2 Program products, methods, and systems for providing fitness monitoring services
Program products, methods, and systems for providing fitness monitoring services are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for providing heart rate information to a user of a portable fitness monitoring service includes: (a) defining a plurality of heart rate zones as ranges of percentages of a maximum heart rate; (b) associating a color with each of said heart rate zones; (c) receiving heart rate information from the user; and (d) providing a graphical display of the heart rate information, wherein a color of a portion of the graphical display corresponds with the color associated with one of said heart rate zones, wherein steps (a)-(d) are executed using at least one processor.
US08200321B2 Method for measuring patient posture and vital signs
The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.
US08200319B2 Locating fiducial points in a physiological signal
Systems, devices, methods, and techniques relating to the identification of fiducial points. In one aspect, a machine implemented method includes obtaining a first time varying physiological signal and a second time varying physiological signal that relate to biological activity of an organism, the first time varying physiological signal and the second time varying physiological signal forming an analytic pair wherein the analytic pair has a time varying phase angle, defining a reference line by a lower boundary of a representation of the time varying phase angle with respect to a time period, and identifying a fiducial point based on the reference line.
US08200316B2 Opposed view and dual head detector apparatus for diagnosis and biopsy with image processing methods
The invention relates generally to biopsy needle guidance which employs an x-ray/gamma image spatial co-registration methodology. A gamma camera is configured to mount on a biopsy needle gun platform to obtain a gamma image. More particular, the spatially co-registered x-ray and physiological images may be employed for needle guidance during biopsy. Moreover, functional images may be obtained from a gamma camera at various angles relative to a target site. Further, the invention also generally relates to a breast lesion localization method using opposed gamma camera images or dual opposed images. This dual head methodology may be used to compare the lesion signal in two opposed detector images and to calculate the Z coordinate (distance from one or both of the detectors) of the lesion.
US08200310B2 Spinal injury imaging by magnetically levitated sensors
A system for detecting a spinal injury region containing injured spinal nerve cells may include a swarm of nanosensors that are configured to detect chemical signals released by the injured spinal nerve cells, and are coated with a magnetic material. A magnetic field generator may controllably generate a magnetic field so as to magnetically levitate the magnetically coated nanosensors. An imaging subsystem may detect the positions of the nanosensors. A controller may control the intensity and direction of the magnetic field in a feedback loop, in response to the detected positions of the nanosensors, so that the attractive force that attracts each nanosensor toward the injured spinal cell as a result of the chemical affinity of the nanosensor is iteratively supplemented by the magnetic levitation force applied to that nanosensor, until substantially all of the nanosensors are agglutinated around the spinal injury region.
US08200305B2 Variable wavelength generating method and apparatus thereof, for use in measuring body fluids constituent concentration
A variable wavelength generating method and an apparatus thereof, for use in measuring a body fluid constituent concentration. The apparatus includes: a thermo-electric cooler (TEC) whose temperature is varied depending on a change in a supplied current; a light source section generating a wavelength that is varied depending on a temperature change of the thermo-electric cooler; a current supply control section controlling a current supplied to the TEC; an operation power source generation section supplying an operation power source for performing synchronization so that an operation of the light source section may be performed; and a controller for adjusting a current flowing in the TEC adjusting the operation power source supplied to the light source section.
US08200302B2 Mobile wireless communication apparatus having a plurality of antenna elements
A housing antenna is small enough in size so as to be accommodated in a mobile device. The antenna has a number of feeding points that allow the antenna to operate as a number of antenna elements. The antenna is capable of realizing high speed communication by increasing communication capacity.
US08200289B2 Portable terminal
A portable terminal in provided. The portable terminal includes a body having a front surface, the front surface having an upper portion and a lower portion, a display unit located in the body and visible at the front surface thereof, the display unit having a first end and a second end, and at least one of the first end being adjacent the upper portion and the second end being adjacent the lower portion, and a speaker unit located in the body, the speaker unit including a bone conduction speaker.
US08200280B2 Cordless telephone with digital audio player capability
A cordless telephone which allows a user to play MP3 digital audio bit stream music, using the remote handset of a cordless telephone to control the functions of the MP3 player. The cordless telephone remains usable as a typical cordless telephone with all the features and conveniences of a cordless telephone including, but not limited to, connection of a telephone call between a calling party and a called party, caller ID information, voice messaging features, etc. MP3 digital audio bit stream music may be downloaded from a remote source through, e.g., the Internet and a PC.
US08200273B2 Binding wireless devices in a building automation system
On a first level of the wireless building automation architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct wireless communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy is provided by receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration. Where a problem is detected, such as a fire, corrective action begins within the immediate region of the sensor generating an alarm signal. The corrective action occurs without routing the alarm signal to upper levels of control processes or across different systems. The alarm signal is also propagated to upper level control systems for generating appropriate responses in other zones. To provide the different zones and avoid interference, the transmit power of the sensors and actuators is controlled as a function of two or more other devices.
US08200271B2 Transmit power control in a radio station
A radio station (100), transmits a continuous control signal and a discontinuous data signal simultaneously. It receives UP and DOWN power control commands and adjusts its transmit power by ● in response to the UP power control commands, increasing its transmit power by a power step, ● in response to the DOWN power control commands, decreasing its transmit power by a power step, ● in response to initiating transmission of the data signal, increasing the transmit power of the control signal, and ● in response to terminating transmission of the data signal, decreasing the transmit power of the control signal; In response to initiating or terminating transmission of the data signal, the radio station (100) temporarily modifies its response to the power control commands.
US08200270B2 Method for adusting power at a node
In one embodiment, a method for distributed power control in a network is provided. The method determines a transmit power for a plurality of transmitting nodes such that signals sent from each of the transmitting nodes are received at a receiving node at a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) set point. Additionally, the method increases the SINR at the receiving node of one or more transmitting nodes of the plurality of transmitting nodes, and decreases the SINR at the receiving node of one or more other transmitting nodes of the plurality of transmitting nodes; wherein a total increase in SINR by the one or more transmitting nodes is substantially equal to total decrease in SINR by the one or more other transmitting nodes.
US08200267B2 Robust paging indicator detection
A robust method of page indication (PI) detection improves the probability of detecting a transmitted PI under conditions that decrease the probability of accurate PI detection. The method includes choosing a standard value of a PI threshold against which to compare accumulated PI bits when the probability of correctly detecting the PI is high, and choosing a derived value of the PI threshold lower than the standard value when the probability of correctly detecting the PI is low. The derived PI threshold value determination includes a factor indicative of a desired probability of accurate PI detection.
US08200253B2 Method for notifying a terminal of an update on system information in a long term evolution system
A method for notifying a terminal of an update on system information in a long term evolution system, which is used for notifying the terminal after the system information changes by a network side, after the system information changes, the network side notifies the terminal that the system information has changed within the system information modification period, wherein the length of the system information modification period is an integer multiple of discontinuous reception (DRX) period, and the DRX period is a period that the terminal receives paging message in the idle status. By using the method of the present invention, because the system information modification period is specified as an integer multiple of the DRX period, it makes sure that each terminal in the RRC_IDLE state receives the paging message including update information of the system information at least once.
US08200250B2 Transformation of positioning reporting formats
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for achieving transformations of received positioning information according to a first reporting format to positioning information according to a second format such as to allow a seamless transformation and handling of the positioning confidence values, i.e. the probability that the terminal is actually located in the region determined by the applied positioning method. The method derives an approximation of the shape-defining parameters for the second reporting format such as to minimize a criterion function including the predefined target confidence value and determining the deviation of the confidence value for the approximated shape from the target confidence value.
US08200248B2 System for providing alert-based services to mobile stations in a wireless communications network
System for providing alert-based communication services for which corresponding alert conditions to be met by mobile stations are defined. The system includes an alert engine capable of firing alerts associated with the alert-based communication services if location data regarding the mobile stations is indicative of the mobile stations meeting the alert conditions corresponding to the alert-based communication services. A requirements engine is provided for determining an expected earliest future time at which at least one alert condition is capable of being met by a particular mobile station and outputting a data element indicative of a requirement to obtain updated location data about the particular mobile station in advance of the expected earliest future time. Also provided is a scheduler for receiving expiry times data indicative of a plurality of expiry times relating to respective location requests, processing the expiry times data for determining an order for servicing the location requests by positioning determining equipment (PDE) at least in part on a basis on the expiry times of the location requests and an output for interfacing with the PDE, allowing it to service the location requests according to the order determined.
US08200247B1 Confirming a venue of user location
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for verifying a venue associated with a user location. A mobile computing device determines an estimated geographic location of the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device wirelessly transmits the estimated geographic location to a server system. The mobile computing device receives from the server system an identification of a suggested venue. An interface element that indicates that the mobile computing device may be located at the suggested venue is provided on a display of the mobile computing device. User input that confirms that the user is at the suggested venue is received. In response to receiving the user input, the suggested venue is identified as a confirmed venue. A wireless communication that identifies that the user is at the confirmed venue is provided from the mobile computing device.
US08200245B2 Technique for controlling point-to-multipoint data transmissions
A technique for controlling a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission of data over a PTM-enabled network (150) to a user group is proposed. In a first PTM transmission, a location information query message is distributed into a group service area (154). Upon receiving the query message, items of user equipment respond with location information response messages comprising location information indicative of a location of the respective user equipment. On the basis of the received location information response messages, a content transmission area (156, 157, 158) is determined. A second PTM transmission is then initiated into the content transmission area for content distribution. Furthermore, the content may be distributed via unicast retrieval.
US08200242B2 Enhanced wireless node location using differential signal strength metric
A wireless node location mechanism that employs a differential signal strength metric to reduce the errors caused by variations in wireless node transmit power, errors in signal strength detection, and/or direction-dependent path loss. As opposed to using the absolute signal strength or power of an RF signal transmitted by a wireless node, implementations of the location mechanism compare the differences between signal strength values detected at various pairs of radio receivers to corresponding differences characterized in a model of the RF environment. One implementation searches for the locations in the model between each pair of radio receivers where their signal strength is different by an observed amount.
US08200240B1 Method and system for use of a trusted server to facilitate location determination
Disclosed is a method and system for use of a trusted server such as an over-the-air provisioning server to facilitate mobile location determination. If a mobile location server (MLS) sends a location-determination message to a mobile station and does not receive a response back from the mobile station, there is a chance that the mobile station is not provisioned with a correct address of the MLS and that the mobile station therefore did not respond. To help jump start the location-determination process, the MLS may respond to that situation by instead causing a trusted server such as an over-the-air-service-provisioning (OTASP) server to send a location-determination message to the mobile station, triggering a response from the mobile station.
US08200237B2 Integrated circuit for controlling a process
Provided is a radio communication base station device which can obtain a maximum frequency diversity effect of a downstream line control channel. The device includes: an RB allocation unit (101) which allocates upstream line resource blocks continuous on the frequency axis for respective radio communication mobile stations by the frequency scheduling and generates allocation information indicating which upstream line resource block has been allocated to which radio communication mobile station device; and an arrangement unit (109) which arranges a response signal to the radio communication mobile station device in the downstream line control channels distributed/arranged on the frequency axis while being correlated to the continuous upstream line resource blocks according to the allocation information.
US08200227B2 System and method for resumable data transmission
A method for resuming data transmission in a data transmission system including multiple information processing units and at least one mobile device, the multiple information processing units and the mobile device each including a wireless communication component, the method includes: transmitting data, by a first one of the multiple information processing units, to the mobile device; recording a transmission status of the mobile device, the transmission status including information regarding an unfinished data transmission by the first information processing unit to the mobile device; and resuming transmitting data relating to the unfinished data transmission, by a second one of the multiple information processing units, to the mobile device based on the recorded transmission status.
US08200226B2 Method and apparatus for improving RRC connection procedure
The present invention provides a method for improving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection procedure in a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication system. The method includes steps of performing an RRC Connection procedure, and resetting or re-establishing a lower layer protocol entity for Signalling Radio Bearers (SRBs) when a cell reselection occurs.
US08200223B2 Base station and data transfer method for transferring data when a mobile station performs a handover
A base station according to the present invention includes: a data storage unit 119 configured to temporarily store user data, when the base station transmits and receives the user data to and from a mobile station; an identifier adding unit 116 configured to add, to the user data stored in the data storage unit, a transfer identifier which indicates that the user data is transferred to an other base station by a handover, when the mobile station performs the handover from the base station to the other base station; and a data transfer unit 118 configured to transfer, to the other base station through a transfer apparatus, the user data to which the transfer identifier is added.
US08200218B2 External request type function control system, terminal device, external request type function control method, and external request type function control program
A function control information transmitter transmits function control information for controlling the function of a terminal device such as a mobile telephone. When the terminal device receives the function control information from the function control information transmitter, the terminal device analyzes the received function control information so as to control the function of the control object even without preparing in advance a correspondence table for controlling the function. Thus, it is possible to easily use the optimal function, application software, and a service in accordance the environment and the situation.
US08200217B2 Method and apparatus for channel scanning that improves acquisition probability and power consumption
A method and apparatus for channel acquisition using a mobile station include obtaining geographic information of at least one wireless communication systems using one or more systems, respectively. The one or more channels are prioritized on a preferred roaming list based on the geographic information, and it is determined whether any of the prioritized one or more channels on the preferred roaming list are also on a most recently used (MRU) list. The mobile station attempts to acquire at least one of the prioritized one or more channels that is also on the MRU list.
US08200214B2 Wireless network selection
A method is provided for connecting an in-vehicle communication system to a plurality of wireless communication networks, including a mobile telephony network and an internet protocol network. The in-vehicle communication system is configured to roam between the plurality of wireless communication networks, wherein the method includes the step of receiving a first wireless communication signal from one of the plurality of wireless communication networks. The method also includes the step of detecting a second wireless communication signal from a second of the plurality of wireless communication networks. The method further includes the step of determining an intensity level of the first and second wireless communication signals. The method further includes the step of switching the in-vehicle communication system to one of the plurality of wireless communication networks based on the intensity level of the first and second wireless communication signals.
US08200213B2 Method for maintaining datalink network throughput by delaying lower priority messages
A method of maintaining datalink network throughput in a communications channel by delaying lower priority messages is provided. The method comprises receiving periodic channel occupancy data from a radio, and updating channel occupancy status from the channel occupancy data. A determination is then made whether the channel occupancy has reached a first predetermined occupancy threshold. If the first predetermined occupancy threshold has been reached, high priority messages are transmitted, and medium and low priority messages are stored. If the first predetermined occupancy threshold has not been reached, a determination is made whether the channel occupancy has reached a second predetermined occupancy threshold that is less than the first predetermined occupancy threshold. If the second predetermined occupancy threshold has been reached, high and medium priority messages are transmitted, and low priority messages are stored. If the second predetermined occupancy threshold has not been reached, messages of all priorities are transmitted.
US08200211B2 Recovery techniques in mobile networks
A technique for protecting location information of a subscriber in a mobile network is disclosed. A User Mobility Server (UMS) receives a first query from a first call state control function (CSCF). The UMS transmits a call setup and a subscriber identity to a servicing-call state control function (S-CSCF). The S-CSCF may have no record of the subscriber identity due to a restart are some other event. The UMS receives a second query from the S-CSCF based in part of the subscriber identity. The UMS transmits a home address of a mobile station to the S-CSCF. The UMS may also transmit a profile download to the S-CSCF.
US08200210B2 Method for classifying radio channels
In a method and device, simple hardware such as a standard User Equipment (UE), a mobile telephone, is used to collect the impulse response of a radio channel. The data generated is used to classify radio channels based on the impulse response estimates by estimating distribution parameters of the impulse response. This makes it possible to distinguish between different types of fading and hence, radio environments by matching the parameters to known radio channel models.
US08200209B2 Power consumption debugging in mobile terminals
Power consumption of an electronic device is measured by using circuitry within the electronic device to make power consumption measurements of the electronic device at predetermined time intervals. Each of the power consumption measurements is provided to a user of the device. This may involve incorporating each of the power consumption measurements in a debug printout generated by the electronic device. The measurements may be initiated by retrieving a parameter from a storage area within the electronic device, and initiating the power consumption measuring techniques in response to detecting that the retrieved parameter is in a predetermined state.
US08200207B2 Out-of-coverage service termination using proxy
A method and system that employs a proxy server associated with a mobile device in a wireless network, wherein the proxy server monitors whether the mobile device is still in coverage. The media service operates on top of a connectionless peer-to-peer packet-based transport protocol. The out-of-coverage condition may relate to the mobile device itself or to a remote mobile device engaged in the media service. If the proxy server detects that the device has lost coverage for more than a predetermined length of time, then it sends an out-of-coverage message to the other termination point engaged in the media service. If an out-of-coverage situation is detected, then the method or device initiates service cancellation or release. The out-of-coverage message may instruct the termination point to release or cancel the service.
US08200205B2 Interaction analysis and prioritzation of mobile content
A computer system having one or more non-transitory computer readable mediums having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of the computer system, causes the one or more processors to prioritize a target mobile content by (a) receiving interaction information relating to the mobile content accessed by a first mobile communication facility by a user thereof; (b) receiving a datum associated with the user of the first mobile communication facility, wherein the datum corresponds to offline information relating to the user; (c) weighting the mobile content based at least in part on the interaction information and the offline information relating to the user; and (d) providing the weight as a parameter for use in ordering the mobile content for presentation on a second mobile communication facility.
US08200197B2 Cellular telephone set and character display presentation method to be used in the same
A cellular telephone set can increase number of display patterns of animation display without occupying large storage region in the memory and without performing setting operation every time. The character presentation means determines character to be displayed in each event screen upon depression of call release button after telephone calling, depression of call release button after telephone call reception, upon occurrence of at least one of presence of not responded call and newly received mail, and upon variation of state between open state and closed state of the first and second casings, depending upon calling history, time of calling, call arriving history, time of call arrival, and timing of detection of variation of state between open state and closed state of the first and second casing by the detecting means.
US08200191B1 Treatment of devices that fail authentication
A system, a method and computer-readable media for handling a device that experiences a failure to complete an authentication process of a network. The cause of the failure is determined. Authentication parameters that may be used by the device to complete the authentication process are then identified. The authentication parameters are communicated to the device, and the device is directed to reattempt the authentication process while utilizing the provided authentication parameters.
US08200180B2 System and method for enhancing sensitivity of narrow information bandwidth receivers
A radio frequency (RF) receiver having enhanced sensitivity is provided. In one embodiment, the receiver comprises at least one antenna, a preselector unit operative to receive an RF signal from the at least one antenna and output a preselected RF signal, and a frequency synthesizer operative to generate a signal at a predetermined synthesizer frequency. A mixer is operative to multiply the preselected RF signal and the predetermined synthesizer frequency and output a product signal. The receiver also includes an intermediate frequency (IF) filter unit that is operative to receive the product signal from the mixer and output an IF signal. The IF filter unit includes one or more narrow bandwidth filters having a bandwidth adequate to transmit information of interest. At least one of the narrow bandwidth filters comprises a carrier filter.
US08200179B1 Combined variable gain amplifier and analog equalizer circuit
In one embodiment, a combined VGA-and-equalizer (VGA-EQ) circuit for a communication link includes a current-mode logic (“CML”) amplifier with an inductive load circuit. The CML amplifier has a gain control terminal and is operable to amplify, with an adjustable gain, a signal received at an input terminal and provide the amplified signal at an output terminal. The CML amplifier has a first gain at frequencies below a predetermined frequency value and a second gain at frequencies in a predetermined frequency range above the predetermined frequency value, wherein the second gain is higher than the first gain. The higher second gain of the VGA-EQ circuit causes a reduction in inter-symbol interference in a signal received by the receiver.
US08200178B2 Method for obtaining field strength information
A method for obtaining field strength information from a received electromagnetic signal by a receiver unit is provided, whereby an input voltage for an operational amplifier is generated from the received signal in the receiver unit by means of an input resistance realized as a voltage divider circuit and an output voltage is generated by the operational amplifier by means of a fixed amplification factor. The input voltage is changed until the output voltage lies within a predefined interval that includes the value of the reference voltage. The input voltage is tapped at the voltage divider circuit and, to change the input voltage at the voltage divider circuit, which has a plurality of divider nodes and a constant resistance value, a divider node is selected and a partial voltage is tapped. The field strength value received by the receiver unit is determined from a comparison of a quantity assigned to the selected divider node.
US08200171B1 Square wave testing of two-point polar amplifiers
A method and apparatus for testing a polar transmitter uses at least one square wave waveform as test stimuli replacing a multitone waveform. Each square wave signal is coupled one at a time to a frequency modulating input of the polar transmitter. The output of the polar transmitter is analyzed by observing the amplitude and frequency of the demodulated components corresponding to each square wave signal.
US08200167B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit, RF module using the same, and radio communication terminal device using the same
One high-frequency switch Qm supplied with transmit and receive signals to ON, and another high-frequency switch Qn supplied with a signal of another system to OFF are controlled. In the other high-frequency switch Qn, to set V-I characteristics of near-I/O gate resistances Rg1n-Rg3n of a near-I/O FET Qn1 near to a common input/output terminal I/O connected with an antenna are set to be higher in linearity than V-I characteristics of middle-portion gate resistances Rg3n and Rg4n of middle-portion FETs Qn3 and Qn4. Thus, even in case that an uneven RF leak signal is supplied to near-I/O gate resistances Rg1n-Rg3n, and middle-portion gate resistances Rg3n and Rg4n, the distortion of current flowing through the near-I/O gate resistances Rg1n-Rg3n near to the input/output terminal I/O can be reduced.
US08200165B2 Techniques for transmission of channel quality data in wireless systems
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, including a transceiver adapted for use in a wireless network using a fast feedback channel design that incorporates a 2-two level adaptive fast feedback channel framework separating uplink (UL) fast feedback channels into primary and secondary UL fast feedback channels.
US08200163B2 Distributed architecture for monitoring mobile communication in a wireless communication network
Systems and methods for receiving reporting data related to events that occur in a wireless network. The system comprises a data management system capable of generating a data reporting profile and communicating with a wireless device and a wireless device comprised of a first and at least one secondary processor, the first processor being monitored by a master agent and the secondary processors being monitored by a slave agent, the master agent being capable of monitoring and reporting a plurality of conditions of the first processor and sending and receiving communications from the data management system, and the slave agent being capable of monitoring and reporting plurality of conditions on the secondary processors and sending and receiving communications with the master agent. The master agent and slave agent monitor and report the conditions of the first and second processor by applying a series of logical rules found within the data reporting profile.
US08200162B2 System and method for minimizing interference between RFID reader
Disclosed is a method for minimizing interference between RFID readers built in a mobile terminal, it is possible to minimize interference between readers by assigning an operating time specific to the mobile terminal at a specific point of time of a cycle of a mobile communication network signal according to an identity number of a mobile terminal, even when several readers are scattered in a predetermined area and they try to detect one tag at the same time.
US08200155B2 Method and apparatus for connecting to network in a short-range mobile communication terminal
A method and apparatus for connecting to a network in a short-range mobile communication terminal are provided, in which a neighbor terminal information request message is periodically broadcast, a neighbor terminal information response message is received from at least one neighbor short-range mobile communication terminal, an RSSI of the neighbor terminal information response message is measured, the RSSI and neighbor terminal information included in the neighbor terminal information response message are stored for the at least one neighbor short-range mobile communication terminal, a closest neighbor WPAN is determined using the RSSI, a WPAN to join is selected based on the determination, and the selected WPAN is connected to.
US08200154B2 System, apparatus and method to control output of radio frequency signal
A system, apparatus and method to control the output of a radio frequency signal in a wireless local area network (LAN) system having an infrastructure. The system includes an access point which periodically transmits a frame including output control information used to control the output of the radio frequency signal, and a wireless terminal apparatus including a wireless transceiver module which receives the frame and a control module which extracts the output control information from the received frame, and controls the output of the radio frequency signal by the wireless transceiver module according to the extracted output control information.
US08200144B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
The image forming apparatus is provided with: a carrier that carries a toner image; a transporting unit that transports a sheet with using a transporting route; a transfer unit that transfers the toner image carried by the carrier to the sheet transported by the transporting unit; a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred by the transfer unit on the sheet; and an exit opening that is disposed so that a transfer position of the transfer unit is located between the exit opening and a fixation position of the fixing unit in a section including a transporting route over the entire length and that discharges the sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit to an outside of the apparatus.
US08200143B2 Image forming apparatus with detection unit
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion for forming an image using developer; a transfer unit for transferring the image to a medium transported thereto; a first detection unit disposed at a specific position for detecting the image thus transferred; and a second detection unit disposed to face the first detection unit for detecting a distance to the medium so that the first detection unit detects a detection result of the second detection unit.
US08200142B2 Multi-job feeder apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for improved productivity and reducing operator induced shut-downs when feeding multiple jobs from a single sheet tray includes providing bar-coded job divider sheets; loading the divider sheets into the sheet supply tray on top of their corresponding sheet stack; providing a bar-code sensor above the sheet supply that reads each divider sheet bar-code information; confirming that the bar-code information matches what is in the job cue; and setting subsystem operating parameters for that paper. Once the first divider sheet is sensed, it is then fed to a purge tray before the job starts. When the job is complete, remaining sheets for that job can be fed (optionally at high speed) to the purge tray on top of the corresponding divider sheet for reuse later. If too few sheets were loaded for the job, the feeder will cause a soft cycle down and flag the problem.
US08200137B2 Fuser assembly including a single biasing member
A fuser assembly includes a translatable heater member and a rotatable backup member mounted against the translatable heater member. The translatable heater member includes a heater housing extending through end frames disposed at the ends of the fuser assembly. A biasing member is positioned adjacent and parallel to the translatable heater member. A support structure is positioned at each end of the biasing member for supporting the biasing member. The support structure includes bell crank members that are engaged with the ends of the biasing member. The biasing member applies force on the heater housing through the bell crank members to bias the translatable heater member against the rotatable backup member.
US08200135B2 Transfer-fixing devices with heating and temperature equalizing capabilities, and apparatuses and methods using the same
A transfer-fixing device includes a transfer-fixing member, a pressing member, a heating device, and a temperature equalizer. The transfer-fixing member carries the toner image. The pressing member presses against the transfer-fixing member to form a nip portion to which the recording medium is conveyed. The heating device heats the transfer-fixing surface of the recording medium conveyed toward the nip portion. The temperature equalizer equalizes a temperature distribution of a surface of the transfer-fixing member in a width direction of the transfer-fixing member after the surface of the transfer-fixing member passes through the nip portion.
US08200134B2 Double-sided one pass image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus enables a high-quality double-side printing of a transfer medium by one-pass method using a simple structure. A latent image is formed and developed on an image carrier (drum) in a process cartridge. A resultant toner image is transferred by a first transfer unit (roller) onto either an upper surface of the transfer medium or a first intermediate transfer body (roller) in a first transfer area. The toner image on the first intermediate transfer body is transferred onto a back surface of the transfer medium in a fourth transfer area via a second intermediate transfer body (belt) and a third intermediate transfer body (roller). The fourth transfer area is located downstream of the first transfer area along a transport path of the transfer medium.
US08200133B2 Image forming apparatus
A tandem-type image forming apparatus in which a photoreceptor for black is controlled to be contacted to an intermediate transfer member and the photoreceptors for colors are controlled to be separated from the intermediate transfer member in a case of forming a black and white image, is disclosed, including a current control part which controls so that in the case of forming the black and white image, when the intermediate transfer member is driven, a value of a current flowing to the motor is equal to the value of the current in the case of forming the color image. The current control part controls the value of the current by controlling a rotational velocity of the photoreceptor for black.
US08200131B2 Use of registration marks and a linear array sensor for in-situ raster output scanner scan line nonlinearity detection
A method for detecting, in-situ, a cross-process linearity error in an image printing system that prints on an image bearing surface movable in the process direction is provided. The method includes placing marking material to form of a row of registration marks on the image bearing surface, detecting a position in a cross-process direction of each registration mark in the row using a linear array sensor that extends in the cross-process direction, and determining a correction function with a processor using the positions of the registration marks as detected by the linear array sensor to compensate for an error in the positions in the cross-process direction of the registration marks. The row of registration marks extends in a cross-process direction transverse to the process direction.
US08200129B2 Image forming apparatus with a developer feed device having a developer transport body for transporting developer
Each transport electrode has its longitudinal direction intersecting with a sub-scanning direction. Transport electrodes are disposed in parallel with each other and are arrayed along the sub-scanning direction. A transport-electrode electricity supply wiring section is connected to root portions of the transport electrodes. The root portions are one end portions of the transport electrodes with respect to the longitudinal direction. Toner transport guide members are disposed to cover the transport-electrode electricity supply wiring section and opposite end portions of the transport electrodes; i.e., the root portions and distal end portions.
US08200122B2 Bearing device, drum unit, and image forming apparatus
A bearing device to hold a rotor in an opening formed in a frame is provided. Circumference of the opening is formed to have a first edge and a second edge, which linearly extend along different directions from each other. The bearing device includes a flange member to be attached to an axial end portion of the rotor, a bearing member to be externally attached to the flange member and inserted in the opening, and a presser member to press the flange member toward a section between the first edge and the second edge.
US08200119B2 Image forming device
A color laser printer is configured with a tray being provided above the housing cassette which houses a recording medium. The tray holds developing units and is configured to be pulled out from device main body while leaving housing cassette inside device main body. Furthermore, a sliding support element capable of supporting protrusions of the tray is provided, such that a portion of the tray downstream of the protrusions can be supported on the installation surface when the tray is pulled out from device main body.
US08200113B2 Fixing apparatus comprising circuit for suppressing heat generation according to rotation detection signal
A fixing apparatus including a rotation detection circuit which detects the rotation state of the rotating member or pressing member, and one to (N−1) limiting circuits which limit driving of one to (N−1) driving circuits in accordance with an output from the rotation detection circuit, wherein when the rotation detection circuit detects that the rotating member or pressing member is not rotating, the one to (N−1) limiting circuits limit driving of the one to (N−1) driving circuits in accordance with the output from the rotation detection circuit to suppress energization of the heating elements regardless of the driving signals from the control unit to the driving circuits.
US08200110B2 Printing apparatus which reduces initial printing time and printing control method
A printing apparatus includes a detection unit which detects a rotation period of a transfer belt, and a printing control unit which performs a printing preparation operation, and detects the rotation period if the printing preparation operation is started, and performs printing in the detected rotation period if the printing preparation operation is completed. Accordingly, a rotation period of the transfer belt is detected while performing the printing preparation operation, so that an initial printing time can be reduced.
US08200109B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a image bearing member (drum); a developing device for forming a developing portion at which an electrostatic latent image formed on the drum is developed with toner; a toner supply device for supplying toner to the developing device; a density detecting portion for detecting a density of a control toner image formed on the drum; a toner ratio detecting portion for detecting a toner ratio in a two component developer contained in the developing device; a transfer member for forming a transfer portion; a charging member for electrically charging the toner image formed by the developing device by being supplied with a bias of an identical polarity to a charge polarity of the toner; an adjusting portion for adjusting an amount of the toner supplied from the toner supply device so that the toner ratio is below a preset lower limit when the toner ratio detected by the toner ratio detecting portion reaches the lower limit; and a bias determining portion for determining, after the adjustment by the adjusting device, a condition of a bias to be applied to the charging member on the basis of a detection result of the density detecting portion with respect to the density of the control toner image formed on the drum.
US08200107B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor drum, a developing roller, and a control section. The photoreceptor drum is configured to form an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof in accordance with image data. The developing roller has a surface for bearing a two-component developer at least a partial region of which faces the photoreceptor drum and is configured to be driven so as to feed the developer to the photoreceptor drum. The control section is configured to detect a print coverage for image data to be used during continuous formation of images in accordance with plural image data items and then set a relative velocity of the developing roller to the photoreceptor drum to a higher value when the print coverage is relatively high and set the relative velocity to a lower value when the print coverage is relatively low.
US08200105B2 First stage transfer bias of an image forming device
An intermediate transfer tandem type image forming device which has multiple first stage transfer units set parallel and a single power unit which simultaneously applies bias to the multiple first stage transfer units. When executing successive printing or both-sides printing and there is a need to change the bias value of the first stage transfer bias due to a mix of multiple types of recording media, the device is able to hold down electricity consumption, sustain image quality, and form images productively. When executing successive printing or both-sides printing, the application timing of the changed transfer bias due to the detection of a different recording medium to that of the initial medium is placed after the previous first stage transfer of a final color toner image is completed.
US08200099B2 Demodulation of an optical carrier
A method of transmitting a plurality n data streams comprises modulating an optical carrier using differential M-ary phase shift key (DMPSK) signaling in which M=2n. Advantageously the method comprises using differential quaternary phase shift keying in which n=2. A particular advantage of the method of the present invention is that since the data is differentially encoded in the form of phase changes rather than absolute phase values this enables the modulated optical carrier to be demodulated using direct detection without requiring a phase-locked local optical oscillator. The invention is particularly applicable to WDM communication systems.
US08200098B2 Method and arrangement for controlling a regenerator for data burst signals of a system comprising point-to-multipoint connections, transmission system comprising point-to-multipoint connections, and regenerator
A system which comprises point-to-multipoint connections and in which a portion of a downstream signal is extracted at a point located between a central network unit and a plurality of user network units, a header of the downstream signal is read and analyzed, and the header data obtained in this manner is used for controlling a regenerator provided in the upstream path for the data burst signals. The header data contains the beginning and end of the burst of the data burst signals, thus making it possible to reliably generate a temporal triggering signal for the regenerator.
US08200097B2 Optoelectronic module form-factor adapter
In one example embodiment, an adapter module includes a body having a first form-factor and multiple receptacles extending into the body. Each of the receptacles is configured to receive an optoelectronic module having a second form-factor. The second form-factor is smaller than the first form-factor. The first form-factor may substantially conform to the CFP MSA, for example. The second form-factor may substantially conform to the SFP+ or QSFP MSA, for example.
US08200096B2 Optical transceiver
An optical transceiver which converts a plurality of optical signals input from a first side into electrical signals so as to output the electrical signals to a second side and converts a plurality of electrical signals input from the second side into optical signals so as to output the optical signals to the first side.
US08200093B2 Multi-channel optical relays for enabling a networked communications system
A free-space optical communications network for allowing a plurality of geographically-distributed users to communicate may include free-space multi-channel relay converters for tracking a plurality of users, and a connection system in communication with each of the plurality of multi-channel relay converters. The connection system may include an internal alignment reference and steering mirrors. Each free-space multi-channel relay converter may be adapted to align with the internal alignment reference. The connection system may be adapted to align the plurality of free-space multi-channel relay converters with one another to allow the plurality of geographically-distributed users to communicate.
US08200092B2 Optical transmission apparatus
Where add optical signals have k different bit rates, an add controller is connected to k (
US08200091B2 Wavelength division multiplexing device and method of detecting input break of optical signal
A wavelength division multiplexing device comprises a detection unit to detect the low-frequency signal in the optical signal; and a control unit to control to make the dispersion compensator perform a compensation operation by determining that the optical signal is being input when a low-frequency signal is detected in the optical signal in the detection unit, and to control to stop a compensation operation of the dispersion compensator by determining that there is an input break of the optical signal when a low-frequency signal is not detected in the optical signal in the detection unit.
US08200089B2 Optical pulse time spreading apparatus and optical multiplex transmitting system with multiplexed channels and S/N ratio increased
Super-structured fiber Bragg gratings (SSFBGs) of s optical pulse time spreaders are provided with N unit FBGs disposed starting from an input/output end in the order of first to N-th unit FBGs, where s is a parameter less than or equal to a parameter N, a natural number. The unit FBGs are configured such that the reflectivities of the unit FBGs placed from one end to the center of the SSFBG formed in an optical fiber are monotonically increased, while the reflectivities of the unit FBGs placed from the center to the other end of the SSFBG are monotonically decreased. The chip pulses in a pulse train are given relative phases such that the relative phase of the first chip pulse is equal to zero, the relative phase of the second chip pulse is equal to a phase difference d1=2π{a+(n−1)/N}, . . . , and the relative phase of the N-th chip pulse is equal to (N−1)d1. The parameter a is any real number satisfying the condition of 0≦a<1.
US08200085B2 Optical digital transmission for multiple beam cross-connection, routing, and switching
The invention concerns an optical digital transmitting device for cross connecting, routing and switching at temporal, spatial and frequency level a plurality of electromagnetic beams. Said device uses a plurality of laser type or other low/medium power type magnetic sources, coupled to a plurality of matrix optical heads and specific delay lines of the structured waveguide type based, for example, on optical fibers, of natural crystalline or specific synthetic structure, of optical passive/active memory structure, of any combination thereof. The electromagnetic multiple beam cross connection, routing and switching function whether of the optical type or not enables it to be used in various fields in telecommunications (such as point-to-point, point-to-multipoint free-space transmission).
US08200082B2 Fiber connectivity for emergency response personnel
A network may include fiber optic lines and fiber distribution panels connected by the one or more fiber optic lines. At least one of the fiber distribution panels may include an optical fiber connector designated as a connector that is for emergency use. The network may further include a plurality of optical network terminals located at premises of subscribers to the network.
US08200081B2 Image capturing apparatus and method for controlling same
The present invention further improves operability related to setting the position and size of a focus detection region. An image capturing apparatus of the invention is provided with an image sensor that photo-electrically converts an object image formed by an optical lens, a focus detection unit that detects the focus state of the object image using an image signal from a focus detection region that is a region that is a portion within a frame of the image sensor, a setting unit that sets one focus detection mode from among a plurality of focus detection modes in which the size and position of the focus detection region within the frame differ, and a storage unit that stores a focus detection region size and position for each of the plurality of focus detection modes.
US08200079B2 Camera module
There is provided a camera module. The camera module includes a housing accommodating a lens barrel in which a lens is arranged, a close range lens provided in the housing and covering the lens at the time of shooting at close range, and a driving unit driving the close range lens to cover the lens.
US08200063B2 System and method for video summarization
The subject invention relates to a system and method for video summarization, and more specifically to a system for segmenting and classifying data from a video in order to create a summary video that preserves and summarizes relevant content. In one embodiment, the system first extracts appearance, motion, and audio features from a video in order to create video segments corresponding to the extracted features. The video segments are then classified as dynamic or static depending on the appearance-based and motion-based features extracted from each video segment. The classified video segments are then grouped into clusters to eliminate redundant content. Select video segments from each cluster are selected as summary segments, and the summary segments are compiled to form a summary video. The parameters for any of the steps in the summarization of the video can be altered so that a user can adapt the system to any type of video, although the system is designed to summarize unstructured videos where the content is unknown. In another aspect, audio features can also be used to further summarize video with certain audio properties.
US08200062B2 Playback apparatus, program, and playback method
A playback apparatus including: a Clip information read circuit 5 that reads supplementary information from a recording medium 1, which also includes a video signal, and judges based on the supplementary information whether the video signal is of a first frame frequency or of a second frame frequency; a mode setting unit 13 that sets either a continuation or non-continuation mode, the continuation mode prohibiting and the non-continuation mode allowing a switch between frame frequencies during a playback; and a 24 Hz-60 Hz conversion circuit 7 and a digital modulation circuit 9 that, if the continuation mode is set, output the obtained video signal if it is of the first frame frequency, and generate a video signal of the first frame frequency by converting the obtained video signal and output the generated video signal if the obtained video signal is of the second frame frequency.
US08200061B2 Signal processing apparatus and method thereof
A signal processing unit includes a feature quantity extracting unit, a segmentalizing unit, a clustering unit, an existence probability function deriving unit, an existence probability function similarity calculating unit, a cluster integrating unit and a cluster information output unit. The signal processing unit classifies the signal feature quantity which characterizes the content signal segmentalized into segments according to the similarity with respect to each other, obtains functions which indicate the existence probabilities for clusters of classified segments, and integrates the clusters whose obtained functions are at the high level of similarity.
US08200059B2 Adhesive composition for optical waveguide, adhesive film for optical waveguide and adhesive sheet for optical waveguide each using the same, and optical device using any of them
The present invention provides an adhesive composition for an optical waveguide which comprises (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a curing agent and (c) a high molecular compound, in which a total light transmittance and a light transmittance in a wavelength of 700 to 1600 nm in a cured matter of the adhesive composition are 80% or more and in which a transparency is consistent with a heat resistance, an adhesive film for an optical waveguide prepared by forming the above adhesive composition into a film form, an adhesive sheet for an optical waveguide comprising the above adhesive composition and a supporting base material and an optical device produced by using them.
US08200052B2 Optical device and multiple beam scanner
There is provided an optical device including: a passive core layer in which is formed an optical circuit having a refractive index n2; an active core layer covering at least a portion of the optical circuit, exhibiting an electro-optical effect, and having a refractive index of n1 higher than n2; a lower clad layer over which the passive core layer is formed and having a refractive index n3 lower than n2; an upper clad layer covering the active and passive core layers and having a refractive index n5 lower than n1; a lower electrode disposed below the lower clad layer; and an upper electrode disposed on the upper clad layer, in which the entrance and exit portions of the active core layer are tapered, respectively.
US08200051B2 Apparatus using waveguide, optical touch panel, and method of fabricating waveguide
An apparatus, an optical touch panel, a waveguide, and a process for producing a double layered waveguide structure are provided. The apparatus includes a waveguide having a plurality of transmission waveguide elements and a plurality of reception waveguide elements; a light source coupled to the waveguide; a light detector coupled to the waveguide; and a reflector, spaced apart from the waveguide, the reflector reflecting light emitted from the plurality of transmission waveguide elements towards the reception waveguide elements. The waveguide includes a substrate, a first cladding layer, a reception waveguide, a second cladding layer, a transmission waveguide, and a third cladding layer. The optical touch panel includes a waveguide section comprising a waveguide; a mirror; a surface emitting laser; and a detector.
US08200050B2 Opto-acoustic pressure sensor
A device (10) for sensing an acoustic signal is described. The device includes a flexible portion (14) including a laser active region (13) whose emitted wavelength varies according to a mechanical force acting on the flexible portion (14) and a flexible support member (24) operable to flex or bend according to the acoustic signal. The flexible portion (14) is coupled with the support member (24) so as to cause the flexible portion to flex or bend in accordance with the support member (24) thereby changing the emitted wavelength of the laser active region (13) of the flexible portion (14).
US08200048B2 Measuring apparatus, venturi and venturi insertion tool
This invention comprises a system for measurement of temperature and pressure in oil wells. It comprises a single hybrid mandrel housing a double pressure and temperature optical sensor, capable of measuring temperature and pressure both in the ring and in the production tubing of an oil well and an insertable venturi tube inserted in the direction of a pressure differential optical sensor, capable of taking flow rate measurements, the installation aspects of which are substantially simplified.With the proposed construction, it is possible for one single hybrid mandrel (30) to read the pressure and temperature in the ring and tubing and the flow rate. With this, changes of flow rate are also possible, without the need to stop production for long periods for the hybrid mandrel (30) to be replaced, the mere replacement of the insertable venturi (12) sufficing, by means of an insertion and extraction GS tool (17), which is an operation requiring a much shorter time.
US08200039B2 Laying out multiple images
Systems, methods, and apparatuses, including computer program products, are provided for re-layout of composite images. In some implementations, a method includes identifying geometric transformations corresponding to multiple images from a collection of images, where a geometric transformation reorients a corresponding image in relation to a common reference frame when applied and identifying a reference image for the multiple images in the collection of images. The method also includes determining overlapping image regions for the multiple images starting from the reference image, the determining based on the identified geometric transformations, determining additional transformations of a specified type for the multiple images based on the overlapping image regions, where an additional transformation lays out a corresponding image in relation to the reference image when applied, and making the additional transformations available for further processing and output with respect to the collection of images.
US08200036B2 System and method for adjusting sensitivity of camera module
A system for adjusting a sensitivity of a camera module includes a memory unit configured for storing a plurality of pre-initialized pixel adjusting maps; an image capturing unit configured for capturing an image from the camera module and acquiring pixel values of the image to determine a pixel value range of the pixel values; a comparison unit configured for comparing the pixel range with the input-ranges of the pixel adjusting maps to determine which one of the input ranges of the pixel adjusting maps the pixel value range of the image; and an adjusting unit configured for adjusting the pixel value of the image to adjusting the sensitivity of the camera module according to the determined pixel adjusting map and outputting adjusted pixel values. The system can not only breakthrough the limit of the self-character of the amplifier, but also decrease noise in course of adjusting the sensitivity of the camera module.
US08200034B2 Detecting double JPEG compression in images
Techniques are generally described for detecting double JPEG compression in images. Example detection techniques of double JPEG compression may include receiving JPEG images for analysis and extracting 2-dimensional (2-D) arrays of JPEG coefficients from the images. 2-D difference arrays may be generated from the array of JPEG coefficients, with the entries in the difference array reflecting relative changes in values of pairs of entries in the array of JPEG coefficients. The detection techniques also model the difference arrays using random processes, and evaluate whether the random processes reveal statistical artifacts in the JPEG images. These statistical artifacts result from double JPEG impression performed on the JPEG images.
US08200027B2 Methods and apparatus for retrieving images from a large collection of images
An image retrieval program (IRP) may be used to query a collection of digital images. The IRP may include a mining module to use local and global feature descriptors to automatically rank the digital images in the collection with respect to similarity to a user-selected positive example. Each local feature descriptor may represent a portion of an image based on a division of that image into multiple portions. Each global feature descriptor may represent an image as a whole. A user interface module of the IRP may receive input that identifies an image as the positive example. The user interface module may also present images from the collection in a user interface in a ranked order with respect to similarity to the positive example, based on results of the mining module. Query concepts may be saved and reused. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08200026B2 Identifying image type in a capture system
Visual objects can be classified according to image type. In one embodiment, the present invention includes capturing a visual object, and decompressing the visual object to a colorspace representation exposing each pixel. The contribution of each pixel to a plurality of image types can then be determined. Then, the contributions can be combined, and the image type of the visual object can be determined based on the contributions.
US08200025B2 Image classification and search
An electronic image classification and search system and method are provided. Images are processed to determine a plurality of simple feature descriptors based upon characteristics of the image itself. The simple feature descriptors are grouped into complex features based upon the orientation of the simple feature descriptors. End-stopped complex feature descriptors and complex feature descriptors at multiple orientations are grouped into hypercomplex feature descriptors. Hypercomplex resonant feature descriptor clusters are generated by linking pairs of hypercomplex feature descriptors. Feature hierarchy classification can then be performed by adaptive resonance on feature descriptors and classifier metadata associated with the image can then be generated to facilitate indexing and searching of the image within a hierarchical image database.
US08200024B2 Image monitoring system
An image monitoring system including: an image data acquisition unit for taking in video signals from a camera to acquire image data; and an image recognition unit for carrying out image recognition processing using an inputted image obtained from the image data acquisition unit, wherein the image recognition unit includes: a reference image registration means for registering a reference image selected from among the inputted images; a motion detection means for acquiring motion detection information from the inputted image; an image blur detection means for detecting image blur by comparison of the reference image with the inputted image for edge strength; a similarity computation means for computing a similarity between the reference image and the inputted image; and a camera anomaly detection unit for determining any anomaly in the camera from the motion detection information, the image blur and the similarity, wherein the comparison for edge strength and the computation for the similarity are carried out respectively for an image region excluding a region of a moving object extracted by the motion detection means.
US08200019B2 Method and system for automatically extracting photography information
A method and system for automatically extracting photography information is provided. The system for automatically extracting photography information includes an image input unit acquiring a preview image or a captured image as an input image, a photography information extraction unit extracting photography information of the input image, and a photography code generation unit generating a photography code indicating a user's photography pattern by using the extracted photography information.
US08200018B2 Information management apparatus, image recording apparatus, image pickup apparatus, image management system, image analysis information management method, and program
An image management apparatus may include an input image setting information acquiring unit configured to, when image analysis information on an input image is set, acquire setting information as input image setting information, an available setting information acquiring unit configured to acquire setting information as available setting information, an update necessity determining unit configured to determine whether or not an update of the image analysis information is necessary, on the basis of a difference between the input image setting information and the available setting information, and an image analysis information setting unit configured to, when it is determined that an update of the image analysis information is necessary, perform image analysis on the input image using the second image analysis processing unit so as to set new image analysis information.
US08200011B2 Context processor for video analysis system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a system for mapping a scene depicted in an acquired stream of video frames that may be used by a machine-learning behavior-recognition system. A background image of the scene is segmented into plurality of regions representing various objects of the background image. Statistically similar regions may be merged and associated. The regions are analyzed to determine their z-depth order in relation to a video capturing device providing the stream of the video frames and other regions, using occlusions between the regions and data about foreground objects in the scene. An annotated map describing the identified regions and their properties is created and updated.
US08200008B2 Image processing device and method for reducing color artifact
An image processing device and method is provided to reduce color artifact. A smooth unit performs a smooth operation on color signal corresponding to a pixel and adjacent pixels to generate smooth color signal. A level shifter performs a level-shifting on the smooth color signal to obtain level-shifted color signal. A color strength unit calculates a color strength indicator based on the color signal. A gray level decision unit is connected to the color strength unit for deciding whether the pixel is in a gray level region or not based on the color strength indicators of the pixel and adjacent pixels to generate a gray level indicator. An adjustment unit adjusts the smooth color signal and the level-shifted color signal based on the gray level indicator to generate an output color signal.
US08200006B2 Image processing apparatus for analysis of pattern matching failure
Information indicating the reason for a failure of template matching is provided. Difference information between a first image, which is referred to as a template, and a third image that is selected by the operator from a second image and that is larger than the template is displayed.
US08200005B2 Method and apparatus for storing 3D information with raster imagery
The present invention meets the above-stated needs by providing a method and apparatus that allows for X parallax information to be stored within an image pixel information. Consequently, only one image need be stored, whether it's a mosaic of a number of images, a single image or a partial image for proper reconstruction. To accomplish this, the present invention stores an X parallax value between the stereoscopic images with the typical pixel information by, e.g., increasing the pixel depth.
US08200004B2 Method for inspecting a surface of a wafer with regions of different detection sensitivity
The invention relates to a method for inspecting a surface of a wafer with regions of different detection sensitivity. For this purpose, an image of the selected surface of the wafer is acquired using a detector. At least one region handled with a different detection sensitivity than the rest of the wafer may be defined on the surface of the wafer by means of an input unit. The detection sensitivity set for the regions is a percentage less than the detection sensitivity for the surface of the wafer without the regions with the different detection sensitivity.
US08200003B2 Method for the optical inspection and visualization of optical measuring values obtained from disk-like objects
The present invention relates to a method for optically inspecting and visualizing optical measuring values from at least one image of a disk-like object, including the steps of recording said at least one image of said at least one disk-like object, wherein a plurality of optical measuring values are produced from said at least one recorded image; generating a resulting image, wherein an area of the surface of said disk-like object having optical measuring values within a predetermined interval, is associated with a color or brightness value selected from a predetermined range; and varying at least one imaging parameter as a function of the detected and evaluated optical measuring values and/or as a function of a visual inspection of the resulting image by an operator.
US08200001B2 Quantitative method for evaluation of fiber tear associated with removal of a first layer that was adhered to a second layer
A method is provided for quantitatively evaluating fiber tear associated with removal of a cover that was adhered to a spine of bound pages of at least one book. The method includes optically imaging the spine of each book from which the cover was removed and generating a corresponding at least one digital image, and processing the images using a tangible processor executing image processing software. The processing includes selecting regions of the images that have a color which corresponds to a range of colors associated with a selected level of fiber tear, assigning a selected color to the selected regions which is contrasting relative to the colors of non-selected regions of the at least one image, selecting at least a portion of the images to analyze, and determining a percentage of the selected portion that is assigned the selected color.
US08199999B2 Image classifier training
Methods are disclosed that include: (a) applying a first stain to a first sample having a plurality of regions, where the first stain selectively binds to only a first subset of the regions of the first sample; (b) applying a second stain to the first sample, where the second stain binds to a second set of regions of the first sample; (c) obtaining an image of the first sample, and analyzing the image to obtain a first component image corresponding substantially only to spectral contributions from the first stain, and a second component image corresponding substantially only to spectral contributions from the second stain; and (d) training a classifier to identify regions of a second sample based on information derived from the first and second component images, the identified regions corresponding to the first subset of regions of the first sample.
US08199996B2 Systems and methods for improving directed people screening
The present invention is a system and method for screening subjects at security locations while preserving the privacy of subjects and retaining the efficiency and thus, throughput, of the screening process. More specifically, the present invention is an improved X-ray detection system and method that allows for maximum threat detection performance with improved verbal and visual communication between the screening and imaging system operator and an image analyst, either proximally or remotely located, thus allowing for an accurate, directed physical search and minimal “pat-down” of subjects under inspection.
US08199994B2 Automatic analysis of cardiac M-mode views
Automated analysis of M-Mode images are provided based on the separation of M-Mode images into tissue layers and motion curves by simultaneously aligning all layers and extracting the motion curves from the alignment. Also provided is the ability to search for similar M-Modes using a representation comprised of tissue layers and motion curves and a similarity measure thereof.
US08199987B2 Acoustographic diagnosis of abnormalities
An arrangement and method are provided for acoustographic diagnosis of abnormalities of a product, such as motor vehicle, that includes associating psychoacoustic vector beam data with a three-dimensional graphic surface model, and analyzing the three-dimensional graphic surface model to identify at least a portion thereof associated with unacceptable psychoacoustic levels.
US08199985B2 Automatic interpretation of 3-D medicine images of the brain and methods for producing intermediate results
Methods for fully automatic quantification and interpretation of three dimensional images of the brain or other organs. A system for Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) of diseases affecting cerebral cortex from SPECT images of the brain, where said images may represent cerebral blood flow (CBF). The methods include image processing, statistical shape models, a virtual brain atlas, reference databases and machine learning.
US08199984B2 System that assists in observing a luminal organ using the structure of the luminal organ
Medical image observation assisting system 1 including CT-image-data retrieving portion 10, CT-image-data storing portion 11, information extracting portion 12, anatomical information DB13, point of view/line of view setting portion 14, luminal organ image generating portion 15, anatomical nomenclature information generating portion 16, branch specifying portion 17, image synthesizing and displaying portion 18 and user I/F control portion 19. The point of view/line of view setting portion 14 sets a point of view and line of view for observing an external profile of a luminal organ, on the basis of structure information of the luminal organ extracted by the information extracting portion 12, while a point of interest is kept substantially on a centerline of the organ.
US08199982B2 Mapping of literature onto regions of interest on neurological images
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for analyzing neurological images. A set of brain scans for a patient is compared to a set of baseline control scans to automatically identify regions of interest in the set of patient scans. A region of interest is an area in a scan that shows an indication of a potential abnormality. A set of electronic medical literature sources is searched for medical literature relevant to the regions of interest in the set of patient scans. The relevant medical literature is correlated to the medical literature describing the regions of interest in the set of patient scans to the regions of interest in the set of patient scans. A result is generated. The result comprises the regions of interest and a set of links to the correlated portions of the relevant medical literature are outputted.
US08199979B2 Classification system for consumer digital images using automatic workflow and face detection and recognition
A processor-based system operating according to digitally-embedded programming instructions includes a face detection module for identifying face regions within digital images. A normalization module generates a normalized version of the face region. A face recognition module automatically extracts a set of face classifier parameter values from the normalized face region that are referred to as a faceprint. A workflow module automatically compares the extracted faceprint to a database of archived faceprints previously determined to correspond to known identities. The workflow module determines based on the comparing whether the new faceprint corresponds to any of the known identities, and associates the new faceprint and normalized face region with a new or known identity within a database. A database module serves to archive data corresponding to the new faceprint and its associated parent image according to the associating by the workflow module within one or more digital data storage media.
US08199975B2 System and method for side vision detection of obstacles for vehicles
This invention provides a system and method for object detection and collision avoidance for objects and vehicles located behind the cab or front section of an elongated, and possibly tandem, vehicle. Through the use of narrow-baseline stereo vision that can be vertically oriented relative to the ground/road surface, the system and method can employ relatively inexpensive cameras, in a stereo relationship, on a low-profile mounting, to perform reliable detection with good range discrimination. The field of detection is sufficiently behind and aside the rear area to assure an adequate safety zone in most instances. Moreover, this system and method allows all equipment to be maintained on the cab of a tandem vehicle, rather than the interchangeable, and more-prone-to-damage cargo section and/or trailer. One or more cameras can be mounted on, or within, the mirror on each side, on aerodynamic fairings or other exposed locations of the vehicle. Image signals received from each camera can be conditioned before they are matched and compared for disparities viewed above the ground surface, and according to predetermined disparity criteria.
US08199974B1 Identifying a target object using optical occlusion
Methods are apparatuses are described for identifying a target object using optical occlusion. A head-mounted display perceives a characteristic of a reference object. The head-mounted display detects a change of the perceived characteristic of the reference object and makes a determination that a detected object caused the change of the perceived characteristic. In response to making the determination, the head-mounted display identifies the detected object as the target object.
US08199970B2 Moving amount calculation system and obstacle detection system
An arithmetic device (400) calculates a moving amount based on an image sensed before movement and an image sensed after movement. The arithmetic device (400) generates a difference image with minimum noise using the calculated moving amount. The arithmetic device (400) removes noise from the difference image by performing image processing of the difference image. The arithmetic device (400) determines based on the size of a binarized region in a binarized difference image whether an obstacle exists. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the moving amount and accurately determine whether an obstacle exists.
US08199966B2 System and method for providing contemporaneous product information with animated virtual representations
A system and method for providing contemporaneous product information with animated virtual representations includes identifying a product by detecting a marker with a user device. Based upon the product, an animated virtual representation is generated in a display of the user device. Information about the product is conveyed to the user by virtual interaction with the animated virtual representation.
US08199964B2 Speaker diaphragm, speaker dust cap, speaker sub-cone, speaker using these components, and electronic apparatus using the same
A loudspeaker of high sound quality is achieved by improving rigidity of a material used for a diaphragm, a dust cap and a sub-cone. The diaphragm, the dust cap and the sub-cone of the loudspeaker are made of a paper beaten with the material containing bamboo fibers obtained from a bamboo tree aged one year or older, of which the fibers are finely beaten to an extent of micro-fibrillated form. The diaphragm and the dust cap are also made with a beaten paper containing at least 2 wt % of “A fibers” having stems of no greater than 30 μm in diameter, and surfaces of the stems are fibrillated into shaggy branches having diameters of 1 μm or less.
US08199961B2 Speaker device, installation body for speaker device, and mobile body having speaker device mounted thereon
A speaker device (100) includes a speaker unit (2) including a diaphragm (6); a windshield cover (3) covering the speaker unit and including a sound emitting unit (130) emitting a sound produced by the speaker unit; and a cabinet (5) connected to a bottom of the windshield cover, and supporting the speaker unit so as to form an angle equal to or greater than 0 degree and equal to or smaller than 90 degree between a vibration direction X of the diaphragm and the sound emitting unit.
US08199958B2 Battery charging jobsite audio apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a battery charging jobsite audio unit that is particularly useful at construction and other jobsites are disclosed which provides important desirable features and functionality comprise a housing, at least one charger for charging a removable battery pack, an audio unit that includes a speaker system for providing substantially 360° sound, as well as subwoofer, a cord and plug for connecting the unit to a source of AC power, and circuitry for selectively applying power to the audio unit and the charger. The preferred and alternative embodiments also preferably have a unique protective frame structure that is connected to the housing of the unit.
US08199955B2 Headphones with a pressure controlling mechanism
A headphone with a configuration that prevents breaking of components and failure to play sounds properly due to a pressure change within spaces in the headphone, comprising: a baffle board; an ear pad provided at a periphery of the baffle board and surrounding an area around an auricle of a user; an electro-acoustic transducer provided at a central portion of the baffle board and including a diaphragm and a magnetic pole that oscillates the diaphragm, as major components; and a headphone housing forming a rear space on a side opposite to the ear pad of the baffle board and covering the electro-acoustic transducer: and the electro-acoustic transducer is supported by a frame member arranged in an opening of the baffle board and integrally combined with the baffle board, and the frame member includes a valve that eliminates a pressure difference between a space around the auricle and the rear space.
US08199953B2 Multi-aperture acoustic horn
A device, for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic signals, includes a transducer and an acoustic horn. The transducer is configured to convert between electrical energy and the ultrasonic signals, and may be a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) transducer. The acoustic horn is coupled to the transducer, and includes multiple apertures through which the ultrasonic signals are transmitted or received in order to manipulate at least one of a radiation pattern, frequency response or magnitude of the ultrasonic signals. The multiple apertures have different sizes.
US08199952B2 Method for adaptive construction of a small CIC hearing instrument
A small hearing aid is provided which fits completely in an ear canal of a user wherein a shell as an outer housing of the hearing aid is shaped to closely surround components of the hearing aid to provide a gap between the hearing canal inner walls and the shell to allow flow of air when the hearing aid is mounted in the ear by a mounting element connected to the shell. The mounting element is provided with at least one aperture to allow the air flow. In a fabricating method, an image of the shell is shrunk to closely surround the hearing aid components while maintaining a shape of the ear canal to assure a custom fit.
US08199951B2 Hearing aid device
A hearing aid device, including a switch being operable to open and close an electric circuit of the device; and a battery locating means for selectively locating a battery within said device for electrical communication with said electric circuit, wherein the switch inhibits the battery locating means from removing the battery from electrical communication with said electric circuit when the switch is arranged to close the electric circuit.
US08199949B2 Processing an input signal in a hearing aid
A method for processing at least one first and one second input signal in a hearing aid, with the input signals being filtered to create intermediate signals, the intermediate signals being added to form output signals, the input signals being assigned to a defined signal situation, and with the signals being filtered as a function of the assigned defined signal situation.
US08199947B2 Binaural hearing system with magnetic control
The invention is aimed at enabling a hearing system, particularly a binaural hearing aid system, to be controlled in an easy manner, taking into account the small amount of installation space available. A hearing system is provided comprising a first hearing device and a second hearing device. The first hearing device has a permanent magnet. The second hearing device has a magnetic field sensor such that the second hearing device is controlled in a predetermined manner when the first hearing device is located in close physical proximity to the second hearing device and consequently the magnetic field sensor detects the magnetic field of the permanent magnet or a corresponding magnetic flux. The sensor signal is used in particular for switching off the second hearing device. The first hearing device preferably possesses a mirrored structure so that it is controlled or switched when it is brought closer to the second hearing device.
US08199946B2 Hearing aid with radio frequency identification receiver for switching a transmission characteristic
The invention relates to a hearing aid with a sound receiver for generating a microphone signal representing a sound wave received and a sound generator for generating a sound depending on a power signal received. The hearing aid has a transmission unit which on the input side is connected to the sound receiver and on the output side to the sound generator and generates a power signal depending on a microphone signal received. The transmission unit modifies a transmission characteristic of the transmission unit as a function of a tag signal received. The hearing aid has a radio frequency detection device connected to the transmission unit, with a spatial detection zone where the radio frequency detection device detects, electromagnetically and in particular inductively, a radio frequency tag and, depending on the radio frequency tag, to generate a tag signal and to output this to the transmission unit.
US08199944B2 Method for operating a hearing device
An unintentional adjustment of the user-controlled control elements on the device can result within the scope of the activation of a hearing device, after a switch-on delay has elapsed. To reduce this risk, a delay in the release of the user-controlled control elements attached to the device is provided in accordance with the invention in addition to the said switch-on delay.
US08199942B2 Targeted sound detection and generation for audio headset
In an audio headset having one or more far-field microphones mounted to the headset; and one or more speakers mounted to the headset environmental sound may be recorded using the one or more far-field microphones and mixed with source media sound to produce a mixed sound. The mixed sound may then be played over the one or more speakers.
US08199941B2 Method of identifying speakers in a home theater system
With an array of speakers including a center speaker provided with left and right ultrasonic electro-acoustic transducers and left and right speakers provided with respective ultrasonic electro-acoustic transducers, it is possible to identify the left and right speakers. One approach includes energizing the left transducer of the center speaker to emit an acoustic ping signal, utilizing the transducers of the left and right speakers to detect the ping signal, measuring lapse of time between emission of the ping signal by said the left transducer and detection of the ping signal by the transducers of the left and right speakers. Then, the right transducer of the center speaker is energized to emit an acoustic ping signal, the transducers of the left and right speakers are utilized to detect the ping signal, and lapse of time between emission of the ping signal by the right transducer and detection of the ping signal by the transducers of the left and right speakers is measured.
US08199936B2 Signal converter, output amplifying device, audio apparatus, and transmitting and receiving system
Four speakers are matrix-connected to each other and a conversion circuit for converting audio signals of four channels into pulse width modulation signals of four channels that are time-divided so as to be complementary to matrix connection are provided. Four class-D output amplifiers receive the corresponding pulse width modulation signals output from the conversion circuit and outputs from the output amplifiers are supplied to the speakers.
US08199934B2 Audio level compressor
An audio level compressor for compressing the dynamic range of an input audio signal. The audio level compressor can be part of a microphone, or a separate component. The audio level compressor includes input terminals for receiving the input audio signal, a lamp having a filament resistance that is a function of the input audio signal; a load resistance; a signal gain controller that includes a means for increasing dynamic range compression of the input audio signal, and output terminals for providing an output audio signal that is a function of the input audio signal and the signal gain. The signal gain controller provides a signal gain that is a function of the filament resistance and the load resistance. The audio level compressor can also include an expander circuit or a power conditioning circuit. Power can be provided by an internal source or a phantom power supply.
US08199930B2 Pop noise suppression apparatus and audio output system utilizing the same
A pop noise suppression apparatus for eliminating popping noise generated upon initiation or shutdown of an audio output circuit comprises a switch component and a control circuit. The switch component allows the audio output circuit to provide audio through the output of the audio output circuit. The control circuit provides a mute signal for a first period of time in to response initiation or shutdown of the audio circuit. The control circuit comprises a capacitor to be charged upon initiation of the audio output circuit or to be discharged upon shutdown of the audio output circuit. A length of the first period of time during which the mute signal is provided depends on a second period of time to charge or discharge the capacitor.
US08199928B2 System for processing an acoustic input signal to provide an output signal with reduced noise
An apparatus processes an acoustic input signal to provide an output signal with reduced noise. The apparatus weights the input signal based on a frequency-dependent weighting function. A frequency-dependent threshold function bounds the weighting function from below.
US08199927B1 Conferencing system implementing echo cancellation and push-to-talk microphone detection using two-stage frequency filter
Disclosed herein are conferencing products implementing an acoustic echo cancellation system that utilizes converging coefficients and a detector of turn-off and/or turn-on events of push-to-talk microphones, and, further, that mitigates against divergence and/or drift of coefficients and other variables of an echo canceller. A push-to-talk detector may be used that includes a high-pass filter, a transient detector, or an adjustable high-pass filter. An echo canceller may be disabled as to a push-to-talk microphone that has been turned off.
US08199925B2 Loudspeaker array audio signal supply apparatus
A first directivity parameter to provide a narrow directivity and a second directivity parameter to provide a wide directivity are preset for a directivity control apparatus to control the directivity of an array loudspeaker system. The directivity control apparatus selects either the first directivity parameter or the second directivity parameter in accordance with an instruction that is entered through an operating unit to select the directional characteristic of a loudspeaker array. Then, based on the selected directivity parameter, the directivity control apparatus generates delay control information, to be supplied to a delay circuit, and generates gain control information, to be supplied to a weighting unit.
US08199923B2 Active noise control system
An active control of an unwanted noise signal at a listening site radiated by a noise source uses a reference signal that has an amplitude and/or frequency such that it is masked for a human listener at the listening site by the unwanted noise signal and/or a wanted signal present at the listening site in order to adapt for the time-varying secondary path in a real time manner such that a user doesn't feel disturbed by an additional artificial noise source.
US08199920B2 Personal computer based audio frequency impedance analyzer
An apparatus, method, and system for analyzing the response of a device under test using a signal generated by an audio card comprises a housing. The apparatus comprises a first connector coupled to the housing and configured to couple electrically with an output of the audio card and to receive a first signal from the audio card. The apparatus also comprises a second connector being electrically coupled with the first connector and configured to interface with the device under test in order to transmit the first signal to a device under test. The apparatus also comprises a third connector configured to receive a second signal from the device under test. The apparatus also comprises a fourth connector being electrically coupled with the third connector and configured to transmit the second signal to an input of the audio card.
US08199919B2 Earhealth monitoring system and method II
Methods of operating an audio device are provided. A method includes measuring sound pressure levels (SPLECM) for acoustic energy received by an ear canal microphone (ECM) during a time increment Δt; and calculating a SPL_DoseΔt during the time increment Δt using SPLECM.
US08199918B2 Loudspeaker protection circuit
A loudspeaker protection circuit comprises a rectification stage for receiving an input audio signal and producing a rectified output signal, a detection stage for passing the rectified output signal when the rectified output signal is greater than a predetermined level, a timing stage for receiving the rectified output signal from the detection stage and producing a time-varying charge signal, a regulation stage for producing a regulated output signal based on the input audio signal, an actuator stage for actuating a switch based on the time-varying charge signal and the regulated output signal, and an attenuation stage for attenuating an output audio signal when the switch is actuated.
US08199917B2 SID management for access to encrypted drives
A method and a system for unlocking a storage device that has become locked or cannot be unlocked are disclosed. A hint is generated from a key by removing bits and adding bits. A position of removed bits, a position of added bits, the number of removed bits and the number of added bits are stored and known securely. When the key cannot unlock a storage device corresponding to the key, the position of removed bits, the position of added bits, the number of removed bits (N) and the number of added bits are retrieved. Then, the added bits are removed in the hint. Each possible N bits are placed in the hint at the position of removed bits to generate 2N possible keys. Then, each of 2N possible key are tried to unlock the storage device.
US08199910B2 Signature generation apparatus and signature verification apparatus
A signature generation apparatus generates a signature for a message m from the i-th user, and computes any two or three of a[1]μ[x] (mod n), a[2]μ[s] (mod n), and wμ[t] (mod l) are in parallel. For this reason, the signature generation apparatus is provided with a plurality of fast arithmetic units (sub-IPs) within the IP core. The individual sub-IPs are connected to each other via a narrow-band, single-layer local bus.
US08199907B2 Echo canceller and echo cancelling method and program
An echo canceler uses an adaptive filter to remove an echo of a far-end input signal from a near-end input signal. Filter coefficients are calculated and updated while the far-end signal is active. While the far-end signal is silent, substitute filter coefficients are similarly calculated to be swapped in as initial values for the filter coefficients when the far-end signal changes from silent to active. The substitute filter coefficients are generated from a simulated far-end signal and a simulated near-end signal obtained by combining corresponding samples in different intervals of the far-end and near-end input signals. To facilitate convergence of the substitute filter coefficients, use of the simulated far-end and near-end signals is disabled when the corresponding samples cancel out.
US08199903B2 System and method of remote computer service
A system of remote computer service including a call center, the Internet and a computer service supporting system. The computer service supporting system receives the requests from the computer and allocates and/or designates corresponding call center for the computer; the present invention also provides a method that the computer sends service request to the computer service supporting system by Internet; the computer service supporting system allocates and/or designates a call center for the computer and relates the computer and the call center by service ID; then, returns the communication means information and the service ID of the call center to the computer; the computer contacts with the call center by the communication means information, and the call center provides the service applied to the computer by using the service ID.
US08199902B1 Passing URL for XML documents via a telephone signaling system
A method, apparatus and computer program product for passing a URL for XML documents via a telephone signaling system is presented. A communication is received at a first system, and a document including information relating to the communication is produced. The document is sent to a service, and the communication is transferred to a second system. The communication includes an address for retrieving the document from the service.
US08199900B2 Automated performance monitoring for contact management system
The computer-implemented method includes automatically determining typical behavior pertaining to at least one system parameter of a contact management system. The typical behavior is determined from performance data of the contact management system captured over a first predetermined time period. A deviation from the typical behavior of at least one system parameter of the contact management system is automatically reported.
US08199899B2 Call management system with call control from user workstation computers
A call management method and system. The system includes at least one user position, comprising a computer workstation and a telephone apparatus that is associated with the computer workstation. In addition, the system includes a call management computer comprising a memory; and a digital data network to connect the computer workstation with the call management computer. The memory is used to store a plurality of call processing rules that determine how a call, directed to a user, is to be processed. The plurality of call processing rules is defined by the computer workstation before the call is received. The call management computer intercepts the call, that is incoming, to a first user position that is included in the at least one user position. The call management computer determines that the call is for the first user position and interacts with the memory to determine how the call is processed based on the plurality of call processing rules. Finally, the call management computer processes the call according to instructions of at least one applicable call processing rule that is included in the plurality of call processing rules.
US08199896B2 Session board controller based post call routing for customer feedback application
Embodiments of the invention include a method for handling communication sessions by a central gateway, such as session border controller. The method may include receiving an indication that the interaction between a customer and an agent has ended and automatically routing by the session border controller the customer to an automated feedback application.
US08199895B2 Leveraging a SIP forking model for distributed contact center routing
A method and apparatus are provided for transferring contacts among automatic contact distributors of an automatic contact distribution system. The method includes the steps of collecting information from a contact through an interactive voice response unit of a broker automatic call distributor of the automatic contact distribution system, incorporating the collected information into a SIP message, forking the SIP message from the broker automatic contact distributor to a plurality of other automatic contact distributors of the automatic contact distribution system and transferring the contact from the broker automatic contact distributors to one of the plurality of automatic contact distributors.
US08199891B2 System and method for remote screen monitoring
A computer system and method is disclosed for automatically establishing a screen sharing session between a first party and a second party based upon device associations. A computer telephony system establishes a telecommunication session between at least a first and second party. The computer telephony system receives a request for a screen sharing session from one party to the telecommunication session. Using a configuration plan, the computer telephony system is able to determine the proper computing devices between which to establish the screen sharing session absent user entry. A screen sharing session is created between the parties of the telecommunication session and optionally tied thereto.
US08199885B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting emergency messages
A method and apparatus for transmitting emergency messages is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device, of a communication system, having a controller element to send a selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted to one or more associates of a subscriber corresponding to the communication device; and receive an emergency alert message of a public emergency alert system for a zone of coverage, wherein the subscriber is in the zone of coverage and wherein the emergency alert message is transmitted to one or more associate communication devices of each of the one or more associates according to the selection of types of emergency alert messages to be transmitted. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08199880B2 Radiographic apparatus and imaging method thereof
There is provided a technology that enables an operator to designate whether or not to continue imaging if divided capture has been interrupted in a radiographic apparatus. During continuation of divided capture, the state of an irradiation switch for designating irradiation of radiation is detected by an irradiation switch state detection unit. When a suspension of the designation of irradiation of radiation has been detected, information indicating continuation of imaging, performing of imaging again, or cancellation of imaging is presented to an operator, thereby preventing an unintended interruption of imaging.
US08199872B2 Counter circuit
A system includes a memory and a counter circuit associated with the memory and configured to receive a clock signal and a plurality of input bits, and configured to output a plurality of output bits to the memory. The counter circuit includes a first counter configured to receive a part of the plurality of input bits and to output a part of the plurality of output bits and a first signal, a control circuit configured to receive the clock signal and the first signal, and to output a second signal, and a second counter configured to receive another part of the plurality of input bits and the second signal, and to output another part of the plurality of output bits.
US08199868B2 Clock and data recovery circuit
The phase detector compares the phase of a synchronous clock signal from the clock interpolator with the phase of serial data and outputs a phase error signal corresponding to a comparison result. The first integrator performs integration of the phase error signal and obtains a phase correction control signal for tracking phase shift of the serial data. The second integrator further performs integration of the phase correction control signal and obtains an up/down signal. The pattern generator generates a frequency correction control signal for tracking frequency shift of the serial data from the up/down signal. The product of the pattern length of the pattern generator and the count width of the second integrator is equal to or larger than a threshold that becomes larger as the count width of the first integrator is larger.
US08199866B2 Edge-based sampler offset correction
Embodiments of a circuit are described. This circuit includes a receiver circuit including a first sampler (312-1) and a second” sampler (312-2). A clock-data-recovery circuit (324) in the receiver circuit adjusts a sample time of the receiver circuit so that the sample time is proximate to a signal crossing point at an edge of an eye pattern associated with received signals. An offset-calibration circuit (326) in the receiver circuit determines and adjusts an offset voltage of a given sampler, which can be the first sampler or the second sampler. This offset-calibration circuit may determine a present offset voltage (412) of the given sampler in a timing region proximate to the signal crossing point (410-2) in which the clock-data-recovery circuit dithers about a present sample time based on the present offset voltage. Additionally, the clock-data-recovery circuit and the offset-calibration circuit may iteratively converge on the signal crossing point and a residual offset voltage of the given sampler.
US08199865B2 Method and device for synchronization and channel estimation in a radio receiver
A device and method in a radio receiver for generating synchronization and channel estimation information based on three parameters consisting of a synchronization position, at least one whitening filter parameter, and a channel estimate. A spatially and temporally stacked signal model is generated by stacking successive samples of temporally adjacent received signal vectors and corresponding training vectors. Initial estimates of a first one or two of the three parameters are then generated based on the spatially and temporally stacked signal model. The rest of the three parameters are then computed based on the initial estimates of the first one or two parameters. If a stopping criterion is met, the method ends and the parameters are used to process the signal. If the stopping criterion is not met, additional iterations are performed to improve the synchronization and estimation information.
US08199861B1 Channel estimation in MIMO OFDM communication systems
A channel estimation solution for use in an OFDM MIMO-enabled communication system that includes: receiving a plurality of received signal sets that each respectively include a consecutive set of superimposed time-domain signal blocks; processing the set of received signals by at least converting the consecutive set of superimposed time-domain signal blocks from the time-domain to the frequency-domain by transforming the consecutive set of superimposed time-domain signal blocks to a set of incomplete observed data; and estimating a plurality of a set of channel estimates. The estimation of the plurality of a set of channel estimates includes performing a plurality of iterative processes, where each iterative process includes using a current set of incomplete observed data, calculating a set of decomposed signals, and calculating a set of current channel estimates until the iterative process converges. Detecting the transmitted frequency-domain signal blocks by at least using a set of last channel estimates, tracking the channels, or both, may be further included.
US08199860B2 Detection circuit and detection method of carrier offset
A carrier offset detection circuit is offered, which is provided to a demodulation circuit which demodulates a received signal subjected to FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) modulation, and which detects the offset of the carrier frequency between the transmitting side and the receiving side. A zero-crossing detection unit receives a digital base band signal indicating the level of the frequency shift (frequency deviation) of the received signal using the carrier frequency on the receiving side as a reference frequency, and detects a zero-crossing point of the base band signal and a base band signal obtained by delaying the former base band signal by one symbol, which occurs in a preamble period. A carrier offset detection circuit sets the offset value of the carrier frequency to the value of the base band signal at a timing of the zero-crossing point thus detected.
US08199858B2 OOB (out of band) detection circuit and serial ATA system
The present invention provides an OOB detection circuit capable of making accurate signal determination even in the case where a characteristic fluctuation occurs in an analog circuit, thereby preventing deterioration in the yield of a product. To an amplitude determining circuit, a characteristic adjustment register for changing setting of an amplitude threshold adjustment mechanism for distinguishing a burst and a squelch from each other provided for the amplitude determining circuit is coupled. The characteristic adjustment register is controlled by a self determination circuit. An output of the amplitude determination circuit is supplied to a time determining circuit and also to the self determination circuit. On the basis of the output of the amplitude determining circuit, the self determination circuit controls the characteristic adjustment register.
US08199857B2 Apparatus to reconfigure an 802.11a/n transceiver to support 802.11j/10 MHz mode of operation
A method and apparatus is disclosed to dynamically reconfigure a communications receiver to support one or more single stream modes of operation, multiple stream modes of operation, and/or propriety modes of operation. The communications receiver is configured to support according to a first single stream mode of operation, multiple stream mode of operation, and/or proprietary mode of operation according to a known single stream communications standard, a known multiple stream communications standard and/or a proprietary communications standard. The communications receiver may receive a single stream communications signal and/or a multiple stream communications signal having a second single stream mode of operation, multiple stream mode of operation, and/or proprietary mode of operation according to a known single stream communications standard, a known multiple stream communications standard and/or a proprietary communications standard. The communications receiver may be dynamically re-configured to the second single stream mode of operation, multiple stream mode of operation, and/or proprietary mode of operation to process the single stream communications signal and/or a multiple stream communications signal.
US08199856B2 Arrangements for interference mitigation utilizing recursive estimation
A method is disclosed that includes receiving a signal having a data vector component and an interfering component and creating a first set of digitized data that represents the interfering component. The method can also generate a polynomial equation based on the first set of digitized data and generate a second set of digitized data that represents a data vector component of the received signal. The polynomial equation can be subtracted from the received signal to cancel at least a portion of the interfering component and provide an interference mitigated signal representing the data vector component. An error in the interference mitigated signal can be determined and the interference mitigated component can be recalculated based on the error. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08199855B2 Antenna diversity
A communication device for receiving a signal in the form of a series of bursts, each burst being at one of a plurality of different available transmission modes, the communication device comprising: two antennas; a receiver unit coupled to the antennas for preferentially receiving signals from a selected one of the antennas; and an antenna selection unit for selecting for each received burst with which of the antennas the receiver unit is to preferentially receive signals.
US08199852B2 DTV transmitting system and receiving system and method of processing broadcast signal
A DTV transmitting system includes a pre-processor, a block processor, and a trellis encoder. The pre-processor pre-processes enhanced data by expanding the enhanced data at an expansion rate of 1/H. The block processor includes a first converter, a symbol encoder, a symbol interleaver, and a second converter. The first converter converts the expanded data into symbols. The symbol encoder encodes each valid enhanced data bit in the symbol at an effective coding rate of 1/H. The symbol interleaver interleaves the encoded symbols, and the second converter converts the interleaved symbols into enhanced data bytes. The trellis encoder trellis-encodes the enhanced data outputted from the block processor.
US08199849B2 Data transmitting device, data receiving device, data transmitting system, and data transmitting method
Provided are a data transmitting device transmitting data through a delay insensitive data transmitting method and a data transmitting method. The data transmitting device and the data transmitting method use the delay insensitive data transmitting method supporting a 2-phase hand shake protocol. During data transmission, data are encoded into three logic state having no space state through a ternary encoding method. According to the data transmitting device and the data transmitting method, data are stably transmitted to a receiver regardless of the length of a wire, and provides more excellent performance in an aspect of a data transmission rate, compared to a related art 4-phase delay data transmitting method.
US08199846B2 Generalized reference signaling scheme for multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) using arbitrarily precoded reference signals
A multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) downlink beamforming system (200) is provided to enable transmit beamforming vectors to be efficiently provided to a subset of user equipment devices (201.i), where spatial separation or zero-forcing transmit beamformers (wi) are computed at the base station (210) and used to generate precoded reference signals (216). The precoded reference signals (216) are fed forward to the user equipment devices (201.i) which apply one or more hypothesis tests (207.i, 208.i) to the precoded reference signals to extract the precoding matrix (W), including the specific transmit beamforming vector (WUE) designed for the user equipment, and this extracted information is used to generate receive beamformers (vi).
US08199845B2 Up-link SDMA receiver for WiMAX
A method, a system and a receiver device provide timing and frequency correction in a spatial division multiple access (SDMA) system. A timing and frequency correction (TFC) logic/utility obtains a timing error estimate by using pilot symbols on a slot of six tiles. The TFC logic estimates the timing error based on pilot phase differences between unique pairs of tiles when the frequency separation of the tiles is less than a threshold value. When none of the unique pairs of tiles satisfies the threshold value, the TFC logic estimates timing error based on an exhaustive search for each candidate phase error value. The TFC logic performs timing error correction via a timing error estimate based on pilots from the symbols received on each antenna. The TFC logic performs inexplicit frequency error correction according to phase differences based on relative symbol indices.
US08199833B2 Time shift and tonal adjustment to support video quality adaptation and lost frames
A digital electronic device includes a time shifter/tone adapter that eliminates unwanted audio effects at recipient device, that includes stutter and loss of audio synchronization, as a result of video quality adaptation (the video quality adapter varies frame rate, pixel and color resolutions without having a discernable difference in picture quality, that is, drops many frames in every frame set). The tone adaptation involves gradual frequency shifting, that is, gradual up shifting until synchronization with video is obtained (time shifting), then gradual down shifting. The recipient device (or a set top box) may contain a time shifter/tone adapter that eliminates unwanted audio effects at the recipient devices that may include stutter and loss of audio synchronization, as a result of loss of packets in channel.
US08199832B2 Video-signal switching apparatus
A first buffer analyzer receives attribute information (a) of a video signal (A) from a stream buffer (A) to determine an encoded picture type after correction and a generated encoding amount after correction for a switch terminating measure. A second buffer analyzer receives attribute information (b) of a video signal (B) and final buffer-state information after the switch terminating measure from a stream buffer (B) to determine an encoded picture type after correction and a generated encoding amount after correction for a switch starting measure. A re-encoder/re-quantizer (A) and a re-encoder/re-quantizer (B) perform the switch terminating measure and the switch starting measure on the video signals (A) and (B), respectively, based on the correction information from the first and second buffer analyzers.
US08199830B2 Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The data processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, demodulating the broadcast signal to acquire fast-information-channel signaling information including reference time information for a system clock, and outputting demodulation time information of a specific position of a frame of the broadcast signal, decoding the fast-information-channel signaling information, and establishing the reference time information as the system clock at a demodulation time according to on the outputted demodulation time information and decoding the mobile service data according to the system clock.
US08199828B2 Method of processing a signal and apparatus for processing a signal
A method and apparatus for processing a signal compressed in accordance with a specific alternative coding scheme are disclosed. In detail, a coding method for signal compression and signal restoration using a specific alternative coding scheme, and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. Data coding and entropy coding according to the present invention are executed under the condition in which they have a co-relation with each other. The method for signal processing includes obtaining a pilot reference value corresponding to a plurality of data and a pilot difference value corresponding to the pilot reference value, and obtaining the data using the pilot reference value and the pilot difference value.
US08199826B2 Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding
The present invention relates to a multimedia data encoding/decoding method and apparatus. The encoding method includes generating a data area including a plurality of media data areas; generating a media information area including a plurality of track areas corresponding to the plurality of media data areas, respectively; and generating an animation area having information on an animation effect to be applied to media data included in the media data area. According to the present invention, the multimedia data encoding/decoding method and apparatus has an effect of being capable of constructing a slide show by only a small amount of multimedia data. Thus, a time taken to process and transmit the multimedia data can reduce.
US08199824B2 Spatial resolution conversion of image signal based on motion compensation
For spatial resolution conversion of an image signal, a magnitude of a motion vector is compared to a threshold value. Single channel interpolation is performed if the magnitude of the motion vector is greater than a threshold value, and multi-channel interpolation is performed otherwise. In addition, single channel interpolation is performed for spatial resolution conversion of any frame that does not refer to another frame.
US08199823B2 Estimation of B frame average rate quantization parameter (QP) in a group of pictures (GOP)
Rate-QP estimation for a B picture is disclosed which involves: providing an input group of pictures (GOP); selecting an input B picture within the GOP; and outputting, to a computer readable medium, a bit rate corrected Rate-QP, R(QP), for the input B picture. The outputting step may involve calculating intra/non-intra luma and chroma Rate-QP estimates from corresponding intra/non-intra luma and chroma histograms; offsetting the intra/non-intra chroma Rate-QP estimate to form respective offset intra/non-intra chroma estimates; and setting a bit rate corrected Rate-QP for the input B picture to a corrected sum of the previous estimates. The histograms are formed using an input of the lowest SATD forward, backward, and bidirectional prediction coefficients, and the intra prediction coefficients, where an intra/non-intra mode is selected, which results in a lowest SATD for each macroblock in the GOP. The methods may be implemented into a computer program, possibly resident in advanced video encoders.
US08199816B2 Method and apparatus for encoding enhancement layer video data
A method for improving the performance of the BLSkip mode in SVC includes the steps of upsampling the motion field of the base layer, interpolating the motion vectors for the intra MBs, interpolating the 8×8 block motion field to a 4×4 block motion field, and generating a MV predictor for a 4×4 block in BLSkip mode using neighbor candidates.
US08199815B2 Apparatus and method for video encoding/decoding and recording medium having recorded thereon program for executing the method
An intraprediction encoding and decoding apparatus and method to improve compression efficiency are provided. A video encoding method includes dividing an input video of a predetermined size into at least two sub-planes, performing intraprediction encoding on at least one of the divided at least two sub-planes, and performing interprediction encoding on at least one of the remaining sub-planes by using the intraprediction encoded sub-plane as a reference sub-plane.
US08199813B2 Method for embedding frames of high quality image data in a streaming video
A method for embedding frames of image data in a streaming video is disclosed, comprising the steps of receiving a plurality of frames of image data of a target object over a period of time; compressing the plurality of frames of image data; embedding the plurality of compressed frames of image data in a streaming video; initiating a control signal during the period of time to embed a particular frame of image data; selecting a frame of image data from the plurality of frames of image data received near the time the control signal is initiated; embedding a user data marker in the streaming video; and embedding the selected frame of image data in the streaming video as user data, wherein the embedded selected frame of image data has a higher quality than the embedded plurality of compressed frames of image data.
US08199810B2 Polymorphic codec system and method
An input module obtains a media signal to be communicated to a destination system, after which an identification module identifies a plurality of segments within the media signal. A codec includes a selection module that automatically selects different compression methods to respectively compress at least two of the segments. The compression methods are automatically selected to produce a highest compression quality for the respective segments according to a set of criteria without exceeding a target data rate. A compression module within the codec then compresses the segments using the automatically-selected compression methods, after which an output module delivers the compressed segments to the destination system with an indication of which compression method was used to compress each segment.
US08199806B2 Contents providing apparatus and contents providing method
A contents providing apparatus includes a storage which records contents with plural types of formats, output ports which respectively output the contents, decoders which are connected to the output ports and respectively correspond to the formats, channels which respectively provide contents decoded by the decoders, a switcher which selectively derives one of outputs of the decoders to a specified one of the channels, a table which expresses the output ports respectively assigned to the channels and formats corresponding to the decoders connected to the output ports, and a controller to select, based on the table, one of the output ports which corresponds to the format of the specified contents and is assigned to the specified channel.
US08199804B1 Efficient tapped delay line equalizer methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing equalization of communication channels. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one tap can be selected from a set of feedforward taps of feedforward filter circuitry, where each tap of the selected at least one tap has a magnitude that is greater than or substantially equal to a magnitude of any tap of the set of feedforward taps that is not in the selected at least one tap. In addition, at least one tap can be added to a set of taps of feedback filter circuitry in communication with the feedforward filter circuitry. The invention advantageously allows for more efficient and reliable equalization of communication channels.
US08199800B2 Off-track aware equalizer design for bit-patterned media
An equalizer employed in conjunction with bit-patterned media (BPM) is designed to take advantage of a common topology associated with BPM in which each data track is comprised of a plurality of sub-tracks. The equalizer-target filter pair is designed as multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) system, in which the readback signal is divided into readback signals associated with each sub-track. The MIMO equalizer takes into account differences in the channel response associated with each sub-track. A detector is configured to receive a plurality of equalized inputs provided by the MIMO equalizer, wherein the detector generates in response estimates of the user data stored on each of the plurality of sub-tracks.
US08199798B2 Method and modem for subsea power line communication
A method for communicating binary data via an electric signal of a subsea power line includes establishing a point-to-point connection between a subsea electronic unit and a topside electronic unit for transmitting binary data via the electric signal of the subsea power line; the subsea electronic unit modulating binary data onto said electric signal using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), using 10-200 individual carrier bands in a selected radio frequency range; communicating the OFDM-modulated binary data via the subsea power line to the topside electronic unit; and the topside electronic unit demodulating the OFDM-modulated binary data, including passing the electric signal through a low-pass filter and passing said radio frequency with the modulated binary data through a band-pass filter.
US08199790B2 Reactor vessel for plasma gasification
Disclosed herein is a reactor vessel for plasma gasification reactors employing a DC graphite electrode, AC graphite electrodes, AC plasma torches or DC plasma torches to create a high-energy plasma arc for the pyrolytic decomposition of feed materials. The vessel is configured with an upper portion and a lower portion, where the lower portion is for the containment of a layer of molten metal (iron) and a second layer of slag and having a substantially uniform width, while the upper portion being for the containment of gas and having a varying width. The reactor vessel comprises a steel shell housing a multi-layered wall that defines a chamber where the multi-layered wall includes a first layer high-density refractory material, a second intermediate layer of a insulating material, and a third outer layer of high-density refractory materials. The vessel also includes a multi-layered bottom a first bottom layer comprised of one or more layers of high-density refractory material, and a second bottom layer comprised of insulating materials. The vessel has at least one opening in the wall of the vessel for the introduction of feed material located just above the slag layer.
US08199787B2 Laser diode package with enhanced cooling
A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.
US08199782B2 Method of multiple lane distribution (MLD) deskew
The present invention discloses a method of detecting and correcting skew across a plurality of transmitting lanes. Through the use of an N framer system, including a frame start signal and a frame synchronization signal, skew can be detected and corrected by writing data from a plurality of framers into offsetting bit locations of a plurality of buffers. The present invention also provides a method of transmitting data in a multiple lane distribution (MLD) transmission system.
US08199776B2 System and method for effectively transmitting content bursts to electronic devices
A system for supporting a burst transmission procedure includes a burst manager that divides a selected content item into individual content segments. A transmitter then transmits the content segments in a substantially concurrent manner over different corresponding transmission channels. One or more electronic devices receives and stores the transmitted content segments. A content manager of the electronic device performs a reassembly procedure to convert the content segments into the originally-transmitted content item for utilization by a device user.
US08199773B2 Method and apparatus for assigning and allocating network resources to packet-based virtual private networks
A method and apparatus for controlling bandwidth in a Virtual Private Network assigns and allocates transmission bandwidth to packet VPNs for either connectionless or connection-oriented communication. The method creates two views of transmission facilities: a user plane view and a control plane view. In the user plane view, the bandwidth of the transmission facility is split into quantified and identified partitions. In the control plane view, transmission facilities are represented as logical links forming a topology that can be used for the purpose of routing the VPN. The two views are tied together by assigning user plane partitions to VPN control plane links. As a result, the allocation of bandwidth to VPNs becomes a controllable and viewable entity, thereby facilitating management and QoS provisioning in a VPN network.
US08199768B1 Dynamic spectrum allocation and access
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which access allocations to a spectrum band and transmit rights to the access allocations are defined. Real-time auction bids for the transmit rights to the access allocations to the spectrum band are received, and the transmit rights are awarded to biding devices based on the real-time auction bids.
US08199766B2 Methods for sending small packets in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network
An improved mechanism is provided that facilitates transmission of small packets within an ad hoc peer-to-peer network. A small packet is identified to a receiver within a control channel so that its lower power can be considered in an interference management protocol implemented among local peer devices. In a traffic slot, a transmitter voluntarily backs down on the transmitter power as a smaller packet will require much lower signal-to-noise ratio. This will improve the signal energy per bit per noise power density for the transmission as well as minimize the interference caused to other wireless communications happening in the same spectrum.
US08199765B2 Interference-detecting wireless communication method and apparatus
In a wireless communication system, the communicating stations reduce their transmitting power level when they detect interference exceeding a certain level. Interference is detected by down-shifting the received signal to place the desired signal in the baseband, then sampling the down-shifted signal, first at a sampling frequency high enough to catch the interference, then at a lower sampling frequency that excludes the interference. This system is useful for vehicle-to-vehicle communication in an environment in which vehicle-to-roadside communication may also be present at various nearby frequencies, because it does not require exact knowledge of the interfering frequencies and allows communication to continue even when interference is present.
US08199763B2 Universal internet telephone system
There is described a method for setting up a call over the Internet between a Web-based phone and a phone device. The Web-based phone is loaded on a Java-enabled computing device. The call involves a Web application hosted on an external server capable of communication with a SIP Server on which the Web-based phone is pre-registered. Upon request from the computing device, the external server sends an HTTP message to a SIP Switch which in turn forwards a SIP NOTIFY message to the computing device through the SIP Server. The Web-based phone then pops up on the computing device and the call initiation can be confirmed. There is also described a platform independent Web-based phone as well as a Web application for auto-populating a contact directory from contacts on a social networking Web site.
US08199761B2 Communications multiplexing with packet-communication networks
A communication link is established with a packet-communications device. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a network connection is established between the packet-communications and a server to pass data such as requests and responses, as well as files, media, streaming and other data. The network connection is a tunneled connection, facilitating the communication of data using a particular protocol that may be different from or otherwise incompatible with the data being communicated. The tunnel is divided into two or more logical communications channels, facilitating the multiplexing of data (e.g., request/response pairs) onto a single physical network connection.
US08199757B2 Method and apparatus for layer 2 processing and creation of protocol data units for wireless communications
Enhanced MAC-es PDUs are created by concatenating enhanced MAC-es service data units (SDUs) based on higher layer PDUs and segments thereof, where segmentation information is included in the enhanced MAC-es headers. An enhanced MAC-e header is generated for each enhanced MAC-es PDU to describe information about the enhanced MAC-es PDU. An enhanced MAC-e PDU is created by concatenating enhanced MAC-es PDUs and enhanced MAC-e headers. An enhanced MAC-es header may include a Transmit Sequence Number (TSN) field, a Segmentation Description (SD) field, length (L) fields to indicate the length of each enhanced MAC-es SDU and/or logical channel indicator (LCH-ID) fields. An enhanced MAC-e header may include one or more logical channel indicator (LCH-ID) fields for corresponding enhanced MAC-es PDUs or MAC-s SDUs and length (L) fields. Various techniques are disclosed for indicating the end of the enhanced MAC-e header. In another embodiment, methods for signaling over the Iub frame protocol are proposed to support MAC segmentation and flexible RLC PDU sizes.
US08199753B2 Forwarding frames in a computer network using shortest path bridging
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for forwarding frames in a computer network using shortest path bridging (‘SPB’). The network includes multiple bridges, and each edge bridge is assigned a unique service virtual local area network (‘VLAN’) identifier. One of the bridges receives a frame for transmission to a destination node. The received frame includes a service VLAN identifier for the ingress bridge through which the frame entered the network and a customer VLAN identifier. The one bridge identifies an SPB forwarding tree in dependence upon the service VLAN identifier. The SPB forwarding tree specifies a shortest route in the network from the ingress bridge through the one bridge to the other bridges in the network. The one bridge then forwards the received frame to the egress bridge without MAC-in-MAC encapsulation in dependence upon the SPB forwarding tree and the customer VLAN identifier.
US08199751B2 Method of exchanging information in a communication network, corresponding communication network and computer program product
A method of performing transactions in a communication network in which is exchanged between Intellectual Property (IP) cores has information transported in packets which include a header for transporting control information and one or more payloads transporting content. A versatile packet format is used which is adapted to transport different traffic patterns generated by the IP cores using different protocols for simple interoperability between the IP cores and also providing configurability of the granularity arbitration process to correct crossing the routers in the communication network.
US08199746B2 Using PSTN reachability to verify VoIP call routing information
A system for verifying VoIP call routing information. In particular implementations, a method includes verifying one or more Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) call agents for respective destination telephone numbers based on demonstrated knowledge of previous public switched telephone network (PSTN) calls to the respective destination telephone numbers; receiving a call initiation message identifying a destination telephone number; and conditionally initiating a call over a VoIP network to a target VoIP call agent, or over a circuit switched network, based on whether the target VoIP call agent has been verified for the destination telephone number identified in the call initiation message.
US08199734B2 Method and apparatus for sharing common interest links between communication devices
Techniques for processing data related to common interests of two or more users of a communication system are disclosed. In an exemplary method disclosed herein, the occurrence of a trigger event at a first communication device is detected, wherein the trigger event is related to communications between the first communication device and a second communication device. In response to the trigger event, the transmission of a first data object to the second communication device is initiated, wherein the first data object comprises information indicating one or more interests of a user of the first communication device. The exemplary method further comprises receiving and processing a second data object formed in response to the first data object, the second data comprising data related to one or more common interests shared by the users of the first and second communication devices. Similar methods suitable for implementing at a user communication device or at a data object server are disclosed, as are correspondingly configured devices.
US08199728B2 Method and apparatus for non-scheduled transmission for packet service in a mobile communication system
A method and apparatus for non-scheduled transmission for a packet service in a mobile communication system are provided. A plurality of allowed maximum packet sizes are defined for the non-scheduled transmission and a UE selects one of the maximum packet sizes under circumstances and sends packets according to the selected maximum packet size in a non-scheduled transmission mode.
US08199724B2 Multiple beam antenna base station
Systems, devices and method are provided in association with a multiple beam antenna base station. One system embodiment includes a multiple beam antenna base station configured to communicate data to a number of subscriber stations using a number of multiple antenna beams. The multiple beam antenna base station is implemented with an independent receiver for each of the number of multiple antenna beams. In various embodiments, each of the independent receivers of the multiple beam antenna base station is configured to determine signal quality of a preamble of an uplink transmission from a subscriber station via the number of multiple antenna beams.
US08199722B2 Method and system for datalink ground station selection
A method for selecting a ground station for communication with an aerial vehicle is provided. The method comprises receiving at an aerial vehicle one or more messages from one or more ground stations. The method includes storing one or more signal strength values corresponding to the one or more received messages in a data structure for each respective one or more ground stations received during a predefined time period. The data structures for each of the one or more ground stations is updated. The average of the signal strength values stored in each data structure is calculated. The method compares the average signal strength of each of the one or more ground stations and selects which ground station the aerial vehicle is to communicate with based on predefined criteria.
US08199720B2 Method for handover between heterogenous radio access networks
A method for handover between heterogeneous radio access networks is disclosed. When a multi-mode mobile station performs Inter-RAT handover, pre-authentication is performed before implementing a link layer handover procedure with a target access point. The pre-authentication method has as little an effect on currently served quality of service as possible and the handover is efficiently performed using the pre-authentication method. The pre-authentication is performed through medium independent handover (MIH) and various MIH primitives for pre-authentication are provided.
US08199718B2 Apparatus and method for splicing multimedia session on communication networks
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for splicing multimedia session on communication networks. The apparatus comprises a handoff manager, a session migration manager and a session splicing module. The handoff manager monitors whether a mobile host is roaming to other subnets or not, and acquires a new IP address and issues a control signal when a handoff event is triggered. When a user triggers a migration action, the session migration manager, based on the monitoring status of an ongoing session, sends a state message to a target host for performing session migration, enables a media player, and issues another control signal. The session splicing module respectively receives the two control signals, and performs a corresponding session splicing for each control signal to persist session connection.
US08199717B2 Method for permitting vertical handoff of a mobile node in a communication system
Methods, Mobile Node and Mobility Access gateway for enabling vertical handoff of the Mobile Node between a first and second network interfaces using a pad translator.
US08199716B2 Method and system for performing handoff in wireless communication systems
The structure of a time-multiplexed physical channel is used to time inter-frequency or inter-system search excursions. A mobile station that receives an instruction to perform a search excursion prepares for the search excursion by detecting the first radio frame of a message frame. Transport format combination indicator bits are extracted from the first radio frame and stored. After the search excursion is performed, the mobile station recalls the stored indicator bits and uses the indicator bits to decode other radio frames of the message frame.
US08199714B2 Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A method of transmitting a broadcast signal in a transmitter includes transmitting a transmission frame including a plurality of slots during which data groups of mobile data are transmitted, the mobile data being encoded through a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame and each row of a payload of the RS frame including a transport packet of the mobile data.
US08199712B2 System and a method for supporting a plurality of multiple access technology and the frame structure thereof
A system and a method for supporting a plurality of multiple access technologies and the frame structure thereof, wherein, the method comprises the following steps: a base station sending a downlink frame which comprises at least one downlink multiple access zone, wherein each downlink multiple access zone supports one downlink multiple access technology and each downlink multiple access zone associates with one or more uplink multiple access zones supporting different uplink multiple access technologies; a terminal searching the synchronization signal of the downlink multiple access technology that it supports, and obtaining the uplink control message after establishing synchronization with the base station, and according to the information within the uplink control message, determining that there is the uplink multiple access technology that it supports, and performing initial network access according to the information of the initial access zone indicated in the uplink control message.
US08199710B2 Mobile communication system, base station apparatus and mobile station apparatus having simple signature indicator
To prevent a collision from occurring at the time of random access in cases such as handover, response to paging and the like where a mobile station apparatus performs random access in response to directions from a base station apparatus. In a mobile communication system in which a mobile station apparatus 200 uses a signature of a beforehand determined signature group at the time of random access with a base station apparatus 100, the signature group is comprised of a signature group managed by the base station apparatus 100 and another signature group managed by the mobile station apparatus 200. The signature group managed by the base station apparatus 100 includes signatures associated with particular random access reasons to be selected by the base station apparatus 100.
US08199709B2 Method and apparatus for wireless communication
A method for operating an electronic device using a first and a second communication protocols is provided. The electronic device includes an arbitrator to determine whether to communicate in accordance with the first or second communication protocol. The method estimates a period for transmitting a trigger frame by the electronic device, a period for receiving a first acknowledgement (ACK) frame by the electronic device, a period of a backoff procedure, a period for receiving a predetermined number of delivered frames by the electronic device, and a period of transmitting a second ACK frame by the electronic device. All the above estimated periods are added to be a predetermined time period. The trigger frame is transmitted to initiate the electronic device to communicate in accordance with the first communication protocol. The arbitrator determines whether to grant the electronic device to communicate in accordance with the second communication protocol based on the predetermined time period.
US08199706B2 Random access design for high doppler in wireless networks
UE-initiated accesses within a cellular network are optimized to account for Doppler shift. A user equipment (UE) receives information that designates a particular access slot as high-speed and designates another access slot as low-speed within a given cell. The UE determines its relative speed to a serving base station (NodeB) within the cell. The UE selects either a baseline structure or an alternate structure if the relative speed is less than a threshold value or only an alternate structure if the relative speed exceeds the threshold value. The UE transmits a signal to the NodeB using the selected structure, such that the baseline structure is transmitted only in the designated low-speed access slot and that the alternate structure is transmitted only in the designated high-speed request slot.
US08199701B2 Radio communication device, and ad hoc route information acquiring method
A wireless communication device including a local wireless communication interface operable to establish an ad hoc network in at least one local area, and to perform communication with a destination device through the ad hoc network, includes: a route discovery unit operable to discover a communication route to the destination device in the ad hoc network; a wide area wireless communication interface operable to perform wide area wireless communication through a wide area wireless communication network; and a wide area wireless communication receiving environment monitoring unit operable to monitor receiving environment of the wide area wireless communication interface. The wide area wireless communication receiving environment monitoring unit activates the route discovery unit for getting the latest communication route in response to a change of receiving environment of the wide area wireless communication interface.
US08199700B2 System and data exchanging method for interworking wireless LAN and portable internet
The present invention relates to an interworking device for interworking with a first network and exchanging data between a second network and a terminal device. The interworking device establishes a first wireless data path with the first network, and receives a first network address from an address allocation server of the first network through the first wireless data path. In addition, the interworking device establishes a second wireless data path with the terminal device, receives a second network address from an address allocation server of the second network through the second wireless data path, and transmits the second network address to the terminal device. Subsequently, the interworking device establishes a tunnel that passes through the first network and is accessed to the second network, and exchanges data with the second network.
US08199697B2 Sharing data with an emergency response service over a mobile network
Techniques are disclosed which relate to the sending and receiving of multimedia files between mobile users and emergency response service operators while connected through a voice call. These devices are free to send any type of file through a direct connection without the need to hang up and call back just to see if the file was sent successfully. These methods work for a plurality of cellular and computer devices connected through a cellular network or other Internet Service Provider.
US08199694B2 Method for switching service option to circuit data
This invention discloses a method for switching SO (Service Option) to circuit data, including the following steps: step 1, a mobile station notifies a source BS (Base Station) and/or a target BS to switch SO to circuit data during a session; step 2, the source BS and/or the target BS negotiates with a mobile switching subsystem about switching SO to circuit data, and determines the bearer format parameters of the session through the negotiation; step 3, the source BS and/or the target BS makes a secondary service negotiation with the mobile station after the negotiation with the mobile switching subsystem succeeds; and step 4, after the negotiation with the mobile station succeeds, the source BS and/or the target BS conducts user interface service layer encapsulation on the circuit data according to a certain load format, and then transmits the encapsulated Real Time Transfer Protocol packets to the other BS.
US08199691B2 Mobile communication system, wireless controller, and extension transmitting/receiving server device selecting method
An appropriate selection is controlled for selecting an extension transmitting/receiving server device for transmitting or receiving user data, to be transmitted or received between mobile station devices, to or from a radio base station device by employing extension transmission or reception of data, in a radio access network relaying data between a core network having a mobile switch station and the mobile station devices. While referring to a management table for managing statuses of extension transmitting/receiving server devices 30a to 30c, at least one of the extension transmitting/receiving server devices 30a to 30c is selected. The user data transmitted or received between mobile station devices through the selected extension transmitting/receiving server device is transmitted. This allows the control of an appropriate selection from the extension transmitting/receiving server devices.
US08199690B2 Relay station, transmission method, and tangible machine-readable medium thereof for use in a multi-hop network
A relay station, a transmission method, and a tangible machine-readable medium thereof for use in a multi-hop network are provided. The relay station comprises a receiving module, a decoding module, and a transmission module. The receiving module is configured to receive a frame, the frame comprising an extended information element corresponding to the relay station. The decoding module is configured to decode the extended information element to derive at least one message. The transmission module is configured to transmit a burst according to the at least one message.
US08199689B2 Stochastic communication protocol method and system for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags based on coalition formation, such as for tag-to-tag communication
Data carriers (such as RFID tags) are formed into clusters of data carriers. Each cluster has at least one bridge data carrier that can communicate with a bridge data carrier of another cluster, thereby allowing data carriers in each cluster to communicate directly or indirectly with each other using a stochastic communication protocol method. Direct tag-to-tag communication capability is provided between data carriers in each cluster and/or between clusters. The data carriers can backscatter and modulate a carrier wave from a source, thereby using the backscattered and modulated carrier wave to convey data to each other.
US08199687B2 Information-communication terminal having function of controlling electric power consumption
A terminal connected to a wireless communication network includes a BU processor used in wireless communication. An operation mode of the BU processor is switched to one of a sleep mode, a standby mode, and an active mode in a state in which an electric power is supplied to the BU processor. In the sleep mode, a PLL circuit stops a clock supplied to each circuit in the BU processor. In the standby mode, an operating frequency is set at a predetermined first frequency. In the active mode, the operating frequency is set at a second frequency higher than the first frequency. Accordingly, in the state in which the electric power is supplied, the operating frequency is switched and the number of operating circuits is switched, thereby reducing electric power consumption in the terminal.
US08199685B2 Processing of medical signals
Systems and methods in which real-time ubiquitous imaging is feasible in local areas, such as inside a clinic, hospital room or doctor office are shown. This is achieved by designing a wireless network having a central processing server with, for example, distributed broadband acquisition and video bus capability. Remote access is possible using store-and-forward image transfer over a wide area network. With these capabilities, a physician can use a handheld transducer (such as an ultrasound transducer) as a basic tool to facilitate diagnostic decisions similar to the way a stethoscope is used today.
US08199682B2 Wireless communication system and wireless communication control method, wireless communication device and wireless communication method, and computer program
A wireless communication device in a wireless network sets management information notification cycles at specified time intervals and transmits management information containing receive timing information showing its own position to start receiving information, receive window information, and receive cycle information. Another wireless communication device receiving that management information links it to a communication device number for the corresponding wireless communication device and stores the receive timing, the receive window information, and the receive cycle information. When sending information, the receive start position of the corresponding communication device is found from the receive timing information, the receive window information, and the receive cycle information of the other communication and information is then transmitted at that timing. An asynchronous ad-hoc communication wireless network can therefore be configured without a particular control station.
US08199676B2 Method and system of assigning access connections
A method and system for load balancing network access solutions, for example Provider Edger (PE) routers and network interface cards within said routers, based on characteristics of the destination device to which the assigned network access solutions connect. This enables a service provider to load balance access connections of a particular customer across a number of different network access solutions, based on who the customer is and where the customer is located. In addition, such a system can balance network access solutions based on capacity and utilization of the network access solutions.
US08199675B2 Packet processing device by multiple processor cores and packet processing method by the same
A packet processing device includes multiple processor cores and memory connected to the multiple processor cores, upon reception of a load request of a program, selects a processor core to which the program has not yet been loaded, loads the program to the selected processor core, retains first association information that associates attribute information specified by the load request with the processor core to which the program has been loaded, upon reception of the packet, specifies the attribute information corresponding to the received packet, and transfers the received packet to the processor core corresponding to the specified attribute information.
US08199674B2 System, method and network node for checking the consistency of node relationship information in the nodes of a strongly connected network
A system, method, and network node for checking the consistency of node relations in the nodes of a strongly connected network. An initiating network node initiates a request to check the consistency of node relations in the network. Each receiving node that receives the request determines whether defined relations received from the initiating node are symmetrically reflected by defined relations stored in the receiving network node. A local result is temporarily stored. The receiving node also identifies other nodes, if any, with which the receiving node has defined relations, and sends consistency-checking requests to the identified nodes. As responses are received from all of the identified nodes, the receiving network node aggregates the results with the stored local result and sends an aggregated response to the initiating node reporting the consistency or inconsistency of all of the receiving node's defined relations.
US08199673B2 Methods and apparatus for discovery of peer to peer overlaying networks
Methods and apparatus for discovery of peer-to-peer overlay networks. In an aspect, a method includes receiving a request to discover information about overlay networks of interest, generating a search query that comprises at least one parameter associated with the overlay networks of interest, and transmitting the search query to nodes on a local area network. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a memory comprising an overlay database of meta-data associated with one or more known overlay networks and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to obtain a search query that comprises at least one parameter associated with overlay networks of interest, determine one or more selected overlay networks from the overlay database based on the at least one parameter, and transmit meta-data associated with the one or more selected overlay networks in response to the search query.
US08199671B2 Throttling network traffic generated by a network discovery tool during a discovery scan
This invention describes a method to limit the number of concurrent discovery processes into networks based upon the network traffic volume and discovery duration per device.
US08199669B2 Access router, service control system, and service control method
A service is transparently provided to a mobile terminal device without the mobile terminal device knowing an address of a service providing device or a device which relays a packet in a network. A packet between the service providing device which provides a service and a mobile terminal device 10 which receives the service is relayed by a mobility control node 21. An access router 12 inquires of another device about information on the mobility control node 21, and holds correspondence information between information obtained by an inquiry result and identification information of the mobile terminal device 10 in a table. Transfer of a packet between the mobile control node 21 and the mobile terminal device 10 is controlled based on the correspondence information held in the table. With this configuration, the network can transparently provide the service to the mobile terminal device without the mobile terminal device knowing the address of the device which relays the packet in the network.
US08199663B2 Robust header compression/decompression methods and systems
A method for a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes communicating a packet of network profile information, where the packet is communicated across a network in association with application data. The method also includes automatically reporting capability parameters of a terminal in order to process the network profile information, where the capability parameters are employed to adjust performance of the network.
US08199659B2 Communication device and method of communication using wireless communication protocol
A communication device (9) has a Wi-Fi® device (14) for communicating with another communication device (9). The Wi-Fi® device (14) has one output connected to an antenna (13) and another output connected to a coaxial cable jack (10) via a coupler (11). The antenna (13) therefore provides a wireless communications link and the coupler (11) provides a wired communications link. A diversity switch (18) of the Wi-Fi® device (14) uses antenna diversity switching provided for in the Wi-Fi® standards to switch between the wireless communications link and the wired communications link.
US08199657B2 Supporting an access to a destination network via a wireless access network
For supporting an access to a destination network by a mobile device via a wireless access network, the mobile device generates a predetermined request, which is addressed to a connectivity test server in the destination network. The predetermined request is transmitted to the wireless access network. In case the predetermined request reaches the connectivity test server, it generates a predetermined response and transmits it to the mobile device via the wireless access network. The mobile device determines whether a response to the predetermined request is received from the wireless access network and whether a received response corresponds to the predetermined response.
US08199656B1 System and method for testing automated provisioning and maintenance of operations support systems
The present invention provides a complete virtual multi-vendor EMS based network that behaves identical to the network elements of the EMS clients. A virtual network simulator is built that has the ability to faithfully simulate the behavior of any vendor's EMS to represent the data objects required by the TMF 814 specification. This allows automatic provisioning and maintenance of the Operation Support Systems to fully test new functionality against complete EMS based network without depending upon the availability of any physical equipment, thereby providing much quicker, low cost, extremely life-like testing environment.
US08199654B2 Method and apparatus for providing end-to-end high quality services based on performance characterizations of network conditions
A method and apparatus enforcing and improving end-to-end service quality, based on end-to-end service performance characterization of network conditions, for a convergence enabled end-user device during a user session for service. The methods and apparatus provide end-to-end network monitoring by implementing a performance monitoring agent in the end user convergence enabled end-user device, as well as in network elements providing and controlling a session communications path for the convergence enabled end-user device, such as base stations, wireline points of presence, data centers, network operations centers, among other network elements (e.g., nodes and facilities).
US08199653B2 System and method for communicating network performance information over a packet network
A system and method for communicating network performance information of a node segment of a packet network may include generating network performance information indicative of transmission characteristics of a node segment on a packet network. The network performance information may be included in a data packet and communicated using in-band signaling to a network communications device.
US08199652B2 IP address lookup method and apparatus by using Bloom filter and multi-hashing architecture
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of looking up an IP address using a Bloom filter and a multi-hashing architecture. The present invention generates a plurality of hashing indexes by hashing inputted prefixes, determines whether a bit vector corresponding to the plurality of hashing indexes is positive or negative by using the Bloom filter, and outputs a prefix matching the inputted prefix by searching entries of locations indicated by the plurality of hashing indexes in the hash table when the bit vector is determined to be positive. The present invention further outputs the prefix that matches the inputted prefix by searching entries stored in the overflow table.
US08199650B2 System for permitting control of the purging of a node B by the serving radio network controller
A system and method which permit the RNC to control purging of data buffered in the Node B. The RNC monitors for a triggering event, which initiates the purging process. The RNC then informs the Node B of the need to purge data by transmitting a purge command, which prompts the Node B to delete at least a portion of buffered data. The purge command can include instructions for the Node B to purge all data for a particular UE, data in one or several user priority transmission queues or in one or more logical channels in the Node B, depending upon the particular data purge triggering event realized in the RNC.
US08199648B2 Flow control in a variable latency system
A device and method for packet flow control is described. The method may comprise, at a packet sender device, adding a flow control identifier to a packet and transmitting a packet with the packet flow control identifier to a packet receiver device over a data path. Thereafter, the packet receiver device may receive, from the packet receiver device, flow control data that includes a received flow control identifier generated in response to the sent flow control identifier. The sent flow control identifier may then be compared with the received flow control identifier and a state of a receiver buffer at the receiver packet device may be estimated based on the comparison. In an example embodiment, at the packet sender device, a flow control instruction may be added to the packet to instruct the packet receiver device to enter a “no transmit” state.
US08199641B1 Parallel distributed network monitoring
A network monitoring system includes devices receiving network traffic information, and generating at least partial results relating to network symptoms. Those partial results are forwarded to devices processing those partial results and generating information relating to problems in response to those symptoms. Problems are reported to users or sent as notifications. In one embodiment, information relating to network traffic is monitored both by a first set of devices associated with source addresses for that network traffic and a second set of devices associated with destination addresses for that network traffic. Information received by that first set of devices includes information relating to both the source address and destination address of network traffic. That first set of devices processes information relating to the source address of network traffic and forwards information relating to the destination address of network traffic to that second set of devices.
US08199638B2 Method and system for automatically rerouting logical circuit data in a data network
A method and system are provided for automatically rerouting logical circuit data in a data network. A failure is identified in a logical circuit in a data network. The logical circuit may include a communication path for communicating data. Once the failure in the logical circuit is determined, a logical failover circuit is then identified. The logical failover circuit includes an alternate communication path for communicating the data for the failed logical circuit. After the logical failover circuit has been identified, the data from the failed logical circuit is rerouted to the logical failover circuit without manual intervention. After the data has been rerouted the logical failover circuit, a determination is made as to whether the failure in the logical circuit has been corrected. If it is determined that the failure in the logical circuit has been corrected, then the data from the logical failover circuit is rerouted back to the logical circuit in the data network without manual intervention.
US08199637B2 VPLS remote failure indication
A method for handling communication failures in a network, which includes provisioning first and second multipoint-to-multipoint communication services over respective first and second alternative sets of links that connect the endpoints in a network. Each of the sets connects network nodes which provide physical layer resources for the links. The communication service is provided to the endpoints over the first set of links using the first service. Upon detecting a failure in the first set of links, the physical layer resources of the links in the first set are deactivated by the network nodes, in order to lose their connections. Responding the loss of connection, the communication service automatically transfers communication to the second set of links.
US08199626B1 RF interpolated timing recovery using clock synchronized to wobble
Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with clocking a radio frequency channel are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wobble channel logic configured to at least partially decode a digital wobble signal and configured to control a time base generator to generate a clock signal that is synchronized to wobble data. The apparatus further includes downsampling logic to scale the clock signal to produce a scaled clock signal, and a radio frequency channel logic to at least partially decode a digital radio frequency signal. The clocking signal is connected to clock the radio frequency channel logic, and the scaled clocking signal is connected to clock the wobble channel logic.
US08199622B2 Method for emulating optical disk, optical disk drive using the same, and optical disk including security zone
Provided are a method for emulating a separate contents memory unit into an optical disk, an optical disk drive using the same, and an optical disk including a security zone. In the method, when an optical disk processing command from a host is present, whether an optical disk is present in the optical disk drive is judged. When the optical disk is not present in the optical disk drive as a result of the judgment, the contents memory unit is executed as a virtual optical disk. An application stored in the contents memory unit is displayed. The optical disk drive includes an optical disk storage unit, a contents memory unit, and a controller. The optical disk storage unit stores or reproduces contents using an optical disk. The contents memory unit stores contents therein and is executed as a virtual optical disk when the optical disk is not present. The controller controls the optical disk storage unit and the contents memory unit, and controls an access to be made, subject to the contents memory unit. The optical disk includes a fake zone that is accessible by all users without an authentication procedure, and a security zone that is accessible through the authentication procedure. Accordingly, a user can receive and use desired contents using the optical disk drive even when a disk is not present.
US08199617B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus having a reproduction means to play digital data from a recording medium recorded with that digital data and retrieval information, a recording means to write the digital data reproduced by the reproduction means and record the retrieval information on a control table, and a control circuit to search the control table by using the retrieval information when the digital data from the reproduction means is written by the recording means, to permit the writing of digital data recorded on the medium with the recording means when the retrieval information is not recorded on the control table, and to prohibit the writing of digital data recorded on the medium with the recording means when the retrieval information is already recorded on the control table, and also prevent the mistaken duplicate copying of the digital data with the recording means.
US08199616B2 Assembly method of optical pickup and optical pickup apparatus
A method for assembling an optical pickup apparatus for recording/reproducing a high density DVD, DVD and CD including two objective lens and three laser light sources, the objective lenses being provided on the lens holder having an actuator base for supporting the actuator, the method for assembling the optical pickup apparatus comprises the steps of adjusting a first tilt angle of the actuator base so that a coma aberration of a spot formed by the first light beams decreases when the first light beams are converged onto the first recording medium via the first objective lens, and adjusting a second tilt angle formed between the second objective lens and the lens holder so that a coma aberration of a beam spot formed by the second light beams decreases when the second light beams are converged onto the second recording medium via the second objective lens.
US08199615B2 Recording/reproducing apparatus and adjustment method therefor
A recording/reproducing apparatus includes: a light source; a first correction section to correct a position of an objective lens that collects laser light from the light source on a surface of an optical disc based on a focus bias setting value obtained from a focus bias value; a second correction section to correct an aberration of the laser light based on an aberration correction setting value obtained from an aberration correction value; an evaluation value generation section to generate an evaluation value; a focus bias adjustment section to change plus/minus of the focus bias value and calculate a new focus bias value based on the evaluation value every time a first cycle passes; and an aberration adjustment section to change plus/minus of the aberration correction value and calculate a new aberration correction value every time a second cycle passes, in parallel with an update of the focus bias value.
US08199613B2 Objective lens actuator and a thin-sized optical pickup with magnetic circuit having different lengthed magnets
An objective lens actuator, being suitable for a thin-sized optical pickup and a thin-sized optical disc apparatus, comprises: an objective lens for focusing a light upon a recording surface of an optical disc; and a driving mechanism including a focusing coil, tracking coils, and a magnetic circuit, for operating the objective lens into a focusing direction of approaching/receding to/from the optical disc, and into a tracking direction of a radius of the optical disc, wherein the magnetic circuit has a first magnet and a second magnet putting the objective lens therebetween, and one of the magnets is short of length in the focusing direction and is long in length in the tracking direction, comparing to the other magnet, thereby bringing an unnecessary moment, which is applied upon a moving part including the objective lens therein, to be small, and suppressing inclination or tilt and vibration of the objective lens.
US08199611B2 Deriving tilt-corrected seismic data in a multi-axis seismic sensor module
A seismic sensor module includes sensing elements arranged in a plurality of axes to detect seismic signals in a plurality of respective directions, and a processor to receive data from the sensing elements and to determine inclinations of the axes with respect to a particular orientation. The determined inclinations are used to combine the data received from the sensing elements to derive tilt-corrected seismic data for the particular orientation.
US08199609B2 Multi-mode downhole acoustic source
A multimode acoustic source device for disposition in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation is aligned along an axial axis of the borehole and has a plurality of radiating plates circumferentially disposed about the axial axis. A drive mechanism is proposed to independently and reversibly move each radiating plate from a first position to a second position in a direction transverse to the axial axis. This enables the multimode source to generate each of several azimuthal modes for logging a subterranean formation.
US08199607B2 Duty cycle corrector preventing excessive duty cycle correction in low-frequency domain
Provided is a duty cycle corrector including a low frequency detector detecting whether an input clock signal frequency is less than or greater than a predetermined frequency. If less than, a common mode control circuit controlling a common mode of a duty cycle correction amplifier amplifying the input clock signal is disabled. The duty cycle corrector may include a column address strobe (CAS) latency determination unit that determines whether a CAS latency is greater than or less than a predetermined value instead of the low frequency detector.
US08199603B2 Nonvolatile memory devices having variable-resistance memory cells and methods of programming the same
Nonvolatile memory devices include an array of variable-resistance memory cells and a write driver electrically coupled to the array. The write driver is configured to drive a bit line in the array of variable-resistance memory cells with a stair-step sequence of at least two unequal bit line voltages during an operation to program a variable-resistance memory cell in said array. This stair-step sequence of at least two unequal bit line voltages includes a precharge voltage (e.g., Vcc-Vth) at a first step and a higher boosted voltage (e.g., Vpp-Vth) at a second step that follows the first step.
US08199591B2 Data driver
A data driver is presented in which the data driver includes a termination/pull-up driver and a pull-down driver. The termination/pull-up driver is configured to perform a termination operation and a pull-up operation at the same time for a data output terminal during an active interval of a semiconductor memory. The pull-down driver is configured to be activated when the semiconductor memory performs a read operation, and configured to pull down the output terminal in response to a level of an input data.
US08199578B2 Single polysilicon layer non-volatile memory and operating method thereof
A single-polysilicon layer non-volatile memory having a floating gate transistor, a program gate and a control gate is provided. The floating gate transistor has a floating gate and a tunneling dielectric layer. The floating gate is disposed on a substrate. The tunneling dielectric layer is disposed between the floating gate and the substrate. The program gate, the control gate and the erase gate are respectively disposed in the substrate under the floating gate separated by the tunneling dielectric layer. Therefore, during a program operation and an erase operation, charges are injected in and expelled out through different regions of the tunneling dielectric layer, so as to increase reliability of the non-volatile memory.
US08199576B2 Three-dimensional array of re-programmable non-volatile memory elements having vertical bit lines and a double-global-bit-line architecture
A three-dimensional array especially adapted for memory elements that reversibly change a level of electrical conductance in response to a voltage difference being applied across them. Memory elements are formed across a plurality of planes positioned different distances above a semiconductor substrate. A two-dimensional array of bit lines to which the memory elements of all planes are connected is oriented vertically from the substrate and through the plurality of planes. A double-global-bit-line architecture provides a pair of global bit lines for each bit lines for accessing a row of memory elements in parallel. A first one of each pair allows the local bit lines of the row to be sensed while a second one of each pair allows local bit lines in an adjacent row to be set to a definite voltage so as to eliminate leakage currents between adjacent rows of local bit lines.
US08199574B2 Apparatus comparing verified data to original data in the programming of a memory array
Apparatus configured to perform a programming operation on at least one memory cell of the memory array in response to original data, and further configured to perform a comparison of verified data of the at least one memory cell of the memory array to the original data following success of the programming operation. Certain apparatus may be configured to permit skipping the comparison.
US08199570B2 Multi-bit memory with selectable magnetic layer
An apparatus and associated method for a multi-bit memory capable of being selected with a magnetic layer. Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a first selection layer with a low coercivity that is disposed between first and second storage layers that each have a high coercivity. In response to magnetic saturation of the first selection layer, programming of a logical state to the second storage layer is allowed.
US08199568B2 Method and apparatus for a disk damper including an enclosing flow chamber wall for a hard disk drive
A hard disk drive with a disk base including a disk wall with a first intake, a second intake off of the first intake, an outlet and an air filter configured to receive a first airflow from the first intake and suction from a second airflow from the second intake creating negative pressure at a trapping surface of the air filter away from the outlet. At least one disk rotates to create a rotating disk surface generating airflow configured to enter the first intake to create the first airflow. A disk damper includes an enclosing wall neighboring the air filter to create a flow chamber providing a third airflow through the outlet formed of the first air flow crossing the trapping surface and the second air flow. A disk cover mounts on the disk base to encapsulate the air chamber. The disk base and disk damper are disclosed.
US08199562B2 Memory cell with enhanced read and write sense margins
An apparatus and method for enhancing read and write sense margin in a memory cell having a resistive sense element (RSE), such as but not limited to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) element or a spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM) element. The RSE has a hard programming direction and an easy programming direction. A write current is applied in either the hard programming direction or the easy programming direction to set the RSE to a selected programmed state. A read circuit subsequently passes a read sense current through the cell in the hard programming direction to sense the selected programmed state of the cell.
US08199559B2 Semiconductor device, semiconductor memory device and data processing system comprising semiconductor system
A semiconductor device comprises a memory cell, a bit line, a sense amplifier operating between a first voltage and a second voltage higher than the first voltage, a transfer control circuit including a transfer transistor, and a write circuit writing data into the memory cell through the bit line based on the first voltage and a third voltage. The sense amplifier receives and amplifiers the signal voltage at a sense node when the transfer transistor controls the connection between the bit line and the sense node in response to a transfer control voltage. The third voltage is set to a voltage lower than the second voltage and higher than the transfer control voltage, and the sense node is set to a voltage higher than the transfer control voltage in an initial period of a read operation before the data of the memory cell is read out to the bit line.
US08199558B2 Apparatus for variable resistive memory punchthrough access method
Variable resistive punchthrough access methods are described. The methods include switching a variable resistive data cell from a high resistance state to a low resistance state by passing a write current through the magnetic tunnel junction data cell in a first direction. The write current is provided by a transistor being electrically coupled to the variable resistive data cell and a source line. The write current passes through the transistor in punchthrough mode.
US08199553B2 Multilevel frequency addressable field driven MRAM
A three-dimensional nonvolatile memory array device includes a plurality of memory elements and a memory controller. The plurality of memory elements each have a stack of a plurality of bits, which in turn each include a magnetic free layer, a magnetic pinned layer, and a non-magnetic layer. The magnetic free layer is configured to alternate its magnetization orientation based on a radio frequency current being at a resonant frequency of the magnetic free layer and on a magnetic field being applied to the magnetic free layer. The magnetic pinned layer has a specific magnetization orientation. The non-magnetic layer is located in between the magnetic free layer and the magnetic pinned layer. The memory controller is in communication with each of the plurality of memory elements, and configured to write data to and read data from the plurality of bits in the memory elements.
US08199548B2 Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device is configured to reduce data read time. In the semiconductor storage device, an input/output control circuit is formed along one side of a memory cell array disposed between a data input pad and a data output pad. The input/output control circuit is disposed between a hold command input pad and a clock input pad. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the distances of the wirings from the input/output control circuit to the pads and to make the distances of the wirings equal and thus to minimize the read time of the memory cell array. In addition, since it is also possible to make equal wiring distances from the input/output control circuit to the address decoder and output multiplexer, it is possible to minimize the read time of the memory cell array.
US08199545B2 Power-conversion control system including sliding mode controller and cycloconverter
A power-conversion control system includes an inverter, a cycloconverter, and a sliding mode controller. The inverter is operable to receive a DC voltage input and produce a first AC voltage output having a first frequency. The cycloconverter has a plurality of bidirectional switches, and is operable to receive the first AC voltage and to synthesize a second AC voltage having a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency. The sliding mode controller is operable to provide a control signal to command the plurality of bidirectional switches to turn OFF and ON when the first AC voltage is at a zero crossing condition. The sliding mode controller is also operable to selectively adjust the frequency and amplitude of the second AC voltage.
US08199543B2 Power converter with extremely low standby power consumption
The present invention relates to a power converter with extremely low standby power consumption. The power converter comprises a rectification module having at least one unilateral switch which has a control terminal, an anode terminal and a cathode terminal. The control terminal is coupled to a control signal, wherein when the control signal issues a first level, the channel between the anode terminal and the cathode terminal is enabled to act as a unilateral switch; and when the control signal issues a second level, the channel between the anode terminal and the cathode terminal is open circuited.
US08199528B2 Electronic device and ground connection structure
An electronic device including: a circuit board on which an electronic component is mounted; a plate material which is used as a ground, the plate material being extended in parallel with the circuit board; and a ground connection member which includes a fixed section and multiple elastic leg sections, the fixed section being tightened to the circuit board and connected to a ground on the circuit board, the elastic leg sections being extended from the fixed section toward different directions along the circuit board, each of the elastic leg sections being extended onto the plate material side to elastically press the plate material.
US08199520B2 Terminal having bus bar
A terminal is provided with a support portion configured to be mounted on a circuit board and having electrical insulation property, and a bus bar supported on the support portion and having electrically conductive property. The bus bar includes an external connecting portion configured to be electrically connected to external equipment, a first connecting portion configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board, and a second connecting portion configured to be electrically connected to another circuit board spaced from the circuit board, without passing through the circuit board.
US08199519B2 Chip adapter
A chip adapter used to install a chip on a first chip arranging area of a circuit board includes a board. The size of the board has the same size as the first chip arranging area of the circuit board. Edges of the chip adapter define a number of gaps corresponding to first pads of the circuit board. A second chip arranging area of the same size as the chip is arranged in a center of the chip adapter. A number of second pads are arranged around the second chip arranging area of the chip adapter corresponding to pins of the chip. Each second pad is electrically connected to a sidewall of the corresponding gap of the chip adapter.
US08199513B2 Line module for telecommunication and data engineering
The invention relates to a line module for telecommunication and data engineering, comprising a housing (10) and at least one mounting means, wherein the mounting means is in the form of at least one lever (19) with a hook-like element (63) which can be swivelled via a pivot bearing (30).
US08199510B2 Multi-layer SoC module structure
A multi-layer system-on-chip (SoC) module structure is provided. The multi-layer SoC module structure includes at least two circuit board module layers and at least one connector module layer. Each connector module layer is sandwiched between and thus electrically connects two circuit board module layers such that the SoC module structure is formed by stacking. Each circuit board module layer is composed of at least one circuit board module while each connector module layer is composed of at least one connector module. Hence, the SoC module structure can be manufactured as a three-dimensional structure, thus allowing highly flexible connections within the SoC module structure.
US08199506B2 Solid state data storage assembly
A solid state data storage assembly includes thermal interface material that conducts heat away from electrical components of the assembly. In some examples, the thermal interface material is positioned between a printed circuit board assembly, which includes electrical components, and a cover of a housing of the data storage assembly. The thermal interface material may also provide shock protection for the data storage assembly by at least one of increasing a stiffness of the data storage assembly, absorbing some mechanical loads applied to the data storage assembly or distributing the applied loads. In addition, in some examples, the thermal interface material exhibits some tackiness, such that removal of a thermal interface material from a data storage assembly and subsequent repositioning of the thermal interface material within the data storage assembly may provide a visual indication of tampering.
US08199504B2 Cooling system for electronic equipment
In a cooling system for an electronic device of the present invention, server rooms in which a plurality of servers are placed, an evaporator which is provided close to each of the servers, and cools exhaust air from the server by vaporizing a refrigerant with heat generating from the server, a cooling tower which is provided at a place higher than the evaporator, cools the refrigerant by outside air and water sprinkling, and condenses the vaporized refrigerant, and a circulation line in which the refrigerant naturally circulates between the evaporator and the cooling tower. According to the cooling system, an electronic device which is required to perform a precise operation with a heat generation amount from itself being large, such as a computer and a server, can be efficiently cooled at low running cost.
US08199501B2 Electronic equipment
An electronic equipment includes an air flow control unit that controls an air flow generated by an air blow. The electronic equipment includes an expanding unit that is disposed behind the air flow control unit, includes an additional electronic circuit for an electronic circuit mounted on a main board, which are cooling targets of the air blow, and expands a function of the electronic circuit of the main board. The expanding unit has a hollow structure casing and includes the additional electronic circuit in an inside of the hollow structure casing. The air flow control unit has an opening part to allow the air flow to pass through and a blocking part to block the air flow, and supplies most of the air flow into the inside of the hollow structure casing of the expanding unit by the opening part and the blocking part, the blocking part including a vent.
US08199499B2 Computer enclosure with power supply
A computer enclosure includes a chassis configured for securing a power supply therein. The chassis includes a bottom plate and a rear plate generally perpendicular to the bottom plate. A positioning structure is formed on the rear plate and configured for blocking the power supply from moving on the rear plate. A resiliently deformable latch piece is located on the bottom plate. A blocking portion is located on the latch piece configured for engaging with the power supply to block the power supply from moving in a direction perpendicular to the rear plate. The latch piece is resiliently deformable for disengaging the blocking portion from the power supply.
US08199496B2 Vacuum latch structure and clam type electronic device using the same
A vacuum latch structure and a clam type electronic device are provided. The clam type electronic device includes a first case, a second case and the vacuum latch structure. The second case is pivotally connected to the first case to cover the first case. The vacuum latch structure has a driving element and a sucker. The driving element is movably disposed on the first case. The sucker includes a suction cup for attaching to the second case and a pulling rod that is connected to both the suction cup and the driving element. The suction cup is lifted by the pulling rod when the pulling rod is driven by the driving element.
US08199494B2 Thumbscrew for pluggable modules
In one example, a pluggable module comprises a shell, a module connector, and one or more thumbscrews. The shell defines a cavity within which a PCB and one or more components are disposed and includes a front, back, first side, and second side. The module connector is operatively connected to the PCB near the back of the shell and extends from within the cavity to outside the shell through an opening defined in the back of the shell. The module connector is configured to operatively couple the pluggable module to a host device. The thumbscrews are housed within one or more portions of the shell and are configured to threadably secure the pluggable module to the host device. Each of the thumbscrews comprises a torque limiter. The pluggable module can further comprise protecting means for protecting a portion of the module connector extending outside the cavity from damage.
US08199493B2 Rotational apparatus for communication
An apparatus including: a first housing and a second housing joined at a joint that is configured to enable relative rotational movement of the first housing and the second housing. The first housing includes a first grounded portion and a first coupling element. The second housing includes a second grounded portion and a second coupling element. The apparatus has a first configuration in which the first housing and the second housing have been rotated to a first relative orientation at which the first coupling element and the second coupling element are aligned and a radio frequency current path is formed between the first grounded portion and the second grounded portion via the first coupling element and the second coupling element. The apparatus has a second configuration in which the first housing and the second housing have been rotated to a second relative orientation at which the first coupling element and the second coupling element are not aligned and the radio frequency current path is not formed between the first grounded portion and the second grounded portion via the first coupling element and the second coupling element.
US08199491B2 Groove slit water channel
A drainage system is provided for draining liquid accidentally spilled on a casing having a plurality of pushbuttons on a surface of the casing. An electronic apparatus may comprise a casing and a drainage system. The drainage system may be connected with the casing. The drainage system may include a liquid collecting basin, a drainage exit, and a liquid passageway. The liquid passageway may have a capillary surface and may lead the liquid from the liquid collecting basin to the drainage exit.
US08199489B2 Handheld terminal with individually replaceable components
A handheld terminal is provided. The handheld terminal includes a housing, a component for operating the handheld terminal, and a pocket for forming, in the housing, a space for holding the component individually and separating the space from a main logic circuit. The pocket has a window for a connection between the component and the main logic circuit. The handheld terminal includes a bezel placed on the component, and a combiner for removable engaging the bezel with the housing.
US08199484B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes: a first housing that includes an inlet and an outlet on one end; a second housing; and a linkage section that links the second housing to the first housing such that the second housing can be opened and closed. The device is configured such that the second housing divides at least a part of a space between the inlet and the outlet while the second housing is in the open position relative to the first housing. While the second housing is opened relative to the first housing, the second housing divides the space between the inlet and the outlet, thereby preventing the exhausted warm air from being drawn into the electronic device.
US08199480B2 Chip card holder and portable electronic device using the same
A chip card holder used to hold a chip card comprises a housing having a slot defined therein for receiving the chip card therein, and an end wall, the housing including a latching portion extending from the end wall; a holder part slidably assembled in the slot of the housing; an elastic part resisted between the housing and the holder part. The holder part releasably latches to the latching portion, when the latching portion is removed from the holder part, the holder part slides away from the end wall under the expansion of elastic part and push the chip card out of the slot.
US08199479B2 Display assembly for a computing device
A display assembly is provided for a computing device. The display assembly includes an exterior shell that (i) is translucent or clear, (ii) has at least a rounded exterior surface, and (iii) a substantially flat underside along at least a mid-section of the exterior shell.
US08199478B2 Electronic device and sliding assembly thereof
An electronic device includes an upper cover and a main body. A sliding assembly is disposed between the upper cover and the main body and includes a sliding portion, a spring, and a track with a first positioning portion disposed at the center of a side of the track and two second positionings portion disposed on two ends of the side of the track. The spring including an engaging portion and two ends, and the sliding portion are fixed on the cover. The engaging portion and the ends form an included angle. The sliding portion is movably connected to the track and slides thereon. When the sliding portion slides on the track, the engaging portion is engaged with one of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portions.
US08199475B2 Electronic device
A handheld electronic device including a first body, a second body and a linkage is provided. The second body is stacked on the first body, and a first fulcrum at an end of the second body is slidably disposed on the first body. The linkage provided with an end pivotally connected to the first body via a pivot and another end slidably disposed on the second body via a second fulcrum is located between the first body and the second body. When the electronic device is transformed from a retracted state to an expanded state, the second body slides relative to the first body and then the second fulcrum is raised to form an included angle between the first body and the second body.
US08199473B2 Support stand for flat-panel display monitor
A support stand for a flat-panel display monitor includes a support structure, a rotatable bracket, a first hinge assembly having a first pivot shaft, and a second hinge assembly having a second pivot shaft positioned opposite to the first pivot shaft, and a connecting module. The rotatable bracket is sleeved on the first and second pivot shafts and rotatably connected to the support structure by the first and second hinge assemblies. The connecting module connects the first pivot shaft to the second pivot shaft such that the first and second pivot shafts are substantially aligned along a common axis.
US08199471B2 Rollable display device
A rollable display device including a first housing 32; a second housing 34 mateable with the first housing 32; an electronic package 36 disposed within at least one of the first housing and the second housing 34; a roll frame 40 coupled to the first housing 32; a rollable display 38 rotatably disposed within the roll frame 40, having one end connected at the second housing 34, and operably connected to the electronic package 36 to display information from the electronic package 36; and a spreader mechanism 50 having a first leg assembly 52, a second leg assembly 54, and a joining assembly 56. First leg assembly 52 couples the first housing 32 and the second housing 34, second leg assembly 54 couples the first housing 32 and the second housing 34, and joining assembly 56 couples the first leg assembly 52 and the second leg assembly 54.
US08199470B2 Cover mechanism and electronic device using the same
A cover mechanism for an electronic device, and the cover mechanism includes a base member and a cover member. The base member defines an opening. The cover member includes a plate body and a pin positioned on the plate body. The plate body rotatably latches the base member by the pin, and covers the opening. The present disclosure further discloses an electronic device using the cover mechanism.
US08199460B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor with improved anode termination
A capacitor containing a solid electrolytic capacitor element that includes an anode, dielectric, and solid electrolyte is provided. An anode lead extends from the anode and is electrically connected to an anode termination. The anode termination contains an upstanding portion that is bent or folded about an axis so that it possesses two or more sections. A slot (e.g., U-shaped) extends through the sections of the upstanding portion for receiving an anode lead. The resulting “folded” configuration of the anode termination increases the total thickness of the upstanding portion and its associated slot, which thereby enhances the degree of mechanical support and stability that the termination provides to the anode lead. This is particularly beneficial for thicker anode leads, such as those having a height and/or width of about 100 micrometers or more, in some embodiments about 200 micrometers or more, and in some embodiments, from about 250 to about 1000 micrometers.
US08199458B2 Surface mounting type high voltage capacitor with array structure
Provided is a surface mounting type high voltage ceramic capacitor with an array structure that may form a plurality of capacitors in an array structure to thereby simultaneously mount the plurality of capacitors on a printed circuit board, and thus may reduce a work procedure and enhance a work productivity. The surface mounting type high voltage ceramic capacitor with an array structure, may include: a ceramic member 11; a common electrode member 12 being formed on one surface of the ceramic member 11; a plurality of individual electrode members 13 being arranged on another surface of the ceramic member 11; a common lead terminal 14 being connected to the common electrode member 12; a plurality of individual lead terminals 15 being connected to the plurality of individual electrode members 13, respectively, to face the common lead terminal 14; and a molding member 16 sealing the ceramic member 11, the common electrode member 12, and the plurality of individual electrode members 13.
US08199457B1 Microfabricated RF capacitor
The present invention is directed to a microfabricated RF capacitor. The capacitor includes two signal wirebond pads configured for being connected to an electrical current source. The capacitor further includes two backbone structures which are connected to the wirebond pads and receive electrical current from the electrical current source via the wirebond pads, each backbone structure including a first backbone portion and a second backbone portion. The capacitor further includes a plurality of protrusions which are connected to the backbone portions of the backbone structures. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other. Further, the protrusions are configured for distributing current received by the backbone structures and for promoting structural stability of the capacitor. The capacitor further includes a ground wall structure which may be configured for receiving ground current from a ground current source.
US08199455B2 Glass ceramic composition, glass ceramic sintered body, and multilayer ceramic electronic device
A glass ceramic composition is provided which can be fired at a temperature of 1,000° C. or less to form a sintered body having a low relative dielectric constant, a small temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, a small change in capacitance before and after a loading test, a high Qf value, high electrical insulating reliability, and a high flexural strength. A glass ceramic composition forming glass ceramic layers laminated to each other in a multilayer ceramic substrate is also provided. The glass ceramic composition includes a first ceramic powder containing forsterite as a primary component; a second ceramic powder containing SrTiO3 and/or TiO2 as a primary component; a third ceramic powder containing BaZrO3 as a primary component; a fourth ceramic powder containing SrZrO3 as a primary component; and a borosilicate glass which contains Li2O, MgO, B2O3, SiO2, and ZnO, and also which contains at least one of CaO, BaO, and SrO.
US08199454B2 Electrostatic chuck and substrate temperature adjusting-fixing device
There is provided an electrostatic chuck for placing an adsorption object or a base body having an electrostatic electrode embedded therein and generating a coulombic force between the adsorption object and the electrostatic electrode by applying a voltage to the electrostatic electrode so as to hold the adsorption object in an adsorption state, wherein the base body includes a upper surface of the base body opposed to the adsorption object and a protrusion portion provided in the upper surface of the base body so as to come into contact with the adsorption object, and wherein the protrusion portion is provided in a region except for an outer edge portion of the upper surface of the base body, and the outer edge portion is substantially formed in the same plane as that of the upper surface of the base body.
US08199453B2 Shaft current control brush ring assembly
A shaft current control brush ring assembly includes a cup and a brush ring assembly secured within the cup. The cup is secured to a motor faceplate, within a recess formed in the faceplate by interference fit, or by means of a clamp attached to the faceplate. A slinger can be associated with the brush ring assembly.
US08199438B2 In-situ dynamic pitch and roll adjustment in hard disk drives
Disclosed is a head gimbal assembly for a hard disk drive that includes a head pivotally connected to a flexure. The flexure has a longitudinal axis. The assembly includes first and second micro-actuators that are located between the flexure and the head and spaced from the longitudinal axis. By way of example, the first and second micro-actuators may be thin piezo-electric transducers. Control signals can be provided to the micro-actuators to vary the pitch and/or roll of the head.
US08199437B1 Head with an air bearing surface having a particle fence separated from a leading pad by a continuous moat
A novel head includes an air bearing surface having a trailing pad adjacent the read transducer and lying in a primary plane. The air bearing surface includes a sub-ambient pressure cavity recessed from the primary plane by at least 500 nm. At least one leading pad is disposed upstream of the sub-ambient pressure cavity and has a leading pad surface in the primary plane. A moat is disposed upstream of the leading pad and is recessed from the primary plane by at least 500 nm. The moat continuously spans the entire width of the slider. A particle fence in the primary plane is disposed immediately upstream of the moat and adjacent the leading face. The particle fence continuously laterally spans at least 70% of the width of the slider.
US08199436B2 Magnetic head slider having ultra thin base layer with group 6B element and protective layer
A magnetic head slider according to the present invention comprises: a slider body including either a write head element or a read head element or both the write head element and the read head element; a seed layer provided on an air bearing surface of the slider body, the seed layer covering either the write head element or the read head element or both the write head element and the read head element, the seed layer having a film thickness that is less than 1 nm; and a protective film formed of diamond-like carbon, the protective film covering the seed layer. The seed layer is mainly formed of silicon and contains a 6A group element in a proportion of 2 atomic % or more and 30 atomic % or less.
US08199432B2 Extended tape path length between nip point and guide in tape drive
One embodiment is a method that extends a tape path to compensate for misalignment between tape on a reel and a head by exiting the tape twice from a tape pack of the reel before reading or writing data at the head.
US08199429B2 Magnetic recording head and magnetic recording method
A magnetic recording head includes: a main magnetic pole containing a ferromagnetic layer; a main magnetic pole-magnetization fixing portion containing an antiferromagnetic layer in contact with at least one side surface of the main magnetic pole; a heater for heating at least the main magnetic pole so that a magnetic interaction between the main magnetic pole and the main magnetic pole-magnetization fixing portion can be decreased; and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field so as to direct a magnetization of the main magnetic pole in one direction.
US08199428B2 Clamp of disk rotation driver
A clamp for a disk rotation driver stably and surely supports a disk in the disk rotation driver.The clamp 7 for a disk rotation driver 1 having a central portion and a periphery being circumferentially provided with a contact portion 13, the central portion fastened to a hub 5 to be rotated, and the contact portion 13 pressed against a recordable disk 3 attached to the hub 5 to apply a pressing force Fv to the disk 3 in a rotation axis direction and fixedly support the magnetic disk 3 on the hub 5, the clamp 7 comprising: a wall portion 25 extending from the periphery and being oriented in the rotation axis direction to form the contact portion 13 so that a frictional force μFy produced between the contact portion 13 and the magnetic disk 3 and resisting a locomotion Fx that acts on the contact portion 13 and radially outwardly biases the contact portion 13 when the contact portion 13 is in contact with the magnetic disk 3 is equal to or larger than the locomotion Fx.
US08199427B2 Disk drive including a shroud configured to overlap an actuator for removing debris from a head-slider
A disk drive. The disk drive includes a head-slider, an actuator, a ramp and a shroud. The head-slider is configured to fly above the disk. The actuator is configured to support the head-slider and to swing about a pivot shaft to move the head-slider in a radial direction of the disk. The actuator may also be configured to rest on the ramp in a stand-by position. The shroud includes an inner peripheral side surface and an outer peripheral side surface. The shroud is configured to control an air-stream which flows in a direction from the pivot shaft toward the head-slider. The inner peripheral side surface and the outer peripheral side surface are configured to blast the head-slider with the air-stream upon spinning the disk when the head-slider is positioned away from the disk in the stand-by position.
US08199424B2 Library apparatus, library system and medium transportation method of library apparatus
A library apparatus includes a housing having an opening, a cell unit including a plurality of cells for storing a storage medium, a drive unit for writing data into or reading data from the storage medium, a medium transportation unit for accessing each of the cells and the drive unit and for transporting the storage medium between the cells and between each of the cells and the drive unit, a cell unit driver for moving the cell unit in vertical direction, and a controller for driving the cell unit driver to move the cell unit through the opening to a position accessible by a medium transportation unit of another library apparatus stacked in vertical direction.
US08199423B2 Information storage apparatus, method for correcting feed pitch of read/write head, and method for forming servo pattern
According to one embodiment, an information storage apparatus comprises a storage medium with a first servo pattern having absolute position information and a second servo pattern having relative position information, a pitch correction module configured to move a head with an initial feed pitch by using the second servo pattern by a target distance determined from the first servo pattern, and to correct the initial feed pitch based on a moving distance of the head and a target distance, a head position controller configured to position the head based on the initial feed pitch corrected by the pitch correction module and information of the first and the second servo patterns, and a recording signal generator configured to generate a control signal for making the head record the third servo pattern having the absolute position information.
US08199422B2 Methods and apparatus for gain estimation using servo data with improved bias correction
Methods and apparatus are provided for gain estimation using servo data with improved bias correction. The gain is estimated using a preamble in a servo sector by obtaining a first gain estimate using a first gain estimation algorithm (such as a Zero Gain Start Algorithm) and a first portion of the preamble; storing the first portion of the preamble in a memory buffer; obtaining a second gain estimate using a second gain estimation algorithm (such as a Zero Forcing algorithm) and the first portion of the preamble; and processing Servo Address Mark (SAM) and Gray data in the servo sector using the first gain estimate substantially simultaneous to the step of obtaining the second gain estimate. A gain error can be obtained by calculating a difference between the first gain estimate and the second gain estimate. The gain error can be used in burst processing of the servo data.
US08199417B2 Retractable zoom lens having a variable aperture-stop mechanism
A zoom lens includes a variable aperture-stop mechanism positioned in front or behind an aperture-control lens group; a first rotation imparting member, which rotates an opening/closing ring of the variable aperture-stop mechanism by a relative movement between the variable aperture-stop mechanism and the first rotation imparting member in the optical axis direction so as to hold an adjustable aperture of the variable aperture-stop mechanism at a small aperture size when the aperture-control lens group moves within in the zooming range; and a second rotation imparting member, which rotates the opening/closing ring by a relative movement between the variable aperture-stop mechanism and the second rotation imparting member to open and hold the adjustable aperture at a large aperture size when the aperture-control lens group moves to the accommodated position, at which the aperture-control lens group is partly positioned in the adjustable aperture held at the large aperture size.
US08199415B2 Zoom lens system, optical device with zoom lens system, and method of manufacturing zoom lens system
A zoom lens system comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power. The first lens group has a first-a partial lens group and a first-b partial lens group arranged on an image side of the first-a partial lens group with an air space and is constructed such that the first-b partial lens group moves along an optical axis direction upon focusing from infinity to a close-range object. The third lens group is constituted by a third-a partial lens group having a positive refractive power and a third-b partial lens group having a negative refractive power arranged on the image side of the third-a partial lens group with an air space.
US08199414B2 Variable power zoom lens
The present invention is a variable power zoom lens that is suitable to APS-format single-lens reflex cameras. The zoom lens has the foremost or first lens group G1 of positive refractivity, the second lens group G2 of negative refractivity, the third lens group G3 of positive refractivity, and the fourth lens group G4 of positive refractivity disposed in sequence from a position closer to the object toward the image plane, and it meets requirements as defined in conditional formulae as follows: 6
US08199408B2 Immersion microscope objective lens
An immersion microscope object lens including, in order from an object: a first lens group having positive refractive power as a whole, and including a first lens component in which a meniscus lens having a concave surface facing the object and a meniscus lens having a convex surface facing an image are cemented, a second lens component constituted by a single lens having positive refractive power, and a third lens component in which a negative lens and a positive lens are cemented; a second lens group having positive refractive power as a whole, and including a lens component in which a negative lens and a positive lens are cemented; and a third lens group having negative refractive power as a whole.
US08199406B2 Optical element and method for manufacturing the same
An optical element includes: a first optical layer having a concavo-convex surface; a wavelength-selective reflective layer provided on the concavo-convex surface of the first optical layer; a second optical layer provided on the concavo-convex surface on which the wavelength-selective reflective layer is provided so as to fill the concavo-convex surface, and in the optical element described above, the wavelength-selective reflective layer includes a metal layer, a protective layer provided on the metal layer and containing a metal oxide as a primary component, and a high refractive index layer provided on the protective layer and containing a metal oxide other than zinc oxide as a primary component, and the wavelength-selective reflective layer selectively directionally reflects light in a specific wavelength band while transmitting light other than that in the specific wavelength band.
US08199404B2 Anti-reflection coating, optical member, exchange lens unit and imaging device
An anti-reflection coating comprising first to seventh layers formed on a substrate in this order, the first layer being an alumina-based layer, the seventh layer being a porous, silica-based layer, and each of the first to seventh layers having predetermined refractive index and optical thickness in a wavelength range of 400-700 nm.
US08199402B2 Portable screen assembly
A portable screen assembly that is lighter in weight and easier to handle. The assembly includes a casing, a spring-biased roll rotatably mounted to the casing, a screen bonded at one end thereof to a top bar and wound around the spring-biased roll when in storage, and an expanding and contracting device having one end rotatably mounted to a mounting member mounted to the top bar and the other end rotatably mounted to the casing. The expanding and contracting device is a half-pantograph type expanding and contracting device having a first arm, a second arm and a third arm arranged in an extended plane parallel to the extended screen. The second arm includes two or more mutually parallel sub arms provided to be mutually parallel in the extended plane. The two or more sub arms are connected to the first arm and the second arm so as to form a parallel link.
US08199401B2 N-modulation displays and related methods
A display has a light source, a spatial light modulator and an intermediate spatial light modulator. The display may be a front projection display or a rear-projection display. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with light from a light source. The intermediate spatial light modulator is located in a light path between the light source and the spatial light modulator. The light source may comprise an array of controllable light-emitters. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
US08199400B2 Catadioptric projection objective
A catadioptric projection objective for imaging a pattern provided in an object plane of the projection objective onto an image plane of the projection objective has a first, refractive objective part for imaging the pattern provided in the object plane into a first intermediate image; a second objective part including at least one concave mirror for imaging the first intermediate imaging into a second intermediate image; and a third, refractive objective part for imaging the second intermediate imaging onto the image plane; wherein the projection objective has a maximum lens diameter Dmax, a maximum image field height Y′, and an image side numerical aperture NA; wherein COMP1=Dmax/(Y′·NA2) and wherein the condition COMP1<10 holds.
US08199397B2 Negative dispersion mirror and mode-locked solid-state laser apparatus including the mirror
In a mirror including a substrate and a dielectric multilayer coating structure formed on the substrate, the multilayer coating structure includes two mirror-function layer portions, each formed by a plurality of layers deposited one on another, and a cavity layer that is arranged between the two mirror-function layer portions, and which causes light having a predetermined wavelength to resonate between the two mirror-function layer portions. Further, a dispersion value with respect to the light having the predetermined wavelength is in the range of −600 fs2 to −3000 fs2 and a reflectance with respect to the light having the predetermined wavelength is in the range of 97% to 99.5%.
US08199395B2 Particles for use in electrophoretic displays
A particle for use in an electrophoretic display comprises a light-scattering inorganic core and a light-transmissive colored shell of an organic pigment. The core may be titania and the shell may be formed of particles having an average particle size less than 700 nm. The particles are produced by treating a light-scattering inorganic pigment with a polymer which adsorbs on both the inorganic pigment and an organic pigment; and adding the organic pigment and allowing the organic pigment to mix with the polymer-coated inorganic pigment. The particles may have a polymer coating.
US08199388B2 Holographic recording system having a relay system
According to one aspect and example, a holographic recording system includes a light source, an object for modulating an object beam from the light source, and a relay system adapted to magnify (positive or negative) the modulated beam (e.g., an image of the object) to an output image. The object may include an SLM operable to modulate the object beam with an information layer comprising a plurality of data pages. The output image is directed to the holographic storage medium, where a reference beam is also directed, to record the resulting interference pattern. Additionally, the relay system converges the output image to an output Fourier plane, which may be disposed within the holographic storage medium. A filter may be placed at an intermediate Fourier plane located prior to the output Fourier plane, and a phase mask may be placed at the position of the output image.
US08199387B1 Phase addressed holographic associative memory
The present invention provides a holographic storage apparatus comprising a polarizing beam splitter configured to split an incoming beam into an object beam and a reference beam; a first spatial light modulator configured to modulate the object beam with an array of data; a second spatial light modulator configured to phase modulate the reference beam with an orthogonal phase function; a holographic medium configured to record an interference pattern between the modulated object beam and the modulated reference beam; a first image sensor configured to read an image of the modulated object beam; and a second image sensor configured to read an image of the modulated reference beam.
US08199385B2 Image forming apparatus to save toner and method to control the same
An image forming apparatus to save toner, which can increase the sharpness of printed data (for example, images or characters) on a printing medium while achieving toner saving, and a method to control the same. The image forming apparatus includes a determinator, a storage unit, and a halftoning processor. The determinator receives a command signal to print and then determines whether or not the received command signal is a command signal for a toner saving mode. The storage unit stores a halftone table in which an LPI higher than a normal LPI is set. If the received command signal is a command signal for the toner saving mode, the halftoning processor generates and outputs halftoning result by comparing gray level values corresponding to pixels of received input image data with grayscale values of the stored halftone table.
US08199382B2 Image reading devices
An image reading device includes a document mounting plate having a mounting surface and a rear surface, and an image reading unit. The image reading unit includes a photoelectric converter facing the rear surface, a case to hold the photoelectric converter, and at least one first rotating member and at least one second rotating member that rotate and receive a pressing force from the rear surface of the document mounting plate as the image reading unit moves. The image reading unit also includes a holder configured to support the case and at least one urging device positioned between the holder and the case. The at least one urging device urges the case toward the rear surface, and exerts an urging force opposite to the pressing force, and balances against the pressing force.
US08199380B2 Image reading device and method for reading image
An image reading device having an image sensor formed by a plurality of sensor chips is provided. The image reading device includes an AFE circuit, a clock provider and a digital data processor. The AFE circuit is configured to process analog data provided by the image sensor so as to convert the analog data into digital data and to output the digital data. The clock provider is configured to provide the image sensor with a driving clock, the clock provider configured to stop providing the driving clock for a certain period of time before the AFE circuit reads initial data provided by each of the sensor chips. The digital data processor configured to remove the digital data provided by the AFE circuit while the clock provider has stopped providing the driving clock.
US08199377B2 Image sensor and image reading device
There is provided an image sensor in which an enlargement of a substrate width is not caused even in a case that a rod-shaped light source is provided on both sides of a resin lens plate, respectively, and in which a positional accuracy of component is superior. The image sensor comprises a rod-shaped light source for irradiating light to an original placed on an original glass plate, an imaging optics for focusing light reflected on the original, and a light-receiving element for receiving light passing through the imaging optics, the light-receiving element being positioned at a predetermined location on a substrate which is provided with through holes for terminals of lead frames of the rod-shaped light source. The terminals of lead frames of the rod-shaped light source are bent toward the center of the substrate to be connected with the through holes.
US08199373B2 Image scanning apparatus
An image scanning apparatus including an open-close detector configured to detect an open-close state of a document cover, a first document-detector, a scanning unit configured to scan a document placed on a platen or a document fed from a document tray, a control unit, and a commanding unit configured to input a start command to start scanning. When the start command is inputted, when the document placed on the document tray is detected by the first document-detector, the control unit controls the scanning unit to scan the document fed from the document tray, and when the document placed on the document tray is not detected, the control unit determines whether to execute scanning of the document placed on the platen. The determination is performed based on a result of detection performed by the open-close detector.
US08199370B2 Enhanced scanner design
Improved scanner designs are provided to improve imaging and reduce errors during the scanning process. Embodiments disclosed include, for example, the use of dual cameras to improve imagery and reduce the scanner enclosure size, synchronized lighting techniques during the scanning sequence, shielded lens for the camera scanner, a scanner enclosed on at least three sides, adjustments to scanner lighting based on the levels of ambient lighting, a combined branding and scanner apparatus, a gimbaled scanner mount, and a tilted platen with stop for document alignment.
US08199360B2 Cooperative neighbor printing system profile methods and systems
This disclosure provides printing methods, apparatus, and systems to generate a multidimensional printer profile for a color printer. Specifically, the profile is generated by a method of selecting a recruiter set of nodes associated with a plurality of target color nodes and selecting a candidate set of nodes associated with a plurality of target color nodes. The candidate nodes and recruiting node cooperate to generate a printer profile.
US08199356B2 Printing management system and printing management method
According to this invention, a printing management system which manages a log of a print job includes a creation unit which creates log information for specifying a print job on the basis of issued print job data, a save unit which saves the log information created by the creation unit in a save location corresponding to the log information in a storage unit, a determination unit which determines, in accordance with a request to access the log information saved in the save unit, whether to permit or reject the access request, and an access unit which reads log information subjected to the access request when the determination unit determines to permit the access request.
US08199354B2 Printer, control method, and used amount acquiring method for outputting an amount of use of a printer
There is provided a printer that performs print on a medium by color materials, including: an advance information reading and writing section that reads and writes advance information from and in an advance information holder for storing the advance information; a print control section that outputs a print driving controlling print when the advance information is read by the advance information reading and writing section; and a used amount acquiring section that acquires a used amount for the printer based on the print driving signal output from print control section.
US08199347B2 Determining if a broadcast print request ends before a print job is completed, and taking action in accordance with the determination
A digital broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast signal including print information, the apparatus being configured to communicate with a printing apparatus and to receive a print request, is provided. The apparatus comprises: a first obtaining unit configured to obtain first information regarding a period of duration of a print process that is being executed by the printing apparatus; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain second information regarding an existing period during which print information that corresponds to the print request is included in the digital broadcast signal that is being received; a determination unit operable to determine whether or not the existing period ends earlier than the period of duration based on the first information and the second information; and a controller configured to control issuance of an instruction to suspend the print process that is being executed based on a determination result by the determination unit.
US08199344B2 Image forming apparatus for performing a correction process and increasing the specific portion's length of a dashed line up to a specific length when it is smaller than the specific length
An image forming apparatus includes a data receiving unit for receiving print data from a host device; a job control unit for controlling edition, expansion, and print control of the image data; a data edition unit for editing the print data; a data expansion unit for receiving an analytical result from the data edition unit and generating print image data; and a print control unit for receiving the print image data and controlling a printing unit to perform a printing operation. The data edition unit determines whether a dashed line drawing command exists. When the dashed line drawing command exists, the data edition unit determines a length of a specific portion of a dashed line. When the length of the specific portion is smaller than a specific length, the data edition unit performs a correction process and increases the length of the specific portion up to the specific length.
US08199342B2 Tailoring image data packets to properties of print heads
Techniques, systems, and computer program products that facilitate tailoring image data packets to properties of print heads in a printing system. Control software in the printing system remote from the print head(s) may send a query to a print head over a control channel and receive a reply include information characterizing parameters of the print head, e.g., specific configuration information or a part number. The control software may use the information characterizing the properties of the print head to look up specification details of the layout of print elements in the print head and use that information to configure image data packet generating components in the control software for the particular print head layout.
US08199341B2 Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium storing image processing program for creating a copy prevention pattern that allows a copying machine with a copy guard function to read a special dot pattern
An image area detecting portion detects an area (image area) in a sheet subjected to printing where characters and images take up. A pattern creating portion creates a copy prevention pattern in such a manner that a latent image is embedded only to a detected image area with respect to a mask pattern into which a dot pattern is incorporated. A print image creating portion superimposes the generated copy prevention pattern and the document image to each other. When the printed object is read in a copying machine having a copy guard function, detection of the dot pattern can be performed without being interfered by a latent image since only a mask pattern is printed in an area corresponding to a reading start position.
US08199338B2 Method and apparatus for dynamically changing settings for image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling an image forming apparatus which allows the print setting to be changed. The method for controlling the print driving of an image forming apparatus comprises the steps of monitoring whether a stop signal is input while printing one or more images corresponding to input print data; stopping print driving of the image forming apparatus when the stop signal is detected; changing print setting of the image forming apparatus as demanded by a user; and printing one or more images, which correspond to the remaining print data unprinted due to the stoppage of the print driving, by applying the print setting changed. It is possible to change the print setting of the image forming apparatus desired by a user regardless of the print driving operation of the image forming apparatus and to reflect the changed print setting to the print driving.
US08199337B2 Image reading device
An image reading device includes: a document placing table including a first area and a second area; an image reading unit which reads an image on a document placed on the document placing table to obtain image data; a first detector configured to detect the document on the first area; and a controller including: a determining unit which determines that the document is placed on the first area if the first detector detects the document and determines that the document is placed on the second area if the first detector does not detect the document; and a first correction unit which corrects the image data obtained by the image reading unit based on a result of the determination by the determining unit.
US08199334B2 Self-calibrated interrogation system for optical sensors
An optical pressure sensor interrogation system is provided. The system includes a light source for providing an optical signal to an optical pressure sensor and an optical coupler for receiving a reflected signal from the optical pressure sensor. The optical coupler splits the reflected signal and provides a first portion of the reflected signal to a first optical detector. The system further includes a filter for receiving a second portion of the reflected signal and providing a filtered signal to a second optical detector and a processing circuitry configured to obtain pressure based on a division or a subtraction of light intensities of the first and the second optical detector output signals. The processing circuitry is further configured to provide a feedback signal to the light source to control a wavelength of the optical signal.
US08199332B2 Apparatus for measuring thickness
A thickness measurement apparatus includes a beam splitter for reflecting or transmitting a ray irradiated from an optical source or a ray reflected by a measurement object; a first lens part which condenses a ray to the measurement object and generates a reference ray; a second lens part for condensing a ray to the object to be measured; an interference light detector for detecting an interference signal generated by the reflected ray and reference ray; a spectroscopic detector corresponding to the second lens part to form a light path different from the path formed by the interference light detector and splits the ray reflected by the measurement object to detect an intensity and wavelength of each split ray; and a light path converter for selectively transmitting a ray to the interference light detector or spectroscopic detector, wherein position exchanging is performed between the first second lens parts.
US08199331B2 Vibrometer and method for optically measuring an object
A vibrometer and a method for optically measuring oscillations at an object, including a radiation source for creating a source beam, a beam splitter to split the source beam into a measuring beam and a reference beam, an optic interference device for interfering the reference beam with a measuring beam, at least partially reflected by the object, and a detector, with the interference device and the detector being embodied cooperating such that a measuring beam, at least partially deflected by the object, and the reference beam interfere on the detector. The vibrometer is embodied as a heterodyne vibrometer, having an optic frequency shift unit, which is arranged in the optical path of the vibrometer, to form a carrier frequency by creating a frequency difference between the measuring beam and the reference beam. The beam splitter and the frequency shift unit are embodied as an acousto-optic modulator in an optic construction element to deflect the source beam, with the acousto-optic modulator being embodied such that the source beam entering the acousto-optic modulator can be split into at least two diffraction beams: a first diffraction beam of diffraction order of 1 and a second diffraction beam of diffraction order of −1, and the acousto-optic modulator is arranged in the optical path of the vibrometer such that one of the two diffraction beams represents the measurement beam and the other diffraction beam represents the reference beam.
US08199326B2 Gas concentration-measuring device
A gas concentration-measuring device makes it possible to measure gas components in a gas sample. An interferometer, based on a dual-band Fabry-Perot interferometer (1), is provided with a transmission spectrum that can be set by a control voltage (38). The control voltage (38) of the dual-band Fabry-Perot interferometer (1) is synchronized over the course of time with the activation and deactivation of the radiation sources (11, 12).
US08199324B2 Optical assemblies for a color measurement instrument
The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with either (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. For implementations involving the illumination path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Similarly, for implementations involving the collection path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Advantageously, each of the first and second resultant beams of light is a product of a distinct set of one or more spectral constraints exacted by the beamsplitting apparatus.
US08199312B2 Layout of liquid crystal display panels and size of mother substrate
A layout of LCD panels and a size of the mother substrate are disclosed, to improve the efficiency in arrangement of the LCD panels, and to maximize the substrate efficiency, the layout comprising a mother substrate; a dummy region of 15 mm or less in a periphery of the mother substrate; and six LCD panels of the 26-inch model in a matrix of 2×3 on the mother substrate excluding the dummy region with a margin corresponding to 2˜4% of a length of the LCD panel.
US08199309B2 Active matrix subtrate and liquid crystal display device with the same
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device that includes a TFT substrate. A plurality of gate lines and a plurality of common lines extend in a first direction on the TFT substrate. Drain lines extend in a second direction substantially perpendicularly to these lines. Bus lines are located outside a display area and are extending parallel to the drain lines. Common line terminals are provided on either side of each block that is constituted by a predetermined number of gate terminals. The common line terminals and the lead lines therefore are formed on the same layer as the drain lines and are connected to the bus lines on the same layer without any contacts being used. Resistance along the routes taken by common lines can be reduced.
US08199308B2 Liquid crystal display having a chip on film structure with a plurality of input pads comprising a thin extending portion that extends to a cutting edge
The chip on film structure for a liquid crystal display is disclosed. The chip on film structure includes a film substrate, a driver chip disposed on the film substrate, a plurality of the input pad, and a plurality of output pads. The input pads and the output pads are disposed on two opposite sides of the driver chip, and are electrically connect to the driver chip respectively. Each input pad comprises an extending portion extending from the input pads to a first cutting edge respectively, and a width of the extending portion is thinner than a width of the input pad, and the extending portions are cut along the first cutting edge.
US08199306B2 Printed circuit board, backlight unit having the printed circuit board, and liquid crystal display device having the printed circuit board
A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a base substrate, an electrical wiring, a dummy pad and a thermally conductive adhesion member. The base substrate includes a light-emitting diode (LED) mounted on a first surface of the base substrate. The electrical wiring is electrically connected to the LED. The dummy pad is formed on the first surface to be connected to the electrical wiring. The thermally conductive adhesion member is attached to a second surface of the base substrate. Therefore, superior heat radiation may be obtained, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the LED and the LCD device using the LED by radiating the heat from the LED used as a light source.
US08199303B2 Method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display unit structure including a patterned etch stop layer above a first data line segment
A liquid crystal display unit structure and the manufacturing method thereof are provided. The method comprises the following steps: forming a patterned first metal layer with a first data line segment and a lower gate pad on a substrate; forming a patterned dielectric layer covering the first data line and the lower gate pad having a plurality of first openings and a second opening therein, forming a patterned second metal layer including a common line, a second data line segment and a upper gate pad, wherein the upper gate pad is electrically connected to the lower gate pad through the first openings, and the second data line segment is electrically connected to the first data line segment through the first openings; finally forming a patterned passivation layer and a patterned transparent conductive layer.
US08199298B2 Liquid crystal device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. A reflective display region for reflective display and a transmissive display region for transmissive display are provided in a subpixel region. A retardation film is provided in a region of one of the pair of substrates corresponding to the reflective display region. The retardation film is formed by laminating a plurality of liquid crystal material layers with an alignment film interposed therebetween.
US08199295B2 Liquid crystal device including an alignment grating with breaks therein
This invention relates to a liquid crystal device wherein the surface profile of a surface alignment grating stabilises at least one stable state. The invention involves the introduction or breaks (34, 36, 38) or discontinuities into the grating (10) to divide the grating into a plurality of groove segments. The breaks are discontinuities in the grating in the groove direction, the grating having substantially the same groove direction on each side of the break. The introduction of breaks prevent free movement of defects along the groove of the grating and therefore help to stabilise the desired liquid crystal configuration, either a Defect state or a Continuous state. Suitable breaks involve gaps (34) in the groove ridges (30), necks (36) between the groove ridges (30) and slips or relative displacement (38) of the grating.
US08199294B2 Production method of liquid crystal display including scanning exposure
To provide: a production method of a liquid crystal display device, the production method being capable of efficiently and stably providing alignment treatment for an alignment film of the liquid crystal display device, in which a plurality of domains is formed in a pixel region; and an exposure device for alignment treatment. A production method of a liquid crystal display device comprising: a first substrate; a second substrate facing to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer provided between the substrates; a first alignment film provided on the liquid crystal layer side surface of the first substrate; and a second alignment film provided on the liquid crystal layer side surface of the second substrate, wherein the production method comprises subjecting the first alignment film and/or the second alignment film to scanning exposure continuously over a plurality of pixel regions, and the scanning exposure comprises exposing the first alignment film and/or the second alignment film while scanning an inside of each pixel region more than one time in antiparallel directions to form, in the each pixel region, regions for aligning liquid crystal molecules to the surface (s) of the first alignment film and/or the second alignment film in antiparallel directions.
US08199292B2 Liquid crystal display
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display comprising a first substrate including wiring, which intersects to define unit pixels, and a first electrode formed in each unit pixel; a second substrate provided opposing the first substrate at a predetermined distance and including a second electrode formed over an entire surface of the second substrate, the second electrode generating an electric field with the first electrode; and a liquid crystal layer injected between the first substrate and the second substrate and including liquid crystal molecules that are horizontally oriented in one direction, the liquid crystal molecules, as a result of the electric field generated between the first and second substrates, having a symmetrically bent alignment about an imaginary center plane parallel to the first and second substrates at a center position therebetween, wherein the first electrode is protruded in a direction toward the second substrate at edges where orientation for the liquid crystal molecules starts.
US08199289B2 Optical film, liquid crystal panel, and liquid crystal display apparatus
There is provided: an optical film suitable for a liquid crystal display apparatus providing a colorless neutral display in all azimuth angle directions; a liquid crystal panel employing the optical film; and a liquid crystal display apparatus employing the liquid crystal panel. An optical film includes a transparent protective film, a polarizer, and a birefringent layer having a relationship of nx>ny=nz and positive uniaxial property, in the stated order, in which the polarizer and the birefringent layer are laminated directly through one of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and an adhesive.
US08199283B2 Vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device with viewing angle characteristics improved by disposing optical plates
First and second polarizers are disposed in cross Nichol configuration. A liquid crystal cell is disposed between the two polarizers and establishes vertical alignment in a state of no voltage application. An even number of optical films having optical anisotropy and disposed between the liquid crystal cell and first polarizer. A retardation of the liquid crystal cell is in a range between 300 nm and 1500 nm; and each optical film satisfies nx>ny≧nz, an in-plane retardation is smaller than 300 nm, a thickness direction retardation is in a ranger between 50 nm and 300 nm, an angle between an in-plane slow axis of the optical film disposed nearest to the first polarizer and an absorption axis of the first polarizer is smaller than 45°, and the slow axes of mutually adjacent optical films are perpendicular to each other.
US08199273B2 Array substrate for flat-panel display device and its manufacturing method
An array substrate comprising: a first insulator film arranged to insulate scanning and control lines from signal lines; switching elements, each of which is arranged in vicinity of respective intersection of the scanning and signal lines; a second insulator film that covers a multi-layer wiring pattern including the scanning and control lines and the signal lines; pixel electrodes, each of which is electrically connected to respective one of the signal lines through the respective switching element; island metal patterns, each of which is arranged to at least partly overlap the control line and is electrically connected with the respective switching element; a wiring breakage that separates one of the signal lines into two wiring parts; and bridge wirings, which connect said two wiring parts by way of one of the island metal patterns and are arranged to overlap the pixel electrodes as interposed by the second insulator film therebetween.
US08199272B2 Flexible display device
A flexible display device includes an array substrate, a display medium layer, a transparent substrate and a first sealant. The array substrate has a display region and a sealant spread region surrounding the display region. The display medium layer is disposed on the array substrate and located in the display region. The transparent substrate is disposed above the display medium layer. The first sealant is formed between the array substrate and the transparent substrate and located in the sealant spread region of the array substrate. The first sealant has a first sidewall and a second sidewall. One of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a plurality of fillisters arranged at intervals. Since the first sealant of the flexible display device has the fillisters arranged at intervals, the stress imposed on the first sealant may be decreased. Therefore, the life of the first sealant may be prolonged and the sealing performance of the flexible display device can be improved.
US08199270B2 TFT-LCD array substrate and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an array substrate of TFT-LCD. The method includes the following steps. In step 1, a gate metal thin film is deposited on a substrate and patterned into gate electrodes and gate lines by a first patterning process. In step 2, a gate insulation layer, a semiconductor layer and a barrier layer are subsequently deposited on the resultant structure of step 1 and are patterned into gate insulation layer pattern, semiconductor layer pattern and barrier layer pattern by a second patterning process, wherein the barrier layer is used for preventing the semiconductor layer at the TFT channel from being etched. In step 3, an ohmic contact layer, a transparent conductive layer, a source drain metal layer and a passivation layer are subsequently deposited on the resultant structure of step 2, and are patterned into ohmic contact layer pattern, pixel electrodes, data lines, source electrodes, drain electrodes and passivation layer pattern in a patterning process.
US08199268B2 Display panel and manufacturing method of the same
A method of manufacturing a display panel includes forming a first display substrate including a plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of test signal lines, and a plurality of test pads, forming a second display substrate including a common electrode, forming a short point at a position corresponding to the test pads, dividing the second display substrate into a plurality of regions insulated from each other, aligning and attaching the first display substrate and the second display substrate to each other, removing an edge portion of the first display substrate to expose an edge portion of the second display substrate, and applying a voltage to the first display substrate and the second display substrate through a voltage application portion of the exposed edge portion of the second display substrate.
US08199267B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention has a pixel which includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first liquid crystal element, and a second liquid crystal element. A pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a signal line through the first switch. The pixel electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element through the second switch and the first resistor. The pixel electrode of the second liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a Cs line through the third switch and the second resistor. A common electrode of the first liquid crystal element is electrically connected to a common electrode of the second liquid crystal element.
US08199263B2 Method of manufacturing multi-touch liquid crystal display panel
A method of manufacturing a multi-touch LCD panel. A conductive colloidal mixture formed by mixing a plurality of conductive particles and a colloid is coated on the electrode layer of the counter substrate and is solidified to make the conductive particles electrically connect to the corresponding sensing electrodes of the array substrate. Consequently, when an external force is applied to one touching position on the counter substrate, the conductive particles electrically connect the sensing electrodes to the electrode layer and the touching signal of the position can be obtained. Due to the integration of the conductive particles into the liquid crystal cell gap, the multi-touch LCD panel has the advantages of slimness and lightness. Moreover, the manufacturing process of the conductive particles is introduced after the conventional counter substrate manufacturing method, and the objective of simple process, low cost and high yields can be achieved.
US08199261B2 Projection display apparatus which enables misregistration between primary color lights projected on a screen to be reduced
The present invention provides a projection display apparatus realizing easy recognition of the effect of registration adjustment. The projection display apparatus includes: a light source; a spatial light modulation device modulating, on the basis of a video signal, each of primary color lights for color display emitted from the light source; projecting means for projecting, onto a screen, each of the primary color lights modulated by the spatial light modulation device; and correcting means for correcting, based on a given correction value, the video signal for each of the primary color lights so as to reduce misregistration between the primary color lights projected on the screen, and supplying the corrected video signal to the spatial light modulation device. Validation/invalidation of correction on the video signal by the correcting means is switched in accordance with an operation from the user.
US08199259B2 Video display device
This video display device includes a maker name table and a device type table. Moreover, this video display device includes a communication means which, when some external input channel is selected, receives from a device upon that external input channel the logical address and the vendor ID which are allocated in advance to that device on that external input channel. This video display device also includes a conversion means which converts the vendor ID which has been received by the communication unit to a letter string representing a maker's name, on the basis of the maker name table. The conversion means also converts the logical address which has been received by the communication unit to a letter string representing the device type of the device, on the basis of the device type table. Furthermore, this video display device also includes a display means which displays those letter strings.
US08199253B2 Clock range setting device
A clock range setting device including a horizontal counter, a filter unit, a clock detecting unit, a first infinite impulse filter (IIR filter), and a clock range modulator is provided. The horizontal counter counts a horizontal counter value. The filter unit obtains a lead clock of each teletext video signal according to a lead clock range, and generates a corresponding clock intermediate value. The clock detecting unit detects level changes of the lead clock of each teletext video signal according to the clock intermediate value, so as to generate a corresponding current clock cycle number. The first IIR filter generates corresponding number mean value according to the current clock cycle numbers sequentially received by the first IIR filter. The clock range modulator sets the lead clock range corresponding to each teletext video signal according to the current clock cycle number, the number mean value, and the horizontal counter value.
US08199249B2 Image capture using display device as light source
A digital image capture system and method uses a display device to illuminate a target with light for improved image capture under poor lighting conditions. Various characteristics of the flash (e.g., brightness, color, duration, etc.) can be adjusted to improve image capture. Users are provided with feedback (e.g., live video feed, audio and/or visual countdowns, etc.) to assist them in preparing for image capture. The captured images are seamlessly integrated with existing applications (e.g., video conferencing, instant text messaging, etc.).
US08199241B2 Data reproducing apparatus, data reproducing method, and storage medium
A data reproducing apparatus enables selection between a first display mode and a second display mode. If the first display mode is selected, images indicating a first type of data and an icon indicating at least one of a second type of data are displayed. And, if the second display mode is selected, an icon indicating at least one of the first type of data and images indicating the second type of data are displayed.
US08199240B2 Camera system with side-by-side image display
A camera system has an imaging optical system, an imaging component, a liquid crystal monitor, an aperture setting component, and an image display controller. The liquid crystal monitor has a first display region and a second display region. The aperture setting component adjusts the aperture in a specific period so that the actual aperture value will be a preset value. The image display controller displays, in the first display region, a reference image acquired by the imaging component under conditions in which the aperture value is the preset value, and displays, in the second display region, a comparative image acquired by the imaging component at a different timing from that of the reference image.
US08199239B2 Video display device, imaging apparatus, and method for video display
A video display device includes a brightness range specifying unit configured to specify a range of brightness values for highlight, a signal processing unit configured to detect signals relevant to an area other than an area in the brightness range specified by the brightness range specifying unit from input video signals, suppress color components of the detected signals, and not suppress color components of signals relevant to the area in the specified brightness range, and a display unit configured to display video based on the video signals processed by the signal processing unit, the unit being capable of performing color display.
US08199237B2 Imaging device, control method therefor, and camera
An imaging device includes: a pixel section having a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in a matrix form; and a signal processing section that processes an output signal read from the pixel section. The pixel section includes a first output signal line, at least one first color pixel circuit connected to the first output signal line, a second output signal line, and at least one second color pixel circuit adjacent to the first color pixel circuit in a row direction thereof and connected to the second output signal line. The signal processing section includes a first signal processing circuit, a second signal processing circuit, a selection circuit, a first current source, a second current source, a current source selection circuit, a first connection node, and a second connection node.
US08199236B2 Device and pixel architecture for high resolution digital
The present invention discloses structure of a two-gate field effect transistor (FET), named as charge gated FET, and presents various active pixel sensor (APS) and multimode architectures using the device which has only one, or two on-pixel transistors for high resolution, high gain and fast frame rate APS arrays. It is also disclosed a new method of addressing pixels of an APS array by applying the addressing voltage pulse directly to the gate of the amplifying transistor of the pixel architecture, eliminating the row select transistor from the pixel circuit.
US08199231B2 Image pickup element unit with an image pickup element on a substrate for picking up an image and an optical low pass filter spaced from the image pickup element
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of suppressing generation of shadows even when the aperture of the photographic lens is stopped down. A digital camera as an image pickup apparatus includes a photographic lens, a image pickup element that picks up an image of an object, and an optical low-pass filter disposed between the photographic lens and the image pickup element. The filter includes a liner phase diffraction grating having unit cells which are disposed in a regular pattern at a grating pitch P and are formed by equal-width recesses and equal-width protrusions adjacent to each other. When a shortest wavelength of a reference wavelength employed is λS, and a longest wavelength of the reference wavelength is λL, an optical path difference ΔH between lengths of optical paths of light of which a phase is varied by the phase grating is larger than λS/2 and smaller than λL/2.
US08199226B2 Methods and systems for capturing an image of a moving object
Methods and systems for capturing an image of a moving subject employ a camera image sensor that captures a blurred image of a moving subject. In-capture positions of the moving object are also determined using a high frame rate camera or other motion sensing device. The PSF for controlling modulation of the light hitting the camera image is successively updated by selecting, from among a plurality of pre-computed invertible PSFs, a pre-computed invertible PSFs for each estimated motion of the moving object. Light hitting the camera image sensor is modulated in capture phase according to one or more of the updated pre-computed invertible PSFs such that the captured blurred image is invertible. The resulting invertible blurred image can be de-blurred using the selected known PSFs to provide a substantially sharp image.
US08199225B2 Generating column offset corrections for image sensors
An image sensor includes multiple photoactive pixels and multiple dark reference pixels typically arranged in rows and columns to form a pixel array. A dark signal is read out from a given number of dark reference pixels in each column at a first gain level. An initial column offset correction is determined for one or more columns in the pixel array using respective dark signals read out at the first gain level. The initial column offset corrections are repeatedly scaled in response to each detected change to a different gain level. The column offset corrections can be scaled based on an amount of change between each respective different gain level and the first gain level.
US08199224B2 Imaging device
An imaging device includes an imaging sensor, a switching section, and a controlling section. The imaging sensor includes a light receiving surface to which light receiving elements capable of addressing reading are arranged, and having, on the light receiving surface, an imaging area capturing a subject image and an optical black area outputting a signal of a dark current component, the optical black area which the light receiving elements are covered with a light shielding member. The switching section switching a first state and a second state. The controlling section reads a signal level by each partial area at the optical black area when a dark image is captured in the second state after capturing a normal image in the first state, sequentially compares with the signal level at a corresponding position of the normal image, and controls a exposure time of the dark image according to the comparison result.
US08199223B2 Image processing device, image processing method, and computer readable storage medium storing image processing program
An image processor extracts a pixel area including a pixel of interest for processing and peripheral pixels located around the pixel of interest from input image data, generates a plurality of pixel groups by dividing pixels in the pixel area based on a pixel value distribution in the pixel area, calculates a pixel group similarity between a pixel group and a pixel group including the pixel of interest for each pixel group for pixels belonging to the pixel group in the pixel area, calculates a pixel value similarity of each pixel in the pixel area based on a pixel value of the pixel of interest, calculates filter coefficients to be applied to pixels in the pixel area based on the pixel group and pixel value similarities, and smooths the pixel value of the pixel of interest based on pixel values in the pixel area and the filter coefficients.
US08199220B2 Method and apparatus for automatic image management
Provided is a method and apparatus for automatic image management in an imaging device. The method and apparatus includes serially capturing and temporarily storing a predetermined number of still images in a predetermined time interval; and if the new still images are stored when all of the predetermined number of still images are stored, discarding oldest still images and temporarily storing new still images, wherein the predetermined number of newest still images are stored in real time.
US08199219B2 Single-button audio data capture and deletion
A portable electronic device comprising a image sensor for capturing image data and a audio sensor for capturing audio data. The portable device further comprising a processor coupled to said image sensor and said audio sensor, said processor having a first and second mode of operation, and a capture key coupled to said processor for initiating the first mode of operation, wherein said processor captures audio data and video data in the first mode of operation and is operable to capture audio data in the second mode of operation and the second mode of operation follows the first mode of operation.
US08199217B2 Device and method for image processing, program, and imaging apparatus
An image processing device includes a white balancing unit configured to perform white balancing on an image signal within a pull-in frame defined by the color temperature of a light source to output the resultant signal, and a control unit configured to, when the white balancing unit performs white balancing on an image signal obtained by capturing an image of a subject illuminated by light emitted from a light emitting device, adjust a region of the pull-in frame on the basis of color information of a light emission signal output from the light emitting device.
US08199216B2 Apparatus and method for improving image quality of image sensor
Provided are an apparatus and method for improving an image quality of an image sensor, capable of adaptively removing noise occurring in a de-mosaicking that is performed for generating three-channel data of R, G and B from a single channel pixel structure based on a bayer pattern. The apparatus includes a first converting unit for converting RGB color data into a YCbCr color data, the RGB color data being obtained from bayer data through a de-mosaicking, a noise removal unit for removing noise from a Cb and a Cr color data outputted from the first converting unit, and a second converting unit for converting the Cb and the Cr color data from the noise removal unit and a Y data from the first converting unit into the RGB color data.
US08199214B2 Camera device and image processing method
The invention provides a camera device. In one embodiment, the camera device comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor detects an image to generate a first image signal with an RGB format. The controller comprises an image processor and a subsequent processor. The image processor converts the first image signal to a second image signal with a YUY2 format. The subsequent processor adjusts a plurality of luma components, a plurality of first chroma components, and a plurality of second chroma components of the second image signal to obtain a plurality of adjusted luma components, a plurality of first adjusted chroma components, and a plurality of second adjusted chroma components of a third image signal. A host receives the third image signal output by the camera, and uses a Direct Show module to convert the third image signal to a fourth image signal with an RGB format.
US08199211B2 Camera direct dailies
Obtaining camera direct dailies using a parallel recording scheme on a set, including; simultaneously recording camera-original video in a master recording session and a lower-resolution proxy recording session; transferring lower-resolution video from the lower-resolution proxy recording session to a stage ingest station; integrating data including sound, logging, color correction, metadata, and high-resolution video from the master recording session at the stage ingest station; and generating camera direct dailies using the integrated data and the video from the lower-resolution proxy recording session.
US08199210B2 Image pick-up apparatus and synchronization-signal-generating apparatus
An image signal generation portion 11 generates an image signal of a variable frame-rate picked-up image. A signal generation control portion 24 drives the image signal generation portion 11 and generates image pick-up setting information IF to generate an image signal that is frame-synchronized with a generated image signal DVd. The generated image signal DVd is output in condition where the image pick-up setting information IF is inserted in it. When supplied with image pick-up setting information IFex, the signal generation control portion 24 controls the driving operations of the image signal generation portion 11 based on the image pick-up setting information IFex, to frame-synchronize the generated image signal with an image signal of a reference variable frame-rate picked-up image of a source that has supplied the image pick-up setting information IFex. If a plurality of image pick-up devices capable of varying a frame rate is used, the image signals can be frame-synchronized with each other.
US08199200B2 Photographing device provided with dust removing mechanism
A camera according to this invention comprises a photographing optical system which forms an optical image of an object, a photoelectric conversion element which converts the optical image into an electric signal, an optical element arranged between the photographing optical system and the photoelectric conversion element, and vibration means which vibrates the optical element first at one of at least two frequencies and then at the other frequency, the frequencies being close to resonance frequencies.
US08199199B1 Method and system for real time judging boundary lines on tennis court
There is provided a method and a system for registration of real time position of tennis ball relatively to boundary lines on tennis court. The method and system comprise sensitive to near-infrared radiation at least one video camera, outputting video image of court and the method and system further include at least one point source of near-infrared radiation, illuminating tennis court and displaced relatively to the video camera. It is suggested a simple and inexpensive way of determining if a tennis ball bounces in or out of court by determining point of intersection of trajectories of the tennis ball and its shade from near-infrared radiation and comparing the position of the determined point of intersection with previously calibrated boundary lines of court.
US08199198B2 Bright spot detection and classification method for a vehicular night-time video imaging system
Bright spots imaged by a forward-looking monochrome video camera during night-time operation of a host vehicle are detected and classified to determine the presence of leading and on-coming vehicles. A specified region-of-interest in each image frame is globally scanned to adaptively detect the bright spot contours, and search windows bounding the larger bright spot contours are locally scanned to adaptively detect individual bright spot contours that were fused in the global scan. A sensitive area within the region-of-interest is locally scanned to adaptively detect dim taillights of a leading vehicle, and path prediction of the host vehicle is used for frame-to-frame tracking of detected spots. Detected spots are classified depending on their location and frame-to-frame movement within the region-of-interest and their glare and pairing characteristics.
US08199197B2 Aerial camera system
An aerial camera system including a plurality of main reels, a camera interface/safety reel and a stabilized camera head. The camera head is supported from main cables from the main reels with a safety reel cable providing power, data and video communication between the camera head and a main computer system. Each of the main reels, the camera interface/safety reel and the camera head are in communication with the main computer system, which controls the feeding and reeling in of the main cables. Further, the computer system controls the feeding and reeling in of the safety reel cable, which typically only follows the camera head as it moves in three-dimensional space, but may in emergency mode support the weight of the camera head and be used to slowly pull the camera head up and out of the way so that it does not interfere with any activity below the flight area. The aerial camera system may also include a level wind assembly that keeps the cables wound on the drum of the main reels and/or the safety reel in a controlled and consistent manner. Furthermore, the camera head of the aerial camera system may use a rotating gimbal assembly with computer controlled leveling motors for keeping the camera head level as the gimbal assembly moves.
US08199196B2 Method and apparatus for controlling video streams
The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling video streams. A method includes monitoring for an event associated with one of a plurality of video camera controllers providing a plurality of video streams where each of the video streams has a first quality level, and, in response to detecting an event associated with one of the plurality of video camera controllers, propagating a control message toward the one of the video camera controllers for which the event is detected, where a control message adapted for requesting the one of the video camera controllers to switch from providing the video stream using the first quality level to providing the video stream using a second quality level. The first quality level may be a low level of quality and the second quality level may be a high level of quality.
US08199195B2 Wireless video surveillance system and method with security key
A surveillance system and method having at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, and a security key for ensuring or denying access, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them, permitting or prohibiting data transmission and/or access if the security key is connected to the system components, thereby providing a secure surveillance system having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment.
US08199193B2 Video camera inspection system for roller hearth heat treating furnaces and the like
A heat treating furnace inspection system comprises a camera configured to move through the furnace chamber of the furnace. The system typically includes a carriage which carries the camera and is especially useful for inspecting a roller hearth furnace. Conveyor rolls or another conveyor mechanism of the furnace is operated to move the camera through the furnace chamber in order to photograph the interior of the chamber for the purposes of inspection. Images of the furnace chamber interior may be displayed on a display screen and merged with text which may communicate information related to inspection findings.
US08199191B2 Electron microscope for inspecting dimension and shape of a pattern formed on a wafer
There is provided an electron microscope which is capable of making a significant contribution to accomplishment of efficiency in investigating causes for pattern abnormalities found out. The electron microscope including an I/O for capturing image data on a microscopic image acquired by another electron microscope, a computation processing unit for generating a display signal based on the image data on the microscopic image acquired by another electron microscope and captured via the I/O and image data on a microscopic image acquired by the electron microscope itself, in order that the microscopic image acquired by another electron microscope and the microscopic image acquired by the electron microscope itself are displayed at the same scale and under the same display condition, and a display unit for displaying both of the microscopic images based on the display signal from the computation processing unit.
US08199189B2 Vein navigation device
The present invention relates to an imaging device designed with the intent of visualizing subcutaneous structures within an organism. Visualization of subcutaneous structures will increase the speed and accuracy with which medical treatments requiring insertion of instruments into these structures can be performed. Especially fluid insertions into or extractions from an organism will be facilitated as the device is adapted to be placed upon the organism in a manner giving continued full mobility for the recipient and operator of the device.
US08199186B2 Three-dimensional (3D) imaging based on motionparallax
Techniques and technologies are described herein for motion parallax three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Such techniques and technologies do not require special glasses, virtual reality helmets, or other user-attachable devices. More particularly, some of the described motion parallax 3D imaging techniques and technologies generate sequential images, including motion parallax depictions of various scenes derived from clues in views obtained of or created for the displayed scene.
US08199185B2 Reflected camera image eye contact terminal
The present invention enables eye contact between conferees during a teleconference using a terminal equipped with a beamsplitter for reflecting an image of a conferee. In one embodiment the image of the conferee appears to be in a backdrop. The display is positioned behind the viewing side of the beam-splitter so that the conferee views the display through the beamsplitter. The invention can be configured to create the appearance that a life-size teleconference image of a remote conferee appears in the same room as the local conferee apparently sitting on the other side of the desk or table—creating the experience of telepresence with eye contact. Additional embodiments include adaptable features of the present invention which enable it to be configured into many specific types of eye contact display products. The invention further teaches the design of a telepresence network, linking numerous terminals sharing a commonality in configuration. The invention also includes many additional versatility embodiments for desktop and group videoconferencing, as well as other videoconferencing applications.
US08199184B2 Visually enhancing a conference
A method for visually enhancing a conference includes receiving a first request to enhance a first object. The method also includes establishing a visual conference between at least a local participant and a remote participant. The method additionally includes receiving a visual communication and detecting a reference to the first object in the visual communication. The method further includes, upon detecting the reference to the first object in the visual communication, enhancing for presentation the first object in the visual communication based on the first request.
US08199176B2 Laser thermal donor elements and method of use
Thermal transfer donor elements can be used to transfer color images to receiving elements to provide various elements such as color filters. The thermal transfer donor elements include a transparent polymeric substrate and, in order: a propellant layer comprising a gas-producing polymer that is capable of producing a gas upon heating by a thermal layer, and an infrared radiation absorbing compound, a barrier layer, and a thermal dye transfer layer one or more thermally transferable colorants. The barrier layer comprises a hydrophilic material and is transferred with the colorant to provide a transparent overcoat in the final color image. Color transfer can be achieved using laser thermal imaging.
US08199175B2 Methods and apparatus for applying patterns of non-contiguous features
A pattern of non-contiguous features that can be imaged in one pass of a multi-channel imaging head is divided into sets of the non-contiguous features. Each set of the non-contiguous features is imaged separately during a single scan of the multi-channel imaging head. The pattern can be completely imaged after all of the sets have been separately imaged. The non-contiguous features of one set may be interleaved with the non-contiguous features of another one of the sets.
US08199174B2 Method and system for generating documents having stored electrostatic pattern information
A method and apparatus for generating documents having stored electrostatic pattern information provides security with respect to the authenticity of documents. A liquid medium including a plurality of electrostatic monopoles is applied to the surface of a document, which embeds a permanent electrostatic pattern in the document. The pattern is then readable by an electrostatic scanner. The monopoles may be associated with differing colors, including black and white, may be transparent or have a neutral color. The patterns may embed data, certificates or shapes. The monopoles may provide a watermark or visible image. The apparatus may be a pen or printer, and may include multiple selectable vessels containing ink and/or electrostatic liquid medium of one or both charge states. Visible features of the document can be compared with the detected pattern, or the pattern may be compared to a database or decrypted with a key.
US08199171B2 Display device, image signal processing method, and program
There is provided a display device equipped with a display unit, the display device including a receiving part for receiving a difference signal of a plurality of channels including an image signal and content identification information inserted in a blanking period and outputting the image signal and the content identification information; a light emission amount regulation part for setting a reference duty according to image information of the image signal; an adjustment part for adjusting so that an actual duty is within a predetermined range based on the reference duty and an adjustment signal and adjusting a gain of the image signal so that a light emission amount defined by the actual duty and the gain of the image signal becomes the same as the light emission amount defined by the reference duty; and an adjustment signal generation part for generating the adjustment signal based on the content identification information.
US08199170B2 Display control device, media management device, and computer-readable medium
A display control device includes a state specifying unit, an information specifying unit and a controller. The state specifying unit specifies a placement state of a medium on a display screen. The information specifying unit specifies either (i) electronic information which is a source of an image recorded on the medium or (ii) electronic information relevant to the electronic information which is the source of the image recorded on the medium. The controller controls such that a specific image representing the electronic information specified by the information specifying unit is displayed on the display screen in accordance with the placement state specified by the state specifying unit.
US08199168B2 System and method for 3D graphical prescription of a medical imaging volume
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system for three-dimensional graphical prescription of an imaging volume including a user interface component, a reference image, and a three-dimensional representation of the imaging volume. The user interface component includes a display. The reference image is presented on the display. The representation of the imaging volume is presented on the display. The representation of the imaging volume is overlaid at least in part on the reference image.
US08199164B2 Advanced anti-aliasing with multiple graphics processing units
A method and apparatus for performing multisampling-based antialiasing in a system that includes first and second graphics processing unit (GPUs) that reduces the amount of data transferred between the GPUs and improves the efficiency with which such data is transferred. The first GPU renders a first version of a frame using a first multisampling pattern and the second GPU renders a second version of a frame in the second GPU using a second multisampling pattern. The second GPU identifies non-edge pixels in the second version of the frame. The pixels in the first version of the frame are then combined with only those pixels in the second version of the frame that have not been identified as non-edge pixels to generate a combined frame.
US08199162B2 Contrast increase in X-ray projection images and/or in tomographically reconstructed volumes by deconvolution of the projection images
The invention relates to a method and a device for increasing contrast in medical images generated by an imaging system featuring an x-ray source and a detector. The detector detects x-rays of the x-ray source and converts image signals from the x-rays. The image signals are transferred to a control and processing unit for processing. Deconvolution of the image signals is carried out by application of an inverse modulation transfer function modified by a regularization. At least a volume image can be reconstructed from the deconvolved image signals.
US08199161B2 Image processing device and image processing method
According to one embodiment, an image processing device of the invention includes a storage portion which stores EDID information, a communication portion which executes communication based on HDMI standard with another image processing device through a communication passage, supplies the EDID information stored in the storage portion and receives an image/sound signal from the another image processing device, a reproducing portion which reproduces the image/sound signal received by the communication portion, and a changing portion which changes the EDID information stored in the storage portion when the reproducing portion cannot reproduce the image/sound signal properly.
US08199157B2 System on chip including an image processing memory with multiple access
A system on chip (Soc) includes a system bus, a plurality of sub-systems, an image processing logic block, an image memory interface and an image processing memory block. The sub-systems are respectively connected to the system bus. The image processing logic block is connected to the system bus. The image processing logic block performs an image processing. The image processing logic block is included in a first power domain. The image memory interface is connected to the system bus and the image processing logic block. The image processing memory block is connected to the image memory interface. The image processing memory block is used for the image processing. The image memory interface and the image processing memory block are included in a second power domain different from the first power domain.
US08199154B2 Low resolution graphics mode support using window descriptors
Herein described is a method and system of displaying low resolution graphics onto a high resolution display. The low resolution graphics may be displayed using one or more displayable maps or surfaces, each of which is defined by way of one or more parameters. The display may comprise a monitor, television set, or set top box, capable of displaying at a particular resolution. In one or more representative embodiments, the various aspects of the invention permit scaling the low resolution graphics onto the high resolution display by way of using the one or more displayable maps or surfaces such that the graphics data is properly displayed on the higher resolution display.
US08199153B2 Image display system and image display apparatus
An image display system includes an information processing apparatus and an image display apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: a processing unit that acquires image information and executes image processing for the image information; a processed image information acquisition command unit that gives an acquisition command to an image display apparatus; and a transmitting unit that transmits the processed image information and the acquisition command to the image display apparatus. The image display apparatus includes: an image receiving unit that receives the processed image information; a non-volatile image information storing unit that stores the processed image information; an acquiring unit that acquires at least either the processed image information received by the receiving unit or the processed image information stored in the storing unit; and a control unit that commands an apparatus display unit to display an image corresponding to the processed image information acquired by the acquiring unit.
US08199150B2 Multi-level control language for computer animation
A system for controlling a rendering engine by using specialized commands. The commands are used to generate a production, such as a television show, at an end-user's computer that executes the rendering engine. In one embodiment, the commands are sent over a network, such as the Internet, to achieve broadcasts of video programs at very high compression and efficiency. Commands for setting and moving camera viewpoints, animating characters, and defining or controlling scenes and sounds are described. At a fine level of control math models and coordinate systems can be used make specifications. At a coarse level of control the command language approaches the text format traditionally used in television or movie scripts. Simple names for objects within a scene are used to identify items, directions and paths. Commands are further simplified by having the rendering engine use defaults when specifications are left out. For example, when a camera direction is not specified, the system assumes that the viewpoint is to be the current action area. The system provides a hierarchy of detail levels. Movement commands can be defaulted or specified. Synchronized speech can be specified as digital audio or as text which is used to synthesize the speech.
US08199145B2 Managing use limitations in a virtual universe resource conservation region
A virtual universe can include regions that conserve natural resource usage. A virtual universe natural resource conservation system (“system”) can determine that an avatar is accessing a natural resource conservation region in a virtual universe. The natural resource conservation region is supported with one or more devices that adhere to restrictions on natural resource usage. The system can also apply one or more virtual universe restrictions while the avatar is accessing the natural resource conservation region.
US08199144B2 Information processing apparatus and related method, image forming apparatus and related control method, program, and recording medium
An information processing apparatus displays a screen for enabling an operator to select settings for controlling a print output from an image forming apparatus and post-processing applied to a printed product by an independent post-processing apparatus. The post-processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain post-processing information from the post-processing apparatus and a display control unit configured to change contents of the setting screen based on obtained function information and display a changed setting screen. The image forming apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine based on obtained function information whether the image forming apparatus can execute a print output accompanied by post-processing using the post-processing apparatus, and control a display unit to display a setting screen for controlling the post-processing function when the image forming apparatus can execute the print output accompanied by post-processing.
US08199138B2 Apparatus and method for driving 2D/3D switchable display
Provided are an apparatus and method for driving a 2-dimensional (2D)/3-dimensional (3D) switchable display for improving the quality of image. The apparatus for driving a 2D/3D switchable display includes: an image mode determination unit determining whether input image signals of continuous frames are in a 2D mode or 3D mode; and an over-driving control unit over-driving the input image signal of a current differently according to the determined image mode. According to the apparatus and method, the response time in each of the 2D mode and the 3D mode can be increased, while motion blur and cross-talk effects can be decreased, thereby improving the quality of image.
US08199136B2 Image data transmission apparatus and method for image display system
An image display system comprises: a transmission device (PC) 10, for transmitting image data upon receiving a drawing command from an OS or an application; and a receiving monitor 40, for displaying, on a high-resolution panel 41, image data received via a monitor cable 39, wherein the transmission device 10 includes a drawing command analysis device 20, for detecting an area on a screen wherein the content is changed by the drawing command, and for employing the detected area to calculate an area to be transmitted, and a graphics card 12, for transmitting a packet that includes the calculated area to be transmitted, and control data provided as header data for the area to be transmitted, and wherein the receiving monitor 40 includes a packet reception device 50, for analyzing the header data in the received packet and for, based on the header data, rendering image data in an internally provided frame memory.
US08199131B2 Synchronization of plugins
A system and process for ensuring the smooth flow of electronic ink is described. Dynamic rendering is give priority over other event handlers. Priority may be the use of one or more queues to order when events occur and may be performing dynamic rendering prior to other steps.
US08199120B2 Repairable touch control device and method of repairing touch control panel
A repairable touch control device includes a substrate, a sensor circuit, and at least a repairing wiring. The substrate includes a sensor region, and a peripheral region. The sensor circuit, which includes sensor wirings, is disposed in the sensor region. The repairing wiring is disposed in the peripheral region for repairing the sensor wirings.
US08199118B2 Touchscreen using both carbon nanoparticles and metal nanoparticles
A cover sheet assembly is provided for a touchscreen system. The cover sheet assembly includes an insulating layer having a surface configured to be disposed over an electrically conductive area of a substrate of the touchscreen system, and an electrically conductive material disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the insulating layer. The electrically conductive material includes a plurality of carbon nanoparticles and a plurality of metal nanoparticles.
US08199116B2 Display panel, display device having the same and method of detecting touch position
A display panel includes an array substrate and an opposite substrate. The array substrate includes pixels, first signal lines, and second signal lines. The opposite substrate is combined with the array substrate, interposing a liquid crystal layer there between. The opposite substrate includes an opposite base substrate and first and second protruded electrodes. The first and second protruded electrodes are formed in regions corresponding to the first and second signal lines, respectively, and are electrically connected to the first and second signal lines, respectively, based on an externally provided pressure. Therefore, a thickness of the display panel is decreased, and a touch position is easily detected.
US08199111B2 Remote input device and electronic apparatus using the same
An electronic apparatus includes a remote input device, which has input-operation areas and a means for detecting input operations performed on the input-operation areas; a displaying portion for displaying selection buttons on a display; and an allocating portion for allocating the selection buttons to the input-operation areas. When the number of selection buttons is larger than that of input-operation areas, the allocating portion allocates change selection buttons indicating an allocation change to some of the input-operation areas. The apparatus further includes an input determining portion for determining, when the detecting portion detects an input operation performed on any of the input-operation areas, if the input operation is performed on the selection button allocated to the input-operation area. An allocation changing portion changes the allocation of the selection buttons relative to selected input-operation areas when the input determining portion determines that the input operation is performed on the change selection button.
US08199107B2 Input interface device with transformable form factor
Various implementations of an interface device, along with associated methods and systems, are described in which the interface device has a housing with a transformable form factor, and a transformation assembly that can change the form factor of the housing. At least one of the form factors of the housing has a shape that corresponds to data associated with the interface device.
US08199101B2 Transmission liquid crystal display device
The transmission liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel and a backlight, wherein the liquid crystal panel has pixels each of which is divided into four sub pixels as red (R), green (G), blue (B), and white (W) sub pixels. Further, an emission luminance of the backlight can be controlled.
US08199098B2 Driving device and driving method for liquid crystal display
A driving device and a driving method for a liquid crystal display are provided. The driving device includes a memory unit, a comparator, a compensation unit, and a selector. The memory unit provides a previous image and a previous comparison result. The comparator compares a present image with the previous image and outputs a present comparison result. The compensation unit processes the present image according to the previous image to generate a plurality of processed present images. The selector selects and outputs one of the present image and the processed present images according to the previous comparison result and the present comparison result. Thereby, the space required in the memory unit is reduced and the image display quality is improved.
US08199095B2 Display device and method for driving the same
A display device includes a display panel, a timing controller, a gate driver, a pulse width controller, and a data driver. The display panel has pixels divided by gate lines arranged in first direction and data lines arranged in second direction. The timing controller generates gate control signals and first source output enable signal. The gate driver provides gate lines with scan signals in response to gate control signals. The pulse width controller varies some of the pulse widths of the first source output enable signal to generate second source output enable signal. The data driver performs charge sharing on data lines based on the second source output enable signal so that pre-charge voltage is formed at data lines, and provides data lines with data voltages based on the second source output enable signal.
US08199091B2 Gamma voltage conversion device
Gamma voltage conversion device includes a gamma voltage conversion circuit, an amplifier, and a gamma voltage adjusting circuit. The gamma voltage conversion circuit generates a first gamma voltage conformed to a first gamma curve according to a grey level. The amplifier includes a first input end receiving the first gamma voltage, a second end, and an output end. The amplifier outputs the first or a second gamma voltage conformed to a second gamma curve according to the grey level according to the first and the second ends of the amplifier. The gamma voltage adjusting circuit coupled between the second input end and the output end of the amplifier controls the amplifier to output the first or the second gamma voltage as the gamma driving voltage according to the grey level and a gamma curve selection signal.
US08199089B2 Device for tuning output enable signal of liquid crystal display
A device for tuning an output enable signal and a method thereof are provided. In the method, a first scan signal and a second scan signal are filtered out according to a duty cycle of the output enable signal, so as to provide a first output scan signal and a second output scan signal. The duty cycle of the output enable signal is increased when a voltage level of the second output scan signal is converted from a disable state to an enable state before a voltage level of the first output scan signal is converted from an enable state to a disable state. Thereby, a rewriting problem is avoided.
US08199088B2 Array substrate, method of manufacturing the array substrate, and liquid crystal display device having the array substrate
In an array substrate, a method of manufacturing the array substrate, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device having the array substrate, a pixel electrode includes an outline portion, connection portions, and slit portions. The outline portion is arranged toward a data line and a gate line thereon, and the connection portions extend in a direction that crosses the data line and the gate line, respectively, to connect to the outline portion. The slit portions protrude from side surfaces of the connection portions to connect to the outline portion. A shielding electrode is arranged toward the outline portion between the data line and the outline portion, and the gate line and the outline portion.
US08199086B2 Stacked color photodisplay
The invention comprises a stacked color photodisplay apparatus using a photosensitive cholesteric liquid crystalline material on which an image can be optically addressed, retained without degradation for an indefinite period of time, electrically erased and a new image addressed. This is similar to a photographic film except that the photodisplay film can be used over and over again similar to digital display but without the cost of addressing electronics. Included is a device for enhancing the brightness of the image and electrooptical devices for optically writing digital images on the photodisplay. Each cell in the stack can be selectively addressed with a different optical image such as the red, green and blue components of a color digital image.
US08199081B2 Display apparatus, display-apparatus driving method and electronic instrument
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including: a pixel array section including pixel circuits laid out to form a matrix as pixel circuits each having an electro optical device, a signal writing transistor, a device driving transistor, and a storage capacitor; a power-supply scan circuit; a signal outputting circuit; and a write scan circuit.
US08199078B2 Image pickup apparatus and method of driving the same
A display apparatus includes: a display area formed by disposing pixel circuits in a matrix; a signal line drive circuit for generating drive signals for signal lines in accordance with image data, and outputting the drive signals for the signal lines to signal lines of the display area, respectively; and a scanning line drive circuit for outputting write signals to scanning lines for write of the display area, respectively; wherein when there is no change in the image data, the scanning line drive circuit stops the write signals from being outputted.
US08199076B2 Pixel circuit
A pixel circuit includes an LED having an anode that receives a driving current and a cathode that receives a scan signal, and a driving circuit including: a switch unit operable according to a voltage signal, and adapted for permitting transfer of a data signal when operating in an on state; a capacitor having a first end coupled to the switch unit, and a second end; a first transistor having a first terminal that is coupled to the second end of the capacitor, a second terminal that is coupled to the anode of the LED, and a control terminal that is coupled to the first end of the capacitor; and a second transistor having a first terminal that is adapted for coupling to the voltage source, a second terminal that is coupled to the first terminal of the first transistor, and a control terminal that is adapted for receiving a reference voltage.
US08199073B2 Electro-luminescence display device that reduces the number of output channels of a data driver
An electro-luminescence display device for reducing the number of output channels of a data driver is disclosed. An electro-luminescence (EL) display device according to the present invention includes an EL display panel having a plurality of pixels; m data electrode lines (wherein m is an integer) and a plurality of scan electrode lines in the EL display panel, the data electrode lines and the scan electrode lines defining the pixels; a data driver having a plurality of output channels for supplying data signals to the m data electrode lines; and a multiplexer for connecting each output channel of the data driver to k data electrode lines (wherein k is an integer greater than 2).
US08199071B2 Color display device and color display method
The color display device includes a colored light generation unit for repetitively generating a plurality of colored lights in a time sequence with a predetermined frequency, and an image generation unit for processing said plurality of colored lights, so as to generate an image corresponding to each of the plurality of colored lights generated in a time sequence. The said predetermined frequency is 180 Hz or more.
US08199070B2 Enhanced ZScreen modulator techniques
A method and system for use in conjunction with a push-pull liquid crystal modulator system for creating circularly polarized light of alternating handedness is provided. The method and system comprise a pair of surface mode liquid crystal cells and a driver electrically coupled to the cells. The driver is configured to move an electrical charge using a quenching pulse comprising a relatively brief voltage spike at a beginning of a waveform period. Multiple additional improvements are provided, including reducing the thickness of the LC gap (the distance between cell electrode plates), creating a charge connection or wiring connection to the cell electrodes, employing anti-reflection coating technology, thinner ITO and ITO index matched to the LC material, bonding all possible air to material surfaces, using superior glass, employing more efficient polarizers, and reducing projector blanking time.
US08199063B2 Dual-band dual-polarized base station antenna for mobile communication
Disclosed is a dual-band dual-polarized antenna for a mobile communication base station, which includes: a reflection plate; a first radiation device module for transmitting and receiving two linear orthogonal polarizations for a first frequency band, the first radiation device module generally having a square shape, the first radiation device module including a plurality of dipoles arranged to form the square shape, each of the dipoles substantially having a transverse side and a vertical side; and a second radiation device module for a second frequency band which is arranged within the square shape of the first radiation device module, and includes a plurality of dipoles generally arranged to form a cross-shape.
US08199062B2 Phased-array antenna radiator parasitic element for a super economical broadcast system
A parasitic element for a phased-array antenna radiator is provided. The radiator comprises a first dipole radiator including two coplanar monopole radiating elements disposed symmetrically about a radiation axis, a second dipole radiator, arranged orthogonally with respect to the first dipole radiator, including two coplanar radiating elements disposed symmetrically about the radiation axis, and a parasitic gain element, having a substantially elliptical shape, disposed above the first and second dipole radiators and centered on the radiation axis.
US08199060B2 Method and system for a phased array antenna embedded in an integrated circuit package
Aspects of a method and system for configurable antenna in an integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, a phased array antenna embedded in a multi-layer integrated circuit (IC) package may be utilized for transmitting and/or receiving signals. An IC enabled to transmit and/or receive signals may be bonded to the multi-layer IC package and may communicate a reference signal and/or one or more phase shifted versions of said reference signal to the antenna. One or more phase shifters (fabricated, for example, in planar transmission line) may be embedded in the multi-layer IC package and may be controlled via an IC bonded to the multi-layer IC package. The phased array antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna elements which may each comprise an interconnection for communicatively coupling to an associated transmitter and/or receiver, a feeder line, a quarter wavelength transformer, and a radiating portion (e.g., a folded dipole).
US08199057B2 Antenna device and wireless communication apparatus
An antenna device capable of not only achieving multiple resonances and wideband characteristics but also achieving improvement of antenna efficiency and accurate matching at all resonant frequencies, and a wireless communication apparatus. In one example, an antenna device 1 includes a radiation electrode 2 to which power is capacitively fed through a capacitor portion C1, and additional radiation electrodes 3-1 to 3-3 branched from the radiation electrode 2. A distal end portion 2a of the radiation electrode 2 is grounded to a ground region 402, and is a portion at which a minimum voltage is obtained when power is fed. A capacitor portion C2 that is a portion at which a maximum voltage is obtained when power is fed is disposed in a proximal end portion 2b of the radiation electrode 2, and a variable capacitance element 4 which is grounded is connected in series with the capacitor portion C2. The additional radiation electrodes 3-1 to 3-3 are connected to the radiation electrode 2 through switch elements 31 to 33, and include reactance circuits 5-1 to 5-3 in a middle thereof. Distal end portions of the additional radiation electrodes 3-1 to 3-3 are grounded to the ground region 402.
US08199052B1 Systems and methods for determining a rotational position of an object
Apparatus and methods determine the rotational position of a spinning object. A satellite positioning system can be used to determine the spatial position of an object, which in turn can be used to guide the object. However, when the object is spinning, such as an artillery shell, then the rotational orientation should be known in order to properly actuate the control surfaces, such as fins, which will also be spinning.
US08199046B2 Radar system to determine whether an object is subject of detection based on intensity of a radio wave emission of the object
An object detection system includes a first object detection unit that detects an object in an area near the system using a radar and an object determination section that determines whether the object in the area near the system is a subject of detection, using a result of detection by the first object detection unit. The object determination section treats the object as the subject of detection if (i) an intensity of a radio wave from the object that is currently received by the first object detection unit is equal to or higher than a first threshold value or if (ii) an intensity of a radio wave from the object that was received in the past by the first object detection unit was equal to or higher than the first threshold value and the intensity of the radio wave from the object that is currently received by the first object detection unit is equal to or higher than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value.
US08199042B2 Apparatuses and methods for physical layouts of analog-to-digital converters
Physical layouts of integrated circuits are provided, which may include an analog-to-digital converter including a plurality of comparators. Individual transistors of each comparator of the plurality are arranged in a one-dimensional row in a first direction. Neighboring comparators of the plurality of comparators are positioned relative to each other in an abutting configuration in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of comparators may include multiple, inter-coupled outputs. Such an ADC may be called a Benorion Analog-to-Digital Converter. A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is also provided. The method comprises arranging transistors of a first comparator in a one-dimensional row in a first direction, arranging transistors of at least one additional comparator in the one-dimensional row in the first direction, and arranging transistors of the first comparator and the at least one additional comparator relative to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
US08199036B2 Parallel-serial converter
There is provided a parallel-serial converter including a selector to convert parallel data to serial data, a flip-flop to which the serial data are input so as to latch the serial data, a generator to generate replica data simulating the serial data, a detector to detect a first switching point of the replica data and a second switching point subsequent to the first switching point, and a controller to control relative timings of timing converted to the serial data in the selector and timing when the serial data is latched in the flip-flop, based on the first switching point and the second switching point.
US08199033B2 Haptic keyboard systems and methods
Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement. In at least some embodiments, a light source can be mounted or otherwise positioned relatively close to and beneath the top surface of one or more keys or keyboard elements to backlight a portion or portions of a keyboard.
US08199029B2 Combined smoke detector and lighting unit
A combined smoke detector and lighting unit includes a smoke detector sensor mounted to a housing, a light source mounted to the housing, and an electrical interface mounted to the housing. The electrical interface is in electrical communication with the smoke detector and the light source.
US08199024B2 Low-voltage connection with safety circuit and method for determining proper connection polarity
A safety circuit used in low-voltage connecting systems leaves the two low-voltage systems disconnected until it determines that it is safe to make a connection. When the safety circuit determines that no unsafe conditions exist and that it is safe to connect the two low-voltage systems, the safety circuit may connect the two systems by way of a “soft start” that provides a connection between the two systems over a period of time that reduces or prevents inductive voltage spikes on one or more of the low-voltage systems. When one of the low-voltage systems has a completely-discharged battery incorporated into it, a method is used for detection of proper polarity of the connections between the low-voltage systems. The polarity of the discharged battery is determined by passing one or more test currents through it and determining whether a corresponding voltage rise is observed.
US08199022B2 Test module for motor control center subunit
A system and method are provided for coordinating the installation and removal a motor control center subunit with the power connection and interruption thereof. A system of interlocks and indicators causes an operator to install a motor control center subunit into a motor control center, and connect supply and control power thereto, in a particular order. Once installed, a test module system included with the subunit provides for pass-through connection of signals from equipment test points. The test module can thus relay internal conditions of the subunit to the operator without a need for disengaging or opening the subunit.
US08199018B2 Detector for state of person
An object of the present invention is to provide a human condition detecting apparatus for highly accurately detecting a human condition, without any burden. A human condition detecting apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising a first stimulus applying device 10 for applying a stimulus for acquisition of reference information to a subject; a second stimulus applying device 10 for applying a stimulus for acquisition of condition information to the subject; a stimulus reaction detecting device 20 for detecting reactions of the subject to the stimulus applied by the first stimulus applying device 10 and to the stimulus applied by the second stimulus applying device 10, by an ecological index of the subject; and a condition determining device 41 for determining a condition of the subject, based on a comparison between the reaction of the subject to the stimulus applied by the first stimulus applying device 10 and the reaction of the subject to the stimulus applied by the second stimulus applying device 10.
US08199011B2 Lock with electric locking function
A lock includes a case receiving a driving device having a driving member. A connecting member is connected to the driving member to move therewith. The driving device can be actuated to move the connecting member between upper and lower positions to control alignment of a distal end of a locking member and a passageway of an unlocking member. A first detecting member is mounted in the case and operatively connected to the connecting member. A second detecting member is mounted in the space and connected to a burglar alarm system. When the distal end of the locking member is misaligned with the passageway, the first detecting member is in a conductive state and turns on the burglar alarm system. When the distal end of the locking member is aligned with the passageway, the first detecting member is in a non-conductive state and turns off the burglar alarm system.
US08199009B2 Method and system for administering remote area monitoring system
A remote area monitoring system is configured to detect movement in a disallowed direction through a space. The system monitors two volumetric spaces that are established by the system, both of which spaces are defined with respect to depth, width and height. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more stereoscopic sensors for capturing image information of the space, a processor processing the image information to detect movement of humans or objects in a disallowed direction through the space, and an alarm indicator. The system may also include workstation configured to display and store the image information. The workstation may have multiple levels of access, such as basic user, supervisor and technician level access. The workstation may display a log of alarm or related events and permit selection of events and viewing of image information associated with the events.
US08199004B1 RFID tag reader
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The tag reader includes a power detection circuit operable to detect power from a plurality of different power sources, and a controller for operating the radio frequency identification tag reader at a power consumption level commensurate with a detected power source.
US08199003B2 Devices and methods for detecting environmental circumstances and responding with designated communication actions
Provided are a wireless communication device and a communication device control method that include a set of templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances. The templates may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived or inferred by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors and then may be compared to the templates to determine a matching template. An action script is then executed based at least partially on the matching template which may include the contacting of a responding party.
US08198998B1 Identification of power line locations by power line signatures
The location of a device on an electrical power line is identified using a power line characteristic, such as a power line impedance as a function of frequency, and/or a power line transfer function identified from the first device to a second device communicating with the first device over the electrical power line. Power line information is determined by receiving a signal from a first device, determining a power line transfer function based on the received signal, and determining power line information based on the determined power line transfer function.
US08198995B2 Methods and systems for automated emergency lighting
A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electronically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electronically-operated actuator. The electronically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electronically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electronically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electronically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.
US08198993B2 System for monitoring the tire pressure in vehicles
Described is a procedure for controlling the transmission operation of a tire pressure monitoring device (1) arranged in a pneumatic tire of a vehicle, whereby data telegrams are transmitted in a normal mode of operation (13) in first time intervals, and there is a changeover from the normal mode of operation (13) to a pressure drop mode, if an inspection of the pressure signals indicates a drop in the pressure of a drop speed exceeding a pre-defined threshold value, and data telegrams are transmitted in the pressure drop mode in second time intervals, which are shorter than the first time intervals, and the tire pressure monitoring devices (1) are put into a travel starting mode (10, 11, 12) at the beginning of the travel by activation a roll sensor. Data telegrams are transmitted in the travel starting mode in shorter third time intervals as compared to the normal mode of operation.
US08198992B2 Seat belt warning system
A safety belt warning system for vehicles comprises a sensor mat for the detection of a force acting on its surface, which includes, for the formation of two electrical capacitors, two dielectric layers which are located one above the other in sandwich fashion and arranged in each case between electrically conductive coats, and which have different compressibility at least in the direction of loading due to force, so that the capacitances of the two capacitors vary differently with a load on the sensor mat.
US08198991B2 Telematics terminal and method for notifying emergency conditions using the same
A telematics device and method for notifying emergency conditions associated with a motor vehicle. The method includes sensing an occurrence of at least one predetermined event and generating a corresponding notification signal; activating a camera in or on the motor vehicle based on the notification signal; and transmitting an image captured by the camera to a remote server.
US08198980B1 Numeric geodesic locator
A geodesic locator system having an input for receiving a user-inputted numeric code in a format limited solely to digits and expressed by a fixed code length. The system associates the received numeric code with a unique geographical area on the Earth's surface and communicates that area to the user.
US08198978B2 Film resistor with a constant temperature coefficient and production of a film resistor of this type
The invention relates to a film resistor (1) comprising a carbon-containing material (3) into which clusters (4) of conductive cluster material are introduced, wherein the conductive cluster material has a positive temperature coefficient. The clusters (4) are surrounded by a graphite casing and embedded in the carbon-containing material (3). Furthermore, the cluster material is present in a thermodynamically stable phase. The invention also relates to a method for producing a film resistor (1), wherein a PVD process is carried out on a carrier substrate (11) using a sputtering material under a reactive atmosphere of a carbon-containing gas, and therefore the carbon-containing gas is dissociated and a carbon-containing layer (3) is deposited on the carrier substrate (11), with clusters (4) of the sputtering material being embedded in said carbon-containing layer, wherein the carbon-containing layer (3) is heated to a predetermined temperature while the PVD process is carried out, with the sputtering material or a compound of the sputtering material forming in a stable phase at said temperature.
US08198971B2 Laminated inductor
A laminated inductor includes a laminate having a plurality of insulating layers, a helical coil and first and second external electrodes on an underside of the laminate. The helical coil has coiled electrodes, each coiled up in one turn, and the first and second external electrodes are connected to respective, or corresponding, ends of the helical coil. Each of the coiled electrodes of the helical coil follow a path along the periphery of one of the insulating layers and include first end located in the path and second end located outside the path. The helical coil and the first external electrode are connected to each other by a lead via conductor formed in a space that is enclosed by parts of the coiled electrodes including the first and second ends.
US08198966B2 Docking station for a transformer and method for installation of a transformer station
A transformer station is disclosed comprising a foundation plate and a building with a transformer positioned on top of the foundation plate. The foundation plate is provided with a docking station comprising a first electrical connector. The building with the transformer is provided with a corresponding second electrical connector configured for direct mating with the first electrical connector when the building is placed onto the foundation plate. The transformer station is installed by: providing the foundation plate with a docking station having a first electrical connector; providing the building with a corresponding second electrical connector for connection with the first electrical connector; and placing the building onto the foundation plate with the first and second electrical connectors mating to each other.
US08198965B2 Grounding of magnetic cores
An apparatus includes a magnetic core, a ground node, and one or more vias to provide a connection between the magnetic core and the ground potential. The magnetic core includes a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer. In addition, the apparatus may include a conductive pattern. The conductive pattern may be at a third layer between the first and second magnetic layers. The apparatus may be included in inductors, transformers, transmission lines, and other components using ferromagnetic cores or shields. Such components may be integrated on a chip or die.
US08198961B2 Microwave filter based on a novel combination of single-mode and dual-mode cavities
A microwave filter based on the combination of dual-mode and single-mode cavities. The single-mode cavity symmetrically extends from the dual-mode cavity with respect to the symmetric reference plane to form the so called extended doublet network. The microwave filter in extended-doublet configuration exhibit high frequency selectivity since it has a pair of finite frequency transmission zeros on the upper and lower stopband. The design concept can also be applied to build higher order filters.
US08198959B2 Acoustic wave filter device
An acoustic wave filter device including a balanced-unbalanced conversion function in which balancing between signals transmitted to first and second balanced terminals is improved includes a longitudinally-coupled resonator type acoustic wave filter unit including an unbalanced end and first and second balanced ends and an acoustic wave resonator. First and second divided electrode sections included in an IDT are respectively connected to first and second signal lines which are connected to the first and second balanced ends of the acoustic wave filter unit. A length of a line which connects the first divided electrode section to the first balanced end is equal or substantially equal to a length of a line which connects the second divided electrode section to the second balanced end, and the first divided electrode section is different from the second divided electrode section.
US08198958B1 Power amplifier matching RF system and method using bulk acoustics wave device
An RF system includes a power amplifier with output impedance and a BAW filter with an input impedance and output impedance. A matching network includes an inductance connecting the power amplifier to the BAW filter and an impedance transformation ratio of at least 1:10 is provided at the output impedance of the power amplifier to the output impedance of the BAW filter.
US08198957B2 Micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) resonator and manufacturing method thereof
A micro-electro-mechanical-system resonator, includes: a substrate; a fixed electrode formed on the substrate; and a movable electrode, arranged facing the fixed electrode and driven by an electrostatic attracting force or an electrostatic repulsion force that acts on a gap between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode. An internal surface of a support beam of the movable electrode facing the fixed electrode has an inclined surface.
US08198948B2 Vibrator element, sensor device, sensor, and electronic apparatus
A vibrator element includes: a base part; and a vibrating arm extended from the base part in a first direction, the vibrating arm including a first region, a second region, and a third region sequentially arranged from the base part side in the first direction, the first region to the third region including first electrodes and second electrodes that generate electric fields in second directions perpendicular to the first direction in a plan view and are electrically independent from each other, wherein electric field directions of the first region and the third region and an electric field direction of the second region are opposite to each other, and the vibrating arm is expanded and contracted in the first direction by the electric fields in the second directions, and the vibrating arm is vibrated in third directions as directions perpendicular to the respective first direction and second directions.
US08198943B2 Electronic circuit frequency generation
An oscillation signal with a selectable frequency is generated with a phase locked loop (10, 12, 14). The oscillator (10) of the loop receives a feedback signal, to which an offset is added in order to reduce transient effects when a frequency modification is made. A first and second offset control value are used to control the offset successively. The first offset control value is controlled by a combination of the frequency settings before and after the modification. The second offset control value is controlled by the frequency settings after the modification. The first and second offset control values are used to control an offset of applying to a frequency control signal of an oscillator (10) of the phase locked loop (10, 12, 14). The offset controlled by the first control offset value is applied during a predetermined time interval before the offset controlled by the second control offset value is applied.
US08198941B2 Amplifier circuit and method of amplifying a signal in an amplifier circuit
There is provided an amplifier circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving an input signal to be amplified; a power amplifier, for amplifying the input signal; a switched power supply, having a switching frequency, for providing at least one supply voltage to the power amplifier; and a dither block, for dithering the switching frequency of the switched power supply. The dither block is controlled based on the input signal. Another aspect of the invention involves using first and second switches, each having different capacitances and resistances, and using the first or second switch depending on the input signal or volume signal. Another aspect of the invention involves controlling a bias signal provided to one or more components in the signal path based on the input signal or volume signal.
US08198940B2 Self-calibrating gain control system
A circuit for self-calibrating a gain control system samples the output of a digital amplifier coupled in series with one or more analog amplifiers to correct errors in a discrete stepped gain control. A digital gain control circuit controls both the digital amplifier and at least one analog amplifier to produce a smooth linear and continuous gain, wherein perturbations in the digital control of gain are smoothed by a signal applied to gain control circuit by a gain step correction circuit.
US08198937B1 Switched-capacitor amplifier circuit
A switched-capacitor amplifier circuit (200 and 300) with rail-to-rail capability without requiring a rail-to-rail operational amplifier includes a switched-capacitor amplifier (202 and 302) and an input network (201) coupled to the switched-capacitor amplifier. The switched-capacitor amplifier includes a non-rail-to-rail operational amplifier (275 and 375). The input network prevents the non-rail-to-rail operational amplifier from receiving an input differential signal that has a common-mode voltage at or near rails of the non-rail-to-rail operational amplifier. Voltages at input terminals of the operational amplifier remain near analog ground, which is an arbitrary voltage level between the rails, during both phases of switching in the switched-capacitor amplifier. In one embodiment, the switched-capacitor amplifier uses a correlated double sampling technique.
US08198935B2 Transistor junction diode circuitry systems and methods
Methods and apparatus for capacitive voltage division are provided, an example apparatus having an input and an output and including a first switched capacitor circuit. In some embodiments, the capacitive voltage divider includes first and second MOSFETs. A first capacitor is coupled between the drain of the first MOSFET and the input to the capacitive voltage divider. A first circuit coupled to the drain of the first MOSFET is configured to pull down the drain of the first MOSFET and thus apply a reverse bias to a first junction diode internal to the first MOSFET between the drain and the bulk of the first MOSFET. A second capacitor is coupled between the source of the first MOSFET and the drain of the second MOSFET. A second circuit is configured to reverse bias a second junction diode between the drain and bulk of the second MOSFET.
US08198926B2 Loop type clock adjustment circuit and test device
A variable delay circuit applies a variable delay that corresponds to an analog signal to a reference clock so as to generate a delayed clock. A phase detection unit detects the phase difference between the delayed clock and the reference clock, and generates a phase difference signal having a level that corresponds to the phase difference. A counter performs a counting up operation or a counting down operation according to the level of the phase difference signal. A digital/analog converter converts the count value of the counter into an analog signal, and supplies the count value thus converted to the variable delay circuit. The counter comprises: a first counter configured to use a first thermometer code to count the lower group of digits of the count value according to the phase difference signal; a second counter configured to use a second thermometer code to count an upper group of digits of the count value according to the phase difference signal; and a control circuit configured to perform a control operation such that the Hamming distance is maintained at 1 even in a carry operation and a borrow operation of the first counter and the second counter.
US08198924B2 Method and apparatus for producing triangular waveform with low audio band content
A triangular waveform generator includes a square waveform clock circuit and an active integrator. The active integrator receives input from the square waveform clock circuit and generates a triangular waveform output. An active feedback network is operatively added to the active integrator to reduce the audio band noise content in the triangular waveform output. The feedback network acts as a DC balance without significant sacrifice in the linearity of the triangular waveform output.
US08198923B2 Harmonic suppression circuit, an injection-locked frequency divider circuit and associated methods
The invention includes a harmonic suppression circuit, an injection-locked frequency divider circuit (ILFD) and associated methods. The harmonic suppression circuit comprises a source voltage, two suppression modules, two input terminals, two smoothed output terminals and a ground. The ILFD comprises a ground, an input transistor, an input terminal, two divider legs, two output terminals and a source voltage. The associated method to improve harmonic suppression comprises acts of synthesizing differential-phase signals and simultaneously suppressing second harmonics of in-phase signals. The method to extent an ILFD's locking range comprises acts of decreasing quality factor while keeping resonance frequency constant.
US08198922B1 Programmable ultrasound transmit beamformer integrated circuit and method
A digital switched current source is coupled to a programmable current source-driver and controlled by waveforms stored in the programmable and floating complementary sourcing and sinking current source-driver. A plurality of complementary P- and N-MOSFET is coupled to the programmable floating current source driver. The transformer-less programmable ultrasound transmit beamformer integrated circuit is provided and directly coupled to the plurality of transducers.
US08198920B2 Low current comparator with programmable hysteresis
A low current comparator with programmable hysteresis is disclosed that uses a ratio of latch intrinsic (internal) latch capacitance and capacitance of a sample capacitor to adjust hysteresis. In some implementations, the comparator includes a switch capacitor sampling stage coupled to a dynamic latch output stage. Depending on an output state (0 or 1) of the comparator, hysteresis is generated by adding or subtracting a first charge stored in the latch intrinsic capacitance to or from a second charge stored in the sampling capacitor. The ratio of latch intrinsic capacitance and the capacitance of the sampling capacitor can be adjusted to trim hysteresis value. The hysteresis function does not require additional capacitors or additional logic.
US08198917B2 Current segmentation circuit for optimizing output waveform for high speed data transmission interface
The present invention provides a current segmentation circuit for optimizing output waveform from high speed data transmission interface, which comprises a four current sources controlled by four switches to segment current so as to control the rising and falling time of the high speed transmission data, and to match the delay of the current control signal and the delay of the data, wherein the four current sources are I1, I2, I3 and I4, and the current control switches are K1, K2, K3 and K4, wherein I1+I2=I3+I4, wherein the switches K1 and K3 control the current I1/I3 to flow into DP/DM line, and the switches K2 and K4 control the current I2/I4 to flow into DP/DM line. The present invention can depress overshoot and eliminate turning point in the waveform.
US08198915B2 Semiconductor device using normal and auxiliary through silicon vias
One interface chip and a plurality of core chips are electrically connected via a plurality of through silicon vias. A data signal of a driver circuit is input into the core chip via any one of the through silicon vias. An output switching circuit activates any one of tri-state inverters and selects one of the through silicon vias. The tri-state inverters amplify the data signal and transmit it to the through silicon via. Similarly, an input switching circuit activates any one of tri-state inverters. These tri-state inverters also amplify the data signal transmitted from the through silicon via and supply it to the receiver circuit.
US08198909B2 Electronics tester with a signal distribution board and a wafer chuck having different coefficients of thermal expansion
The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
US08198908B2 Probe substrate with auxiliary contact pads and probe card therewith
Disclosed are a probe substrate and a probe card using the same. The probe substrate includes a ceramic stack structure stacked with a plurality of layers; vias disposed in the ceramic stack structure to perform inner-layer connection, and pads electrically connected to the vias; a contact opening disposed at the ceramic stack structure, and partially exposing the pads; and contact pads disposed at side walls of the contact opening, electrically connected to the pads, and electrically connected to pogo pins.
US08198900B2 Automotive battery charging system tester
An automotive battery charging system tester for testing the charging system of an automotive vehicle includes AC and DC voltage measurement circuits and a microprocessor controlled testing sequence. The microprocessor is used to perform a series of tests and to instruct an operator to perform steps associated with performing those tests. Through the application of various loads at various engine speeds, the tester is capable of identifying faults in the battery charging system including a bad battery, problems in the alternator or associated electronics, and problems in the starting system.
US08198895B2 System and method for magnetic resonance coil actuation
An apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) coil elements and a plurality of voltage-actuated switches coupled to the plurality of MR coil elements, each voltage-actuated switch configured to selectively activate a respective MR coil element. The apparatus also includes a voltage source configured to supply a voltage to the plurality of voltage-actuated switches, a control unit coupled to the voltage source, and a plurality of transmission lines coupled to the plurality of voltage-actuated switches and to the control unit and configured to provide an actuation signal from the voltage source to the plurality of voltage-actuated switches. The plurality of transmission lines being free of discrete resistive elements and having a substantially uniform resistivity such that an interaction between the plurality of transmission lines and the plurality of MR coil elements is minimized and thermal dissipation is distributed over a length of each of the plurality of transmission lines.
US08198894B2 High frequency magnetic field coil and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with the same
An RF coil for MR Imaging that can change a resonance frequency easily and instantaneously in response to a nuclide to be imaged without exchange and adjustment and that also causes only small lowering of sensitivity. The RF coil has a sub coil for changing a resonance frequency of the transmitting/receiving RF coil for transmitting and receiving an MR signal between itself and a nuclide that is an object to be imaged. The sub coil is equipped with a switch, and at the time of switching-on, shifts the resonance frequency of the RF coil by changing an inductance value of the RF coil in a noncontact manner using inductance coupling.
US08198889B2 Magnetic sensor for an elevating motor
A magnetic sensor for an elevating motor, and more particularly to a magnetic sensor whose magnetic induction elements are sealed within a magnetically non-permeable minor sleeve. Meanwhile, a signal transmission line is extended therefrom. In addition, the minor sleeve and the magnetic induction elements are disposed within a gear box of the elevating motor. Since the magnetic sensor in accordance with the invention is designed in a built-in type, it is not easily affected and damaged by the external environment. As a result, the service life may be prolonged. Moreover, it is modularized for a compact structure and a practical installation. In addition, it approaches more to the rotational and magnetic pole, thereby enhancing the measuring accuracy.
US08198888B2 Method and system for determining the distance between a profiled surface and a functional surface moving in relation thereto by using measurement coils and a reference coil
In one embodiment, a method for determining the distance of a conducting surface profiled in a direction of distance determination from a functional surface moving relative to the profiled surface is disclosed. The method includes connecting inputs of a sensor to an oscillator arrangement. The sensor includes a first and a second measuring coil. The method includes further connecting outputs of the sensor to an analog-to-digital converter via a demodulator unit to obtain first and second digital measured values. The first and second digital measured values correspond to the distance between the profiled surface and the first and second measuring coil of the sensor, respectively. The method further includes connecting an arithmetic unit to the analog converter unit. The second measurement coil is arranged at a known distance from the first measuring coil on the side of the first measuring coil that faces away from the profiled surface. The method finally includes calculating, using the first and second digital measured value and a reference digital value and the fixed distance, a distance measured value giving the distance of the functional surface from the profiled surface. The reference digital value corresponding to the measured value from a reference coil. The reference coil is assigned to the first and second measuring coils and the reference coil is located outside the range of influence of the profiled surface.
US08198885B2 Shielded current sensor
A planar magnetic current sensor is described, incorporating a number of features designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of the basic sensor. The improvements comprise providing inner and outer conductive shields, an increased number of sensor elements for a given circuit board area, and distributing the resistance of the sensor circuitry. The conductive shields prevent high transient voltages and eddy currents that may damage the sensor itself. The depth of the inner and outer conductive shields is chosen to produce eddy currents sufficient to attenuate the magnetic fields associated with transient pulses of a frequency above the frequencies to be measured. An aperture is provided from the exterior of the conductive shields or sealing caps, if present, to an annular space, to allow an output signal to pass from the interior of the sensor to the exterior of the sensor for monitoring.
US08198882B2 Power converting device with high power transformation efficiency
A power converting device converts a DC voltage input from an external power source into an AC voltage output across an output capacitor of an output circuit, and includes a coupling circuit having series first and second windings. A rectifying diode has a grounded anode coupled to an anode of a clamp diode, and a cathode coupled to the second winding. A cathode of the clamp diode is coupled to a clamp switch and the first winding. A full-bridge circuit includes a first series connection of first and second switches, and a second series connection of third and fourth switches. The first and second series connections are coupled in parallel between the first winding and ground. The output capacitor is coupled between a first common node between the first and second switches, and a second common node between the third and fourth switches.
US08198881B2 Chopper type DC-DC converter
A chopper type DC-DC converter includes a voltage converting circuit, a comparative wave generating circuit, a comparator group, and a switch control circuit. The voltage converting circuit converts a first voltage into a second voltage. The comparative wave generating circuit generates first and second comparative waves such that the voltage range of the first comparative wave is different from the voltage range of the second comparative wave. The comparator group generates a first comparison result signal indicating a result of comparison between the first comparative wave and an error signal indicating an error between the second voltage and target voltage and a second comparison result signal indicating a result of comparison between the second comparative wave and the error signal. The switch control circuit controls the voltage converting circuit based on the first and second comparison signals. The comparative wave generating circuit includes first and second comparative wave generating circuits. The first and second comparative wave generating circuits respectively generate the first and second comparative waves based on different source voltage groups.
US08198877B2 Low voltage drop out regulator
A low voltage drop out (LDO) regulator is disclosed. The LDO regulator has a voltage buffer for receiving an input voltage containing a DC component and an AC component, converting the input voltage into a converted voltage having a lower DC component and an AC component following that of the input voltage; a control stage applied with the converted voltage; and an output stage applied with the input voltage. The output stage is controlled by the control stage to output an output voltage of a specific level. In the LDO regulator, elements of small sizes can be used to save a layout area thereof. In the meanwhile, the LDO regulator can maintain a high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) characteristic.
US08198874B2 Switching power converter with current sensing transformer auxiliary power supply
A switching power converter having a current sensing transformer providing input to an auxiliary power supply provides efficient current sensing, while reducing the cost of the magnetic coupling element. The auxiliary power supply and current sense circuit both receive input from a secondary winding of a current sensing transformer having a primary winding coupled in series with the converter's main magnetic coupling element. To provide accurate sensing, the magnetization the current sensing transformer is accounted for. The magnetization is compensated for in the current sensing result, current sensing is performed during a part of the cycle in which charging of the auxiliary power supply is disabled, or the core of the current sensing transformer is made large, raising its mutual inductance. In another alternative technique, a circuit node can be pre-charged to a value that cancels the offset due to the magnetization current.
US08198873B2 Power converter
This invention relates to a power converter (1) comprising a converter input (3), a converter output, a power factor pre-regulation stage (5), an isolation stage (7) and a control unit (9). The power factor pre-regulation stage (5) further comprises a buck power factor correction (PFC) circuit (15) and a bulk capacitor (25) fed by the buck PFC circuit. The amount of line current provided to the bulk capacitor (25) by the buck PFC circuit (15) may be adjusted according to the converter requirements in order to keep the voltage across the bulk capacitor (25) sufficient to ensure uniform operation of the power converter. Monitoring of the voltage across the bulk capacitor (25) and monitoring of the isolation stage (7) output current is provided to determine when additional current is to be applied to the bulk capacitor (25) and to ensure the power converter (1) operates within pre-defined parameters.
US08198870B2 System and method for performing ultracapacitor cell balancing
A circuit for balancing a sub-stack voltage in a stack of ultracapacitors includes a pair of electrical leads that are connectable across a first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors, wherein a stack includes N sub-stacks of ultracapacitors coupled to an electrical bus, a discharge device switchably connectable with the pair of electrical leads, the discharge device configured to discharge the sub-stack of ultracapacitors, a voltage sensing circuit coupled to the electrical bus and configured to sense and output a voltage of the stack of ultracapacitors after the first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors has been discharged to a given threshold, and a voltage amplifier coupled to the output of the voltage sensing circuit and coupled to the pair of electrical leads, the voltage amplifier configured to provide a re-charge voltage to the first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors.
US08198869B2 System and method for charging capacitors using automatic cell balancing
A circuit for charging a capacitor block including series-connected capacitive elements has an input node for receiving an input, an output node coupled to the capacitor block, a third capacitive element connectable to the input node and the output node, and first and second switching circuitries coupled to the third capacitive element. A voltage sensor determines a relationship between first voltage at the first capacitive element and second voltage at the second capacitive element to separately control switching of the first and second switching circuitries in accordance with the relationship between the voltages.
US08198866B2 Indicating charging state of handheld electric appliance
In one aspect, a handheld electric appliance includes: an oscillating electric motor or linear motor controlled by control circuitry; a battery connected to the oscillating electric or linear motor; and charge detection circuitry configured to determine a charging state of the battery. The charge detection circuitry is coupled to the control circuitry such that, in response to the charge detection circuitry determining that the charging state of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold, the control circuitry activates the oscillating electric motor or linear motor to cause noise generated by the motor to perceptibly change to indicate a threshold charging state.
US08198864B2 Method and system for determining a state of charge of a battery
Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. A magnetic force between the battery and a magnet is detected. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the detected magnetic force.
US08198862B2 Battery pack with balancing management
A battery management system for a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules is disclosed. Each of the battery modules includes multiple battery cells. The battery management system includes multiple first balancing units, multiple first controllers, a second balancing unit including multiple second balancing circuits, and a second controller coupled to the battery modules and the second balancing circuits. The first controllers are operable for controlling the first balancing units to adjust voltages of battery cells in the battery module if an unbalance occurs between the battery cells. The second controller is operable for controlling said second balancing circuits to adjust voltages of said battery modules if an unbalance occurs between battery modules.
US08198859B2 Intra-vehicle charging system for use in recharging vehicles equipped with electrically powered propulsion systems
The E-Grid Sub-Network Load Manager operates to regulate the demands presented by vehicles to the associated Sub-Network thereby to spread the load presented to the service disconnect over time to enable controllable charging of a large number of vehicles. Load management can be implemented by a number of methodologies, including: queuing requests and serving each request in sequence until satisfaction; queuing requests and cycling through the requests, partially serving each one, then proceeding to the next until the cyclic partial charging service has satisfied all of the requests; ordering requests pursuant to a percentage of recharge required measurement; ordering requests on an estimated connection time metric; ordering requests on a predetermined level of service basis; and the like. It is evident that a number of these methods can be concurrently employed thereby to serve all of the vehicles in the most efficient manner that can be determined.
US08198858B2 Mobile terminal having menu providing function for wireless recharging and recharging method thereof
A mobile terminal is provided including a battery, an output unit, a memory, and a controller. The battery provides power. The output unit outputs a wireless recharge state. The memory stores recharge menus and recharge menu settings. The controller provides recharge menus for wireless recharging of the battery based on whether payment is required for the wireless recharging. The controller also performs a wireless recharging operation according to selection of the recharge menu settings.
US08198857B2 Common-mode voltage generator with a ripple insensitive sensor for a battery-supplied handset apparatus
A common-mode voltage generator for a battery-supplied apparatus is provided with a battery voltage ripple-insensitive sensor comprising a voltage dividing circuit and a number of hysteresis comparators, by means of which a battery voltage, or a fraction thereof is compared with a series of reference voltages. These reference voltages are derived from an on-chip voltage by means of said voltage dividing circuit. The hysteresis of said hysteresis comparators is larger than the ripple on said battery voltage. Further there is an adjustable regulation loop. The sensor detects a battery voltage range and adjusts the regulation loop on the basis of this range. The regulation loop provides an output commonmode voltage, which is equal to a fraction, preferably half the battery voltage.
US08198855B2 Charging cable, charging control device and vehicle charging system
Provided is a charging cable capable of detecting an abnormal state, such as a break, of a control line through which a pilot signal is transmitted, the charging cable including: a power cable through which an external power source feeds a power storage device; a signal generating circuit for generating a control signal to output to a vehicle; a control line L1 through which the control signal is transmitted to the vehicle; and a bypass circuit for changing a voltage applied from a vehicle side through the control line L1.
US08198854B2 Starting circuit for single-phase AC motor and method for starting single-phase AC motor
A starting circuit for a single-phase AC motor, the single-phase AC motor comprising a main winding and a starting winding, and the starting circuit comprising a detecting circuit, a rectifying circuit, a triggering circuit, and a switch, wherein the detecting circuit is connected in series with the main winding, the switch is connected in series with the starting winding, the detecting circuit transfers current parameters of the main winding into detecting signals, the rectifying circuit processes the detecting signals and transmits the detecting signals to the triggering circuit, the triggering circuit controls the switch according to the detecting signals whereby controlling power-on and power-off of the starting winding, and the triggering circuit is a hysteresis comparing circuit.
US08198841B2 Method and circuit for processing a resolver fault
A method of processing a resolver fault in a motor generator unit (MGU) includes receiving a position signal from a resolver describing a measured angular position of a rotor of the MGU, determining the presence of the resolver fault using the position signal, and calculating or extrapolating an estimated rotor position when the resolver fault is determined. A predetermined resolver fault state may be determined using a measured duration of the resolver fault, and the MGU may be controlled using the estimated rotor position for at least a portion of the duration of the resolver fault. A motor control circuit is operable for processing the resolver fault using the above method, and may automatically vary a torque output or a pulse-width modulation (PWM) of the MGU depending on the duration of the resolver fault.
US08198837B1 Device and method for measuring and controlling the speed and torque of a DC motor
A DC motor control device calculates motor speed using determinations of motor field flux and armature voltage in the motor. The device includes a control module having one or more control inputs and one or more control outputs. At least one control input is configured to receive data representing field current measured in the DC motor. The control module includes flux curve logic that is responsive to measurements of motor field current to calculate a field flux in the motor. The flux curve logic uses a flux curve stored in the control module, the flux curve representing a functional relationship between field current and field flux in the motor. The flux curve is defined by a plurality of flux curve data points corresponding to a plurality of motor field currents within a lower current range and within an upper current range. The flux curve is further defined by at least a first flux curve line positioned within the lower current range and a second flux curve line positioned within the upper current range.