Document Document Title
US08254485B2 Digital television transmitter/receiver and method of processing data in digital television transmitter/receiver
A digital television (DTV) transmitter and a method of processing known data in the DTV transmitter are disclosed. The method of processing known data in a digital television (DTV) transmitter includes generating a known data sequence, trellis-encoding the known data sequence, the trellis-encoded known data sequence having upper, middle, and lower bits, wherein at least one of the upper, middle, and lower bits has an m-sequence property, and mapping the trellis-encoded known data sequence into one of 2-level, 4-level, and 8-level data sequences, wherein the mapped data sequence has substantially an m-sequence property, wherein a data sequence has an m-sequence property when a peak value among auto-correlation values of the data sequence having a length of N is 1 and all the off-peak auto-correlation values are −1/N.
US08254483B1 Transmission of ACK/NACK bits and their embedding in the CQI reference signal
A transmission within a wireless cellular network may include a first and second type of information. A subframe includes a plurality of symbols, at least one symbol is designated as a data symbol and at least one symbol is designated as a reference signal symbol that contains a pre-defined reference signal. The first type of information is embedded in the data symbols. If the second type of data is expected, then the second type of information is embedded in at least one reference symbol by quadrature amplitude modulating the pre-defined reference signal. The subframe is then transmitted from one node in the network to a second node. If it is determined that the second node is not expecting the second type of information, then a discontinuous transmission (DTX) response is embedded in the reference symbol instead of the second type of information.
US08254482B2 Perturbed decoder, perturbed decoding method and apparatus in communication system using the same
A decoder adopted to receive a signal transmitted in a communication system, includes one or more of a module adopted to pre-process a received signal to reduce the effect of interference-plus-noise on the received signal before filtering the received signal, and a module adopted to post-process the result of filtering the received signal.
US08254481B1 Simultaneous use of multiple radio frequency channels
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying data that is designated for wireless transmission to a remote computing device. A digital signal that encodes the data for transmission across a band of radio frequency channels is generated. Multiple radio frequency channels in the band that are available are determined. The digital signal is filtered to substantially reduce a power level of the digital signal at frequencies that correspond to channels in the band that have not been determined to be available. The filtered digital signal is converted to an analog signal. The analog signal is provided to an analog transmitter that isolates the band of channels to generate an isolated analog signal and that wirelessly transmits the isolated analog signal over the multiple available channels using one or more antennas.
US08254480B2 Automatic gain control for frequency-hopped OFDM
An automatic gain control method and system for use in signal processing of OFDM symbols at a receiver. Two stages of coarse and fine automatic gain control are implemented that adjust different gains in an analog RF processing stage of the receiver. Gain of a low noise amplifier and a mixer are adjusted during a first and coarse automatic gain control stage based on feedback from a digital baseband stage. During a subsequent fine gain control period, the gain of a programmable gain amplifier is adjusted separately for each frequency band used by the OFDM symbols based on a histogram bin that counts the number of output samples of an analog to digital converter whose magnitude falls within certain ranges. Coarse and fine gains are updated after each OFDM symbol.
US08254476B2 Wireless communication device and wireless communication method
A wireless communication device that transmits a wireless signal by carrying out linear precoding processing using a plurality of transmission antennas is provided with: a phase pattern control unit for selecting a phase pattern that reduces peak-to-average power ratio; a phase rotation unit for carrying out phase rotation on a modulation signal using the phase pattern selected in the phase pattern control unit; a control signal generation unit for generating a control signal based on the phase pattern selected in the phase pattern control unit; and a preceding unit for carrying out linear precoding processing on output signals from the phase rotation unit and output signals from the control signal generation unit.
US08254475B2 PHY sub-channel processing
Physical layer (PHY) sub-channel processing. A soft symbol decision stream is arranged into a number of sub-channels to reduce substantially the processing performed within a communication receiver on data that is not intended for that communication receiver. In other embodiments, a predetermined approach is employed to arrange the soft symbol decision stream into one or more frames; each frame may have one or more soft symbol blocks; and each soft symbol block may have one or more symbols. Each of the soft symbol blocks, within a frame, may be assigned to a sub-channel. Only the soft symbol blocks that contain information destined for the communication receiver need be decoded. Only the sub-channel that includes these soft symbol blocks, destined for this communication receiver, need be decoded. The soft symbol blocks not within the sub-channel may be discarded thereby recovering some of the processing capabilities of the communication receiver.
US08254471B2 Far-end crosstalk canceling method and device, and signal processing system
A method for remote crosstalk cancellation, includes: filtering, at a first transmitting end which is connected to a first receiving end over a first line, crosstalk source signals according to values of filtering parameters; synthesizing, at the first transmitting end, a first signal to be transmitted over the first line and the filtered crosstalk source signals; transmitting the synthesized signal from the first transmitting end to the first receiving end over the first line; receiving, at the first transmitting end, a noise statistic related value fed back from the first receiving end; and adjusting, at the transmitting end, the values of the filtering parameters according to the noise statistic related value. A corresponding device and a signal processing system for remote crosstalk cancellation are provided.
US08254468B2 Video coding distortion removal method and apparatus using a filter
A coding distortion removal method for removing coding distortion in an image which was has been divided in to a plurality of macroblocks. The method operates under the following conditions such that: (i) a size of a pixel in a motion compensation block is smaller than a size of a pixel in said macroblock; (ii) a size of a pixel in a motion compensation block is larger than a size of a pixel in a coding unit; and (iii) a pixel difference between two adjacent motion compensation blocks located inside the macroblock is zero. The method disables the coding distortion removal at a boundary between blocks located inside each of the two adjacent motion compensation blocks, and enables the coding distortion removal at a boundary between the two adjacent motion compensation blocks.
US08254464B2 Image quality estimation apparatus and image quality estimation method
An image quality estimation apparatus is provided that solves the problem of the need for a large-capacity memory. An FEC packet analysis unit (3) verifies the continuity of FEC packets. An error information table generation unit (4) verifies the continuity of image packets. An estimation unit estimates, as uncorrectable data, image data that are contained in image packets that are missing and for which error correction by FEC data is not possible. The estimation unit estimates image quality of the image data based on the uncorrectable data.
US08254463B2 Selection of encoded data, setting of encoded data, creation of recoded data, and recoding method and device
In macroblocks to which a prediction mode determination step, which determines whether or not a prediction mode applied to the macroblocks is a predetermined prediction mode, and an encoded data selection step, which selects a predetermined type of encoded data corresponding to the pixels at predetermined positions in the macroblocks to which the predetermined prediction mode is applied, are applied, there is provided a bit distribution step for more preferentially distributing bits to a predetermined type of encoded data selected at the encoded data selection step than a predetermined type of encoded data that is not selected at the encoded data selection step in the macroblocks to which the predetermined prediction mode is applied. With these steps, it is possible to provide an encoded data selection method which can limit the encoded data per one macroblock transmitted from a decoding device to a recoding device to less than a predetermined value while suppressing the lack ratio of the amount of information of the encoded data as much as possible.
US08254462B2 Method and system for block noise reduction
In a video system, a method and system for block noise reduction are provided. Edge parameters based on spatial variance may be determined to detect vertical edges that may result from block noise. These edge parameters may be determined serially. Once detected, pixels neighboring the vertical edges may be filtered and clamped to determine a vertical block noise reduction difference (BNR) parameter. Similarly, edge parameters based on spatial variance may be determined to detect horizontal edges that may result from block noise. These edge parameters may be determined serially. Once detected, pixels neighboring the horizontal edge may be filtered and clamped to determine a horizontal BNR difference parameter. The vertical and horizontal BNR difference parameters may be utilized to reduce block noise artifacts in the video image.
US08254460B2 Video frame encoding and decoding
A video frame arithmetical context adaptive encoding and decoding scheme is presented which is based on the finding, that, for sake of a better definition of neighborhood between blocks of picture samples, i.e. the neighboring block which the syntax element to be coded or decoded relates to and the current block based on the attribute of which the assignment of a context model is conducted, and when the neighboring block lies beyond the borders or circumference of the current macroblock containing the current block, it is important to make the determination of the macroblock containing the neighboring block dependent upon as to whether the current macroblock pair region containing the current block is of a first or a second distribution type, i.e., frame or field coded.
US08254459B2 Adaptive motion estimation
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for adaptively performing motion estimation. In some embodiments, the method initially performs a first motion estimation operation. It then determines whether the estimated error in the result of the first motion estimation is greater than a particular threshold. If not, the method uses the results of the first motion estimation operation. Otherwise, the method selects another motion estimation operation. The method continues in this manner until it performs a motion estimation operation that results in an acceptable estimated error, or until it tries all the motion estimation operations at its disposal. When the method cannot identify a motion estimation operation that produces results with an acceptable estimated error, the method selects the result of the motion estimation operation that produced the best results.
US08254453B2 Multi-format video decoder and related decoding method
A multi-format video decoder includes a bitstream buffer, a system controller, a bitstream decoding unit, an intra mode decoding unit and a shared prediction module. The system controller selectively generates a first control signal or a second control signal according to a video bitstream. The bitstream decoding unit generates a decoding information signal according to the video bitstream when receiving the first control signal. The intra mode decoding unit generates an intra mode signal when receiving the second control signal. The shared prediction module performs an AC/DC prediction upon a current block of the video bitstream to generate a current first prediction result according to the decoding information signal and performs an intra prediction upon the current block to generate a current second prediction result according to the intra mode signal. The shared prediction module includes shared components being utilized in the AC/DC prediction and the intra prediction.
US08254451B2 Image coding apparatus, image coding method, image coding integrated circuit, and camera
An image coding apparatus includes a reference index assignment unit that assigns reference indices to reference pictures which can be referred to by a current picture to be coded, each of the reference indices having a different value and being assigned to a corresponding one of the plural reference pictures. An image coding unit performs field-coding on the current picture to be coded, by referring to the reference pictures indicated by the reference indices assigned by the reference index assignment unit, and codes the reference indices. The reference index assignment unit assigns, to one of two reference pictures included in the plural reference pictures, a reference index having a value smaller than a value of a reference index to be assigned to the other reference picture. One of the two reference pictures is temporally closer to the current picture to be coded.
US08254449B2 Video traffic bandwidth prediction
Video traffic bandwidth prediction may be provided. Frames of a video stream may be encoded according to a compression scheme. The encoded frames may be received and, depending on the type of frame, may be used to predict the size of other frames of the stream. The predicted frame sizes may then be used to allocate bandwidth for transmission of the video stream.
US08254448B2 Moving picture display apparatus
Provided is a moving picture display apparatus displaying, on a liquid crystal panel or the like, moving picture data generated by encoding according to a predictive encoding method. In parallel with picture decoding processing, the moving picture display apparatus finds minimum values and maximum values of YUV data of a picture being decoded, and when the picture is being displayed, performs backlight control based on an upper bound value of RGB data found from YUV data of the picture.
US08254434B2 OFDM wireless mobile communication system and method for estimating SNR of channel thereof
In a method for estimating a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless mobile communication system, noise is estimated from adjacent received signals of at least two adjacent subcarriers and received signals of subcarriers, noise power is calculated by calculating a mean square value of the estimated noise by summing squares of the estimated noise, a mean square value of the received signals is calculated by summing squares of the received signals, signal power is calculated by subtracting the noise power from the mean square value of the received signals, and the SNR is calculated using the signal power and the noise power. Thus, the method of the present invention having low complexity can estimate an SNR efficiently regardless of channel changes on a frequency axis when one OFDM symbol includes preamble data.
US08254428B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving uplink control channels in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving pilot symbols for demodulation of control channel information in the uplink of a wireless communication system are provided. When an Evolved Node B (ENB) expects to receive both the Channel Quality Information (CQI) and the Acknowledgement (ACK)/Negative ACK (NACK) from a User Equipment (UE) in a certain subframe, if the UE transmits only the CQI channel, the ENB is prevented to detect the nonexistent ACK/NACK information from the CQI channel, thereby avoiding false alarm.
US08254426B2 Surface emitting semiconductor component, and laser device including such component
A surface emitting semiconductor component with an emission direction that has a semiconductor body. The semiconductor body has a plurality of active regions for the generation of radiation and are spaced apart from one another, wherein between two active regions a tunnel junction is monolithically integrated in the semiconductor body. The two active regions are electrically conductively connected by means of the tunnel junction, and the semiconductor component is provided for operation with an external resonator. A laser device comprising a semiconductor component of this type and an external resonator is also disclosed.
US08254425B1 Optical device structure using GaN substrates and growth structures for laser applications
An optical device having a structured active region configured for selected wavelengths of light emissions.
US08254420B2 Advanced laser wavelength control
Laser light wavelength control is provided by periodically predicting a next position of a light controlling prism using a model of the prism's motion characteristics. The prediction is then updated if a measurement of laser output wavelength is obtained. However, because the predictions are made without waiting for a measurement, they can be made more frequently than the laser firing repetition rate and the prism can be repositioned at discrete points in time which can occur more frequently than the laser firing events. This also reduces performance degradation which may be caused by being one pulse behind a laser measurement and the resultant laser control signal being applied.
US08254419B1 Apparatus and method to suppress gain-switched spikes in fiber laser amplifier systems
Apparatus and method for generating controlled-linewidth laser-seed-signals for high-powered fiber-laser amplifier systems. In some embodiments, the natural chirp (frequency change of laser light over a short start-up time) of a DBR laser diode when driven by pulsed current is used to broaden the linewidth of the laser output, while adjusting the peak current and/or the pulse duration to obtain the desired linewidth.
US08254417B2 Fiber laser system with controllably alignable optical components thereof
The present disclosure relates to a modular fiber laser system operative to controllably guide a beam which is launched from a feeding fiber into a process fiber so that the high-aperture component is coupled and guided in cladding of the process fiber, and a low-aperture component is coupled into the core of the fiber. The laser system further has a reflective element configured with light-reflecting and light-transmitting portions. The high-aperture component at least partially decouples from the cladding into the core so that the core radiates the high-aperture and low-aperture components. The high-aperture component is incident upon the light-reflecting portion and backreflected into the process fiber so that a sensor array, which is located between the feeding and process fibers, detects the reflected light. The laser system further includes an adjustment system operatively connected to the sensor array and configured to displace the fibers relative to one another to an alignment position after the sensor array detects a maximum signal of the reflected high-aperture component.
US08254413B2 Systems and methods for physical layer (“PHY”) concatenation in a multimedia over coax alliance network
Systems and methods for concatenating messages in MoCA devices that are connected via a coax network are provided. One embodiment of a system according to the invention includes a home network having a plurality of nodes. The network is implemented over coaxial cable. The network includes a plurality of networked nodes. A transmitter of at least one of the networked nodes is configurable to transmit a concatenated burst. The concatenated burst includes a preamble, a first payload frame and a second payload frame. The first payload frame and the second payload frame are separated by a cyclic prefix of a first symbol of the second payload frame.
US08254410B2 Systems and methods for transmitting radio link control (RLC) data blocks
In one aspect, the invention provides apparatuses and methods for wirelessly transmitting application data utilizing priority information for each radio link control (RLC) data block transmitted. Advantageously, the application data with a relatively high transmission priority is not substantially delayed by the transmission of application data with substantially lower transmission priorities.
US08254409B2 User isolation between network devices
In one embodiment, a network device may have its network interfaces identified as either network-to-network interfaces (NNIs) configured to communicate with other network devices in a first computer network, or user-to-network interfaces (UNIs) configured to provide service to the first computer network for user devices. Based on determining at least one NNI for forwarding upstream traffic to an aggregation device of the first network that connects the first network to a second network, any NNI that is not used for forwarding upstream traffic is deemed a novel “NNI alternate” (NNI-ALT). The forwarding of traffic at the network device may be controlled to provide user isolation between network devices by denying traffic forwarding between UNIs and NNI-ALTs as well as between NNI-ALTs and NNI-ALTs, while permitting traffic forwarding between NNIs and NNI-ALTs.
US08254401B2 Device for shared management of a resource among several users
The device comprises a memory (3) for storing several user share parameters and several amounts capable of advancing. A decision means (6) allocates a chosen service slice of the resource to a user selected as possessing the least advanced amount. It subsequently advances his amount according to a chosen increment. A memory link means (5) defines user queues of “FIFO” type, such that the user having the least advanced amount in a queue appears at the head of this queue. According to the invention, the memory (3) stores a limited number of values of increments. The memory link means (5) associates one of these values of increments with each user and allocates an increment value to each queue.
US08254400B2 User equipment, telecommunications system and message recovery method
A user equipment (UE) implementing a message recovery method is disclosed, supporting messages of both the circuit switched (CS) domain and the packet switched (PS) domain. The UE roams in a wireless telecommunications system and performs a call setup procedure. When the UE receives an NAS message comprising a domain identifier and a protocol discriminator, the UE determines whether the domain identifier and the protocol discriminator are of the same domain. If the domain identifier and the protocol discriminator are of the same domain, the UE proceeds with processes corresponding to the NAS message. If the domain identifier and the protocol discriminator are of different domains, the NAS message is determined to be an error message, and the UE modifies the domain identifier of the NAS message to generate a recovered NAS message, and determines whether the recovered NAS message is compatible to the call setup procedure.
US08254399B1 Method and apparatus for adaptive buffer management for traffic optimization on switches
A method and apparatus for adaptive buffer management for traffic optimization on switches have been disclosed where pattern injection and traffic monitoring with forced congestion allows optimizing buffers while accounting for actual system delays.
US08254398B2 Systems and methods for providing service migration between first and second cellular technologies
Systems and methods for a call flow for a mobile directory number (MDN) from a first phone to a second phone which has been intra-service ported. The system includes: a first switch of a first technology; a second switch of a second technology; and a local number portability database (LNP). The LNP stores local routing numbers (LRN) associated with the MDN. The WLNP system determines whether a call, from the first phone, is received by a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or the first switch. If the call is received by the PSTN with the LRN, the call is routed to the second switch based on the LRN. If the call is received by the first switch without the LRN, the first switch queries the LNP for the LRN and the call is routed intra-carrier to the second switch.
US08254397B2 Interconnecting network processors with heterogeneous fabrics
A method and apparatus to perform protocol translation for a modular system may be described wherein a first packet created in accordance with a first protocol is received, a packet type for the first packet is determined, a second protocol based on the packet type is selected and the first packet is translated to a second packet in accordance with the second protocol. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08254396B2 Fast border gateway protocol synchronization
A checkpointing approach enables BGP peers to reduce the number of UPDATE messages that are exchanged and processed after a router restarts. A router receives update messages to update routing information for the one or more other devices, wherein each of the update messages includes a checkpoint marker and a route. The router stores the route in a checkpoint repository and stores the checkpoint markers in association with information identifying the other routers from which the checkpoint markers were received. In response to a restart event, the router sends each of the stored checkpoint markers to respective other devices and receives from the respective other devices only route updates that occurred later in time than the checkpoint markers.
US08254394B1 Technique for providing constant bit rate (CBR) service over a time-slotted access channel
According to specific embodiments of the invention, a technique is described for providing constant bit rate (CBR) service over shared access channels in a computer network. The technique of the present invention provides a plurality of linked lists of grant allocation elements at the head end of the network for implementing CBR service to requesting nodes on each shared access channel. Each grant allocation element corresponds to a respective unsolicited CBR grant allocated to a particular node on a selected channel. A CBR service request sent by a particular node to the head end is handled by an admission control engine within the head end. If admission control admits the CBR service request, it inserts one or more unsolicited grant allocation elements relating to the admitted request in at least one of the plurality of linked lists. Each linked list of grant allocation elements is used to generate a CBR portion of a respective, fixed size, grant allocation MAP message. Each grant allocation MAP message includes a first portion of N minislot allocations reserved primarily for CBR purposes, and a second portion of M minislot allocations reserved primarily for non-CBR purposes. Using the technique of the present invention voice traffic or other CBR applications may be supported on shared access channels with delay bound and zero jitter.
US08254393B2 Harnessing predictive models of durations of channel availability for enhanced opportunistic allocation of radio spectrum
A proactive adaptive radio methodology for the opportunistic allocation of radio spectrum is described. The methods can be used to allocate radio spectrum resources by employing machine learning to learn models, via accruing data over time, that have the ability to predict the context-sensitive durations of the availability of channels. The predictive models are combined with decision-theoretic cost-benefit analyses to minimize disruptions of service or quality that can be associated with reactive allocation policies. Rather than reacting to losses of channel, the proactive policies seek switches in advance of the loss of a channel. Beyond determining durations of availability for one or more frequency bands statistical machine learning also be employed to generate price predictions in order to facilitate a sale or rental of the available frequencies, and these predictions can be employed in the switching analyses The methods can be employed in non-cooperating distributed models of allocation, in centralized allocation approaches, and in hybrid spectrum allocation scenarios.
US08254385B2 Internet protocol multicast content delivery
A first device communicates with subscriber devices in an access network. A communication is sent from a subscriber device to the first device requesting that the subscriber device be permitted to join a multicast group associated with data for a desired content. After determining that the subscriber device is authorized to receive that content, the first device sends one or more multicast signaling communications to a second device. The multicast signaling communications instruct the second device to join the requested multicast group and provide an identifier associated with that multicast group. After joining the multicast group and receiving content data packets of that group, the second device encapsulates those received packets in frames according to an access network media access control (MAC) protocol and forwards the MAC frames to the subscriber device. The MAC frames include the identifier provided to the second device by the first device.
US08254377B1 System and method for HLR support for IP-MSC feature activation
A method for managing services for a network service provider includes the steps of receiving a Feature Request Message from a switching node associated with a mobile station within a non-circuit switched network at a registration node. The Feature Request Message includes a code for activating a feature within the registration node enabling connections to the non-circuit switched network. A service request is received for providing a network service to the mobile station at the registration node. The service request is routed to the switching node associated with the non-circuit switched network responsive to the feature within the registration node enabling connection to the non-circuit switched network being activated.
US08254375B2 Method, terminal, and address server for configuring a terminal
A method for configuring a terminal, wherein a user first enters an authentication code provided by a provider into the terminal, the authentication code is then transmitted from the terminal to an address server, which then provides an address of a configuration server using the authentication code and transmits the address to the terminal, and the authentication code is then transmitted to the configuration server, and subsequently the configuration sever provides the configuration data with reference to the transmitted data, and the configuration data is transmitted to the terminal and is configured there. A terminal and an address server are also provided.
US08254374B2 Method for setting up a communication connection and private branch exchange for carrying out the method
A communication connection between a calling communications terminal and a further communications terminal, the connection setup being initiated through the exchange of an invite message and a number of acknowledgment messages between the calling communications terminal, the further communications terminal and a higher-ranking communication-management module, the connection modalities relevant for the calling communications terminal being agreed in a first connection initiation sequence between the higher-ranking communication-management module and an application-management module allocated to the calling communications terminal, and a second connection initiation sequence being provided for agreeing the connection modalities relevant for the further communications terminal between the higher-ranking communication-management module and an application-management module allocated to the further communications terminal.
US08254372B2 Data communication apparatus and method
Communication apparatus having interfaces for exchanging data with first and second neighbors, a memory for storing codec information regarding the communication apparatus and a control entity operative to detect a message from the first neighbor, the first message being indicative of codec information regarding an originating entity. In response, the control entity assesses compatibility between the codec information regarding the originating entity and the codec information regarding the communication apparatus. If the assessment is positive, the control entity self-identifies the communication apparatus as a candidate for terminally supporting a subsequent codec-bypass negotiation with the originating entity. If the assessment is negative, the control entity self-identifies the communication apparatus as a candidate for non-terminally supporting such negotiation. The invention thus capitalizes on the realization that although an end-to-end codec-bypass connection may not be possible, it may nevertheless be possible to achieve bandwidth savings by establishing a codec-bypass connection along only a portion of the path.
US08254369B2 Radio communication system, base station, inter-base station synchronization method, and program
A radio communication system includes a terminal and base stations that transmit subframes to and receive subframes from said terminal by means of OFDMA/TDD. The base stations include a first base station and a second base station that is adjacent to the first base station and that establishes frame synchronization with the first base station. The second base station: receives a specific uplink signal contained in an uplink subframe that is transmitted to the first base station from the terminal that is located at the cell boundary of the first base station and the second base station; based on the timing of the reception of the specific uplink signal, estimates the timing of the transmission of the header of uplink subframes transmitted from the terminal; and based on the timing of the transmission of the header of the uplink subframes that was estimated, controls the timing of the transmission of downlink subframes that are transmitted to the terminal.
US08254364B2 Route protocol
A route protocol is established whereby a mobile device can communicate to a multitude of (receiving) base stations though a tunnel created through a serving base station. A message that includes a Route Creation Header can be transmitted by the mobile device to create the tunnel. The Route Creation Header is reviewed by the receiving base station while the mobile device is in a Waiting-To-Open State. Various errors might occur with respect to the Route Creation Header. These errors can be conveyed to the mobile device by base station by setting one or more error code fields. Once the errors are resolved, another attempt to create a tunnel with base station can be made, if desired.
US08254363B2 Tristate requests for flexible packet retransmission
Extending acknowledgement messages from two states to at least three states is described, whereby such messages constitute a packet quality indication (PQI) reflecting quality or usability of the received signal. In an HARQ system, a transmitting station can flexibly select a better alternative for the next information to transmit on the basis of such PQI. One aspect includes determining how best to correct an unsuccessful packet transmission based on quality information about the specific packet. Implementing apparatus and procedures are described.
US08254361B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting signals for multiple input multiple output wireless communication system
A storage unit stores a preamble signal defined in a legacy system and a preamble signal defined in a MIMO system. A monitoring unit in a transmitting apparatus monitors the existence of any communication apparatus which is not compatible with the MIMO system but accepts the legacy system. A channel characteristics acquiring unit derives the characteristics of a radio channel between the transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus. A selector selects a packet format based on a monitoring result obtained by the monitoring unit. The selector also selects where to place LTS, based on the characteristics of wireless channel derived by the channel characteristics acquiring unit.
US08254357B2 Maintaining network availability for wireless clients in a wireless local area network
In an example embodiment, there is described herein a technique that provides network availability to wireless clients (e.g., wireless clients running mission critical applications such as voice applications or medical devices) when a portions of a network is unavailable, such as when performing an image upgrade. One or more access points are switched to a standalone mode of operation, for example an AP that can operate using HREAP (Hybrid Remote Edge Access Point) mode, for maintaining network availability while a portion of the network is unavailable.
US08254354B2 Method and apparatus to enable multiple receivers
Briefly, a wireless communication device that includes a processor to enable a determined number of receivers of a MIMO system according to a value provided with a request to enable the receivers is provided. A method for enabling the receivers of MIMO system is also provided.
US08254348B2 Voice-over-internet protocol intra-vehicle communications
A method of communicating among vehicles in a convoy or otherwise in close proximity is provided. The method includes initiating an internet protocol layer on a wireless hub of a first vehicle. The first vehicle also synchronizes with at least a one other vehicle having a wireless hub. A voice signal is received at the first vehicle. The voice signal is then converted into packets. Finally, the packets are sent from the wireless hub of the first vehicle to the wireless hub of the at least one other vehicle using a networking protocol.
US08254347B2 Methods and devices for associating a mobile device to access points within a WLAN
Unique identifiers are assigned to sets of adjacent access points in a wireless, local area network (WLAN). Thereafter, a unique identifier may be forwarded to a mobile device which uses the identifier to associate itself with one of the adjacent access points. Associating a mobile device with an adjacent access point using unique identifiers allows a WLAN to meet its load balancing objectives.
US08254345B2 Beacon scheduling method in multi-hop ad-hoc networks
A beacon scheduling method in multi-hop ad-hoc communications is provided. This method can prevent overhead in a manner that a base station (BS) transmits beacon slot information to a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA)/collision avoidance (CA) node (CN) and a gateway (GW) through contention-free time division multiple access (TDMA) communications at initial clustering, the CN and the GW performs a sequential clustering to forward the beacon slot information to a cluster head (CH), the CH aggregates joining messages from nodes and assigns non-colliding beacon slots to the nodes, and the GW uses a beacon slot frame of a beacon transmission period (BTP) used by its selected CH in a beacon reply period (BRP) as well. Accordingly, the CH does not need to separately perform the initialization to elect the beacon slot, and the GW also does not require a separate initialization to select the beacon relay slot.
US08254339B2 Receiver apparatus and method for releasing memory thereof
In a receiver apparatus of HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) data transmission scheme, it is achieved to minimize the occurrence of the system performance degradation and problems caused by TSN flash execution. In the receiver apparatus, each of a plurality of reordering buffers that temporarily store received traffic data is ranked on the basis of QoS information of the traffic data. When it is determined that memory release of the reordering buffers is necessary, the memory release is performed from the lowest ranked reordering buffer.
US08254337B2 Method and apparatus for power management in handover between heterogeneous networks
A method for power management in handover between heterogeneous networks comprising: an MIH layer obtains power information and provides it for an MIH user layer; the MIH user layer determines the handover policy according to the power information. In various embodiments of the disclosure, the MIH layer triggers an event so that the MIH user layer can obtain power information, and select a lower-layer network connection automatically according to the current power status, thus implementing handover; the MIH user layer sends a query request to the MIH layer to obtain power consumption parameters from the network, and selects a lower-layer network connection according to the power consumption and the current power status, thus implementing handover and making more accurate and effective decisions in the handover.
US08254335B2 Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
A CIR measuring section 307 measures CIRs of all blocks received and a block selection section 308 makes a threshold decision based on the CIR measurement result and threshold information according to an amount of traffic in the own cell and neighboring cells. As a result of the threshold decision, blocks whose CIRs exceed the threshold are regarded as usable blocks. A CIR averaging section 309 averages the CIRs of the usable blocks and a CQI generation section 310 generates a CQI based on the CIR average value. The CQI generated and selected block numbers are reported to a base station apparatus. This allows the throughput of the own cell and neighboring cells to be improved.
US08254331B2 Method and system for managing handoff in a radio access network
Disclosed is a method and device for managing handoff of an access terminal in a radio access network (RAN). An access terminal may detect a handoff trigger, determine whether there is an ongoing data transfer in progress, determine an amount remaining in the data transfer, compare the amount remaining to a threshold amount, and delay or cancel the handoff if the amount remaining is below the threshold amount. Additionally, the access terminal may consider signal strength of the current (source) coverage area in determining whether to delay or cancel the handoff.
US08254327B2 Method for scheduling distributed virtual resource blocks
A method for efficiently scheduling virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks is disclosed. In a wireless mobile communication system that supports a resource block group (RBG) allocation scheme, when consecutively allocated virtual resource blocks are distributively mapped to physical resource blocks, a gap for the distribution is determined to be a multiple of a square of the number of consecutive physical resource blocks constituting an RBG.
US08254324B2 Scheduling method for wireless communication system
A scheduling method for a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes (a) selecting n(
US08254323B2 Method of monitoring control channel in wireless communication system
A method of monitoring a control channel in a wireless communication system includes monitoring a physical down-link control channel (PDCCH) during a monitored duration, wherein the monitored duration is a part of a discontinuous reception (DRX) period, the DRX period specifying the periodic repetition of the monitored duration followed by a non-monitored duration. By monitoring a control channel during a DRX period, battery consumption of a user equipment can be reduced and an operation time of the user equipment can be increased.
US08254318B2 Wireless communication system and method of joint beamforming wireless communication
A wireless communication system and joint beamforming method across multiple base stations for communicating with mobile stations. The wireless communication system communication system includes base stations and mobile stations. At least one of the base stations includes a joint beamformer controlling beamforming for the base stations. Each of the mobile stations receive information from the base stations, maintain a multiple-input and multiple-output active set (MAS) of base stations, and provide precoder weights to each of the base stations included in the MAS. The joint beamformer calculates joint beamforming weights for controlling communications between the base stations and mobile stations.
US08254314B2 Method of requesting allocation of uplink resources for extended real-time polling service in a wireless communication system
Provided is a device and method for scheduling uplink resources in a wireless communication system supporting VoIP. When its data rate is decreased, an MS notifies a BS of the rate decreased. When increasing its data rate, the MS requests resource allocation to the BS by transmitting a BR header or a CQICH codeword. Compared to the conventional ertPS in which the BS periodically allocates uplink resources to the MS irrespective of the state of the MS, the BS does not allocate uplink resources when the MS transitions form a talk-spurt period to a silence period. Therefore, resources consumption arising from unnecessary bandwidth allocation is reduced.
US08254311B2 Binding update method, mobile terminal, home agent, and binding update system
Disclosed in a technique for providing a binding update method and the like capable of resolving such a situation that a BA message keeps reciprocating between HAs. According to the technique, there is provided a binding update method, in which a mobile terminal transmits, to a home agent of the mobile terminal, a first message containing an address that is the destination to that the home agent forwards, and the home agent of the mobile terminal updates, based on the first message, a cache in which a home address of the mobile terminal is associated with an address that is the destination to that the home agent forwards, and transmits a second message as a reply to the first message to the mobile terminal, wherein when receiving the second message, the mobile terminal transmits, to the home agent of the mobile terminal, a third message notifying that the second message has been received, and after receiving the third message, the home agent of the mobile terminal updates the cache.
US08254308B1 Method and system for acoustically triggering electronic coupon retrieval
A method and system for acoustically triggering wireless network communication and reporting. A portable device monitors external audio waveforms comprising broadcast media, to detect at least one predefined acoustic frequency embedded in the waveforms. In response to the detection, the portable device takes an action with respect to a wireless network, preferably relating to the at least one detected acoustic frequency. The invention can be used advantageously to monitor broadcast media consumption.
US08254305B1 System and method for bridging media local area networks
A system is provided comprising a first bridging device associated with a first internet protocol (IP) address having a radio transceiver receiving simple service discovery protocol (SSDP) messages from devices on a first media local area network (LAN), encapsulates and transmits the messages to a second address. The system also comprises a server associated with the second address receiving the messages from the first bridging device. Based on the messages, the server constructs a list of the devices on the first network. Based on a rule, the server forwards at least some of the messages received from the first bridging device to a third address. The system also comprises a second bridging device associated with the third address with a transceiver that receives the messages forwarded to the third address, decapsulates the simple service discovery messages, and wirelessly broadcasts the messages to devices on a second media local area network.
US08254300B1 Base station, relay, system and method for packet re-transmission in a multi-hop network
Systems and methods for packet re-transmission in multi-hop wireless networks are provided. RLP packet re-transmission only starts from the hop where L1 ARQ fails. This results in an increased efficiency of radio resource utilization. The benefit increases with a larger number of hops. In particular, the benefit is greatest for implementations where the last hop is more unstable than the remaining hops. This is the case for the cellular downlink where the last hop is between a relay and a mobile terminal, and this hop is typically the most unstable. However, applications are not limited to this particular case. The improvement in RLP recovery delay can be translated into an improvement in system capacity and per-terminal throughput. A short RLP recovery delay enables the possibility of a higher number of re-transmissions of lost RLP packets. This in turn translates into a higher target physical layer FER (frame error rate) being allowed which in turn translates into an increased system capacity. Furthermore, a short RLP recovery delay may reduce the possibility of TCP re-transmission and slow start.
US08254297B2 Mobile communication system, base station, and transmission power control method used for them
A base station (1) receives a HS-DPCCH at a base station reception unit (22) through a base station receiving antenna (12), and the HS-DPCCH is despread and demodulated by the base station despreading unit (21). The demodulated HS-DPCCH is decoded by the base station channel decoding unit (20), and ACK/NACK/DTX is extracted at a HARQ-ACK detection unit (19) and then the HS-DPCCH is delivered to a HS-SCCH transmission power decision unit (18). The HS-SCCH transmission power decision unit (18) decides transmission power of a HS-SCCH according to the detection status of the ACK/NACK/DTX. The HS-SCCH transmission power thus decided is notified to a base station control unit (17), which notifies the same to a base station spreading/modulation unit (14), so that the decided value is applied to the HS-SCCH transmission power.
US08254292B2 Storage function method and apparatus in a passive optical network
A method and an apparatus for implementing a storage function in a passive optical network (PON) system. On the basis of a LINK ID held by the data, data requiring storage, e.g. data making exclusive use of a wide bandwidth such as audiovisual data and large-volume data packages, are determined among all the data sent to an optical network unit. These data requiring storage are stored in a storage device installed in the optical network unit. In case the user requests data stored in the storage device, the stored data are transferred directly to the user, without any need to request and send these data for the second time via an IPTV server and the core network. It is possible to avoid duplicate transfers of data, and in particular to avoid duplicate transfers of data making exclusive use of a comparatively wide bandwidth such as audiovisual data and large-volume data packages, to improve the utilization factor of the downlink bandwidth, and to reduce flow congestion and data delays.
US08254289B2 Train car-to-car communication device
A train car-to-car communication device includes: a terminal; an intra-composition transmission line connected to the terminal within the same composition for transmitting information; a composition-to-composition communication relay unit connected to the intra-composition transmission line for receiving first information from the terminal within the composition and transmitting the first information to an adjacent composition, and receiving second information from the adjacent composition and transmitting the second information to the terminal within the composition of interest; and a composition-to-composition transmission line for connecting the composition-to-composition communication relay units of the adjacent compositions and transmitting the information, and the composition-to-composition communication relay unit determines a difference between composition directions of the composition as a transmission source of the received information and the composition to which the composition-to-composition communication relay unit of interest belongs, and rewrites to invert direction-dependent information contained in the received information if the composition directions are different.
US08254288B2 Method and an arrangement for handling a service request in a multimedia network
A method and arrangement for handling a service request in a session control unit in a multimedia network. Upon receiving the service request from a user equipment, the session control unit checks a service profile associated with a user-identity of the service request in order to find an application server to which the service request is to be routed. Prior to routing the service request, an ensuring entity ensures the service request will include a primary user-identity. In the application server, the primary user-identity is used to find stored data, which is necessary for executing the requested service.
US08254287B2 Methods and apparatus for optimal participation of devices in a peer to peer overlay network
Methods and apparatus for optimal participation of devices in a peer-to-peer overlay network. A method for dynamically configuring a node includes operating on an overlay network using a first participation mode, obtaining at least one configuration parameter, selecting a second participation mode for operation on the overlay network based on local policy and the at least one configuration parameter, and configuring the node to participate on the overlay network based on the second participation mode. An apparatus for dynamic node configuration includes a memory coupled to a processor and configured to operate on an overlay network using a first participation mode, obtain at least one configuration parameter, select a second participation mode for operation on the overlay network based on local policy and the at least one configuration parameter, and configure the node to participate on the overlay network based on the second participation mode.
US08254285B2 Hardware abstraction layer
Switching and routing functions may be provided in a data plane of a network switch by having all functions and algorithms needed to handle all related interface, logical and physical, under one interface manager to keep track of bindings between virtual interfaces and logical interfaces, as well as maintain the statuses of ports that belong to the virtual interface and the actual logical ports. When the actual interface goes down, the virtual interface may go down along with it. The bindings may also include definitions. All of these bindings may be located in a single routing information base (RIB) database, eliminating the need for multiple bindings to be kept in various places. Furthermore, a hardware abstraction layer in the control plane can also then be mirrored in the data plane, eliminating the need for the customer to create a layer performing the same tasks.
US08254281B2 Method for doppler shift estimation and compensation in a communications system
A communications system comprising at least one Base Station BS, one or more Satellites and Mobile Stations MS connected therebetween, and wherein the mobile station includes means to calculate Doppler frequency shifts. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile station includes means to measure clock mismatch frequency.
US08254276B2 Packet data services using version and capability information
A method and apparatus of providing packet data services that includes establishing an over-the-air communication connection between a mobile station and a wireless network infrastructure. The mobile station communicates a version and capability indication of a wireless packet data standard supported in the mobile station to the wireless network infrastructure. The wireless network infrastructure communicates a version and capability indication of the wireless packet data standard supported in the network infrastructure to the mobile station. Operation of the mobile station and wireless network infrastructure are adjusted in accordance with the indicated versions and capabilities.
US08254271B1 Point-to-multipoint connectivity verification
Improved connectivity verification is disclosed. A root in a point-to-multipoint network can establish parameters for a connectivity-verification session with each endpoint in the network. The root then sends verification-request messages to each endpoint in accordance with the parameters. Each endpoint signals an alarm (e.g., sends a reply to the root) if the verification-request messages are not received at the endpoint in accordance with the established parameters. In this manner, endpoints send verification-reply messages to the root much less frequently, greatly reducing the congestion at the root and greatly reducing the chance that the root gets congested or even overwhelmed when the network includes large numbers of endpoints.
US08254270B2 Fast convergence on child link failures and weighted load balancing of aggregate ethernet/SONET bundles
A network device provides a selector list that includes indices of child nexthops associated with the network device, where each of the child nexthops is associated with a corresponding child link provided in an aggregated bundle of child links. The network device also receives an indication of a failure of a child link in the aggregated bundle of child links, and removes, from the selector list, an index of a child nexthop associated with the failed child link. The network device further receives probabilities associated with the child links of the aggregated bundle of child links. Each of the probabilities indicates a probability of a packet exiting the network device on a child link. The network device also creates a distribution table based on the probabilities associated with the child links, and rearranges values provided in the distribution table.
US08254267B2 Extensible traffic generator for synthesis of network data traffic
A traffic generator generates a plurality of traffic flows, with each of the traffic flows being associatable with one or more of a plurality of output interfaces of the traffic generator. In an illustrative embodiment, each of the output interfaces may have any desired combination of the traffic flows associated therewith. The traffic flows may be generated based on user selection of at least one of a protocol encapsulation, a packet size distribution model, a packet arrival time distribution model, a traffic model, and a packet payload description. Information characterizing one or more of the traffic flows may be stored as a traffic file in a memory associated with the traffic generator.
US08254266B2 Method for determining a path distance value and network nodes
In a method for determining link and route metrics, in order to determine an optimal path for time-critical transmission such as video telephony or VoIP, for use in routing protocols, the route metric is calculated as the product of the link metrics, wherein the link metrics in turn are calculated from the formula L=1−(1−A1*A2)^(W+1), wherein L is the link metric, A1 and A2 are the data packet arrival rates in the outgoing and incoming directions of a link, and W is the maximum number of retransmissions per link. The route metric is optimal for the route which has the lowest number of lost packets.
US08254258B2 Jitter management for packet data network backhaul of call data
Managing packet data network jitter is disclosed. A first call data associated with a mobile network communication session is received. A second call data that is older than the first call data is dropped from a buffer if required to make room in the buffer for the first call data.
US08254256B2 System and method for performing distributed policing
Various systems and methods that synchronize local copies of a variable used in a distributed algorithm, such as that used in distributed policing, are disclosed. For example, one system includes several distributed algorithm participants that are coupled to communicate with each other. Each of the each of the distributed algorithm participants maintains a shared variable in order to implement the distributed algorithm. One of the distributed algorithm participants is a synchronizer. The synchronizer is configured to calculate a new value of the shared variable and to communicate the new value to each of the other distributed algorithm participants. The distributed algorithm can be a distributed policing algorithm, and the shared variable can be a global bucket.
US08254255B2 Flow-control in a switch fabric
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a module within a first stage of a switch fabric, a module within a second stage of the switch fabric, and a module within a third stage of the switch fabric. The module within the first stage is configured to send data to the module within the second stage. The module within the second stage is configured to send data to the module within the third stage. The module within the second stage is configured to send a first suspension indicator to the module within the third stage. The module within the third stage is configured to send a second suspension indicator to the module within the first stage in response to the first suspension indicator. The module within the first stage is configured to stop sending data to the module within the second stage in response to the second suspension indicator.
US08254251B2 Mesh hybrid communication network
A communication network comprises a plurality of physical media. The physical media may be sensitive to disturbances that are different from one physical medium to another, such that a failure in one physical medium may not effect communication in other physical medium of the communication network. The nodes of the communication network comprise a plurality of physical layers units and MAC units pairs, each pair connected to a different physical medium. The transfer of massages among the network nodes on the plurality of different physical media is done in a transparent way by upper layers of communication unit of the network nodes.
US08254250B2 Determining optimum delivery conditions associated with a restoration plan in a communication network
Technologies for determining optimum delivery conditions associated with a restoration plan that addresses potentially troubled nodes are generally disclosed.
US08254249B2 Session resilience prioritization queuing mechanism to minimize and eliminate packet loss
A method for managing a plurality of subscriber sessions tied to mobile devices in a router, each subscriber session of the plurality of subscriber sessions assigned to a line card in the router, the line card implementing a data plane entity and a control card implementing a control plane entity, the method comprising: redistributing each subscriber session in the plurality of subscriber sessions assigned to a failed line card in the router to minimize packets lost and maximize subscriber session retention, redistributing including classifying each subscriber session in the plurality of subscriber sessions into a plurality of priority queues, in response to detection of the failed line card, transferring each subscriber session in the plurality of subscriber sessions assigned to the failed line card to one of a plurality of operating line cards in priority queue order.
US08254248B2 Method and system for implementing redundancy for streaming data in audio video bridging networks
Aspects of a method and system for implementing redundancy for streaming data in audio video bridging networks are provided. Network resources may be reserved over a plurality of network paths. Reserved resources may be utilized for the transmission and/or reception of a corresponding plurality of data streams, wherein one or more of the streams may comprise redundant data. A plurality of data streams may be transmitted and/or received by a plurality of network interface hardware devices. Similarly, a plurality of data streams may be transmitted and/or received by a plurality of ports integrated into a single network interface hardware device. Each of the plurality of data streams may be assigned a unique identifier and the identifier of a first data stream may differ by one bit from an identifier of a data stream comprising data redundant to the first data stream.
US08254246B2 Scattered pilot pattern and channel estimation method for MIMO-OFDM systems
A method and apparatus are provided for reducing the number of pilot symbols within a MIMO-OFDM communication system, and for improving channel estimation within such a system. For each transmitting antenna in an OFDM transmitter, pilot symbols are encoded so as to be unique to the transmitting antenna. The encoded pilot symbols are then inserted into an OFDM frame to form a diamond lattice, the diamond lattices for the different transmitting antennae using the same frequencies but being offset from each other by a single symbol in the time domain. At the OFDM receiver, a channel response is estimated for a symbol central to each diamond of the diamond lattice using a two-dimensional interpolation. The estimated channel responses are smoothed in the frequency domain. The channel responses of remaining symbols are then estimated by interpolation in the frequency domain.
US08254238B2 Optical information recording/ reproducing apparatus and optical information recording and reproducing method
An optical information recording/reproducing device includes a liquid optical element containing a liquid crystal polymer layer in an optical head. A liquid crystal optical element drive unit drives a liquid crystal optical element having a first pattern electrode divided into a plurality of region at one side of the liquid crystal polymer layer in the optical axis direction. The first pattern electrode includes a first region arranged to surround the optical axis and second to ninth regions arranged outside the first regions in such a manner that the circumference is divided eight portions. The liquid crystal optical element drive unit applies an effective voltage to each region. The voltage applied to the respective regions of the pattern region of the liquid crystal optical element is decided in a short time so as to optimize the quality of the reproduction signal.
US08254237B2 Diffraction grating, optical pickup device and optical disc apparatus
An optical pickup device includes a semiconductor laser which emits a light beam, first and second objective lenses which focus the light beam onto a first and second optical disc, respectively, a grating which branches a light beam reflected from the second optical disc, an optical detector having a plurality of light receiving parts, which receives light beams branched by the grating, and an actuator which displaces the first and second objective lenses in a radial direction of the first optical disc and the second optical disc. The grating has a first area on which a 0-order diffraction light beam and a +1-order diffraction light beam upon reflection at the second optical disc enter, and a second area on which a 0-order diffraction light beam and a −1-order diffraction light beam upon diffraction through the second optical disc enter.
US08254235B2 System and method for transfer of data stored in holographic storage medium
A system for processing information is provided. The system includes multiple micro-holograms contained in multiple volumes arranged along multiple tracks in one or more storage mediums. Each of the micro-hologram includes a data. The system also includes one or more pick-up head devices with optical lenses for directing laser beams on the multiple tracks. Further, the system includes a subsystem for arranging the one or more pick-up head devices for recording and retrieving of the data from the one or more storage mediums.
US08254233B2 Information recording device, information reproducing device, and information recording medium
An information recording device, an information reproducing device, and an information recording medium securely protect copyright of main information, and prevent illegal access to the recorded main information. The information recording device includes a medium unique information generating section that generates second sub information by data-converting stamper unique information based on disc identification information that differs for each optical disc after transferring main information and first sub information from a stamper having the main information and the first sub information recorded thereon onto an optical disc, and a medium unique information recording section that records the second sub information on the optical disc having recorded thereon in advance the main information and the first sub information in a form different from the forms of the main information and the first sub information.
US08254231B2 Driving device and method, program, and recording medium
A driving device includes: n pickups; n first control means for respectively controlling the pickups; and a second control means for controlling the n first control means so as to divide data into n pieces of data and to write divided data on a predetermined disc through the n pickups, wherein, when a notification that defect is detected is received from at least one first control means from among the n first control means while data is being written on the disc, the second control means determines a replacement destination, notifies information regarding the replacement destination to the n first control means, and determines the replacement destination in a region where data is continuously read at the time of reproducing of the disc.
US08254225B2 Method of writing data to a disc, disc drive
The invention relates to a method of writing data to a disc (OD). The method comprised: a) performing a plurality of writing actions in which a plurality of data portions are written to the disc, b) performing a plurality of verification actions in which written data portions are at least partly verified and at least part of the data portions are replaced if needed. The method further comprises a2) performing a decision action for each writing action in which a decision whether or not to perform the verification action for a specific written data portion is taken.
US08254224B2 Servoing system for master with parallel tracks in a holographic replication system
Techniques are provided for controlling the reading of optical data from a master disk in a holographic replication system. Imperfections in the master disk or movement of the disk during a recording process may cause source beams to deviate from target data tracks. In some embodiments, a detector system is used to determine the focus and alignment of the source beams on the master disk, as well as the tilt and rotation of the disk with respect to the holographic replication system. The detector system may detect deviations in the intensity distribution of the reflections of the source beams and generate an error signal corresponding to focusing, tracking, tilt, and/or rotational errors. Servo-mechanical devices may actuate optical components to compensate for such errors.
US08254219B2 Objective lens actuator and optical pickup device having the same
An objective lens actuator includes a plurality of objective lenses, a first lens holder on which the plurality of objective lenses are mounted, and a drive mechanism that drives the first lens holder. At least one of the plurality of objective lenses is mounted on the first lens holder while being held by the second lens holder. Formed on the second lens holder are a slide part which slides the second lens holder with respect to the first lens holder at a time of assembly, and a projection arranged outward of the slide part and protruding toward the first lens holder with the second lens holder being mounted on the first lens holder. The lens holder has a groove formed therein where the projection is securely adhered.
US08254218B2 Recording method and apparatus for optical disk drive
A recording apparatus for an optical disk drive is provided. The recording apparatus includes a driver, a servo signal generator, a filter, and a counter. The driver controls a recording speed of the optical disk drive. The servo signal generator generates at least a servo signal. The filter with a specific bandwidth filters the servo signal to generate a filtered servo signal. The counter generate a count value according to the filtered servo signal and instructs the driver to decrease the recording speed of the optical disk drive when the count value exceeds a trigger value, so as to record with the decreased recording speed.
US08254216B2 Content dubbing system, content recording apparatus and content dubbing method
The content copying system pertaining to the present invention is a content copying system in which multiple devices (11-14) cooperate to copy content to a removable recording medium (31). The first device (11) comprises a writing unit for writing first management data which includes content identifiers (hash1˜hash4) to the removable recording medium (31). A second device (12) storing content pieces (ep2, ep4) copies content pieces (ep2, ep4) corresponding to the content identifiers (hash2, hash4) included in the first management data to the removable recording medium (31). Another second device (13) which has a content piece (ep3) stored thereon copies, to the removable recording medium (31), the content piece (ep3) corresponding to the content identifier (hash 3) written to the removable recording medium (31).
US08254210B2 High fidelity data compression for acoustic arrays
Techniques include determining coefficients of a complex auto regression (AR) model to fit a complex average spectrum at a base frequency resolution of a set of one or more measured acoustic beams during a time block. Residuals derived by filtering actual data through an inverse of the AR model are determined at frequencies below a first threshold frequency. A quantized spectrum of the residuals is determined at the base frequency resolution. Magnitude, phase, and frequency bin at the base frequency resolution are determined for each peak of a set of one or more narrowband peaks above a second threshold frequency for the set of one or more measured acoustic beams. A message is sent, which indicates without loss the coefficients of the AR model, the quantized spectrum of the residuals, and the frequency bin, magnitude and phase for each peak of the set of one or more narrowband peaks.
US08254205B2 Circuit and method for shifting address
A circuit for shifting an address includes a shift cell block configured to sequentially shift address signals in response to shift control signals and a control cell block configured to generate the shift control signals for activating the shift cell block in a column unit using sequentially shifted read commands or write commands.
US08254204B2 Burst address generator and test apparatus including the same
A burst address generator includes a burst bit counter for receiving at least one burst bit, and increasing or decreasing the at least one burst bit, a burst bit splitter for receiving the increased or decreased at least one burst bit from the burst bit counter, and dividing the increased or decreased at least one burst bit into an X burst bit and a Y burst bit, and a selector for receiving an X address, a Y address, the X burst bit, and the Y burst bit, and generating an X burst address based on the X address and the X burst bit and a Y burst address based on the Y address and the Y burst bit.
US08254198B2 Anti-fuse element
Programmable anti-fuse circuitry including at least one anti-fuse cell having a first anti-fuse device coupled between a supply voltage and a first node and a second anti-fuse device coupled between the first node and a ground voltage, and control logic coupled to the first node and arranged to generate a programming voltage having one of at least a first voltage level for breaking-down the first anti-fuse device but not the second anti-fuse device and coupling the first node to the supply voltage; and a second voltage level for breaking-down the second anti-fuse device but not the first anti-fuse device and coupling the first node to the ground voltage.
US08254197B2 Semiconductor memory device and self refresh test method
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array that includes a plurality of memory cells, an SR timer that determines a cycle of self refresh of the memory cell, a refresh counter that generates an internal address signal of the memory cell which is a target of the self refresh, and a circuit that outputs a pulse active signal to continuously execute refresh operation in one cycle of the self refresh.
US08254193B2 Semiconductor memory device
There is provided a semiconductor memory device including: plural memory cells; a selection signal outputting section; a first precharging section that precharges a potential of a data line that outputs, to an exterior, a signal of a level corresponding to data stored in the memory cell; and a bit line selecting section that has, per bit line, a bit line selecting section that comprises (1) a second precharging section, (2) a potential lowering section, and (3) a third precharging section connected to the bit line selection line and the bit line between the second precharging section and a connection point at which the potential lowering section is connected to the bit line, and when the non-selection signal is inputted, the third precharging section precharges the bit line between the second precharging section and the connection point at which the potential lowering section is connected to the bit line.
US08254186B2 Circuit for verifying the write enable of a one time programmable memory
A memory system including a one time programmable (OTP) memory is provided. The memory system further includes a write enable verification circuit including an asymmetric inverter stage and a symmetric inverter stage coupled at a node. The write enable verification circuit is configured to receive a write enable signal. When the write enable signal changes from a first voltage level to a second voltage level, a voltage at the node changes at a first rate and wherein when the write enable signal changes from the second voltage level to the first voltage level, the voltage at the node changes at a second rate higher than the first rate. The write enable verification circuit is further configured to generate a verified write enable signal for enabling programming of the OTP memory.
US08254182B2 Analog sensing of memory cells with a source follower driver in a semiconductor memory device
Memory devices, methods, and sample and hold circuits are disclosed, including a memory device that includes a sample and hold circuit coupled to a bit line. One such sample and hold circuit includes a read circuit, a verify circuit, and a reference circuit. The read circuit stores a read threshold voltage that was read from a selected memory cell. The verify circuit stores a target threshold voltage that is compared to the read threshold voltage to generate an inhibit signal when the target and read threshold voltages are substantially equal. The reference circuit stores a reference threshold voltage that can be used to translate the read threshold voltage to compensate for a transistor voltage drop and/or temperature variations.
US08254181B2 Nonvolatile memory device and programming method
A nonvolatile memory device includes; a memory cell array configured into a plurality of memory blocks, a decoder connected to the plurality of memory blocks via a word line, a page buffer connected to the plurality of memory blocks via a bit line, and control logic configured to define a control voltage applied to at least one of the word line and the bit line during a program/verify operation in accordance with a location of each one of the plurality of memory blocks within the memory cell array.
US08254177B2 Programming non-volatile memory with variable initial programming pulse
Multiple programming processes are performed for a plurality of non-volatile storage elements. Each of the programming process operates to program at least a subset of the non-volatile storage elements to a set of target conditions using programming pulses. For at least a subset of the programming processes, a programming pulse associated with achieving an intermediate result for a respective programming process is identified, a pulse increment between programming pulses is decreased for the respective programming process while continuing the respective programming process to program non-volatile storage elements to the respective one or more targets and the identified programming pulse is used to adjust a starting programming voltage for a subsequent programming process.
US08254174B2 Memory segment accessing in a memory device
Methods for programming memory devices, a memory device, and memory systems are provided. According to at least one such method, bit lines a memory segment are read at substantially the same time by coupling a selected memory segment, and at some of the data lines of any intervening segments, to respective data caches. The bit lines of the unselected memory segments that are not used to couple the selected segment to the data caches can be coupled to their respective source lines. Other methods, devices, and systems are also provided.
US08254171B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory
The invention decreases the number of writing processes of EEPROM. When a mode change signal is L level, a EEPROM is set to a bank mode. In this case, first and second memory banks are independently accessed by a control signal of a first port and a control signal of a second port, respectively. When the mode change signal is H level, the EEPROM is set to a combine mode. In this case, the first and second memory banks are combined into a 4k-bit memory bank, and accessed by the control signal of the first port.
US08254170B2 Preloading data into a flash storage device
Programmer's data is initially stored in a memory device of the storage device by using an MBC storage scheme. After the storage device is embedded in a host device, the programmer's data is internally read from the memory device by using conventional read reference voltages, and the number of erroneous data bits in the programmer's data is calculated. If the programmer's data includes an uncorrectable number of erroneous data bits, the programmer's data is iteratively reread by using unconventional read reference voltages with decreased levels. The iteration process, which includes decreasing the level of the read reference voltages and recalculating the number of erroneous data bits, is terminated when the number of erroneous data bits in the programmer's is less than or equals a predetermined number of erroneous data bits, after which the storage device restores the programmer's data and conventionally rewrites it into the memory device.
US08254168B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and write method for the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes memory cells, bit lines, a write circuit, and sense amplifiers. The bit lines are connected to the memory cells. The sense amplifiers are configured to bias the bit line to which the selected memory cell is connected, to a first voltage until the threshold of the selected memory cell reaches the value of a first write state. Then, when the threshold of the selected memory cell reaches the value of the first write state, the bit line is biased to a second voltage higher than the first voltage. When the threshold of the selected memory cell reaches the value of a second write state, the bit line is continuously biased to a third voltage higher than the second voltage. Bit lines connected to unselected memory cells corresponding to the memory cells other than the selected one are biased to the third voltage.
US08254166B2 Integrated circuit including doped semiconductor line having conductive cladding
An integrated circuit includes an array of memory cells. Each memory cell includes a diode. The integrated circuit includes a doped semiconductor line formed in a semiconductor substrate. The doped semiconductor line is coupled to a row of diodes. The integrated circuit includes conductive cladding contacting the doped semiconductor line.
US08254164B2 Semiconductor device using magnetic domain wall movement
Provided may be a semiconductor device using magnetic domain wall movement. The semiconductor device may include a magnetic track having a plurality of magnetic domains and a thermal conductive insulating layer configured to contact the magnetic track. The thermal conductive insulating layer may prevent or reduce the magnetic track from being heated due to a current supplied to the magnetic track.
US08254163B2 Spintronic device and information transmitting method
A concrete means for making transmission over long distances possible using a spin-wave spin current is provided in a spintronic device and an information transmitting method.At least one metal electrode made of any of Pt, Au, Pd, Ag, Bi, alloys of these, or elements having an f-orbital are provided on top of a magnetic dielectric layer and, so that spin-wave spin current—pure spin current exchange is carried out at the interface between the above described magnetic dielectric layer and the above described metal electrode.
US08254161B2 Device that can be rendered useless and method thereof
In one form a device having an integrated circuit is rendered useless by providing a piezo element coupled to a voltage terminal of the integrated circuit of the device. A render useless signal is generated by any of several ways. The piezo element, in response to the render useless signal, renders in any one of several ways the device to be rendered useless. The piezo element, when disturbed, generates a voltage which is provided to the voltage terminal of the integrated circuit, the voltage being sufficiently high to render useless at least a portion of the integrated circuit. In other forms the render useless signal renders MRAM circuitry within the device useless by moving a magnetic field across the MRAM circuitry to vary resistance of memory reference cells. In one form the magnetic field is moved by spring-loading or pivoting a magnet that is released by the piezo element.
US08254159B2 Method of discharging bit-lines for a non-volatile semiconductor memory device performing a read-while-write operation
In a method of discharging bit-lines for a non-volatile semiconductor memory device performing a read-while-write operation. The method include discharging a global write bit-line to a ground voltage based on a write command within a first period. The method also includes maintaining the discharged voltage of the global write bit-line in the ground voltage during a second period.
US08254158B2 Semiconductor device having resistance based memory array and method of operation associated therewith
In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a non-volatile memory cell array, a write circuit configured to write to the non-volatile memory cell array, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to store at least one erase indicator. The erase indicator is associated with at least a portion of the non-volatile memory cell array and indicates a logic state. The control circuit is configured to control the write circuit to write the logic state indicated by the erase indicator in the non-volatile memory cell array during an erase operation of the associated portion of the non-volatile memory cell array.
US08254155B1 Stub minimization for multi-die wirebond assemblies with orthogonal windows
A microelectronic assembly can include first and second microelectronic packages mounted to opposed surfaces of a circuit panel. Each package can include a substrate having first, second, and third apertures extending therethrough, first, second, and third microelectronic elements each having a surface facing the first surface of the substrate and a plurality of contacts aligned with at least one of the apertures, a plurality of terminals exposed at the second surface in a central region thereof, and leads connected between the contacts of each microelectronic element and the terminals. The apertures of each substrate can have first, second, and third axes extending in directions of their lengths. The first and second axes can be parallel to one another. The third axis can be transverse to the first and second axes. The terminals of each package can be configured to carry all of the address signals transferred to the respective package.
US08254149B2 Power supply module providing feedback voltage stabilization to eliminate inductor spike
A power supply module includes an AC/DC converter, a voltage transforming circuit, a feedback circuit, and a detecting circuit. The AC/DC converter is used for converting the input AC voltage to a primary DC voltage. The voltage transforming circuit is used for transforming the primary DC voltage to the first DC voltage. The feedback circuit is used for sampling the first DC voltage to generate a feedback signal. The detecting circuit is used for detecting if the power supply module is powered on, and generating a first voltage when detecting that the power supply module is powered on. Wherein the voltage transforming circuit maintains the first DC voltage at a first predetermined value according to the feedback signal, the feedback circuit increases a magnitude of the feedback signal according to the first voltage.
US08254145B2 Electronic device with expansion card modules
An electronic device includes a chassis having a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a sidewall perpendicular to each other. A motherboard is secured on the chassis bottom wall. A first socket is disposed on the motherboard. A mounting bracket is secured in the chassis above the motherboard. The mounting bracket includes a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall. The first mounting wall is parallel to and spaced from the sidewall of the chassis, and the second mounting wall is parallel to and spaced from the rear wall. A first riser card is coupled to the first socket on the motherboard, and is secured to the first mounting wall of the mounting bracket. An expansion card module is accommodated in the mounting bracket and parallel to the bottom wall of the chassis.
US08254140B2 Mounting substrate
A mounting substrate includes a substrate, a bonding pad and an induction heating pad. The bonding pad is formed on the substrate, and adhered to a solder ball to mount a semiconductor chip on the substrate. The induction heating pad is disposed adjacent to the bonding pad, the induction heating pad being induction heated by an applied alternating magnetic field to reflow the solder ball. The induction heating pad having a diameter greater than a skin depth in response to the frequency of the applied alternating magnetic field is selectively induction heated in response to a low frequency band of the alternating magnetic field. Accordingly, during a reflow process for a solder ball, the semiconductor chip may be mounted on the mounting substrate to complete a semiconductor package without damaging the mounting substrate, to thereby improve the reliability of the completed semiconductor package.
US08254137B2 Electronic device used in a health care setting
An electronic device for use in a health care setting has a rigid enclosure assembly formed by a rigid shell and a rigid printed circuit board carrying circuitry for operating the device. A switch dome layer and an overlay are independently attached to the device but not to each other, whereby the overlay may be removed without disturbing the dome layer and a better tactile response is achieved.
US08254134B2 Molded memory card with write protection switch assembly
A Secure Digital device including a PCBA having passive components mounted on a PCB using surface mount technology (SMT) techniques, and active components (e.g., controller and flash memory) mounted using chip-on-board (COB) techniques. The components are mounted only on one side of the PCB, and then a molded plastic casing is formed over both sides of the PCB such that the components are encased in the plastic, and a thin plastic layer is formed over the PCB surface opposite to the components. The molded plastic casing is formed to include openings that expose metal contacts provided on the PCB, and ribs that separate the openings. The molded plastic casing defines a pre-molded switch slot that facilitates an insert-in switch assembly process for mounting a write protect switch. The write protect switch includes a movable switch button engaged in the switch slot, and a switch cap secured over the switch slot.
US08254128B2 Heat-transfer mechanism and information device
A heat-transfer mechanism which transfers heat of a heat-generating component mounted on a board to a housing includes a heat-transfer plate having a bottom face portion which has contact with the heat-generating component, a first heat-transfer portion which is screwed near one end portion of the housing and a second heat-transfer portion which is screwed near the other end portion of the housing.
US08254127B2 Heat dissipation module and electronic device having the same
A heat dissipation module includes a heat sink, a wind-guiding element and a pivot. The wind-guiding element is disposed on the heat sink, and the pivot is connected between the heat sink and the wind-guiding element to allow the wind-guiding element to rotate relative to the heat sink via the pivot. The wind-guiding element can change a direction of airflow to provide an optimal heat dissipation effect. Additionally, an electronic device using the heat dissipation module is also provided. The heat dissipation module can provide superior heat dissipation effect to an electronic component on the electronic device and maintain a normal operation of the electronic component.
US08254126B2 Electronic circuit device
An electronic circuit device includes a bus bar, a base component and an electronic component. The bus bar has an external connector terminal capable of receiving electric power from an external power source. The base component has a metallic heat radiation portion and is disposed to oppose the bus bar. The electronic component is held between the bus bar and heat the radiation portion of the base component. The bus bar further includes fixing terminals extending toward the base component. The fixing terminals are fixed to the base component to constitute fixing portions. The fixing portions are configured to have elasticity and exert a restoring force such that a distance between the bus bar and the base component reduces. The electronic component is in pressure contact with the bus bar and the base component by the restoration force of the elasticity of the fixing portions.
US08254123B2 Mounting apparatus for expansion card
A mounting apparatus for mounting an expansion card to a printed circuit board (PCB), includes a connector on the PCB, and a latch member pivotably connected to the connector. The connector defines a slot to receive the expansion card. The latch member is a rectangular wire frame comprising a lock portion, two connection arms extending down from the lock portion, and two pivot portions extending from distal ends of the connection arms toward each other. The pivot portions are pivotably attached to two sidewalls of the connector. After the expansion card is plugged into the slot of the connector, the latch member is pivoted to make the lock portion press against a portion of the expansion card, thereby locking the expansion card to the connector.
US08254122B2 Data center
A data center includes a housing, a number of heat units arranged in the housing, and a fan mounted in the housing. When the data center runs, cool air comes into the housing through the front wall, the back wall, and the bottom wall of the housing, for cooling the heat units. The heated air is vented out of the housing through the top wall by the fan.
US08254119B2 Host computer attached to monitor
A computer includes a monitor and a host computer coupled to a monitor. The monitor includes a back cover and a plurality of sides extending forwards form the back cover. The host computer includes a computer enclosure and a plurality electronic element. The computer enclosure includes a bottom board and a plurality of sideboard extending forward from the bottom board to abut against the plurality of sides of the monitor. A receiving space is formed between the back cover of the monitor and the bottom board of the computer enclosure. The number of electronic elements are received in the receiving space and mounted on the bottom board of the computer enclosure.
US08254115B2 Slide mechanism for slide-type portable electronic device
A slide mechanism includes a main plate, a slide plate, a locking module and a button. The slide plate is installed on the main plate and slidable relative to the main plate. The locking module is attached to the slide plate and locks with the main plate. The button operates the locking module to unlock the main plate.
US08254112B2 Compact heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device for dissipating heat from an electronic component. The heat dissipation device includes a shroud having a bottom wall and a sidewall partially surrounding the bottom wall, a base mounted on a bottom of the bottom wall, a bracket fixed on a top of the bottom wall, an impeller rotatably mounted on the bracket, a fin assembly arranged on the bottom wall, a plurality of heat pipes connecting the fin assembly with the base, and a cover secured on the sidewall. An end of the bottom wall extends beyond the sidewall to support the fin assembly thereon. An opening and a window are respectively defined in the bottom wall and the cover. A plate is formed within the opening of the bottom wall and connects the bracket with the base.
US08254111B2 Mounting assembly for packaging and shipping computer components
An air duct installed in a chassis is configured to have a heat dissipating device mounted thereon during shipping. The heat dissipating device defining a number of mounting holes corresponding to a number of fixing members extending from a surface of the air duct to accomplish the mounting. Thereby, the heat dissipating device may be conveniently and securely packaged and transported with the air duct and chassis.
US08254108B2 Storage module for computer systems
A storage module for computer systems includes a housing defining an opening, a power supply unit and an air cooling unit, a storage unit detachably received in the housing through the opening, a bracket for mounting the storage unit, and a magnetic member. The bracket includes a tray plate defining a plurality of heat dissipation holes, a first side plate, an opposite second side plate, a stop plate including a first end detachably coupled to the second side plate and a second end pivotally connected to the first side plate, and a resilient member resiliently biasing the stop plate away from the first side plate. The storage unit is moveably and insertably positioned between the first and the second side plates. The magnetic member is positioned in one of the second side plate and the stop plate such that the second side plate and the stop plate are magnetically attracted.
US08254106B2 Mounting apparatus for data storage device
A mounting apparatus includes a latching member, a fastening tab, a fixing member, and a securing member. The fixing member includes a fixing plate, and a resisting plate extending from a first end of the fixing plate. The securing member includes a fixing board, and opposite clamping boards perpendicularly extending from a top and a bottom sides of a first end of the fixing board. A fixing tab extends from a second? end of the fixing board. A second end of the fixing plate is movably mounted to the clamping boards. The fastening tab is fixed to a distal end of the resisting plate, and operably clamped with the fixing tab. The latching member is rotatably mounted to the second end of the fixing plate, away from the resisting plate, and rotated to engage with or disengage from the clamping boards.
US08254105B2 Electronic device with a covered expansion card bay
An electronic device includes a main body, an expansion card holder, and a protective cover assembly. The main body defines an opening. The expansion card holder is located in the main body adjacent to the opening. The expansion card holder defines a bay facing the opening to receive an expansion card. The protective cover assembly includes a rotary shaft unit, and a metallic cover rotatably connected to the main body via the rotary shaft unit. The metallic cover includes a cover portion covering the opening, and a resisting portion extending from the cover portion and resisting the main body. The resisting portion provides resilient force impelling the cover portion to cover the opening automatically.
US08254104B2 Tilting portable electronic device
A tilting portable electronic device includes a housing, a cover forming two spaced stopping blocks, at least one connecting member rotatably connecting the housing and the cover, a rotating member rotatably connecting the housing and the cover, and an elastic member securing with the rotating member and having a resisting section slidably resisting against the cover. When the cover is opened relative to the housing, the connecting member and the rotating member rotates to support an end of the cover slanted relative to the housing, after the cover slides a predetermined distance, the elastic member causing the cover to slide automatically until the resisting section slides to the other stopping block.
US08254102B2 Mounting apparatus for speaker
A mounting apparatus includes a case, a first sliding member, a second sliding member, a first supporting member, and a second supporting member. The first sliding member is slidably received in the case. The second sliding member is slidably received in the first sliding member. The first supporting member is rotatably connected to the second sliding member. The second supporting member is rotatably connected to the second supporting member and configured for positioning a speaker.
US08254100B2 Unitary computing device having orientation adjusting mechanism
A unitary computing device includes a rotary member and a support for supporting the rotary member and allowing a rotation of the rotary member. The unitary computing device also includes an optical disk drive and at least one orientation adjusting mechanism. The orientation adjusting mechanism includes a first linkage bar rotatably connected to the support, a second linkage bar rotatably connected to the first linkage bar and the optical disk drive, and a third linkage bar rotatably connected to the rotary member and the optical disk drive, which constitutes a linkage bar mechanism to adjust an orientation of the optical disk drive.
US08254098B2 Housing and portable electronic device using the same
A housing comprises a first section, a second section and a glue. The first section has at least one resisting block protruding therefrom, each resisting block defines a latching slot therein. The second section has at least one catch protruding therefrom, each catch corresponding to one of the latching slots, respectively. The glue is positioned between the first section and the second section for adhering the first section to the second section. When the second section is stacked on the first section via the glue, the at least one catch latch with the latching slot after the first section is pushed toward the second section.
US08254091B2 Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a main body, a battery cover, a resisting portion positioned on the main body, and a latching portion positioned on the main body adjacent to the resisting portion. The battery cover includes a latching protrusion and a positioning portion. The latching protrusion passes over and latches with resisting portion; the positioning portion passes over and latches with latching portion.
US08254089B2 Panelboard enclosure with installable panelboard assembly
An electrical panelboard enclosure includes a primary service panel configured to receive power from a main power source and an alternate power source, an alternate power source connector array, and a distribution panel that delivers main or alternate power to subsidiary load circuits. A service transfer switch unit includes a main power breaker and an alternate power breaker having mutually interlocked toggle switches for respectively activating/deactivating the main and alternate power. The panelboard enclosure further includes an arrangement in which the primary service panel, the distribution panel, the alternate power source connector array and the service transfer switch are part of an installable panelboard assembly that is mountable as a unit within the panelboard enclosure.
US08254088B2 Gas-insulated switchgear
It is an object to provide gas-insulated switchgear that occupies less installation space, in which the number of bellows to be used can be reduced, and that can minimize a work range in disassembling at addition or accident, and in reassembling. In double-bus gas-insulated switchgear in which a bus-side device is arranged above a breaker to reduce installation space to be occupied, a bellows is arranged between bus-side devices arranged vertically to each other, and under a support frame of the breaker, another support frame that can be separated therefrom is arranged, thereby enabling disassembling of a lower bus-side device alone.
US08254087B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor
The solid electrolytic capacitor includes a capacitor element including an anode section, a dielectric film, and a cathode section, a wiring member on which the capacitor element is mounted, and an enclosure resin coating the capacitor element. The wiring member includes an insulating base, a first anode terminal portion connected to the anode section is provided on a first surface of the insulating base on which the capacitor element is mounted, the first anode terminal portion includes a connection part integrally formed therewith for electrically connecting the first anode terminal portion and the anode section to each other, a second anode terminal portion connected to the first anode terminal portion is provided on a second surface of the insulating base opposed to the first surface, and the first and second anode terminal portions are connected by an anode conduction part provided on a side surface of the insulating base.
US08254086B2 Two-step synthesis of manganese oxide nanostructures on carbon for supercapacitor applications
A process to deposit a conformal coating of manganese oxide nanocrystals within a high surface area connected pore structure of a carbon paper electrode. A two-step process is utilized. In the first step the carbon paper electrode is immersed in an alkaline manganese oxide solution to form a nanocrystal seed layer on the surface and within the pores of the carbon paper. In the second step the seeded carbon paper is immersed in an acidic manganese oxide solution. The result is a densely packed continuous conformal nanocrystal coating both on the surface of the carbon and deep within its pores. The carbon paper is highly suitable for use as an electrode in a supercapacitor.
US08254082B2 Capacitor material, production method of the same, and capacitor, wiring board and electronic device containing that material
The capacitor material of the present invention is comprised by laminating a titanium dioxide layer and a titanate compound layer having perovskite crystals.
US08254081B2 Laminated ceramic electronic component and manufacturing method thereof
In a laminated ceramic electronic component in which, by directly carrying out a plating process on an outer surface of a component main body, an external electrode is formed thereon, an attempt is made to improve the adhesion strength between a plated film forming the external electrode and the component main body. A brazing material containing Ti is applied to at least one portion of a surface on which external electrodes of a component main body is formed, and by baking this brazing material, a metal layer containing Ti is formed. Moreover, the external electrodes are formed by a plating process so as to coat at least the metal layer, and a heating process is then carried out so as to cause counter diffusion between the metal layer and the plated film that is to form the external electrodes.
US08254080B1 Systems and methods for providing current to inhibit locomotion
An electronic weapon inhibits locomotion by a human or animal target by conducting a stimulus signal through the target. The electronic weapon includes an inductance, first and second energy stores, and a switch. The switch has a first position and a second position and is in series with first energy store and the inductance. Energy from the first energy store is transferred to a magnetic field of the inductance while the switch is operating in the first position. The stimulus signal comprises a first phase and a second phase. During the first phase, the switch is operated in the second position, and a flyback effect of the inductance provides an ionizing voltage for the stimulus signal. During the second phase, the second energy store releases energy for the stimulus signal at a voltage less than the ionizing voltage.
US08254075B2 Semiconductor device and circuit protection method
A semiconductor device includes a current supply section configured to control a current flowing through a load circuit; an overcurrent detecting section configured to detect based on the current, that an overcurrent flows through the load circuit, to output an overcurrent signal; and an overheat detecting circuit configured to detect that a peripheral temperature exceeds a detected temperature, in response to the overcurrent signal, and output an overheat detection signal. The overheat detecting circuit has a hysteresis to the detection temperature, and the detection temperature contains an overheat detection temperature used to detect an overheat state and a recovery temperature used to detect to have escaped from the overheat state. The semiconductor device further includes a drive control circuit configured to output the current control signal which indicates the quantity of the current flowing through the load circuit based on the overcurrent signal and the overheat detection signal in the electric current supply section.
US08254074B2 Power control circuit
A power control circuit includes a switch circuit, a current sampling circuit, a controller, and a standby power circuit. The switch circuit is connected to an alternating current (AC) power source and an electronic device. The sampling circuit is used to sample a current of a line of the AC power source. The controller is used to determine whether the sampled current is within a predetermined range, and turn off the switch circuit if the sampled current is within a predetermined range to disconnect the electronic device from the AC power source.
US08254073B1 High voltage transmit/receive switch and method therefor
A two terminal transmit receive device passes small analog signals with a constant low resistance value to the input of a low noise, low voltage receiver amplifier and can protect the input against the high voltage transmit signals in ultrasound applications without the aid of any power supplies. The device uses depletion-mode transistors that are normally on to pass small analog signal and a voltage detection circuit that quickly turns off the depletion-mode transistors when the presence of high voltage is detected.
US08254071B2 Method and apparatus of providing 2-stage ESD protection for high-speed interfaces
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of providing 2-stage ESD protection for high-speed interfaces. An aspect of the present invention is to provide an integrated multi-stage ESD/EOS protection solution for such high-speed applications. In one embodiment, the ESD protection device has multiple ESD stages integrated into a single integrated circuit package and is mounted to a printed circuit board in series with a device under protection. In another embodiment the multiple ESD stages integrated into a single integrated circuit package of the ESD protection device are coupled with a series element that isolates a 2nd stage from a 1st stage during an ESD event, thus ensuring that the 2nd stage turns on before the 1st stage, as well as provides for less current in the 2nd stage.
US08254069B2 ESD protection for outputs
An ESD protection circuit is described that protects the output transistors of a target circuit, usually an integrated circuit, that has an output enable, OE, or similar control input. An OE signal turns off the output transistors allowing the target circuit output, or outputs, to electrically float. Such a condition is commonly called a three state condition. The inventive protection circuit is not connected to the output directly, it senses an ESD voltage spike at the +Vdd contact to the circuit and produces a timed signal. The timed signal is converted to logic levels and gated with the OE signal (that the system previously provided to the OE control input). The output of gate forms a new OE control input signal that forces the target circuit into its three state condition during the period of the timed signal.
US08254068B2 Regulating system having overvoltage protection circuit and current protection circuit
A regulating system includes an input port having a first input terminal and a second input terminal, an output port having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, a regulating circuit, an over-current protection circuit, and an overvoltage protection circuit. The overvoltage protection circuit includes a regulating diode, a first bipolar transistor and a second bipolar transistor. The first output terminal is connected to the base of the first bipolar transistor via the regulating diode and grounded via first bipolar transistor. A base of the second bipolar transistor connects to the collector of the first bipolar transistor. The second output terminal is grounded via the second transistor. When an output voltage of the first output terminal increases over a predetermined voltage, an electrical connection between the second output terminal and ground is cut off to stop providing output voltage from the output port.
US08254065B2 For a piezoelectric actuator having an electrode joined with the joint face of the actuator movable member, a power supply including a wiring connector having a face joined with the electrode and another face attached to a conductive base layer of a wiring member and head suspension employing the same
For a piezoelectric actuator in which, upon receiving electric power, a piezoelectric element causes a shear deformation to minutely move a movable member of the actuator relative to a base member of the actuator, a power supply includes a wiring member having an insulating layer, a wiring connector, a hole through at least the wiring member insulating layer, and a contact in the through hole. The wiring member has a conductive base layer, the insulating layer, and a conductor layer, the connector base layer having an insular part and a main part that is electrically isolated from the insular part. The wiring connector has a first face joined with an electrode of the piezoelectric element and a second face joined with the insular part. The contact electrically connects the conductor layer of the wiring member to the wiring connector and to the piezoelectric element.
US08254062B2 Recessed base plate for data transducer suspension
A suspension assembly with reduced total vertical thickness is provided for a data transducing system that includes a dual-stage actuation system for positioning a data transducer. A first structural element of the suspension assembly includes a plate portion and a boss tower that is connectable to a main actuator of the dual-stage actuation system. A second structural element of the suspension assembly includes a recess that receives the plate portion of the first structural element, an opening through which the boss tower extends for connection to the main actuator of the dual-stage actuation system, and a flexible region to which a microactuator element of the dual-stage actuation system is connected. The suspension assembly also includes a support structure connected to the flexible region of the second structural element that carries the data transducer, and an electrical circuit connection system for making electrical connections to the data transducer and to the microactuator of the dual-stage actuation system.
US08254059B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording head with domain controlled side shield
In one embodiment, a perpendicular magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole, a trailing shield, and a multilayered side/leading shield disposed on a leading side of the main magnetic pole in a down-track direction and on either side of the main magnetic pole in a cross-track direction. The side/leading shield includes an inner layer nearer to the main magnetic pole which surrounds the main magnetic pole on three sides and an outer layer farther from the main magnetic pole than the inner layer which surrounds the main magnetic pole and inner layer on three sides. The inner layer has a saturation magnetization (Ms) that is greater than a Ms of the outer layer, and the trailing shield has a relative permeability of greater than about 50. Other magnetic heads and methods of producing magnetic heads are also presented according to various embodiments.
US08254057B1 Detecting wedge angle with a third electric lapping guide (ELG) during manufacture of a magnetic head
In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a read element, a write element, a write upper shield positioned in a downtrack direction from the write element, a first resistance detecting element positioned on an air bearing surface (ABS) side in a first cross-track direction from the read element, a second resistance detecting element positioned on the ABS side in a second cross-track direction from the write element, a third resistance detecting element positioned on the ABS side in a third cross-track direction from the write upper shield, a protective film positioned near the read and write elements, first, second, and third resistance detecting elements, and the write upper shield, and terminals positioned on an end surface side of the magnetic head, the terminals being coupled to the write element, the read element, the first resistance detecting element, the second resistance detecting element, and the third resistance detecting element.
US08254053B2 Cartridge carrying apparatus and cartridge carrying method using notch-engagement projection
To provide a magnetic tape loader with which undesirable slippage does not occur while a cartridge is inserted/ejected and carried, whose configuration is simple, and capable of being produced at a low cost. While a projection on an endless belt wrapped around pulleys is engaged with a notch section formed in a front end face of the cartridge in a rack, wherein the pulleys are provided within a cartridge housing container along a cartridge inserting/ejecting direction and having an interval in between, the pulleys and the endless belt are driven to rotate so that the projection slides and the cartridge is pulled out from the rack or a magnetic tape drive. Then the cartridge is housed in the cartridge housing container. The pulley and the endless belt are driven to rotate in reverse so that the projection slides to insert the cartridge from the cartridge housing container into the rack or the magnetic tape drive.
US08254051B2 Disk drive and method for measuring clearance between a head and a disk in a disk drive
A disk drive. The disk drive includes a disk, a head, a head-slider, a moving mechanism, and a controller. The head is configured to access the disk. The head-slider includes the head, and is configured to fly in proximity to a recording surface of the disk. The moving mechanism is configured to move the head-slider over the disk, and to support the head-slider. The controller is configured to read out at least one from a plurality of clearance-measurement data strings from the recording surface of the disk using the head, and to calculate a clearance between the head and the disk from clearance-measurement results obtained from a plurality of resolutions with different frequency components.
US08254049B2 Systems and methods for improved synchronization between an asynchronously detected signal and a synchronous operation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for synchronizing data processing. As one example, a method for synchronizing data processing is disclosed that includes receiving a data input, and sampling the data input at a sample period to generate a sample set. A first pattern is received and a first periodic boundary associated with the first pattern is identified. In one particular case, the first pattern is a preamble pattern included as sector data on a storage medium, and the first periodic boundary is a 4T boundary. Further, a second pattern is detected in the sample that is used to establish a second periodic boundary. In one particular case, the second pattern is a SAM pattern included as sector data on a storage medium, and the second periodic boundary is a 1T boundary. Based at least in part on the first periodic boundary and the second periodic boundary, a time to transmit or assert a data-found signal is determined.
US08254048B2 Dual gain control for magnetic data storage system
A system according to one embodiment includes an analog input for receiving an analog signal; a variable gain amplifier coupled to the analog input; a first gain control circuit coupled to the variable gain amplifier for controlling the gain of the analog signal; an analog to digital converter for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; a first gain error generation circuit for generating a first gain error signal based on an output of the analog to digital converter, the first gain error signal or derivative thereof being received by the first gain control circuit; and a second gain error generation circuit for generating a second gain error signal based on the digital signal, the second gain error signal or derivative thereof being received by the first gain control circuit, wherein the first gain control circuit uses at least one of the gain error signals to control the gain of the analog signal.
US08254045B1 High-speed Z-axis focusing device and associated methods
A device for moving an optical element along an axis includes a housing in which is mounted a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly has an axial bore therethrough. An electrically conductive coil assembly has an axial bore therethrough substantially concentric with the magnet assembly's bore. The coil assembly is mounted at least partially within the magnet assembly bore for limited axial movement relative thereto. The coil assembly is placeable in electrical communication with a power source, and can support an optical element within the coil assembly's bore. A sensor is affixed for movement with the coil assembly that is adapted for sensing an axial position of the coil assembly. The sensor is placeable in signal communication with a current source for adjusting current delivered to the coil assembly based upon the sensed axial position.
US08254043B2 Barrel and lens module with same
A barrel includes a supporting part at one end of the barrel adjacent to an image side, and a plurality of protrusions formed on an inner surface of the barrel. Each protrusion includes a guiding surface and an engaging surface connected with the guiding surface. Each guiding surface is oblique relative to a central axis of the barrel. A distance between the central axis and a portion of the guiding surface adjacent to the image side is larger than that between the central axis and another portion of the guiding surface next to an object side. The engaging surface and the supporting part cooperatively clamp optical components in the barrel.
US08254042B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging system, a dome cover that houses the imaging system, and a correction lens between the imaging system and the dome cover. The focal length of the dome cover and the focal length of the correction lens are appropriately set based on predetermined conditions.
US08254040B2 Super-wide-angle lens system and imaging module having same
A super-wide-angle lens system for imaging an object on an imaging surface, includes a first lens group with negative refraction power and a second lens group with positive refraction power. The first lens group includes a first spherical lens with negative refraction power, a second spherical lens with negative refraction power, and a third spherical lens with positive refraction power. The first lens has a first surface facing the object side of the first lens group. The second lens group includes a fourth spherical lens with positive refraction power and a fifth spherical lens with negative refraction power. The system satisfies the formulas: 0.01
US08254039B2 Variable magnification optical system and projector
A variable magnification optical system projects an image onto a screen with a sufficient magnification without requiring a large-sized mirror. The variable magnification optical system includes a first optical system through which a light beam modulated with an image signal corresponding to the image is passed; a second optical system disposed downstream of the first optical system in a direction of travel of the light beam along an optical axis; and a reflective optical element having a magnification power that is configured to reflect the light beam from the second optical system toward the screen. A magnification of the image projected on the screen is changed by moving the reflective optical element relative to the object plane, thus changing a distance between the screen and the reflective optical element, while an incident angle of the light beam on the screen is maintained substantially constant.
US08254035B2 Zoom lens and image-capture device
A zoom lens includes a plurality of lens groups having at least first, second and third lens groups arranged in order from an object side. The first lens group has a positive refractive power which is firmly secured when the magnification is changed, the second lens group has a negative refractive power which is shifted to the image side when the magnification is changed from the wide angle end to the telescopic end, and the third lens group has a positive refractive power which is firmly secured when the magnification is changed. The first lens group is configured by arranging, in order from the object side, a single lens having a negative refractive power, a prism having a reflection surface to create a 90° bend in a light path, and at least one single lens having a positive refractive power.
US08254032B2 Test object used for projecting a set of marks to infinity
The collimated test object according to the invention is used for projecting to infinity a set of marks, the positions of which are very accurately known so as to be able to verify the alignment and/or the distortion of optical equipment such as sensors or collimated screens. This test object comprises a plurality of microcollimated sets, each comprising a light source, an elementary test object comprising a mark illuminated by the source as well as a collimation lens for projecting the mark to infinity. With this solution, one gets free of aberration problems to which are subject convention test objects of large dimensions.
US08254031B2 Color distribution in exit pupil expanders
The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for providing color separation in an exit pupil expander system that uses a plurality of diffractive elements for expanding the exit pupil of a display in an electronic device for viewing by introducing a selectively absorbing area or areas in the exit pupil expanders.
US08254030B2 Micro-optic security and image presentation system presenting a synthetically magnified image that appears to lie below a given plane
A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
US08254029B2 Surface relief volume reflective diffractive structure
A surface relief structure includes a recording medium configured to be structurally modified when exposed to interfering and non-interfering portions of radiation beams, the structurally modified recording medium including, when viewed in a two-dimensional cross-section along one of the axes of the recording medium a plurality of equally spaced steps of fine-sized periodicity superimposed upon a plurality of deep depressions of substantially coarse-sized periodicity. The structurally modified recording medium is configured to produce in reflection single and multiple colors in a broad spectral range when illuminated by a source of light.
US08254028B2 Diffraction grating structure and method for manufacturing same
A diffraction grating structure comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A first grating is defined on the first surface and a second grating is defined on the second surface. The first grating includes a plurality of first grooves and has a first grating period. The second grating includes a plurality of second grooves and has a second grating period. The first groove and the second groove are formed by a fast tool servo system.
US08254026B2 Three-dimensional image display
A three-dimensional image display capable of reducing a difference between a resolution variation rate in a pixel column direction and a resolution variation rate in a pixel row direction and preventing a color separation phenomenon is disclosed. The three-dimensional image display includes a display panel in which n (n is a natural number) disparity images are displayed and the same disparity images are distributed and displayed in subpixels of the same color, and a lenticular sheet which divides travel paths of the disparity images using a plurality of lenticular lenses which are obliquely arranged in front of the display panel, and the long axes of the lenticular lenses are parallel to an extension line of the subpixels in which the same disparity images are displayed.
US08254023B2 Optical tomography system with high-speed scanner
An object of interest is illuminated within the field of view of a microscope objective lens located to receive light passing through the object of interest. Light transmitted through the microscope objective lens impinges upon a variable power element. The variable power element is driven with respect to the microscope objective lens to scan through multiple focal planes in the object of interest. Light transmitted from the variable power element is sensed by a sensing element or array.
US08254021B2 Method and apparatus for specimen illumination in a microscope
A microscope includes a base having thereon first optics that image a region that includes a location for a specimen. A method and apparatus involve: removably supporting on the base an illumination module that includes a source of radiation and second optics; and delivering radiation from the source to the location utilizing optical structure embodied entirely within the second optics, including directing radiation traveling from the source to the location through a lens that is part of the second optics.
US08254020B2 Objective-coupled selective plane illumination microscopy
A microscope assembly includes an illumination source coupled to an optical assembly by a coupler. The optical assembly includes an objective with optics that move along an optic axis. The illumination source generates a light blade that illuminates a portion of a sample at an illumination plane. The light blade induces a fluorescent emission from the sample that is projected through the objective optics to a detector. The focal plane of the objective optics is fixed with respect to the illumination source by the coupler so that the illumination plane is coincident with the focal plane as the objective optics move along the optic axis. The objective and illumination may be rapidly scanned along the optic axis to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging while the objective and illumination may also be rapidly scanned along the optic axis to provide rapid three-dimensional imaging.
US08254018B2 Monolithic lens/reflector optical component
A monolithic body (31) has a compound optical surface that defines a centrally located lens element (31B) that is transmissive to light having wavelengths of interest, such as infrared radiation (IR), and a reflector (31B) disposed about the lens element that is reflective to the light. The monolithic body is comprised of a material selected for fabricating a refractive lens element. The compound optical surface has a centrally located portion defining the lens element surrounded by a generally curved surface region having a reflective coating that defines the reflector. The centrally located portion may be coated with an anti-reflection coating. The compound optical surface is preferably formed in one operation, such as one that uses a diamond point turning operation.
US08254016B2 Color electronic paper display device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein is a color electronic paper display device. The color electronic paper display device includes a barrier rib structure body that has a cavity partitioning rotating balls; and an electrode structure that is provided in the barrier rib structure body and applies voltage to the rotating balls, wherein the barrier rib structure body has a multilayer barrier rib structure formed of a lower barrier rib and an upper barrier rib, having different light absorptions.
US08254014B1 Adaptive optics systems using pixilated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
An adaptive optics system is provided, comprising a spatial light modulator configured to modulate an incoming beam with an aberrated wavefront, a beamsplitter configured to receive the modulated beam from the spatial light modulator and to divide the modulated beam into a measurement beam and a reference beam, a spatial filter configured to spatially filter the reference beam, and to interfere the spatially filtered reference beam with the measurement beam to form an interferogram, an imaging device configured to capture an image of the interferogram, and a processor configured to determine the aberrated wavefront and to provide control signals to the spatial light modulator to mitigate aberrations in the aberrated wavefront.
US08254002B2 Screen generating apparatus, screen generating method, and image processing apparatus
Disclosed is a method of generating a screen for an image processing apparatus, which reproduces a multi-gradation image in one pixel using a PWM technique for controlling a pulse width and reference position data. The method includes inputting image data with a first resolution, virtually increasing the first resolution to a second resolution using the reference position data, and generating a screen with the second resolution with respect to the image data using two reference vectors based on the reference position data.
US08254001B2 Color gamut data creating device for image forming apparatus creating color gamut data to indicate distribution range of measurement points projected on each target plane
A color gamut data creating device includes a target plane determining unit. The measurement points are defined in a color space. The color space has an achromatic axis and an axis perpendicular to the achromatic axis. The target plane determining unit further determines a plurality of target planes. Each target plane has a fixed hue angle and including the chromatic axis. A difference between a maximum saturation at a hue angle of each target plane and a maximum saturation at a hue angle of another target plane that is adjacent to the each target plane is lower than a prescribed value. The locating unit that projects, on each target plane, those measurement points that are within a prescribed range relative to the subject target plane. The color gamut creating unit creates color gamut data indicative of a distribution range of the measurement points projected on each target plane.
US08253998B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a reader connecting unit capable of being connected with an original document reader. The original document reader can be a color original document reader that reads original documents in color mode or a monochrome original document reader that reads original documents in monochrome mode. A control unit receives original document data from the original document reader connected to the reader connecting unit, subjects the original document data to prescribed processing corresponding to the format of the original document data and generates image data. Finally, an image forming unit forms an image based on the image data.
US08253989B2 Optical reader, image reader and image forming device
An optical reader which reads image information on an original document by moving to the original document includes an illumination unit having at least one light source arranged on a substrate and illuminating the original document, a plurality of mirrors reflecting reflection light from the original document, a focusing lens focusing the reflection light from the original document reflected by the mirrors, and a photoelectric conversion element arranged in a focusing position of the focusing lens, a normal direction of an emission surface of the light source and a normal direction of a light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element are the same direction, an original document reading position is set near an end portion of the optical reader in the normal direction.
US08253986B2 Image scanner and image scanning method
An image scanner includes a transparent plate, a scanning device, a driving device, a positioning member, a light absorbing portion and a white reference portion. The transparent plate has an original placing surface. The scanning device irradiates an original with light by means of a light source and scans reflected light from the original. The driving device reciprocates the scanning device along the transparent plate. The positioning member positions the original placed on the original placing surface of the transparent plate. The light absorbing portion, which is disposed on the original placing surface side of the positioning member and at substantially a central portion of the positioning member in moving directions of the scanning device, absorbs ambient light entering to the original placing surface side of the positioning member through the transparent plate. The white reference portion is provided to the original placing surface side of the positioning member.
US08253985B2 Image registration parameters and confidence estimation from sensor data
An off page condition or invalid sensors position data is detected by checking the errors from an initial transformation parameter estimation. If an abnormally large error is encountered, a sensor's reading (position data) may be invalid or the sensor was off page. Then the invalid sensor data will be identified and removed. Finally the transformation parameters will be re-estimated using valid sensor position data only. A weighted least-square minimization is used by considering the sensor lift situation. If a sensor is lifted, the weight for the error related to the sensor will be set to a small weight or zero. Also considered are the geometric properties of sensor locations in weighting the sensor error. A confidence measurement of the sensor data and associated error is performed. The confidence measurement is derived from an error ellipse at 95% confidence level.
US08253983B2 Stamping system and method using a portable communication device
A stamping system using a portable communication device is provided. In a preferred form, the stamping system has a server and a portable communication device, the server has a computer program for generating a file code and a log file, the portable communication device has a central processor, a communication unit, and a seal, the seal is used for generating a seal impression, when receiving a file code generation request, the server generates a file code and sends the file code to the portable communication device, the central processor sends a control signal to the seal in response to the file code, the seal generates a seal impression corresponding with the file code, the communication unit sends a log file generation request to the server, and the server generates a log file in response to the log file generation request.
US08253982B2 Information input/output method using dot pattern
A dot pattern including a block defined as a rectangular area of a square or a rectangle of a medium face, such as printed matter. A straight line in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction configuring a frame of the block each are defined as a standard grid line. Virtual reference grid points are provided at predetermined intervals on the reference grid line. Reference grid point dots are placed on respective virtual reference grid points. Straight lines that connect the virtual reference grid points to each other and are parallel to the reference grid lines are defined as grid lines. A point of intersection of grid lines is defined as a virtual grid point. A dot pattern is generated by arranging one or a plurality of information dots, each of which has a distance and a direction around the virtual grid point.
US08253979B2 Method of processing neutral gray color print jobs as monochrome black during billing detection and printing as a neutral gray composite black
A method of converting a RIPped K-only page or pixels to composite black in a digital print engine is included which executes the conversion process during current job workflow, while detecting the K-only page or pixels for billing purposes as K-only, and printed out as composite black.
US08253977B2 Controlling share of processing by each processor based on tendency of compositing pixel information in an image area
An image processing apparatus for sharing image processing for an image area by a plurality of processors, analyzes a tendency of compositing input pixel information in the image area, determines a share of tasks to be executed by each of the plurality of processors based on the analysis result, and controls the share of tasks by each of the plurality of processors in accordance with the determined share of tasks. For example, when the plurality of processors include a first processor which executes a generation process of pieces of pixel information for respective layers to be composited, and a second processor which composites the pieces of generated pixel information, the requirement or complexity of a compositing processing, or the size of area in which the compositing processing is performed is analyzed, so as to control the share of tasks or a communication method of the first and second processors.
US08253975B2 Method and apparatus for calibration of a color printer
A color reproduction system with drift correction that includes a storage module, an image processing module, a printer, a scanner, and a calibration module. The storage module stores one or more current linear response halftones and a set of device independent color signals representative of a calibration target. The image processing module receives the stored device independent color signals and generates binary print data based on the one or more current linear response halftones. The printer prints a copy of the calibration target in accordance with the binary print data. The scanner scans the copy of the calibration target printed by the printer to generate scanned image data that corresponds to the copy of the calibration target. The calibration module generates one or more tone response correction functions based on a comparison between the scanned image data and the stored device independent color signals representative of the calibration target, and creates one or more calibrated linear response halftones based on the generated tone response correction functions. In some instances, the one or more calibrated linear response halftones are stored in the storage module as the current linear response halftones.
US08253973B2 Method for accurately finding a physical location on an image bearing surface for toner images for optimal streak correction
A method for determining a location on an image bearing surface of an image printing system where a toner image is to be printed is provided. The method comprises generating a first signal from a detector that is configured to detect a reference mark on the image bearing surface, and a second signal from a clock system that counts incremental movements of the image bearing surface, determining a first value that correlates the first signal and the second signal, where the first value corresponds to a value of the second signal at a start of characterization of the image bearing surface, and determining a second value using the first value, where the second value provides the location on the image bearing surface where the toner image is to be printed.
US08253969B2 Portable electronic printer
A method and apparatus for printing information. The printer including a paper feed motor, a carriage motor and a printer control system. The system causing the paper feed motor and the carriage motor to move at least partially simultaneously.
US08253963B2 Printing control system
A print system in which a printer and a client personal computer are connected to a network. The printer may include a storage unit configured to store a residual quantity information of sheets of paper in a paper feed cassette, a communication unit configured to transmit the residual quantity information to the client personal computer, and a printing unit. The client personal computer may include a generation unit configured to generating print data corresponding to a print job, and a control unit configured to acquire the residual quantity information and a number of sheets of paper necessary for the print job and compare the residual quantity information and the number of sheets of paper necessary. Upon judging an occurrence of exhaustion of sheets of paper according to a comparison result, the control unit may notify a user before starting printing in the printer.
US08253961B2 Printer and printer control method
A thermal printer and a control method for a thermal printer enable increasing throughput before a printing process starts by starting a duplex printing process without waiting to convert all print data into the front print buffer and back print buffer, enable executing a duplex printing process on a print medium without using a front print buffer and a separate back print buffer, and enable switching between simplex printing and duplex printing according to a specific command. The control method includes a step S11 of receiving a printing process selection command specifying execution of a simplex printing process on a front side 301 of the print medium, a simplex printing process on a back side 302 of the print medium, a duplex printing process that prints on the front side 301 and the back side 302, and an identical front/back printing process that prints the same print data on the front side 301 and back side 302, a step S14 of converting and buffering the print data, and a step S19 of executing the printing process specified by the printing process selection command.
US08253958B2 Scheduling system
Described herein is a printing system comprising a plurality of print processing modules which selectively transfer print media therebetween during printing and a system controller that tracks process control protocols of each of the plurality of modules and compares to a scheduled job run and selectively alters a control variable of at least one of the process control protocols thereby preemptively altering initiation of at least one process control protocol to process the job run uninterrupted.
US08253957B2 Printing data generating apparatus, method, and program for reissuing restriction ticket according to term of validity and term of reissue
A print control data generating apparatus generates first print control data and outputs the generated first print control data. The first print control data includes print control data capable of controlling an output of a print job, and includes a term of validity for the print control data. The print control data generating apparatus determines whether the term of validity for the first print control data is unexpired. The print control data generating apparatus generates second print control data based on the first print control data, when the term of validity for the first print control data has expired and if a reissue of the first print control data is requested, and outputs the generated second print control data.
US08253953B2 Job executing device, job executing and processing method, and job executing and processing program
The Job executing device comprises a Job executing unit of executing a job concerning image data, an execution instruction-receiving unit of receiving an instruction for job execution sent to the Job executing unit by a user who is authenticated by an authentication unit, a memory unit of storing the notification destination corresponding to user identification information inputted for user authentication, and a notification unit of notifying the notification destination corresponding to the inputted user identification information of the instruction of job execution after receipt of the instruction for job execution by the execution instruction-receiving unit.
US08253952B2 Image forming apparatus and control method therefor, program for implementing the method, and printing system
An image forming apparatus which can suppress disordered printing-out by a user and contribute to a reduction in TCO. A print job received through a network 104 is printed out by printing apparatus 103 that includes a host computer 101 and an authentication server 102. The authentication server 102 acquires limiting information which limits output of the print job. The host computer 101 limits printing setting for the print job in accordance with the limiting information acquired by the authentication server 102.
US08253950B2 Recording material moving device to position a record material within a movable range of a predetermined width and image forming device
A recording material moving device comprises: a position adjuster that moves a recording material in a direction which is parallel to a recording surface of the recording material and orthogonal to a transporting direction, in an upstream side of a recording position along the transport direction of the recording material; a reference position specifying unit that specifies a reference position; a determination unit that determines whether a range of a predetermined width centered on the reference position exceeds a movable range of the recording material within which the recording material can be moved by the position adjuster; and a controller that causes, if the determination unit determines that the movable range is not exceeded, the position adjuster to sequentially move the recording material within the movable range of the predetermined width centered on the reference position each time a condition for moving the recording material is satisfied.
US08253948B2 Wafer center finding with charge-coupled devices
A device for handling a substantially circular wafer is provided. The device includes an interior accessible through a plurality of entrances, and a plurality of sensors consisting of two sensors for each one of the plurality of entrances, each sensor capable of detecting a presence of the substantially circular wafer, at a predetermined location within the interior, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged so that at least two of the plurality of sensors detect the wafer for any position of the wafer entirely within the interior, wherein a first one of the two sensors is positioned to detect the wafer when the wafer has passed entirely into the interior through one of the plurality of entrances, and a second one of the two sensors is positioned immediately outside a diameter of the wafer when the wafer has passed entirely into the interior through one of the plurality of entrances.
US08253943B2 Interferometer
An interferometer includes a source of a light beam and a beam splitter for splitting the light beam from the source into at least first and second beams. A first reflector is positioned in the path of the first light beam. A second reflector, including a convergent lens and a mirror, is positioned in the path of the second light beam following reflection from a target. Further included is at least one detector for detecting fringes formed by interference of the first and second light beams following reflection from the first and second reflectors, respectively. The mirror of the second reflector has a radius of curvature R within 10% of the value determined using a first formula, and the focal length f of the convergent lens is within 10% of the value determined using a second formula.
US08253939B2 Particle counter
The present invention provides a particle counter capable of sensitively determining the contamination level of a light transmission window. The particle counter according to the present invention includes: a light source 281 for emitting light through a light incident window 24 to a measurement area 40 in a vacuum state or in an approximately vacuum state; a scattered light detector 32 for detecting scattered light through a detection window 30, the scattered light being generated when a light is delivered to the measurement area 40; a vacuum gauge 12 for measuring the pressure of the measurement area 40; a signal processor 13 for converting a detection signal of the scattered light into an electrical signal; and a contamination level determiner 19 for determining the contamination level of the transmission window from the time average of the electrical signal and the pressure.
US08253933B2 Waveguide-based sensor
A sensor for sensing a target chemical with high signal-to-noise ratio is disclosed. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a sensing region that is optically coupled with an attenuation region. The sensing region receives optical stimulation that comprises light characterized by an excitation wavelength. In response to exposure to the target chemical, the sensing region fluoresces at a fluorescence wavelength. The attenuation region receives light from the fluorescing sensing region that includes light characterized by the fluorescence wavelength (i.e., signal) and light characterized by the excitation wavelength (i.e., noise). The attenuation region conveys the light to a detector that provides an electrical output signal based on the target chemical. While conveying the light, however, the attenuation region improves the signal-to-noise ratio by attenuating light characterized by the excitation wavelength more than light characterized by the fluorescence region.
US08253923B1 Optical imaging writer system
System and method for applying mask data patterns to substrate in a lithography manufacturing process are disclosed. In one embodiment, the imaging system includes a plurality of spatial light modulator (SLM) imaging units, where each of the plurality of SLM imaging units includes one or more illumination sources, one or more alignment sources, one or more projection lenses, and a plurality of micro minors configured to project light from the one or more illumination sources to the corresponding one or more projection lens. The imaging system further includes a controller configured to control the plurality of SLM imaging units, where the controller tunes each of the SLM imaging unit individually in writing a mask data to a substrate in a lithography manufacturing process.
US08253921B2 Exposure apparatus and device fabricating method
An exposure apparatus including a projection optical system that projects an image of a mask onto a substrate held by a stage, and an atmosphere forming mechanism for forming a specific gas atmosphere between the projection optical system and the stage, wherein the atmosphere forming mechanism has a cushioning part that softens the force caused by the stage or the substrate making contact with the atmosphere forming mechanism, and that suppresses the transmission of that force to the projection optical system.
US08253920B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting the picture definition on the camera lens of a motion picture camera
A method for adjusting the picture definition on the camera lens of a motion picture camera. A drive unit is connected to the camera lens which is driven, in the manual focusing operation, by an picture definition handwheel of an operating unit, which displays the adjusted picture definition on a scale dial, and, in the automatic focusing operation, by an auto-focusing device for measuring the distance from an object to be recorded by the motion picture camera and outputting control signals to an electromechanical actuator, which is connected to the picture definition handwheel or to the scale dial of the operating unit, for adjusting or readjusting the picture definition adjusted on the picture definition handwheel or displayed on the scale dial as a function of the distance measured from the object to be recorded.
US08253919B2 Method and apparatus for fabricating liquid crystal display device and substrate base material for liquid crystal display device
A plurality of liquid crystal cells are formed by encapsulating pieces of liquid crystal material with in a plurality of first sealing members, respectively, between a pair of flexible substrate base materials. Only respective parts of the pair of substrate base materials are contained inside a vacuum container, and the liquid crystal cells are formed inside the vacuum container reduced in pressure.
US08253917B2 Substrate for liquid crystal display panel
A substrate for a liquid crystal display panel includes a first projection structure and a second projection structure and/or a depression structure, the substrate for the liquid crystal display panel includes a specific structure at a part of or near the first projection structure, the specific structure having at least one of a planar shape different from a planar shape of the second projection structure and/or the depression structure and a planar area of ⅔ times or less or 1.5 times or more than a planar area of the second projection structure and/or the depression structure.
US08253915B2 Method for manufacturing cell and cell manufactured by such method
A method for manufacturing a cell is disclosed wherein sealing bodies (500, 600) are formed on a color filter mother substrate (102), and the color filter mother substrate (102) and a TFT mother substrate (202) are so assembled that the sealing bodies (500, 600) are interposed between the color filter mother substrate (102) and the TFT mother substrate (202). Seal making portions (501, 511; 503, 509; 505, 507) are deformed so that gap portions (G) are closed.
US08253912B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) includes a decoupling line extending in a first direction, first and second data lines extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a pixel electrode including a first sub-pixel electrode and a second sub-pixel electrode. The pixel electrode further includes a lower domain-dividing part formed thereon. The LCD further includes a common electrode disposed opposite the pixel electrode and including an upper domain-dividing part formed thereon, and a first decoupling electrode including a slanting part and a straight part. The slanting part extends from the decoupling line and overlaps a portion of one of the lower domain-dividing part and the upper domain-dividing part, and the straight part extends from the slanting part and is formed parallel to the first data line in an area of the pixel where the first sub-pixel electrode and the first data line are adjacent to each other.
US08253910B2 Display employing organic material
A display is disclosed. The display includes a plurality of pixels configured to emit light. The display also includes a plurality of pixel control circuits that are each configured to regulate emission of light from a pixel. The pixel control circuits each include one or more two-terminal switching devices that include an organic semiconductor.
US08253904B2 Antiglare film, manufacturing method thereof and transmission type LCD
The invention provides an antiglare film that has a low haze value, can maintain antireflection ability, and has inhibited reflection of external light, and also provides a manufacturing method thereof, and a transmission type liquid crystal display. The antiglare film includes a transparent substrate and an antiglare layer, wherein the antiglare layer is formed on the transparent substrate, has a concave-convex structure on the opposite surface of the antiglare layer from the transparent substrate, and includes a binder matrix and particles, the integrated reflectance of the antiglare layer at a wavelength of 550 nm is less than or equal to 4%, and a haze value of the antiglare layer is in the range of 3-15%.
US08253900B2 Image display apparatus and viewing angle compensation method
An image display apparatus includes: a light source; a light modulator that modulates the light flux emitted from the light source, the light modulator including a liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal molecules are sealed, the liquid crystal panel having a modulation area where an incident light flux is modulated, and a pair of polarizing elements disposed on opposite sides of the liquid crystal panel, on the light flux incident side and the light flux exiting side thereof; and a compensating element disposed between at least one of the pair of polarizing elements and the modulation area, the compensating element compensating an optical phase difference resulting from birefringence associated with the liquid crystal molecules, wherein the compensating element is sized to be smaller than the modulation area and disposed based on the viewing angle characteristics of the modulation area.
US08253895B2 Vertically aligned mode liquid crystal display with differentiated B cell gap
A thin film transistor array substrate is provided with a gate line assembly, a data line assembly, and thin film transistors. The data line assembly crosses over the gate line assembly while defining pixel regions. A pixel electrode is formed at each pixel region. A color filter substrate is provided with a black matrix, and color filters of red, green and blue are formed at the black matrix at the pixel regions. An overcoat layer covers the color filters, and a common electrode is formed on the overcoat layer with an opening pattern. The thin film transistor array substrate, and the color filter substrates face each other, and a liquid crystal material is injected between the thin film transistor array substrate, and the color filter substrate. The blue color filter has a thickness smaller than the red color filter or the green color filter such that the liquid crystal cell gap at the blue color filter is larger than the liquid crystal cell gap at the red or green color filter.
US08253894B2 Optical element, illumination device and display device
An optical element for an illumination device, an illumination device, and a display device using the illumination device is capable of performing surface light emission by utilizing a plurality of light guide members, and suppressing generation of color unevenness.
US08253891B2 Thin film transistor substrate and liquid crystal display including the same
A thin film transistor array panel includes: a substrate, a plurality of gate and data lines, a thin film transistor, a light blocking member, a color filter, and a pixel electrode. The substrate includes a display area having a plurality of pixels and a non-display area. The gate lines and data lines are formed on the substrate. The thin film transistor is connected to a respective gate line and data line of the plurality of gate and data lines. The light blocking member is formed on the non-display area, the gate line, the data line, and the thin film transistor. The color filter is formed on the light blocking member. The pixel electrode is formed on the color filter. The color filter covers the entire light blocking member of the non-display area.
US08253889B2 Display apparatus having an array-type light-emitting device
The application discloses an array-type light-emitting device comprising a substrate, a semiconductor light-emitting array formed on the substrate and emitting a first light with a first spectrum, wherein the semiconductor light-emitting array comprises a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting units, a first wavelength conversion layer formed on the first light-emitting unit for converting the first light into a third light with a third spectrum, and a circuit layer connecting the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit in a connection form to make the first light-emitting and the second light-emitting unit light alternately in accordance with a predetermined clock when driving by a power supply.
US08253888B2 Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device with a backlight including a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes, a reflective polarizing plate for transmitting a P-polarized component and reflecting an S-polarized component, a reflector for reflecting the S-polarized component reflected by the reflective polarizing plate, and a polarization converting member for converting the S-polarized component to a P-polarized component. The reflective polarizing plate and the reflector are tilted at an angle such that reflecting surfaces thereof are not perpendicular to four sides of the liquid crystal display panel and are disposed such that the S-polarized component contained in a main component of light emitted from the light sources is reflected by the reflector. This keeps small the size of the liquid crystal display device and still improves reuse efficiency of the light emitted from the light sources.
US08253884B2 Liquid crystal display device and electronic device using the same
A liquid crystal display device includes an illuminator and a liquid crystal panel for performing displaying by using light which is emitted from the illuminator. The liquid crystal panel includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer provided between the pair of substrates, and a pair of alignment films provided on sides of the pair of substrates facing the liquid crystal layer. At least one of the alignment films is a photo-alignment film which is imparted with an orientation regulating force through a photo-alignment treatment, and the illuminator includes a light source causing primary generation of at least blue light, among other light which is used for displaying.
US08253881B2 Attachment frame for a display module and portable electronic device using the same
An attachment frame for a display module includes a bezel attaching to the display module and at least one pair of tabs positioned on the inner sides of the bezel. Each tab includes a fixing portion connected to the bezel, a mounting portion fixed to the display module, and a connecting portion connecting the fixing portion and the mounting portion. Each tab forms a plurality of first strengthening ribs extending from the connecting portion to the mounting portion and a plurality of second strengthening ribs extending from the connecting portion to the fixing portion.
US08253879B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal module having a top case, a bottom plate, a liquid crystal display panel in the top case and the bottom plate for displaying a picture, and a drive unit. The liquid crystal display device also includes a drive control unit for generating a control signal for controlling the drive unit and supplying the control signal to the drive unit of the liquid crystal module through at least one connector and cable. The top case of the liquid crystal module includes at least one first and second fastening bent portion for fastening at least one source printed circuit board in horizontal and vertical directions, respectively.
US08253877B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a back bezel, a light guide plate (LGP) having a light incident surface opposite to a first side wall of the back bezel, an LCD panel disposed above the LGP, a frame and a light source unit. There is an accommodation space between the first side wall of the back bezel and the light incident surface of the LGP. The frame is assembled with the back bezel to fix and surround the LGP and the LCD panel. A portion of the frame extends across the upper side of the accommodation space. A portion of the second side wall of the frame is opposite to the entrance side of the accommodation space and has a first securing portion. The light source unit has a second securing portion. When the light source unit is mounted/attached into the accommodation space, the second securing portion is jointed the first securing portion to secure the light source unit.
US08253874B2 Liquid crystal display with different voltages applied on storage electrode lines
A liquid crystal display including a pixel electrode having first and second sub-pixel electrodes separated from each other; a gate line electrically connected to the first and second sub-pixel electrodes through thin film transistors, a data line electrically connected to the first and second sub-pixel electrodes through the thin film transistors, a first storage electrode line having a first storage electrode overlapped with the first sub-pixel electrode, wherein a first storage voltage is applied to the first storage electrode line as a cyclic signal; and a second storage electrode line having a second storage electrode overlapped with the second sub-pixel electrode, wherein a second storage electrode voltage opposite in phase to the first storage electrode voltage is applied to the second storage electrode line as a cyclic signal, and wherein the first and second sub-pixel electrodes are electrically connected to the same gate line and to the same data line through the thin film transistors, and the pixel electrode includes a first side disposed parallel to the gate line and a second side disposed parallel to the data line, the second side including a length which is less than a length of the first side.
US08253871B2 Vertical alignment liquid crystal display device
A vertical alignment liquid crystal display device includes a number of pixel regions. Each pixel region includes a lower substrate unit and an upper substrate unit having an upper glass layer, a first protrusion and a second protrusion formed on the upper glass layer, and a conductive layer formed on the second protrusion. Each of the first and second protrusions includes two uneven sections. A first potential difference is applied between the upper glass layer and the lower substrate unit, and a second potential difference, being independent from the first potential difference, is applied between the conductive layer formed on the second protrusion and the lower substrate unit.
US08253869B2 Liquid crystal display device with touch panel and terminal device
A liquid crystal display device with a touch panel has a reflective display region and a transmissive display region, at least the transmissive display region including a liquid crystal layer energizable according to a lateral electric field mode. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer held between a pair of substrate disposed in confronting relation to each other, observer-side circular polarizer 9 disposed outwardly of one of the substrates, back-side circular polarizer 8 disposed outwardly of the other substrate, observer-side compensator 11 for reducing refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective display region and the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive display region, and touch panel 13 disposed between observer-side circular polarizer 9 and observer-side compensator 11.
US08253865B2 Audio/video entertainment system and method
The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices.
US08253863B2 Display unit for transmitting/receiving analog video transmitted via a long-distance transmission line
A receiver receives differential analog video signals from a long distance transmission line and converts them into unbalanced analog video signals to output to an analog video signal line that is internal wiring. A frequency response characteristics corrector inside the receiver corrects the frequency response characteristics attenuated mainly by the long distance transmission line, and a delay corrector corrects differences of propagation delay. A transmitter receives the unbalanced analog video signals form the analog video signal line and converts them into balanced differential analog video signals to transmit to a long distance transmission line as differential analog video signals. A video output circuit outputs the unbalanced analog video signals or unbalanced digital video signals to a video signal line as unbalanced video signals.
US08253859B2 Transmission system, transmission apparatus, and transmission method for transmitting video data
An HDMI(R) source determines whether or not an HDMI(R) sink can receive a sub-signal based on VSDB of E-EDID. When the HDMI(R) sink can receive the sub-signal, the HDMI(R) source adds a sub-signal to pixel data of a main image composed of pixel data whose number of bits is smaller than that of transmission pixel data transmitted by a transmitter, thereby constructing transmission pixel data. This data is transmitted by the transmitter through TMDS channels #0 to #2. Furthermore, the HDMI(R) source transmits a general control packet containing sub-signal information indicating whether or not the sub-signal is contained in the transmission pixel data in the control period of a vertical blanking period. The present invention can be applied to, for example, HDMI(R).
US08253858B2 Multimedia device capable of detecting connection status of external display devices
A multimedia device generates and outputs video signals to a display component and an external display device, and includes a video output circuit and a load detection circuit. The load detection circuit isolates and buffers the video output circuit and the load detection circuit, and retrieves horizontal sync signals from the video signals. The load detection circuit further amplifies and integrates the retrieved horizontal sync signals to output direct current signals, and finally compares the direct current signals with a predetermined voltage to output a control signal indicating a connection between the video output circuit and the external display device. The multimedia device turns off the display component according to the control signal indicating that the video output circuit has been connected to the external display device.
US08253857B2 Broadcasting receiving apparatus
The portable player is connected to a first connector, and the PC is connected to a second connector. A first connection detecting unit detects whether the portable player is connected, and a second connection detecting unit detects whether the PC is connected. A central processing unit (CPU) switches to a reproduction mode in which an audio signal based on audio data reproduced by the portable player is supplied by the audio processing unit to the speaker, or a PC communication mode in which the portable player and the PC are connected to be in a state in which they can communicate with each other.
US08253855B2 Automatic luminance-chrominance delay compensation
A method of automatic luminance-chrominance delay compensation is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating an intermediate signal by processing a video signal such as to enhance a plurality of edges in a picture within the video signal, the picture having a luminance component and a chrominance component temporally separated from each other by an actual delay, (B) identifying an estimated delay between the luminance component and the chrominance component by correlating the luminance component in the intermediate signal to the chrominance component in the intermediate signal at a plurality of relative delays and (C) compensating for the actual delay by delaying one of either (i) the luminance component and (ii) the chrominance component by the estimated delay.
US08253852B2 Embedded camera with privacy filter
An apparatus includes a housing having an integrated camera. A panel is positioned in front of at least a portion of the camera and is operable to selectively switch between at least a substantially transparent state and at least a substantially opaque state.
US08253847B2 Digital camera having an automatic focus
A digital camera includes: an imaging unit that receives and images a light from a subject transmitted a photographing optical system; a recognition unit that recognizes a feature region of the subject using an image obtained by imaging with the imaging unit; a detection unit that detects a size of the feature region that is recognized with the recognition unit; and a control unit that predicts a distance to the subject after a predetermined period of time according to the size of the feature region, and controls the photographing optical system so as to focus on the subject.
US08253846B2 Picture signal processing circuit, signal processing method, imaging apparatus, display device, and camera system
A picture signal processing circuit includes a filter unit, a memory and a main control unit. When a display operates in a first display mode, the filter unit removes high-frequency components from first picture signals supplied in a first picture size from an imaging device, to provide second picture signals. When the display operates in a second display mode, the picture signals are provided unchanged. The memory stores the first and second picture signals, reads out the second picture signals, changes the second picture signals from a first picture size to a second picture size and supplies those second picture signals to the display when the display operates in the first display mode. The first picture signals corresponding to a picture clipped from the first picture size to the second picture size are read out to the display when the display operates in the second display mode. The main control unit controls switching between the first picture signals and the second picture signals from the memory according to whether the first or second display mode is selected.
US08253843B2 Optical lens system for taking image
An optical lens system for taking image comprises: a first lens element with positive refractive power, an Abbe Number of the first lens element being V1, and it satisfying the relation: 50
US08253842B2 Electronic device including an operation member to operate a switch part or the like
An electronic device includes: at least one switch which is arranged at a printed circuit board; at least one operation member which is capable of pressing the at least one switch; a support member which has at least one arm part configured to support the at least one operation member movably; and an exterior member which abuts to the support member and has at least one hole into which the at least one operation member is inserted, wherein the support member further has at least one positioning member which is uncovered by the exterior member.
US08253839B2 Lens assembly and camera module having same
A lens assembly includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens includes an optical axis, and a first engaging face facing toward the optical axis and a first engaging structure formed on the first engaging face. The second lens is used for engagement with and coaxially alignment with the first lens. The second lens includes a second engaging face facing away from the optical axis and a second engaging structure formed on the second engaging face for engagement with the first engaging structure of the first lens. The second lens is rotatable about the axis but non-movable along the optical axis relative to the first lens when the second lens is engaged with the first lens.
US08253837B2 Image capturing apparatus, method of controlling same and program therefor
An image capturing apparatus for capturing the image of a subject includes: a lock/unlock unit adapted to lock and unlock operation of the image capturing apparatus; a registration unit adapted to register a main item and a sub-item that have been selected by a user, wherein the main item is a main setting item among operation items of the image capturing apparatus and the sub-item is a setting item in a layer lower than that of the main item; and a control unit adapted to limit operation solely to a release operation of the image capturing apparatus and to the main item and sub-item, which have been registered by the registration unit, in a case where operation of the image capturing apparatus has been locked by the lock/unlock unit.
US08253832B2 Interpolation for four-channel color filter array
A method is described for forming a full-color output image from a color filter array image comprising capturing an image using an image sensor including panchromatic pixels and color pixels having at least two different color responses, the pixels being arranged in a rectangular minimal repeating unit wherein for a first color response, the color pixels having the first color response alternate with panchromatic pixels in at least two directions, and for each of the other color responses there is at least one row, column or diagonal of the repeating pattern that only has color pixels of the given color response and panchromatic pixels. The method further comprising, computing an interpolated panchromatic image from the color filter array image; computing an interpolated color image from the color filter array image; and forming the full color output image from the interpolated panchromatic image and the interpolated color image.
US08253830B2 Solid state image device having multiple PN junctions in a depth direction, each of which provides an output signal
A solid-state image device is provided which has a semiconductor substrate, pixels A each containing a photoelectric conversion portion in which at least two PN junction parts are provide in a depth direction of the semiconductor substrate, pixels B each containing a photoelectric conversion portion in which at least one PN junction part is provided, first color filters provided above the pixels A, second color filters provided above the pixels B; and a detection mechanism for detecting a first color signal and a second color signal from the two PN junction parts of each of the pixels A and a third color signal from the PN junction part of each of the pixels B. According to the above solid-state image device, light can be more efficiently used than a color filter separation method, and superior color reproducibility to that of a three-well structure can be realized.
US08253827B2 Signal chain of an imaging system
A signal chain of an imaging system is disclosed. The system includes three circuit stages. The first circuit stage includes a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and a black level compensation (BLC) circuit that form a BLC loop. The second circuit stage includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), where a dark signal offset is added at an input of the ADC. The third circuit stage includes a digital gain circuit and a digital loop that makes a final output of the imaging system settle on a target level in the BLC mode.
US08253822B2 Method of position stamping a photo or video clip taken with a digital camera
A method of appending a position stamp to an image file of a photo or video clip taken with a digital camera having a GPS antenna and a GPS RF front-end including an analogue to digital converter for receiving GPS signals and outputting GPS signal samples together with a digital camera and computer for the same.
US08253821B2 Degradation/preservation management of captured data
In one aspect, a method related to data management includes but is not limited to accepting input for designation of a first portion of a data stream for retention at a first resolution, wherein the data stream represents video and/or audio information: and accepting input for designation of a second portion of the data stream for retention at a second resolution, wherein the second resolution is less than the first resolution, and wherein the retention of the second portion of the data stream at the second resolution is to be performed if a condition is met. In addition, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application. Related systems are also disclosed.
US08253818B2 Pixel shift type imaging device
A solid-state imaging device according to the present invention includes, on an imaging surface, a plurality of unit pixel regions being arrayed at a first pixel pitch along a Y direction and at a second pixel pitch along an X direction. One of two adjoining unit pixel regions 1 along the Y first direction includes a first photodetecting portion 1a having a first opening ratio, and the other includes a second photodetecting portion 1b having a second opening ratio which is lower than the first opening ratio. When the first photodetecting portion 1a is moved imaginarily by a first pixel pitch along the Y direction, the first photodetecting portion 1a covers the entire second photodetecting portion 1b. At this time, a portion of the first photodetecting portion 1a that does not cover the second photodetecting portion 1b functions as an imaginary third photodetecting portion. From a difference between signals output from the photodetecting portions 1a and 1b, an imaginary pixel signal which is in accordance with an amount of light entering the imaginary third photodetecting portion is obtained.
US08253817B2 Image compression method, device, electronic camera, and program
An image compression device includes a motion vector detecting section, a determination section, an intra-frame compression section, and an inter-frame compression section. The motion vector detecting section obtains a motion vector between sets of image data at a plurality of positions on an image. The determination section determines whether a spatial variation of the motion vector on the image is large or small. The intra-frame compression section selects an image area A, which is determined to have the large spatial variation of the motion vector, from the image data to be compressed, and subjects the selected image area A to intra-frame compression. The inter-frame compression section selects an image area B, which is determined to have the small spatial variation of the motion vector, from the image data to be compressed, and subjects the selected image area B to inter-frame prediction differential compression.
US08253815B2 Synchronized multiple imager system and method
A synchronized multiple imager system includes a plurality of imagers having pixels arranged in rows and columns. The pixels generate pixel data responsive to light directed onto the imagers. One or more respective sensors are coupled to the imagers. The sensors sense the pixel data from the columns and output a vertical raster stream representative of the pixel data in the columns, thereby generating a plurality of vertical raster streams. A clock circuit synchronizes the sensors to sense selected columns in the imagers and to output the vertical raster streams from the selected columns. A processor circuit is configured to receive the vertical raster streams from the imagers and to process the vertical raster streams to generate a plurality of stitched raster streams. The processor circuit stitches seam vertical raster streams from adjacent pairs of imagers.
US08253812B2 Video camera which adopts a focal-plane electronic shutter system
A video camera includes an image sensor which repeatedly outputs an object scene image produced on an imaging surface by an exposure operation of a focal-plane electronic shutter system in a raster scanning manner. A post-processing circuit extracts a partial object scene image belonging to an extraction area, out of the object scene image outputted from the image sensor. A moving image based on the extracted partial object scene image is displayed on an LCD monitor by an LCD driver. A motion detecting circuit detects motion of the imaging surface in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis. A position of the extraction area is changed by a CPU so that the motion detected by the motion detecting circuit is compensated. The CPU also changes a shape of the extraction area so that a focal plane distortion is restrained, based on the motion detected by the motion detecting circuit.
US08253811B2 Image blur correction unit, lens barrel device, and camera apparatus
An image blur correcting unit allows the optical axis of a lens system to coincide with the center of an imager, thus correcting an image blur. The unit includes a stationary member and a holder member. The holder member holds either one of the elements of the lens system or the imager and moves relative to the stationary member in a first direction and a second direction, the first and second directions being orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. The unit further includes a first guide section and a second guide section for guiding the holder member in the first and second directions during movement, and a driving section moving the holder member in the first and second directions. The one of the elements of the lens system or the imager is disposed outside an area surrounded by the first and second guide sections.
US08253801B2 Correcting angle error in a tracking system
To correct an angle error, acceleration data is received corresponding to a tracked object in a reference frame of the tracked object. Positional data of the tracked object is received from a positional sensor, and positional sensor acceleration data is computed from the received positional data. The acceleration data is transformed into a positional sensor reference frame using a rotation estimate. An amount of error between the transformed acceleration data and the positional sensor acceleration data is determined. The rotation estimate is updated responsive to the determined amount of error.
US08253799B2 Detecting an object in an image using camera registration data indexed to location or camera sensors
An object is detected in images of a live event by storing and indexing camera registration-related data from previous images. For example, the object may be a vehicle which repeatedly traverses a course. A first set of images of the live event is captured when the object is at different locations in the live event. The camera registration-related data for each image is obtained and stored. When the object again traverses the course, for each location, the stored camera registration-related data which is indexed to the location can be retrieved for use in estimating a position of a representation of the object in a current image, such as by defining a search area in the image. An actual position of the object in the image is determined, in response to which the camera registration-related data may be updated, such as for use in a subsequent traversal of the course.
US08253791B2 Monitoring device
A device for monitoring objects, in particular for monitoring industrial environments, such as paper mills and manufacturing and/or finishing processes of a paper, board or other fibrous web being carried out therein, includes a monitoring camera, the camera with its objective being arranged in a rotationally symmetrical protective housing rotating about an axis of rotation, and a protective housing to be mounted at its one end on a rigid hollow shaft and, at its coaxially opposite other end, to have a co-rotating blower pipe or merge into the latter, and for compressed air to be applied to the protective housing, including the blower pipe.
US08253786B2 Site monitoring systems and methods
A computer connected with an electronic device applicable for a sleeping baby in a crib sets a first threshold value and sets a second threshold value. The computer receives an acceleration value of the motion of the crib from the electronic device and activates the electronic device to capture an image if the acceleration value exceeds the first threshold value. The computer detects a face zone of a captured image and locates an eye area in the face zone then calculating a ratio of height and width of the eye area and compares the ratio to the second threshold value. The computer instructs the electronic device to dial a predefined warning number automatically if the ratio of height and width of the eye area exceeds the second threshold value.
US08253785B2 Video signal selector and medical image filing system therewith
A video signal selector has a selector switch for selectively outputting one of an endoscopic video signal and an ultrasonic video signal, and a selector control circuit for controlling the selector switch. The selector switch selects the endoscopic video signal by default. The selector control circuit switches the selector switch to the ultrasonic video signal in response to input of an ultrasonic image capture command for commanding to save an ultrasonic image.
US08253782B2 Integrated storage for industrial inspection handset
An industrial inspection handset is disclosed, comprising a connector for connecting a peripheral device to the handset, wherein the connector is oriented such that the peripheral device can extend substantially parallel to the housing surface of the handset, and a cover tethered to the handset by a first tab, wherein the cover when mounted on the housing of the handset encloses the connector and the peripheral device. In an alternative embodiment, the handset comprises a connector oriented such that the peripheral device can extend substantially perpendicular to the housing surface of the handset, and a cover tethered to the handset by a first tab and a second tab, wherein the cover when mounted on the mounting member encloses the connector. A method of replacing a cover tethered to an industrial inspection handset is also disclosed, wherein the first cover is tethered to the handset by a first tab, comprising the steps of removing the first cover from the first tab; forcing the first tab through an opening in the handset and into the interior of the handset; and tethering a second cover to the handset by inserting a second tab attached to the second cover through the opening in the handset.
US08253776B2 Image rectification method and related device for a video device
An image rectification method for a video device includes receiving an image that is a facial image of a transmitter from the transmitter, obtaining a first angular deviation with respect to line of sight of the transmitter according to the image, obtaining a second horizontal angular deviation and a second vertical angular deviation with respect to line of sight of a receiver using the video device, and performing an image synthesis procedure on the image according to the first angular deviation, the second horizontal angular deviation and the second vertical angular deviation, for generating an eye-to-eye image sent to the receiver.
US08253775B2 Multipoint conference system, multipoint conference method, and program
A multipoint videoconference server is made to swiftly respond to a video switching request from a terminal and a degree of computational complexity is made lower. A server 300 decodes only m (1
US08253770B2 Residential video communication system
A video communication system and method for operating a video communication system are provided. The video communication system has a video communication device, having an image display device and at least one image capture device, wherein the at least one image capture device acquires video images of a local environment and an individual therein, according to defined video capture settings, an audio system having an audio emission device and an audio capture device; and a computer operable to interact with a contextual interface, a privacy interface, an image processor, and a communication controller to enable a communication event including at least one video scene in which outgoing video images are sent to a remote site. Wherein the contextual interface includes scene analysis algorithms for identifying potential scene transitions and capture management algorithms for providing changes in video capture settings appropriate to any identified scene transitions; and wherein the privacy interface provides privacy settings to control the capture, transmission, display, or recording of video image content from the local environment.
US08253765B2 Thermal head and manufacturing method for the thermal head
Provided is a thermal head (1) including: a substrate body (12) constituted through bonding a flat supporting substrate (13) and a flat upper substrate (11), which are made of a glass material onto each other in a stacked state; a heating resistor (14) formed on a surface of the upper substrate (11); and a protective film (18) that partially covers the surface of the upper substrate (11) including the heating resistor (14) and protects the heating resistor (14), in which a heat-insulating concave portion (32) and thickness-measuring concave portions (34), which are open to a bonding surface between the supporting substrate and the upper substrate (11) and form cavities are provided in the supporting substrate (13), the heat-insulating concave portion (32) is formed at a position opposed to the heating resistor (14), and the thickness-measuring concave portions (34) is formed in a region that is prevented from being covered with the protective film (18). Thus, the thickness of the upper substrate is easily measured without decomposing the thermal head.
US08253760B2 Imaging display apparatus and method
An imaging display apparatus, includes: display means for image display; first image signal generation means for generating a display image signal based on a captured image signal captured by an imaging section with a field of view direction of a user being a direction of an object; second image signal generation means for generating a display image signal of an image different from an image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means; and control means for allowing, simultaneously on the display means, display of the image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means and display of the image of the display image signal generated by the second image signal generation means.
US08253759B2 Method and apparatus for anti-aliasing scan conversion
Methods and apparatuses for anti-aliasing scan conversion. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method to scan convert an image on a data processing system includes: sampling the image in a first direction to generate first signals for points along a second line in a second direction using a closed form solution for a convolution integral with a first kernel; and weighting the first signals for the points according to a second kernel in the second direction to generate a second signal for a pixel. In one example according to this aspect, the closed form solution is tabulated in a look up table. After entries are looked up from the look up table according to the image along a first line in the first direction on a first point of the points, the entries are combined to generate one of the first signals for the first point.
US08253756B2 Circuit for performing dithering on pixels of a display and method thereof
A circuit dithers pixel data on a display, and includes a lookup table module, a dithering parameter decoder, a first adder, a second adder, and an overflow handling module. A lookup table of the lookup table module stores dithering parameters generated by encoding odd and even pixel dithering parameters. The dithering parameter decoder generates second and third dithering parameters corresponding to odd and even pixels from a first dithering parameter. The first adder generates a dithered odd pixel parameter according to the odd pixel parameter and the second dithering parameter. The second adder generates a dithered even pixel parameter according to the even pixel parameter and the third dithering parameter. The overflow handling module checks for overflow, and generates an output odd pixel parameter according to the dithered odd pixel parameter, and generates an output even pixel parameter according to the dithered even pixel parameter.
US08253754B2 Sampling-efficient mapping of images
Spherical-like textures are useful to simulate reflections and to generate arbitrary views from a point. For addressing simplicity, graphics systems typically require rectangular arrays of texture samples but an infinite variety of functions can be used to map these samples to a sphere-like object. A new metric is presented for measuring how well various maps use a given number of samples to provide the greatest worst-case frequency content of the image everywhere over the sphere. Using this metric and other important local properties, a comparison is presented of maps used previously in computer graphics as well as other mapping techniques borrowed from cartography. Based on these analysis several novel mapping techniques are presented that are fairly simple to implement and significantly more efficient in terms of the amount of processing and data required, and the quality of the resulting images. The novel metric and mapping techniques can be employed to analyze or otherwise improve the sampling efficiency of mapping textures onto any three-dimensional surface.
US08253753B1 Dual-type component connections
Component connections are preserved during destructive component operations. Upon receiving a notification of the destruction of a direct component connection, a direct component connection is converted to an implied component connection. The implied component connection may be specified as additional component attributes of one or both components associated with the direct component connection or as data external to the component data structures. This allows preservation of the component connection despite destructive component operations. Upon the creation of a component, it is determined if the newly created component corresponds with a previously destroyed component that was associated with a direct connection. If the newly created component corresponds with this previously destroyed component, a direct component connection is created for the newly created component as specified by the implied component connection. Component connections can be recreated upon loading or instantiating components or upon accessing a component via a revision control system.
US08253750B1 Digital media processor
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide highly integrated digital media processors for digital consumer electronics applications. These digital media processors are capable of performing the parallel processing of multiple format audio, video, and graphics signals. In one embodiment, audio and video signals may be received from a variety of input devices or appliances, such as antennas, VCRs, DVDs, and networked devices such as camcorders and modems, while output audio and video signals may be provided to output devices such as televisions, monitors, and networked devices such as printers and networked video recorders. Another embodiment of the present invention interfaces with a variety of devices such as navigation, entertainment, safety, memory, and networking devices. This embodiment can also be configured for use in a digital TV, set-top box, or home server. In this configuration, video and audio streams may be received from a number of cable, satellite, Internet, and consumer devices.
US08253749B1 Using affinity masks to control multi-GPU processing
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a set of application programming interface (API) extensions that enable a software application to control the processing work assigned to each GPU in a multi-GPU system. The software application enumerates a list of available GPUs, sets an affinity mask from the enumerated list of GPUs and generates an affinity device context associated with the affinity mask. The software application can then generate and utilize an affinity rendering context that directs rendering commands to a set of explicitly selected GPUs, thus allocating work among specifically selected GPUs. The software application is empowered to use domain specific knowledge to better optimize the work assigned to each GPU, thus achieving greater overall processing efficiency relative to the prior art techniques.
US08253745B1 Systems and methods for creating and using modeless animation manipulation rigs
Systems and methods for custom designing modeless rigs or sets of object control elements that can be used when manipulating one or more objects. Users define object control rigs that can be used to perform specific object manipulation tasks for the user when manipulating objects in a scene. Different rigs can be constructed for the same set of animation objects to perform different tasks. A rig is modeless in that a rig may include an arbitrary user-selected mixture of object control elements that are typically used in different modes of manipulation. When a user selects a rig, all of the visual representations of the object control elements specified for that rig are enabled to be displayed proximal the object(s) with which the control elements are associated. No additional selection of object parts is necessarily required to determine which control elements are associated with the object(s). The user may manipulate the object(s) using a displayed visual representation of an object control element.
US08253736B2 Reducing occlusions in oblique views
An occlusion reduction system is described. The occlusion reduction system can reduce occlusions when displaying multiple objects by computing an occlusion measure and applying one or more functional dynamics techniques to minimize the occlusion measure, such as by moving objects, making objects at least partially transparent, and altering the scale of objects. The occlusion reduction system can create a geometric model based on modeling information it receives, establish a viewpoint, identify a set of objects for analysis, and compute an occlusion measure for the identified set of objects.
US08253734B2 Flexible landscape display system for information display and control
The present invention is a system that grids original data, maps the data at the grid locations to height values at corresponding landscape image pixel locations and renders the landscape pixels into a three-dimensional (3D) landscape image. The landscape pixels can have arbitrary shapes and can be augmented with additional 3D information from the original data, such as an offset providing additional information, or generated from processing of the original data, such as to alert when a threshold is exceeded, or added for other purposes such as to point out a feature. The pixels can also convey additional information from the original data using other pixel characteristics such as texture, color, transparency, etc.
US08253733B2 3D image generation apparatus and method
A three-dimensional (3D) image generator and 3D image generation method scale a depth map or a two-dimensional (2D) image, perform a cross filtering to sharpen a blurred region on the depth map based on location information of the depth map and 2D image, and thus obtain a clearer depth map and provide a more graphical 3D image using the depth map.
US08253731B2 Systems, methods, and computer program products for home and landscape design
This patent application relates generally to systems, methods, and computer program products for home and/or landscape design.
US08253727B2 Creating a web store using manufacturing data
A three dimensional web store having product images is created. Three dimensional product images are rendered from manufacturing information instead of the products themselves. The location of all products, advertisements, aisles, signs, and displays is determined for a real world store. The web store is then created using three dimensional internet or virtual world viewing and maneuvering capabilities, to appear identical to the real world store.
US08253725B2 Method and system for generating surface models of geometric structures
A method and system of generating a surface model of an anatomic structure includes a catheter with which a plurality of location data points are collected from the surface of the anatomic structure. The method and system further includes a computer system that is configured to receive the collected data points from the catheter and to compute the alpha shape of collected data points to thereby generate a surface model of the anatomic structure. The computer system may be further configured to process the computed alpha shape to generate a simplicial surface model of the anatomic structure.
US08253720B2 Liquid crystal display with alternating current off control circuit
An exemplary liquid crystal display includes a power supply circuit, a scaler, and an alternating current off control circuit connected between the power supply circuit and the scaler. The alternating current off control circuit is configured to detect an operation state of the power supply circuit, and output a corresponding control signal to the scaler.
US08253717B2 Control circuit of display device, and display device, and display device and electronic appliance incorporating the same
An object is to realize downsizing and cost reduction of a display device by efficiently using a physical region of a memory in a control circuit of the display device. A structure of a video data storage portion of the control circuit is that provided with a video data storage portion for storing video data of an n-th frame (n is a natural number), a video data storage portion for storing video data of an (n+1)th frame, and a video data storage portion for sharing video data of the n-th frame and the (n+1)th frame among received video data.
US08253713B2 Tracking approaching or hovering objects for user-interfaces
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can utilize photo-sensors embedded in a substantially transparent layer of a UI display for tracking objects that approach or hover over the UI display. The photo-sensors can be configured to detect light of certain wavelengths (e.g., visible light, infrared light) that are propagated toward the UI display, while ignoring light emanating from the UI display when displaying content. Accordingly, by examining various characteristics of the incoming light such as intensity, the architecture can identify a location of a shadow incident upon the display caused by an approaching or hovering selector object blocking portions of incoming light. Additionally or alternatively, the architecture can identify a location of higher intensity for light emanating from the selector object.
US08253711B2 Input module with capacitance sensors, method for manufacturing the input module and method for constructing algorithm for processing touch input applied to the input module
Disclosed herein are a mouse with capacitance sensors, a method for manufacturing the mouse and a method for constructing an algorithm for processing an input corresponding to force applied by a user's finger to the mouse. The mouse with capacitance sensors includes a bottom plate having a center point, a plurality of electrodes formed at regular intervals on the top face of the bottom plate and arranged apart from the center point of the bottom plate by an equal distance, a top plate bonded to the top faces of the electrodes and deformed by force applied by a pointing object, and an adhesive layer formed around the top plate and the bottom plate to combine the top plate and the bottom plate. When the pointing object touches the top plate, capacitance sensors are formed between the pointing object and the electrodes to recognize a travel distance, a travel direction and a moving speed of a cursor through the magnitude and direction of force applied by the pointing object.
US08253706B2 Apparatus using a differential analog-to-digital converter
Electronic apparatus and methods of operating the electronic apparatus include less than a frequency associated with a generated waveform. In various embodiments, an apparatus using a differential analog-to-digital converter can perform low frequency noise rejection that can be implemented in a variety of applications. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08253703B2 Elastomeric wave tactile interface
A tactile interface includes a plurality of individually controllable drivers positioned about a perimeter of a tensioned elastomeric material. Each driver includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric material. A top surface of the first electrode is coupled to the tensioned elastomeric material. The piezoelectric material is disposed between a top surface of the second electrode and a bottom surface of the first electrode. Driver circuitry can apply control information to each of the plurality of individually controllable drivers to produce a wave pattern in the tensioned elastomeric material. Some example methods of providing a tactile image on a tactile interface include producing a time-varying potential difference across the top electrode and the bottom electrode of the drivers so that a standing wave pattern can be created in the elastomeric material. The tactile image can be formed by modulating a subset of the plurality of drivers.
US08253702B2 Position detecting apparatus and position pointer
In a position detecting apparatus, electric power of a position pointer is turned on only when the position pointer is put within a particular range from a tablet to minimize consumption of a battery disposed in the position pointer. When the position pointer is brought close to the tablet, a control signal transmitted from the tablet is detected by a resonant circuit of the position pointer, and MOSFETs serving as a power switch are turned on by the detected signal. In response, electric power is supplied from a battery via the MOSFETs to circuit elements of the position pointer, and thus an operation of the position pointer starts.
US08253698B2 Tactile touch screen for electronic device
An electronic device includes a base and a touch screen display connected to the base and movable relative thereto. The touch screen display includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device. The electronic device includes a feedback mechanism including a switch moveable relative to the base for actuating in response to application of a force to the touch-sensitive input surface causing movement of the touch screen display. Operational components are connected to the touch screen display for operation of the electronic device.
US08253697B2 Height dependent filter for a pointing device or a digitizer tablet, a method of reducing jitter in position data of a pointing device or a digitizer tablet, a computer readable medium and driver for performing the method
A height dependent filter for a pointing device or digitizer tablet, a method of reducing jitter in position data of a pointing device, and a computer readable medium are provided. A method of stabilizing positional data in a digitizer tablet associated with a display device for reporting a position of a pointer includes detecting a current location of the pointer with respect to a coordinate grid defined on the tablet and outputting a position signal indicative of the current pointer location. Noise is filtered from the position signal based on at least one filter parameter. A distance between the pointer and a point on the tablet is determined, and an amount of jitter in the position signal is determined based on the determined distance. The at least one filter parameter is adjusted based on the estimated amount of jitter.
US08253696B2 Flexible fingerprint sensor
A flexible pressure sensor has a first set of substantially parallel conductors in the x direction, a second set of substantially parallel conductors in the y direction, and a composite material disposed between the first set and second set of conductors. The composite material is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure. The composite material includes conductive particles at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between.
US08253686B2 Pointing apparatus capable of providing haptic feedback, and haptic interaction system and method using the same
Provided are a pointing apparatus capable of providing haptic feedback, and a haptic interaction system and method using the same. The pointing apparatus includes a wireless communication unit, a controller, and a haptic stimulator. The wireless communication unit receives an event including haptic output information through wireless communication with the outside. The controller generates a control signal for reproducing a haptic pattern corresponding to the haptic output information. The haptic stimulator reproduces the haptic pattern by means of the control signal. Thus, it is possible to increase the performance and usability of a user interface of a user terminal including a touch screen.
US08253684B1 Position and orientation determination for a mobile computing device
For multiple times in a time period, multiple data points can be received from an accelerometer and from a magnetometer that are included in a mobile computing device. For each of the data points, an orientation and a position of the mobile computing device can be determined based on an acceleration output and a magnetometer output that corresponds to the particular time. A trajectory is determined that represents movement of the mobile computing device during the time period based on the determined orientations and positions of the mobile computing device at the multiple times. Information that characterizes the trajectory is compared to stored information that characterizes a set of one or more base trajectories. Based on the comparison, an operation of the mobile computing device is identified that is associated with a trajectory included in the set of one or more base trajectories.
US08253679B2 Gate drive device with shift register for display device and display device having the same
A gate drive portion for a display device including multiple pixels having first and second sub-pixels includes a first shift register generating a first output signal in response to a first gate clock signal, a second shift register generating a second output signal in response to a second gate clock signal, a level shifter coupled to the first and second shift registers and amplifying the first and second output signals, and an output buffer coupled to the level shifter and generating first and second gate signals. The first gate signal is generated in synchronization with the first gate clock signal and the second gate signal is generated in synchronization with the second gate clock signal. Accordingly, the charging time of the first and second sub-pixels may be improved by separately driving the odd-numbered and even-numbered sub-pixels and the visibility of the LCD device may also be improved.
US08253678B2 Drive unit and display device for setting a subframe period
In one embodiment of the present invention, a drive unit of a display device is a drive unit that drives a display device in which one frame is divided into a plurality of sub-frames so that display of input video data is realized by summation of displays of the sub-frames, and the drive unit includes: a sub-frame data generating section generating sets of sub-frame data corresponding to the respective sub-frames; and a sub-frame period fixing section setting at least one sub-frame period to a given value regardless of a type of the input video data. This makes it possible to prevent variations of display quality with respective to various kinds of input video signals.
US08253673B2 Liquid crystal display device capable of reducing image flicker and method for driving the same
A method for driving a liquid crystal display adjusts the falling edges of the gate driving signals for reducing image flicker. A first gate driving signal falls from a high level to a first level at the signal falling edge. A second gate driving signal falls from the high level to a second level at the signal falling edge. When the parasitic capacitance of a first pixel is larger than that of a second pixel, the first level is lower than the second level; when the parasitic capacitance of the first pixel is substantially the same as that of the second pixel, the first level is the same as the second level; when the parasitic capacitance of the first pixel is smaller than that of the second pixel, the first level is higher than the second level.
US08253672B2 Circuit board and display device including the same
One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a circuit board having a substrate and a plurality of differential signal lines formed on the substrate and transmitting differential signals. The differential signal lines include a first signal line and a second signal line. The first signal line and the second signal line extend along at least two paths that are parallel to each other. The paths of the first signal line and the second signal line switch at path change portions, and the path change portions of neighboring differential signal lines are positioned at different distances away from an edge of the circuit board along the length direction of the differential signal line.
US08253669B2 Liquid crystal display
A first edge (61a) and a second edge (61b) are not uniformly parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to a first direction (A); a protrusion that is provided on one or both of the first edge (61a) and the second edge (61b), which protrusion protrudes into a slit (62b), is increased in just a direction from one predetermined region on one side of a bisector (C) shared by the first edge (61a) and the second edge (61b) to another region on the other side of the bisector C, which region on one predetermined region and the another region on the other side are regions of the first edge (61a) and the second edge (61b), and all of the protrusion(s) being extended into the slit to reach its maximum in the another region on the other side of the bisector. As a result, it is possible to achieve a liquid crystal display that is capable of generating alignment centers of liquid crystal molecules so that alignment centers of pairs of adjacent pixel electrodes are generated in uniform, which alignment center is generated in the vicinity of a slit sandwiched between pixel electrodes that are provided adjacent to each other in a direction in which the data signal lines extend and that are applied a voltage separately.
US08253666B2 Regulation of wavelength shift and perceived color of solid state lighting with intensity and temperature variation
Representative embodiments of the disclosure provide a system, apparatus, and method of controlling an intensity and spectrum of light emitted from a solid state lighting system. The solid state lighting system has a first emitted spectrum at full intensity and at a selected temperature, with a first electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a first wavelength shift, and a second electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a second, opposing wavelength shift. Representative embodiments provide for receiving information designating a selected intensity level or a selected temperature and providing a combined first electrical biasing and second electrical biasing to the solid state lighting system to generate emitted light having the selected intensity level and having a second emitted spectrum within a predetermined variance of the first emitted spectrum over a predetermined range of temperatures.
US08253665B2 Method and system for driving an active matrix display circuit
A method and system for driving an active matrix display is provided. The system includes a drive circuit for a pixel having a light emitting device. The drive circuit includes a drive transistor for driving the light emitting device. The system includes a mechanism for adjusting the gate voltage of the drive transistor.
US08253661B2 Method of compensating for luminance of an organic light emitting diode display
A method of compensating for luminance of an organic light emitting diode is provided. In an embodiment, an operational current of a dummy organic light emitting diode of a color is utilized to simulate the condition that a real pixel current attenuates with time, and a feedback current is outputted accordingly. A compensating voltage is generated according to the feedback current, and is used to regulates the data current inputted to the real pixel so as to compensate for the luminance of the real pixel of the color.
US08253660B2 Display device and controlling method thereof
A conventional setting voltage was a value with an estimated margin of a characteristic change of a light emitting element. Therefore, a voltage between the source and drain of a driver transistor Vds had to be set high (Vds≧Vgs−VTh+a). This caused high heat generation and power consumption because a voltage applied to the light emitting element. The invention is characterized by feedbacking a change in a current value in accordance with the deterioration of a light emitting element and a power source voltage controller which modifies a setting voltage. Namely, according to the invention, the setting voltage is to be set in the vicinity of the boundary (critical part) between a saturation region and a linear region, and a voltage margin for the deterioration is not required particularly for an initial setting voltage.
US08253659B2 Display device and pixel circuit
To efficiently compensate a threshold value of a driving transistor. In a state where a first switching transistor is non-conductive and a second switching transistor in conductive, a sampling transistor is made conductive and a reference voltage is supplied from a signal line to write a threshold voltage of a driving transistor to a first capacitance. After that, in a state where first and second switching transistors and are non-conductive, the sampling transistor is made conductive and a signal voltage from the signal line is written to the first capacitance. Further, after that the sampling transistor is put into a non-conductive state, and the first and second switching transistors are put in a conductive state, to drive the driving transistor and supply current to a light emitting element.
US08253658B2 Plasma display apparatus including an address electrode being electrically floated in a sustain period
A plasma display apparatus is disclosed. The plasma display apparatus a plasma display panel including a front substrate on which a scan electrode and a sustain electrode are positioned parallel to each other, a rear substrate on which an address electrode is positioned to cross the scan electrode and the sustain electrode, and a barrier rib that is positioned between the front substrate and the rear substrate to partition a discharge cell and a driver supplying a sustain signal to the scan electrode and the sustain electrode in a sustain period of at least one of a plurality of subfields of a frame. A sustain signal supplied to the scan electrode overlaps a sustain signal supplied to the sustain electrode in the sustain period. The address electrode is electrically floated in the sustain period.
US08253653B2 Image observation system
An image observation system includes a pair of image observation devices each having i) an image pickup device, ii) an image pickup optical system for directing light rays from an outside world to the image pickup device, iii) a display device for displaying an outside world image obtained by the image pickup system, and iv) a display optical system for directing light from the display device to an observing eye. The optical axis of the image pickup system and the optical axis of the display system are disposed coaxially, wherein the optical axes of the image pickup systems of the pair of image observation devices define a point of intersection, and wherein a focal plane being at a position conjugate with a surface of the image pickup device with respect to the image pickup optical system is disposed at a side of the intersection point of the optical axes of the image pickup systems, which side faces an observer.
US08253650B2 Electronic device with extensible screen
An electronic device includes a first display, a second display, numerous of first and second guide rail members, a movable unit, and a driver unit. The first guide rail members are configured for guiding the first display to move between a first position and a second position, and the second guide rail members are configured for guiding the second display to move between a third position and a fourth position. The driver unit is configured for driving the movable unit to move the second display between the fourth position and a fifth position along a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the second display. When the first display is in the second position and the second display is in the fifth position, the first display and the second display are coplanar.
US08253649B2 Spatially correlated rendering of three-dimensional content on display components having arbitrary positions
Two or more display components are used to provide spatially correlated displays of 3D content. Three-dimensional content is rendered on multiple displays where the 3D content refers to the same virtual 3D coordinates, in which the relative position of the displays to each other determines the 3D virtual camera position for each display. Although not required, one of the displays may be mobile, such as a cell phone, and the other stationary or nomadic, such as a laptop. Each display shows a view based on a virtual camera into 3D content, such as an online virtual world. By continuously sensing and updating the relative physical distances and orientations of each device to one another, the devices show the user a view into the 3D content that is spatially correlated. Each device has a virtual camera that uses a common pool of 3D geometrical data and renders this data to display images.
US08253645B2 Method and device for coupling cancellation of closely spaced antennas
An antenna system comprising at least two antenna radiating elements and respective reference ports the ports being defined by a symmetrical antenna scattering N×N matrix. The system further comprises a compensating network connected to the reference ports. The compensating network is arranged for counteracting coupling between the antenna radiating elements. The compensating network is defined by a symmetrical compensating scattering 2N×2N matrix comprising four N×N blocks, the two blocks on the main diagonal containing all zeros and the other two blocks of the other diagonal containing a unitary N×N matrix and its transpose. The product between the unitary matrix, the scattering N×N matrix and the transpose of the unitary matrix equals an N×N matrix which essentially is a diagonal matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for calculating a compensating scattering 2N×2N matrix for a compensating network for an antenna system.
US08253644B2 Control of passive intermodulation on aircrafts
There is described a Passive Intermodulation (PIM) shield for use with an aircraft for reducing PIM sources, the PIM shield comprising: a conductive material adapted to be placed between an antenna and a fuselage of the aircraft for preventing undesired Radio Frequency (RF) signals resulting from a combination of RF signals transmitted from and to the antenna and generated by non-linear junctions or material between the antenna and the fuselage of the aircraft, the conductive material having a thickness based on an RF skin-depth related to an operating frequency of the antenna. There is described a method for determining an operating frequency of an antenna, determining an RF skin-depth related to the operating frequency of the antenna, and providing the PIM shield.
US08253639B2 Wideband electromagnetic cloaking systems
Arrangement of resonators in an aperiodic configurations are described, which can be used for electromagnetic cloaking of objects. The overall assembly of resonators, as structures, do not all repeat periodically and at least some of the resonators are spaced such that their phase centers are separated by more than a wavelength. The arrangements can include resonators of several different sizes and/or geometries arranged so that each size or geometry corresponds to a moderate or high “Q” response that resonates within a specific frequency range, and that arrangement within that specific grouping of akin elements is periodic in the overall structure. The relative spacing and arrangement of groupings can be defined by self similarity and origin symmetry.
US08253634B2 Radio apparatus
In a portable telephone, a first housing and a second housing are connected to each other by hinge sections which makes the first housing and the second housing rotatable about the long-side direction of the housings. A metal frame is provided at a peripheral section of the first housing, and a display section is provided at the central section of the first housing. A metal is used as a frame and can also be operated as an antenna element. In the second housing, a circuit board to which a baseband circuit and a radio circuit are mounted, a first feeding section which supplies electric power to the metal frame, and a draw-out rod antenna which can be drawn out from and housed in the housing are supplied with electric power by the second feeding section. Further, a cellular antenna which performs communication with a base station is also incorporated in the second housing. The rod antenna can be drawn out in the direction substantially in parallel with the rotation axis of the above described hinge.
US08253632B2 Transmitting and receiving apparatus
A disclosed transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a UWB antenna having an element pattern and battery disposed on a side of the element pattern so that satisfactory antenna characteristics are obtained. The transmitting and receiving apparatus includes the UWB antenna having the element pattern, a ground pattern, and the battery disposed on a side of the element pattern. Preferably, the width and the height of the element pattern are about 16 mm and about 15 mm, respectively, and the distance between the element pattern and the battery is about 7 mm.
US08253627B1 Position determination with NRSC-5 digital radio signals
Apparatus to determine the position of a user terminal, the apparatus having corresponding methods and computer-readable media, comprises: a receiver to receive, at the user terminal, a wireless NRSC-5 digital radio signal; and a pseudorange module to determine a pseudorange between the receiver and a transmitter of the NRSC-5 digital radio signal based on the NRSC-5 digital radio signal; wherein the position module determines the position of the user terminal based on the pseudorange and a location of the transmitter.
US08253624B2 Detection and reduction of periodic jamming signals in GPS receivers and methods therefor
A method for eliminating or reducing interference in a receiver, for example, interference in a satellite positioning system receiver caused by a co-located TDMA transmitter, including detecting (210) the presence of a jamming signal, generating a synchronous blanking signal (220), and reducing the jamming signal by blanking (230) the receiver with a blanking signal. In one embodiment, the jamming signal is detected in the receiver, for example, at a correlator output of a satellite positioning system receiver.
US08253623B2 System and method for positioning a GPS device
A system and a method for determining the correct position for a GPS device from a predefined set of alternatives are provided. Based on the known positions of the visible GPS satellites and of the predefined alternative locations, the system determines theoretical distances between each satellite and each location and/or differences thereof. These distances are related to the distance measured between the GPS device antenna and each GPS satellite in order to choose the location from among the predefined location alternatives. Also disclosed are a system and a method for identification of predefined container slots on a freight yard.
US08253622B2 Device and method for the improved directional estimation and decoding by means of secondary radar signals
A device and a method for the improved directional estimation and decoding by means of secondary radar signals. The device includes: at least one array of antenna elements; a low noise first amplifier and bandpass filter combination connected to a plug-in connector S of the respective antenna elements; a first linear amplifier being connected at a filter output of said combination for amplifying the band-limited signal; a mixer connected to the first linear amplifier for the frequency conversion into a ZF region; a second linear amplifier and bandpass filter combination connected to the mixer output for amplifying and limiting the bandwidth of the signal in the ZF region; a first analog-to-digital converter connected to the second bandpass filter; a configurable signal processor connected to the first analog-to-digital converter; and a processing unit connected to the configurable signal processors.
US08253616B2 Analog-to-digital conversion in pixel arrays using a ramp signal having a single cycle
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) generates an output digital value equivalent to the difference between two analog signal values. The ADC receives a first analog signal level, a second analog signal level and a ramp signal. A counter is operable to count in a single direction. A control stage is arranged to enable the counter based on a comparison of the ramp signal with the first analog signal and the second analog signal. A digital value accumulated by the counter during a period when it is enabled forms the output. The ADC can perform the conversion during a single cycle of the ramp signal. The counter can be loaded with a starting digital value representing an exposure level accumulated during a previous exposure period. Techniques are described for reducing the conversion time.
US08253615B2 Current sensing circuit
A current sensing circuit including a current sensing unit, a feedback control unit, and a digital output unit is provided. The current sensing unit senses a current and generates a pulse signal according to at least one reference signal and at least one feedback signal. The feedback control unit is coupled to the current sensing unit and generates the at least one feedback signal according to a clock signal and the pulse signal. The digital output unit is coupled to the current sensing unit and outputs a digital signal according to the pulse signal. The digital output unit counts an amount of pulses of the pulse signal in a predetermined time period to output the digital signal, wherein the amount of pulses is positively correlated with a value of the current.
US08253607B2 Encoding and decoding information
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for encoding and decoding information. In one aspect, methods of encoding information in an encoder include the actions of receiving a signal representing information using a collection of discrete digits, converting, by an encoder, the received signal into a time-based code, and outputting the time-based code. The time-based code is divided into time intervals. Each of the time intervals of the time-based code corresponds to a digit in the received signal. Each digit of a first state of the received signal is expressed as a event occurring at a first time within the corresponding time interval of the time-based code. Each digit of a second state of the received signal is expressed as a event occurring at a second time within the corresponding time intervals of the time-based code, the first time is distinguishable from the second time. All of the states of the digits in the received signal are represented by events in the time-based code.
US08253606B2 Apparatus and a method for performing a fractional bit en- and decoding
The invention relates to a fractional bit encoder (1) and a method for encoding a data stream into code word identifiers for a physical line encoder (13), wherein said fractional bit encoder (1) comprises a (1:K) demultiplexer (3) for a de-multiplexing a received data stream into a predetermined number (K) of bit streams, a first (K1:n) multiplexer (4) for re-multiplexing a first number (K1) of said K bit streams onto n parallel lines transporting n re-multiplexed bit streams and a second multiplexer (5) re-multiplexing a second number (K2) of said K bit streams (K2:1) onto a single line transporting one further re-multiplexed bit stream, wherein n=[ld(M)] and M being a configurable number of different code word identifiers, a class detector (7) which evaluates the first n re-multiplexed bit streams to determine a class of the respective bit combination and a word encoder (10) which encodes the respective bit combination depending on the determined class of the bit combination.
US08253602B2 Keyboard with circuit for clearing CMOS data
A keyboard includes a keyboard body, a first resistor, a first capacitor, a jumper block mounted to the keyboard body, a battery, a keyboard interface, and a keyboard control circuit. The jumper block includes a grounded first pin and a second pin. The battery includes a positive terminal grounded by the first resistor and the first capacitor connected in series, and a grounded negative terminal. The keyboard interface includes a data pin, a voltage pin, and an idle pin. The idle pin is connected to a node between the first resistor and the first capacitor, and connected to the second pin of the jumper block. The keyboard control circuit is connected to the data pin to transmit data, and connected to the voltage pin to receive a voltage.
US08253598B2 Light-emitting keyboard
A light-emitting keyboard is disclosed, which comprises: a light guide plate, configured with a light entrance surface, a light emitting surface, a bottom surface and a side surface in a manner that the light emitting surface is arranged opposite to the bottom surface, and the light entrance surface and the side surface are arranged respectively next and connecting to the light emitting surfaced and the bottom surface while being sandwiched therebetween; a light source, disposed next to the light entrance surface of the light guide plate; a frame, disposed on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate; a first reflector, disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate; and a second reflector, disposed on the side surface of the light guide plate. With the aforesaid structure, light from the light source can be fully utilized so that the overall brightness of the light-emitting keyboard can be enhanced.
US08253596B2 Digraphic keypad
A digraphic keypad includes a configuration of specific keys. These specific keys include an “S” key, an “O” key, a “U” key, an “A” key, an “N” key, an “I” key, a “T” key, an “E” key, an “R” key, an “H” key, a “D” key and an “L” key.
US08253593B2 Traffic light system and method for using the same
A traffic light system includes a traffic light unit and at least one reminding unit. The traffic light unit includes a plurality of traffic lights, a detecting module connected to the traffic lights, and a wireless communication module connected to the detecting module. Each reminding unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a signaling module, such as a speaker module connected to the CPU. The detecting unit detects the working statuses of the traffic lights and generates corresponding detect signals transmitted to the wireless communication module, the wireless communication module sends the detect signals to the reminding unit in a predetermined reminding area, the CPU processes the detect signals to obtain the workings statuses of the traffic lights and controls the speaker module to play corresponding audio signals to remind the user.
US08253587B2 Power free remote sensor system data transmissions
A system and method to monitor the condition of a structure is provided. In one embodiment, a sensor node can include a power supply that can scavenge available energy, a sensor for sensing conditions in the immediate environment, and a communications interface for communicating the sensed operating conditions. Readers can be used to acquire data from the sensor nodes. In one embodiment, the readers can determine if the data from the sensor nodes is an exception and, if so, determine whether trend data is sufficient.
US08253584B2 Electric dipole transmission system
An electric dipole transmission system includes an uphole dipole assembly adapted for receiving downhole telemetry data. The uphole dipole assembly includes a gap sub, an electric dipole transmitter, a battery stack and a wireline receiver. A short hop receiver assembly is connected to the lower end of the uphole dipole assembly by a wireline. A downhole dipole assembly operatively connected to the uphole dipole assembly includes a short hop transmitter, a battery stack and a sensor assembly.
US08253583B2 Hazard indicator with LED
A hazard indicator including a power-saving control circuit having a transistor with a collector connected via a resistor to the output of the signal processing circuit. In operation, the transistor delivers the clocked control signal for the semiconductor switch as a function of the current-proportional voltage applied to the base of the transistor.
US08253582B2 Home appliance and home appliance system
A home appliance and home appliance system are provided. The home appliance may include an input device, through which an input signal is received from a user, and a control panel, into which the input device is inserted and connected, including a sound through-hole through which sound information passes. The home appliance may further include a sound output device disposed on a rear surface of the control panel that outputs the sound information corresponding to product information of the home appliance through the sound through-hole to outside of the home appliance. A gap may be formed between the input device and the sound through-hole into which the input device is inserted. Therefore, the sound information output from the sound output device may be transmitted to the outside through the gap. The home appliance may further include a sound guide, such that the sound information transmitted from the sound output device may be efficiently transmitted to the sound through-hole.
US08253578B2 Smoke sensor of the sound wave type including a smoke density estimation unit
The present invention provides a smoke sensor of sound wave type that excels in responsiveness and has a low probability of false detection. The smoke sensor has a sound wave generating unit that provides an ultrasound wave to a monitoring space, a sound wave receiving unit that receives the ultrasound wave from the sound wave generating unit via the monitoring space, and a signal processing unit that detects an abnormality of the monitoring space by using an output of the sound wave receiving unit. The signal processing unit includes a smoke density estimation unit that estimates a smoke density in the monitoring space on the basis of a difference between the output of the sound wave receiving unit and a standard value, and a smoke density determination unit that determines the abnormality of the monitoring space by comparing the smoke density estimated by the smoke density estimation unit with a predetermined threshold.
US08253577B2 Wireless medical gases management system
The present invention generally provides methods and systems for managing a medical gas system by using wireless sensors located at the point of use. In one embodiment, a wireless sensor is fixed to a gas outlet, and is configured to measure gas flow, and to detect whether the gas outlet is connected to a medical device. The gas flow and connection data is included in a wireless signal that is transmitted to a remote server. The data received by the server may be analyzed to determine if any local or system leaks are occurring. In addition, the data may be used to monitor patient therapies, to calculate costs, and to determine replenishment points.
US08253576B2 Search and rescue using ultraviolet radiation
A system for search and rescue includes a rescue beacon including a radiation source to emit radiation, at least a portion of which includes ultraviolet c-band radiation, and an ultraviolet c-band detector to detect the ultraviolet c-band radiation to enable locating of the rescue beacon.
US08253569B2 Secure electromagnetic data storage element having a plurality of selectively determined switchable security modes
The apparatus of the present invention are directed to a selectively accessible electromagnetically resonant data storage element (implemented as a resonant tag, card, embedded element and/or similar devices), for inventory and facility control and management, for product tracking during transportation, for security purposes (e.g., personal identification (e.g., passports, driver's licenses, alien registration cards), access control, etc.), and to facilitate various forms of electronic information interchange (for example in electronic commerce, such as payment cards, etc.), that is selectively responsive to predetermined electromagnetic interrogation thereof, that comprises a novel membrane switch component for enabling a user to selectively enable and/or disable interrogatory access to the resonant component, to protect from unauthorized interrogation thereof. The novel membrane switch may be formed through a combination of aligned and configured subcomponents of at least a portion of the element within at least two stacked layers.
US08253566B2 System and apparatus for managing information and communicating with a RFID tag
An apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag comprises an antenna for communicating with a RFID circuit element by wireless communication, a signal processing circuit and a radio frequency circuit for accessing an IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element through the antenna based on an access instruction to information in a RFID tag, a storage device for storing at least correlation information of identification information of an object which is to bear a RFID tag containing the RFID circuit element to identification of the RFID circuit element corresponding thereto in a database, a control circuit for accessing the database based on an access instruction to a storage device, a tape feeding roller drive shaft for feeding out a cover film associated with the RFID circuit element, and a print head for printing a print based on a printing instruction.
US08253565B2 Radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods
The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal. A communication method according to another aspect includes providing a radio frequency identification device; receiving a wireless signal including an identifier within the radio frequency identification device; processing the identifier; generating a control signal after the processing; and indicating presence of the radio frequency identification device using indication circuitry of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
US08253563B2 System and method for intrusion detection
Present day intrusion detection systems frequently cause false alarms by mistaking occupants as intruders, and it is desirable to reduce such false alarms. This invention comprises a processor that employs various software algorithms. The processor receives signals over temporal periods and software algorithms statistically discern various activities, thereby reducing false alarms and detection failures. The software algorithms are adaptive to the level of detected activity such that a rate of false alarms may be predetermined. As such, the processor and software algorithms comprise an artificial intelligence system. This artificial intelligence system may be employed in intruder and vehicle alarm systems composed of a multiplicity of detectors and within such detectors. A second aspect of this invention is an improved infrasound detection method that may be employed in such artificial intelligence.
US08253557B2 System and method for tracking luggage
A system for tracking an object including a tracking station in communication with a network. The system includes a first tag coupled to the object, the first tag comprising a first tag identifier and a first GPS transmitter. The first GPS transmitter is effective to communicate the location of the first tag to the tracking station over the network. The system also includes a second tag comprising a second tag identifier and a second GPS transmitter effective to communicate the location of the second tag to the tracking station over the network. The system also includes a database in communication with the tracking station, the database is effective to associate the first tag identifier with the second tag identifier. A user may access the database through the network and ascertain the location of his luggage.
US08253552B2 Method and device for configuring functional capabilities in a data processing system
Configuring functional capabilities in a data processing system comprising entitlement data in a non-volatile storage. The position of the data processing system is determined. Based on said position, functional capabilities are changed based on position information comprised in the entitlement data. Changing functional capabilities consists of enabling functional capabilities, disabling functional capabilities, and both enabling and disabling functional capabilities.
US08253547B2 Wireless sensor network data management system and method
An system has a sensing device for detecting a signal and logic configured to assess a timestamp to at least one data point contained in the signal prior to transmitting data indicative of the data point to a controller.
US08253546B2 Magnitude comparator, magnitude comparator based content addressable memory cell, and non-equal bin width histogrammer
A magnitude comparator for comparing magnitude of a first data and a second data is disclosed. The first data and the second data are both binary data. The magnitude comparator includes many non-least comparator cells and a P-channel transistor. Each of the non-least comparator cells includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor and a fourth transistor. The drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to the source of the first transistor, and the source of the second transistor is electrically connected to a ground terminal. The third transistor electrically connects the first transistor, and the fourth transistor electrically connects the first transistor and the third transistor. The source of the P-channel transistor electrically connects a supply terminal, the gate of the P-channel transistor electrically connects the ground terminal, and the drain of the P-channel transistor electrically connects the third transistor of the first comparator cell.
US08253544B2 Remote control device, remote control method, and remote-controllable device
An apparatus and a method of remote control which can enable real time operation of a device in home from a terminal device at remote location through a network are provided. A first server communicates with a terminal device through the Internet and generates device control data for controlling the device. A second server communicates with the device in a predetermined manner to acquire and store a specific address of the device, generates transmission data for transmission of the received device control data from the first server to the device based on the specific address, and transmits the transmission data to the device. This allows real time control of the device from the terminal device through the network to be realized.
US08253542B2 Method and system for performing affinity transactions
There is provided a physical token for use in a defined venue with a server having communication with the physical token. The physical token may comprise an identification data and a transmitter configured to transmit the identification data. The physical token is configured to transmit the identification data to the server to cause the server to initiate a sensory interaction with a user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may comprise a character in the defined venue interacting with the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may also comprise a display screen in the defined venue displaying information to the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may further comprise an audio speaker in the defined venue announcing information to the user possessing the physical token. The physical token may represent an affinity comprising an experience, entitlement, or characteristic of the user possessing the physical token.
US08253540B2 Method of reading data from transponders through a reader, a transponder, and a reader
A method of reading data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) from transponders (T1 . . . T4) by means of a reader device (RD) during a number (N) of time slots (TS) is disclosed, wherein the seizure of said time slots (TS) by the transponders (T1 . . . T4) is observed in both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). A reorganization (REORG) is performed in dependence on said seizure, wherein both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4) choose a new number (N) of time slots (TS). In addition, the transponders (T1 . . . T4) select one of the new time slots (TS) in which to send data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) back to the reader device (RD) so as to adapt the system's capacity to the real demands. Preferably, said reorganization (REORG) takes place without communication between the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). The invention further relates to a transponder (T1 . . . T4) and to a reader device (RD) for implementing the inventive method.
US08253527B2 Alarm system and method for warning of emergencies
An alarm system and method for warning of emergencies are provided. The method predefines a sign language list, and stores the sign language list in a storage device of a terminal device connected to at least one video camera. The method can control the video camera to capture sign images of a person when the person warns of an emergency using sign language, and combine the sign images to create a combined image. In addition, the method analyzes each of the sign images of the combined image to generate a group of sign numbers according to the sign language list stored in the storage device, generates a sign event according to the group of sign numbers, and responds to the sign event using a corresponding alarm.
US08253526B2 Termination compensation for differential signals on glass
A system for calibrating operation of integrated differential signal receiver circuitry mounted on a substrate and coupled via surface conductors to edge mounted interface electrodes in which compensation is provided for variances among the resistances of the surface conductors.
US08253524B2 Coil winding system and method for fabricating molded coil
There is provided a system for readily and efficiently fabricating a wound coil composed of a bobbinless coil. The system includes a coil winding device having an upper jig to which an upper plate is attached and a lower jig to which a lower plate is attached which are provided so as to be relatively displaceable and a tension device for applying predetermined tension to a wire rod fed from a wire rod supplying source. The coil winding device is provided with a claw section having first through third split claws that function as a winding section around which the wire rod is wound between the upper and lower plates and that slide in a radial direction when the upper jig is assembled coaxially with the lower jig.
US08253521B2 High current inductor assembly
An inductor winding includes first, second, and third arms, a middle portion extending between and connected to at least two of the first, second, and third arms and arranged to support a winding core mounted thereon, and first, second, and third legs extending downwardly from the first, second and third arms, respectively, and arranged to be mounted on a circuit board. The first, second, and third legs are arranged to provide three-point contact with the circuit board, and the inductor winding is arranged to provide a space between a bottom surface of the winding core mounted on the middle portion and an upper surface of electronic components mounted on the circuit board.
US08253520B2 Magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism of rotating gripper in clamping device
The magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism of rotating gripper in clamping device of the present invention relates to a clamping device with sector type prism rotating gripper clamping various shapes desirable targets, in which magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism is installed between rotary sector type prism rotating gripper and flush socket with sector type recessed cylindrical sliding surface of clip jaw for coupling to prevent from detachment.
US08253519B2 Coil former and coil body for an electromagnetic relay
A coil former for an electromagnetic relay is configured to receive a core and a coil winding. The coil former includes a first coil flange, a second coil flange, and a cylindrical winding area for fixing a coil winding arranged between the first and second coil flange, wherein at least one of the coil flanges is shaped such that at least a portion of one coil flange sits flush with the winding area of the coil former in a region of a periphery of the coil former. Also, a coil body for an electromagnetic relay includes a base integrally connected to the coil former. The coil former or the coil body is formed such that, in the production thereof, it has no more than three demolding directions for a master mould.
US08253518B2 Foldable cover for electronic device
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
US08253517B2 Full-protection circuit breaker
A full-protection circuit breaker has a line-protection circuit breaker and a residual-current-operated component which can be fitted thereto. A first switching mechanism, located therein, includes a first switching toggle for operation of a first latching mechanism, which is accommodated in the residual-current-operated component. A second switching mechanism, provided in the line-protection circuit breaker, includes a second switching toggle for operation of a second latching mechanism, which is accommodated in the line-protection circuit. The first and the second latching mechanisms are coupled by means of a first coupling element. The first and the second switching toggle are coupled by means of a second coupling element, wherein the second coupling element acts on the first switching toggle with respect to the second switching toggle, pivoting through the predeterminable lead angle in the direction of its connected position.
US08253516B2 Using an electric power cable as the vehicle for communicating an information-bearing signal through a barrier
The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it as a surface wave along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.
US08253514B2 Array of coupled resonators, bandpass filter and oscillator
An array of coupled resonators including: an input unit that supplies an input electrical signal; an electrical excitation unit that electrically excites N coupled resonators of the array using the input electrical signal, wherein the electrical excitation unit includes, for each of the N coupled resonators, an actuator, connected to the input unit, that actuates a respective one of the N coupled resonators according to the input electrical signal, and a variable gain input amplifier that amplifies actuation of a respective one of the N coupled resonators; and a controller that controls a specific setting of a variable gain of each of the variable gain input amplifier.
US08253513B2 Temperature compensated thin film acoustic wave resonator
The present invention in one aspect relates to an acoustic wave resonator having an acoustic reflector, a piezoelectric layer, a composite structure having a first electrode, a temperature compensation layer formed on the first electrode, having one or more vias or trenches formed therein, and a second electrode formed on the temperature compensation layer and electrically connected to the first electrode at least through the one or more vias or trenches, and a third electrode, where the composite structure is disposed under the piezoelectric layer, on the piezoelectric layer, or inside the piezoelectric layer.
US08253512B2 Printed circuit board
A low pass filter circuit includes an inductor and a capacitor. A first terminal of the inductor functions as an input to receive direct current voltage, and a second terminal of the inductor is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor through first and second conductor traces connected in series. A second terminal of the capacitor is grounded. Widths of the first and second conductor traces both range from about 2 mils to about 5 mils. A node between the first and second conductor traces outputs the direct current.
US08253508B2 Modulator driver circuit having chirped components
Embodiments of the present invention provide arrays of electrical circuits having one or more chirped elements or components for providing output signals to corresponding arrays of electro-optic devices. Certain embodiments of the present invention include a plurality of modulator driver circuits, each of the plurality of driver circuits configured to be substantially identical to each other and provide a corresponding one of a plurality of modulator drive signals to a respective one of a plurality of electro-optic modulators, each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits being chirped to provide a desired output to the corresponding electro-optic modulator for enhanced operation. Each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits comprises a plurality of electrical components, at least one of the electrical components being chirped such that a design or operating parameter of the electrical component differs from an electrical component having a similar function in at least one of the remaining modulator driver circuits of the plurality of driver circuit. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits is provided on a common substrate.
US08253505B2 Package and vibrating device using the same
A vibrating device includes: a package having an internal space; and a vibrating reed housed in the internal space of the package, wherein the package has a porous portion formed of a communication hole communicating between the internal space and the outside and a porous body buried in the communication hole, and a metal film closing the internal space is arranged on the outside side of the porous portion.
US08253499B2 Charge pump and phase detection apparatus, phase-locked loop and delay-locked loop using the same
A charge pump includes a first current source, a second current source, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a reset switch, an inverse reset switch and a capacitance. The first and third switches have first terminals coupled to the first current source. The second and fourth switches have first terminals coupled to the second current source. The first, second and reset switches have second terminals coupled to a first terminal of the inverse reset switch. The reset switch has a first terminal coupled to second terminals of the third and fourth switches. The first and second switches are respectively controlled by first and second control signals, the third and fourth switches are respectively controlled by inverse signals of the first and second control signals, and the inverse reset switch is controlled by the inverse reset signal.
US08253490B2 Wireless signal corrective pre-distortion using linearly interpolated filter coefficients derived from an amplifier sample set that is representative of amplifier nonlinearlity
A digital pre-distortion system which can provide the flexibility to model the highly non-linear distortion associated with High Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers while through a novel implementation of a least squares estimation process allows an implementation well suited for an FPGA application where limited resources and in particular memory resources are available.
US08253489B2 Amplifier, transmitter, and method for compensating gain
An amplifier includes a voltage detector that detects current flowing to a drain terminal of a transistor which amplifies a signal using GaN as a voltage difference by means of voltage conversion, a compensation decision unit that decides whether or not to perform gain compensation based on the voltage difference detected by the voltage detector, and a gain compensation unit that performs the gain compensation according to the voltage difference when the compensation decision unit decides to perform the gain compensation.
US08253488B1 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.
US08253487B2 Tracking power supply, method for controlling power supply, and communication apparatus
A tracking power supply, a method for controlling a power supply, and a communication apparatus are disclosed. The tracking power supply includes: a basic voltage output unit, configured to provide a basic voltage; and a compensation voltage output unit, configured to provide a compensation voltage. The compensation voltage output unit and the basic voltage output unit are connected in series so as to provide a voltage which is the sum of the basic voltage and the compensation voltage for a load.
US08253485B2 Power amplifier
A power amplifier comprises a series stack of power amplifier devices, connected in parallel to the amplifier input for receiving an RF input signal, and having output terminals being connected in series to the amplifier output. An intermediate coupling capacitor is connected between each adjacent pair of power amplifier devices in the series stack of power amplifier devices for DC isolation of said power amplifier devices. This reduces the required DC supply voltage, as well as allowing shorting of individual power amplifier devices in response to variation in the DC supply voltage.
US08253483B2 High-frequency switch module
A high-frequency switch module that significantly reduces deterioration of high-frequency characteristics and improves harmonic wave distortion characteristics includes a high-frequency switch and SAW filters mounted on a multilayer substrate. Low pass filters are provided within the multilayer substrate. The terminals of the high-frequency switch are located on the bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate. The high-frequency switch includes a high-frequency circuit ground terminal and a control circuit ground terminal, the multilayer substrate includes therein a ground electrode which is electrically connected to a top surface connection electrode to which the high-frequency circuit ground terminal is connected, and a wiring electrode electrically connected to a top surface connection electrode to which the control circuit ground terminal is connected is arranged so as to be insulated from the ground electrode.
US08253481B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
The present invention is directed to perform fine low-voltage control without largely increasing the circuit layout area in a low-power consumption structure. In the case of shifting a region to a low-speed mode, a system controller outputs a request signal and an enable signal to a power switch controller and a low-power drive circuit, respectively, to turn off a power switch and to perform a control so that the voltage level of a virtual reference potential becomes about 0.2 V to about 0.3V. The region operates on voltages between a power supply voltage and a virtual reference potential, so that it is controlled in the low-speed mode.
US08253477B2 Voltage boost circuit without device overstress
A voltage boost circuit is driven with a clock signal CLK which toggles between voltages V1 and V2. A first MOSFET is coupled between CLK and an output node OUT, and at least one additional MOSFET is coupled between OUT and a supply voltage. The first terminal of a capacitance is coupled at its first terminal to OUT, and at its second terminal to a delay circuit arranged to toggle its output to ˜V2 or ˜V1 a predetermined amount of time after the voltage applied to the clock signal side of the first MOSFET toggles to ˜V2 or ˜V1, respectively. The capacitance is charged to ˜V2 when the voltage applied to the clock signal side of the first MOSFET toggles to ˜V2, and OUT is increased to a voltage greater than V2 when the output of the delay circuit toggles to ˜V2. The only active device junctions subjected to the boosted voltage are MOSFET well-substrate junctions, such that no active devices are overstressed.
US08253476B2 Trimmer circuit and method
A trimmer circuit is so configured that an electronic device will break down to produce a high current to trim a fuse. The electronic device is selectively configured to have a breakdown voltage lower than an applied voltage, for the trigger of its breakdown to be controllable. In an embodiment, the electronic device is switched between two states having two breakdown voltages respectively, and the applied voltage is higher than one of the breakdown voltages and lower than the other one.
US08253475B2 Fuse detecting apparatus
A fuse detecting apparatus includes a detector, a calibrator and a logical operating unit. The detector includes a detecting switch module and a detecting latch. The detecting switch module generates an initial detecting result according to first and second control signals and a status of the fuse. The detecting latch stores a voltage level of the initial detecting result or maintains its originally stored voltage level according to the initial detecting result for generating a pre-calibrating detecting signal. The calibrator includes a calibrating switch module and a calibrating latch. The calibrating switch module generates a calibrating result according to the first and second control signals. The calibrating latch stores the calibrating result and generates a calibrating signal accordingly. The logical operating unit generates a calibrated detecting signal according to the pre-calibrating detecting signal and the calibrating signal.
US08253474B2 Leakage compensated electronic switch
An electronic circuit for switching purposes comprises a set of at least four electronic switches. A first subset and a second subset comprise at least two electronic switches of said set, respectively. Said at least two electronic switches of said first subset are arranged in a serial connection. Said at least two electronic switches of said second subset are arranged in a serial connection. The electronic circuit comprises a first buffer connected to a first electronic switch of said first subset and a second buffer connected to a second electronic switch of said second subset. Said first buffer minimises a potential drop across said first electronic switch when in open state, and said second buffer minimises a potential drop across said second electronic switch when in open state. The electronic circuit further comprises a switched connection towards ground arranged in between the two subsets.
US08253471B2 High impedance bias network
This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for offsetting reverse-bias leakage of a high impedance bias network. In an example, an apparatus includes an anti-parallel diode pair coupled between a signal node and a common-mode node. The anti-parallel diode pair can include a first diode and a second diode coupled to the first diode. A third diode can be coupled between a supply node and the signal node, and the third diode can be sized to compensate for a parasitic diode junction of the anti-parallel diode pair.
US08253470B2 Offset calibration for amplifiers
An apparatus, a method, and a system are provided to calibrate an offset in an amplifier. The apparatus can include an amplifier, a voltage control unit, a comparator, and a processing unit. The amplifier can have four terminals: a positive differential input (VIN+), a negative differential input (VIN−), a positive differential output (VOUT+), and a negative differential output (VOUT−). The voltage control unit can be configured to adjust a first voltage on VOUT+ and a second voltage on VOUT−. The comparator can be configured to compare the first voltage on VOUT+ to the second voltage on VOUT− when VIN+ and VIN− are coupled to a common voltage. Further, the processing unit can be configured to provide a control signal to the voltage control unit based on the comparison of the first and second voltages on VOUT+ and VOUT−, respectively.
US08253463B1 Pulse width control circuitry
Integrated circuits with pulse latches are provided. Pulse latches are controlled by clock pulse signals. The clock pulse signals are generated by pulse generators. The pulse generators are controlled by adaptive pulse width control circuitry to provide clock pulse signals with a minimum pulse width and with sufficient margin to tolerate for process, voltage, and temperature variations. The pulse width control circuitry may include a replica pulse generator, a test data generation circuit, a test latch, and a pulse width calibration circuit. The replica pulse generator controls the test latch. The test latch may attempt to latch the test data. The pulse width control circuit may determine if the test latch properly latches the test data with the given pulse width. The pulse width control circuit adjusts the pulse generator dynamically to provide a minimized pulse width.
US08253462B2 Duty cycle correction method and its implementing circuit
A duty cycle correction method includes detecting independently a relative delay time of two input differential signals; equating the sum of two relative delay time with the cycle of the input differential signals; and adjusting the two delay time to the same value. A corresponding implementation circuit includes two time delay units; two relative phase detectors connecting simultaneously with each of the two time delay units; a charge pump connecting with the output of each of the two relative phase detectors, with its output connecting to the two time delay units in order to form a loop; and a synthesis output unit connecting with both the time delay units, thereby generating output signals. The adjusting range of duty cycle becomes much wider. The implementation circuit is absolutely symmetrical, so a duty cycle with high accuracy can be obtain.
US08253459B2 Frequency adjusting apparatus and DLL circuit including the same
A frequency adjusting apparatus includes a frequency control signal generating unit that generates a multi-bit frequency control signal, which is changed in level bit by bit, in response to a reference clock signal, and a frequency adjusting unit that adjusts the frequency of the reference clock signal in response to the multi-bit frequency control signal.
US08253452B2 Circuit and method for powering up an integrated circuit and an integrated circuit utilizing same
The present invention is a circuit and method for providing a reference voltage and/or one or more circuit/circuit-block enabling signals for an IC. As the voltage level on a power supply line ramps upward towards or above a nominal operating voltage, a first threshold voltage detector circuit segment may be activated and may begin to generate a bandgap reset signal once the voltage level of the power supply reaches a first threshold voltage level. The bandgap reset signal may trigger the power-up and operation of a bandgap reference circuit segment, and according to further embodiments of the present invention, a second threshold voltage detector circuit segment, which second threshold voltage detector circuit segment may be matched with the first voltage detector circuit, may generate a voltage reset signal indicating that the bandgap reference source is powering-up. Once the supply voltage reaches a third threshold reference voltage, the first detector may disable the bandgap reset.
US08253450B2 Clock signal frequency dividing circuit and method
A mask circuit (10) masks the clock pulses of a clock S in accordance with an input mask signal (50), generating and outputting a clock B. A mask control circuit (20) generates a mask signal (50) which assigns mask timings to mask (M−N) clock pulses, to timings other than communication timings to perform data communication, out of the timings of M successive clock pulses of the clock S, based on communication timing information (30) indicating the communication timings of data communication that is performed with a circuit A by a circuit B using the clock B. The mask control circuit (20) then outputs the mask signal (50) to the mask circuit (10).
US08253449B2 Clock switch circuit and clock switch method of the same
A clock switch circuit includes a frequency divide circuit which divides a frequency of a basic clock to generate a plurality of frequency-divided clocks, an output select signal generation circuit which outputs an output select signal according to a clock select signal, and an output select circuit which switches a clock to be output according to the output select signal, in which the frequency divide circuit outputs a plurality of frequency-divided count values indicating the number of clocks of the basic clock from start of one cycle of each of the frequency-divided clocks, and the output select signal generation circuit switches a value of the output select signal at timings at which start timings of cycles of frequency-divided clocks before and after switch operation are matched based on a frequency-divided count value corresponding to a current selection clock among the plurality of frequency-divided count values.
US08253448B1 Techniques for varying frequencies of periodic signals
A circuit includes first and second frequency divider circuits and first storage circuits. Each of the first and the second frequency divider circuits receives periodic input signals and generates a periodic output signal having a frequency of one of the periodic input signals in a bypass mode. The periodic output signal of each of the first and the second frequency divider circuits has a fraction of a frequency of one of the periodic input signals in a frequency divider mode. Each of the first storage circuits stores an enable signal in response to the periodic output signal of one of the first frequency divider circuits. The enable signals stored in the first storage circuits enable the second frequency divider circuits in the frequency divider mode. The circuit may include second storage circuits storing enable signals that enable a subset of the first frequency divider circuits in the frequency divider mode.
US08253444B2 Receiving circuit
A receiving circuit includes an impedance compensating circuit, a first input terminal and a second input terminal coupled to a first signal line and a second signal line, a first signal and a second signal corresponding to differential signals being transmitted at the first input terminal and the second input terminal, respectively, a signal input circuit, coupled to the first input terminal and the second input terminal, which receives the first signal and the second signal are input, and a differential-signal detector that detects whether or not the differential signals are supplied to the first input terminal and the second input terminal.
US08253440B2 Methods and systems to calibrate push-pull drivers
Methods and systems to calibrate an on-die resistor relative to an operating voltage of an on-die push-pull driver, and to calibrate the push-pull driver relative to the on-die resistor and relative to operating voltages of the push-pull driver. The calibrated on-die resistor may be used to calibrate receive terminations, a differential transmit termination, and a simulated far-end differential receive termination. The calibrated differential transmit termination and simulated far-end differential receive termination may be coupled in parallel to calibrate current drivers. Calibration of the current drivers may include calibrating voltage swing, and may include a first phase that simultaneously adjusts compensation to the current drivers, and a second phase that individually adjusts the compensation to the current drivers.
US08253438B2 Low leakage and data retention circuitry
An integrated circuit includes first circuitry and sleep transistor circuitry. The first circuitry receives input signals and processes the input signals. The first circuitry also retains data in a sleep state that has low leakage. The sleep transistor circuitry is coupled to the first circuitry and receives a sleep signal that has a negative voltage. The sleep circuitry reduces power consumption of the first circuitry in the sleep state to have low leakage based on the sleep signal while retaining the data in the first circuitry.
US08253436B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit with data transmitting and receiving circuits
Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention including a data transmitting circuit and a data receiving circuit that receives data transmitted from the data transmitting circuit. The data transmitting circuit includes a data output circuit that outputs the data or sets an output to a high impedance state, and a control circuit that outputs a control signal to the data output circuit so that the data output circuit outputs the data when the data transmitting circuit transmits the data, and the data output circuit keeps outputting data last output in the previous data transmission, during a predetermined period after the previous data transmission when the data transmitting circuit further transmits another data after transmitting the data.
US08253427B2 Resistance bridge architecture and method
One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge having two voltage measurements circuits that function in tandem. In one embodiment, a constant current source may be applied to two resistors coupled in series, in which the first resistor has a known resistance and the second resistor has a resistance to be determined or verified. A first measurement circuit may measure a first voltage across the first resistor and at substantially the same time a second measurement circuit measures a second voltage across the second resistor. The voltage of each resistor is converted to a ratio. Based on the ratio and the resistance of the first resistance, the resistance of the second resistor may be calculated.
US08253425B2 Production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device
In one embodiment, a method for production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device is disclosed. In this embodiment, the present technology for production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device samples a first value corresponding to a first channel of a capacitive touch sensing device when the capacitive touch sensing device is in production. The present embodiment also samples a second value corresponding to the first channel of the capacitive touch sensing device when the capacitive touch sensing device has a self-test capacitive circuit applying a signal thereto. The present embodiment compares the first value and the second value to determine a production testing result for the first channel of the capacitive touch sensing device, wherein the sampling of the second value and the comparing the first value and the second value occur during production of the capacitive touch sensing device.
US08253420B2 Integrated electrical circuit and test to determine the integrity of a silicon die
A detection circuit and one or more wires or circuit traces are included in a die. The combination is used to detect mechanical failure of the substrate, e.g. silicon after singulation of the dice from the wafer. Failures may be detected at different regions or planes within the die, and the tests may be performed during operation of the packaged die and integrated circuit, even after installation and during operation of a larger electronic device in which it is incorporated. This is especially useful for chip scale packages, but may be utilized in any type of IC package.
US08253419B2 Battery voltage monitoring system for monitoring the battery voltage of a series arrangement of more than two batteries
A battery voltage monitoring system monitors voltage of an arrangement of more than two batteries (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) in series. The system comprises a voltage divider comprises a first (R1, R2, R3, R4) and second resistive element (R5, R6, R7, R8) arranged parallel to at least a part of the battery arrangement and connected to a reference voltage line and to a node (N1, N2, N3, N4) in the battery arrangement. In between the first (R1, R2, R3, R4) and second resistive element (R5, R6, R7, R8) a transistor (Q11, Q12, Q13, Q14) is arranged. The base of the transistor is, via a diode (D1, D2, D3, D4), connected to a further node (N2, N3, N4, N5) in the series arrangement of batteries, and a switching element (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) is provided to address the transistor (Q11, Q12, Q13,Q14).
US08253415B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a spectrum acquisition unit and a determining unit. The spectrum acquisition unit acquires a frequency spectrum of magnetic resonance signals from a metabolic product in a target region in an object. The determining unit determines one of the numbers of integrations and phase encodes of magnetic resonance signals for obtaining the frequency spectrum depending on a factor influencing the frequency spectrum.
US08253413B2 System that obtains a switching point with the encoder in a static position
A system including an encoder, multiple sensing elements and control logic. The encoder has a pole pitch and is configured to rotate in a direction of rotation. The multiple sensing elements are situated along the direction of rotation and span at least half the length of the pole pitch. The control logic is configured to receive signals from the multiple sensing elements based on the encoder in a static position and obtain a switching point based on the signals.
US08253411B2 Arrangement of a coil pair in a local measurement area
A configuration of a pair of inductor coils within a local measuring range which can comprise a position range or an angle range. For the coil configuration, a nominal distance to a damping part is predefined which comprises an eddy current damping part which covers the coils, to a certain degree. In the evaluation circuit, the coils are connected to a capacitor, forming an oscillator part, whose inductance and capacitance determine a resonant frequency. The characteristic curve, oscillator frequency as a function of the position or the angle is linear. The rectangular inductors of the pair of coils overlap within the measuring range. The linear characteristic curves have a common point of rotation, outside of the measuring range, which is independent from interferences by the measuring configuration.
US08253410B2 Protective system for a multiple channel transformer probe
The invention provides a transformer probe for sensing movement of a body of magnetic material, having multiple output channels wherein the output in each output channel is substantially unaffected by faults in other output channels. The transformer probe comprises a magnetically energizable pole piece, a sensing circuit comprising an electrical circuit having a portion, remote from the pole piece, which forms first and second transformer primary coils, a first output circuit comprising a first transformer secondary coil, inductively coupled to the first primary coil via a first transformer core, and terminated by a first load resistance, and means for measuring an output signal from the secondary circuit, a second output circuit comprising a second transformer secondary coil, inductively coupled to the second primary coil via a second transformer core and terminated by a second load resistance and means for measuring an output signal from the second secondary coil, and an inductive coupling, or resistive electrical component, connected across each primary coil, having an impedance within the sensing circuit such that a change from a normal circuit condition to an open circuit condition within the first or second output circuit does not significantly affect the voltage across the first and second primary coils.
US08253409B2 Range detection device
In a range detection device, a movable member has a magnetized portion and can move with a manual valve of a control device. A supporting member includes a plate portion having a surface opposed to the magnetized portion and a recess formed in an opposite surface of the plate portion, and supports the movable member such that the movable member is capable of moving parallel with the plate portion. A substrate is placed in the recess and has a first hole that penetrates the substrate. A magnetic detection element is installed to a surface of the substrate at a side of the plate portion to correspond to a position of the first hole, and detects magnetism of the magnetized portion. A sealing member is filled in the recess and covers the substrate and the magnetic detection element.
US08253407B2 Voltage mode switching regulator and control circuit and method therefor
The present invention discloses a voltage mode switching regulator with improved light load efficiency and mode transition characteristic, and a control circuit and a control method therefor. The switching regulator can switch between a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode and a pulse skipping mode. The control method for the switching regulator comprises: comparing a feedback signal relating to an output voltage with a reference signal, to generate an error amplification signal; generating a duty signal according to the error amplification signal and a ramp signal, to control the switching regulator; setting a threshold level of the error amplification signal and a threshold level of the pulse skipping mode according to the error amplification signal in a stable status; and when the error amplification signal is close or equal to the threshold level of the pulse skipping mode, generating a pulse skip signal to enter the pulse skipping mode.
US08253403B2 Converting circuit and controller for controlling the same
The present invention uses a discharge path to release the power stored in an output capacitor of a converting circuit when the time interval between two adjacent switching thereof is too long and may generate noises whose frequencies can be sensed by human ears. Hence, the present invention can keep the operating frequency of the converting circuit higher than a predetermined frequency and reduce the audio noise of the converting circuit.
US08253398B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a high-side switching element having a first switching element connected between an input voltage line and an inductive load; and a low-side switching element having a second switching element and a third switching element that are connected in parallel between the inductive load and a reference voltage line. A surge current is discharged through the third switching element to the reference voltage line when a surge is applied to a terminal connected to the inductive load in the low-side switching element.
US08253397B2 Switching converters with efficiently-controlled mode transitions
Efficiently controlled converter system embodiments are provided to operate in different operational modes. In a first operational PWM mode, first and second transistors are switched with a feedback-controlled duty cycle to thereby realize an inductor current that maintains a system output voltage. In a second operational PFM mode, after the output voltage decays to a lower threshold over a decay time, the control and synchronous transistors are driven a sufficient number of times to raise the output voltage to an upper threshold. The systems are controlled to efficiently transition between the first and second operational modes. For example, a converter system preferably transitions to the second PFM operational mode when current peaks of the inductor current drop below a predetermined current threshold and the system preferably transitions to the first PWM operational mode when the output voltage drops to a predetermined reference voltage.
US08253392B2 Method for discharging capacitive loads
Methods for storing electrical energy discharged from a capacitive source, embodiments including developing a capacitive load in the source and closing a switch between the capacitive source and a voltage conversion block after an output voltage of the source both exceeds a threshold value and is detected to peak. The conversion block includes an inductor and the storage device connected in series and further may include a diode connected in parallel across the inductor and the storage device. Apparatus for storing electrical energy discharged from a capacitive source include embodiments having a capacitive source configured to produce an output voltage, a switch connected to the source, an inductor connected to the switch, a storage device connected to the inductor and a controller configured to close the switch after an output voltage of the source both exceeds a threshold value and is detected to peak.
US08253390B2 Power supply device and system
A power supply device and system have an electrically polarized element in which a remnant electrical polarization is formed and retained. Electrodes are formed on the electrically polarized elements and the remnant electrical polarization generates an electrical potential on the electrodes. Electrical circuits are coupled to the electrically polarized element to control the external electric charges attracted and distributed on the electrodes, for establishing the electrical potential on the electrodes. The electrodes can output electric currents by controlling the external electric charges distribution. The electrically polarized element may be made of ferroelectric material, including a ferroelectric bulk ceramic, ferroelectric multilayer ceramic, ferroelectric single crystal, ferroelectric thin film, ferroelectric thick film and ferroelectric polymer, and all the other materials with electric polarization retained therein. Power supply devices and systems made according to the present invention have very long standby time, small in size and efficient for many applications including RF systems.
US08253386B2 Method of controlling charge and discharge of non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell
Capacity degradation due to charge/discharge cycles is suppressed in either a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell provided with a positive electrode including, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium-transition metal complex oxide having a layered structure and containing at least Ni and Mn as transition metals, and a negative electrode containing a carbon material as a negative electrode active material and having a higher initial charge-discharge efficiency than that of the positive electrode, or an assembled battery having a plurality of cells each of which is the secondary cell. A control circuit incorporated in the secondary cell or the assembled battery, or in an apparatus using the secondary cell or the assembled battery, monitors the voltage of the secondary cell or each of the cells in the assembled battery so that the end-of-discharge voltage of each cell is 2.9 V or higher.
US08253384B2 Electronic device having power management assembly
An electronic device includes a power cable, a host, a rechargeable battery, and a power management assembly. The power cable is configured for electrically coupling an external power supply to the electronic device. The rechargeable battery is electrically coupled to the host. The power management assembly is electrically coupled to the host and the rechargeable battery. The power management assembly is configured for controlling drawing the maximum rated power of the electronic device from the external power supply through the power cable as the power management assembly is being used, and controlling the host to switch on a power-saving mode, and increase current flowing to the rechargeable battery when the host works in the power-saving mode.
US08253382B2 Battery apparatus for controlling plural batteries and control method of plural batteries
Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices.
US08253380B2 Characteristic tracking method and circuit for a battery module
A characteristic tracking method for a battery module including at least one battery is disclosed. A look-up table is provided according to a primary characteristic of the battery. It is determined whether a battery has satisfied a preset condition when the battery module is operated from a usage state to an idling state. The battery is measured to have obtained a first voltage and a real capacity when the battery satisfies the preset condition. The measured first voltage is utilized to locate a table capacity of the battery from the look-up table. The look-up table is updated according to the real capacity and the table capacity. A peripheral circuit of characteristic tracking method has been exhibited.
US08253377B2 Hearing aid battery charger
A battery charger (10) for charging a rechargeable battery (45, 46) which is located in a hearing aid (18, 20), the battery charger (10) includes a power supply for supplying a charging current to the rechargeable battery (45, 46), a hearing aid connector for reception and accommodation of the hearing aid (18, 20), the connector having a set of first electrical terminals (36, 38) connected with the power supply and positioned for connection with the rechargeable battery (45, 46) when the hearing aid (18, 20) is positioned in the connector, and an actuator (32, 34) that is adapted for providing access to the battery (45, 46) for connection with the first electrical terminals (36, 38) when the hearing aid (18, 20) is positioned in the connector.
US08253370B2 Microcomputer for controlling ultrasonic motor, and method for controlling ultrasonic motor
A microcomputer that controls an ultrasonic motor includes a storage unit that stores a compare register value, and a digital/analog (D/A) conversion set value, a D/A converter that generates an amplitude control signal with an amplitude value corresponding to the D/A conversion set value, a timer that generates a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal with a frequency corresponding to the compare register value, a central processing unit (CPU) that reads the D/A conversion set value, and the compare register value from the storage unit, and that sets the D/A conversion set value and the compare register value to the D/A converter and the timer, respectively, and an output circuit that generates the control signal with the amplitude of the amplitude control signal, and the frequency of the PWM signal, in response to the amplitude control signal and the PWM signal.
US08253364B2 Heat-dissipating device and method for controlling fan speed
A method for controlling fan speed is disclosed. Firstly, a number of temperature ranges are defined. Each temperature range is associated with a corresponding fan speed. Each two adjacent temperature ranges overlap. The temperature of an electronic system is measured and is compared with the defined temperature ranges to determine whether it enters into a new range. If the measured temperature exceeds any one of the limits of a temperature range associated with the current fan speed, it enters into a new temperature range. The fan speed is adjusted to which is associated with the new entered temperature range. The overlap of each two adjacent temperature ranges covers the fluctuation of the temperature of the electronic system caused solely by the adjustment of fan speed caused by the traversing of the measured temperature between the two adjacent temperature ranges.
US08253361B2 Device for the controlled power consumption of electric drives in machinery and machine including the device for processing printing material
A device for controlling electric drives in machinery includes an electronic control unit for calculating in advance the electric power required by the at least one electric drive as a function of motion profiles of the electric drive. A printing material processing machine having the drive, is also provided.
US08253359B2 Electric rotating machine control system and vehicle driving system including the electric rotating machine control system
A control system includes an electric rotating machine; a driving circuit that is connected to a DC power supply, the driving circuit includes a frequency conversion unit configured such that, when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a power running mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the DC power supply into AC electric power, and when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a regenerative operation mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the electric rotating machine into DC electric power; and a control unit that controls the driving circuit, wherein the control unit judges whether a connection between the DC power supply and the driving circuit is being maintained, and is configured such that, when the connection is not being maintained, regenerative electric power generated by the electric rotating machine is reduced by controlling the driving circuit.
US08253357B2 Load demand and power generation balancing in direct series electric drive system
An electric drive system includes a prime mover connected to a generator, which is controlled in part by an excitation current. The generator makes electrical power available on a dc link. A method of load demand and power generation balancing within the electric drive system includes determining a voltage of the dc link and determining a torque command by an operator of the system. A speed for each of one or more drive motors receiving power from the dc link is determined and normalized to derive an average motor speed. A mechanical power being commanded is derived based on the average motor speed and the torque command. A predicted excitation current that is required to achieve the derived mechanical power is determined and an actual excitation current is determined based on the predicted excitation current. The actual excitation current is then applied to the generator.
US08253355B2 Multiplexed control of multi-axis machine with distributed control amplifier
A control apparatus for multiplexing a single distributed control amplifier to control multiple axes of motion in a multi-axis machine. In one example, the control apparatus comprises a distributed control motor amplifier, a first motor constructed and arranged to provide movement along a first axis of motion, a second motor constructed and arranged to provide movement along a second axis of motion, a first relay having a switch coupled to the distributed control motor amplifier, a first contact coupled to the first motor, a second contact coupled to the second motor, and an input for receiving an actuation signal, wherein the relay is configured to be manipulated between a first state in which the switch is electrically connected to the first contact a second state in which the switch is electrically connected to the second contact, in response to the actuation signal.
US08253351B2 Electronic ballast with multimode lamp power control
A control means has an adjustment function in a microprocessor to adjust variations in an output to a discharge lamp due to variations in components by correcting a duty ratio of a PWM signal for varying an operating frequency of an inverter circuit so that a detected value of a second detection circuit falls within a target range. The microprocessor switches paths to transmit the PWM signal between a path passing through a feedback circuit and a path passing through a voltage follower circuit by switches a switch circuit to supply the signal through the path passing through the voltage follower circuit in adjusting output variations in the preheating mode and the starting mode.
US08253348B2 Illumination device capable of adjusting light brightness and method thereof
An illumination device includes a light sensor, a light-emitting unit, a switch unit and a processing unit. The light sensor is configured for sensing ambient light intensity and providing results based on the sensed light intensity. The switch unit is configured for controlling the electrical connection between the light-emitting unit and a power unit. The processing unit includes a control module and a light adjusting module. The controlling module is configured for turning off the switch unit to cut off the electrical connection between the light-emitting unit and the power unit during the sensing of the light intensity. The light adjusting module is configured for adjusting the brightness of the light-emitting unit according to the results provided by the light sensor. A related method is also provided.
US08253346B2 Multi configurable lighting and energy control system and modules
The present disclosure generally relates to lighting and energy control systems. In some embodiments, a control module is provided that can facilitate installation of lighting systems and control power consumption. Control module may control a ballast coupled to one or more lamps in a light fixture or energy consuming devices on a circuit. The control module can retrofit with various junction boxes or light fixtures and thus enable energy and sensor controls to be deployed in a wide variety of lighting installations which may be inaccessible due to cost or installation constraints. Control device may include a control circuit which provides relaying and one or more interfaces to provide power controls to various devices, such as ballasts, motors, appliances, or other devices.
US08253334B2 Ion source
A cathode sub-assembly is comprised of a retainer, a cathode and a collar, each of which has smooth unthreaded surfaces that slidably engage each other. A shield serves to hold the sub-assembly in a support plate. The cathode projects from the sub-assembly into an arc chamber with a tortuous path created therebetween for passage of a plasma flow.
US08253330B2 Airtight multi-layer array type LED
An airtight multi-layer array type LED is disclosed, which comprises a metal substrate with an airtight metal frame formed thereon, and the metal substrate is integrally formed with the airtight metal frame, and an airtight sealing frame slot is formed around the upper surface of the airtight metal frame, the airtight metal frame is installed with two sets of sealing through hole pairs accommodating the lead frames. The interior of the airtight metal frame can be installed with packaging materials or optical components. The sealing holes are sealed with a glass or ceramic material. A fluorescent layer is formed on a silica gel layer, wherein the fluorescent layer can also be installed inside a silica glass package cover. The silica glass package cover is installed on the top surface of the airtight metal frame, and the silica glass package cover is engaged and sealed to a sealing rack. Nitrogen is filled in a space defined between the silica glass package cover and the fluorescent layer, so that moisture is prevented from permeating through the airtight metal frame and a dice protection layer. As such, a sealed-type LED packaging structure is formed and is suitable to be used in extreme or severe environments.
US08253327B2 Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
Objects of the present invention are to provide a light-emitting element that does not readily deteriorate, a light-emitting device and an electronic device that do not readily deteriorate, and a method of fabricating the light-emitting element that does not readily deteriorate. A light-emitting element having an EL layer between a pair of electrodes is covered with a layer containing an inorganic compound and halogen atoms or a layer containing an organic compound, an inorganic compound, and halogen atoms, whereby deterioration by moisture penetration can be inhibited. Thus, a light-emitting element with a long life can be obtained.
US08253319B2 Light emitter substrate with improved withstand discharge characteristics, and image displaying apparatus using the same
To provide a light emitter substrate which is characterized in that discharge current reduction performance is excellent, plural phosphors are arranged in an X direction and a Y direction on a substrate, metal backs are arranged on the phosphors, ribs extending in the Y direction are arranged between the phosphors adjacent in the X direction, first resistors to electrically connect the metal backs adjacent in the Y direction are formed on the ribs respectively, and second resistors to electrically connect the metal backs adjacent in the X direction are formed under the ribs respectively.
US08253315B2 Crossover point regulation method for electro-static focusing systems
System that focuses electron beams in an electro-static area to a laminar flow of electrons with uniform distribution of current density and extraordinary demagnification includes a housing having a first interior portion and a second interior portion electrically insulated from the first interior portion. The second interior portion has an electric field-free space. An electrode system is disposed in the first interior portion and includes a cathode assembly and at least one anode assembly. The cathode assembly generates an electron beam that passes through each anode assembly and then into the electric field-free space in the second interior portion. A position of a crossover point on a longitudinal axis maybe regulated by varying dimensions of a substantially cylindrical portion of the anode assembly and a substantially cylindrical portion of a near-cathode electrode assembly.
US08253309B2 Incandescent lamp incorporating reflective filament supports and method for making it
An improved incandescent lamp and incandescent lighting system are disclosed, for projecting a beam of light with substantially improved energy efficiency. The incandescent lamp includes a pair of reflective ceramic filament supports for supporting one or more filaments in prescribed position(s) within an envelope while reflecting back substantially all visible and infrared light for incorporation into the projected beam or for absorption by the filament(s).
US08253306B2 Inertial drive actuator configured to provide arbitrary motion in an X-Y plane
An inertial drive actuator includes a fixed member, a displacement generating mechanism of which, one end is adjacent to the fixed member, and a displacement is generated at the other end thereof, a driving mechanism which applies a voltage for displacing the displacement generating mechanism, a vibration substrate which is connected to the other end of the displacement generating mechanism, and which is displaceable in a direction of displacement, a mobile object which is disposed to be facing a vibration substrate electrode provided to the vibration substrate, and which moves with respect to the vibration substrate by an inertia, and a friction controlling mechanism which changes a frictional force between the mobile object and the vibration substrate. A regulating member which regulates the movement of the mobile object is provided to at least one of the fixed member and the vibration substrate such that the mobile object moves in a direction of displacement of the vibration substrate or in a direction other than the direction of displacement.
US08253303B2 Ultrasonic device for cutting and coagulating with stepped output
An apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector in a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal for a first period, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal for a second period, subsequent to the first period. The first drive signal second drive signal are different over the first and second periods. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform over the first and second periods. The apparatus comprises a generator to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument comprising an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector. The ultrasonic drive system resonates at a resonate frequency.
US08253299B1 Wound magnetic flux channel transverse wound stator permanent magnet motor
A motor including an outside rotor having a rotor disc with plural magnets alternating polarities flush mounted in the disc, an inside stator assembly with a transversely wound stator windings encased by a ring of wound magnetic flux channel pole pieces to assemble within a hub of a motor, and a controller coupled with feedback electronics for monitoring a timing, speed and direction and coupling a signal to a processing unit for adjusting the drive electronics driving the phase windings. A u-shaped channel above the bobbin filed transverse winding coil to receive the rotor disc and focus the captured magnetic flux in the pole pieces toward the magnets. In an embodiment the wound magnetic flux channel pole pieces and encased transverse coil winding of the inside stator correspond to one phase of the motor; and a section of each one of the transverse windings passing through one channel, the remaining section folding back outside in close proximity to the outer base of the set of wound magnetic flux channel pole pieces.
US08253296B2 Stator for rotary electric machine and rotary electric machine using same
The wire 30 forming the stator winding 20 includes the in-slot portions 40 to be disposed in the slots 14 and 15 of the stator core 12 and the turned portions 42 connecting the in-slot portions 40 disposed in the circumferentially different slots 14 and 15. The turned portions 42 formed on axial opposite end sides of the stator core 12. The crank portion 44 which does not twist is formed at substantially the center of the turned portion 42. Steps are formed at sections of the turned portion 42 which protrude outside the stator core 12 from the slots 14 and 15. Further, the turned portion 42 of the wire 30 also has two steps 48 formed between the substantially central crank portion 44 and each of the steps 46 formed at the protruding sections of the turned portion 42.
US08253293B2 Magnetic fan device
A magnetic fan device includes a stator, at least three bearings fixed on the stator, a rotor fixedly connected to the stator, a motor, and at least three magnetic posts. The at least three bearings are permanent magnets. The rotor includes a shaft and a plurality of impellers rotatably connected to the shaft. The at least three magnetic posts with an opening at its lateral surface are configured for respectively receiving the at least three bearings by the opening. A first magnet is adhered to ends of the at least three magnetic posts, and a second magnet is adhered to opposite ends of the at least three magnetic posts. The magnetic pole of the first magnet adjacent to ends of the at least three bearings is opposite to the magnetic pole of the second magnet adjacent opposite ends of the at least three bearings.
US08253292B2 Cryogenic submerged turbine generator with hydrostatic bearings
A cryogenic submerged turbomachine equipped with one or more combinations of hydrostatic bearings, touchdown ball bearings, thrust bearings, and bushings. The pressurized fluid or gas introduced to the hydrostatic bearing creates a film of lubrication around at least one shaft of the turbomachine. A first combination includes at least a hydrostatic bearing or a pressurized journal bearing. A second combination includes a ball bearing and a thrust disk type bearing acting as a touchdown bearing. This second combination supports the rotor system of the turbine during transient periods when the Thrust Equalizing Mechanism device is not active, and decreases the axial thrust load during operation. A third combination uses a hydrostatic bearing with a sleeve that is joined as a unit with one or more ball bearings acting as touchdown ball bearings on the hydrostatic bearing sleeve.
US08253291B2 Air-core stepping motor and shaft support structure
An air-core stepping motor includes: a tubular stator including a yoke and a coil; a tubular rotor including a cylindrical magnet; and rotor support means for supporting the rotor rotatably with respect to the stator, the rotor support means including a sleeve fixed to the rotor, a holder fixed to the stator, and a ball held between the sleeve and the holder, the holder having a first holder member and a second holder member separated in a rotational-axial direction of the motor, the first holder member and the second holder member being assembled with the first holder member or the second holder member fitted to the sleeve, and being used thereafter with the first holder member or the second holder member disconnected from the sleeve.
US08253288B2 Electric actuator for driving a home-automation screen
This electric actuator for driving a home-automation screen is provided with a spring brake (105) comprising a helical spring (130), a friction part (140) having a friction surface (141) against which the helical spring (130) bears radially. Said brake further comprises an inlet part (110) suitable for driving the spring in rotation in a direction reducing the contact force between the spring (130) and the friction part (140), and an outlet part (120) connected to the screen.While the screen is being lowered, the inlet part (110; 210) drives the spring (130; 230) in rotation with the contact force being decreased to the extent that the outlet part (120; 220) is released in rotation, without direct contact between the inlet part and the outlet part. The inlet part (110; 210) has at least two contact surfaces (113a, 113d; 213b, 217c) suitable for transmitting drive torque (CM) for raising the screen (2), by direct contact, to at least two corresponding contact surfaces (123a, 123d; 223b, 227a) of the outlet part (120; 220).
US08253283B2 Power generation device with two mobile parts
A power generation device that includes an excitation coil with a central opening, and a magnetic circuit extending through the central opening of the coil and including at least one permanent magnet and a plurality of ferromagnetic members arranged in a fixed portion and two mobile portions. The two mobile portions are mounted on two parallel rotary axes and can each assume two positions. The device further includes a mechanism rotating the two mobile portions between the two positions thereof so as to create two states of the magnetic circuit, i.e. a first state in which a magnetic flow flows through the coil in one direction and a second state in which a magnetic flow flows through the coil in the opposite direction.
US08253282B2 Linear vibrator
Disclosed is a linear vibrator, the linear vibrator including a substrate supplying electric power, a case including a base supporting the substrate and a cover wrapping the base, a stator fixed to either the base or the cover, a vibrator including magnets each arranged to face both sides of the stator and a weight to which the magnets are fixed, an inner spring coupled to both sides of the weight to wrap the weight, and an external spring, both end portions of which are coupled to an inner lateral surface of the case to wrap the inner spring, and a part of which is coupled to the inner spring.
US08253281B2 Energy harvesting apparatus incorporated into shock absorber
An energy harvesting apparatus, for deployment on a vehicle, comprises a vehicle shock absorber including a dust tube, and a damper tube telescopically mounted within the dust tube and configured for oscillating translational movement with respect thereto. A magnet is fixedly coupled to one of the dust tube or the damper tube, and a coil is fixedly coupled to the other of the dust tube or the damper tube to achieve relative translational movement between the magnet and the coil to induce a current in the coil.
US08253276B2 Power supply device, method thereof, and image forming device
A power supply device is disclosed that is able to satisfy requirements of a device in connection and has high efficiency.The power supply device includes a first power supply; a voltage step-up unit that steps up an output voltage of the first power supply; a voltage step-down unit that steps down an output voltage of the voltage step-up unit; and a load that is driven to operate by an output voltage of the voltage step-down unit. The voltage step-up unit steps up the output voltage of the first power supply to a lower limit of an operating voltage of the voltage step-down unit.
US08253273B2 Power system having AC and DC power sources
A power system (110; 210; 310) combines a power source (14) having a DC output (20A, 20B) with an AC supply from the AC grid (12) to provide AC to customer's loads (16) and DC to various DC auxiliary loads (134, 134A). The DC output of the DC power source (14) is connected in steady-state to the DC input (120A, 120B, 60) of a converter/bi-directional inverter (122; 222) for conversion therein to AC for connection (124, 124A, 32) to the customer's loads (16) and (124, 124B) to any AC auxiliary loads (134, 234). During start-up of the DC power source (14), an open isolation switch (70) disconnects that DC power source (14) from the bi-directional inverter (122; 222). A start-up power supply (50, 60; 250, 60; 90, 180, 60) selectively connects (56; 94) between the AC power grid (12) and the bi-directional inverter (122; 222) and/or DC controllers (134A) to provide a supply of rectified DC power at the inverter DC input and to certain DC auxiliary loads (134, 234). DC power is supplied to the auxiliary loads (134; 234) from the inverter DC input substantially continuously during start-up and steady state.
US08253270B2 Automobile light control system
An automobile light control system includes first and second light groups, a battery, a micro control unit (MCU), a speed sensor, first and second switches, and an electronic switch. The battery is connected to the first light group through the first switch. The first light group is connected to the first terminal of the electronic switch through the second switch. The second terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the second light group. The control terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the MCU. The MCU is connected to the speed sensor to receive a speed signal. The MCU controls the electronic switch to be turned on in response to the speed signal being greater than a predetermined value. The MCU controls the electronic switch to be turned off in response to the speed signal being less than or equal to the predetermined value.
US08253265B2 Power-augmenting shroud for energy-producing turbines
A shroud, such as for an airborne wind-turbine for converting wind energy into another form of energy, such as electrical energy. The shroud has a ring-like shape with an airfoil cross-section and defines an interior volume for containing a lighter-than-air gas. The shroud includes a central opening oriented along a longitudinal axis of the shroud. The shroud is configured to produce an asymmetric moment of left and right lateral sections thereof, which asymmetric moment yields a restoring moment that automatically orients the longitudinal axis of the shroud substantially optimally relative to a prevailing wind direction.
US08253262B1 Automotive wind powered generator system
The Wind Powered Generator System is a combination of many common automotive parts. Automotive wind power is a new area and incorporates as a secondary layered roof. The air velocity or wind turns the fun blade when either vehicle is in motion or not, producing an electrical current.
US08253261B2 System and method for generating power from a fan
A system for generating power for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a fan positioned to receive a flow of air, a turbine coupled to the fan, the turbine adapted to rotate the fan when operating in a first mode and to receive power from the fan when operating in a second mode, the turbine adapted to generate electrical power from the power received from the fan, and an electronic control unit adapted to selectively engage the first and second modes of the turbine.
US08253259B2 Microelectronic assembly with impedance controlled wirebond and reference wirebond
A microelectronic assembly can include a microelectronic device, e.g., semiconductor chip, connected together with an interconnection element, e.g., substrate, the latter having signal contacts and reference contacts. The reference contacts can be connectable to a source of reference potential such as ground or a voltage source other than ground such as a voltage source used for power. Signal conductors, e.g., signal wirebonds can be connected to device contacts exposed at a surface of the microelectronic device. Reference conductors, e.g., reference wirebonds can be provided, at least one of which can be connected with two reference contacts of the interconnection element. The reference wirebond can have a run which extends at an at least substantially uniform spacing from a signal conductor, e.g., signal wirebond that is connected to the microelectronic device over at least a substantial portion of the length of the signal conductor. In such manner a desired impedance may be achieved for the signal conductor.
US08253258B2 Semiconductor device with hollow and throughhole and method of manufacturing same
The present invention provides a semiconductor device which includes a semiconductor chip formed with an electrode pad on one surface thereof, a wiring board having a wiring pattern, with its one surface opposing the other surface of the semiconductor chip, a wire for electrically connecting the electrode pad of the semiconductor chip with the wiring pattern of the wiring board, an external terminal arranged on the other surface of the wiring board for electrical connection with the electrode pad through the wire and wiring pattern, and a sealant for fixing the semiconductor chip on one surface of the wiring board such that a hollow is formed between the other surface of the semiconductor chip and the one surface of the wiring board. The wiring board includes a throughhole communicating with the hollow.
US08253257B2 Layered chip package and method of manufacturing the same
A layered chip package includes a main body and wiring. The main body includes a main part including a plurality of stacked layer portions, and a plurality of terminals disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the main part. The wiring includes a plurality of lines electrically connected to the plurality of terminals. The plurality of lines include a plurality of common lines and a plurality of layer-dependent lines. Each of the plurality of layer portions includes a plurality of common electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of common lines, and a selective connection electrode selectively electrically connected to only the layer-dependent line that the layer portion uses among the plurality of layer-dependent lines. The selective connection electrode varies in shape depending on which of the layer-dependent lines it is electrically connected to.
US08253255B2 Electronic device which disconnects first and second terminals upon lapse of a prescribed device lifetime
An electronic device includes a substrate, a first chip mounted on the substrate and having a first terminal, a second terminal, an input pad and a semiconductor time switch connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and configured to disconnect the first terminal and the second terminal upon lapse of a prescribed lifetime, the input pad being configured to set the prescribed lifetime, a second chip mounted on the substrate and incorporating an operational device having a third terminal connected to the first terminal and a fourth terminal serving as an input terminal for an external device, a first memory device mounted on the substrate, having a fifth terminal connected to the second terminal and storing information required for operating the operational device, and an encapsulater covering at least the input pad of the first chip.
US08253253B2 Connecting and bonding adjacent layers with nanostructures
An apparatus, comprising two conductive surfaces or layers and a nanostructure assembly bonded to the two conductive surfaces or layers to create electrical or thermal connections between the two conductive surfaces or layers, and a method of making same.
US08253250B2 Interconnection structure of electronic device having multilayer interconnections structure with electrically conductive layers
An interconnection is formed on an object having a step by a screen printing method. The interconnection is formed by printing it on a substrate having an upper stage surface and a lower stage surface. A multilayer interconnection structure having a plurality of layers which are stacked is formed by repeatedly performing a process of printing and drying an interconnection pattern on the lower stage surface. Then, when the height of the multilayer interconnection structure approaches the height of the upper stage surface, an interconnection pattern of the uppermost layer is printed on the multilayer interconnection structure to extend onto the upper stage surface. Because the interconnection pattern of the uppermost layer is printed in a smaller step, the print characteristic is good. Thus, by the printing, the interconnection structure is formed which has a narrow interconnection width and surely connects the upper surface and the lower surface in a larger step than the interconnection width.
US08253249B2 Carbon nanotube-based horizontal interconnect architecture
The invention relates to a device which makes it possible to establish a horizontal electrical connection between at least two bonding pads. This device comprises horizontal carbon nanotubes which link the vertical walls of said bonding pads and the bonding pads are made by stacking layers of at least two materials, one of which catalyzes growth of the nanotubes and the other of which acts as a spacer between the layers of material which catalyzes growth of the nanotubes.
US08253248B2 Fabrication method of semiconductor device having conductive bumps
A semiconductor device having conductive bumps and a fabrication method thereof is proposed. The fabrication method includes the steps of forming a first metallic layer on a substrate having solder pads and a passivation layer formed thereon, and electrically connecting it to the solder pads; applying a second covering layer over exposed parts of the first metallic layer; subsequently, forming a second metallic layer on the second covering layer, and electrically connecting it to the exposed parts of the first metallic layer; applying a third covering layer, and forming openings for exposing parts of the second metallic layer to form thereon a conductive bump having a metallic standoff and a solder material. The covering layers and the metallic layers can provide a buffering effect for effectively absorbing the thermal stress imposed on the conductive bumps to prevent delamination caused by the UBM layers.
US08253244B2 Semiconductor package having memory devices stacked on logic device
A semiconductor package includes a base substrate, a logic device with a serializer/deserializer (SerDes), a plurality of odd memory devices disposed on a lower surface of the logic device and operatively stack-connected with the SerDes, and a plurality of even memory devices disposed on an upper surface of the logic device and operatively stack-connected with the SerDes, such that the plurality of odd memory devices and the plurality of even memory devices are connected in parallel by the SerDes.
US08253243B2 Bonded wafer substrate utilizing roughened surfaces for use in MEMS structures
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing first and second semiconductor substrates, each having first and second main surfaces opposite to one another. A roughened surface is formed on at least one of the first main surface of the first semiconductor substrate and the second main surface of the second semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer is formed on the first main surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate is disposed on the dielectric layer opposite to the first semiconductor substrate. The second main surface of the second semiconductor substrate contacts the dielectric layer.
US08253242B2 Sensor assembly
A sensor assembly includes a sound sensor, an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyroscope sensor. The sound sensor includes a substrate defining a first cavity, a diaphragm positioned on the substrate and covering the first cavity, a back plate covering the diaphragm and positioned on the substrate, and a capacitance. A first electrode layer is coated on the diaphragm and faces the first cavity. A second cavity is defined between the diaphragm and the back plate. A second electrode layer is coated on the back plate and faces the second cavity. The capacitance is electrically connected between the first and second electrode layers. The image sensor, the acceleration sensor, and the gyroscope sensor are positioned on the substrate.
US08253240B2 Cap member and semiconductor device employing same
A cap member capable of alleviating degradation of reliability and improving fabrication yields is provided. The cap member has a cylindrical side wall portion, a top face portion closing one end of the side wall portion and having a light exit hole formed therein to allow extraction of laser light from a semiconductor laser chip; a light transmission window fitted to the top face portion to stop the light exit hole, and a flange portion arranged at the other end of the side wall portion and welded on the upper face of a stem on which the semiconductor laser chip is mounted. A groove portion is formed in an inner surface of the top face portion, and this groove portion makes part of the top face portion in a predetermined region less thick than the other part thereof.
US08253235B2 Semiconductor packaging substrate improving capability of electrostatic dissipation
A semiconductor packaging substrate with improved capability of electrostatic dissipation comprises a dielectric layer, a plurality of leads, a plurality of first electrostatic guiding traces, a plurality of second electrostatic guiding traces and a solder mask. The first electrostatic guiding traces and the second electrostatic guiding traces are formed in pairs in a plurality of electrostatic dissipation regions on the dielectric layer, where each pair of the first and second electrostatic guiding traces are disposed in equal line spacing and are electrically isolated from each other. The solder mask partially covers the leads but exposes the first electrostatic guiding traces and the second electrostatic guiding traces. The first electrostatic guiding traces are connected to some of the leads to enhance protection against electrostatic discharge.
US08253234B2 Optimized semiconductor packaging in a three-dimensional stack
A mechanism is provided for optimizing semiconductor packing in a three-dimensional (3D) very-large-scale integration (VLSI) device. The 3D VLSI device comprises a processor layer coupled, via a first set of coupling devices, to at least one signaling and input/output (I/O) layer. The 3D VLSI device further comprises a power delivery layer coupled, via a second set of coupling devices, to the processor layer. In the 3D VLSI device the power delivery layer is dedicated to only delivering power and does not provide data communication signals to the elements of the three-dimensional VLSI device, and the at least one signaling and input/output (I/O) layer is dedicated to only transmitting the data communication signals to and receiving the data communications signals from the processor layer and does not provide power to the elements of the processor layer.
US08253233B2 Module including a sintered joint bonding a semiconductor chip to a copper surface
A module includes a substrate including a first copper surface and a semiconductor chip. The module includes a first sintered joint bonding the semiconductor chip directly to the first copper surface.
US08253230B2 Disabling electrical connections using pass-through 3D interconnects and associated systems and methods
Pass-through 3D interconnects and microelectronic dies and systems of stacked dies that include such interconnects to disable electrical connections are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system of stacked dies includes a first microelectronic die having a backside, an interconnect extending through the first die to the backside, an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the interconnect, and a first electrostatic discharge (ESD) device electrically isolated from the interconnect. A second microelectronic die has a front side coupled to the backside of the first die, a metal contact at the front side electrically coupled to the interconnect, and a second ESD device electrically coupled to the metal contact. In another embodiment, the first die further includes a substrate carrying the integrated circuit and the first ESD device, and the interconnect is positioned in the substrate to disable an electrical connection between the first ESD device and the interconnect.
US08253227B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device capable of achieving improvement of I/O processing performance, reduction of power consumption, and reduction of cost is provided. Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit device including, for example, a plurality of semiconductor chips stacked and mounted, the chips having data transceiving terminals bus-connected via through-vias, and data transmission and reception are performed via the bus with using the lowest source voltage among source voltages of internal core circuits of the chips. In accordance with that, a source voltage terminal of an n-th chip to be at the lowest source voltage is connected with source voltage terminals for data transceiving circuits of the other semiconductor chips via through-vias.
US08253226B2 Electronic parts, and method for arranging shielding case and chip parts
An electronic part (100) that shields parts on a substrate (101) includes a plurality of chip parts (102) each having on a respective end portion a ground terminal (103A) and an electrode terminal (103B) that supplies a voltage source, and located at regular intervals on the substrate with the respective ground terminals aligned, the ground terminal and the electrode terminal being electrically connected to a ground terminal land (107A) and an electrode terminal land (107B) of the substrate respectively; and a shielding case (104) that shields the plurality of chip parts and includes an opening (105) through which a resin is to be provided for securing strength of the respective electrical connection points of the ground terminal land and the electrode terminal land of the substrate with the ground terminal and the electrode terminal of the chip parts; the opening being formed such that an edge (106) of the opening becomes parallel to the ground terminal of the respective chip parts, and such that upon being warped the opening edge and the ground terminal of the respective chip parts contact each other, and such that upon being a portion of said chip parts other than a grounding part opposes the opening without contacting the edge of the opening.
US08253222B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method of semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, disposed on a surface of the first semiconductor region, and having an impurity concentration higher than that of the first semiconductor region; a trench that penetrates the second semiconductor region to reach the first semiconductor region; a first electrode disposed inside the trench via an insulating film; a first recess portion disposed deeper than an upper end of the first electrode, in a surface layer of the second semiconductor region, so as to be in contact with the trench; and a second electrode embedded in the first recess portion.
US08253218B2 Protective element and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes at least one semiconductor element having a semiconductor stack containing a channel layer and a cap layer and a lower electrode and an upper electrode formed over a semiconductor stack, and at least one protective element having the semiconductor stack in common with the semiconductor element for protecting the semiconductor element. The protective element includes a recessed portion that penetrates the cap layer in the direction of the thickness, an insulation region formed in the semiconductor stack from the bottom of the recessed portion 221 in the direction of the thickness, and a pair of ohmic electrodes and formed on both sides of the recessed portion and connected to the cap layer.
US08253211B2 Semiconductor sensor structures with reduced dislocation defect densities
Non-silicon based semiconductor devices are integrated into silicon fabrication processes by using aspect-ratio-trapping materials. Non-silicon light-sensing devices in a least a portion of a crystalline material can output electrons generated by light absorption therein. Exemplary light-sensing devices can have relatively large micron dimensions. As an exemplary application, complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor photodetectors are formed on a silicon substrate by incorporating an aspect-ratio-trapping technique.
US08253208B1 Structure and fabrication of field-effect transistor having nitrided gate dielectric layer with tailored vertical nitrogen concentration profile
A gate dielectric layer (500, 566, or 700) of an insulated-gate field-effect transistor (110, 114, or 122) contains nitrogen having a vertical concentration profile specially tailored to prevent boron in the overlying gate electrode (502, 568, or 702) from significantly penetrating through the gate dielectric layer into the underlying channel zone (484, 554, or 684) while simultaneously avoiding the movement of nitrogen from the gate dielectric layer into the underlying semiconductor body. Damage which could otherwise result from undesired boron in the channel zone and from undesired nitrogen in the semiconductor body is substantially avoided.
US08253205B2 Method for forming strained channel PMOS devices and integrated circuits therefrom
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of compressively strained PMOS transistors. The IC includes a substrate having a semiconductor surface. A gate stack is formed in or on the semiconductor surface and includes a gate electrode on a gate dielectric, wherein a channel region is located in the semiconductor surface below the gate dielectric. A source and a drain region is opposing sides of the gate stack. At least one compressive strain inducing region including at least one specie selected from Ge, Sn and Pb is located in at least a portion of the source and drain regions of the PMOS transistors, wherein the strain inducing region provides ≦1010 dislocation lines/cm2 and an active concentration of the compressive strain inducing specie that is above a solid solubility limit for the compressive strain inducing specie in the compressive strain inducing region. A method for forming compressively strained PMOS transistors includes implanting on at least opposing sides of the gate stack using at least one compressive strain inducing specie selected from Ge, Sn and Pb at a dose ≧1×1015 cm−2, at an implantation temperature during implanting in a temperature range ≦273 K, wherein the implant conditions are sufficient to form an amorphous region. The wafer is annealed using annealing conditions including a peak anneal temperature of between 1050° C. and 1400° C. and an anneal time at the peak temperature of ≦10 seconds, wherein the amorphous region recrystallizes by solid phase epitaxy (SPE).
US08253197B2 Integrated circuit with a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device and method of forming the same
An integrated circuit with a transistor advantageously embodied in a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device having a gate located over a channel region recessed into a semiconductor substrate and a method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the transistor includes a source/drain including a lightly or heavily doped region adjacent the channel region, and an oppositely doped well extending under the channel region and a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain. The transistor also includes a channel extension, within the oppositely doped well, under the channel region and extending under a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain.
US08253191B2 Vertically-oriented semiconductor selection device for cross-point array memory
A vertical semiconductor material mesa upstanding from a semiconductor base that forms a conductive channel between first and second doped regions. The first doped region is electrically coupled to one or more first silicide layers on the surface of the base. The second doped region is electrically coupled to a second silicide layer on the upper surface of the mesa. A gate conductor is provided on one or more sidewalls of the mesa.
US08253186B2 Semiconductor device having controllable transistor threshold voltage
A semiconductor device of this invention is a single-layer gate nonvolatile semiconductor memory in which a floating gate having a predetermined shape is formed on a semiconductor substrate. This floating gate opposes a diffusion layer serving as a control gate via a gate oxide film and is capacitively coupled with the diffusion layer by using the gate oxide film as a dielectric film. The diffusion layer immediately below the dielectric film is insulated from the semiconductor substrate by an insulating film such as a silicon oxide film. A pair of diffusion layers are formed in surface regions of the semiconductor substrate on the two sides of the floating gate extending on a tunnel oxide film. This invention can realize a reliable semiconductor device which is a single-layer gate semiconductor device by which a low-cost process is possible, has a control gate which can well withstand a high voltage applied when data is erased or written, and can prevent an operation error by minimizing variations in the threshold value.
US08253185B2 Memory device and method for fabricating the same
A memory device includes gate lines and select lines formed over a substrate, and at least two dummy lines formed in a gap region between adjacent select lines. The memory device is able to reduce a width of the select line by enhancing uniformity of the line pattern density. Therefore, a degree of integration of the memory device is enhanced and the cost of production is reduced. Furthermore, by forming a source line in a gap region between adjacent dummy lines, it is possible to secure a process margin of photolithography for forming a contact hole and to reduce contact resistance.
US08253180B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a high dielectric constant gate insulating film formed on an active region in a substrate; a gate electrode formed on the high dielectric constant gate insulating film; and an insulating sidewall formed on each side surface of the gate electrode. The high dielectric constant gate insulating film is continuously formed so as to extend from under the gate electrode to under the insulating sidewall. At least part of the high dielectric constant gate insulating film located under the insulating sidewall has a smaller thickness than a thickness of part of the high dielectric constant gate insulating film located under the gate electrode.
US08253175B2 Sealed semiconductor device
A sealed semiconductor device having reduced delamination of the sealing layer in high temperature, high humidity conditions is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a stack of device layers on the substrate sealed with a sealing layer. The upper surface of a street area of the substrate is oxidized so that the oxidized region extends under the sealing layer. The presence of the oxidized region of the upper surface of the substrate helps reduce the delamination, because the oxidized surface does not react with water to the same extent as a non-oxidized surface. The semiconductor devices remain sealed after dicing through the street area because the oxidized surface does not delaminate.
US08253171B1 Two terminal nanotube switch, memory array incorporating the same and method of making
A two terminal switching device includes a first conductive terminal, a second conductive terminal in spaced relation to the first terminal, the first terminal encompassed by the second terminal. The device also includes an electrically insulating spacer that encompasses the first terminal and provides the spaced relation between the second terminal and the first terminal. It also includes a nanotube article comprising at least one carbon nanotube, the nanotube article being arranged to overlap at least a portion of each of the first and second terminals. The device also includes a stimulus circuit in electrical communication with at least one of the first and second terminals that is capable of applying a first electrical stimulus to at least one of the first and second terminals to change the resistance of the device between the first and second terminals from a relatively low resistance to a relatively high resistance.
US08253167B2 Method for forming antimony-based FETs monolithically
An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate and a first and a second plurality of III-V semiconductor layers. The first plurality of III-V semiconductor layers includes a first bottom barrier over the substrate; a first channel layer over the first bottom barrier; and a first top barrier over the first channel layer. A first field-effect transistor (FET) includes a first channel region, which includes a portion of the first channel layer. The second plurality of III-V semiconductor layers is over the first plurality of III-V semiconductor layers and includes a second bottom barrier; a second channel layer over the second bottom barrier; and a second top barrier over the second channel layer. A second FET includes a second channel region, which includes a portion of the second channel layer.
US08253164B2 Fast switching lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) with trenched contacts
A lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) includes a drain-anode adjoining trenched contact penetrating through an insulating layer and extending into an epitaxial layer, directly contacting to a drain region and an anode region, and the drain region vertically contacting to the anode region along sidewall of the drain-anode adjoining trenched contact. The LIGBT further comprises a breakdown voltage enhancement doping region wrapping around the anode region. The LIGBTs in accordance with the invention offer the advantages of high breakdown voltage and low on-resistance as well as high switching speed.
US08253160B2 Light-emitting diode chip structure and fabrication method thereof
A light-emitting diode chip structure including a conductive substrate, a semiconductor stacking layer and a patterned seed crystal layer is provided. The conductive substrate has a surface. The surface has a first region and a second region alternately distributed over the surface. The semiconductor stacking layer is disposed on the conductive substrate, and the surface of the conductive substrate faces the semiconductor stacking layer. The patterned seed crystal layer is disposed on the first region of the surface of the conductive substrate and between the conductive substrate and the semiconductor stacking layer. The patterned seed crystal layer separates the semiconductor stacking layer from the first region. The semiconductor stacking layer covers the patterned seed crystal layer and the second region, and is electrically connected to the conductive substrate through the second region. A fabrication method of the light-emitting diode chip structure is also provided.
US08253149B2 Light emitting diode device
An LED device includes a substrate, a plurality of LEDs, a first light pervious layer, a reflective plate, and a plurality of phosphor particles contained in the first light pervious layer. The LEDs are electrically mounted on the substrate and configured for emitting light of a first wavelength. The reflective plate is mounted on the substrate for directing the light of the first wavelength to transmit through the first light pervious layer. The phosphor particles are configured for converting the light of the first wavelength into light of a second wavelength. A distribution of the phosphor particles in the first light pervious layer gradually decreases from a center to a periphery thereof.
US08253148B2 Light emitting diode and method for manufacturing the same
An exemplary light emitting diode includes a conductive base, an LED die, a transparent conductive layer and at least one pad. The LED die includes a p-type GaN layer connected to the base, an active layer on the p-type GaN layer, and an n-type GaN layer on the active layer. The transparent conductive layer is coated on an exposed side of the n-type GaN layer. The exposed side has an arched central portion, which in one embodiment is concave and in another embodiment is convex. The at least one n-side pad is mounted on the transparent conductive layer. The at least one n-side pad and the conductive base are for connecting with a power source.
US08253146B2 LED die having heat dissipation layers
An LED die includes a multi-layer semiconductor with a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, an inclined plane connecting to the first surface and the second surface, a first electrode and a second electrode respectively positioned on the first surface and the second surface, a first heat dissipation layer made of electrically-insulating and thermally conductive material being coated on the first surface and the inclined plane with a first opening exposing the first electrode, and a second heat dissipation layer made of electrically and thermally conductive material being coated on the first heat dissipation layer and contacting and electrically connecting with the first electrode.
US08253144B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
As for a semiconductor device which is typified by a display device, it is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device to which a large-sized or high-definition screen is applicable and which has high display quality and operates stably. By using a conductive layer including Cu as a long lead wiring, an increase in wiring resistance is suppressed. Further, the conductive layer including Cu is provided in such a manner that it does not overlap with the semiconductor layer in which a channel region of a TFT is formed, and is surrounded by insulating layers including silicon nitride, whereby diffusion of Cu can be prevented; thus, a highly reliable semiconductor device can be manufactured. Specifically, a display device which is one embodiment of a semiconductor device can have high display quality and operate stably even when the size or definition thereof is increased.
US08253141B2 Thin film transistor, method of fabricating the same, and organic light emitting diode display device including the thin film transistor
A thin film transistor (TFT), a method of fabricating the same, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device having the TFT. The TFT includes: a substrate; a polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, including source, drain, and channel regions, a crystallization-inducing metal, first gettering sites disposed on opposing edges of the semiconductor layer, and a second gettering site spaced apart from the first gettering sites; a gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer; an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; and source and drain electrodes disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and electrically connected to the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer.
US08253140B2 Display device having capacitor wiring
To provide a liquid crystal display device having high quality display by obtaining a high aperture ratio while securing a sufficient storage capacitor (Cs), and at the same time, by dispersing a load (a pixel writing-in electric current) of a capacitor wiring in a timely manner to effectively reduce the load. A scanning line is formed on a different layer from a gate electrode and the capacitor wiring is arranged so as to be parallel with a signal line. Each pixel is connected to the individually independent capacitor wiring via a dielectric. Therefore, variations in the electric potential of the capacitor wiring caused by a writing-in electric current of a neighboring pixel can be avoided, whereby obtaining satisfactory display images.
US08253139B2 Thin film transistor substrate
A thin film transistor substrate, capable of being assembled, is attached to a filter substrate to provide a semi-finished liquid crystal display panel. The thin film transistor substrate includes a base substrate with thin film transistors formed thereon, wiring assemblies formed on the substrate and electrically connected to the corresponding thin film transistors selectively, metal sheets formed on the base substrate, a protection layer formed on the thin film transistors, the wiring assemblies, and the metal sheets, and a buffer module formed on the protection layer. The buffer module is positioned above a projection of a cutting line onto the base substrate, and the surplus materials of the filter substrate are removed along the cutting line.
US08253134B2 Oxide thin film transistor
An oxide thin film transistor and a method of manufacturing the oxide TFT are provided. The oxide thin film transistor (TFT) including: a gate; a channel formed to correspond to the gate, and a capping layer having a higher work function than the channel; a gate insulator disposed between the gate and the channel; and a source and drain respectively contacting either side of the capping layer and the channel and partially on a top surface of the capping layer.
US08253128B2 Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode display includes a substrate, a thin film transistor on the substrate and including a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, a planarization layer on the thin film transistor and having a contact hole exposing a portion of one of the drain electrode or the source electrode, a pixel electrode on the planarization layer and coupled to the one of the drain electrode or the source electrode through the contact hole, a colored pixel defining layer on the planarization layer and including an opening exposing at least a portion of the pixel electrode, and a colored layer on the pixel electrode and the pixel defining layer and having a chromatic color different from a chromatic color of the pixel defining layer.
US08253127B2 Organic light-emitting device having improved light-emitting efficiency and method for fabricating the same
The present invention provides an organic light emitting device in which a layer having a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 3 is further formed on an upper electrode of at least one region of regions through which rays having red, green, and blue colors are passed and a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting device. An optical length that can cause the microcavity effect according to the type of color of emitted light is controlled by using the layer to manufacture the organic light emitting device having high light emitting efficiency.
US08253126B2 Organic electronic device
Disclosed is an electronic device including an n-type organic compound layer as a portion of an electrode for hole injection or hole extraction. The electronic device includes a first electrode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer disposed on the conductive layer; a second electrode; and a p-type organic compound layer that is interposed between the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the second electrode and forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and energy levels of the layers satisfy the following Expressions (1) and (2): 2 eV
US08253125B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting device. A method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting device according to an aspect of the invention may include: nitriding a surface of an m-plane sapphire substrate; forming a high-temperature buffer layer on the m-plane sapphire substrate; depositing a semi-polar (11-22) plane nitride thin film on the high-temperature buffer layer; and forming a light emitting structure including a first nitride semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second nitride semiconductor layer on the semi-polar (11-22) plane nitride thin film.
US08253123B2 Method and device for generating EUV radiation or soft X-rays with enhanced efficiency
The present invention relates to a method and device for generating optical radiation, in particular EUV radiation or soft x-rays, by means of an electrically operated discharge. A plasma (15) is ignited in a gaseous medium between at least two electrodes (1, 2), wherein said gaseous medium is produced at least partly from a liquid material (6) which is applied to one or several surface(s) moving in the discharge space and is at least partially evaporated by one or several pulsed energy beams. In the proposed method and device at least two consecutive pulses (9, 18) are applied within a time interval of each electrical discharge onto said surface(s). With this measure, the collectable conversion efficiency is increased compared to the use of only one single energy pulse within each electrical discharge.
US08253122B2 Infrared physiotherapeutic apparatus
An infrared physiotherapeutic apparatus is provided. The infrared physiotherapeutic apparatus includes a supporting element, an infrared radiating element, and a first and second electrode. The infrared radiating element is mounted on the supporting element. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart from each other and electrically connected to the infrared radiating element. The infrared radiating element includes a carbon nanotube structure.
US08253120B2 Flood source with pigmentless active area and visible border
Method and/or system for forming a radiation flood source. The radiation flood source includes a paper sheet, a pigmentless radioactive fill printed on the paper sheet, and a pigmented border printed on the paper sheet and around the pigmentless radioactive fill. In one embodiment the radiation flood source is formed by preparing a radioactive isotope carrier solution; loading the radioactive isotope carrier solution into a radioactive isotope carrier solution cartridge; loading a separate border cartridge into a plotter; selecting and configuring a shape of an active area; setting a border to be placed around the active area; printing the active area by utilizing the radioactive isotope carrier solution cartridge on a sheet substrate; and printing the border by utilizing the separate border cartridge on the sheet substrate.
US08253119B1 Well-based dynamic pattern generator
One embodiment relates to an apparatus of a dynamic pattern generator for reflection electron beam lithography. The apparatus includes a plurality of base electrodes in a two-dimensional array, an insulating border surrounding each base electrode so as to electrically isolate the base electrodes from each other; and a sidewall surrounding each base electrode. The sidewall comprises a plurality of stacked electrodes which are separated by insulating layers. In addition, the base electrodes are advantageously shaped so as to be concave. Furthermore, a conformal coating may be advantageously applied over the base electrodes and sidewalls. Another embodiment relates to an apparatus for reflection electron beam lithography. The apparatus includes a shadow mask configured to form an array of incident electron beamlets. The shadow mask comprises an array of holes which correspond one-to-one with an array of pixel pads of an electron reflective patterned structure. Other embodiments, aspects and features are disclosed.
US08253117B2 Fluorescence detector
A fluorescence detector is provided to improve the non-linearity relationship between concentration and fluorescence intensity for a high specimen concentration. The detector improves the dynamic range of the measurements. For a high concentration of the specimen, a light beam restriction unit is used so that only the fluorescence being emitted from a region close to the incident end of the excitation light is condensed by the condensing lens and led to the fluorescence side spectrometer and detected. Because the fluorescence emitted from a region after the passage of the excitation light through a specimen solution as well as its strong absorption by the specimen solution is not reflected in the measurement result, the linearity of the relationship between concentration and fluorescence intensity is improved despite the reduction in the fluorescence quantity. For a low specimen concentration, the light beam restriction unit is used to improve sensitivity.
US08253116B1 Device and method for spatial reconstructing of absorbers mapping
The invention concerns a method for locating at least one absorber in a diffusing medium, using at least one excitation radiation and at least one detector (Φfluo), including: a) for at least one pair (radiation source-detector), at least one excitation by the radiation source, and at least one detection of the fluorescence signal emitted by the absorber after this excitation, b) identification of meshing of the volume into mesh elements, and c) estimation of the location of the absorber in its diffusing medium, by computing a function (Pm) of at least one of three parameters.
US08253114B2 Ion source
An ion source includes a plasma generating chamber into which an ionization gas containing fluorine is introduced, a hot cathode provided on one side in the plasma generating chamber, an opposing reflecting electrode which is provided on other side in the plasma generating chamber and reflects electrons when a negative voltage is applied from a bias power supply to the opposing reflecting electrode, and a magnet for generating a magnetic field along a line, which connects the hot cathode and the opposing reflecting electrode, in the plasma generating chamber. The opposing reflecting electrode is formed of an aluminum containing material.
US08253113B2 Charged particle beam irradiation system and charged particle beam extraction method
A charged particle beam irradiation system includes a synchrotron which accelerates an ion beam, an irradiation apparatus for irradiating an object with the ion beam introduced from the synchrotron, detection means for measuring an amount of accumulated charge of the ion beam that orbits in the synchrotron immediately before an extraction control period in an operating cycle of the synchrotron, and beam extraction control means for controlling extraction of the ion beam based on the measurement result of the accumulated beam charge amount so that extraction of a total amount of the ion beam is to be completed with an expiration of an extraction control time, the extraction control time representing a length of the extraction control period of the synchrotron and being set in advance.
US08253112B2 Lithography apparatus and focusing method for charged particle beam
A lithography apparatus includes a unit irradiating a charged particle beam; first and second aperture plate members configured to shape the beam; first and second coils configured to be arranged between the unit and the first aperture plate member, to temporarily deflect the beam, to change a direction of the beam after the temporarily deflecting, and to deflect the beam to a position where the beam passes through the first aperture plate member by the changing; a lens configured to be arranged between the first and second aperture plate members and to control a focal position of the beam having passed through the first aperture plate member; and a unit configured to calculate a difference between positions of the beam on the second aperture plate member obtained by different sets of amounts of deflection at a same focal position when a combination of one of focal positions of the beam controlled by the lens and one of sets of amounts of deflection of the beam obtained by the first and second coils is changed.
US08253111B2 X-ray diagnostic apparatus
An imaging apparatus including a flow passage 51 formed inside a base substrate 5, an active matrix substrate 3 disposed relative to a surface of the base substrate 5, an amplifier circuit connected to the active matrix substrate, and a temperature-control heat transfer medium circulated through the flow passage 51 to remove heat generated in the amplifier circuit 4 and suppress a temperature change in a semiconductor layer 2.
US08253105B1 System and method for analyzing thermal images
A thermal imaging system to facilitate analysis of thermal images comprises a portable thermal imager having a communication interface for transfer of data. The imager also has an on-board memory in which image data for corresponding thermal images is stored. A remote computer is operative to communicate with the thermal imager via the communication interface for download of the image data. The computer runs software operative to superimpose at least one marker at a selected location on a thermal image, the marker being saved on the image.
US08253104B2 Method and apparatus for detecting terahertz waves
A terahertz wave detecting apparatus includes a semiconductor chip 12 in which a 2-dimensional electron gas 13 is formed at a constant position from its surface, and a carbon nanotube 14, a conductive source electrode 15, a drain electrode 16 and a gate electrode 17 provided in close contact with the surface of the chip. The carbon nanotube 14 extends along the surface of the chip, where both ends of the tube are connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode of the chip, and the gate electrode 17 is spaced at a constant interval from the side surface of the carbon nanotube. Further, the apparatus includes a SD current detecting circuit 18 for applying a voltage between the source electrode and the drain electrode and for detecting SD current therebetween, a gate voltage applying circuit 19 for applying a variable gate voltage between the source electrode and the gate electrode, and a magnetic field generating device 20 for applying a variable magnetic field to the chip.
US08253103B2 Terahertz wave measuring apparatus having space arrangement structure and measuring method
There is provided a measuring apparatus including a space arrangement structure that includes space regions surrounded by conductors in a plane, an electromagnetic wave emitter that emits electromagnetic waves towards an object held by the space arrangement structure, and an electromagnetic wave detector that measures the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the space arrangement structure. Here, characteristics of the object are measured by measuring the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the space arrangement structure. The electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave emitter towards the space arrangement structure are incident on the plane containing the space regions at an angle, and the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the space arrangement structure are measured.
US08253093B2 Optoelectronic detector assembly and method of operating same
An optoelectronic detector and method of using same. In order to avoid any condensation on a surface, it has been known to heat such a surface. However, heating an optoelectronic detector will create a stronger hissing noise due to the greater dark current that is caused thereby. The invention is intended to avoid any condensation on an optoelectronic detector without airtight encapsulation. To this end, the detector is cooled and equipped with a sensor for the determination of a current value of one of the variables ambient humidity and ambient dew point temperature and a control unit that is connected with the sensor and designed to control the cooling device in dependence of such a value. By taking into account the ambient humidity or, respectively, the dew point temperature in the control of the cooling device, condensation on the detector can be avoided. An airtight encapsulation of the detector and the cooling device is not required.
US08253088B2 Heat-distribution sensor and solar tracker having same
An exemplary heat-distribution sensor includes a base and a number of thermocouples. The base includes a spherical surface and defines a number of receiving holes in the spherical surface. Each thermocouple has a sensing end which is received in a corresponding receiving hole and is configured for sensing heat generated by sunlight rays impinging on the sensing end.
US08253084B2 Drawer type cooking device having turntable mechanism
The invention provides a drawer type microwave oven having a turntable functioning as a uniform heating mechanism with a visual effect, while maintaining the ceiling height of a heating chamber and having improved usability. A turntable drive mechanism 40 utilizing a thin deceleration mechanism and a pivot mechanism is disposed in a space 19 formed between a bottom wall 17 of the drawer body 4 and a bottom wall 12 of the heating chamber 3, and a power transmission mechanism is engaged in a detachable manner in conjunction with the movement of the drawer body 4 together with the door. Thus, a drawer type microwave oven capable of performing uniform heating by pivot rotation while maintaining the ceiling height of the heating chamber is realized.
US08253081B2 System and method for electromagnetic pulse surface treatment
A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.
US08253079B2 Temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof
A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire. When the heating wire's temperature increases, the forward square-wave signal output by the second forward square-wave signal generation circuit is changed so as to render these input square-wave signals non-simultaneously logic high and not to trigger the switch in order to stop the heating wire's heating and keep the heating wire at a certain temperature range.
US08253073B2 Retractable hose reel and enclosure
A hose heater for use in outdoor or unheated interior spaces of a home, construction office or farm. The hose heater includes an enclosure having a hose reel for storing the hose also having an electrical heating unit to warm the stored hose between uses. A heating core located in the center of the reel provides heat, keeping the hose from freezing. The enclosure which itself may be heated or unheated, blankets the hose to provide heat to the outer hose coils to ensure that the extremities are maintained at a freeze-free temperature. This can be used in small scale farming, outside use, and other areas where animals and ice rinks need watering in winter with a hose.
US08253072B2 Data input device
A data input device includes a heating circuit and a temperature control circuit. The heating circuit includes a heating apparatus, and a relay. When a temperature of the data input device is lower than a determined temperature, a first switch of the data input device is turned off, and a relay of the data input device is turned on, and the heating apparatus heats at least one surface of the data input device.
US08253064B2 Progressive laser blanking device for high speed cutting
A laser blanking device for high speed cutting of a rapidly fed strip of coil stock is disclosed and includes a support frame extending along a first longitudinal axis and a conveyor supported by the support frame. A strip of coil stock material is fed onto the conveyor at a pinch roll located near a first end of the frame. Transverse, moveable gantries above the conveyor suspend lasers. A pinch roll located near a second end of the frame assists movement of the material. Multiple laser cutting operations are simultaneously performed on the material as it moves along the device, and a laser head suspended from a gantry situated after the second pinch roll completes a cut that separates a blank from the remainder of the stock material.
US08253060B2 Hybrid laser arc welding process and apparatus
A welding method and apparatus for welding workpieces together by conducting a laser beam welding process on a joint region that includes a weld seam defined by and between faying surfaces of the workpieces, and then conducting a hybrid laser arc welding process on the joint region. The laser beam welding process entails causing a first laser beam to travel along the joint region, penetrate the weld seam and form a weldment. The hybrid laser arc welding process remelts the weldment by simultaneously causing an electric arc and a second laser beam to overlap and travel along the joint region and form a weld pool in the weldment. On cooling, a weld joint is formed within the joint region and its weld seam.
US08253058B2 Hybrid nozzle for plasma spraying silicon
A hybrid nozzle for use in a plasma spray gun, especially for plasma spraying silicon to form semiconductor devices such as solar cell. The outlet of the gun includes a two-piece annular electrode against which the plasma is ignited and through which the plasma plume exits the gun together with entrained silicon. In one embodiment, the upstream part is composed of graphite to allow ignition of the plasma and the downstream part is composed of pure silicon. In another aspect, the silicon feedstock is injected into the plasma plume through ports formed through the silicon part.
US08253057B1 System and method for plasma generation
A system and method for generating a plasma. An embodiment of the system for generating a plasma may include a first electrode; a second electrode disposed adjacent the first electrode; a first power supply for supplying power at the second electrode; a second power supply for generating a magnetic field; and a sequencer for coordinating a discharge of power from the first power supply and a discharge of power from the second power supply. The first power supply may be configured such that the discharge of power from the first power supply generates a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second power supply may be configured such that the magnetic field generated by the discharge of power from the second power supply rotates the plasma.
US08253055B2 Vacuum circuit breaker
There is provided a vacuum circuit breaker including a vacuum valve, a first main circuit conductor fixed to a fixed current-carrying rod end of the vacuum valve, a polygonal movable conductor connected to a movable current-carrying rod end of the vacuum valve, an operation movable rod connected to the movable conductor in an axial direction and connected to an operation mechanism, a second main circuit conductor, through which the operation movable rod is movably inserted, and at least one extendable flexible conductor, which connects side surfaces of the movable conductor and the second main circuit conductor.
US08253052B2 Keyboard dome stiffener assembly
A keyboard dome stiffener assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of dome pads that each defines a venting aperture, a dome sheet disposed over the circuit board, and a stiffener disposed beneath the circuit board that defines a plurality of cutouts corresponding to each venting aperture. The dome pads correspond to a key of an associated keyboard to be assembled with the keyboard dome stiffener assembly. The dome sheet forms an air space associated with each dome pad that is in fluid communication with the corresponding venting aperture. The cutouts of the stiffener provide an air cavity between the circuit board and the stiffener. Each air cavity is in fluid communication with an air space, and when one of the keyboard keys is depressed, some of the air in the air space travels between the air space of the keyboard to the corresponding air cavity.
US08253049B2 Decorative light switch cover
A slip on cover for the end portion of the toggle of a light switch is disclosed. The cover can slip over the toggle and adhere by suction or friction. The cover can provide a variety of decorative features, including color and glow in the dark feature to allow a person to easily find the light switch in the dark. It can provide protection for the light switch toggle to limit damage. The light switch cover can also incorporate various decorative features at the end of the light switch, including balls and hats and a wide variety of other shapes.
US08253048B2 Illuminated indicator on an input device
An input device includes a base. A keycap is coupled to the base by a key guide structure that supports the keycap in a position that provides a space between the keycap and the base. The keycap includes a light transmitting section. An illuminator is located adjacent the light transmitting section. A flexible illumination guide is positioned about a perimeter of the illuminator. The flexible illumination guide is operable to flex in response to engaging the keycap. The illuminator is operable to provide illumination through the flexible illumination guide and the light transmitting section. The flexible illumination guide prevents illumination from escaping directly from the perimeter of the illuminator and through the space between the keycap and the base.
US08253045B2 Keypad assembly and electronic device using same
A keypad assembly is used for an electronic device. The keypad assembly includes a support member, a plurality of key strips and a plurality of elastic members. The support member defines a plurality of receiving grooves each with an angled bottom surface. The key strips are received in the receiving grooves. The elastic members are received in the receiving grooves, and each elastic member abuts a corresponding key strip providing a biasing force to extend a portion of the key strips from the receiving groove.
US08253041B2 Electronic element packaging module
An electronic element packaging module including a lead frame, an insulating layer and at least one electronic element is provided. The lead frame is a patterned metal sheet and has a first surface, a second surface opposite thereto and a through trench passing from the first surface to the second surface. A substrate portion and a plurality of lead portions around the substrate portion of the lead frame are defined by the through trench. The second surface of the lead frame is exposed outside the electronic element packaging module. The insulating layer disposed in the through trench has a third surface and a forth surface substantially coplanar with the first and the second surfaces, respectively. The electronic element disposed on the first surface is coupled to the lead frame.
US08253039B2 Assembly comprising an electromagnetically screened SMD component, method and use
The disclosure relates to an electronic component assembly including at least one SMD component (11) having a number of external surfaces (111) limited by edges (112) and at least two electrical terminals (113), an electromagnetic screen (12) for limiting the electromagnetic coupling to and from the SMD component or components, and an electrically insulating layer (13) located between at least one of the surfaces and the electromagnetic screen. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method of manufacturing an electronic component assembly and to the use of an electronic component assembly.
US08253038B2 Enclosure of electronic device
An enclosure includes a plate. The plate defines a number of through holes. A first shield extends from an edge bounding each through hole. A second shield extends from the edge bounding each through hole, opposite to the first shields. Each through hole is partially covered by a corresponding first shield and a corresponding second shield. The enclosure with the shields can shield the electronic device from electromagnetic interference.
US08253037B2 Electromagnetic shielding configuration
An electromagnetic shielding configuration comprising a first electrically conductive wall having a first surface and a second electrically conductive wall having a second surface. The first surface is oppositely disposed from the second surface, wherein interfacing of the first conductive wall and the second conductive wall forms an enclosure wall. The first surface comprises at least one stepped edge forming a plurality of surfaces of unequal lateral displacement, and a corrugated surface on at least one of the plurality of surfaces, the corrugated surface formed by a series of apices extending radially from the first surface. The second surface is substantially a conjugate of the first surface.
US08253036B2 Joint structure between the wall elements of a magnetically shielded room
The present invention discloses a joint structure between the wall elements of a light-weight magnetically shielded room. In the joint structure, the end of the aluminum plate of the element is stepped and its surface roughened. In addition to this, the aluminum plate is coated, for example, with tin to improve the electrical contact. The joint includes μ metal plates which are used to make a magnetic contact between the μ metal plates of the elements. The compression force achieved by means of bolts is transmitted to the joint by means of an aluminum moulding. The non-continuous compression force is balanced over the entire joint area by using presser rubbers. The joint structure is protected by means of supporting profiles which are used to electrically couple the thinner aluminum plate of the sandwich type wall element to the thinner aluminum plate of an adjacent element. The thinner aluminum plate and the supporting profile can also be coated, for example, with tin to improve the contact.
US08253033B2 Circuit board with connection layer with fillet
A lower sub-board of a circuit board includes a first base layer having an upper surface, and a first wiring pattern provided on the upper surface of the first base layer. An upper sub-board of a circuit board includes a second base layer having a lower surface, and a second wiring pattern provided on the lower surface of the second base layer. A connection layer between lower and upper sub-boards includes an insulating layer having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface of connection layer being situated on the upper surface of the first base layer, the upper surface of connection layer being situated on the lower surface of the second base layer, and a via-conductor passing through the insulating layer and connected to the first and second wiring patterns. This circuit board connects the sub-boards to each other via a via-conductor densely.