Document Document Title
US08265250B2 Registration of multiple VoIP devices
A calling network capable of accepting voice and data information includes a voice distribution server, wherein the voice distribution server is communicably coupled to an integrated access device, wherein the voice distribution server is associated with a computer readable medium, and wherein the computer readable medium includes a customer profile; and wherein the customer profile includes at least one registered access number associated with the integrated access device, and at least two quasi-registered access numbers associated with the integrated access device. A method for registering multiple voice communication devices in relation to a Voice Over IP network includes providing a voice distribution server communicably coupled to an integrated access device and is associated with a computer readable medium that includes a customer profile having at least one registered access number associated with the integrated access device, and at least two quasi-registered access numbers associated with the integrated access device. The method further includes registering the customer profile associated with the integrated access device, receiving a call directed to one of the quasi-registered access numbers, identifying a customer profile associated with the quasi-registered access number, accessing the identified customer profile, accessing an integrated access device identification from the customer profile, updating a destination field with the integrated access device identification, and routing the call, according to a routing preference indicated in the customer profile, to the integrated access device identified by the integrated access device identification.
US08265248B2 Techniques for transfer error recovery
Techniques for transfer error recovery are described. A system may comprise a context generator module operative to record context information for a first call session between a first call terminal and a call system resource, and store the context information with a context identifier in a context table. The system may include a transfer error context module to couple to the context generator module, the transfer error context module operative to generate transfer error context information having the context identifier. The system may include a call transfer module to couple to the transfer error context module, the call transfer module operative to send the transfer error context information to the first call terminal for use in case of a transfer failure event. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08265247B2 Method of providing message information, including call subject information, to a recipient of a telephone call
A methodology wherein a voice service client application on one or more phones and a voice service server perform a call set-up process through a mix of an external data channel and a normal voice channel that enables call subject information to be effectively provided by a calling party to a called party so that it can be displayed along with other caller ID information.
US08265245B2 Call-processing rate quote system and method
A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage. The call processing system also includes a validation system, a billing system, a distribution system, and a fraud detection and prevention system. The validation system is used to validate call information to determine whether the call can be placed. The billing system determines rates for calls and calculates the cost of completed calls. The distribution system distributes changes that are made to a master database to the appropriate slave database. The fraud detection and prevention system monitors originating and in-process calls to detect and possibly prevent possible fraudulent uses of phone services and systems. A client interface is provided to facilitate communications among applications and DEF records are used to define specific call processing actions.
US08265244B2 Charging split negotiation in IMS sessions
A method and apparatus for implementation of split charging in an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem, allowing subsystem users to negotiate at setup and at a modification of a session initiation protocol session which user will be charged for each multimedia component of the subsystem. A method includes transmitting a first message to a user equipment for initiating one of a multimedia call setup and a call modification, the first message including a split charging offer request and a first split charging ratio, and receiving a second message from the user equipment, the second message comprising a second split charging ratio. The method also includes processing the second message for determining whether a user of the user equipment accepted one of the multimedia call setup and the call modification, whether the user of the user equipment accepted the split charging offer request or the user offered an increase or decrease in the first split charging ratio, and whether a network element of an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem accepted, approved, and agreed upon the second split charging off ratio for allowing a group of users to negotiate which user will be charged for each component of the Internet protocol multimedia subsystem.
US08265240B2 Selectively-expandable speakerphone system and method
According to one embodiment, a selectively-expandable speakerphone system allows one or more portable computers to automatically, wirelessly interface with a speakerphone console via an audio access point. A scheduling module initiates the conference call at a scheduled time, whereupon the wireless network interface of each portable computer is automatically switched to an SSID uniquely associated with the audio access point, for connecting to the speakerphone console. The audio signals generated by the laptop microphones are mixed with any audio signal generated by an optional microphone on the speakerphone console, and the mixed audio signals are transmitted over the telephone line. Incoming audio signals are passed to the speakerphone console and wirelessly transmitted to the portable computers for substantially simultaneous playback on the respective loudspeakers.
US08265238B2 Triggering call-handling events
In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a call from a first endpoint to a second endpoint as originating while the second endpoint is connected to a voice mailbox associated with the first endpoint. The method also includes triggering one or more call-handling events in response to the identification of the call as originating while the second communication device is connected to the voice mailbox associated with the first communication device.
US08265236B2 Defining third-party voice mail access numbers in view of LATA boundaries
A method may include selecting a voice mail out-dial access number corresponding to a local access transport area (LATA) boundary, storing the voice mail out-dial access number on a voice mail system, and providing, by the voice mail system, voice mail out-dial service based on the LATA boundary associated with the voice mail out-dial access number. A method for providing toll-free access to the voice mail system that may be used by customers from both on-network and off-network end points.
US08265235B2 Wireless and wireline messaging services
Automatic access to a secondary or alternate voicemail box while operating or using a first or primary voicemail box is provided. One touch access to an alternate voicemail box from a wireless telephone device is further provided, and access to a given voicemail box from a number of trusted telephone devices is provided without requiring users of the trusted devices to authenticate into the voicemail box (e.g., provide a password).
US08265230B1 Trunk level echo canceller test system
Integrated echo cancellers in a telecommunications system are tested using a test apparatus connected to the main communications trunk where a large number of individual signals are multiplexed together. The signals are de-multiplexed in the test apparatus and specific amounts of echo delay, echo magnitude, and line delay can be introduced for any selected signals within the group on the trunk. The signals are then re-multiplexed and returned to the trunk in a direction back toward the echo canceller.
US08265228B2 Anti-scatter X-ray grid device and method of making same
A method of making an anti-scatter X-ray grid device, and the X-ray grid device made therefrom, includes providing a substrate made of a material substantially non-absorbent of X-rays that includes channels therein; applying a layer, also of a substantially non-absorbent of X-rays material, onto a sidewall(s) of the channels, wherein the layer comprises a second material; and then applying a material substantially absorbent of X-rays into a portion of the channels, so as to define a plurality of X-ray absorbing elements. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.
US08265227B2 Apparatus and method for calibrating an X-ray tube
An apparatus and method for calibrating an x-ray tube include a computer programmed to acquire a starter voltage/current value corresponding to a width, a length, or a position of a target focal spot capable of being generated by the x-ray tube. The computer is programmed to generate an electron beam and to steer the electron beam based on the starter voltage/current value. The computer is also programmed to steer the electron beam based on a value adjusted from the starter voltage/current value. The computer is programmed to calculate a final voltage/current value that is configured to generate the width, length, or position of the target focal spot based on the starter voltage/current value and the adjusted starter voltage/current value.
US08265222B2 Shift register
A shift register is disclosed, which can prevent malfunctioning of device by decreasing the load on a discharging voltage source line, and can decrease a size of stage. The shift register comprises a plurality of stages to sequentially output scan pulses through respective output terminals, wherein each of the stages comprises a pull-up switching unit controlled based on a signal state of node, and connected between the output terminal and any one among a plurality of clock transmission lines to transmit the clock pulses provided with sequential phase differences; and a node controller to control the signal state of node, and to discharge the node by using the clock pulse from any one among the plurality of clock transmission line.
US08265218B2 Phase detection circuit
A phase detection circuit includes a phase frequency detector for comparing a first input signal and a second input signal and outputting a first phase comparison signal and a second phase comparison signal, and a sensing circuit for sensing a pulse width difference between the first phase comparison signal and the second phase comparison signal and outputting phase detection signals which have different logic values.
US08265212B2 Antenna selection for MIMO decoding
A MIMO decoder is configured to obtain a channel matrix and generate a Hermitian transpose of the channel matrix. A product of the Hermitian transpose of the channel matrix and the channel matrix is generated to provide a first product having multiple diagonal elements. A partial matrix inversion of the diagonal elements of the first product is generated to provide a diagonal vector. From the diagonal vector, an antenna layer is selected from the multiple antenna layers and represents the antenna layer selected for a given processing iteration. The selected antenna layer will preferably correspond to that having the lowest inverse channel gain. A partial matrix inversion of the first product along the row corresponding to the selected antenna layer is generated to provide a row vector. A product of the row vector and the Hermitian transpose of the channel matrix is generated to provide an inverse channel gain vector.
US08265210B2 Iterative receiver and method for detecting transmitted signal thereof
In an iterative receiver, a signal detector estimates interference from an estimated transmitted signal, and cancels the estimated interference from a signal received through an antenna. A decoder performs channel decoding by using the interference cancelled received signal. A soft decision unit performs a soft decision process on the transmitted signal by using the channel decoded signal. A channel estimator estimates a channel by using the soft decision applied transmitted signal and the received signal. A covariance estimator estimates covariance on the sum signal of the interference and noise by using the soft decision applied transmitted signal, the received signal, and the estimated channel. A hard decision unit determines the transmitted signal by using the channel decoded signal after interference cancellation, channel decoding, estimated transmitted signal updating, channel estimation, and covariance estimation are iterated a number of times.
US08265208B2 Receiver for wireless communication network with extended range
Techniques for detecting and demodulating a signal/transmission are described. Signal detection is performed in multiple stages using different types of signal processing, e.g., using time-domain correlation for a first stage, frequency-domain processing for a second stage, and time-domain processing for a third stage. For the first stage, products of symbols are generated for at least two different delays, correlation between the products for each delay and known values is performed, and correlation results for all delays are combined and used to declare the presence of a signal. For demodulation, the timing of input samples is adjusted to obtain timing-adjusted samples. A frequency offset is estimated and removed from the timing-adjusted samples to obtain frequency-corrected samples, which are processed with a channel estimate to obtain detected symbols. The phases of the detected symbols are corrected to obtain phase-corrected symbols, which are demodulated, deinterleaved, and decoded.
US08265203B2 Method and system of differential complex and real multi-carrier demodulation
A method and a receiver are provided for demodulating a received multi-carrier modulated signal. The demodulation procedure includes (a) multiplying the received multi-carrier modulated signal with its complex conjugate to obtain a squared signal; (b) multiplying the squared signal with a carrier demodulating signal to obtain a product signal, and integrating the product signal over the duration T. A bit decision may then be performed on the integration result using analog components without the need for high-speed analog-to-digital conversion.
US08265201B1 Adaptive timing using clock recovery
Circuits and methods are provided for adjusting a frequency of a local clock signal in approximating a frequency of a host clock signal. A phase locked loop generates a local clock signal having a first phase and a first frequency. An offset adjustment circuit receives timing information relating the local clock signal to an incoming data signal and calculates a phase offset and a frequency offset indicative of adjustments to be made to the local clock signal. A first phase interpolator generates a receive clock signal from the local clock signal, the receive clock signal having a second phase and a second frequency responsive to the phase and frequency offsets. A second phase interpolator generates a transmit clock signal from the local clock signal having a third frequency responsive to the frequency offset.
US08265199B2 Receiving circuit
A receiving circuit includes a positive-side level judgment circuit, a negative-side level judgment circuit, and a gate circuit, and is configured to receive input of an AMI-coded signal, convert the signal to a binary output signal, and output the same. The positive-side level judgment circuit judges whether the voltage of an input signal is greater or less than a threshold on the positive side. The threshold on the positive side is provided with a hysteresis characteristic by a positive feedback. The negative-side level judgment circuit judges whether the voltage of an input signal is greater or less than a threshold on the negative side. The threshold on the negative side is provided with a hysteresis characteristic by a positive feedback loop. The gate circuit logically combines the outputs of the positive-side and negative-side level judgment circuits so as to generate the output signal.
US08265198B2 Adaptive edge equalization of ask-modulated signals
A signal processing circuit including a demodulator having an input for receiving a received signal which includes falling and rising signal edges, and an output for outputting a demodulated received signal which, with signal edges of the received signal, includes transitions from a first level to a second level or vice versa, wherein times of the transitions depend on steepnesses of the signal edges. Additionally, the circuit includes a signal generator having an input for receiving the demodulated received signal and coupled to the output of the demodulator, and an output for outputting a corrected demodulated received signal which includes transitions, the times of which relative to the times of the transitions of the demodulated received signal are set based on a reference signal to reduce influences of the steepnesses of the falling and rising signal edges in the corrected demodulated received signal relative to the demodulated received signal.
US08265194B2 Virtual side channels for digital wireless communication systems
The present invention provides a method for enabling side channel communication between wireless devices. In one embodiment of the invention the guard tones in wireless OFDM signals are used for side channel communication. In another embodiment of the invention, unused bits in OFDM symbols are used as side channels instead of being padded with zeros or random bits.
US08265193B2 Method and system for communicating data over a wireless communication system voice channel utilizing frame gaps
The present invention provides a method for communicating data over a voice channel of a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving a first periodic data signal and modulating the first periodic data signal to produce a second periodic data signal. Modulating the first periodic data signal includes inserting a predetermined silence period into the first periodic data signal at timed intervals to produce the second periodic data signal. The method further includes communicating the second periodic data signal over the voice channel of the wireless communication system. The method of modulating the first periodic data signal may include receiving a control signal that includes parameters for a length of the predetermined silence period and timing of the intervals, modulating the first periodic data signal responsive to the received control signal, and producing the second periodic data signal.
US08265192B2 Multilevel QAM demodulator, multilevel QAM demodulation method, and wireless communication system
A multilevel QAM demodulator includes a phase difference calculation unit calculating a phase difference signal based on the common phase signal and orthogonal signal after the phase rotation compensation, a phase shift amount calculation unit calculating a phase shift amount indicating a degree of a phase shift based on the common phase signal and orthogonal signal after the phase rotation compensation and phase noise compensation, and a correction unit correcting the phase difference signal based on the phase shift amount. A phase rotation is performed for the phase noise compensation based on the phase difference signal corrected by the correction unit.
US08265190B2 Multiple antennas transmit diversity scheme
A method from transmitting data via multiple antennas. The method contemplates modulating data to be transmitted into a plurality of modulated symbols, encoding each pair of modulated symbols from among said plurality of symbols in accordance with a transmission diversity scheme to result in a plurality of 2 by 2 matrices, with each 2 by 2 matrix corresponding to each pair of modulated symbols, orthogonally spreading the plurality of 2 by 2 matrices to generate an output matrix, and transmitting the symbols in the output matrix via a plurality of antennas by using either a space time transmission diversity scheme, a space frequency transmission diversity scheme, or a combination of a space time transmission diversity scheme and a space frequency transmission diversity scheme.
US08265187B2 Method and device for transmitting data in a communication system
A method for transmitting data in a telecommunication system including at least one transmitter comprising at least two transmitting antennas and at least one receiver comprising at least one receiving antenna, the method including: transforming a plurality of bits of the data to be transmitted into a plurality of symbols by modulating the plurality of bits of the data at the transmitter; generating a first vector formed by the plurality of symbols at the transmitter; preparing a modified matrix by modifying an original matrix based on the number of rows of the first vector, the original matrix being predefined at the transmitter; generating a second vector by multiplying the first vector with the modified matrix at the transmitter; and transmitting symbols forming the second vector over communication channels established between the at least two transmitting antennas of the transmitter and the at least one receiving antenna of the receiver.
US08265185B2 Method and system for encoding a signal for wireless communications
Method and system encodes a signal according to a code rate that includes a ratio of uncoded bits to coded bits. An outer Reed-Solomon encoder encodes the signal into codewords. An interleaver converts the codewords into bits of frames for wireless transmission. An inner encoder executes a convolutional code to generate an encoded signal. The encoded signal is transmitted over a plurality of subcarriers associated with a wide bandwidth channel. The convolutional code is punctured and code states are added by the inner encoder to improve the code rate.
US08265184B2 Digital communications receiver and method of estimating residual carrier frequency offset in a received signal
A carrier frequency offset can be present in a signal received by a communications receiver when the receiver has a local frequency oscillator that generates a carrier frequency different from a carrier frequency generated by a local frequency oscillator at a transmitter that transmitted the signal. A residual carrier frequency offset can remain after most of the carrier frequency offset has been removed from the received signal using conventional techniques. The residual carrier frequency offset is estimated using first and second channel impulse responses derived from first and second portions of the received signal. An estimated phase difference between the first and second channel impulse responses is computed. An estimate of the residual carrier frequency offset is computed using the estimated phase difference.
US08265183B2 Radio communication apparatus and communication method
In a radio communication apparatus for forming a frame with a plurality of slots, and inserting a guard interval into each slot along with data for a mobile station to perform communication, a receive state acquisition section acquires a receive state of each mobile station, a frame format decision section decides a frame format of which guard interval length is different for each slot based on the receive state of each mobile station, a slot assignment section assigns each slot of the frame format to data for each mobile station, and a frame format reporting section reports the decided frame format to the mobile stations via a reporting channel. The mobile station identifies the GI length based on the reported frame format and the slot number, removes the guard interval, and performs processing.
US08265179B2 Wireless communication system and communication apparatus
A data-transmission-side communication apparatus includes a mapping unit that executes a mapping for a data sub-carrier based on a multipath delay time in a transmission path and a guard-band adding unit that changes an amount of a guard band to be added to a signal on the data sub-carrier depending on information on the guard band obtained based on the multipath delay time. A data-reception-side communication apparatus includes an equalizing unit that suppresses a multipath exceeding a guard interval based on the information on the guard band and a demapping unit that executes a demapping for an equalized signal based on the multipath delay time.
US08265173B2 Method for compression and expansion of analogue signals
In an analog signal compression method with digital compression and digital expansion of linear based or sine-based linear signals, a signal coordination point is determined in a bi-adaptive scaleable mV/step and a time/step structured plane. To accomplish this, the linear or sine-based input signal is digitized, the breaks of the digitized linear or sine-based signal are detected, and the time difference and the amplitude difference of two successive breaks of the linear or sine-based signal are determined. This permits time differences and amplitude differences of successive breaks to be value coded as a data word on the basis of adaptive scaleable time-per-step tables and voltage-per-step tables so that the time-per-step tables and the voltage-per-step tables are selected depending on the absolute value of the determined time difference and amplitude difference, thus producing compressed data. An associated expansion method for reconstructing the original analog signal is also disclosed.
US08265171B2 Error resilient video transmission using instantaneous receiver feedback and channel quality adaptive packet retransmission
Systems and methods for delivering real-time video imagery to a receiver over a channel. A current video frame is captured and digitized. The digitized frame is divided into a plurality of macroblocks. For each macroblock an intra, inter or skip mode coding mode is determined. Based on instantaneous feedback received from a receiver regarding successfully received video packets for a prior video frame, a quantization parameter is set and the macroblocks are encoded in accordance with their respective selected coding mode. Synchronized error concealment is performed at both the encoder and decoder sides of the system and retransmission of lost video packets, using an adaptive retransmission scheme, are performed in accordance with the instantaneous feedback from the receiver.
US08265170B2 Data transmission system, and its transmission side apparatus and reception side apparatus
A transmission side apparatus selectively inserts video stream data and MPEG data into a video storage area to store video stream data in a frame structure of an SDI system and generates SDI data of which the identification ID indicating a type of data included therein by an SDI data insertion processing device and transmits the SDI data to a coaxial cable from a transmission interface device. A reception side apparatus receives the SDI data transmitted via the coaxial cable by a reception interface device, extracts data to be transmitted from a video storage area of received SDI data and determines whether the data to be transmitted is the video stream data or the MPEG data by an SDI data extraction processing device to output it. Therefore, a high-speed MPEG data transmission assuring frame/field accuracy becomes possible by using an existing technology and device.
US08265166B2 Dual decoder portable media device
A portable media device 100 including two onboard hardware media decoders (124, 128) operative to decode a given digital content item 148 is provided. In some embodiments, one of the onboard hardware media decoders 128 has a relatively high power consumption and produces a relatively ‘high quality’ media signal, and the other of the onboard hardware media decoder 124 has a relatively low power consumption and produces a relatively ‘low quality’ media signal. In one non-limiting use case: (i) when no external power is available, the relatively ‘low power’ hardware media decoder 124 may generate a relatively ‘low quality’ media signal which is presented on an onboard display screen 140a and/or onboard speaker 140b; and (ii) when external power is available, the relatively ‘high power’ hardware media decoder 128 may generate a relatively ‘high quality’ media signal which is exported out of the portable media device 100 via one or more media ports, and presented on an external host presentation device 160 (for example, a large-screen television).
US08265164B2 Method and apparatus for determining whether adjacent macroblocks are located in the same slice
The present invention is directed to a method for determining whether a current macroblock and an adjacent macroblock thereof are located in the same slice. The method is used in a predetermined process for a block-based digitally encoded image. The block-based digitally encoded image is represented as an encoded bit-stream and each macroblock therein is assigned a sequence characteristic number. The method includes: providing a memory space for storing and tracing a slice changing point; initializing the slice changing point to a predetermined number; checking the encoded bit-stream, and when the current slice is determined to change, setting the slice changing point to a derived sequence characteristic number derived from the sequence characteristic number of the current macroblock; and determining whether the current macroblock and the adjacent block thereof are in the same slice according to a comparison result between the sequence characteristic number of the adjacent block and the slice changing point. The invention also discloses an apparatus for performing the method.
US08265162B2 Context adaptive position and amplitude coding of coefficients for video compression
A coding method, apparatus, and medium with software encoded thereon to implement a coding method. The coding method includes encoding the position of non-zero-valued coefficients in an ordered series of quantized transform coefficients of a block of image data, including encoding events using variable length coding using a plurality of variable length code mappings that each maps events to codewords, the position encoding including switching between the code mappings based on the context. The coding method further includes encoding amplitudes of the non-zero-valued coefficients using variable dimensional amplitude coding in the reverse order of the original ordering of the series.
US08265161B2 Processing or compressing n-dimensional signals with warped wavelet packets and bandelets
A method and apparatus for processing or compressing an n-dimensional digital signal by constructing a sparse representation which takes advantage of the signal geometrical regularity. The invention comprises a warped wavelet packet transform which performs a cascade of warped subband filtering along warping grids of sampling points adapted to the signal geometry. It also comprises a bandeletisation which decorrelates the warped wavelet packet coefficients to produce a sparse representation. An inverse warped wavelet packet transform and an inverse bandeletisation reconstruct a signal from its bandelet representation. The invention comprises a compression system which quantizes and codes the bandelet representation, a decompression system, a restoration system which enhances a signal by filtering its bandelet representation, and a feature vector extraction system for pattern recognition applications of a bandelet representation.
US08265158B2 Motion estimation with an adaptive search range
A method and apparatus for estimating motion of a pixel block in a first frame, the method including searching a first area in a second frame to identify a first matching block that corresponds to the pixel block, the first matching block including a first error value that is a minimum of at least one error criteria between the pixel block and the first matching block, calculating a first motion vector associated with the first matching block. The method further including searching a second area in the second frame to identify a second matching block that corresponds to the pixel block, the second matching block including a second error value that is a minimum of the at least one error criteria between the pixel block and the second matching block, calculating a second motion vector associated with the second matching block and selecting a final motion vector between the first and second motion vectors based on the first and second error value.
US08265153B2 Moving picture coding method, and moving picture decoding method
A moving picture coding apparatus for performing inter-picture predictive coding on pictures constituting a moving picture is provided with a coding unit for performing predictive error coding on image data; a decoding unit for performing predictive error decoding on an output from the coding unit; a reference picture memory for holding output data from the decoding unit; and a motion vector detection unit for detecting forward and backward motion vectors on the basis of decoded image data stored in the memory. When coding a B picture, a picture that is timewise closest to the target picture is used as a candidate picture for forward reference, and an I or P picture that is timewise closest to the target picture is used as a candidate picture for backward reference. The moving picture coding apparatus so constructed can improve coding efficiency of a B picture to be subjected to bidirectional predictive coding.
US08265147B2 Method for generating reduced image of original image comprising adaptively encoded macroblocks, and image apparatus thereof
A method for generating a reduced image of an original image in which macroblocks are adaptively encoded, and an image apparatus thereof are provided. The method including extracting an average of compression blocks of current super macroblocks contained in a compression image, the compression image being encoded by intra prediction; computing an average of prediction blocks, using a portion of components of previous super macroblocks and a portion of components of blocks neighboring the prediction blocks corresponding to the compression blocks, if an encoding technique of the current super macroblocks is different from an encoding technique of the previous super macroblocks at a left edge of the current super macroblocks; and generating a reduced image using the average of the compression blocks and the average of the prediction blocks. The apparatus includes an extractor; a computation part; and an adder.
US08265144B2 Innovations in video decoder implementations
Video decoding innovations for multithreading implementations and graphics processor unit (“GPU”) implementations are described. For example, for multithreaded decoding, a decoder uses innovations in the areas of layered data structures, picture extent discovery, a picture command queue, and/or task scheduling for multithreading. Or, for a GPU implementation, a decoder uses innovations in the areas of inverse transforms, inverse quantization, fractional interpolation, intra prediction using waves, loop filtering using waves, memory usage and/or performance-adaptive loop filtering. Innovations are also described in the areas of error handling and recovery, determination of neighbor availability for operations such as context modeling and intra prediction, CABAC decoding, computation of collocated information for direct mode macroblocks in B slices, reduction of memory consumption, implementation of trick play modes, and picture dropping for quality adjustment.
US08265142B2 Encoding bit-rate control method and apparatus, program therefor, and storage medium which stores the program
An encoding bit-rate control method used in video encoding in which intraframe prediction and interframe prediction are switchably used. The method includes measuring an amount of code generated for quantized information and an amount of code generated for non-quantized information for the picture which has been encoded; computing a ratio of the amount of code generated for the non-quantized information to the total amount of generated code, based on the above measured amounts of code; and determining a target amount of code of an encoding target picture by using the computed ratio of the amount of code generated for the non-quantized information. The target amount of code may be determined by computing a complex index for the quantized information of the picture which has been encoded, and estimating an amount of code generated when the encoding target picture is encoded using a predetermined assumed quantization step size, based on the above index and the ratio of the amount of code generated for the non-quantized information.
US08265141B2 System and method for open loop spatial prediction in a video encoder
Presented herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for real-time high definition television encoding. In one embodiment, there is a method for encoding video data. The method comprises downscaling at least one original reference picture; classifying the content of the macroblocks of the picture; and selecting a spatial prediction mode for each of the macroblocks of the picture based on the content classification. If it is determined that a macroblock is to be coded using spatial encoding, the macroblock is coded using the associated prediction mode.
US08265137B2 Adaptive language descriptors
A disclosed methodology for processing language descriptors includes receiving streaming multimedia content that includes initial language descriptors. Portions of the multimedia content stream are encapsulated into packets that include an indication of the initial language descriptors. Later in time, further language descriptors are received with the streaming multimedia content. As a series of packets created from the multimedia content stream are processed, the indication of received language descriptor is adapted to account for any change in the language of audio tracks received with the streaming multimedia content.
US08265134B2 Multi-channel equalization to compensate for impairments introduced by interleaved devices
A system includes a time-interleaved device. An equalizer effectively can apply different equalization to different interleaved channels. For convenience, these equalizers will be referred to as multi-channel equalizers. In one aspect, an apparatus includes an interleaved device having M interleaved channels, and a multi-channel equalizer coupled to the interleaved device. The multi-channel equalizer is capable of applying a different equalization to different interleaved channels, thus compensating for channel-dependent impairments.
US08265131B2 Control apparatus for and control method of equalizer, and wireless terminal having that control apparatus
A channel estimation value of each path timing is determined, a path timing, the channel estimation value of which is to be set to zero, is determined based on a reception power of each path timing and a predetermined power threshold (P0), and a channel estimation value of the detected path timing to zero.
US08265130B2 Adaptive equalizer with a dual-mode active taps mask generator and a pilot reference signal amplitude control unit
An adaptive equalizer including an equalizer filter and a tap coefficients generator used to process a sample data stream derived from a plurality of received signals is disclosed. The tap coefficients generator includes an equalizer tap update unit, a vector norm square estimator, an active taps mask generator, a switch and a pilot amplitude reference unit used to minimize the dynamic range of the equalizer filter. A dynamic mask vector is used to mask active taps generated by the equalizer tap update unit when an unmasked signal output by the equalizer filter is selected by the switch to generate an error signal fed to the equalizer tap update unit. A fixed mask vector is used to mask active taps generated by the equalizer tap update unit when a masked signal output by the equalizer filter is used to generate the error signal.
US08265122B2 Receiver
With the objective of enhancing receiving performance of a receiver with respect to pulse signals spread by spread codes, the receiver comprises an RF front-end section which performs amplification, an AD converter section which AD-converts signals outputted from the RF front-end section, a baseband section which inversely spreads the output of the AD converter section and performs signal detection and demodulation thereon, a reception environment measuring section which measures reception environment using the input signals of the baseband section, and a parameter setting section which sets parameters for respective parts on the basis of signals outputted from the reception environment measuring section. The parameter setting section sets the parameters for the respective parts to the optimum according to the environmental condition measured by the reception environment measuring section.
US08265118B2 Code-modulated path-sharing multi-signal systems
Described herein are code-modulated multi-signal systems. In one embodiment, a multi-signal system receives multiple input signals and code-modulates each input signal with a unique code to distinguish the input signal from the other input signals. The input signals may come from multiple antennas, multiple sensors, multiple channels, etc. The code-modulated signals are then combined into a combined signal that is sent through shared blocks and/or transmitted across a shared medium in a shared path. After shared processing and/or shared transmission, the individual signals are recovered using matched filters. Each matched filter contains a code corresponding to one of the unique codes for recovering the corresponding signal from the combined signal. The recovered signals may then be inputted to additional processors for further processing.
US08265115B2 Surface emitting laser, method for manufacturing surface emitting laser, and image forming apparatus
A surface emitting laser includes a lower multilayer mirror and an upper multilayer mirror which are provided on a substrate. A first oxidizable layer is partially oxidized to form a first current confinement layer including a first conductive region and a first insulating region. A second oxidizable layer is partially oxidized to form a second current confinement layer including a second conductive region and a second insulating region, a boundary between the first conductive region and the first insulating region being disposed inside the second current confinement layer in an in-plane direction of the substrate. The first oxidizable layer and the second oxidizable layer or layers adjacent to the respective oxidizable layers are adjusted so that when both layers are oxidized under the same oxidizing conditions, the oxidation rate of the first oxidizable layer is lower than that of the second oxidizable layer.
US08265114B2 Surface emitting laser
A surface emitting laser having a laminated structure has a first region and a second region. The first region is a region having at least one guided mode, a propagation mode in which light is propagated in the in-plane direction of a substrate at a laser oscillation wavelength. The second region is a region having a substrate radiation mode in which light is emitted to the side of the substrate at the laser oscillation wavelength.
US08265112B2 Semiconductor laser device and circuit for and method of driving same
A directly driven laser includes multiple contacts, with at least one of the contacts for injecting current into the laser such that the laser reaches at least a lasing threshold and at least one of the contacts for providing a data signal to the laser. In some embodiments a differential data signal is effectively provided to a front and a rear section of the laser, while lasing threshold current is provided to a central portion of the laser.
US08265111B2 Laser light source module
When a laser light source module includes a heat sink in which a solid laser element, an excitation light source, and a wavelength conversion element are arranged and a stem that supports the heat sink, wherein the heat sink is separated into three blocks, namely a first block including a laser oscillating unit for the solid laser element is arranged, a second block including a semiconductor laser element that emits excitation light for the laser oscillating unit and a first temperature sensor are arranged and on a specific surface of which the first heater is arranged, and a third block including the wavelength conversion element that converts the wavelength of the fundamental laser beam and a second temperature sensor are arranged and on a specific surface of which a second heater is arranged, enabling thus downsizing of the module and improvement of the positioning accuracy of the elements.
US08265110B2 Laser and environmental monitoring method
A laser and monitoring system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and binary pulse shaping (BPS). Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and a SHG crystal. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan (hereinafter “MIIPS”) method is used to characterize the spectral phase of femtosecond laser pulses and to correct them. A further aspect of the system of the present invention is employed to monitor environmental chemicals and biological agents, including toxins, explosives, and diseases.
US08265099B2 Error correction scheme in a hearing system wireless network
A method of wireless data communication between a hearing instrument and another device, includes receiving N data packages A1, A2, . . . , AN, wherein the N data packages are obtained by dividing a data package D, receiving data package C, wherein the data package C is formed as a function of A1, A2, . . . , AN in accordance with a relationship C=F (A1, A2, . . . , AN), performing error detection, and recovering AE, one of the data packages A1, A2, . . . , AN that contains an error, in accordance with a relationship AE=R(A1, A2, . . . , C, . . . , AN), in which A1, A2, . . . , C, . . . , AN indicates that the data package C is used in place of AE in a list of arguments for the function R.
US08265095B2 Resource management finite state machine for handling resource management tasks separate from a protocol finite state machine
A method and logic circuit for a resource management finite state machine (RM FSM) managing resource(s) required by a protocol FSM. After receiving a resource request vector, the RM FSM determines not all of the required resource(s) are available. The protocol FSM transitions to a new state, generates an output vector, and loads the output vector into an output register. The RM FSM transitions to a state indicating that not all the resources are available and freezes an input register. In a subsequent cycle, the RM FSM freezes the output register and a current state register, and forces the output vector to be seen by the FSM environment as a null token. After determining that the required resource(s) are available, the RM FSM transitions to another state indicating that the resources are available, enables the output vector to be seen by the FSM environment, and unfreezes the protocol FSM.
US08265090B2 Storing access network information for an IMS user in a subscriber profile
IMS networks and methods are disclosed for storing information on the access network of a user in a subscriber profile for the user. When a communication device of a user attempts to register with an IMS network, a P-CSCF receives a register request message from the communication device, and identifies access network information for the user. The P-CSCF then transmits another register request message to an S-CSCF that includes the access network information, and the S-CSCF in turn forwards the access network information to an HSS. The HSS then stores the access network information in the subscriber profile for the user. Nodes in the IMS network that retrieve the subscriber profile may acquire the access network information to provide services based on the access network information.
US08265089B2 Network gateway with enhanced requesting
A gateway and/or software for running on a gateway that communicates data units from a connection based network to a connectionless network, where the gateway uses at least some network protocol data from the connection based network in checking against a set of rules to determine whether some responsive reaction is appropriate. Preferably, the network protocol data from the connection based network is low level network protocol data (that is, physical layer and/or data link layer) that would otherwise be discarded by the gateway as the data was de-encapsulated and sent along to the receiving, connectionless network. Some possible responsive reactions include: selectively blocking data communication; slowing down selected data communications; sending responsive communications back to selected data sending machines; and/or alerting of network administrator(s).
US08265088B2 Method and apparatus for a fast installation of an IP user connection over a 3GPP NB interface under application of the bICC “delayed backward bearer establishment” and avoidance of failure
An IP user data transport connection is established between a Media Gateway O and a Media Gateway T according to the BICC “Delayed Backward Bearer Establishment”. The Media Gateway O sends an IPBCP Accepted message towards the Media Gateway T upon receipt of an IPBCP Request message from Media Gateway T. The Media Gateway O sends data within the user data transport connection towards the Media Gateway T. The user data may arrive at the Media Gateway T before the IPBCP accepted message. The Media Gateway T retrieves the source IP address and Port number from a user data transport connection IP packet received the Media Gateway O, and sends the first user data transport connection IP packet(s) towards the Media Gateway O upon receipt of a user data transport connection IP packet from the Media Gateway O, using the retrieved IP Address and Port number as destination.
US08265087B2 Gateway apparatus and data transfer control method
A gateway apparatus for performing transfer control of frame data between communication channels includes a routing map that stores ID information about the frame data and information about a communication channel that uses the ID information, and a search engine unit that routes the frame data to a transfer destination on the basis of the ID information of the frame data received and the routing map. The search engine unit does not transfer the frame data to the transfer destination when the ID information about the frame data received is ID information that is not used in the communication channel through which the frame data is received.
US08265086B2 Multi-path transport
A method including operating in an apparatus a multi-point multi-path transport protocol providing a multi-point multi-path transport connection, and using said apparatus in said multi-point multi-path transport connection as a part of an end system formed by said apparatus and other apparatuses that are physically distinct from said apparatus.
US08265084B2 Local network connecting system local network connecting method and mobile terminal
A local network connecting system includes a first local network, a second local network, a mobile terminal. The first local network is connected with a gateway and a first server assigned with a first local address. The second local network is connected with a second server. The mobile terminal VPN “Virtual Private Network”-connect to the second server through the first local network. The gateway provide mapping of local address for a terminal connected to the first local network. When a packet is sent to the first server from mobile terminal, the mobile terminal assigns a second local address unused over the VPN-connection to a destination address of the packet instead of the first local address, and transmits the packet to the gateway. The gateway translate the second local address into the first local address as destination address of the packet, and transmits the packet to the first server based on the translated destination.
US08265082B2 Relay including a mass memory for temporarily storing differed-time information streams
A relay for use in telecommunications equipment, said relay comprising: a receiver (R) adapted to receive an information stream consisting of information cells, some of which can be empty, a mixer (M) adapted to detect the empty cells and replace them with waiting cells, and a transmitter (E) adapted to transmit the cells to a receiver, which relay is characterized in that it further comprises a stream analyzer (A) for determining if an information stream is a real-time information stream or a differed-time information stream and for storing differed-time stream cells in a mass memory (MM), and in that said mixer is adapted to choose said waiting cells from among the cells stored in said mass memory.
US08265078B2 Routing table build algorithm for a routing table that uses a search key constructed from packet destination address and outbound interface
A method is described that involves, in view of a first default entry for a first subnet that is reachable through a first network service, where the first default entry has a numeric destination value, and in view of a second default entry for a second subnet that is reachable through a second network service, wherein the second default entry has the numeric destination value, sorting the first and second default entries by deciding that the first network service is ranked higher than the second network service. The method further involves configuring the first default entry within a routing table to have the numeric destination and not an interface component within the first default entry's search term, and, configuring the second default entry within the routing table to have the numeric destination and the second network service's interface component within the second default entry's search term.
US08265062B2 System and method for accomplishing special call treatment in a voice over internet protocol telephone system
A system and method for treating a VoIP call in a special fashion when the call is to be routed from an originating gateway to a destination gateway over the Internet. The system and method make use of a special decline destination gateway which may be configured to return a special cost code to the originating gateway when the originating gateway attempts to establish a telephone call with the decline destination gateway. A routing controller of the system would provide the originating gateway with a list of potential destination gateways, and the decline destination gateway would always be the last entry on the list. This would cause the originating gateway to first attempt to place the call through the other potential destination gateways. However, if none of the other destination gateways can be used, the originating gateway will ultimately attempt to place the call through the decline destination gateway. When the originating gateway receives back the special cost code from the decline destination gateway, the originating gateway would know to treat the call in a special fashion. In some embodiments, the decline destination gateway itself might treat the call in the special fashion.
US08265060B2 Packet data filtering
In a packet data communication system in which communicating nodes assume different modes of communications, and packet data are sent through a monitoring intermediary for data traffic control, the different modes of communications are directly sent to the monitoring intermediary so as to allow the monitoring intermediary to straightforwardly set up data filters for carrying out the data control and monitoring functions.
US08265059B1 Address scope checking for internet protocol version 6
An apparatus includes a plurality of ports to receive a packet. A scope circuit determines a source scope level for a source Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) address of the received packet. A command circuit determines whether to forward the received packet based on the source scope level. The source scope level is indicative of whether a source address is a global address or a local address.
US08265057B2 Enhanced voice pre-emption of active packet data service
A method in wireless communication devices, for example, a cellular handset, including receiving a network control message, forcing an active packet session into a dormancy state in response to receiving the network control message, suspending a dormancy timer after receiving the network control message, and starting the dormancy timer upon completion of an event, for example, a voice pre-emption, that precipitated suspension of the active packet session.
US08265054B2 Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communicating method
A wireless communication apparatus of a base station uses antennas for multiple systems, forms a multi-beam, transmits data to a mobile station, and includes a code book configured to store therein beamforming information; a pre-coder that reads the code book and executes a process of forming a given beam for the data; a control unit that, based on feedback information to correct variations in phase occurring at transmitting circuits respectively corresponding to each of the systems, performs control such that the beamforming information to correct the variations in phase is read from the code book; and a phase correcting unit that corrects a phase of the multi-beam formed by the pre-coder, based on the feedback information and such that relations among the phases of the multi-beam become substantially linear.
US08265052B2 Direct wireless client to client communication
A wireless station is connected to a wireless network through an access point and can establish a direct client-to-client connection to a second wireless station. The wireless station can communicate directly with the second wireless station without involving the access point. The wireless station communicates with the wired network and with other wireless stations through the access point. The second wireless station may have an infrastructure connection to the access point or may be independent.
US08265047B2 System and method for device discovery in a wireless network of devices having directional antennas
A system and method for wireless communication are disclosed. One aspect of the system includes a plurality of wireless devices forming a wireless network. The plurality of wireless devices are configured to wirelessly communicate with one another. Each of the wireless devices includes a device table including a list of one or more of the wireless devices and the directions of the one or more of the wireless devices with respect to the wireless device including the device table. In the wireless system, any one of the plurality of wireless devices is configured to perform device discovery directly with a new wireless device entering the wireless network. The one wireless device is further configured to update the device table therein and to transmit the updated device table to other wireless devices in the wireless network. Other devices in the wireless system can update their device tables, based at least partly on the updated device table without performing device discovery directly with the new wireless device.
US08265042B1 Ethernet backhaul architecture
A communication system for providing an accurate timing signal and synchronization information is described herein. The communication system comprises a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) server, a Global Positioning System (GPS), a pseudowire device, and a PTP client. The PTP client receives a time of day data and frequency information from the PTP server, receives a timing signal from the GPS, synchronizes the time of day data and timing signal to create synchronized a time of day signal, and provides the synchronized time of day signal to the pseudowire device. The pseudowire device processes the synchronized time of day signal and the frequency information to perform a time-division multiplexing signal to Ethernet signal synchronized conversion.
US08265041B2 Wireless communications systems and channel-switching method
A wireless communications system and channel-switching method are disclosed herein. A source device and multiple sink devices independently maintain respective counters which track data packet errors. Each device independently switches channels only after its counter reaches a channel-switching threshold. The new channel switched-to is either determined by an indexed ordering of the available channels or by reference to a global clock maintained by each of the devices. Accordingly, all devices quickly arrive at a common channel. The system switches channels only when necessary and resolves quickly to a mutually acceptable channel. Therefore, unnecessary channel switching is minimized and data throughput is optimized.
US08265039B2 Apparatus and method for improved idle state handoff
A method and apparatus for facilitating handoff operations in a wireless communication device is provided. The method may comprise receiving, by a wireless communication device, a plurality of pilot signals, wherein the plurality of pilot signals includes an active pilot signal and one or more candidate pilot signals, selecting at least one nominal active pilot signal strength value for comparison with the active pilot signal, classifying the one or more candidate pilot signals into a respective one of a plurality of tiers based on a handoff factor corresponding to the at least one candidate pilot signal, wherein the plurality of tiers are divided according to one or more handoff factors, and selecting at least one threshold handoff value for each of the plurality of tiers, wherein the at least one threshold handoff value partly depends on one of the at least one nominal active pilot signal strength values.
US08265038B2 Conferencing PSTN gateway methods and apparatus to facilitate heterogeneous wireless network handovers for mobile communication devices
Techniques for use in a network processing component is for initially establishing, via a gateway, a voice call between a mobile device which operates in a wireless network and a destination device. A first connection leg of the voice call is to be established between the mobile device and a conference room of the gateway. The technique involves sending to the gateway a request message for establishing a second connection leg between the network processing component and the destination device, and then subsequently sending to the gateway a re-routing message for re-routing the second connection leg from the network processing component to the conference room. This causes a voice call having the first and the second connection legs to be initially established between the mobile device and the destination device via the gateway.
US08265037B2 Local mobility management apparatus for total mobility management, and total management method and system
A local mobility management apparatus for total mobility management, and a total mobility management method and system are provided. A local domain mobility registration request message on a terminal is received from a mobile access gateway that receives a network attach message including information on a home agent from the terminal moving from a first local domain to a second local domain, a location of the terminal in an area managed by the mobile access gateway is registered, and a global domain mobility registration request message for reporting registration of the location to the home agent is transmitted. Accordingly, it is possible to remove a side effect generated in a case where a transmission order of a local domain mobility registration request message and a global domain mobility registration request message is disordered and provide an efficient mobility management.
US08265032B2 Method and system for multicast broadcasting towards a roaming terminal according to the location thereof
Method and system for multicast broadcasting towards a roaming terminal according to the location thereof in relation to its site and/or original organization. Upon connection of the roaming terminal and transmission towards the site of a signalling message, it is possible to discriminate at the site an item of locating information of the roaming terminal whereby the latter receives a signalling acknowledgement message containing the locating information. When a request is made by the roaming terminal for access to group multicast broadcasting, involving a request for an address, the request is substituted or not by an extended multicast broadcast request according to the location of the connection of the roaming terminal, whereby the new address makes it possible to receive all local broadcasting at the site and/or at the original.
US08265030B2 Base station apparatus, user equipment terminal, and method in mobile communication system
A base station apparatus is disclosed to be used in a mobile communication system where Persistent Scheduling is performed. The base station apparatus includes a radio communication unit configured to perform radio communications with a specific user equipment terminal using radio resources provided every predetermined period based on the Persistent Scheduling and an allocation unit configured to allocate radio resources to a user equipment terminal other than the specific user equipment by selecting the radio resources that are not used for uplink or downlink packet data for the specific user equipment from among radio resources provided the every predetermined period.
US08265026B2 Wireless communication method and apparatus for managing radio resources
During a contention-free period, or silent measurement period, of a first wireless communications channel, signals received on a second wireless communications channel are analyzed. The results of the analysis are used to perform advanced radio resource management functions, such as frequency selection, load balancing, or power management. Each of a plurality of wireless channels may be measured in order to perform the advanced radio resource management functions. During the analysis, an energy detect threshold may be lowered to a minimal value.
US08265024B2 Frequency reusing method in wireless communication system and radio access station system for the same
A frequency reusing method in a wireless communication system including a coverage region, which has first, second and third regions, and a radio access station (RAS) transmitting a traffic to a portable subscriber station (PSS) in the coverage region, comprises (a) transmitting the traffics by assigning an identical frequency band to the first, second and third regions during a first interval; (b) transmitting the traffics by assigning the identical frequency band to the first region during a second interval; (c) transmitting the traffics by assigning the identical frequency band to the second region during a third interval; and (d) transmitting the traffics by assigning the identical frequency band to the third region during a fourth interval.
US08265021B2 Downlink phich mapping and channelization
Methods and apparatus for downlink Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat-reQuest (HARQ) Indicator Channel (PHICH) mapping and channelization in a communication system. First, a base station assigns uplink (UL) physical resource block (PRB) indices to a set of units of user equipment in a cell. Then, for each user equipment, the base station calculates an index triple (KPHICH,0,KPHICH,1,KPHICH,2) for three repetitions of a PHICH signal to be transmitted to the user equipment, with KPHICH, i being a PHICH index indicating a PHICH resource for transmitting the i-th repetition of the PHICH signal to the user equipment, and i=1, 2, 3. When a data packet is received from a unit of user equipment transmitted via at least one physical resource block (PRB) indicated by the at least one PRB index that is assigned to the user equipment, the base station transmits PHICH signals to the user equipment by using the PHICH resources indicated by the PHICH indices assigned to the user equipment.
US08265019B2 Scheduling a mix of best effort (BE) and delay QoS flows
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate dynamically adjusting scheduling priorities in relation to a combination of delay sensitive flows with delay requirements and best effort flows. The systems and methodologies provide optimal and efficient techniques to enable real time adjustment and assignment of bandwidth for a combination of best effort flows and delay sensitive flows. In particular, the bandwidth allocation is adjusted for each data packet such that delay requirements are met and the remaining bandwidth can be assigned to best effort flows.
US08265012B2 Adaptive subchannel and bit allocation method using partial channel information feedback in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access communication system
An adaptive subchannel and bit allocation method in a wireless communication system. A mobile station analyzes channel quality information of a subchannel at a predetermined period and determines a feedback band index with a maximum decision criterion. The mobile station feeds back the determined feedback band index with the maximum decision criterion to a base station. The base station generates band allocation information using the feedback information from the mobile station, and transmits the band allocation information to the mobile station. The mobile station transmits AMC information using the band allocation information received from the base station. The base station estimates a channel using the AMC information transmitted from the mobile station and allocates bits to the allocated band according to the channel estimation result.
US08265011B2 High resolution wireless indoor positioning system for legacy standards-based narrowband mobile radios
Two or more data packets transmitted through a wireless channel are received using a receiver device. The two or more data packets are a result of two or more transmissions that are made sequentially in time at different center frequencies in order to span a desired bandwidth. Each data packet of the two or more data packets is transmitted at a single center frequency. Time differences and/or carrier phase differences among the two or more transmissions are estimated. A time-of-arrival of one or more data packets of the two or more data packets is calculated using each data packet of the two or more data packets and one or more of the estimated time differences, the different center frequencies, and the estimated carrier phase differences.
US08265007B2 Method for receiving system information in multimedia broadcast/multicast service
The present invention allows the terminal not to receive the same system information from corresponding cell when the terminal is moved to another cell within the global MBMS area, thereby preventing unnecessary reception and preventing network resources from being wasted.
US08264999B2 Method and device for realizing paging in mobile switching center pool
A method for realizing paging in a mobile switching center (MSC) pool includes the following steps. An MSC server selects a media gateway (MGW) from more than one MGW connected to a base station controller (BSC)/radio network controller (RNC), delivers a paging message of an international mobile station identity (IMSI) paging type to the selected MGW, and stores a corresponding relation between an IMSI carried in the paging message and the MSC server in the MGW which is connected to the BSC/RNC and does not receive the paging message. The MGW that does not receive the paging message receives a paging response message sent by the BSC/RNC, determines an MSC server corresponding to an IMSI carried in the paging response message by looking up the corresponding relation between the IMSI and the MSC server stored therein, and routes the received paging response message to the corresponding MSC server. Several other methods and devices for realizing paging are also provided.
US08264998B2 Method, apparatus and system for controlling multicast bearer resources
A method, apparatus, and system for controlling multicast bearer resources are disclosed, which employ a resource and admission control subsystem (RACS) to control the multicast bearer resources. The method includes: a network entity in a RACS receives a request for controlling multicast bearer resources from a bearer-layer network entity and controls the multicast bearer resources. The network entity in the RACS includes: a receiving unit adapted to receive a request for controlling multicast bearer resources from a bearer-layer network entity and a control unit adapted to control the multicast bearer resources.
US08264996B2 Signalling channel and radio system for power saving in wireless devices
Wireless devices, transmitters, systems and methods are provided that have a narrow band signalling channel and a wide band channel, for example an OFDM channel. In order to save power, the wireless device is nominally powered down with the exception of a receiver specific to the narrow band signalling channel. Once instructed to do so over the narrow band signalling channel, the wireless device wakes up the rest of its wide band receive circuitry.
US08264995B2 Apparatus and method for adjusting a duty cycle to save power in a computing system
A method and system for adjusting a duty cycle to save power in a computing system is described. The system includes a network interface card (NIC) that has an active mode and a sleep mode. The NIC is coupled to an adjusting element that adjusts a duty cycle of the active time to the sleep time based at least in part on minimizing power consumption.
US08264994B2 Method for supporting paging and deep sleep with multiple radio interfaces
A method of paging for a wireless device with multiple radio interfaces corresponding to multiple access networks. The method provides a first interface from the multiple radio interfaces to listen to paging for the multiple radio interfaces; turns the rest of the multiple radio interfaces into deep-sleep mode; and maintains attachment for each of the deep-sleep interfaces to a corresponding serving base station or access point.
US08264986B2 Wireless communication network, method of generating neighbor list in the wireless communication network, and control device therefor
In a wireless communication system, a base station control device has following two steps on the basis of latitude/longitude information obtained from a GPS, that is, a first step of recognizing, from the positional information obtained from the GPS, the fact that base stations in new and old systems are installed at the same location, and a second step of linking a neighbor list of the old system to a neighbor list of the new system with use of the result of the first step.
US08264985B2 Locally unique node port identifiers
In one embodiment, a method includes selecting a locally unique node port identifier at a Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) node in communication with at least one other FCoE node through an Ethernet network, discovering a virtual node port at the other FCoE node, and establishing a virtual link between the FCoE nodes for use in local communication over the Ethernet network. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed.
US08264982B2 Method, apparatus and system for forming time division duplex multi-input multi-output downlink beams
In a method for forming TDD MIMO downlink beams, a BS receives an index of a codebook element from a mobile terminal. The codebook element refers to a codebook element whose correlation value has a greatest modulus value among correlation values that are calculated by the mobile terminal and are about correlation between the codebook element and a channel corresponding to a non-transmitting antenna of the mobile terminal. The BS calculates a channel vector corresponding to the non-transmitting antenna of the mobile terminal. The BS calculates channel vectors of the transmitting antennas of the mobile terminal, and performs SVD to determine a best transmitting precoding matrix.
US08264980B2 Quality assessment of a communication connection in a radio-operated multi-hop hazard reporting system
A method determines a quality of a communication connection between a selected secondary station and a main station of a radio-operated multi-hop hazard reporting system. The method includes the determination of a value of a first parameter for the selected secondary station, the value of the first parameter is indicative of the connection security only between the selected secondary station and the main station. The method further includes a determination of a value of a second parameter for the selected secondary station, wherein the value of the second parameter is indicative of the connection security only between any directly adjacent secondary stations of the selected secondary stations and the main station, and a determination of the quality of the communication connection based only on the value of the first parameter and the value of the second parameter.
US08264979B2 Method of transmitting radio access capability in a wireless communications system and related communication device
A method of transmitting radio access capability for a mobile device in a first wireless communication system includes including capability information of the mobile device, corresponding to a second wireless communication system, in a radio resource message, and sending the radio resource message to a network of the second wireless communication system.
US08264972B2 Method and apparatus for emulating network devices
Methods, apparatuses, data structures, and computer readable media are disclosed that represent network devices with encapsulated protocol stacks communicating via a common physical port. The encapsulated protocol stacks include variable combinations of a multiple encapsulation protocols.
US08264969B2 Communications link health monitoring
A reference signal of reference pulses occurring at a uniform reference pulse rate is received. An error event signal of error event pulses occurring at a variable error event pulse rate corresponding to a rate of detected error event occurrences is received. An integrator output signal is produced from the reference signal and the error event signal. The integrator output signal has a value that approaches a first boundary threshold when the reference pulse rate exceeds the error event pulse rate and approaches a second boundary threshold when the error event pulse rate exceeds the reference pulse rate. A decision signal is set to a first value in response to a determination that the value of the received integrator output signal meets a first decision threshold and set to a second value in response to a determination that the value of the received integrator output signal meets a second decision threshold.
US08264968B2 Inter-layer prediction method for video signal
The present invention relates to a method for conducting interlayer motion prediction in encoding or decoding of video signal. The present method identifies types of pictures on a base layer and a current layer or types of macro blocks included in the pictures, forms a block on a virtual layer by copying motion information of a macro block on the base layer if type of a picture on the current layer or a macro block included therein is identified to field and type of a picture on the base layer or a macro block included therein is identified to progressive, and uses the copied motion information of the block on the virtual layer in interlayer motion prediction for a macro block of the picture on the current layer.
US08264967B2 Bit-field-encoded resource record for determining a transmission path in a communications network
Method and apparatus for tracking, recording and distributing link state characteristics over communications networks. The invention allows network operators to efficiently define, track, store and disseminate link state characteristics using a bit-field-encoded resource record that is capable of representing many more link state characteristics than the bit-mask-encoded records used in existing systems. As a result, the present invention, when used in conjunction with standard routing and network maintenance algorithms, provides a much more efficient method than existing systems provide, for performing sophisticated networking tasks, such as handling complicated information transmission requests, setting up and tearing down network paths, and making dynamic routing decisions.
US08264964B1 Enhanced reverse-link auxiliary pilot trigger
A method and system is disclosed for enhanced reverse-link auxiliary pilot triggering in an access terminal. An access terminal operating in a first state in which it transmits a primary beacon signal on an air interface link to a base station and concurrently transmits a secondary beacon signal to the base station upon a condition that the access terminal transmits packets with payloads exceeding a threshold size, may receive a command from the base station to unconditionally transmit the secondary beacon signal. In response to receiving the command, the access terminal will transition to operating in a second state in which it transmits a primary beacon signal on the air interface link to a base station and concurrently and unconditionally transmits the secondary beacon signal to the base station.
US08264963B2 Data transfer path evaluation using filtering and change detection
If a condition in a data transfer path is modeled appropriately, then a filter-based approach can be used to provide an estimate of the condition. This permits accurate, real-time estimates of the condition with modest requirements for data processing and memory resources. Change detection can be implemented to control a parameter of the filter.
US08264962B2 System and method for dynamically responding to event-based traffic redirection
A technique dynamically resizes Traffic Engineering (TE) Label Switched Paths (LSPs) at a head-end node of the TE-LSPs in preparation to receive redirected traffic in response to an event in a computer network. The novel dynamic TE-LSP resizing technique is based on the detection of an event in the network that could cause traffic destined for one or more other (“remote”) head-end nodes of one or more TE-LSPs to be redirected to an event-detecting (“local”) head-end node of one or more TE-LSPs. An example of such a traffic redirection event is failure of a remote head-end node or failure of any of its TE-LSPs. Specifically, the local head-end node maintains TE-LSP steady state sampling and resizing frequencies to adapt the bandwidth of its TE-LSP(s) to gradual changes in the network over time. Upon detection of an event identifying possible traffic redirection, the local head-end node enters a Fast Resize (FR) state, in which the sampling and resizing frequencies are increased to quickly adapt the TE-LSP bandwidth(s) to any received redirected traffic.
US08264961B2 Synchronization and macro diversity for MCBCS
A method and system for multicast and broadcast system (MCBCS) synchronization and macro diversity is provided. In an embodiment, an MBS Proxy creates the necessary messages with synchronization rules embedded therein. The messages are provided to an MBS Distributed DPF and a base station, which performs a final PHY frame construction for transmission. In another embodiment, the MBS Proxy provides the necessary information to the base station and the base station creates the messages, including the synchronization rules. In yet another embodiment, the base station receives raw IP packet information and synchronization information. In this last embodiment, the base station creates the packets and frames based on the information provided to it.
US08264960B2 Method and system for sharing AV/record resources in a programmable transport demultiplexer and PVR engine
A method and system are provided for sharing AV/record resources in a programmable transport/demultiplexer and personal video recorder (PVR) engine. The method may involve utilizing hardware assist architecture to partially process incoming packets, retrieve information about the packets, and write the retrieved information to a memory. A processor programmed with firmware may then utilize the information in memory to perform further processing on the packet data. The processor programmed with firmware may then set up configuration parameters that may be used by the hardware assist architecture to further process the packet. The parameters may be configured such that they may be independent of the format of the packet, where the hardware assist architecture functions may be utilized for processing packets regardless of their format. The system may comprise the hardware assist architecture, the processor programmed with firmware, and a memory.
US08264956B2 Service redundancy in wireless networks
This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for providing service redundancy among devices in a communication network. The devices can be, for example, a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (SGW), a PDN gateway (P-GW), a call session control function (CSCF), a SGSN, a GGSN, or any other device implemented on a chassis. The redundancy includes a geographic redundancy where the devices are remotely located from one another to prevent a service outage. The devices can provide redundancy to multiple other devices, such that one device serves as a backup to multiple other devices. The information used to provide service to a mobile node such as user equipment can be backed up on the redundancy device and the device can advertise the same routing information to the network so the network is unaware of any change.
US08264954B2 Method and device for operating a network and communication system comprising such device
A method and a device are provided for operating a network, wherein the network comprises several network elements that are connected via a ring, wherein a first segment is of a first type of connection and wherein a second segment is of a second type of connection, wherein the ring comprises at least one first segment and at least one second segment and wherein one network element of the network elements is a ring master comprising a primary port and a secondary port, comprising the steps (i) a failure of at least one of the at least one first segment is detected by the ring master; (ii) the ring master unblocks its secondary port; and (iii) the ring master sends a first message via its primary port and via its secondary port.
US08264946B2 Methods and systems for PAPR reduction in SC-FDMA systems
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction of a transmission signal in a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system. The proposed methods and systems are based on manipulations of an SC-FDMA transmission signal in a time- and/or a frequency-domain.
US08264945B2 Method for signal mapping and signal transmission with subcarrier shift schemes
A signal mapping method and a signal transmission method applying a subcarrier shift method are described. A signal mapping method using shifted subcarriers includes shifting positions of data subcarriers by as much as a frequency band corresponding to half of spacing between data subcarriers on a frequency axis, and shifting positions of random access preamble subcarriers by as much as a frequency band corresponding to half of spacing between the data subcarriers and to a specific ratio of spacing between the random access preamble subcarriers, and mapping data and a random access preamble to the data subcarriers and the random access preamble subcarrier, respectively. Even when the spacing between the data subcarriers is a multiple of the spacing between the random access preamble subcarriers, DC distortion can be minimized.
US08264942B2 Optical disc embossed features
A method for forming an optical disc includes forming a first disc portion, forming a second disc portion, coupling the first disc portion to the second disc portion, wherein forming the first disc portion includes forming a data recording layer, and wherein forming the second disc portion includes forming a material layer including a plurality of embossed features having a depth of approximately ¼λ for optimized encoder compatibility, where λ is the wavelength of a light source being used to sense the embossed features.
US08264940B2 Recording/reproduction device, recording/reproduction method, and information recording medium
The present invention contributes to getting a reproduction/recording operation done with stability on an information recording medium by utilizing an absorption edge shifting phenomenon. An apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes: a light source 20 for emitting a laser beam; a lens 6 for condensing the beam onto an information recording medium 21; and a photodetector 19 for detecting light reflected from the medium 21, of which a recording layer includes a material that absorbs the beam at an increasing absorptance as the absorption edge of a light absorption spectrum shifts, with a rise in temperature, toward a longer wavelength range as a result of a band-to-band transition of electrons. The apparatus 100 of this invention further includes: a wavelength detecting section 26 for detecting at least one of the wavelength of the beam and its variation; a temperature sensing section 27 for sensing at least one of the temperature of the medium 21 or its ambience and its variation; and a control section 28 for controlling the power of the light source 20 based on the respective outputs of the wavelength detecting section 26 and the temperature sensing section 27.
US08264935B2 Method and apparatus for reading optical discs having different configurations
A player is provided that is capable of playing discs of either a first or a second configuration. Both types of discs can be double-sided optical discs formed with data tracks. In one configuration, the tracks on one side follow one spiral while the tracks on the other side follow a second spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed from the respective sides, and therefore being mirror images of each other. This allows data to be read by a player seamlessly from both sides of the disc without changing the direction of rotation of the disc. In the other configuration, the tracks follow identical spirals. The disc is then rotated in one direction for one side and the other direction for the other side.
US08264934B2 Multitrack recording using multiple digital electronic devices
The present invention is a method and apparatus for multitrack recording of audio information using handheld digital electronic devices such as suitably equipped portable digital music players. Recording of video tracks by digital electronic devices to complement the audio is also contemplated. One device serves as a master; the remainder are slaves. A key aspect of the invention is the transmission of start and stop recording signals by the master, which facilitates synchronization of the various tracks. In certain embodiments of the invention, some slaves may begin preliminary sampling of audio information prior to the start recording signal. This prepares these slaves to begin the actual track recording without delay. Upon receiving the command to start recording, each slave chooses as the first frame of its, say, audio track that sample closest to the time the signal to record was received. The task of stopping recording is typically handled similarly. A recording device may store an indicator whereby the time offset of its first frame from the start recording signal can be determined, thus facilitating time interpolation of the samples in its track. In this way, all audio tracks, for example, might be transformed to a common set of time points. In a typical configuration, the master might also record a sound track or a video track.
US08264933B1 Timing loop with large pull-in range
A sync mark detector for detecting a sync mark having alternative polarities includes an input terminal receiving data bits, wherein the data bits include constant bit groups and each constant bit group includes consecutive bits of the same logic value, the first unit outputting constant bit length values that are representative of bit lengths of constant bit groups, respectively, the second unit outputting combined bit length values, wherein each combined bit length value is representative of a sum of two consecutive constant bit length values, the third unit comparing each combined bit length value to a largest previous combined bit length value to determine a largest combined bit length value, the fourth unit determining a threshold value based on the largest combined bit length value, and the fifth unit outputting a sync mark detection signal when an individual combined bit length value is larger than the threshold value.
US08264925B2 Optical disc with protection code, method for obtaining the protection code and respective apparatus for reading of data
The optical disc comprises a substrate layer, a read-only data layer having a pit/land data structure including user data and control data arranged in tracks on the substrate layer, and a nonlinear layer with a super-resolution structure disposed on the data layer, wherein the control data are correctly readable only by including a reverse rotation of the disc. The control data include in particular a protection code for the disc, for example a copy protection code, so that the user data of the disc are only readable after reading of the control data.
US08264923B2 Optical disc device
An optical disc device including: a light source; an object lens to focus light emitted from the light source on an information recording surface of an optical disc; a movable lens that is arranged on an optical path between the light source and the objective lens and arranged such that position thereof is adjustable along a direction of a light axis; a lens moving portion to move the movable lens along the direction of the light axis; a tracking servo system which makes a beam spot that is formed of the light from the light source through focusing by the objective lens keep on track of the optical disc; and a control part which controls gain of a servo loop of the tracking servo system is made temporarily larger when the movable lens is moved by the lens moving portion in comparison with a case where moving of the movable lens by the lens moving portion is not performed.
US08264922B2 Optical disc drive having a mechanism to reduce the noise level of a focus error signal
There is provided an optical disc drive, which includes a light source emitting a light beam, a beam dividing element that divides the light beam into main and sub-beams, an objective lens, an astigmatism producing unit that gives astigmatism to the main and sub-beams, a signal generation unit that has sensors for the beams and generates a focus error signal based on output signals of the sensors; and an optical element that has a function of adjusting intensity distribution of the main beam such that the main beam incident on the optical disc has a predetermined intensity distribution where a maximum intensity level is positioned at a predetermined height within a range of 70% of a pupil diameter, the predetermined height is not equal to an optical axis, and an intensity of the main beam decreases gradually from the predetermined height to a peripheral portion of the pupil.
US08264921B2 Optical disc recording device
A technique for investigating differences of composition and structural state of a recording layer of an optical disc along with other defects, such as scratches, contamination, warp and distortion, prior to video recording and for setting up appropriate recording conditions in compliance with this result to thereby perform recording is disclosed. In an optical disc recording device capable of recording information on an optical disc, a region to be investigated is defined based on the video recording reservation contents. Then, investigate and evaluate the disc state which can affect the recording quality in a target disc region to be recorded. Next, based on investigation/evaluation results, perform recording setup, recording speed setup, servo control setup and recording position setup to thereby perform the recording. By appropriately modifying the recording setup on a case-by-case basis, it is possible to achieve high-quality recording.
US08264913B2 Time information obtaining apparatus and radio wave timepiece
A time information obtaining apparatus, comprises: an input waveform data generating section for sampling a received signal including a time code at a predetermined sampling period to obtain sampling points every one unit time length, and generating input waveform data having one or more unit time lengths based on data having at least one unit time length including the obtained sampling points; a predicted waveform data generating section for generating a plurality of pieces of predicted waveform data with respect to each class of a standard time radio wave; a correlation value calculating section for calculating correlation values between the input waveform data and the plurality of pieces of predicted waveform data of each of the classes; a correlation value comparing section for comparing the correlation values to calculate optimum values; and a judging section for judging the class of the standard time wave based on the optimum values.
US08264907B2 Method of increasing a timing margin for writing data to a memory array
A method is provided for writing data to a memory array operating in synchronization with a clock signal having a transition edge. A data strobe signal having a transition edge corresponding to the transition edge of the clock signal is provided. The transition edge of the clock signal is used to relay the data corresponding to the transition edge of the data strobe signal if the transition edge of the data strobe signal is coming in earlier than the transition edge of the clock signal, wherein the clock signal has a rising edge and a falling edge, the data strobe signal has a rising edge and a falling edge respectively corresponding to the rising and the falling edges of the clock signal, and the transition edge of the clock signal is one of the rising and the falling edges of the clock signal.
US08264905B2 Nonvolatile memory device using variable resistive element
A nonvolatile memory device using variable resistive element with reduced layout size and improved performance is provided. The nonvolatile memory device comprising: a main word line; multiple sub-word lines, wherein each of the sub-word line is connected to multiple nonvolatile memory cells; and a section word line driver which controls voltage level of the multiple sub-word lines, wherein the section word line driver includes multiple pull-down elements which are connected to each of the multiple sub-word lines and a common node and a selection element which is connected to the common node and the main word line.
US08264902B2 Memory control method and memory control device
A memory control method that carries out first-in first-out access control for a memory having a plurality of storage areas, including: selecting, as write positions, an address of a storage area in a storage block having at least one or more storage areas and an address of a storage area in any one of a plurality of redundant blocks that are made redundant with respect to the storage block and have at least one or more storage areas when the write positions are selected to write data to the memory; and selecting, as read positions, an address of a storage area of the storage block and an address selected by the selecting of the write position from among the addresses of a plurality of the redundant blocks when the read positions are selected to read data written by the writing of the data to the memory.
US08264900B2 Data sensing arrangement using first and second bit lines
Over-erasure induced noise on a data line in a nonvolatile memory that couples into an adjacent data line is mitigated by using twisted data lines and differential sensing amplifiers. Noise coupled into data lines is compensated by similar noise coupled into reference data lines and cancelled in the differential sensing amplifiers.
US08264893B2 Semiconductor device
A data input buffer is changed from an inactive to an active state after the reception of instruction for a write operation effected on a memory unit. The input buffer is a differential input buffer having interface specs based on SSTL, for example, which is brought to an active state by turning on a power switch to cause a through current to flow and receives a signal therein while immediately following a small change in small-amplitude signal. Since the input buffer is brought to the active state only when the write operation's instruction for the memory unit is provided, it is rendered inactive in advance before the instruction is provided, whereby wasteful power consumption is reduced. In another aspect, power consumption is reduced by changing from the active to the inactive state in a time period from a write command issuing to a next command issuing.
US08264892B2 Semiconductor device and method of controlling the same
A semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to: a first insulating film; first and second impurity layers on the first insulating film; a semiconductor layer on the first insulating film; a second insulating film covering the semiconductor layer; a first electrode on the second insulating film over the semiconductor layer; and a second electrode on the second insulating film over the semiconductor layer. The first and second impurity layers have a first conductive type. The first impurity layer is separated from the second impurity layer. The semiconductor layer is positioned between the first and second impurity layers. The semiconductor layer has a second conductive type which is different from the first conductive type. The first electrode is electrically insulated from the second electrode. The second electrode at least partially overlaps the first electrode in plan view.
US08264891B2 Erase method and non-volatile semiconductor memory
An erase method for a non-volatile memory device having a defined erase unit divided into first and second inner erase units includes; applying an erase voltage to at least one of the first and second inner erase units in accordance with respective states of corresponding first and second fail flags, after applying the erase voltage to the at least one of the first and second inner erase units, performing an erase verification on the at least one of the first and second inner erase units, and updating the at least one of the first and second fail flags in accordance with erase verification results.
US08264890B2 Two pass erase for non-volatile storage
Techniques are disclosed herein for erasing non-volatile memory cells. A subset of the memory cells are pre-conditioned prior to erase. The pre-conditioning alters the threshold voltage of the memory cells in a way that may help make later calculations more accurate. As an example, memory cells along a single word line might be pre-conditioned. After the pre-conditioning, the memory cells are erased using a trial erase pulse. A suitable magnitude for a second pulse is determined based on the magnitude of the trial erase pulse and data collected about the threshold voltage distribution after the trial erase. The second erase pulse is used to erase the memory cells. Determining an appropriate magnitude for the second erase pulse minimizes or eliminates over-erasing.
US08264888B2 Flash memory device configured to reduce common source line noise, methods of operating same, and memory system incorporating same
A flash memory device comprises memory cells connected between a bit line and a common source line, word lines connected to the memory cells, a common source line feedback circuit connected to a common source line (CSL) to detect the voltage level of the common source line, and a CSL feedback control logic configured to control a voltage level of a selected word line or a selected bit line to be compensated to a substantially constant value during a sensing operation of the memory cells based on the detected voltage level of the CSL.
US08264885B2 Method for memory cell erasure with a programming monitor of reference cells
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, modules, and systems for operating memory cells. One method includes: performing an erase operation on a selected group of memory cells, the selected group including a number of reference cells and a number of data cells; performing a programming monitor operation on the number of reference cells as part of the erase operation; and determining a number of particular operating parameters associated with operating the number of data cells at least partially based on the programming monitor operation performed on the number of reference cells.
US08264884B2 Methods, circuits and systems for reading non-volatile memory cells
The present invention includes methods, circuits and systems for reading non-volatile memory (“NVM”) cells, including multi-level NVM cells. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a NVM cell threshold voltage detection circuit adapted to detect an approximate threshold voltage associated with a charge storage region of a NVM cell, where the NVM cell may be a single or a multi-charge storage region cell. A decoder circuit may be adapted to decode and/or indicate the logical state of a NVM cell charge storage region by mapping or converting a detected approximate threshold voltage of the charge storage region into a logical state value.
US08264881B2 Semiconductor memory including pads coupled to each other
A semiconductor memory is provided which includes: a first pad; a second pad disposed adjacent to the first pad; a first output buffer coupled to the first pad; and a second output buffer coupled to the second pad. The first pad is coupled to the second pad by metal.
US08264879B2 Sensing memory cells
Methods, devices, modules, and systems for operating memory cells are taught. A method for operating memory cells includes programming at least one of the memory cells to one of a number of states. Operating memory cells also includes programming at least another one of the memory cells, which is adjacent to the programmed at least one of the memory cells, to one of a different number of states. Operating memory cells also includes sensing non-erased states of the memory cells using at least one common voltage level.
US08264876B2 Semiconductor memory device having an electrically floating body transistor
A semiconductor memory cell is formed in a semiconductor. The semiconductor memory cell includes: a floating body region defining at least a portion of a surface of the semiconductor memory cell, the floating body region having a first conductivity type; and a buried region located within the semiconductor memory cell and located adjacent to the floating body region, wherein the buried region has a second conductivity type.
US08264873B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit and method of controlling the same
A non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit for use in compensating for time dependent resistive changes in phase change memory cells is presented. The non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit includes a control signal generation unit and a sensing block. The control signal generation unit is configured to provide a control signal having a voltage level corresponding to a read command or a write command. The sensing block is configured to selectively provide a first sensing reference voltage substantially equal to a reference voltage. The sensing block is also configured to selectively provide a second sensing reference voltage which is lower than the reference voltage. The first and second sensing reference voltages are selectively provided as a function of the voltage level of the control signal in which the first and second sensing reference voltages are used to read data of the memory cell array.
US08264870B2 Semiconductor memory device
When threshold voltages of constituent transistors are reduced in order to operate an SRAM circuit at a low voltage, there is a problem in that a leakage current of the transistors is increased and, as a result, electric power consumption when the SRAM circuit is not operated while storing data is increased. Therefore, there is provided a technique for reducing the leakage current of MOS transistors in SRAM memory cells MC by controlling a potential of a source line ssl of the driver MOS transistors in the memory cells.
US08264868B2 Memory array with metal-insulator transition switching devices
A memory array with Metal-Insulator Transition (MIT) switching devices includes a set of row lines intersecting a set of column lines and a memory element disposed at an intersection between one of the row lines and one of the column lines. The memory element includes a switching layer in series with an MIT material. A method of accessing a target memory element within a memory array includes applying half of an access voltage to a row line connected to the target memory element, the target memory element comprising a switching layer in series with an MIT material, and applying an inverted half of the access voltage to a column line connected to the target memory element.
US08264866B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell. The memory cell is connected to a first interconnection and a second interconnection and includes a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers includes a memory layer and a carbon nanotube-containing layer which is in contact with the memory layer and contains a plurality of carbon nanotubes.
US08264863B2 Green transistor for nano-Si ferro-electric RAM and method of operating the same
The present disclosure provides a green transistor for nano-Si Ferro-electric random access memory (FeRAM) and method of operating the same. The nano-Si FeRAM includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in an array with bit-lines and word-lines, and each memory cell includes a MOSFET including a gate, a source, a drain, a substrate, and a data storage element formed on the drain spacer of the gate and made of nano-Si in porous SiO2; a word-line connected to the gate; a first bit-line connected to the drain; a second bit-line connected to the source; and an substrate bias supply connected to the substrate, and the gate induced drain leakage current of the MOSFET serves as the read current of the memory cell.
US08264854B2 Consumer electronic device with elastomeric mat
A method includes providing a molded elastomeric mat having an input protrusion, an output device receiving surface including an output device contact, and a battery receiving indentation including a power supply contact. The method further includes insert molding an output conductive path into the elastomeric mat, the output conductive path electrically coupling a circuit carrier output contact to an output device contact, and insert molding a power supply conductive path into the elastomeric mat, the power supply conductive path electrically coupling a circuit carrier power contact to the power supply contact. The method includes interfacing the elastomeric mat with a circuit carrier, aligning the input protrusion with a circuit carrier input contact, interfacing a display device with the output device receiving surface, electrically connecting the display device with the output device contact, and positioning the elastomeric mat into a housing.
US08264851B2 Multi-configuration processor-memory substrate device
A Multi-configuration Processor-Memory device for coupling to a PCB (printed circuit board) interface. The device comprises a substrate that supports multiple configurations of memory components and a processor while having a single, common interface with a PCB interface of a printed circuit board. In a first configuration, the substrate supports a processor and a first number of memory components. In a second configuration, the substrate supports a processor and an additional number of memory components. The memory components can be pre-tested, packaged memory components mounted on the substrate. The processor can be a surface mounted processor die. Additionally, the processor can be mounted in a flip chip configuration, side-opposite the memory components. In the first configuration, a heat spreader can be mounted on the memory components and the processor to dissipate heat. In the second, flip chip, configuration, the processor face can be soldered onto a non-functional area of the PCB interface of the printed circuit board to dissipate heat.
US08264844B2 Electronic apparatus
A conductive chassis plate faces a printed circuit board at a distance. One end of the conductive chassis plate is aligned with one end of the printed circuit board. One end of the conductive chassis plate is electrically connected to a ground wiring pattern provided on one end of the printed circuit board. One end of the conductive chassis plate is electrically connected to a conductive member that extends from one end of the conductive chassis plate toward the other end. As a result, in transmitting or receiving a signal with respect to external equipment attached to a connector, an influence of electrostatic discharge is reduced with a simple configuration.
US08264841B2 Heat sink and laser diode
The present invention is directed to improve reliability by preventing deterioration in the structure of an inner wall of a water channel caused by galvanic corrosion. A heat sink in which a water channel of a cooling fluid is formed by stacking and bonding a plurality of thin plates, in which a surface in the water channel is made of the same metal material except for at least an end of a bonded part of the thin plates.
US08264838B2 Supporting structure and display device
A display device includes: a display-device main unit having a display screen on the front; a standing pole; a first support member having mounting holes arranged vertically with a predetermined pitch and fixed to the pole; and a second support member having threaded holes arranged vertically with the same pitch as the predetermined pitch and fewer than the mounting holes. The second support member is fixed to the back of the display-device main unit. One of the first support member and the second support member has an engaging hole, and the other has projections arranged vertically with the same pitch as the predetermined pitch and each capable of being inserted into the engaging hole. According to a projection that is one of the projections and inserted into the engaging hole, mounting holes among the mounting holes and as many as the threaded holes are connected to the threaded holes, respectively.
US08264837B2 Systems and methods for cover assembly retention of a portable electronic device
This is directed to systems and methods for cover assembly retention of a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a cover assembly and/or housing of an electronic device can include one or more retention features such as detents, hooks, tabs, extensions, screw plates, screw holes, shuttles, latches, or any combination of the above, for retaining the cover assembly to the housing. In some embodiments, one or more retention features can be included on an internal platform of the electronic device to retain the cover assembly. In some embodiments, a hidden screw feature can be included in a SIM tray slot of the electronic device. Once a SIM tray has been inserted into the SIM tray slot, the screw feature can be hidden from sight and may become unapparent to an end user of the electronic device.
US08264836B2 Battery cover latching mechanism and electronic device using the same
An exemplary battery cover latching mechanism for latching a battery cover to a rear cover, includes a rod, a suction cup, an elastic element and a sliding key. The rod has a first end and a second end, is hinged to the rear cover, and includes a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot. The suction cup is mounted at the first end of the rod. The elastic element is mounted on the second end of the rod and resisting the rear cover. The sliding key is slidably mounted to the rear cover. When the sliding key latches with the first positioning slot, the suction cup sucks the battery cover to the rear cover; when the sliding key slides out of the first positioning slot to the second positioning slot, the rod rotates relative to the rear cover to release the battery cover.
US08264835B2 Base and electronic device using the same
A base includes an engaging module, a release button and a code lock module. The release button presses the engaging module to release the host. The code lock module includes a cam assembly, a plurality of dials and a retaining assembly. The cam assembly includes cams arranged along an axis. Each of the dials has a recess for containing one of the cams. The retaining assembly includes a lock head and an elastic element. When one of the dials is rotated to separate one of the cams from the recess, the cam assembly pushes the lock head to be fastened to the release button and make the elastic element deform. When the dials are rotated to allow each recess to contain one cam, the cam assembly moves away from the lock head, and the elastic element restores to drive the lock head to be separated from the release button.
US08264831B2 Mounting apparatus for PCI card
A mounting apparatus includes a mounting bracket, a mounting piece adapted to mount a PCI card to the mounting bracket, and a securing member. The mounting bracket includes a base and a blocking plate. The mounting piece includes an elongated body and a mounting end. The securing member includes a first pivoting portion pivotably attached to the mounting bracket, a pressing portion, and a mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a securing portion. The securing portion includes a handling portion and a second engaging portion extending from the handling portion. The second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion. The handling portion is configured to drive the second engaging portion to disengage the first engaging portion by pressing the handling portion.
US08264830B2 Expansion card retention apparatus, systems and methods
An apparatus for retaining an expansion card within an information handling system provides a first bracket including a first elongated body defining a first groove for receiving a first edge of an expansion card and wherein the first groove extends in a direction substantially parallel to a motherboard of the information handling system. The apparatus also includes a first base member extending from the first elongated body, wherein the first base member is attachable to the motherboard and a first pivot portion extending from the first elongated body, wherein the first pivot portion is angled upward toward an interior side of the first bracket.
US08264829B2 Reconfigurable computer
A portable computer system is provided having a base unit and a detachable display unit. The display unit can be oriented in landscape and portrait orientations, or can be replaced by display units having different physical characteristics. A support structure can be deployed to provide increased physical stability when desired.
US08264828B2 Electronic device with adjustable operation modes
An electronic device comprises a base, a system module, and at least one axle pivot structure. The axle pivot structure connects the base and the system module, and the axle pivot structure comprises an axle shaft, a first pivotal connection portion, and a second pivotal connection portion. The axle shaft comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. The first pivotal connection portion is pivotally disposed to the first end portion of the axle shaft and the center of the lateral side of the base. The second pivotal connection portion is pivotally disposed on the second end portion of the axle shaft and one lateral side of the system module. Besides, the axle shaft is rotated with respect to the base, and the system module is rotated with respect to the axle shaft, so the different disposed location and disposed angle of the system module can be formed.
US08264826B2 Electronic apparatus and battery pack
An electronic apparatus includes: a main body including a battery pack mounting portion at an end in a direction; a display portion to be openable to the main body via a hinge portion provided at an end in the direction; a battery pack detachable from the battery pack mounting portion along the direction; a first connector portion provided at a position of the battery pack mounting portion on the end side in the direction; a second connector portion provided to the battery pack and connectable to the first connector portion; a first engagement portion provided at another end of the battery pack mounting portion in the direction; a second engagement portion provided to the battery pack and capable of being engaged with the first engagement portion relatively in the direction; and a notch portion provided at an end of the battery pack in the direction, for avoiding the hinge portion.
US08264822B2 Image display apparatus and housing assembly configuration
An image display apparatus includes an image display apparatus main body and a pedestal part supporting the image display apparatus main body. The image display main body has a display module, a center frame, a left R cover, a right R cover, and an upper pedestal fixing member connecting part. The display module displays an image on a front face. The center frame is connected to the back face of the display module, and a part thereof is exposed to the outside. The left R cover and the right R cover are connected to the center frame, and cover the back face of the display module. The upper pedestal fixing member connecting part is provided protruding backward from the center frame. The pedestal part has a bottom plate part, a pedestal fixing member, and an upper center frame connecting part. The pedestal fixing member is provided in the bottom plate part. The upper center frame connecting part is provided in the pedestal fixing member, and supports the image display apparatus main body via the upper pedestal fixing member connecting part.
US08264821B2 Redundant power system transformation structure
A transformation structure for a redundant power system which includes at least two power supplies and a first circuit board to cluster the power supplies and deliver output thereof and a second circuit board electrically connected to the first circuit board. The second circuit board is coupled with at least one transformation module according to output potentials defined by users. The transformation module receives power from the second circuit board and regulates at least one output power. Hence, the present invention could be formed in an independent module with a function of power transformation. Thereby, the transformation module can be selected and mounted onto the second circuit board according to customer's requirements. The second circuit board has a sufficient area serving heat radiation and insulation. The present invention can obtains merits of decreasing the product size, enhancing heat radiation and providing changeable output specifications to meet customizing requirements.
US08264818B2 Electrochemical cell and method of manufacturing electrochemical cell
Provided is an electric double layer capacitor capable of simply connecting a current collector to an external electrode at a low cost and ensuring a sealing property of a container. The electric double layer capacitor includes: a container in which an opening of a concave portion is sealed; an electrolytic solution and a pair of electrode active materials which are accommodated inside the container; and a pair of conductive films which is respectively and electrically connected to the pair of electrode active materials and is formed from a bottom surface of the concave portion to a surface of the container through an opening edge.
US08264816B2 Externally fused and resistively loaded safety capacitor
A capacitor with a combined with a resistor and/or fuse is described. This safe capacitor can rapidly discharge through the resistor when shorted. The presence of a fuse in series with the capacitor and results in a resistive failure when this opens during and overcurrent condition. Furthermore, the presence of a resistor in parallel to the capacitor allows the energy to be rapidly dissipated when a failure occurs.
US08264811B1 Apparatus for the dispersal and discharge of static electricity
An apparatus for the collection and discharge of static electrical charges without the need for an earth ground or atmosphere. This apparatus has three major parts: a collector stage, a conversion stage, and an emissive stage. The collection stage, an apparatus that can carry a static charge from the environment external to the apparatus, is connected electrically to the conversion stage, comprising one or more layers of a material that can carry an electrical charge, disposed among two or more layers of a material that can carry an electrical charge, which layers are in turn connected electrically to components so as to trap the electrical charges in an electromagnetic field and convert them into electrical energy. Finally, the electrical output of the conversion stage is electrically connected to an emissive stage: comprising a transducing device or circuit capable of utilizing the energy or emitting it.
US08264809B2 System and apparatus for circuit protection within an equipment enclosure
An arc transfer device for use in a switchgear includes at least one first electrical connector configured to connect the arc transfer device to a voltage supply within the switchgear, and a racking cassette. The racking cassette includes at least one second electrical connector that is configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one first electrical connector based on the racking position of the arc transfer device.
US08264804B2 Device for preventing the explosion of an element of an electrical transformer
A device for preventing the explosion of an element of an electrical transformer provided with a tank containing a combustible cooling fluid, comprising a pressure release element for decompressing the tank, and a bag placed downstream of the pressure release element and configured to pass from a flat state to an inflated state upon the rupture of the pressure release element and for confining fluid.
US08264802B2 Current limiting device
A modular design of a fault current limiter includes one ore more current limiting units 1 with one or more superconducting elements 2 and where standardized current limiting units 1 and standardized modular insulation housings 10 can be used for modular design of a fault current limiter.
US08264801B2 Arrangement and approach for coupling power supplies using controlled switching techniques
Power supplies are switched in a manner that mitigates parasitic shorts. According to an example, a control circuit (e.g., 310) operates primary and backup power supplies using the higher of the primary and backup supply voltages, for switching between the power supplies.
US08264799B2 Magnetic recording head
A magnetic device includes a first magnetic layer having at least one magnetic material layer, a second magnetic layer having at least one magnetic material layer, a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, a third magnetic layer including a ferromagnetic material with a fixed magnetization direction, and a pair of electrodes. The pair of electrodes are operable to pass a current through a laminated body including the first and second magnetic layers, the nonmagnetic layer, and the third magnetic layer.
US08264798B1 Systems and methods for providing magnetic recording heads adapted for writing shingled tracks
A magnetic recording head including a write pole and a shield. The write pole has a pole tip face that is parallel to the air bearing surface of the magnetic recording head, a leading surface having a leading edge at the pole face, a first side surface having a first side edge at the pole face, a second side surface having a second side edge at the pole face, and a trailing surface having a trailing edge at the pole face. The shield surrounds the first side surface, the trailing surface, and the second side surface of the write pole tip, and is separated from the first side surface of the write pole tip by a first side gap, from the trailing surface of the write pole tip by a trailing gap, and from the second side surface of the write pole tip by a second side gap. There is a notch formed in the inner wall of the shield adjacent to the corner of the write pole tip formed by one side surface and the trailing surface of the write pole tip.
US08264796B2 Suspension for releasing thermal deformation thereof and suppressing thermal crown change of a slider mounted thereon, head gimbal assembly and disk drive unit with same
A suspension for a HGA includes a flexure having a suspension tongue with electrical pads adapted for mounting a slider thereon. The suspension tongue has some portions etched with left portions therebetween forming into at least one hinge or spring mechanism for releasing thermal deformation of the suspension tongue and suppressing thermal crown change of the slider. The etched portions have an H-shaped, an M-shaped, an X-shaped, or a stairway configuration, or the like. The invention also discloses a HGA with the suspension and a disk drive unit having such suspension.
US08264794B2 Head and disk drive with same
According to one embodiment, a facing surface of a slider of a head includes a leading step on an inflow side of the slider, a leading pad on the leading step, a pair of side steps extending in a first direction from the leading step toward an outflow end of the slider and opposed to each other across a space in a second direction, side pads provided on the side steps to be continuous with the side pads, individually, a trailing step located on an outflow side of the airflow and provided with a head section, and induction grooves continuously extending from the leading pad to the side pads, individually, and configured to guide introduced airflow.
US08264793B2 Tape head with facing beams each having a head chip positioned in a recess thereof
A tape head has first and second beams each having a recess in a tape bearing surface thereof, a face where the faces of the beams either face each other or face away from each other. A first chip is positioned in the recess of the first beam, and a second chip is positioned in the recess of the second beam. Each chip has circuitry selected from a group consisting of read elements, write elements, and combinations thereof. A tape bearing surface of each chip is generally aligned with the tape bearing surface of the associated beam. Also, an end of each chip is generally aligned with the face of the associated beam. Where closures are used, this eliminates the need to aligning the closure to skiving edges of the beam.
US08264790B2 Housing apparatus for housing housed object, housing method therefor, and library apparatus for housing recording medium
A housing apparatus includes a plurality of housing units to have housed objects housed therein, a carrying unit to include the plurality of the housing units arranged in a ring shape, the carrying unit carrying the housing units to a carriage position, and a transferring unit to be disposed facing a carriage destination of the housed objects with the carrying unit existing therebetween to transfer the housed object in the housing unit carried and positioned at the carriage position from the housing unit to the carriage destination or to transfer the housed object in the carriage destination from the carriage destination to the housing unit.
US08264788B2 Discrete track media (DTM) design and fabrication for heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR)
An apparatus includes a recording media including a substrate, a plurality of tracks of magnetic material on the substrate, and a non-magnetic material between the tracks; a recording head having an air bearing surface positioned adjacent to the recording media, and including a magnetic pole, an optical transducer, and a near-field transducer, wherein the near-field transducer directs electromagnetic radiation onto tracks to heat portions of the tracks and a magnetic field from the magnetic pole is used to create magnetic transitions in the heated portions of the tracks; and a plasmonic material positioned adjacent to the magnetic material to increase coupling between the electromagnetic radiation and the magnetic material.
US08264784B2 Optical system
There is provided an optical system configured of 4-sheet lenses to have a wide angle of view. The optical system includes: a first lens having a positive refractive power, with both surfaces being convex; a second lens having a negative refractive power, with both surfaces thereof being concave; a third lens having a positive refractive power and a meniscus shape; and a fourth lens having a negative refractive power, with both surfaces thereof being concave, all of which are disposed in order from an object to a front upper surface. In the optical system, the refractive powers of the first lens to the fourth lens satisfy the following Conditional Expression 1. f ⁢ ⁢ 1 f ⁢ ⁢ 4 < - 1.1 Conditional ⁢ ⁢ Expression ⁢ ⁢ 1 In Conditional Expression, f1: a focal distance of the first lens and f4: a focal distance of the fourth lens.
US08264783B2 Wide-angle lens system having short overall length
A lens system includes, in order from the subject side to the image side of thereof, a first lens group of negative refractive power, a second lends group of positive refractive power, and an image plane. The first lens group includes a first spherical lens, a second spherical lens, and a third spherical lens arranged in this order from the subject side to the image side of the lens system. The first spherical lens includes a first subject surface and a first image surface. The lens system satisfies the following formula: 8.9
US08264780B2 High zoom-ratio zoom lens system
A high zoom-ratio zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short to long focal length extremities, at least the first through third lens groups are moved along the optical axis direction, wherein an amount of movement of the first lens group is greater than that of the third lens group. The following conditions (1), (2) and (3) are satisfied: 0.9
US08264775B2 Optical system for displaying an image on the surface of a solar panel
An optical system that allows an image to be displayed on the surface of a solar panel without this image forming an obstacle to direct solar rays. The system includes a solar panel, a lenticular surface formed from linear lenses, and a transparent film on which an image, the straight bands of which, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lenses, have been removed, is printed. At certain viewing angles, an observer can see only the image bands, whereas at other angles of incidence the sun's rays will pass through the transparent bands and reach the active surface of the solar sensor. The system is particularly suitable for, for example, aesthetic and architectural integration of solar panels, and for disseminating visual information on the surface thereof.
US08264773B2 Grating structure for splitting light
A grating structure for splitting light. The grating structure including alternating ridges and grooves. The ridges and grooves are configured such that the grating directs p-polarization components of incident light to the −1st order diffraction mode and s-polarization components of incident light to the 0th order diffraction mode.
US08264772B2 Depth and lateral size control of three-dimensional images in projection integral imaging
A method disclosed herein relates to displaying three-dimensional images. The method comprising, projecting integral images to a display device, and displaying three-dimensional images with the display device. Further disclosed herein is an apparatus for displaying orthoscopic 3-D images. The apparatus comprising, a projector for projecting integral images, and a micro-convex-mirror array for displaying the projected images.
US08264768B2 Microscope system
A microscope system that is capable of changing a status of observation of a sample comprises an instruction unit for giving instruction for driving one or more optical members including an objective lens or for changing a relative position of the sample and the objective lens; and an image capturing unit for capturing an observed image of the sample as a still image or a live image. The microscope system changes an order for performing operations in accordance with the instruction from the instruction unit, the operations including an operation of driving the one or more optical members or changing the relative position; an operation of switching the illumination light for the sample from being cut-off or reduced to being applied; and an operation of switching the image displayed in a display unit from the still image to the live image.
US08264767B2 Surgical observation system
A surgical observation system provided with a supporting arm movable in the three-dimensional direction includes an endoscope objective unit having a tubular insertion section and provided with objective optical systems, a microscope objective unit provided with objective optical systems having a focusing optical system and variable magnification optical systems, and a mounting and dismounting section provided in the supporting arm, mountable and dismountable with respect to the objective units by having interchangeability. The objective optical systems provided in each of the objective units are constructed so that light beams emerging therefrom toward the mounting and dismounting section are changed to afocal light beams, and the mounting and dismounting section is provided with a pair of imaging lenses and a pair of image sensors and is constructed so that, in a state where the objective unit is mounted to the mounting and dismounting section, the objective unit is optically connected with the mounting and dismounting section.
US08264766B2 Wavelength conversion element, wavelength conversion method, phase matching method, and light source device
A wavelength conversion element is provided as one including a monocrystalline nonlinear optical crystal. The nonlinear optical crystal has: a plurality of first regions having a polarity direction along a predetermined direction; a plurality of second regions having a polarity direction opposite to the predetermined direction; an entrance face into which a fundamental incident wave having a wavelength λ and a frequency ω is incident in a direction substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction; and an exit face from which a second harmonic with a frequency 2ω generated in the crystal emerges. The plurality of first and second regions are formed as alternately arranged in a period substantially equal to d expressed by a predetermined expression, between the entrance face and the exit face.
US08264761B2 Vehicle rearview mirror with spotter mirror
A mirror element comprising a front element, a rear element, electrochromic material therebetween, and a spotter optic located at the rear surface of the front element. At least a portion of the spotter optic has a first radius of curvature and at least a portion of the front surface of the front element has a greater second radius of curvature. A line perpendicular to the front surface extends through both the electrochromic material and the spotter optic. A first electrode coating and a second electrode coating are activated to activate the electrochromic material in order to dim a reflection off of the mirror element. A reflective coating of the spotter optic can form a portion of the first electrode coating. The first electrode coating and the reflective coating can overlap.
US08264755B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus including: a black image forming section for forming a black image and a first black pattern for a coarse correction of black and optionally a second black pattern for a precise correction of black; a color image forming section for forming a color image optionally a third pattern for a coarse correction of color and optionally a fourth pattern for a precise correction of color; and a control section for allowing at least the first black pattern to be formed and optionally a second black pattern and third and fourth color patterns, and controlling to perform the coarse correction of black for correcting a forming condition of a black image to be formed and to perform optionally a precise correction of black, the coarse and precise correction of color based on the measurement of the formed pattern(s), wherein the control section controls to perform the coarse correction of black but not to perform the precise correction of black and the coarse and precise corrections of color in case a print job is acquired after a predetermined period elapses since the black image forming section has formed the first black pattern previously and the acquired print job includes a black-and-white page only.
US08264749B2 Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a light emitting unit which emits light to a document, a photoelectric conversion unit which converts a quantity of light reflected from the document into an analog signal, an A/D converter which converts the analog signal to a digital signal, a clock unit which clocks elapsed time from start-up of the light emitting unit, a light-quantity calculating unit which calculates the quantity of light emitted to the document from the light emitting unit on the basis of the clocked elapsed time, a correction value calculating unit which calculates a correction value of the digital signal on the basis of the quantity of light calculated by the light-quantity calculating unit and the digital signal, and a γ correction unit which corrects the digital signal by referring to the correction value calculated by the correction value calculating unit.
US08264748B2 Image reading apparatus and method
An image reading apparatus executes stop processing to stop scanning of the carriage during the scan operation, acquires information on the stop processing executed by the control unit, corrects a restart position of the carriage for a document image reading after the stop processing based on the information acquired.
US08264743B2 Information processor, information processing method, and recording medium
An information processor includes a display part displaying a configuration pattern combining values set for corresponding two or more of printing conditions; a management part managing default values for the printing conditions for an image forming apparatus; a recording part recording the configuration pattern and optionally setting an identifier as a value for the individual printing conditions, the identifier being indicative of the individual default values; and a setting part, in response to the identifier being set for at least one of the two or more of the printing conditions in the recorded configuration pattern, obtaining one of the default values corresponding to the at least one of the two or more of the printing conditions from the management part and setting the obtained one of the default values for the at least one of the two or more of the printing conditions in the configuration pattern.
US08264740B2 Image printing apparatus and method of controlling the same
This invention relates an image printing apparatus capable of copying by executing enlargement/reduction (E/R) processing optimum to an instructed mode. According to the apparatus, a copy mode and an enlargement rate are input. The use priority order of each enlargement/reduction (E/R) unit of the apparatus is decided. The enlargement rate is distributed to each E/R unit in accordance with the copy mode, decided use priority order, and the E/R rate upper limit value of each E/R unit. An image is copied by causing each E/R unit to sequentially execute E/R processing in accordance with the distributed enlargement rate and the decided use priority order and causing a printing unit to print based on the image data that has undergone the E/R processing.
US08264739B2 Print controlling system extracting image data inside print region when page size and record medium size agree
A print controlling apparatus is supplied capable of adjusting image of electronic document to an optimum size. In the print controlling apparatus which includes an inputting section for inputting image data of electronic document and an expanding section for expanding the inputted image data into print data, and is used for printing the electronic document onto record medium, a first obtaining section obtains page size information representing page size of the electronic document; a second obtaining section obtains medium size information representing medium size of the record medium; a comparing and judging section compares the page size information with the medium size information, and judges whether the two size information are coincident; and when the two size information are coincident, an extracting section extracts image data inside of region corresponding to print region of the record medium from the image data, wherein the expanding section expands the extracted image data inside of region and generates print data inside of region corresponding to the print region.
US08264737B2 Image forming apparatus and control method therefor
An image forming apparatus image which is capable of accurately correcting the magnification of an image without degrading the quality of the formed image or reducing productivity, to thereby make it possible to cope with an increase in the operating speed of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus is comprised of an image processing section having an image area-separating section, and an image forming section having an exposure control section. The image area-separating section separates image data into at least two kinds of areas. The exposure control section performs magnification correction on at least one area of the image data separated by the image area-separating unit.
US08264733B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method for detecting light intensities
An image forming apparatus that is capable of carrying out processes such as an image forming process in an efficient manner while reducing downtime. Laser beam is emitted onto an intermediate transfer belt. The light intensities of light scattered from the laser beam reflected by at least a part of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt are detected, and light intensity distribution information on the distribution of the detected light intensities are acquired. Phase information on phases on the intermediate transfer belt is acquired based on the light intensity distribution information. An image forming process in which an image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt is carried out in synchronization with a predetermined phase included in the acquired phase information.
US08264732B2 Continuously printing images on a web material and continuously transferring the images to identity documents
A system and method for continuously printing images on a web material and continuously transferring the images to identity documents. A print component prints images on the web material. A registration component registers select images to identity documents. An applicator component applies the select images to the identity documents. A controller maintains throughput of the web material through the print component, registration component, and applicator component. The controller allows the system to continuously print images on the web material and continuously transfer the images to identity documents, in that it synchronizes cycles of the components, so that the components have simultaneous processing cycles and have simultaneous intervals between processing cycles.
US08264728B2 Log collecting system, computer apparatus and log collecting program
A log collecting system includes a computer apparatus and at least one peripheral apparatus connected to the computer apparatus. The peripheral apparatus stores a first log relating to all operation of the at least one peripheral apparatus in a first log memory region, and stores, in a second log memory region, a second log indicative of any influence on the operation of the at least one peripheral apparatus among the first logs. The computer apparatus stores a third log relating to the operation of the computer apparatus concerning the at least one peripheral apparatus, acquires and stores the second logs, acquires the first log stored in the first log memory region, and creates one log information with the acquired first log, the third log stored in the third log memory region, and the second log stored in the fourth log memory region when the first log acquiring section acquires the first log.
US08264726B2 Parallel printing system having flow control in a virtual disk transfer system
A printing system comprised of a printer, a plurality of processing nodes, each processing node being disposed for processing a portion of a print job into a printer dependent format, and a processing manager for spooling the print job into selectively sized chunks and assigning the chunks to selected ones of the nodes for parallel processing of the chunks by the processing nodes into the printer dependent format. The chunks are selectively sized from at least one page to an entire size of the print job in accordance with predetermined splitting factors for enhancing printer printing efficiency. The operating of the printing system includes a method for parallel processing of a print job with a plurality of processing nodes into a printer-ready format for printing the print job, wherein the processing nodes communicate with a virtual disk transfer system and control usage thereof by monitoring available space in the virtual disk transfer system.
US08264725B1 Providing printable content
In one embodiment, a registry of network-connected printers that are members of a social print group is maintained at a computer system. Content is obtained. A first request is received from a first printer that is a member of the group. The first request is a request to share the content with a second printer that is a member of the group. A communication that the content is accessible at the second printer is sent. A second request is received from the second printer. The second request is a request to provide the content to the second printer. Content is provided to the second printer.
US08264724B2 Job history information auditing system, image forming apparatus, control method, and computer-readable medium
A job history information auditing system includes an image forming apparatus which generates job history information including a log and image data or a link log upon execution of a job, and a data server which saves the job history information in a searchable state.
US08264723B2 Printing apparatus, printing system, and computer program product
A printing apparatus performs a printing process for a printing job including at least one print data and a series of process commands from a host apparatus. A session setup unit sets up a session with the host apparatus and other printing apparatus. A status obtaining unit obtains a status of the other printing apparatus that is in session with the printing apparatus. Upon performing the print process, a job synchronizing unit maintains a synchronization of the print job with the other printing apparatus that is in session with the printing apparatus.
US08264721B2 Server apparatus, management system, and method
A server apparatus configured to manage log information corresponding to job information transmitted from a host computer to a printer includes a storage unit storing the log information received in a temporary storage area, an issue unit configured to issue identification information identifying the log information, a generation unit configured to generate authentication information based on the identification information and authenticate the identification information, a transmission unit configured to transmit the identification to the host computer, a reception unit configured to receive, from the image processing apparatus, identification information and authentication information extracted by the image processing apparatus from job information received by the image processing apparatus from the host computer, a determination unit configured to determine whether log information corresponding to the identification information is stored in the temporary storage area, and a notification unit configured to notify the image processing apparatus of the determination result.
US08264720B2 Printing control apparatus and printing control method that can prompt a user to set additional information which is effective later as a part of a print log
A printing control apparatus to store print data in a storage area from a print application and to send the print data to a print apparatus. The printing control apparatus includes a control unit to send, when a billing code is set in a first received print data, the print data to the print apparatus and to control, when no billing code is set in the first received print data, an order of the print data so that subsequent data is sent before (or instead of) the first received print data, a display control unit to display a list of the print data received from the print application, and a setting unit to select one or more print data from the list of the print data displayed by the display control unit to set a billing code according to input by a user. Related methods are also disclosed.
US08264718B2 Image-processing apparatus, image-processing system, and method for transmitting and receiving data suited for transmitting and receiving data among a plurality of image-processing apparatuses
In order to promote reception of transmitted data, an image-processing apparatus is connected to a plurality of image-processing apparatuses through a network and has a designation unit to receive a designation of an arbitrary destination user as a receiver of data; a storing unit to store the data in a storing device so as to enable reading of the data by an operation by the destination user designated by the designation unit; and a control unit to execute a predetermined action with respect to the destination user designated by the designation unit when no reading operation for the data is executed by the destination user after a predetermined elapse of time from storing the data in the storing device.
US08264713B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and information processing apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, a delivery instruction receiving part receives a delivery instruction for instructing a delivery form a request originator, and a delivering part delivers data indicated by a delivery instruction description in accordance with the delivery instruction indicated by the delivery instruction by a deliver type indicated by the deliver instruction description, so that delivery processes corresponding to a plurality of different delivery types can be conducted. The delivery instruction description is written in a form which can be shared and used for the plurality of different delivery types.
US08264696B2 Measuring instrument and method for determining geometric properties of profile sections
Disclosed is a measuring instrument for determining geometric properties of a profiled element. Said measuring instrument comprises:—a device that generates at least one first light beam (7) and a second light beam (8), the direction of radiation of the first light beam being different from the direction of radiation of the second light beam;—a retro-reflecting surface (3) which is arranged in such a way relative to the light source that at least some of both light beams is incident on the retro-reflecting surface; and—a recording device (14) which can determine, across the transversal extension thereof, the light intensity distribution of at least some of the reflected light beam of the first light beam and at least some of the reflected light beam of the second light beam, the first light beam being reflected by the retro-reflecting surface and the second light beam being reflected by the/a retro-reflecting surface.
US08264695B2 Method of measuring a deviation of an optical surface from a target shape
A method of aligning at least two wave shaping elements, a method of measuring a deviation of an optical surface from a target shape and a measuring apparatus for interferometrically measuring a deviation of an optical surface from a target shape. The method of aligning at least two wave shaping elements, each of which wave shaping elements has a diffractive measurement structure for adapting part of a wave front of incoming light to a respective portion of the target shape, includes: providing a first one of the wave shaping elements with a diffractive alignment structure, arranging the wave shaping elements relative to each other such that each of the diffractive measurement structures is traversed by a separate subset of rays of the incoming light during operation of the measuring apparatus, and aligning the first wave shaping element and a second one of the wave shaping elements relative to each other by evaluating alignment light having consecutively interacted with the diffractive alignment structure and with the second wave shaping element.
US08264694B2 Quantitative phase-contrast and excitation-emission systems
An optical system includes an optical interferometer that generates interference phenomena between optical waves to measure multiple distances, thicknesses, and indices of refraction of a sample. An excitation-emission device allows an electromagnetic excitation and emission to pass through an objective in optical communication with the sample. An electromagnetic detector receives the output of the optical interferometer and the excitation-emission device to render a magnified image of the sample. A digital delay generator synchronizes the optical interferometer and excitation-emission device to operate in substantially unison to generate a noninvasive depth of field of the portion of the sample that corrects a plurality of optical aberrations in real-time.
US08264693B2 Method and system for measuring at least one property including a magnetic property of a material using pulsed laser sources
A method of measuring at least one property including a magnetic property of target material is provided. A pump pulse train having one or more pump pulses is generated. The target material is irradiated with at least a portion of the one or more pump pulses so as to cause transient perturbation in the target material. At least one probe pulse train is generated having one or more probe pulses. The target material is irradiated with at least a portion of the one or more probe pulses to obtain one or more reflected probe pulses which are modulated based on the transient perturbation. A time interval between a time at which the target material is irradiated by each of the pump pulses and a time at which the target material is irradiated by each of its corresponding probe pulses is controlled. Each modulated probe pulse is detected.
US08264692B2 Push-pull two wavelength fabry perot sensor for fiber optic acoustic sensor arrays
Two optical wavelengths are used to interrogate a fiber optic Fabry-Perot sensor having a moveable diaphragm that changes the width of a gap between two reflective surfaces. By picking the right operating point for the gap, the power output for one wavelength increases as the gap width changes and the power for the other wavelength decreases. A ratio of the difference of the two powers over the sum of the two powers is formed to generate a detected signal independent of power and phase fluctuations in a fiber between signal sources and sensor and between sensor and detector. This ratio, which is called the visibility, has a response proportional to the pressure of acoustic disturbances that move the diaphragm. The push-pull sensor can be used with both TDM and CW fan-out array architectures.
US08264690B2 Method and apparatus for the detection of trace gas species using multiple line integrated absorption spectroscopy
An apparatus and method are used to enhance the sensitivity of a spectrometer (sensor) for trace gas species detection by employing an external cavity continuously tunable CW quantum cascade laser and integrating the absorption spectra across multiple lines of the species. With this method the absorption spectra of NO2 is continuously recorded across the R-branch from 1628.8 cm−1 to 1634.5 cm−1. By integrating the resulting spectra, the detection sensitivity for NO2 is improved by a factor of 15 compared to the sensitivity achieved using single line laser absorption spectroscopy with the same apparatus. This procedure offers much shorter data acquisition times for the real-time monitoring of trace gas species compared with adding repeated scans of the spectra to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
US08264686B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method using overlay measurement
A lithographic apparatus arranged to transfer a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate includes a reference set of gratings provided in the substrate, the reference set including two reference gratings having line elements in a first direction and one reference grating having line elements in a second, perpendicular, direction. A measurement set of gratings is provided on top of the reference set of gratings, the measurement set comprising three measurement gratings similar to the reference gratings. Two of the measurement gratings are oppositely biased in the second direction relative to the respective reference gratings. An overlay measurement device is provided to measure asymmetry of the three gratings in the reference set and the measurement set, and to derive from the measured asymmetry the overlay in both the first and second direction.
US08264685B2 Electrooptic probe for vector measurement of an electromagnetic field
A device for measuring two components of an electromagnetic field in an analysis zone includes a light source for sending a polarized light beam into a polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The beam is directed along one axis of the fiber. An isotropic electrooptic material is placed in the zone for receiving the beam from the optical fiber via a substantially quarter-wave plate, which has its axes oriented at an angle of substantially 45° to the axes of the optical fiber and for sending a beam into the fiber. The plate is slightly detuned in regard to its characteristics or its orientation. The device further includes a phase-shifter for phase-shifting the beam sent into the fiber, wherein the phase-shifter is set so as to impose a phase shift equal and opposite to that imposed by the fiber and mechanism for analyzing the orientation and ellipticity of the wave exiting the phase-shifter.
US08264684B2 Scanning analyzer for single molecule detection and methods of use
The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.
US08264683B2 Dynamic characterization of particles with flow cytometry
Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.
US08264682B2 Optical spectrum analyzer
An optical spectrum analyzer includes a diffraction-grating control unit configured to change an angle of a diffraction grating to change a wavelength of a dispersed light beam extracted from incident light, a calculator unit configured to calculate an angle of the diffraction grating such that the wavelength of the dispersed light beam has a sampling wavelength, and to store the data indicating the angle, a FIFO memory configured such that part of the data is inputted to it, for outputting the data at each reception of a trigger signal indicating timing of sampling, and an FIFO memory control unit configured to output the subsequent data to the FIFO memory, when a remaining data amount of the FIFO memory reaches a predetermined value or lower.
US08264681B2 Methods and apparatus for remote Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectrometry
An spectrometer including Raman and LIBS spectroscopy capabilities is disclosed. The spectrometer includes a laser source configurable to produce a lased light directable towards a target substance, the laser source having a single wavelength and having sufficient power to cause a portion of the target to emit Raman scattering and sufficient to ablate a portion of the target substance to produce a plasma plume. A separate remote light collector is optically configurable to collect light emitted from the portion of the target emitting Raman scattering and from the portion of the target producing the plasma plume. A filter is optically coupled to the remote light collector to remove reflected light and Rayleigh-scattered light, and a spectroscope is optically coupled to the filter and configured to separate the collected and filtered light into a frequency spectrum comprising a Raman spectrum and a laser-induced breakdown spectrum. Finally, an electronic light sensor is used to record the frequency spectrum.
US08264674B2 Methods of separating, identifying and dispensing specimen and device therefor, and analyzing device method
[PROBLEMS] A separation unit can confirms a separation state, a detection unit enhances a lighting efficiency and a light reception sensitivity, and a dispensing unit ensures the normal state of a specimen. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A specimen separation device characterized by comprising a container for storing a specimen, a nozzle for sucking and ejecting the specimen from the container, a nozzle operating means for moving the nozzle vertically and laterally, and a nozzle controlling means for controlling the suction force and ejection force of the nozzle. A specimen identification device comprising a nozzle for sucking a specimen from a container storing the specimen, a flow path for allowing the specimen to flow therethrough, and a measuring unit having a monitoring light lighting unit and a light receiving unit for observing (monitoring) the specimen that are installed in a flow path, characterized in that the above nozzle, the flow path and the measuring unit are formed in an integrated structure.
US08264673B2 Back-illuminated distance measuring sensor and distance measuring device
Two charge quantities (Q1,Q2) are output from respective pixels P (m,n) of the back-illuminated distance measuring sensor 1 as signals d′(m,n) having the distance information. Since the respective pixels P (m,n) output signals d′(m,n) responsive to the distance to an object H as micro distance measuring sensors, a distance image of the object can be obtained as an aggregate of distance information to respective points on the object H if reflection light from the object H is imaged on the pickup area 1B. If carriers generated at a deep portion in the semiconductor in response to incidence of near-infrared light for projection are led in a potential well provided in the vicinity of the carrier-generated position opposed to the light incident surface side, high-speed and accurate distance measurement is enabled.
US08264672B1 Visually determining Fresnel zone boundaries in a device
A rangefinder calculates Fresnel zones for a location between the rangefinder and a far-end target. Fresnel zone boundaries are calculated at the location. The boundaries are shown in the viewing interface of the rangefinder. Whenever, the Fresnel zone boundary changes, the radius of the Fresnel zone boundary changes accordingly in the viewing interface. The viewing interface enables a user to view obstacles that appear between the rangefinder and the far-end target and are located within the Fresnel zone boundary.
US08264671B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A detection method for detecting a property of an extended pattern formed by at least one line generally extending in a first direction. The extended pattern is formed on a substrate or on a substrate table and preferably extends over a length of at least 50× the width of the line. The extended pattern is focus sensitive. The detection method includes moving the substrate table in a first direction and measuring along that first direction a property of the extended pattern. The property can be a result of a physical property of the extended pattern in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In a next step a calibration of the substrate table position can be derived from the measured position of the extended pattern.
US08264670B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method for clamping a patterning device
The invention provides a lithographic apparatus including an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam, a patterning device support constructed to support a transmissive patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam, a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate, and a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, wherein the patterning device support is configured to hold a patterning device and wherein the lithographic apparatus includes a clamping device, the clamping device being configured to clamp the patterning device at the top side.
US08264667B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method using interferometric and other exposure
A lithographic apparatus including an exposure unit that exposes parallel lines on a target area of a substrate by projecting two beams of radiation onto the substrate. The two beams of radiation are projected such that they interfere with each other to form the parallel lines. An actuator continuously moves the substrate relative to the exposure unit, while the exposure unit exposes the parallel lines on the target areas on the substrate.
US08264664B2 Method for producing a marker on a substrate, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A method of producing a marker on a substrate includes projecting a patterned beam on a layer of resist disposed on a substrate in a lithographic apparatus to create a latent marker; and locally heating the substrate at the marker location in the lithographic apparatus to transform the latent marker into a detectable marker.
US08264662B2 In-line particle detection for immersion lithography
An immersion lithography system, comprising a lens unit configured to project a pattern from an end thereof and onto a wafer, a hood unit configured to confine an immersion fluid to a region of the wafer surrounding the end of the lens unit, a wafer stage configured to position the wafer proximate the end of the lens unit, and at least one of an image capturing apparatus and a scattering light detection apparatus, wherein the image capturing apparatus is coupled to the wafer stage and is configured to capture an image of a surface of the hood unit proximate the wafer stage, and wherein the scattering light detection apparatus is proximate the end of the lens unit and the hood unit and is configured to detect particles on a surface of the wafer stage.
US08264661B2 Liquid crystal display device with data switching thin film transistor for inspection and inspection method thereof
A liquid crystal display device includes a pixel matrix where a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines cross each other and a plurality of liquid crystal cells are arranged, first data switching thin film transistors respectively connected to data lines of a first group of the data lines, and second data switching thin film transistors respectively connected to data lines of a second group of the data lines.
US08264657B2 Liquid crystal display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A spherical spacer is used as a spacer member defining a gap, and is fixed to a color filter substrate. A concave portion coming in contact with a part of the spherical spacer is formed in a position in a TFT substrate, the position being opposite to the spherical spacer. The substrates are bonded with each other by engaging the spherical spacer and the concave portion with each other.
US08264655B2 Electro-optic device and electronic apparatus
The electro-optic device of the present invention includes an arrangement of an electro-optic panel and a lenticular lens sheet on one side of the electro-optic panel, wherein the lenticular lens sheet includes multiple cylindrical lenses arrayed parallel to one another and an alignment line extending in such a direction as to intersect with the cylindrical lenses at a predetermined angle. The lenticular lens sheet has cylindrical lenses arrayed so that the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical lenses intersects with the pixel array direction of the electro-optic panel at a predetermined angle, and has an alignment line formed in the lenticular lens sheet that is in alignment with the positioning reference portions of the electro-optic panel.
US08264653B2 In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
An in-plane switching mode LCD having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix includes a gate line formed on a lower substrate, a data line formed such that the data line intersect the gate line to define a pixel region, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) formed at the intersection of the gate line and the data line, a pixel electrode connected to the TFT, a common electrode to generate a horizontal electric field with the pixel electrode, and a common line supplying common voltage to the common electrode, wherein the common line comprises a first common line formed parallel to the gate line, a second common line formed parallel to the date line in a side portion of the pixel region adjacent to the data line, and a third common line formed parallel to the gate line and disposed between a first row and a second row of the matrix.
US08264651B2 Thin film transistor array substrate and liquid crystal display panel having the same
A TFT array is disclosed that includes a substrate, a gate line formed on the substrate, the gate line extending in a first direction; a data line insulated from the gate line, the data line extending in a second direction different from the first direction and crossing the gate line; and a pixel, positioned adjacent an intersection of the gate line and the data line, wherein the pixel comprises a first pixel electrode portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart first electrode lines, the first pixel electrode portion having an associated TFT coupled to the first electrode portion, a second pixel electrode portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart second electrode lines, the second pixel electrode portion capacitively coupled with the first pixel electrode portion, wherein a width of each of the first electrode lines of the first pixel electrode portion is narrower than a width of each of the second electrode lines of the second pixel electrode portion, and an interval between adjacent first electrode lines of the first pixel electrode portion is smaller than an interval between adjacent second electrode lines of the second pixel electrode portion.
US08264648B2 Impact resistant electro-optical module and electronic device
An electro-optical module includes: an electro-optical panel; and a transparent protector disposed on a viewer-side surface of the electro-optical panel, wherein transparent protector has a stack structure including a first transparent protection layer that faces the electro-optical panel and is formed of an elastic material and a second transparent protection layer that has a higher dynamic elasticity value than that of the first transparent protection layer within a frequency range of 1 to 10 Hz.
US08264647B2 Image display apparatus and optical compensation device
An image display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel having a liquid crystal layer disposed between a pair of substrates, and an optical compensation plate pair including a first optical compensation plate and a second optical compensation plate, the first optical compensation plate being formed of a negative uniaxial crystal and the second optical compensation plate being formed of a positive uniaxial crystal. The optical compensation plate pair is configured such that an optical phase difference caused by a difference in thickness between the first optical compensation plate and the second optical compensation plate cancels an optical phase difference generated by the liquid crystal panel.
US08264645B2 Transflective display
A multi-mode Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) capable of functioning in a multi-mode, a monochrome reflective mode and a color transmissive mode. One embodiment provides an LCD with color filters only over most or all of the transmissive part of a pixel but only part of the reflective portion of a pixel, enabling readability in the ambient light. Embodiments eliminate the black matrix mask used typically in color filter creation. Additionally, an embodiment provides diagonal pixels to improve the resolution of the LCD in the color transmissive mode. Further, an embodiment enables the light to switch between two colors, while a third color (typically green) is always on, thereby decreasing the required frame rate of the LCD, when used in the hybrid field sequential approach. Yet another embodiment creates colors from the backlight, eliminating the need for color filters. Another embodiment involves use of color filters over only the green pixels, eliminating the need for using additional masks for making the color filter array.
US08264642B2 Color cholesteric liquid crystal display devices and fabrication methods thereof
Single-layered color cholesteric liquid crystal display devices and fabrication methods thereof are provided. The color cholesteric liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate structure having a base and periodic protrusion banks. A second substrate structure is disposed opposite the first substrate structure to enclose the periodic protrusion banks, and divide a plurality of color sub-pixel channels. A plurality of color cholesteric liquid crystals are respectfully filled in each of the color sub-pixel channel, wherein the base and the periodic protrusion banks are made of continuously integral material.
US08264641B2 Optical compensated bend mode liquid crystal display
An optical compensated bend (OCB) mode liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a pixel electrode, a color filter, a common electrode and a liquid crystal layer. The pixel electrode is formed on the first substrate of the OCB mode LCD. The color filter is formed on the second substrate of the OCB mode LCD. The common electrode is formed on the color filter. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate. A step structure is formed on the second structure, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are twisted into the bend state from the splay state uniformly and quickly.
US08264638B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display which includes a first display panel including a plurality of pixel electrodes, a second display panel facing the first display panel, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first display panel and the second display panel, and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel. The second display panel includes a light emitting element displaying a color, an insulating layer disposed on the light emitting element and including a rubbed surface, a polarization layer disposed on the insulating layer and opposite to the light emitting element with respect to the insulating layer, and a common electrode disposed on the polarization layer and facing the pixel electrode.
US08264637B2 Photonic crystal optical filter, reflective color filter, display apparatus using the reflective color filter, and method of manufacturing the reflective color filter
Example embodiments relate to a photonic crystal optical filter, a reflective color filter using the photonic crystal optical filter, a display apparatus using the reflective color filter, and a method of manufacturing the reflective color filter. The photonic crystal optical filter may include a transparent substrate; a barrier layer formed on the transparent substrate; and a photonic crystal layer formed on the barrier layer. The photonic crystal layer may have a structure in which a first material having a relatively high refractive index and a second material having a relatively low refractive index are periodically arranged so as to reflect light having a wavelength band corresponding to a photonic band gap.
US08264636B2 Laser backside irradiation device and liquid crystal display device
Provided are a laser backside irradiation device and a liquid crystal display device reducing a thickness of the respective device and improving a contrast while making a luminance distribution substantially uniform. The laser backside irradiation device includes a laser light source, a splitting optical system splitting laser light emitted from the laser light source into a plurality of laser beams, and a plurality of illumination optical systems illuminating a liquid crystal panel for two-dimensionally modulating a light intensity from a backside thereof, wherein the illumination optical systems expand the laser beams split by the splitting optical system to illuminate divided regions on the liquid crystal panel, respectively.
US08264629B2 Liquid crystal display
The present invention provides a method for forming a pixel element. The method comprises: forming a first patterned metal layer within the pixel area; forming an insulation layer on the first patterned metal layer; forming a semiconductor layer on the insulation layer; patterning the semiconductor layer to form bend seed generation portion; and forming a second metal layer to connect the semiconductor layer.
US08264620B2 Image processor and image processing method
According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus comprises a receiving module, a configuration module, a selection module and a control module. The receiving module is configured to receive video information containing a plurality of pieces of audio information in different languages. The audio information is compressed in arbitrary audio compression formats. The configuration module is configured to control the display of a configuration screen for enabling an adjustment of an audio volume for each of the audio compression formats by a user. The selection module is configured to control the display of a selection menu for enabling a selection of languages, namely select a language for audio output among the languages being displayed while the received video information is displayed. The control module is configured to adjust the audio volume according to the selected language referring to a configuration set by the configuration module.
US08264615B2 Split edge enhancement architecture
A system and method for enhancing the detail edges and transitions in an input video signal. This enhancement may be accomplished by enhancing small detail edges before up-scaling and enhancing large amplitude transitions after up-scaling. For example, detail edge enhancement (detail EE) may be used to enhance the fine details of an input video signal. An edge map may be used to prevent enhancing the large edges and accompanying mosquito noise with the detail enhancement. Noise may additionally be removed from the signal. After the fine details are enhanced, the signal may be up-scaled. Luminance transition improvement (LTI) or chrominance transition improvement (CTI) may be used to enhance the large transitions of the input video signal post scaler.
US08264609B2 Caption presentation method and apparatus using same
A caption presentation method and an apparatus using the method, by which caption and information related to the caption can be provided together in a broadcast receiver or in an image reproducer that displays the caption in a closed caption method. The method includes detecting subject information from a caption signal; obtaining visual information with respect to the caption, based on the detected caption subject information; and displaying the visual information and the caption signal together.
US08264607B2 Method of sampling phase calibration and device thereof
A method of sampling phase calibration and a device thereof is suitable for an analog-to-digital converter and phase lock loop (ADC-PLL). The ADC-PLL conducts sampling on a periodic analog signal according to a sampling phase so as to produce a plurality of digital signals. The sampling phase calibration device includes a storage unit, a motion-detecting unit and a control unit. The motion-detecting unit is to calculate the number of motion data corresponding to a sampling phase. The control unit is coupled to the motion-detecting unit for changing the sampling phase so as to obtain the number of motion data corresponding to each sampling phase and selecting the sampling phase corresponding to the minimum number of motion data as an optimal sampling phase. The ADC-PLL can correctly sample an analog signal by using the optimal sampling phase and reduce the influence of clock jitter to the minimum.
US08264606B2 Direct digital encoding and radio frequency modulation for broadcast television applications
A digital audio encoder, digital video conditioner, and a digital modulator are described for producing a television broadcast signal at a desired channel frequency range. Left and right audio channel signals are digitized and encoded according to a stereo standard and then combined to form a stereo audio signal. A second audio programming channel signal may be included. A video input can be digitized and conditioned to form a digital video channel. The stereo audio signal can be placed directly at a desired channel frequency by frequency modulation without the need for using an intermediate frequency. The digital video channel can be placed at a desired frequency by amplitude modulation. The digital and audio channels can be digitally combined to create a television transmission signal at a desired frequency and according to a desired standard.
US08264604B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A image processing apparatus includes an interlace/progressive converter that converts interlaced input image data into progressive image data; an up-convert material detector that detects low quality up-convert material likelihood of the interlaced input image data; and an image processor that obtains output image data by processing progressive image data on the basis of the detected signal of the up-convert material detector, wherein the up-convert material detector detects the low quality up-convert material likelihood on the basis of ratio of the sum of an inter-field pixel value difference and the sum of in-field pixel value difference, the pixels in a predetermined area being obtained as sequential notable pixels using image data of a first field and a second field that are continuous in each field.
US08264596B2 Digital camera with live view mode
A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 130 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, and the microcomputer 110 controls so that movable mirrors 121a and 121b to enter an optical path of an image pickup optical system after the amount of light from a subject is obtained based on the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130, a strobe 137 emits light, and measurement results of an AE sensor 133 are obtained. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
US08264595B2 Imaging device with extended dynamic range
An imaging device comprises: an imaging element (1) capable of reading accumulated charges of different exposure times in a predetermined frame period, the imaging element being divided into groups for long-time exposure and short-time exposure; and a timing pulse generator (2) for adjusting read timings of the imaging element (1). A first read timing at which an accumulated charge of long-time exposure is read from the group for long-time exposure and a second read timing at which an accumulated charge of short-time exposure is read from the group for short-time exposure are adjusted separately from each other. This provides an imaging device that can extend the dynamic range according to the degree of contrast between light and shade of a subject.
US08264594B2 Exposure control for an imaging system
A device that analyzes an image. The device includes a circuit that receives an image that includes a plurality of pixels. The circuit creates a histogram of the image and analyzes the histogram to determine an acceptable exposure of the image. The histogram may include a plurality of bins versus a population of pixels associated with each bin. By way of example, the bins may be associated with an intensity of light. The images and histograms may include data defined by low dynamic range number of bits and/or an extended dynamic range number of bits. Certain features and criteria of the image may be determined and analyzed to determine whether the image has an acceptable exposure. If the image is unacceptable, an exposure characteristic can be changed and the process can be repeated until an acceptable image is obtained.
US08264593B2 Camera device, and method and program for supporting focus adjustment
A camera device (1) includes an AF value calculating unit (14), a focus position determining unit (15), and an LED control unit (16). The AF value calculating unit (14) calculates an AF value from a camera image captured by an image imaging element (2). The focus position determining unit (15) determines a correct focus position based on the AF value. The LED control unit (16) controls light emission of an LED (13) provided in a main body (4) and indicates the correct focus position to a user. This allows to assist the user in focus adjustment by means of a light emitter provided in the main body. Thus, the camera device which allows the user by himself to adjust focus with ease without the help of others is provided.
US08264592B2 Image pickup apparatus having improved contrast autofocus accuracy
An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device that includes a plurality of focus detection pixels, a phase difference detection type of a first focus detector, a contrast detection type of a second focus detector, and a controller. The controller is configured to allow the second focus detector to continue the focus detection when the shift amount detected by the first focus detector is larger than a threshold even when the second focus detector detects the lens position corresponding to the peak of the contrast value, and to move the image pickup lens to a lens position that provides a peak of a contrast value detected by the second focus detector when the shift amount is the threshold or smaller.
US08264588B2 Digital camera
A digital camera has a display, a magnification input device, and a magnification control device. The display simultaneously displays images. The magnification input device is used to input the magnification factor for the images displayed in said display. The magnification control device which simultaneously changes the magnification of the images displayed in said display by substantially the same multiplier according to the magnification factor input by said magnification input device.
US08264584B2 Image capturing apparatus, additional information providing server, and additional information filtering system
Only landmark information desired by a user out of a plurality of landmark information transmitted from a map server is displayed. An image capturing apparatus (102) includes: an imaging unit (114) that captures a digital image; a communication unit (112) that obtains a plurality of additional information from a predetermined map server (120) that holds the plurality of additional information each corresponding to an object included in the digital image captured by the imaging unit (114); a display-information extracting unit (113) that selects additional information to be displayed from among the plurality of additional information obtained by the communication unit (112); and an overlaying display processing unit (116) and a display unit (117) that display only the additional information selected by the display-information extracting unit (113) from among the plurality of additional information, to be overlaid on the digital image captured by the imaging unit (114).
US08264583B2 Information processing apparatus, method and computer program product
This invention enables an intention of a photographer to be reflected with greater accuracy in image processing based on actions performed by the photographer when taking an image. Based on user information acquired by a user information acquisition section, supplementary information such as whether a composition flag is on or off and assignment of an image classification is recorded with an image. Based on the supplementary information, various types of image processing such as setting an image trimming range, imparting an effect, and arranging an image on a mount are performed.
US08264582B2 Solid-state image capturing apparatus and electronic information device
In a three-TR configuration pixel, the solid-state image capturing apparatus according to the present invention is capable of securing an electric potential difference sufficiently between a signal voltage and a reset voltage at the transferring of a signal charge and performing complete transferring of the signal charge from a photoelectric conversion element to an FD section easily and stably. Each pixel section, constituting a pixel array, has a 3TR configuration including reset transistors, transfer transistors and amplifying transistors. In each row of the pixel array, provided are a level shifter for driving reset drain wiring connected to a drain of the reset transistor, with an electric potential higher than a power supply voltage, and another level shifter for driving a reset signal line connected to a gate of the reset transistor, with an electric potential higher than the power supply voltage.
US08264572B2 Image processing apparatus and electronic camera that reduce the length of time required to complete reproduction of recorded image data
An electronic camera includes: an image capturing device that performs photoelectric conversion on a subject image formed by a photographic optical system and outputs image data; an image display device that displays an image based upon the image data; a first storage device achieving a first access speed; a second storage device achieving a second access speed lower than the first access speed; and a control device that, if image data for display are present in the first storage device when an image reproduction mode for displaying the image based upon the image data at the image display device is set, displays an image based upon the image data in the first storage device at the image display device, and if the image data for display are not present in the first storage device, displays an image based upon image data in the second storage device at the image display device.
US08264567B2 Electronic apparatus, imaging device, method for time correction, and program
An electronic apparatus includes a time measuring unit that measures time, a time information acquiring unit that acquires time information, a determining unit that determines whether a specific process using time measured by the time measuring unit is being performed, and a time correcting unit that corrects time measured by the time measuring unit on the basis of the time information when the determining unit determines that the specific process is not being performed.
US08264563B2 Image pick-up apparatus and synchronization-signal-generating apparatus
An image signal generation portion 11 generates an image signal of a variable frame-rate picked-up image. A signal generation control portion 24 drives the image signal generation portion 11 and generates image pick-up setting information IF to generate an image signal that is frame-synchronized with a generated image signal DVd. The generated image signal DVd is output in condition where the image pick-up setting information IF is inserted in it. When supplied with image pick-up setting information IFex, the signal generation control portion 24 controls the driving operations of the image signal generation portion 11 based on the image pick-up setting information IFex, to frame-synchronize the generated image signal with an image signal of a reference variable frame-rate picked-up image of a source that has supplied the image pick-up setting information IFex. If a plurality of image pick-up devices capable of varying a frame rate is used, the image signals can be frame-synchronized with each other.
US08264555B2 Reducing video shaking
Included are embodiments for reducing undesirable motion in a video. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a plurality of video frames that comprise at least one segment of a video, the plurality of video frames being captured by a capture device and determining a maximum undesired movement of the capture device for the plurality of video frames during the at least one segment. Some embodiments include trimming at least a portion of the video frames according to the determined maximum undesired movement such that the undesirable movement in the video is reduced.
US08264554B2 Imaging apparatus and method of obtaining a roll angle of the imaging apparatus, and correcting detected roll angle
An imaging apparatus includes an image pickup device, a device that obtains an image from the image pickup device, a sensor that detects a roll angle of the sensor, wherein the sensor detects a reference roll angle of the sensor when the imaging apparatus is disposed at a predetermined roll angle, a device that calculates a reference roll angle of the image pickup device by using a reference image from the image pickup device when the imaging apparatus is disposed at the predetermined roll angle and a device that corrects a roll angle of the sensor by calculating a relative roll angle from the reference roll angle of the image pickup device and the reference roll angle of the sensor.
US08264553B2 Hardware assisted image deblurring
The described implementations relate to deblurring images. One system includes an imaging device configured to capture an image, a linear motion detector and a rotational motion detector. This system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal from the imaging device relating to capture of the image and to responsively cause the linear motion detector and the rotational motion detector to detect motion-related information. Finally, this particular system includes a motion calculator configured to recover camera motion associated with the image based upon the detected motion-related information and to infer imaging device motion induced blur of the image and an image deblurring component configured to reduce imaging device induced blur from the image utilizing the inferred camera motion induced blur.
US08264551B2 Methods for correcting distortions of image-taking video signals and apparatus for correcting distortions of image-taking video signals
A method and an apparatus for correcting distortions of image-taking video signals are provided. The method and an apparatus adopting the method are capable of reducing distortion generated in a taken image by correction of inter-frame and intra-frame hand movements in an image-taking apparatus employing an image-taking device of an X-Y address type. To be more specific, this method is capable of correcting distortion observed in a taken image as distortion caused by a positional change, which occurs in the horizontal and/or vertical directions of the taken image at a photographing time as a positional change of the image-taking device. In accordance with the method, in a frame period of a taken image, an inter-frame correction quantity for a positional change of the device is detected and, on the basis of the detected inter-frame correction quantity, the positional change is corrected to eliminate a displacement observed when the frame changes to the next one as a displacement of the taken image. An intra-frame correction quantity for a positional change of the image-taking device is computed for each of many locations on the screen of the taken image and, on the basis of the computed intra-frame correction quantity, distortions caused by positional changes on the screen of the taken image as distortions of the taken image are corrected.
US08264550B2 Shake correction apparatus, image pickup apparatus, and method for controlling shake correction apparatus
There is provided a shake correction apparatus having an image pickup optical system that includes a correction lens capable of moving in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis. The shake correction apparatus comprises: a detection unit that detects shake applied to the shake correction apparatus; a determination unit that determines a reference position of the correction lens; and a drive unit that drives the correction lens with the reference position serving as a center position, so as to correct the shake detected by the detection unit. The determination unit determines the reference position, in a range where a condition that a Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the image pickup optical system when the correction lens is positioned at the determined reference position is equal to or larger than a threshold is satisfied.
US08264548B2 Steering mirror for TV receiving high frequency wireless video
In a home system in which a TV receives video from various sources over directional wireless links such as 60 GHz links, a mirror apparatus is provided that can be configured to physically steer a signal toward a receiver on the TV to optimize received signal strength. In this way, RF energy that otherwise would be radiated in non-productive directions away from the receiver is reflected toward the receiver.
US08264538B2 Optically monitoring comb-line of escalators and moving walks
Method for monitoring at least part of a comb-line (18) of a comb plate (14) having a plurality of teeth (16), of a people conveyor (2) having a movable transportation band (4) and the comb plate (14) located at the transition (20) between the movable transportation band (4) and the stationary comb plate (14), wherein the method includes (a) taking a picture of the comb-line (18) with a camera (12); (b) comparing the picture with a reference picture; (c) determining the safety state of the comb-line (18) based on such comparison.
US08264535B2 Method and apparatus for analyzing a group of photolithographic masks
The invention relates to a method for analyzing a group of at least two masks for photolithography, wherein each of the masks comprises a substructure of a total structure, which is to be introduced in a layer of the wafer in the lithographic process, and the total structure is introduced in the layer of the wafer by introducing the substructures in sequence. In this method, a first aerial image of a first one of the at least two masks is recorded, digitized and stored in a data structure. Then, a second aerial image of a second one of the at least two masks is recorded, digitized and stored in a data structure. A combination image is generated from the data of the first and second aerial images, which combination image is represented and/or evaluated.
US08264531B2 Driver's state monitoring system using a camera mounted on steering wheel
The status of a driver is monitored by facial images captured by a camera mounted on the steering wheel of a vehicle. The captured image is tilt corrected by a steering angle. The status of the driver can be monitored efficiently.
US08264530B2 Method for processing an imprint image
A method for processing at least an imprint image of an individual using a processing device that comprises an exhibition glass sheet having a surface for receiving said imprint. The method includes acquiring without contact at least one image of the imprint present in the space upstream from the said surface and which has not yet been in contact with it and detecting the contact between the imprint and the exhibition glass sheet; acquiring by contact at least one image of the imprint after contact with the exhibition glass sheet; and standardizing at least one of the contact-less images in proportions that are identical to those of one of the contact images by analysing at least one of the contact-less images and at least one of the contact images.
US08264528B2 Display apparatus, frame member, and reflection suppressing member
A display apparatus, frame member, and reflection suppressing member that are capable of achieving an improvement in display quality and an improvement in visibility, are provided. In a case, a reflection suppressing portion that attenuates emitted display light is formed on an annular wall portion (frame portion). The reflection suppressing portion previously suppresses undesirable display (display that is directed to a not-intended direction) which can occur due to the display light emitted from an outer periphery of a display face being reflected by the case and the like.
US08264518B2 Gesture-based actions in a video communication session
In one embodiment, a method for transferring a communication session detects a transfer indication generated by a user of a first video conference system, where the transfer indication requests to transfer an active voice communication session. The method acquires image information associated with the transfer indication, where the image information includes at least one frame captured from a second video conference system having an active video conference session with the first video conference system. The method identifies a mobile communication device associated with the transfer indication and having the active voice communication session and identifies a target communication device using the image information associated with the transfer indication. The method also initiates transfer of the voice communication session to the target communication device.
US08264516B2 Method and apparatus for process magnification adjustment
A magnification adjustment method for a document processing system having a fixed frequency clock source providing a fixed frequency output signal to a plurality of raster output scanners (ROSs) and a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO)-based adjustable frequency clock source providing an adjustable frequency output signal to the ROSs is disclosed. The method includes: using a controller to determine a frequency setting for a phase increment control input signal to the adjustable frequency clock source; starting the document processing system; using the controller to set a phase accumulator control input to the frequency setting; sending a message to a ROS control module prior to imaging, including the correct clock source to use for the next image, the correct clock source being either the fixed frequency clock source or the adjustable frequency clock source; and applying the correct clock source synchronously to the beginning of an inter image panel zone.
US08264510B2 Exposure head and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier having a curvature in a first direction; and an exposure head including a first light emitting element that emits a light having a wavelength λ11 and a light having a wavelength λ12, a first optical system that converges each of the light emitted from the first light emitting element onto the image carrier, a second light emitting element, and a second optical system that converges a light emitted from the second light emitting element onto the image carrier, wherein a position at which the first optical system converges each of the light and a position at which the second optical system converges the light are different from each other with respect to the first direction.
US08264509B2 Exposure head, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
An exposure head includes a light emitting segment that emits light; an electrical load that is electrically connected to a circuit in which a current to be supplied to the light emitting segment flows; and a current supply controller that supplies a first current to the light emitting segment to cause the light emitting segment to emit light and supplies a second current to the electrical load during the time when the current supply controller blocks the supply of the first current to the light emitting segment.
US08264503B1 Batch early engagement rules graphics processing
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for rendering an artwork comprising a first plurality of objects. At least one common attribute shared by a second plurality of objects in the artwork may be automatically identified. The second plurality of objects may comprise a subset of the first plurality of objects. Each object of the second plurality of objects may be automatically assigned to a group. It may be determined whether the group is located within an area to be rendered. The group may be culled if the group is not located within the area to be rendered.
US08264502B2 System and method for comparing and reviewing documents
A document processing system for accurately and efficiently analyzing documents and methods for making and using same. Each incoming document includes at least one section of textual content and is provided in an electronic form or as a paper-based document that is converted into an electronic form. Since many categories of documents, such as legal and accounting documents, often include one or more common text sections with similar textual content, the document processing system compares the documents to identify and classify the common text sections. The document comparison can be further enhanced by dividing the document into document segments and comparing the document segments; whereas, the conversion of paper-based documents likewise can be improved by comparing the resultant electronic document with a library of standard phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. The document processing system thereby enables an image of the document to be manipulated, as desired, to facilitate its review.
US08264501B2 System and method for radial component scattering
A system, method, and computer program for radial component scattering, comprising calculating a bounding box for each of a plurality of parts; calculating a centroid corresponding to each of said bounding boxes; calculating a scatter circle for placement of said plurality of parts; calculating a number of locations to place said plurality of parts on said scatter circle; whereby said plurality of parts are added to an assembly view in a single operation such that a largest of said plurality of parts is at a start point, and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.
US08264500B2 Image masks generated from local color models
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, feature receiving an image mask where the image mask identifies a first opacity value of pixels in a raster image. The first opacity value ranges between a value representing foreground and a value representing background. Each pixel in the image has a color. A first boundary pixel is identified in the image. A second opacity value for the first boundary pixel is determined using a first local color model of opacity. The first local color model of opacity is determined based on the colors of the pixels in the image within a local neighborhood of the first boundary pixel.
US08264492B1 System, method and article of manufacture for a programmable processing model with instruction set
A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for programmable processing in a computer graphics pipeline. Initially, data is received from a source buffer. Thereafter, programmable operations are performed on the data in order to generate output. The operations are programmable in that a user may utilize instructions from a predetermined instruction set for generating the same. Such output is stored in a register. During operation, the output stored in the register is used in performing the programmable operations on the data.
US08264490B2 Practical modeling and acquisition of layered facial reflectance
Techniques are described for modeling layered facial reflectance consisting of specular reflectance, single scattering, and shallow and deep subsurface scattering. Parameters of appropriate reflectance models can be estimated for each of these layers, e.g., from just 20 photographs recorded in a few seconds from a single view-point. Spatially-varying specular reflectance and single-scattering parameters can be extracted from polarization-difference images under spherical and point source illumination. Direct-indirect separation can be employed to decompose the remaining multiple scattering observed under cross-polarization into shallow and deep scattering components to model the light transport through multiple layers of skin. Appropriate diffusion models can be matched to the extracted shallow and deep scattering components for different regions on the face. The techniques were validated by comparing renderings of subjects to reference photographs recorded from novel viewpoints and under novel illumination conditions. Related geometry acquisition systems and software products are also described.
US08264489B2 Interface remoting
Machine-readable media, methods, and apparatus are described for interface remoting. In some embodiments, a server may transmit motion commands to a remote device to update a graphical user interface displayed on the remote device. The motion commands may reference an image object of the remote device and may request the remote device to animate the image object. In some embodiments, the animation specified by the motion commands result in the remote device moving the image object from one location to another location, scaling the image object from a first scale to a second scale, and/or rotating the image object from a first orientation to a second orientation.
US08264488B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Provided is a shape information storage portion in which shape information, which is information specifying a shape of a solid object, which is a three-dimensional object, can be stored; a placement information storage portion in which placement information, which is one or more pieces of information that can be placed on a surface constituting the solid object, can be stored; an acquisition condition information storage portion in which acquisition condition information, which is information indicating a condition for acquiring information that is to be each placed on one or more surfaces constituting the solid object from the placement information, can be stored; and a surface information acquiring portion that acquires surface information, which is information that is to be placed on one or more surfaces of the solid object, from the placement information, using the acquisition condition information.
US08264487B2 Method for converting polygonal surfaces to levelsets
A method for use in computer graphics includes receiving data defining an explicit surface representation of three-dimensional (3D) geometry and casting a ray into the explicit surface representation. For each point where the ray intersects the explicit surface, a direction of the ray is compared to a direction of a surface normal of the explicit surface at that point, and then a count is incremented or decremented based on a first rule that uses a result of the comparison at that point. Then, for one or more voxels corresponding to the ray, data is generated for each voxel that indicates the voxel is either inside or outside of the explicit surface based on a second rule that uses a value of the count at that voxel. Another method includes defining a narrow band of voxels near the explicit surface, and then for each voxel in the narrow band, approximating a distance between the voxel and a closest point on the explicit surface by assuming a set of two-dimensional (2D) distances associated with the voxel and a portion of the explicit surface form a triangle. For each voxel outside of the narrow band, a distance to a closest point on the explicit surface is approximated by interpolating the approximated distances in the narrow band.
US08264486B2 Real-time high-speed three dimensional modeling system
A high-speed modeling system and a method of constructing a model are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system comprises first and second cameras, a control portion to synchronize the first and second cameras, and a projector of electromagnetic patterns. The first and second cameras are synchronized by the control portion to generate second frames a time interval after first frames are generated to thereby obtain a high frame-rate which is higher than the frame-rate of the first camera. Multiple imaging stations comprising first and second cameras may be directed to the path traveled by a mass at a high speed, in a prescribed arrangement, to model the mass with the high frame-rate system.
US08264485B2 Method and apparatus for visualizing 3D image data from tomographic imaging modalities
At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for visualizing 3D image data from tomographic imaging modalities using a rendering technique in which every pixel is calculated by integrating or summing along respectively one ray through a volume surrounded by the 3D image data. In the method, a peeling function is additionally introduced into the integration or summation, by which, in the integration or summation, the 3D image data on the respective ray only contributes with its full data value to reducing the optical transparency beyond a prescribable value of an optical skin depth. The peeling function is selected such that, in a transition region before the prescribable value of the optical skin depth is reached, the 3D image data on the ray still contributes to reducing the optical transparency with a fraction of its full data value such that there is a smooth profile, generated by the peeling function, when an outer layer is peeled off. The method and the associated apparatus make it possible to avoid image artifacts such as pixel flickering during volume visualization.
US08264482B2 Interleaving drive circuit and electro-luminescent display system utilizing a multiplexer
A drive circuit for rapidly interleaving image data displayed on an EL device is disclosed. The drive circuit includes a signal source that provides a image data signals. Each image data signal is provided for a specified load period. A multiplexer receives the image data signals, and in response to a selection signal selects one of the image data signals to provide a control signal that directs the EL device to emit light. Additionally, a controller causes interleaving of the image data during multiple display periods; each display period is shorter than the load period.
US08264480B2 Input source search support method, and image display apparatus and projector using the search support method
An image display apparatus for displaying an image produced by image signals on a display section includes: a plurality of input terminals for receiving each of the image signals supplied from a plurality of input sources; an input selector for selecting a predetermined input terminal from the plural input terminals; a judging section for determining whether the image signals have been inputted to the input terminal selected by the input selector; an operating section which receives requirement of search processing for determining whether the image signals have been inputted to each of the plural input terminals; an image signal correcting section which generates image signals for producing a source search screen indicating search status for each of the input source names corresponding to the input terminals; and a control section for displaying an image of the source search screen produced by the image signals at least on the display section in response to search processing executed through the operation section.
US08264472B2 Storage medium storing information processing program and information processing apparatus
A computer readable storage medium storing an information processing program causes a computer to function as display control means, coordinate detecting means, and object selecting means. The display control means displays on a display device at least a portion of a virtual world in which a plurality of objects are provided. The coordinate detecting means detects input coordinates input by the pointing device. The object selecting means, when the input coordinates indicate any of the plurality of objects, selects the indicated object as a target to be operated, and when the input coordinates indicate none of the plurality of objects, selects at least one object satisfying a predetermined condition of the plurality of objects as a target to be operated.
US08264471B2 Miniature character input mechanism
A device includes a touch screen with a maximum of nine distinct touch areas, displays an input interface on the touch screen, where the input interface includes a scrollable character wheel, receives selections of characters from the character wheel, and displays the selected characters on the user interface. The receiving of selections includes detecting a scrolling up or down of the character wheel to position a character in a particular location, and detecting a pressing action on the character in the particular location. The input interface provides a way for a user to enter a phone number and place a call using only nine distinct touch areas.
US08264466B2 Touch screen having reduced visibility transparent conductor pattern
Disclosed is a transparent touch screen construction that includes a pattern of layer stacks disposed on a substrate. The layer stacks each include a transparent conductor layer and an intermediate layer positioned between the substrate and the transparent conductor layer. The intermediate layer has a refractive index that is lower than that of the transparent conductor layer and that of the substrate. The construction of the layer stacks reduces the difference in visible light transmission between the areas of the substrate covered by the stacks and the areas of the substrate left exposed by the stacks. Also disclosed are methods for reducing the visibility of a patterned transparent conductor in a touch screen by disposing an intermediate layer pattern between a substrate and a transparent conductor pattern, the intermediate layer pattern and transparent conductor pattern being coincident.
US08264465B2 Haptic feedback for button and scrolling action simulation in touch input devices
A planar touch control is used to provide input to a computer and haptic feedback is provided thereto. A touch control includes a touch input device with a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor associated with the computer based on a location of user implemented contact on the touch surface. The computer can position or modify a cursor or image in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user via the touch surface.
US08264464B2 Method and system for activating an application on a portable electronic device
A method and system for activating an application on a portable electronic device are disclosed. A method of activating an application on a portable electronic device includes displaying a plurality of elements on a display device of the portable electronic device, wherein each element of the plurality of elements is associated with a respective application of a plurality of applications. In response to a first user interaction with a user interface component of the portable electronic device, changing an appearance of a first element of the plurality of elements, wherein the first element is associated with a first application of the plurality of applications. In response to a second user interaction with the user interface component, activating the first application. The first user interaction includes a user interaction along a first axis, and wherein the second user interaction includes a user interaction along a second axis.
US08264460B2 Method and system for secure password/pin input via mouse scroll wheel
A method and system for inputting a character string using a handheld input device, such as a mouse wheel or touchpad. Signals are grouped depending on a change in direction, depressing the mouse button as an interrupt, holding a mouse button down, etc., and the groupings are translated into symbols. Translation can be pre-determined or from a mapping file. Symbols can be appended into a character string and provided as a password, PIN, credit card, account number, or as other sensitive data.
US08264459B2 Noise attenuation in and for computer mice
In or for a computer mouse, an insert which fits inside a mouse cavity that, at the same time, readily accommodates the actuation of mouse buttons while not interfering with other moving parts inside the mouse. Accordingly, the insert would preferably occupy space within the cavity to reduce the free volume of space that would otherwise amplify a clicking noise from one or more mouse buttons, while also serving to actually dampen the clicking noise. The insert can preferably be custom-designed as to accommodate essentially any mouse design and thereby fit readily within the otherwise unoccupied interior space of the mouse body. Preferably, the material employed for such an insert may be embodied by a sound-dampening foam.
US08264457B2 System and method for simulating a computer mouse
A system and method for simulating a computer mouse uses a camera to capture images of a user's palm on a plane, transfers the images to a computer, analyzes the images to determine movement information of the user's palm, and determines a corresponding mouse operation according to preset associations between movements of the user's palm and operations on mouse buttons. The system and method further execute a computer command corresponding to the mouse operation associated with the movement information of the user's palm, so as to activate a action of a cursor displayed on a display screen of the computer.
US08264455B2 Mapping of physical controls for surface computing
Physical controls on a physical controller device (PCD) are dynamically mapped to application controls for an application being executed on a computer having a touch-sensitive display surface. The computer identifies a PCD which has been placed by a user on the display surface and displays a mapping aura for the PCD. When the user touches an activate direct-touch button displayed within the mapping aura, the computer activates a mapping procedure for the PCD and displays a highlighted direct-touch button over each application control which is available to be mapped to the physical controls on the PCD. When the user selects a particular application control which is available to be mapped by touching the highlighted button residing over the control, the computer creates a dynamic mapping between the selected application control and a user-selected physical control on the PCD.
US08264445B2 Pulse output circuit, shift register and display device
A drive circuit of a display device, which comprise only single conductive TFTs and in which amplitude of an output signal is normal, is provided.A pulse is inputted to TFTs 101 and 104 so that the TFTs would turn ON and then potential of a node á rises. When the potential of the node á reaches (VDD−VthN), the node á became in a floating state. Accordingly, a TFT 105 then turns ON, and potential of an output node rises as a clock signal reaches the level H. On the other hand, potential of a gate electrode of the TFT 105 further rises due to an operation of capacitance 107 as the potential of the output node rises, so that the potential of the output node would be higher than (VDD+VthN). Thus, the potential of the output node rises to VDD without voltage drop caused by a threshold of the TFT 105. An output at the subsequent stage is then inputted to TFTs 102 and 103 to turn the TFTs 102 and 103 ON, while the potential of the node á drops down to turn the TFT 105 OFF. A TFT 106 turns ON at the same time so that the potential of the output node would reach the level L.
US08264444B2 Low-flickering display device
A display device includes a pixel electrode; a transistor for supplying a driving voltage to the electrode pixel; and a gate-line driver circuit for providing a gate voltage to the transistor and inversely driving a driving voltage supplied to the electrode pixel via the transistor. The gate voltage has different voltage levels in a first driving state that the gate-line driver circuit drives the transistor with a level of the driving voltage and in a second driving state that the gate-line driver circuit drives the transistor with another level of the driving voltage.
US08264442B2 Driving method and driving device for displaying panel utilizing parallel driven drive controllers
A method of driving a display panel is provided which is capable of restoring normal operation to a timing controller in which an abnormality in display control has occurred. When a signal detecting section of one timing controller detects an abnormality that no signal is input or that a supply of a clock signal is stopped, the detected result is transferred from a two-way communicating section of the one timing controller to a two-way communicating section of the other timing controller. The other timing controller having received the detected result transfers a normal image signal and/or clock signal from the two-way communicating section of the other timing controller to the two-way communicating section of the one timing controller. The one timing controller exerts display control of a liquid crystal display panel according to the transferred image signal and/or clock signal.
US08264441B2 Method for driving liquid crystal display apparatus
In one embodiment of the present invention, when a still image is displayed, applied voltages respectively corresponding to a total of n (n being an integer of not less than 4) types of gradation 0 to (n−1) are outputted to pixels. On the other hand, when a moving image is displayed, an applied voltage corresponding to a predetermined gradation m (1≦m≦(n−2)) is applied to the pixels instead of applied voltages respectively corresponding to gradations of less than the predetermined gradation m.
US08264437B2 Display for high brightness conditions
A device including a housing and a display provided on a surface of the housing. The device also includes a light sensor provided on the surface of the housing, and a controller coupled to the display and the sensor. The controller is configured to change a display mode of the display from a first display mode to a monochromatic display mode when a light level of ambient light sensed by the light sensor exceeds a threshold value.
US08264435B2 Liquid crystal display device and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display device includes pixels having a plurality of subpixels. The pixels include data displaying subpixels having a first pixel electrode receiving red, green, and blue data voltages to display an image, and a common electrode to which a common voltage is applied. The pixels further a viewing angle controlling subpixel driven in response to a voltage applied to the common electrode, a side electrode separated from the common electrode, and a second pixel electrode. Each of the subpixels includes a rib distorting an electric field applied to the corresponding liquid crystal layer. The viewing angle controlling subpixel delays a phase of the light from the data displaying subpixels when a voltage having a voltage difference from the common voltage is applied to the side electrode during a narrow viewing angle mode of the liquid crystal display device.
US08264433B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display part in which a plurality of light guide elements are extended in the column direction, and are arranged in the row direction in parallel with each other. A plurality of scanning lines are extended in the row direction to intersect the light guide elements, arranged in the column direction, transmission lines are extended along the light guide elements, and each of the transmission lines is connected to the scanning lines, respectively. Control elements are provided at intersections of the light guide elements and the scanning lines, and each of the control elements causes a part of a light beam traveled in the light guide element to the outside of the light guide element in response to a scanning signal supplied to the scanning line through the transmission line.
US08264427B2 Electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
Aspects of the invention provide an electro-optical device including first pixel portions each including an active element and second pixel portions each not including any active element, the first and second pixel portions being provided in an image display region of a substrate, a first driving device for driving the first pixel portions in an active driving method and a second driving device for driving the second pixel portions in a passive driving method. Accordingly, the invention can realize a display by using both an active driving method and a passive driving method with a simple structure.
US08264425B2 Method for compensating data, data compensating apparatus for performing the method and display apparatus having the data compensating apparatus
A method for compensating data for a data compensating apparatus in a display apparatus includes converting image data of an n-th frame (where “n” is a natural number) into pre-compensation data of the n-th frame having a gray scale less than or equal to a gray scale of the image data of the n-th frame based on pre-compensation data of an (n−1)-th frame, storing the pre-compensation data of the n-th frame, and generating compensation data of the n-th frame having a gray scale greater than or equal to the gray scale of the image data of the n-th frame by using the image data of the n-th frame and the pre-compensation data of the (n−1)-th frame.
US08264424B2 Plasma display module and its driving method, and plasma display
Luminance of a plasma display is enhanced while suppressing deterioration in resolution. In a plasma display module comprising panel sections (12, 18) and a circuit section (27) and performing display by receiving an interlace signal, two horizontal lines adjacent vertically in each of odd field and even field form a set, two vertically adjacent cells belonging to a set of two horizontal lines display one pixel, each field consists of a plurality of subframes, and two cells in the set are lighted or unlighted simultaneously in a certain subframe at least for some display load rate wherein the ratio of emission intensity is different from 1 when the two cells are lighted simultaneously.
US08264422B1 Safe head-up display of information
A system is provided for display of information. The system includes an audio device, a transparent display, and a mobile device in communication with the audio device and the transparent display. The mobile device projects information to the transparent display, and decreases projection of the information to the transparent display in response to a detection of an unsafe condition.
US08264416B2 Aperture antenna
An aperture antenna includes an outer conductor with substantially fixed inner diameter; and an inner conductor, an end thereof receding from an aperture of the outer conductor in a direction of electromagnetic radiation.
US08264415B2 Sealed transmitter assembly for subsurface utility installations
An assembly (10) for installation in a subsurface ground enclosure has an electronic transmitter, an antenna and other circuitry that are encapsulated against moisture conditions. The assembly (10) comprises a circuit board (31) supporting radio frequency transmitter circuitry, the circuit board (31) having at least two orthogonal edges (31b, 31c), an antenna (14, 15) having two 90-degree bent portions extending from orthogonal edges (31b, 31c) of the circuit board (31), a housing bottom portion (11) with an internal barrier (18) separating an L-shaped antenna compartment (13) adjacent two sides of the circuit board (31) from a battery compartment (16) underneath the circuit board (31), sealing material for encapsulating the circuit board (31) and the batteries (17) in the battery compartment (16), and a cover (20) that protects the antenna compartment (13) from entry of the sealing material.
US08264414B2 Antenna apparatus including multiple antenna portions on one antenna element
An antenna apparatus is provided with two feed ports respectively provided at positions on an antenna element, and the antenna element is simultaneously excited through the two feed ports so as to simultaneously operate as two antenna portions respectively associated with the two feed ports. The antenna apparatus is further provided with a slit provided between the two feed ports, for changing a resonant frequency of the antenna element and producing isolation between the feed ports at a isolation frequency, and provided with matching means for shifting an operating frequency of the antenna element from the changed resonant frequency to the isolation frequency.
US08264412B2 Antennas and antenna carrier structures for electronic devices
Antenna support structures and antennas are provided for wireless electronic devices such as portable electronic devices. Antenna resonating elements may be formed from conductive coatings on two-shot molded interconnect device dielectric antenna support structures. The conductive coatings may be formed from wet-plated copper or other conductive materials. The antenna support structure may have tabs that electrically connect antenna resonating elements to the case of a wireless electronic device that serves as an antenna ground plane. The antenna support structure may be curved about its longitudinal axis so that the antenna resonating elements on the support structure protrude upwards to enhance antenna performance. In a portable electronic device such as a portable computer, the antenna support structure may be mounted within a dielectric portion of the computer housing that is located between the display portion of the housing and the base of the housing.
US08264402B2 Radiolocation using path loss data
Determining the location of a station in a wireless network including determining path losses between the wireless station of unknown location and at least some access points at known locations. The determining includes receiving measurements from the wireless station of unknown location, and measuring the received signal strengths as a result of respective transmissions from at least some of access points at known respective transmit powers and known or determined locations to obtained measured path losses. The method further includes determining a location for the wireless station using the measured path losses and a calibrated path loss model.
US08264400B2 Signature matching method and apparatus
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for signature matching. In some examples, the method for signature matching includes receiving a first target profile associated with a first data signal, the first data signal associated with a first target object; receiving a second target profile associated with a second data signal, the second data signal associated with the first target object or a second target object; generating a comparison distance utilizing a comparison distance function and based on a comparison of one or more data points associated with the first target profile and one or more data points associated with the second target profile; and determining a signature matching score based on the comparison distance.
US08264398B2 Onboard radar device and program of controlling onboard radar device
An onboard radar apparatus includes a transmission wave generating unit configured to generate a transmission wave, a vertically polarized wave transmitting antenna configured to vertically polarize and transmit the transmission wave, a horizontally polarized wave transmitting antenna configured to horizontally polarize and transmit the transmission wave, a receiving antenna configured to receive a reflection wave, a switch control unit configured to perform a switching between the vertically polarized wave transmitting antenna and the horizontally polarized wave transmitting antenna, and a receiving unit configured to receive one of the reflection waves based on receiving levels of the reflection waves, which have been received by the receiving antenna before and after the switching is performed by the switch control unit.
US08264394B2 Analog-to-digital converting circuit
The present invention relates to an analog-to-digital converting circuit, which comprises an integrating circuit, a reference signal generating circuit, a comparator, and a first counting circuit. The integrating circuit integrates an input signal for producing an integration signal. The reference signal generating circuit produces a plurality of reference signals. The comparator receives the integration signal and the plurality of reference signals, and compares the integration signal to the plurality of reference signals sequentially for producing a plurality of comparison signals. The first counting circuit receives the plurality of comparison signals produced by the comparator, and starts to count the plurality of comparison signals for producing a reset signal and resetting the integrating circuit. Because the integrating circuit is not reset once until the comparator produces the plurality of comparison signals, the number of times of resetting the integrating circuit can be reduced, and hence reducing the integral nonlinearity effect. Accordingly, the accuracy of the analog-to-digital converting circuit is enhanced.
US08264391B2 Area efficient selector circuit
A signal converting system has a multi-segment digital to analog converter coupled to an error shaping loop. A control value is received at a vector processor that indicates a number N of elements that are to be selected from a vector having M elements. The elements of the vector are sorted into a bitonic sequence and separated into a larger value group and a smaller value group using a bitonic split. Only the larger value group is sorted into an ordered sequence with repeated bitonic splits when the control value is less than M/2, and N largest elements are selected from the ordered sequence. Only the smaller value group is sorted into an ordered sequence with repeated bitonic splits when the control value is greater than M/2, and N−M/2 largest elements are selected from the ordered sequence.
US08264390B2 Conversion of a discrete time quantized signal into a continuous time, continuously variable signal
Provided are, among other things, systems, apparatuses, methods and techniques for converting a discrete-time quantized signal into a continuous-time, continuously variable signal. An exemplary converter preferably includes: (1) multiple oversampling converters, each processing a different frequency band, operated in parallel; (2) multirate (i.e., polyphase) delta-sigma modulators (preferably second-order or higher); (3) multi-bit quantizers; (4) multi-bit-to-variable-level signal converters, such as resistor ladder networks or current source networks; (5) adaptive non-linear, bit-mapping to compensate for mismatches in the multi-bit-to-variable-level signal converters (e.g., by mimicking such mismatches and then shifting the resulting noise to a frequently range where it will be filtered out by a corresponding bandpass (reconstruction) filter); (6) multi-band (e.g., programmable noise-transfer-function response) bandpass delta-sigma modulators; and/or (7) a digital pre-distortion linearizer (DPL) for canceling noise and distortion introduced by an analog signal bandpass (reconstruction) filter bank.
US08264387B2 Transceiver having multiple signal processing modes of operation
A transceiver includes a processor and an analog-to-digital converter. The processor is adapted to in a transmit mode of the transceiver, generate a modulated signal in response to a first digital signal. In a receive mode of the transceiver, the processor is adapted to generate a demodulated signal in response to a second digital signal. The analog-to-digital converter provides the first digital signal in the transmit mode and provides the second digital signal in the receive mode.
US08264382B2 Keyboard with a plurality of sensitive key elements
The present invention relates to a keyboard with a plurality of sensitive key elements (10, 12, 14) arranged on said keyboard according to a predetermined scheme. Each of the key elements (10, 12, 14) provides an analogue electric signal (U1, U2, U3). The analogous electric signal (U1, U2, U3) depends on the position of a fingertip. A contact surface of the key element (12) is subdivided into zones (A, B, C, D). The zones (A, B, C, D) are defined in such a way, that the zones (A, B, C, D) have different distances from the adjacent key elements (10, 14). Each zone (A, B, C, D) corresponds with a range of relationships between the signal (U2) of the key element (12) and the signal (U1, U3) of at least one adjacent key element (10, 14).
US08264375B2 Method and system for developing traffic messages
A computer implemented method of compressing a plurality of TPEG format traffic messages is provided. The method forms a template containing the data values of fields of a message management container, an event container and a location container and forms a global data set representing a base time of the traffic messages and data indicating the geographic region. The method creates compressed TPEG traffic messages comprising a template identification indicating the template and data values of the fields of the message management container, the event container and the location container not included in the template or global data set.
US08264370B2 Power and signal distribution system
A power and signal distribution system comprises a converter unit connected to a plurality of control units. The converter unit and the control units are arranged in areas difficult to access, for instance on the sea bed. The converter unit is connected to a remote monitoring and supplying device via at least one cable connection. Each control unit has assigned thereto at least one production apparatus for crude oil or natural gas corresponding gate valves, chokes, biops, actuators.In some embodiments, the power and signal distribution system the converter unit comprises a data separation device and a voltage converter. The converted voltage from the voltage converter is transmitted together with data/signals from the converter unit to at least one of the control units.
US08264366B2 Components, systems, and methods for associating sensor data with component location
Components having one or more sensors adapted to provide sensor data relating to a condition(s) of the component are disclosed. The component is adapted to communicate with another mating component to associate sensor data with identity information of the mating component. The sensor and identity information can be communicated remotely including via radio-frequency communications employing RF identification devices (RFIDs). Location of the mating component can be determined using the identity information of the mating component. In this manner, the sensor data can be associated with the location of the mating component using the identity information in a “component-to-component” configuration to provide location-specific sensor data. Having the ability to localize sensor data to a specific location can assist in pinpointing areas where performance or other condition issues may exist in a component, a mating component, an article of manufacture associated with the components, and/or communication and/or transmissions lines coupled between components.
US08264350B2 Adjustable constraining adaptive insert for merchandise security tag and method thereof
A security system includes a security device and a spacer. The security device defines a first opening having a first diameter. The spacer is removably positionable in the first opening to create a center opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The security device includes a magnetically actuable locking mechanism and a housing having the magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein. The locking mechanism includes a magnetically actuable latch, a belt configured to provide a latch mating element for the latch, and a flexible element to bias the magnetically actuable latch and the belt into a locked position. The housing includes a passageway which defines a belt pathway configured to slidingly receive the belt therein.
US08264347B2 Seal system in situ lifetime measurement
A sealing system for sealing between two members includes a polymer seal disposed between the two members, a measurement device, and an evaluation unit. The measurement device is at least partially disposed within the polymer seal, is configured for measuring an aspect of the polymer seal indicating sealing performance of the polymer seal, and is configured for creating a signal corresponding to a measured aspect of the polymer seal. The evaluation unit is configured for evaluating the signal corresponding to the measured aspect of the polymer seal and for determining a sealing performance capability of said polymer seal.
US08264344B2 Remote surveillance and intervention using wireless phone
A mobile surveillance appliance receives sensed data over a wireless link from a remote sensing post which monitors a remotely monitored space having a predefined spatial location and transmits the sensed data. The mobile surveillance appliance provides a display of the sensed data from monitored space and an intervention controller which, when activated responsive to an event perceived on the display, encodes the predefined spatial location and an event melioration onto a remote intervention request, and transmits the intervention request to a remote intervener. The remote sensing post, mobile surveillance appliance, and remote intervener may communicate using SIP messaging.
US08264343B2 Wireless communication for hygiene dispenser systems
A communication system for handwash compliance monitoring, comprises a plurality of handwash monitoring sensors for collecting handwash compliance data at a respective plurality of handwash stations, at least one hub which wirelessly receives handwash compliance data transmitted from said plurality of handwash monitoring stations, a gateway which wirelessly receives handwash compliance data transmitted from the hub, and a wireless cellular telephone link for transmitting the handwash compliance data from the gateway to a central monitoring station.
US08264342B2 Method and apparatus to detect transponder tagged objects, for example during medical procedures
The presence or absence of objects (e.g., medical implements, medical supplies) tagged with transponders may be determined in an environment in which medical procedures (e.g., surgery) are performed via an interrogation and detection system which includes a controller and a plurality of antennas positioned along a patient support structure. The antennas may, for example, be positioned along an operating table, bed, a mattress or pad or a sheet and may be radiolucent. Respective antennas may successively be activated to transmit interrogation signals. Multiple antennas may be monitored for responses from transponders to the interrogation signals. For example, all antennas other than the antenna that transmitted the most recent interrogation signal may be monitored.
US08264340B2 Electronic device fastener
An electronic device fastener (EDF) to protect a portable device that is placed in a holder which may be a case, belt clip, holster, cradle, or the like worn or carried by the user that uses a release sensor, proximity sensor, shock sensor, and clip sensor to protect a portable device such as a cell phone, portable media player, personal digital assistant (PDA), two-way radio, GPS device, headset, or earpiece from loss and misplacement. The system can provide up to five modes of protection against loss and misplacement of a portable device.
US08264337B2 Pressure tank and detection method of pressure tank internal abnormality
A pressure tank including, a tank wall; a supporting member which includes fiber reinforced plastic and supports an outer surface of the tank wall; a supersonic wave sensor which is connected to the tank wall, and which detects a sonic wave propagated in the tank wall; and an internal abnormality determination member which is connected to the supersonic wave sensor, and which determines whether an internal abnormality exits in the tank wall, wherein the internal abnormality determination member determines the existence of the internal abnormality based on the detection result during gas is charged into the pressure tank, and outputs an abnormality signal when the internal abnormality was determined to exist.
US08264335B2 Device attached to a blister
A device adapted to be releasable attached to a blister including at least one piece of medicament. The device includes apparatus for releasable attachment to the blister, a sensor arrangement including at least one first sensor arranged to register the sound of the dispense of a piece of medicament, a time system arranged to register the time and/or date of the dispensing of said piece of medicament and a memory for storing data, such as time and/or date data, related to the dispense of the piece of medicament.
US08264330B2 Systems and method for communicating data in a railroad system
A communications system for use in transmitting data in a railroad system is provided. The communications system includes a track circuit having a plurality of rails configured to transmit an electrical signal thereon, a first processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit via a first locomotive on said track circuit, and a trackside communications station operable to output cab signaling data, wherein the trackside communications station includes a second processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit. The first processor is programmed to compare a received data signal to a pre-stored database, and generate a response based on the comparison. The second processor is programmed to generate a corrected signal using the generated response.
US08264329B2 Method and system for room activity communication
The invention relates to a method and system for room activity communication. In one embodiment, a tray sensing device detects the presence of a tray in a given location and forwards the information to a room controller. The tray can be a conventional tray for supporting food articles or can be supported or integral with a food cart. The system also includes a door lock/tag controller for monitoring door lock and door tag information. Information from the tray sensing device, door lock/tag controller is communicated to a room controller. The room controller of each room can include a wireless network to the tray controller and/or door lock/tag controller. The room controller can also monitor information of the room such as, for example, temperature, humidity and light intensity information, and receive information regarding room activities, such as, for example, room service ordering and status, housekeeping, minibar, phone messages and checkout routine. Information from the room controller can be forwarded to a central host controller for management of the information. The central host controller can display the information, activate an alarm or separate and send data to relevant controllers located, for example at security, service, housekeeping and front desk. The alarm can be an audio or visual alert. The alarm can be deactivated upon removal of the tray from the given location or acknowledgement of request.
US08264328B2 Sensor device with persistent low power beacon
One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data. When the battery is in a low power condition, the first device is operated in a second operational mode wherein the sensor, controller, and transmitter are not used to obtain and transmit processed sensor data, but wherein the first device at least occasionally transmits a signal that indicates a low power condition of the battery.
US08264327B2 Authentication apparatus, image sensing apparatus, authentication method and program therefor
The authentication apparatus calculates authenticities based upon similarity between detected face image data and a plurality of items of registered face image data prepared beforehand. In accordance with the calculated authenticities, the apparatus causes a display unit to display, as the result of authentication, either a registered name indicating registered face image data calculated to have a maximum authenticity from among the plurality of items of registered face image data, or any group name to which the registered face image data calculated to have the maximum authenticity and other registered face image data belong.
US08264324B2 Keyless device of vehicle
A keyless device of a vehicle changes a search area “A” of a vehicle exterior antenna to a search area “A2” that is smaller than a normal area “A1”, and sets an overlapped area of a search area “B” of a vehicle exterior antenna and a normal search area “B1” to correspond only to an interior of the vehicle.
US08264322B2 Wireless security control system
A security control system includes a remote access control system to receive wireless information from a central access control system. The remote access control system includes a remote access controller electrically coupled to a remote wireless communicator. The remote access controller receives information from the remote wireless communicator and uses the information to control locking and unlocking of the door. The remote wireless communicator also transmits wireless information to the central access control system and a switch is provided for selectively choosing between the receiving and transmitting the wireless information. The remote wireless communicator communicates via RF information, such as spread-spectrum RF. The remote access control system also includes a reader to read user data when presented to the reader.
US08264315B2 Linear variable differential transformers
Linear variable differential transformers include a core comprising a non-ferromagnetic material and a ferromagnetic material, and a coil assembly including an axial bore within which the core is disposed and through which the core axially translates.
US08264314B2 Magnetic arrays with increased magnetic flux
The embodiments of the invention generally relate to a novel magnet arrangement to further enhance the performance of the array. The new arrangement of magnets (for example, five configurations) can result in significantly much higher percentage gain in magnetic flux with respect to the largest magnetic flux of a component magnet, as compared to Halbach array configurations.
US08264309B2 Adjustable magnetic target
A magnetic target is provided for use with a magnetic proximity switch. The magnetic target includes a cylindrical body tube having an open end that partially defines a bore. A stationary magnet is located within the bore opposite the open end, and a movable magnet is disposed within the bore between the stationary magnet and the open end. An adjusting member is received into the bore, and a contact surface of the adjusting member engages the movable magnet. When the adjusting member is axially displaced, the contact surface causes a corresponding displacement of the movable magnet relative to the stationary magnet, eventually causing the magnetic flux field of each magnet to expand in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of each magnet. The stationary magnet and the movable magnet may be either axially-magnetized samarium-cobalt magnets or axially-magnetized neodymium magnets.
US08264307B2 Dual substrate MEMS plate switch and method of manufacture
Systems and methods for forming an electrostatic MEMS plate switch include forming a deformable plate on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. The deformable plate may have at least one shunt bar located at a nodal line of a vibrational mode of the deformable plate, so that the shunt bar remains relatively stationary when the plate is vibrating in that vibrational mode. A hermetic seal may be made around the device with a larger, secondary enclosure. Electrical access to the deformable plate may be accomplished by an electrical path which is independent of the seal. The electrical path may include a via through the first substrate or the second substrate, or a flash deposited on an external region of the switch.
US08264306B2 Movable contactor assembly for current limiting type molded case circuit breaker
A movable contactor assembly for a current limiting type MCCB comprising: a terminal base; a plurality of movable contactors having a cam surface portion; a pair of holder plates supporting the movable contactors; a plurality of first springs providing an elastic force to the movable contactors; a plurality of extending plate portions provided to face the side of one end portion of each of the movable contactors so as to be electrically connected with the movable contactors; a plurality of flexible wire plates electrically connecting the movable contactors and the terminal base and having a portion bendable toward the movable contactors or toward the extending plate portions; and a second spring providing an elastic force to the flexible wire plates so as to be tightly attached to the movable contactor.
US08264305B2 Resonator, substrate having the same, and method of generating resonance
A resonator having respective electrode planes of first and second internal electrodes disposed so as to be substantially parallel to a line of magnetic force of a magnetic field. In the resonator, respective electrode planes of first and second external electrodes are disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the line of magnetic force of the magnetic field in planes different from the electrode planes of the first and second internal electrodes.
US08264304B2 Slot-line type microwave device with a photonic band gap structure
A microwave device of the slot-line type with a photonic band gap structure, including at least: a first substrate in a dielectric material having a first permittivity ∈r1, a second substrate in a dielectric material having a second permittivity ∈r2, and between the two substrates, a conductive layer in which at least one slot-line is engraved, with, on the face of the first and second substrates opposite the face in contact with the conductive layer, facing the slot-line, periodic metal patterns. A compact filtering structure is realized.
US08264298B2 Filtering device and a method for filtering a signal
The present disclosure teaches a filtering device. The filtering device comprises a transforming unit, at least a first filtering element and a complementary filtering unit. The filtering device of the present disclosure allows an isolation of radio signals within a selected frequency band. Frequency bands closely-spaced to the selected frequency band may be suppressed. The present disclosure provides a reliable and almost identical response to temperature changes for the pass band within the selected frequency band and the stop bands closely-spaced to the selected frequency band. The filtering device withstands temperature changes without affecting a filtering performance different to the prior art. The present disclosure further provides a method for filtering an input signal as well as a computer program product for the manufacture of the filtering device and a computer program product for the carrying out of the method of filtering.
US08264297B2 Balun signal splitter
A balun signal splitter for use in transceiver systems, such as wireless communications systems, including a wide-band balun with a secondary winding for signal splitting between two operating bands (e.g., high-band and low-band) or modes. An example of a balun signal splitter configured for dual-band or dual-mode operation or includes a balun having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the secondary winding having a first port and a second port, a first network coupled to the first port and configured to present a short circuit impedance at the first port at out-of-band frequencies or during out-of-mode operation, and a second network coupled to the second port and configured to present a short circuit impedance at the second port at out-of-band frequencies or during out-of-mode operation.
US08264288B2 Quadrature voltage controlled oscillator including transmission line
A circuit includes an oscillator circuit including a first oscillator and a second oscillator. The first and the second oscillators are configured to generate signal having a same frequency and different phases. A transmission line is coupled between the first and the second oscillators.
US08264286B2 Phase-locked loop circuit
A first exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a phase-locked loop circuit including: a voltage-current converter that converts a control voltage into a control current, the control voltage generated according to a phase difference between an input pulse signal and a feedback pulse signal fed back from an output side of a current controlled oscillator; the current controlled oscillator that generates an output pulse signal having a frequency according to the control current; a current detection unit that detects the control current; and a frequency range switch that switches a frequency range of the output pulse signal according to the detected control current.
US08264285B2 Method and apparatus for low latency proportional path in a digitally controlled system
A digitally controlled circuit and method includes an error input coupled to a proportional path. The proportional path includes a selector which directly receives the error input as a select signal. The selector receives a proportional control weight from a location other than the proportional path wherein the proportional control weight is input to a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO).
US08264282B1 Amplifier
Embodiments provide a configurable low noise amplifier circuit including a gain stage coupled to the input of the low noise amplifier circuit, the low noise amplifier circuit being configurable between one of a first topology in which the low noise amplifier circuit includes a degeneration inductance whereby the low noise amplifier circuit operates as an inductively degenerated low noise amplifier, and a second topology in which the low noise amplifier circuit includes an impedance matching stage coupled to an input of the configurable low noise amplifier circuit, the output of the impedance matching stage providing an input bias voltage for the impedance matching stage, and a feedback stage coupled to an output of the impedance matching stage and a voltage source, the feedback stage providing a compensated operating voltage for the impedance matching stage.
US08264280B2 Load driving circuit
Detection accuracy of a short circuit state in a load driving circuit is improved thereby operation efficiency of a motor may be enhanced. A gate control circuit 25 turns off NMOS transistors Q1 and Q4, turns on an NMOS transistor Q3, and turns on and off an NMOS transistor Q2 intermittently so as to control rotation of a motor 10. A detection circuit 30a detects a voltage Va at a connection node a between the NMOS transistor Q2 and the motor 10 a predetermined time after the NMOS transistor Q2 is turned on. A control circuit 20 turns off the NMOS transistor Q2 so as to cut off a current from a power supply to the motor 10 if the voltage Va at the connection node a is within a range in which the motor 10 is determined to be short-circuited.
US08264279B2 Electronic circuit
An electronic circuit includes a first transistor having a first terminal grounded, a second transistor having a control terminal coupled with a second terminal of the first transistor, a first terminal grounded via a first capacitor, and a second terminal to which a DC power supply is connected, a first distributed constant line having one end connected to a first node between the second terminal of the first transistor and the control terminal of the second transistor and another end grounded via a second capacitor, a second distributed constant line having one end connected to the second terminal of the first transistor and another end connected to the first node, a third distributed constant line having one end connected to the control terminal of the second transistor and another end connected to the first node, a resistor connected between a second node between the first line and the second capacitor and a third node between the first terminal of the second transistor and the first capacitor, and a path that connects the third node and the second terminal of the first transistor via the first line and the resistor in a DC circuit operation.
US08264278B2 Amplifier
An amplifier is realized by a distributed-constant-type amplifier including an input-side transmission line and an output-side transmission line, and a plurality of unit circuits coupled between the input-side transmission line and the output-side transmission line, in which each of the plurality of unit circuits is formed by including an amplification circuit having a gain equal to or greater than one.
US08264275B2 Amplifier arrangement and method for signal amplification
An amplification arrangement comprises a signal-processing element (SVE) with an integrator element (INT) that is coupled on the input side with a first input (E1) for feeding the input signal and with a second input (E2) for feeding a feedback signal. The signal-processing element (SVE) is designed to set a respective level of the input signal and/or the feedback signal as a function of a control signal. The amplifier arrangement furthermore comprises a pulse modulator (PM) that is designed to generate a pulse signal on a pulse output (POT) as a function of a signal applied on the output (SOT) of the signal-processing element (SVE). An output stage (OST) comprises a switching element (SW) that is designed to connect supply-voltage terminals (V1, V2, GND) to an output terminal (OOT) that is coupled with an amplifier output (AOT) and the second input (E2), and a control unit (CU) for driving the switching element (SW) that is coupled with the pulse output (POT). A level control unit (PSE) is designed to generate the control signal such that the respective level in the signal-processing element (SVE) is reduced as a function of an overshooting of a specified pulse-duty factor of the pulse signal.
US08264274B2 Non-volatile memory device and charge pump circuit for the same
A charge pump apparatus comprises a plurality of charge pump stages. The charge pump stages each include a respective output node. Output nodes are connected to charge boosting circuitry and to precharge circuitry. The charge boosting circuit receives one or more clock signals. The precharge circuits have a first state allowing the respective pump-stage output node to fluctuate at a level above a standby wordline voltage, and a second state coupling the respective pump-stage output node to the standby wordline voltage.
US08264273B2 Charge pump circuit and methods of operation thereof
A method of generating a voltage supply (Vout+, Vout−) from a single input supply (+VDD), comprising connecting at least one flying capacitor (Cf) to at least one reservoir capacitor (CR1, CR2) and to the input supply in repeated cycles so as to generate a voltage on said reservoir capacitor, the cycles differing between at least two modes so that each mode generates a different voltage on said reservoir capacitor the method including changing from an existing one of said modes to enter a new one of said modes during operation, and operating in at least one transitional mode for a period prior to entering fully said new mode.
US08264272B2 Digital control interface in heterogeneous multi-chip module
A front-end module comprises a plurality of chips that includes first and second functional blocks and an interconnection circuit. The first functional block is formed using a first process type and includes a digital control circuit that generates a digital control signal in response to an external control signal from outside the front end module. The second functional block is formed using a second process type and includes a digitally controlled circuit controlled by the digital control signal generated by the first functional block. The second process type is different from the first process type. The interconnection circuit couples the digital control circuit and the digitally controlled circuit to provide the digital control signal to the digitally controlled circuit. In one aspect, the first functional block may be a low noise amplifier formed by a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor process. The second functional block may be a power amplifier formed by a heterojunction bipolar transistor process. In another aspect, the first functional block may be a power amplifier formed by a heterojunction bipolar transistor process. The second functional block may be a low noise amplifier formed by a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor process.
US08264271B2 Load driving apparatus
Semiconductor relays switch power supplied from a power source to drive loads, and further detect current values of electric currents flowing through the loads. A control section intermittently turns ON the semiconductor relays via driving circuits, thereby limiting electric power consumption of the loads. Further, the control section calculates, based on the current values detected by the semiconductor relays, load electric power consumption of the loads, and estimated electric power consumption of the loads when the semiconductor relays are continuously ON, and allows a display section to display, as a value indicative of an energy-saving effect, an electric power amount difference i.e. a saved electric energy that is based on an electric power difference obtained by subtracting the load electric power consumption from the estimated electric power consumption.
US08264268B2 Offset-voltage calibration circuit
Provided is an offset-voltage calibration circuit. The circuit includes a comparator configured to receive at least two comparison voltages and output a result of a comparison between the comparison voltages, an up/down counter (UDC) configured to output an up-counting or down-counting output signal in response to an output signal of the comparator, and a current digital-to-analog converter (DAC) configured to control the amount of current supplied from a node to which the comparison voltage is applied, in response to the output signal of the UDC and control the magnitude of the comparison voltage.
US08264266B2 Clock with regulated duty cycle and frequency
A power-supply-independent clock, with controlled THigh and TLow that permits both frequency and duty cycle to be set simultaneously and independently. Depending upon the implementation, the control values can be varied for frequency and duty cycle as determined by the user, or can be dependent upon temperature, power supply variations, or any other variable within the system, design or device that includes the clock.
US08264263B2 Quasi-resonant composite resonance circuit
A composite resonance circuit is provided of which the resonance frequency is variable over a wide frequency range without changing the circuit constant of a non-resonant element having no resonance frequency. The composite resonance circuit comprises an input terminal; a resonance unit having first and second ports and quasi-resonating in response to AC signals respectively supplied to these ports; and phase shift circuits that perform different phase shifts on an AC signal supplied to the input terminal and supply first and second shifted signals subjected to the phase shift respectively to the first and second ports. The resonance unit is an impedance circuit that has at least four input terminals forming the first and second ports and that generates a quasi-resonant peak current under non-zero reactance in response to the first and second shifted signals coming in via the first and second ports. The quasi-resonant peak current is variable according to the frequency and phase shift quantities of the AC signals. Namely, the resonance frequency can be made to be variable.
US08264262B2 Delay-locked loop circuit and semiconductor device including the same
A delay-locked loop (DDL) circuit and a semiconductor device including the same are provided. The DDL circuit includes: a control voltage generator for generating a control voltage corresponding to a delay difference between an input clock and a plurality of comparison clocks by comparing the input clock with the plurality of comparison clocks that are sequentially generated and have different delays; a pulse width adjuster for adjusting a pulse width of the input clock according to a delay difference between the input clock and an arbitrary comparison clock of the comparison clocks and for generating a pulse-width-adjusted input clock as an adjusted input clock; and a delay unit for delaying the adjusted input clock in response to the control voltage and for outputting the delayed adjusted input clock as the comparison clocks and output clocks.
US08264259B2 Phase-locked loop circuit and delay-locked loop circuit
A phase-locked loop circuit includes a phase comparator that compares phases between a reference signal and a feedback signal and outputs a phase difference signal indicating a phase difference therebetween; a charge pump that outputs a charge pump current according to the phase difference signal; a low-pass filter that includes a resistor and a capacitor and that smoothes the charge pump current and converts the smoothed current into a control voltage; a voltage-controlled oscillator that generates an oscillation signal with a frequency according to the control voltage; and a frequency divider that generates a frequency-divided signal by frequency-dividing the oscillation signal and outputs the frequency-divided signal to the phase comparator as the feedback signal, wherein the resistor in the low-pass filter is a variable resistor that is changed according to the control voltage.
US08264257B2 Integrated circuit comprising a broadband high voltage buffer
The disclosure relates to an integrated circuit comprising a data buffer circuit comprising first and second transistors coupled to a contact pad and third and fourth transistors. A first bias voltage is applied on a conduction terminal of the third transistor and a second bias voltage is applied on a conduction terminal of the fourth transistor. A third bias voltage less than the second bias voltage is applied on a control terminal of the first transistor and a fourth bias voltage greater than the first bias voltage is applied on a control terminal of the second transistor. Application notably for the production of a so-called “High Speed” USB port.
US08264252B2 Termination circuit, semiconductor device, and electronic device
The termination circuit includes first and second resistance circuits and is connected to a transmission line. The first resistance circuit is disposed on at least one of a pull-up side, which is between the transmission line and a power source, and a pull-down side, which is between the transmission line and ground, and has a negative property, by which an increase in an applied voltage decreases a resistance value of the first resistance circuit. The second resistance circuit is connected in parallel to the first resistance circuit. The second resistance circuit has a positive property, by which an increase in the applied voltage increases a resistance value of the second resistance circuit.
US08264251B2 Characteristic measuring device for solar cell
A solar cell characteristic measuring device measures the output characteristics of a solar cell while avoiding junction capacitance. The device provides a solar cell load circuit by connecting the solar cell with an electronic load device setting a load current or voltage variably, and a measurement circuit connecting voltage and current detectors with the load. An operation point control element divides the magnitude of the load, taken from the solar cell, of the electronic load device into a plurality ranging from states of opening to short-circuiting, while driving the load device in the load circuit periodically and intermittently, changing the load magnitude stepwise and controlling the operation point of the solar cell, and a processing element reading and processing the detected values of the voltage and current detectors at each drive period of the electronic load device and for the period of the stable output voltage of the solar cell.
US08264250B2 Array substrate having increased inspection efficiency and display apparatus having the same
In an array substrate and a display apparatus, a pixel part has a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels electrically connected to the gate and data lines. A driving circuit drives the pixel part electrically connected to a first end of the gate lines. An inspection circuit is electrically connected to a second end of the gate lines, and inspects the pixel part in response to an inspection signal externally provided. Thus, positions and causes for defects of the pixel part may be accurately detected, thereby improving inspecting efficiency.
US08264247B2 Electric potential sensor
The present invention provides an electric potential sensor for the measurement of potentials non-invasively. The sensor comprises at least one detection electrode arranged for capacitive coupling with a sample under test and for generating a measurement signal, and a sensor amplifier adapted to receive the measurement signal as input and to supply an amplified detection signal as output. Input impedance enhancing means are included for providing a high input impedance to the sensor amplifier for increasing the sensitivity of the electrode to reduced electric potentials, and a discrete pre-amplifier stage is arranged to co-operate with the sensor amplifier to reduce the input capacitance of the amplifier.
US08264243B2 Liquid concentration sensing device
A capacitance sensing section senses a capacitance between first and second electrodes. A temperature sensing section senses fuel temperature. A microcomputer functions as a concentration sensing section and senses a concentration of ethanol contained in fuel based on the capacitance sensed by the capacitance sensing section and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing section. The microcomputer functions as an abnormality detecting section and performs abnormality determination to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the capacitance sensing section when the capacitance sensed by the capacitance sensing section does not change and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing section changes. Since a dielectric constant has such a temperature characteristic that the dielectric constant changes with the temperature, the abnormality detecting section can detect occurrence of the abnormality in the capacitance sensing section.
US08264242B2 Proximity sensor and rotational operation detecting device
A proximity sensor for determining an approaching direction of an object is provided. Relative detection sensitivity is established in a first detection unit and a second detection unit such that a detection level of the first detection unit is greater than a detection level of the second detection unit when the object approaches from a first electrode in a direction of arranging the first electrode and a second electrode, and that the detection level of the second detection unit is greater than the first detection unit when the object approaches from a direction perpendicular to the direction of arranging the first electrode and the second electrode. A proximity position determining section is adapted to determine the approaching direction of the object based on the detection level of the first detection unit and the detection level of the second detection unit.
US08264241B2 Device and method for measuring an electrical property of a fluid flowing through a pipe
The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring an electrical property of fluid flowing through a pipe, comprising at least a first measuring electrode and a second measuring electrode placed in spatial contact with the pipe, wherein the first measuring electrode is received in a body placed inside the inner wall of the pipe, and the first measuring electrode is separated from the inner wall of the pipe by a gap, this gap extending over at least a part of the periphery of the inner wall of the pipe. As a result of these measures the distance between the measuring electrodes is greatly reduced, so that the measurement accuracy increases considerably. The measuring circuit is preferably adapted for repeated successive measurement of the resistance value and the capacitance of the fluid.
US08264235B2 Test structure for detection of defect devices with lowered resistance
The present invention relates to a test structure that comprises at least two devices under test DUT, which respectively have a first electrical device resistance in a non-defect state and a second electrical device resistance in defect state, the first being higher than the second electrical device resistance. In the test structure the DUTs are connected in parallel to a first test contact pad via a first conducting line and connected in parallel to a second test contact pad via a second conducting line, and respectively connected to the first conducting line via respective first test resistors, which have known respective electrical test resistances, such that a total electrical resistance between the first an second test contact pads is indicative of the number of DUTs, which have the second electrical device resistance. The test structure allows testing a larger number of DUTs in parallel in a single measurement.
US08264233B2 Magnetoresistive electrostatic discharge (ESD) detector
A magnetoresistive electrostatic discharge (ESD) event detector includes at least one magnetoresistive device. The at least one magnetoresistive device detects an ESD event in an ESD sensitive device based on magnetoresistive properties of the at least one magnetoresistive device. The magnetoresistive device has an ESD failure level that is lower than the ESD failure level of said ESD sensitive device.
US08264222B2 Tomographic magnetic particle imaging (MPI) method and associated arrangement
According to at least one embodiment of the invention, at least two excitation fields with frequencies capable of being differently prescribed act on the object in the examination space, with the gradient field approximately vanishing in the examination space. In another embodiment, an arrangement includes a Maxwell coil pair for generating an inhomogeneous magnetic field with a prescribable magnetic field gradient, at least one device for exciting two auxiliary fields with different frequencies and a detection coil for recording the response signal.
US08264221B2 Eddy current probe assembly adjustable for inspecting test objects of different sizes
An eddy current probe assembly suitable for inspecting a test object with longitudinal shape, being passed through the assembly in the object's axial direction during an inspection session, the probe assembly comprising multiple probe modules being disposed in a radial plane and with the modules partially overlaying on each other forming an iris structure encircling an inspection zone, wherein a movement in unison of each of the probe modules closer to or further away from the center of the inspection zone makes the inspection zone enlarged or contracted. Spring tension is applied on each of the probe modules so that constant life-off in maintained between the probe modules and the test surface. Array of eddy current elements for each probe module and multiple layers of probe modules can be employed to achieve complete coverage of the test surface. The radial cross-sectional shapes of the test objects can be of round or polygonal.
US08264218B2 Wing flap sensor unit
A wing flap sensor unit (2) having a position sensor (18) for detection of a rotation position of a shaft for operation of wing flaps and having a housing (4) which surrounds the position sensor (18), having an attachment component (20, 22) for attachment in an aircraft wing and having a connecting point (24) for an electrical connector of the position sensor (18). Hereby, the housing (4) is at least partially manufactured from titanium using a precision-casting method. The titanium precision-casting method makes it possible to achieve a particularly robust and lightweight housing.
US08264216B2 High-accuracy low-power current sensor with large dynamic range
A current sensing approach makes use of two shunts in series, embedded in a switching fabric, each shunt the object of a differential measurement of voltage drop across the shunt. Methodical make-before-break cycling of the switches in the switching fabric permit real-time or very near-real-time measurement of nearly all of the errors such as offset errors present in each differential-measurement path. Additional differential measurement paths can be connected with the shunts, with RFI filtering at shorter time constants to serve electronic fuse needs.
US08264213B2 Variable-frequency and multi-phase voltage regulator module and control method of the same
A control method of a variable-frequency and multi-phase voltage regulator module is provided. The variable-frequency and multi-phase voltage regulator module is connected to a central processing unit and embedded on a motherboard for providing a central-processing-unit current. The control method includes steps of: detecting an intensity of a central-processing-unit current of the central processing unit; providing a power to the central processing unit via M number of phases based on a first switching frequency if the intensity of the central-processing-unit current is greater than a reference-current value; and providing a power to the central processing unit via N number of phases based on a second switching frequency if the intensity of the central-processing-unit current is less than the reference-current value.
US08264210B2 Interface to regulate voltage for ASIC power management
A method and apparatus to regulate voltage used to power an ASIC comprising an ASIC having a signal source and a modulator. The modulator establishes a characteristic of a signal created by the signal source to indicate a voltage level to be used to power the ASIC. The signal is communicated to a voltage regulator to apply an optimal voltage to the ASIC.
US08264209B2 Method of and apparatus for operating a double-fed asynchronous machine in the event of transient mains voltage changes
The invention relates to a method and a device for operating an asynchronous motor (1) with double feeds, having a stator (1a) connected to a grid and a rotor (1b) connected to an inverter (6), said inverter (6) being designed such that it impresses a target value for an electrical variable in the rotor (1b). In a method according to the invention, after detecting a transient grid voltage change, a target value for the electrical variable determined from at least the rotor flux and the stator flux is impressed in the rotor (1b) such that an active reduction in the torque occurring during the transient grid voltage change is achieved. The target value of the electrical variable is preferably determined from a suitable weighting of the stator flux, rotor flux, stator voltage, stator current, rotor current, and, if available as a measured variable, stator voltage.; In this manner, torque peaks are similarly prevented for various types of grid faults, and the maximum time value of the rotor current is optimally reduced, and a rapid return to regular operation of the asynchronous motor is made possible.
US08264206B2 Battery and method of power conservation for the same
A lithium ion battery and a method of power conservation for the same are provided. A bare cell including an electrode assembly with a plurality of electrodes and a protective circuit are coupled together via the plurality of electrodes. The protective circuit includes a remaining charge control circuit that internally detects a long-term nonuse state of the lithium ion battery and blocks current between the bare cell and the protective circuit when the long-term nonuse state is detected. The method includes: detecting whether the battery is used as a power source for an external instrument; determining and recording a value of an accumulated nonuse time when the lithium ion battery was not used as a power source; and blocking an internal current and converting the battery to a long-term nonuse mode when the value of the accumulated nonuse time is above a value indicative of a predetermined time.
US08264204B2 Cell controller, battery module and power supply system
A cell controller with excellent reliability in which noise and soon are suppressed is provided. The cell controller includes, corresponding to the number of cell packs, a plurality of ICs each having a voltage detecting circuit detecting voltages of respective cells of a cell pack in which four cells are connected in series, a switch control circuit controlling conduction and a blocking operation of a plurality of switch elements connected in parallel to the respective cells via capacity adjusting resistors, a LIN1 terminal for inputting control information, a LIN2 terminal for outputting control information, a Vcc terminal and a GND terminal, and a LIN2 terminal of a higher-order IC and a LIN1 terminal of a lower-order IC are connected in a daisy chain. The Vcc terminal of each IC is connected to a positive electrode of a higher-order cell among cells constituting a corresponding cell pack via an inductor L for eliminating noise, and the GND terminal is coupled directly to the Vcc terminal of the lower-order IC. Noise is not superposed on the LIN1, LIN2 terminals.
US08264202B2 Method and apparatus for determining state of charge of a battery using an open-circuit voltage
A method and apparatus for determining the state of charge (SOC) of a battery is discussed. The method involves measuring the terminal voltage across the battery and the current flowing through the battery at a plurality of different times and fitting a line equation with a slope and an intercept to the terminal voltage and current data. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) is calculated from the intercept of the linear equation and the SOC is determined from the OCV by reference to a lookup table.
US08264197B2 Primary coil raising type non-contact charging system with elevating-type primary coil
The present invention provides a non-contact charging system with an elevating-type primary coil, which is convenient to align the position of a primary coil and a second coil and is energy-saving.In preferred embodiment, the non-contact charging system with an elevating-type primary coil of the present invention includes: a primary coil elevated from the ground surface to face a secondary coil of a vehicle; a concave portion in which a vehicle tire is put; a pressure plate installed on the concave portion and pushed to a predetermined depth by a vehicle load from the tire; and a hydraulic cylinder elevating the primary coil when the pressure plate is pushed down.
US08264195B2 Network topology for monitoring and controlling a solar panel array
Embodiments of a network topology for monitoring and controlling an array of solar panels include an intelligent node adapted to send and receive data and commands by at least two redundant means of communication. An intelligent node includes a solar panel, a node controller, a photovoltaic module, a bypass relay, a bypass bus, PLC and wireless communication interfaces for redundant means of communication, and sensor and actuator interfaces for monitoring and controlling the intelligent node. A PV module in the intelligent node may selectively be bypassed without interrupting network communications. Some embodiments include a plurality of intelligent nodes electrically connected serially into a chain of nodes and further connected to a gateway. Other embodiments include a plurality of chains of nodes connected to an inverter and a transformer, thereby defining an area. Additional embodiments further include a central server in communication with a plurality of areas.
US08264194B1 Power control for a low power display
A low power display device including a power control circuit for controlling power from an environmental energy source to a power storage device that is charged by the environmental energy source, is described.
US08264193B2 Photovoltaic power output-utilizing device
Briefly described, the invention provides a photovoltaic assembly power output utilizing device which partially charges a capacitor assembly. This capacitor assembly is then partially discharged by a DC/DC power converter in different ranges of voltages in which the power output from the photovoltaic assembly peaks for different light intensities.
US08264191B1 Load commutated current source inverter
A motor drive system using a current source inverter (CSI) for providing the main power and an active filter for providing the reactive power and harmonics is disclosed. The CSI can be a load-commutated inverter (LCI) build using silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs), while the active filter can be based on a voltage-controlled inverter. An LCI circuit comprising of SCRs, wherein CSI is autosequentially turned off is provided. In other words, the negative voltage for turning the SCR off is not load dependent. A control scheme for operating the motor drive system through proper control of the SCRs in the LCI circuit is also provided. As presented, the motor drive system is able to feed medium to high voltage motors using a simple circuit, such that low-frequency torque pulsations are eliminated.
US08264189B2 Motor controller and electric power tool having the same
A motor controller is provided with a first PWM circuit that repeatedly outputs an on-signal at a first carrier frequency, a second PWM circuit that repeatedly outputs an on-signal at a second carrier frequency that is lower than the first carrier frequency, an AND circuit that receives both the on-signal outputted from the first PWM circuit and the on-signal outputted from the second PWM circuit and outputs a third on-signal which is a logical product of the received on-signals, and a voltage apply circuit that applies a voltage to the motor intermittently in synchronization with the third on-signal outputted from the AND circuit. At least one of the first carrier frequency and the second carrier frequency is equal to or lower than 1 kHz or equal to or higher than 3 kHz. As a result, generation of an unpleasant noise by a motor controller using two PWM circuits may be suppressed.
US08264188B2 Voltage regulated DC supply circuit for a wire feed drive system
Systems and methods relating to a boosting rectifier and feeder motor drive circuit are provided. The circuit may be used to produce a regulated DC supply voltage from a variable input AC line voltage, chop the DC supply voltage and deliver a pulse width modulated motor voltage to a wire feed motor in the wire drive assembly. One embodiment relates to elimination of undesirable wire feeder inconsistencies due to motor loading conditions, distance between the primary power source and the wire feeder, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the circuit may contain power factor correction circuitry, which may reduce the size of circuit components due to increased efficiency. Current paths through the circuit during the positive and negative half cycles of the AC input voltage are provided. Exemplary controller logic that may be used to control the operation of the boosting rectifier and feeder motor drive circuit is provided.
US08264186B2 Control devices for fuel pump driving motors
The present invention includes a control device capable of applying a high voltage to a motor of a fuel pump for an appropriate period of time during a low voltage operation of the motor.
US08264185B2 Apparatus for rotating shutter's axis
An apparatus for electrically rotating a shutter's axis in order to fold and unfold the shutter includes an electrical motor; a gear that is driven by the motor; and a rotatable adapting unit or a flange to which the shutter's axis is connected. The rotatable adapting unit is connected to the gear. The apparatus may also include two switches, each switch stopping the motor when depressed, located at both ends of a rail, and wherein an element is installed in the rail capable to move along the rail and the element depresses one of the switches when arriving to any end of the rail. A circular plate with a spiral tunnel grooved on its surface is joined to the rotatable adapting unit or flange; and a pin is installed on the element and is settled in the grooved tunnel, moving the element along the rail according to the rotation of the plate.
US08264183B2 Windshield wiper control unit and windshield wiper control method
A windshield wiper control unit that controls a windshield wiper based on the position of an operation member, includes: an electric value detection unit that detects an electric value that continuously changes based on the position of the operation member; a setting unit that sets a reference electric value range that is a portion of a variation range of the electric value; a determination unit that determines whether the electric value detected by the electric value detection unit falls within the reference electric value range; and a position determination unit that determines the position of the operation member based on the reference electric value range. When the detected electric value falls outside the reference electric value range, the reference electric value range is updated in such a manner that the electric value, which falls outside the pre-update reference electric value range, falls within the post-update reference electric value range.
US08264170B2 Discharge lamp lighting device, method of driving discharge lamp, and projector
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a discharge lamp lighting device includes a discharge lamp driving unit that drives a discharge lamp by supplying an AC driving current to the discharge lamp. A memory unit is configured to store driving parameters for the AC driving current. A control unit is configured to control the discharge lamp driving unit based on the driving parameters stored in the memory unit. The driving parameters comprise a range of holding time values, each holding time value representing a time period in which the AC driving current is to be continuously maintained at a same polarity. Upon a predetermined time condition, the control unit selects one of the holding time values based on a predetermined probability and controls the discharge lamp driving unit based on the selected holding time value.
US08264167B2 Active enclosure for computing device
A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.
US08264163B2 Backlight apparatus and transformer thereof
A transformer is disclosed. The transformer includes a first pin, a second pin, a first side winding, a second side winding, and a jump pin. The second side winding is coupled to the first pin and the second pin. The first pin is between the jump pin and the second pin. The jump pin is coupled to the second pin inside the transformer.
US08264157B2 Electronic device including an organic diode and a shunt and a process of forming the same
An electronic device can include an organic diode and a shunt that allows a significant current to bypass the organic diode, wherein the shunt is separate from the organic diode. Alternatively, an electronic device can include an organic diode lying along a first conduction path. The electronic device can also include a resistive member lying along a second conduction path that is parallel to the first conduction path. In another aspect, a process of forming an electronic device can include forming a first conductive member, forming a resistive member over the first conductive member, and forming an organic semiconductor layer over the first conductive member. The process can also include forming a second conductive member over the resistive member and the organic semiconductor layer, such that the resistive member and the organic semiconductor layer lie along parallel conduction paths between the first and second conductive members.
US08264151B2 Color variable field emission device
A field emission device having a simple structure and capable of readily changing emission colors of light by adjusting emission intensity of red, green and blue light is provided. In the field emission device, current that flows into each cathode electrode block is adjusted according to a very low control pulse signal of 0 to 5 V with a predetermined voltage applied to an anode electrode and a gate electrode over time, so that emission intensities of red, green and blue are individually adjusted. Therefore, the current that flows into each cathode electrode block is adjusted in a simple manner using a control pulse signal of a low level without a separate pulse driving high-voltage power supply, so that emission intensities of red, green and blue can be arbitrarily adjusted and emission colors of the field emission device can be readily changed.
US08264148B2 Discharge lamp
A discharge lamp may include a substantially ellipsoidal discharge vessel that surrounds an anode and a cathode that are respectively fixed by current-carrying electrode holders, the latter being guided through bulb shafts arranged diametrically on the discharge vessel, there being provided around the electrode holders at the transition from the discharge vessel to the bulb shafts constrictions that form a connecting channel between the discharge space, surrounded by the discharge vessel, and in each case the bulb shaft spaces surrounded by the bulb shafts, wherein at least one of the discharge vessel, the constrictions and the anode coating is designed in such a way as to reduce or avoid blackening of the discharge vessel in the light-emitting region.
US08264145B2 Display filter, display device including the same, and method of manufacturing the same
A display filter includes a base layer having a plurality of structures, the plurality of structures being projected from a first surface of the base layer, an external light shielding layer on the plurality of structures, the external layer being on an upper surface and on a first side surface of the structures, and an electromagnetic wave shielding layer on the plurality of structures, the electromagnetic wave shielding layer being on the upper surface and on a second side surface of the structures, the first and second side surfaces of the structures being opposite each other, and a portion of the external light shielding layer being between the structures and a portion of the electromagnetic wave shielding layer.
US08264143B2 Organic light emitting display
An organic light emitting display including a first substrate, a second substrate spaced from and positioned opposite the first substrate, a display unit positioned between the first and second substrates, a multi-layered structure between outside areas of the first and second substrates, and an adhesive member positioned in a formation area of the multi-layered structure and configured to seal the first and second substrates.
US08264139B2 Fluorescent display device and manufacturing method therefor
A fluorescent display device includes a housing having with a glass substrate and a circuit board adhered to the inner surface of the glass substrate of the housing. The circuit board includes an anode formed of multiple anode conductors, control elements for controlling the anode conductors and a phosphor layer formed on the anode conductors. The fluorescent display further includes an electron source formed above the anode in the housing, from which electrons are bombarded to the phosphor layer corresponding to the anode conductors selected by the control elements so that a desired display can be obtained. An aluminum thin film with the aluminum area ratio within a range from 30 to 60% is formed on the inner surface of the glass substrate and the circuit board is fixed to the aluminum thin film via a die-bond material.
US08264137B2 Curing binder material for carbon nanotube electron emission cathodes
A binder material, inorganic polymer, is used to formulate carbon nanotube pastes. This material can be cured at 200° C. and has a thermal-stability up to 500° C. Low-out gassing of this binder material makes it a good candidate for long life field emission devices. Due to better adhesion with this binder material, a strong adhesive peelable polymer from liquid form can be applied on the CNT cathode to achieve a uniform activation with even contact and pressure on the surface. The peelable polymer films may be used both as an activation layer and a mask layer to fabricate high-resolution patterned carbon nanotube cathodes for field emission devices using lithographic processes.
US08264135B2 Bezel-less electronic display
A bezel-less display is disclosed that includes an electronic display device and a cover. The electronic display device has an image-displaying portion and another portion adjacent the image-displaying portion along at least one side. The cover is positioned adjacent the electronic display device and includes a first portion positioned adjacent the image-displaying portion of the display device and a second portion positioned adjacent the other portion of the display device. The optical properties of the first and second portions of the cover are selected to present an appearance of a uniform cover without a bezel when the display device is not displaying an image. The optical properties of the first portion are also selected to transmit images displayed on the image-displaying portion. Preferably, the optical properties of the second portion are selected to mask the other portion of the display device. A secondary display device may also be provided that presents an image, such as a logo, independently of whether the other or main electronic display device is displaying an image.
US08264134B2 Ultraminiature broadband light source with spiral shaped filament
An ultraminiature light source using a double-spiral shaped tungsten filament includes end contact portions which are separated to allow for radial and length-wise unwinding of the spiral. The double-spiral filament is spaced relatively far apart at the end portions thereof so that contact between portions of the filament upon expansion is avoided. The light source is made by fabricating a double-spiral ultraminiature tungsten filament from tungsten foil and housing the filament in a ceramic package having a reflective bottom and a well wherein the filament is suspended. A vacuum furnace brazing process attaches the filament to contacts of the ceramic package. Finally, a cover with a transparent window is attached onto the top of the ceramic package by solder reflow in a second vacuum furnace process to form a complete hermetically sealed package.
US08264120B2 Permanent-magnet-less synchronous reluctance system
A permanent magnet-less synchronous system includes a stator that generates a magnetic revolving field when sourced by an alternating current. An uncluttered rotor is disposed within the magnetic revolving field and spaced apart from the stator to form an air gap relative to an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a plurality of rotor pole stacks having an inner periphery biased by single polarity of a north-pole field and a south-pole field, respectively. The outer periphery of each of the rotor pole stacks are biased by an alternating polarity.
US08264118B2 Motor assembly
A motor assembly includes a flexible base mount having an axial tube, a rigid outer mounting shell member inserted into and retained to the axial tube by retaining and retained members disposed therebetween, a stator winding subassembly surrounding the outer mounting shell member and supported by resting on a surrounding ledge of the axial tube, a plug member engaging in a socket cavity of the outer mounting shell member, a flexible inner mounting shell member inserted into the outer mounting shell member, a rotating shaft of a rotor subassembly received in the inner mounting shell member and rotatably born by an antifriction bearing, and an upper positioning ring resting on the bearing. Leakage of lubricant and deformation of the inner mounting shell member can be prevented.
US08264114B2 Electric rotating machine having improved stator coil arrangement for reducing magnetic noise and torque ripple
An electric rotating machine is disclosed which includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a hollow cylindrical stator core and first and second three-phase stator coils. The stator core has a plurality of stator core teeth formed at a predetermined pitch in a circumferential direction of the stator core. Each of the first and second three-phase stator coils is comprised of three phase windings. Each of the phase windings of the first and second three-phase stator coils is wound around each of a predetermined number of the stator core teeth by a predetermined number of turns. The rotor has a plurality of magnetic poles the polarities of which alternate between north and south in the circumferential direction of the stator core. Further, the first and second three-phase stator coils are offset in the circumferential direction of the stator core to have a phase difference of π/6 therebetween.
US08264110B2 Scanner motor
Disclosed herein is a scanner motor. The scanner motor includes a rotating shaft which is axially supported and rotatable, and a bearing which has the shape of a hollow cylinder. The bearing includes a hydrodynamic bearing portion provided on the upper portion of the bearing to rotatably support the rotating shaft, and an oil impregnated sintered bearing portion provided on the lower portion of the bearing.
US08264106B2 Motor and driving device having integrally formed magnetic-pole portions
A magnetic-pole portion can be formed by thread cutting, whereby a motor can be provided at lower cost as compared to a case where the magnetic-pole portion is formed by press-working.
US08264105B2 Resonant actuator for a personal care appliance having a programmable actuation capability
The drive system for a personal care appliance, such as a toothbrush, includes a first opposing pair of permanent magnet assemblies positioned longitudinally along the length of the internal surface of a cylindrical appliance housing, each first permanent magnet assembly having one portion with a north polarity and the other portion a south polarity, and a second pair of permanent magnet assemblies which are orthogonal to the first pair of permanent magnet assemblies, one second permanent magnet assembly having a plurality of abutting first parts along the length thereof, the parts alternating between a north polarity and a south polarity, the other second permanent magnet assembly having similar parts with reversed polarity. First and second armatures are mounted on, or a portion thereof forms, a spindle element which extends along the length of and outward from the cylindrical housing. A plurality of drive windings are positioned around the armatures in such a manner that application of current to the windings, under programmable control, produces axial and/or tangential movement of the spindle and the workpiece.
US08264104B2 Motor for optical systems
A motor for optical systems, for example endoscopes, has a stator with two permanent magnets having poles which are disposed in the same direction and are magnetically interconnected by a flux return element. A coil is disposed between the magnets. Laterally of each magnet, a pole shoe is also magnetically coupled with the flux return element. A slider of the motor includes a yoke of a soft magnetic material, which yoke is in magnetic engagement with the permanent magnets of the stator. When the coil is excited with a current, the slider can be displaced from its rest position along a longitudinal direction.
US08264103B1 System and method for enclosing information handling system component devices
An information handling system component contained within an information handling system housing uses the information handling system housing as at least a portion of a safety enclosure for hazardous functions of the component. A lock out device disables the hazardous function if the information handling system housing is moved relative to the component. For example, an optical disc drive laser is disabled if a Hall effect sensor in the chassis of the optical disc drive no longer senses a magnet placed in a portion of the information handling system housing used to enclose the optical disc drive.
US08264101B2 Beam power with multiple power zones
A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.
US08264095B2 Electrowave
A machine which capitalizes on the descent of water which has been elevated by making use of the random use of waves and or the velocity of the waters.A device which determines the true surface level in spite of random motions of the waters such as waves, surges and etc. by establishing the theory that water seeks its own level.A device which capitalizes on the velocity and weight of water, such as is present in waves and river waters, wherein the current has sufficient velocity to depress a ramp and produce useful energy.
US08264094B2 High voltage direct current link transmission system for variable speed wind turbine
A variable speed wind turbine having a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), includes an exciter machine mechanically coupled to the DFIG and a power converter placed between a rotor of the DFIG and the exciter machine. Thus, the power converter is not directly connected to the grid avoiding the introduction of undesired harmonic distortion and achieving a better power quality fed into the utility grid. Moreover, the variable speed wind turbine includes a power control and a pitch regulation.
US08264093B2 Wave energy converter
A wave energy converting apparatus 44 and its associated tension mooring system 50 is described. The wave energy converting apparatus 44 comprises an elongate support structure 45 designed to extend above a mean water level in the ocean. The support structure 45 has a submerged member 46 provided in connection therewith below the mean water level. A float member 48 of positive buoyancy is slidably mounted on the support structure 45 so as to be movable in a vertical direction. The apparatus 44 also comprises a linear electric generator 49 having a stator provided in connection with the support structure 45 and a translator integrated into the body of the float member 48. Differential motion of the float member 48 relative to the support structure 45 results in the generation of electrical power by the linear electric generator 49. The tension mooring system 50 comprises a cable 51 extending from a ballast means 52 to a counterbalancing means 53 adapted to be suspended from the submerged member 46 via a pulley mechanism 54. The tension mooring system 50 allows the apparatus 44 to be “tuned” to the prevailing ocean conditions.
US08264086B2 Via structure with improved reliability
A via structure having improved reliability and performance and methods of forming the same are provided. The via structure includes a first-layer conductive line, a second-layer conductive line, and a via electrically coupled between the first-layer conductive line and the second-layer conductive line. The via has a substantially tapered profile and substantially extends into a recess in the first-layer conductive line.
US08264079B2 Semiconductor device mounted structure and its manufacturing method, semiconductor device mounting method, and pressing tool
While bumps formed on pads of a semiconductor chip and a board having a sheet-like seal-bonding resin stuck on its surface are set face to face, the bumps and the board are pressed to each other with a tool, thereby forming a semiconductor chip mounted structure in which the seal-bonding resin is filled between the semiconductor chip and the board and in which the pads of the semiconductor chip and the electrodes of the board are connected to each other via the bumps, respectively. Entire side faces at corner portions of the semiconductor chip are covered with the seal-bonding resin. Therefore, loads generated at the corner portions due to board flexures for thermal expansion and contraction differences among the individual members caused by heating and cooling during mounting as well as for mechanical loads after mounting so that internal breakdown of the semiconductor chip can be avoided.
US08264076B2 Power type LED
A group of LED chips mounted on the frame, with an exterior wrapping layer made of a fluorescent substance, wherein said support frame contains a left support and an opposite right support placed at a distance from each other. A group of LED chips is respectively fixed onto a chip-fixing surface of the left support and the right support, with all LED chips serial-connected or parallel-connected with conducting wires. One of the supports is used as the positive pole and the other is used as the negative pole. The middle segment of the left and right supports is wrapped with an insulating layer which combines the left and right supports into an integrated support frame and insulates them from each other. The outer side of the upper part of the two-support frame is covered with a fluorescent layer which can enclose LED chips.
US08264075B2 Stacked-die package including substrate-ground coupling
Method and apparatus are provided for semiconductor device packages. In an example, an apparatus can include a first semiconductor device, a ground pad situated on an uppermost portion of the first semiconductor device and configured to electrically couple portions of the first semiconductor device to aground potential, and a second semiconductor device having at least a portion in electrical communication with an uppermost face of the first semiconductor device through a first electrically-conductive adhesive. In an example, the first electrically-conductive adhesive can be electrically coupled to the ground bond pad on the first semiconductor device.
US08264071B2 Power semiconductor module with overcurrent protective device
A power semiconductor module having at least one fuse. The power semiconductor module comprises a housing, load terminal elements that lead outside of the housing, and a substrate disposed inside the housing with a plurality of metal connecting tracks of different polarity electrically insulated from one another. On at least one of these connecting tracks, at least one power semiconductor component is disposed and is connected correctly in terms of circuitry to first connecting elements that have a first line cross section. The fuse comprises a second connecting element that has a second line cross section, less than the first, and is disposed between two connecting tracks and/or between a connecting track and a load terminal element. The second connecting element is sheathed in one portion by an explosion protection means.
US08264070B2 Package structure with ESD and EMI preventing functions
A package structure with ESD (electrostatic discharge) and EMI (electromagnetic interference) preventing functions includes: a carrier having first and second ground structures electrically insulated from one another; a semiconductor component disposed on one surface of the carrier and electrically connected to the first ground structure; and a lid member disposed to cover the carrier and the semiconductor component and electrically connected to the second ground structure. The semiconductor component and the lid member are electrically connected with the first ground structure and the second ground structure, respectively, such that electrostatic charges and electromagnetic waves can be conducted away individually without damaging the semiconductor component, thereby improving yield and reducing the risk of short circuits.
US08264067B2 Through silicon via (TSV) wire bond architecture
A through silicon via architecture for integrated circuits is provided. The integrated circuit (IC) includes a substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface with circuitry formed on the top surface, a plurality of bonding pads formed along a periphery of the bottom surface, and a backside metal layer (BML) formed on the bottom surface and electrically coupled to a second subset of bonding pads in the plurality of bonding pads. A first subset of bonding pads in the plurality of bonding pads is electrically coupled to circuitry on the top surface with through silicon vias (TSV). The BML distributes electrical signals provided by the second subset of bonding pads.
US08264065B2 ESD/antenna diodes for through-silicon vias
Roughly described, an antenna diode is formed at least partially within the exclusion zone around a TSV, and is connected to the TSV by way of a metal 1 layer conductor at the same time that the TSV is connected to either the gate poly or a diffusion region of one or more transistors placed outside the exclusion zone.
US08264061B2 Phase change memory cell and devices containing same
A device with a memory array is disclosed. In one embodiment, the memory array includes a plurality of memory cells, each including an electrode and a phase change material. The electrode may be disposed on a substrate, the electrode having a sublithographic lateral dimension parallel to the substrate. The phase change material may be coupled to the electrode and include a lateral dimension parallel to the substrate and greater than the sublithographic lateral dimension of the electrode.
US08264053B2 Semiconductor device including a magnetic tunnel junction and method of manufacturing the same
To provide a semiconductor device that has an improved adhesion between a bottom conductive layer and a protection film protecting an MTJ element. This semiconductor device includes a bottom electrode formed over a semiconductor substrate, an MTJ element part formed over a part of the bottom electrode by lamination of a bottom magnetic film, an insulating film, a top magnetic film, and a top electrode in this order, and a protection film formed over the bottom electrode so as to cover the MTJ element part, wherein the bottom electrode is formed by amorphized metal nitride and the protection film is formed by an insulating film containing nitrogen.
US08264048B2 Multi-gate device having a T-shaped gate structure
A multi-gate device having a T-shaped gate structure is generally described. In one example, an apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, at least one multi-gate fin coupled with the semiconductor substrate, the multi-gate fin having a gate region, a source region, and a drain region, the gate region being positioned between the source and drain regions, a gate dielectric coupled to the gate region of the multi-gate fin, a gate electrode coupled to the gate dielectric, the gate electrode having a first thickness and a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, a first spacer dielectric coupled to a portion of the gate electrode having the first thickness, and a second spacer dielectric coupled to the first spacer dielectric and coupled to the gate electrode where the second spacer dielectric is coupled to a portion of the gate electrode having the second thickness.
US08264047B2 Semiconductor component with a trench edge termination
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body having a first surface and a second surface, and having an inner region and an edge region. The semiconductor component further includes a pn-junction between a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type and a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, the pn-junction extending in a lateral direction of the semiconductor body in the inner region. A first trench extends from the first side in the edge region into the semiconductor body. The trench has sidewalls that are arranged opposite to another and that are beveled relative to a horizontal direction of the semiconductor body.
US08264044B2 Integrated circuit including cross-coupled transistors having two complementary pairs of co-aligned gate electrodes with offset contacting structures positioned between transistors of different type
Each of first and second PMOS transistors, and first and second NMOS transistors has a respective diffusion terminal with a direct electrical connection to a common node, and has a respective gate electrode formed from an originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. Centerlines of the originating rectangular-shaped layout features are aligned to be parallel with a first direction. The first PMOS transistor gate electrode is electrically connected to the second NMOS transistor electrode. The second PMOS transistor gate electrode is electrically connected to the first NMOS transistor gate electrode. The first and second PMOS transistors, and the first and second NMOS transistors together define a cross-coupled transistor configuration having commonly oriented gate electrodes formed from respective rectangular-shaped layout features.
US08264036B2 Power semiconductor device with low on-state voltage and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device according to the invention includes n-type semiconductor substrate 1; trenches 15 formed in the surface portion of semiconductor substrate 1; a protruding semiconductor region between trenches 15; p-type base layer 2 in the protruding semiconductor region, p-type base layer 2 being positioned as deep as or shallower than trench 15; an n++-type emitter region or a source region in the surface portion of p-type base layer 2; gate insulator film 4a on the first side wall of the protruding semiconductor region; and gate electrode 6 on gate insulator film 4a. Trench 15 is from 0.5 μm to 3.0 μm deep and the short side of trench 15 is 1.0 μm or longer. The short side of the protruding semiconductor region is from 0.5 μm to 3.0 μm long. Gate electrode 6 contains electrically conductive polycrystalline silicon as its main component. Gate electrode 6 is from 0.2 μm to 1.0 μm thick. The semiconductor device according to the invention is manufactured with very low manufacturing costs and with a high throughput of non-defective products. The semiconductor device according to the invention facilitates exhibiting a high IE effects, exhibiting a low ON-state voltage, preventing electric field localization from causing and realizing a high breakdown voltage.
US08264027B2 Printed non-volatile memory
A nonvolatile memory cell is disclosed, having first and second semiconductor islands at the same horizontal level and spaced a predetermined distance apart, the first semiconductor island providing a control gate and the second semiconductor island providing source and drain terminals; a gate dielectric layer on at least part of the first semiconductor island; a tunneling dielectric layer on at least part of the second semiconductor island; a floating gate on at least part of the gate dielectric layer and the tunneling dielectric layer; and a metal layer in electrical contact with the control gate and the source and drain terminals. In one advantageous embodiment, the nonvolatile memory cell may be manufactured using an “all-printed” process technology.
US08264026B2 Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of manufacturing the same
Nonvolatile memory devices and related methods of manufacturing the same are provided. A nonvolatile memory device includes a tunneling layer on a substrate, a floating gate on the tunneling layer, an inter-gate dielectric layer structure on the floating gate, and a control gate on the inter-gate dielectric layer structure. The inter-gate dielectric layer structure includes a first silicon oxide layer, a high dielectric layer on the first silicon oxide layer, and a second silicon oxide layer on the high dielectric layer opposite to the first silicon oxide layer The high dielectric layer may include first and second high dielectric layers laminated on each other, and the first high dielectric layer may have a lower density of electron trap sites than the second high dielectric layer and may have a larger energy band gap or conduction band-offset than the second high dielectric layer.
US08264025B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of forming the nonvolatile memory device including giving an upper portion of an insulating layer an etching selectivity with respect to a lower portion
A nonvolatile memory device and a method of forming a nonvolatile memory device are provided. The nonvolatile memory device includes an active region of a semiconductor substrate defined by a device isolation layer, a tunnel insulating structure disposed on the active region, and a charge storage structure disposed on the tunnel insulating structure. The nonvolatile memory device also includes a gate interlayer dielectric layer disposed on the charge storage structure, and a control gate electrode disposed on the gate interlayer dielectric layer. The charge storage structure includes an upper charge storage structure and a lower charge storage structure, and the upper charge storage structure has a higher impurity concentration than the lower charge storage structure.
US08264024B2 Spin transistor, programmable logic circuit, and magnetic memory
A spin transistor includes a non-magnetic semiconductor substrate having a channel region, a first area, and a second area. The channel region is between the first and the second areas. The spin transistor also includes a first conductive layer located above the first area and made of a ferromagnetic material magnetized in a first direction; and a second conductive layer located above the second area and made of a ferromagnetic material magnetized in one of the first direction and a second direction that is antiparallel with respect to the first direction. The channel region introduces electron spin between the conductive layers. The spin transistor also includes a gate electrode located between the conductive layers and above the channel region; and a tunnel barrier film located between the non-magnetic semiconductor substrate and at least one of the conductive layers.
US08264023B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a lower electrode, a magnetoresistive element, an upper electrode, and a protective film. The lower electrode is formed over the semiconductor substrate. The magnetoresistive element includes a fixed layer, a tunneling insulating film, and a free layer. The upper electrode is disposed over the free layer. The protective film covers the sides intersecting the main surfaces of the lower electrode, the fixed layer, the tunneling insulating film, the free layer, and the upper electrode. The fixed layer, whose magnetization direction is fixed, is disposed over the lower electrode. The tunneling insulating film is disposed over the fixed layer. The free layer, whose magnetization direction is variable, is disposed over a main surface of the tunneling insulating film. The width of the upper electrode is smaller than that of each of the lower electrode and the fixed layer.
US08264022B2 Semiconductor device including contact plug and associated methods
A semiconductor device and associated methods, the semiconductor device including a semiconductor layer including a first region and a second region, a first contact plug disposed on the semiconductor layer and electrically connected to the first region, a second contact plug disposed on the semiconductor layer and electrically connected to the second region, a conductive layer electrically connected to the first contact plug, the conductive layer having a side surface and a bottom surface, and an insulating layer disposed between the conductive layer and the second contact plug so as to insulate the conductive layer from the second contact plug, the insulating layer facing the side surface and a portion of the bottom surface of the conductive layer.
US08264017B2 Junction field effect transistor having a double gate structure
A junction field effect transistor includes a channel region, a gate region coupled to the channel region, a well tap region coupled to the gate region and the channel region, and a well region coupled to the well tap region and the channel region. A double gate operation is achieved by this structure as a voltage applied to the gate region is also applied to the well region through the well tap region in order to open the channel from both the gate region and the well region.
US08264016B2 Semiconductor device including a channel stop zone
A semiconductor device as described herein includes a body region of a first conductivity type adjoining a channel region of a second conductivity at a first side of the channel region. A gate control region of the first conductivity type adjoins the channel region at a second side of the channel region opposed to the first side, the channel region being configured to be controlled in its conductivity by voltage application between the gate control region and the body region. A source zone of the second conductivity type is arranged within the body region and a channel stop zone of the second conductivity type is arranged at the first side, the channel stop zone being arranged at least partly within at least one of the body region and the channel region. The channel stop zone includes a maximum concentration of dopants lower than a maximum concentration of dopants of the source zone.
US08264015B2 Semiconductor device wherein a first insulated gate field effect transistor is connected in series with a second field effect transistor
A semiconductor device in which a first insulated gate field effect transistor (1) is connected in series with a second field effect transistor, FET, (2), wherein the second field effect transistor (2) has a heavily doped source region (19A) which is electrically connected to a heavily doped drain contact region (191) of the first insulated gate field effect transistor, and further that the breakthrough voltage of the first insulated gate field effect transistor (1) is higher than the pinch voltage, Vp, of the second field effect transistor (2).
US08264012B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a field effect transistor and a strain generating layer to apply a stress to a channel region of the field effect transistor. The strain generating layer contains at least one of oxygen and nitrogen of 1.0×1018 cm−3 to 5.0×1019 cm−3, or alternatively, the strain generating layer contains self-interstitial atoms and/or vacancies of 1.0×1018 cm−3 to 5.0×1019 cm−3. In the latter case, at least a portion of the self-interstitial atoms and/or the vacancies exist as a cluster.
US08264011B2 Semiconductor device
CMOS inverters are included in a standard cell. Power supply lines are electrically connected to CMOS inverters, and include lower layer interconnects and upper layer interconnect. Lower layer interconnects extend along a boundary of standard cells adjacent to each other and on the boundary. Upper layer interconnects are positioned more inside in standard cell than lower layer interconnects, as viewed from a plane. CMOS inverters are electrically connected through upper layer interconnects to lower layer interconnects. Thus, a semiconductor device is obtained that can achieve both higher speeds and higher integration.
US08264010B2 Layout for high density conductive interconnects
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for connecting a plurality of bit lines to sense circuitry comprises providing a plurality of bit lines extending from a memory array in a first metal layer. The plurality of bit lines are separated from each other by an average spacing x in a first region of the first metal layer. The method further comprises elevating a portion of the plurality of bit lines into a second metal layer overlying the first metal layer. The elevated bit lines are separated from each other by an average spacing y in the second metal layer, with y>x. The method further comprises extending a portion of the plurality of bit lines into a second region of the first metal layer. The extended bit lines are separated from each other by an average spacing z in the second region of the first metal layer, with z>x. The method further comprises connecting a bit line in the second metal layer and a bit line in the first metal layer to the sense circuitry.
US08264004B2 Mechanism for forming a remote delta doping layer of a quantum well structure
A method of fabricating a quantum well device includes forming a diffusion barrier on sides of a delta layer of a quantum well to confine dopants to the quantum well.
US08264003B2 Merged cascode transistor
A merged gate transistor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor element, a supply electrode electrically connected to a top surface of the semiconductor element, drain electrode electrically connected to the top surface of the semiconductor element and spaced laterally away from the supply electrode, a first gate positioned between the supply electrode and the drain electrode and capacitively coupled to the semiconductor element to form a first portion of the transistor and a second gate positioned adjacent to the first gate, and between the supply electrode and the drain electrode to form a second portion of the transistor, wherein the second gate is also capacitively coupled to the semiconductor element. The first gate is connected to an input voltage signal such that conduction of the first portion is based on a value of the input voltage signal and the second gate is connected to a predetermined constant voltage such that the second portion of the transistor conducts until a voltage difference between the predetermined constant voltage and a voltage at the source electrode reaches a predetermined level.
US08263998B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device comprising a semiconductor light-emitting stack, comprising a light emitting area; an electrode formed on the semiconductor light-emitting stack, wherein the electrode comprises a current injected portion and an extension portion; a current blocking structure formed between the current injected portion and the semiconductor light-emitting stack, and formed between a first part of the extension portion and the semiconductor light-emitting stack; and an electrical contact structure formed between a second part of the extension portion and the semiconductor light-emitting stack.
US08263996B2 Light emitting device and fabrication method thereof and light emitting system using the same
A light emitting device comprises a light emitting element having a first electrode and a second electrode, and a semiconductor member having a cavity in a principal surface thereof, inside which the light emitting element is mounted, and electrically connected to the light emitting element, wherein the semiconductor member is constructed as a voltage regulating diode for stabilizing a voltage supplied from the exterior. As a result, the light emitting element can be protected from a static electricity or a surge voltage flowed therein from the exterior, the entire size of the system can be remarkably reduced so as to simplify a structure thereof, and heat generated from the system can be effectively discharged to the exterior. In addition, by providing a reflection portion in the cavity, light emitted from the light emitting element can be efficiently condensed.
US08263995B2 Three dimensional features on light emitting diodes for improved light extraction
A method is disclosed for obtaining a high-resolution lenticular pattern on the surface of a light emitting diode. The method comprises imprinting a patterned sacrificial layer of etchable material that is positioned on a semiconductor surface that is in turn adjacent a light emitting active region, and thereafter etching the imprinted sacrificial layer and the underlying semiconductor to transfer an imprinted pattern into the semiconductor layer adjacent the light emitting active region.
US08263988B2 Solid state lighting devices with reduced crystal lattice dislocations and associated methods of manufacturing
Solid state lighting devices and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a solid state lighting device includes a substrate material having a substrate surface and a plurality of hemispherical grained silicon (“HSG”) structures on the substrate surface of the substrate material. The solid state lighting device also includes a semiconductor material on the substrate material, at least a portion of which is between the plurality of HSG structures.
US08263986B2 Optically interrogated solid state biosensors incorporating porous materials—devices
Quantitative understanding of neural and biological activity at a sub-millimeter scale requires an integrated probe platform that combines biomarker sensors together with electrical stimulus/recording sites. Optically addressed biomarker sensors within such an integrated probe platform allows remote interrogation from the activity being measured. Monolithic or hybrid integrated silicon probe platforms would beneficially allow for accurate control of neural prosthetics, brain machine interfaces, etc as well as helping with complex brain diseases and disorders. According to the invention a silicon probe platform is provided employing ultra-thin silicon in conjunction with optical waveguides, optoelectronic interfaces, porous filter elements, and integrated CMOS circuitry. Such probes allowing simultaneously analysis of both neural electrical activities along with chemical activity derived from multiple biomolecular sensors with porous membrane filters. Such porous silicon and polymer filters providing biomolecular filtering and optical filtering being compatible with post-processing wafers with integrated CMOS electronics.
US08263985B2 Semiconductor light emitting device having one or more recesses on a layer
Disclosed is a semiconductor light emitting device. The semiconductor light emitting device comprises a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer comprising a plurality of recesses on the active layer.
US08263982B2 Thin film transistor with a high impurity region overlapping the gate electrode
A thin film transistor includes a gate electrode and a semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes a channel region, a source region, a drain region, a low-concentration impurity region provided between the channel region and the source or drain region and a high-concentration impurity region. The high-concentration impurity region overlaps with the gate electrode.
US08263981B2 Display panel
A display panel having a display area and a non-display area outside the display area is provided. The display panel includes a first substrate, a conductive light-shielding pattern, color filter patterns, first spacers, transparent pads, a second substrate, scan lines, data lines, pixel structures, third pads and fourth pads. The conductive light-shielding pattern defines a conductive matrix pattern, a plurality of first pads and second pads. Each first pad is electrically connected with one of the corresponding second pads through the conductive matrix pattern. The color filter patterns include a plurality of first filter patterns and second filter patterns. The second filter patterns are located within the non-display area and disposed on the second pads. The first spacers are disposed on the second filter patterns, and the transparent pads cover the first spacers and contact the second pads.
US08263978B2 Thin film transistor and method of manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, the TFT including a gate insulating layer on a gate. A channel may be formed on a portion of the gate insulating layer corresponding to the gate. A metal material may be formed on a surface of the channel. The metal material crystallizes the channel. A source and a drain may contact side surfaces of the channel.
US08263974B2 Organic light emitting device
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a heterocyclic compound and an organic light-emitting device including the heterocyclic compound. The organic light-emitting devices using the heterocyclic compounds have high-efficiency, low driving voltage, high luminance and long lifespan.
US08263973B2 Anthracene compounds for luminescent applications
This invention relates to anthracene derivatives that are useful in electroluminescent applications. It also relates to electronic devices in which the active layer includes such an anthracene derivative.
US08263970B2 Optical device having solvate and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses a manufacturing method for an optical device having a solvate, comprising the following steps: providing a substrate, depositing a solute on the substrate, and placing the substrate in the vapor environment of a solvent such that the solvent and the solute on the substrate form a solvate exhibiting optical properties. Furthermore, the present invention provides an optical device having a solvate, which modulates the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the optical device via the solvate. The optical device is obtained by means of the above-described manufacturing method.
US08263966B2 Photodetector and method for manufacturing photodetector
A photodetector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an n-type InAs substrate 12; an n-type InAs buffer layer 14 formed on the n-type InAs substrate 12; an n-type InAs light absorbing layer 16 formed on the n-type InAs buffer layer 14; an InAsXPYSb1-X-Y cap layer 18 (X≧0, Y>0) formed on the n-type InAs light absorbing layer 16; a first inorganic insulating film 20 formed on the cap layer 18, and having an opening portion 20h in a deposition direction; a p-type impurity semiconductor region 24 fowled by diffusing a p-type impurity from the opening portion 20h of the first inorganic insulating film 20, and reaching from the cap layer 18 to an upper layer of the n-type InAs light absorbing layer 16; and a second inorganic insulating film 22 formed on the first inorganic insulating film 20 and on the p-type impurity semiconductor region 24.
US08263963B2 Phase change memory device
Provided are a phase change memory device and a method for forming the phase change memory device. The method includes forming a phase change material layer by providing reactive radicals to a substrate. The reactive radicals may comprise precursors for a phase change material and nitrogen.
US08263961B2 Thin film memory device having a variable resistance
A thin film storage device includes a first electrode (3), a first variable resistance thin film (2), and a second electrode (1). The first electrode (3) is formed over a surface of a substrate (4). The first variable resistance thin film (2) is formed over a surface of the first electrode (3). The second electrode (1) is formed over a surface of the first variable resistance thin film (2). The first variable resistance thin film (2) comprises a material whose resistance in a bulk state changes in accordance with at least one of a lattice strain and a change of charge-order.
US08263959B2 Phase change memory device and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacturing a memory device is provided. The method includes forming an electrode over a substrate. The method also includes forming an opening in the electrode to provide a tapered electrode contact surface proximate the opening. The method further includes forming a phase change feature over the electrode and on the tapered electrode contact surface.
US08263958B2 Layered resistance variable memory device and method of fabrication
The invention is related to methods and apparatus for providing a resistance variable memory element with improved data retention and switching characteristics. According to one embodiment of the invention, a resistance variable memory element is provided having at least one silver-selenide layer in between two glass layers, wherein at least one of the glass layers is a chalcogenide glass, preferably having a GexSe100−x composition. According to another embodiment of the invention, a resistance variable memory element is provided having at least one silver-selenide layer in between chalcogenide glass layers and further having a silver layer above at least one of said chalcogenide glass layers and a conductive adhesion layer above said silver layer. According to the another embodiment of the invention, a resistance variable memory element is provided having a first chalcogenide glass layer, a silver layer over said chalcogenide glass layer, a second chalcogenide glass layer over said silver layer, a second silver layer over said second chalcogenide glass layer, and a conductive adhesion layer over said a second silver layer.
US08263956B2 Optical flow channel measuring instrument
An optical measuring instrument includes: a flow channel for allowing a specimen to be circulated therein; a first light source including a light emitting diode for emitting light to be used for optical adjustment and/or image confirmation in the flow channel; a second light source for irradiating light upon the specimen circulated in the flow channel; and a light detector for detecting the spectrum intensity of the light emitted from the first and second light sources.
US08263950B2 Radiation source
A radiation source may include a radiation emitter for emitting radiation, a collector for collecting radiation emitted by the radiation emitter, and an outlet configured, in use, to introduce a cooled gas into the radiation source.
US08263946B2 Method and apparatus for high-resolution optical scanning of a sample
A method and an apparatus are suggested for high-resolution optical scanning, particularly in a laser scanning fluorescence microscope. A sample to be scanned comprises a first and a second substance that are switchable into a first and second energy state. In the scanning process, excitation, de-excitation and detection for the first substance is carried out at a different point in time than for the second substance. This achieves a high spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit while at the same time a high level of information is provided with physically simple and economical means.
US08263941B2 Mass analysis magnet for a ribbon beam
A ribbon beam mass analyzer having a first and second solenoid coils and steel yoke arrangement. Each of the solenoid coils have a substantially “racetrack” configuration defining a space through which an ion ribbon beam travels. The solenoid coils are spaced apart along the direction of travel of the ribbon beam. Each of the solenoid coils generates a uniform magnetic field to accommodate mass resolution of wide ribbon beams to produce a desired image of ions generated from an ion source.
US08263938B2 Dual energy radiation scanning of objects
In one embodiment, a method of examining an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object at first and second radiation energies, detecting radiation at the first and second energies, and calculating a function of the radiation detected at the first and second energies. The function may be calculated for corresponding portions of the object. It is determined whether the object at least potentially comprises high atomic number material having an atomic number greater than a predetermined atomic number based, at least in part, on the function. The function may be a ratio. The function may be compared to a second function, which may be a threshold having a value based, at least in part, on material of the predetermined atomic number. The second function may be the same as the first function.
US08263936B2 Transmission electron microscope having electron spectroscope
A transmission electron microscope is capable of correcting, with high efficiency and high accuracy, an electron energy loss spectrum extracted from each of measured portions included in an electron energy loss spectral image with two axes representing the amount of an energy loss and positional information on a measured portion. The transmission electron microscope has an electron spectroscope and a spectrum correction system. The spectrum correction system corrects a spectrum extracted from each measured portion included in an electron energy loss spectral image acquired from a sample based on a difference between a spectrum extracted from a standard portion of a standard spectral image and a spectrum extracted from a portion different from the standard portion.
US08263935B2 Charged particle beam apparatus
A charged particle beam apparatus for obtaining information of an uneven surface or a depression/protrusion of a sample by irradiating a charged particle beam to a sample having an uneven surface or a depression/protrusion at a plurality of focal positions, measuring signal emitted from the sample, and comparing profile waveforms corresponding to edge portions of the uneven surface.
US08263933B2 Device and method for analyzing an organic sample
A device and method for analyzing an organic sample provide high spatial resolution. A focused ion beam is directed onto the organic sample. Fragments detached from the sample are examined using mass spectroscopy.
US08263931B2 Method for identifying in particular unknown substances by mass spectrometry
In order to use the mass spectrometrical analysis at the same time to determine the structure and/or families and/or the chemical properties of a substance, free of subjective evaluation, in the shortest amount of time, in an automatable fashion and with high accuracy, without requiring identical fragmentation patterns and/or defined comparison or identification rules, according to the invention a fragmentation graph is formed from one or more mass spectrometrical fragmentation spectra of the substance, the data of the graph being compared to reference data preferably stored in an electronic database. The invention is used in particular in biological, pharmaceutical and chemical applications for determining the structure and/or the family and/or the chemical properties of unknown substances.
US08263925B2 Acquisition circuit comprising a buffer capacitor
The acquisition circuit comprises a second and third electronic switch connected in series between a photodetector and a first input terminal of an amplifier. A reference voltage is applied to a second input terminal of the amplifier, the reference voltage being applied between the photodetector and the second electronic switch by means of a fourth electronic switch. An integration capacitor and a first electronic switch are connected in parallel between the first input terminal and an output terminal of the amplifier. A buffer capacitor is connected between a common terminal of the second and third electronic switches and a secondary voltage. The electrical capacitance of the buffer capacitor is at least equal to that of the integration capacitor.
US08263924B2 Ground and power mesh in an integrated circuit chip
A chip device with a number of individually powered parts, such as photoreceptors. A mesh is provided to provide power to the individual photoreceptors. The mesh may be provided for ground and power and/or both. The mesh may be on different layers, so that one portion of the mesh is exactly over the other portion of the mesh. The mesh takes up a portion of real estate on the chip in between the individual photoreceptors, in locations where image sensing parts cannot be located. In an embodiment, the mesh can be intentionally broken at various locations to optimize the path length.
US08263923B2 4T-4S step and repeat unit pixel and image sensor including the unit pixel
Disclosed are a 4T-4S step & repeat unit pixel used in an image sensor and an image sensor having the same. The 4T-4S step & repeat unit pixel has four diffusion area patterns for photodiodes and three diffusion area patterns for an image signal conversion circuit. An aperture ratio of the image sensor increases in maximum by using four photodiodes arranged in a diagonal direction from each other and three diffusion area patterns arranged between the photodiodes near their edges.
US08263922B2 Image sensor
The present invention provides an image sensor. The image sensor comprises a plurality of pixels. Each pixel comprises an optical element and at least a dummy metal segment disposed above the optical element, wherein the dummy metal segment is not directly above the optical element. The image sensor includes a dummy metal segment with a size different from a size of another dummy metal segment included in the image sensor.
US08263918B2 Microwave packaging
A microwave packaging made of a flexible, heat-sealable laminate has a grid structure made of electrically non-conductive cells that do not absorb microwaves, and an electrically conductive metal grid that separates the cells from one another. The metal grid has a layer thickness of at least 1 μm, and the cells each have a size between 100 mm2 and 1200 mm2. The proportion of the non-conductive area formed by the cells amounts to at least 50% of the total area. A liquid-tight outer film follows a first side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one connecting layer, and a moisture-absorbent layer follows a second side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one intermediate layer, and has a polymer base substance and extends essentially over the entire area of the laminate. The microwave packaging is formed from the laminate by heat-sealing.
US08263915B2 Electric induction impeder
An impeder for use in an electric induction welding process is provided. A cooling medium is circulated centrally through the impeder's magnetic material and between the interior of the impeder's high temperature enclosure and the exterior of the magnetic material within the impeder with the impeder entry and exit passages for the cooling medium located on the same side of the impeder.
US08263913B2 Device equipped with planar heater
The planar heater includes an insulating substrate, an electric conductive film disposed on the substrate, a plurality of electrodes both attached to one side of the electric conductive film, and an insulating film covering the electric conductive film. The electric conductive film is preferably formed of material having a resistance temperature coefficient of 420 ppm/° C. or higher at normal temperature.
US08263909B2 Cooking apparatus and heater supporter for the same
A heater supporter for use in a cooking apparatus is provided. The heater supporter may include a clip portion that receives a heater, an extension portion that supports the clip portion, and a hook portion that couples the heater supporter to an installation plane of the heater. The extension portion may include an elastic portion that elastically supports the clip portion and heater therein, and maintains at least a predetermined distance between the heater and the installation plane. The heater supporter may be formed of a single panel to simplify fabrication and reduce cost.
US08263908B2 Heater plate and a method for manufacturing the heater plate
A heater plate may be manufactured by receiving a sheath heater within a groove portion formed in a base member made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. At least one joint member made of aluminum or aluminum alloy may be placed into the groove portion so as to fix the sheath heater in the groove portion. The joint member may have two correspondingly tapered portions facing each other which extend toward a lower end thereof such that a distance between the two tapered portions becomes narrower and a width of a surface portion contacting with the sheath heater in the joint member is larger than a width of the sheath heater. The base member and the joint member may be metal-bonded such that a force is added from an upper surface of the base member toward the sheath heater direction, wit the sheath heater fixed in place therebetween.
US08263907B2 Method of baking and an oven
A baker's oven 10 and a method of operating the baking oven 10. The baking oven 10 including heating means 50 arranged to underlie baking trays 31 to provide a substantial proportion of the heat to the baking trays 31 than to other portions of the oven, a temperature sensor 62 for providing a signal indicative of oven temperature. An interface 60 is adapted to receive information from a baker indicative of a bake program and information corresponding to products being loaded into the oven. The control means 61 is operatively connected to the heating means 50, the temperature sensor 62 and the interface 60 to receive signals corresponding to oven variables comprising the oven temperature and a fixed baking time indicative of the product. The control means 61 is adapted to deactivate the heating means 50 after a first predetermined portion of the fixed baking time has elapsed in response to the oven temperature reaching a trip temperature.
US08263905B2 Heat generation sheet and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a heat generation sheet and a method of fabricating the same. The heat generation sheet includes: a base comprising first and second sides; a heat generation layer which is formed in at least one region of the first side of the base and in which a plurality of conductive nanoparticles are physically necked; a protective layer protecting the heat generation layer; and an electric feeding part supplying power to the heat generation layer. The heat generation layer is formed by coating and heat treating a nanoparticle dispersion solution.
US08263903B2 Method for stablizing an output of a pulsed laser system using pulse shaping
A method for stabilizing an output of a pulsed laser system includes a directly modulated laser diode by mitigating the effect of switching transients on the temporal shape of the outputted pulses. The method includes controlling a pulse shaping signal to define, over time, processing and conditioning periods. During the processing periods, the pulse shaping signal has an amplitude profile tailored to produce the desired temporal shape of the output. Each conditioning period either immediately precedes or follows a processing period. During a given processing period, the amplitude profile of the pulse shaping signal is tailored so that the drive current of the laser diode is lower than its maximum value during the corresponding processing period, and is of the same order of magnitude as the laser threshold current of the laser diode. In this manner, the stability of the output during the corresponding processing period is improved.
US08263900B2 Laser beam processing machine
A laser beam processing machine is provided which includes a laser beam irradiation unit including a laser beam oscillation unit and a processing head provided with a condenser lens condensing a laser beam oscillated from the laser beam oscillation unit. The processing head includes a liquid column forming mechanism provided with a jet nozzle adapted to jet liquid along an optical path for the laser beam condensed by the condenser lens, and a water droplet suction mechanism disposed below the liquid column forming mechanism and provided with an insertion passage through which a liquid column jetted from the jet nozzle is passed and with an annular suction port formed to surround the insertion passage and communicate with suction means.
US08263898B2 Device for producing tailored blanks by cutting welding sheets to be joined
The invention relates to a device and a method for producing tailored blanks. The device comprises a workpiece carrier for the sheets (15a, 15b) that are to be joined into tailored blanks in the butt joint by welding. The invention further comprises a plurality of laser welding heads (14a, 14b), which are arranged one behind the other over the workpiece carrier and along the butt joint to be welded and can be moved with an advancing device (11a, 11b), wherein the heads can be aligned with the joint using positioning means, wherein at least two combined laser cutting and welding heads (14a, 14b) are carried by at least two independent arms (13a, 13b), each associated with independent units (11a, 11b) of the advancing device, and wherein the positioning means can adjust the distances of the units (11a, 11b) in the direction of the butt joint and also the distances of the cutting and welding heads (14a, 14b) in the transversal direction to the butt joint.
US08263897B2 Induction device
A device for sustaining a plasma in a torch is provided. In certain examples, the device comprises a first electrode configured to couple to a power source and constructed and arranged to provide a loop current along a radial plane of the torch. In some examples, the radial plane of the torch is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the torch.
US08263895B2 Electro-discharge electrode and method of use
An electrode for machining a pattern in a workpiece has a conductive body with a lattice of closed cells and a plurality of open cells. The open cells are positioned at an edge of the lattice of closed cells. The closed cells are defined by interconnected webs, and the open cells are defined by fins extending from the interconnected webs. A thickness of the fins is less than a thickness of the webs. In use, the electrode is positioned at a plurality of locations on the workpiece, such that a position of the fins of the electrode at each location overlaps a position of the fins of the electrode at an adjacent location. The pattern is formed at each of the plurality of locations by passing electrical charges repeatedly between the electrode and the workpiece and advancing the electrode into the workpiece.
US08263891B2 Electric switching arrangement and mounting method
An electric switching arrangement disposable in an arcing chamber, the electric switching arrangement including a busbar having a termination surface, a moving contact, a fixed contact carrier having a contact facing carrier, and a fixed contact disposed on the fixed contact carrier at a distance from the termination surface and coupled to the termination surface. The electric switching arrangement further including a ferromagnetic switch arc splitter non-positively disposed on the fixed contact carrier.
US08263880B2 Assembly comprising electric and/or electronic components
A module of electric and/or electronic components, wherein the module is cast with a curable electrically insulating casting material in a housing, characterized in that at least one terminal extending at least slightly into the housing and remaining accessible from outside the housing is provided on the housing, is electrically connected to the module, and is cast together with the module from the inside.
US08263879B2 Axiocentric scrubbing land grid array contacts and methods for fabrication
A contact structure and assembly and a method for manufacturing the same for a microelectronics device includes first and second electrically conductive contacts being helically shaped. A carrier element is attached to and positioned between the first and second contacts. The first and second contacts are in electrical communication with each other, and the first and second contacts are in a mirror image relationship with each other. A pair of insulating substrates each include electrically conductive members. A contact point on each of the first and second contacts is attached and electrically communicating to respective electrically conductive members such that the first and second electrically conductive contacts between the pair of insulating substrates form an electrically conductive package. A metal layer on the carrier element provides electrical conductivity through a first opening defined by the carrier element between the first and second portions of the helix shaped contact.
US08263877B2 Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a first signal layer, a second signal layer, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the first signal layer and the second signal layer. The first signal layer includes two pads. The second signal layer includes two conducting pieces connected to two signal traces. The shape and material of the pads are the same as the shape and material of the conducting pieces. The projections of the pads on the second signal layer are overlapping with the conducting pieces.
US08263873B2 Flexible printed circuit board for large capacity signal transmission medium
Provided is a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for a large capacity signal transmission medium that may maintain an impedance suitable for accurately transmitting a large capacity signal such as a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) signal and may also have an excellent flexibility. A copper foil large capacity signal wire includes a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads that are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals and are alternately provided, to receive a large capacity signal from a television main board and to transmit the received large capacity signal to a display device. The first pad has a positive phase and the second pad has a negative phase. A copper foil ground layer is attached at a distance from the cooper foil large capacity signal layer to ground the large capacity signal that is transmitted to and is returned from the display device.
US08263872B2 Method and apparatus for attaching a flex circuit to a printed circuit board
Methods and systems for bonding a flex circuit to a printed circuit board (PCB) using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding process are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, supports may be attached to an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding can in such a way that the EMI shielding can is arranged to support and/or spread forces involved in ACF bonding. The supports may be located proximate to the walls of the EMI shielding can, and positioned such that the supports effectively do not come into contact with components mounted on a PCB along with the EMI shielding can.
US08263868B2 Device for absorption of noise
A device for absorbing the electrical noise in cables contains a housing with a feed-through for a cable, which in the fastened position projects out of both end-faces of the housing. Externally on each of the end faces there are two strips which between them form a slot, and these strips form fixing edges bounding the slot The strips are connected to the end-faces of the housing in such a way that they are able to turn away from one another, so that their fixing edges can be moved further away or nearer along the longitudinal direction of the cable. By this means the breadth of the slot can be adapted to the flexibility and/or the diameter of the cable.
US08263858B2 Solar cell electrode
This invention relates to an electrode used in a solar cell that exhibits good conductivity at the N layer and P layer and to a conductive paste used for producing such an electrode.
US08263856B2 Inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cells with back contacts
A method of manufacturing a solar cell by providing a first substrate; depositing sequentially on the first substrate a plurality of semiconductor layers, the plurality of semiconductor layers comprising a first layer and a last layer in the direction of deposition; forming a backside contact layer on the last semiconductor layer; forming on the last semiconductor layer a back cathode contact isolated from at least a first portion of the backside contact layer, the first portion forming the anode contact; attaching a second substrate on the backside contact layer and removing the first substrate to expose the first semiconductor layer and to define a front surface and an opposite back surface of a solar cell; forming a front cathode contact on the front surface of the solar cell; etching a first trench through the plurality of semiconductor layers to define an active portion of the solar cell with a first mesa structure including the front cathode contact and the anode contact and being surrounded by the first trench, the first mesa having a first sidewall in the first trench and a lateral peripheral region beyond the sidewall, and forming in the lateral peripheral region an electrically conductive layer extending from the front surface where it is electrically connected to the front cathode contact along the first sidewall of the first trench to be electrically connected to the back cathode contact.
US08263853B2 Wafer level interconnection of inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cells
A method of forming a plurality of discrete, interconnected solar cells mounted on a carrier by providing a first semiconductor substrate; depositing on the first substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell structure; forming a metal back contact layer over the solar cell structure; mounting a carrier on top of the metal back contact; removing the first substrate; and lithographically patterning and etching the solar cell structure to form a plurality of discrete solar cells mounted on the carrier.
US08263852B2 Insulating device of concentration photovoltaic heat sink
A heat sink has a number of fixing frames. The fixing frames are soldered with of solar cell devices. And, the fixing frames are defined with insulating ink. Hence, the fixing frames can be used for insulating and locating the of a solar cell devices. Besides, with the insulating ink, solar cells of the solar cell devices are prevented from being contacted with the heat sink. As a result, a good electrical property is obtained on assembling and using the solar cell devices.
US08263850B2 Percussion detecting apparatus
A percussion detecting apparatus capable of enhancing an effect of disturbance interception by intercepting a micro-vibration conveyed from a support frame. A pad member has a pad having a back-side surface to which a base is fixed, and a percussion sensor is disposed on a back-side surface of the base. The pad member is supported by a frame via fixing members integral with the pad member and intervening members made of silicon rubber. Vertical protrusions having different protrusion heights are formed on an upper surface of a flange of each intervening member, and horizontal protrusions are formed on an inner peripheral surface of a through-hole of each intervening member. When the pad member in an unstruck state, each fixing member is in contact with a corresponding one of the intervening members only at the vertical and horizontal protrusions of the intervening member.
US08263848B2 Drum
A drum having a resonant chamber for producing a range of sounds and at least one device for allowing the sound so produced to be altered, which includes a plurality of internal snares which can be brought into contact with the internal surface of the external surface of the resonant chamber which is struck by the player. The drum may also include a bass drum stick mounted within the chamber and adapted for movement to be able to selectively strike the inner surface of the drum which is struck by the player. The bass drum stick may include a pedal, or other device, operable by the player and external to the drum for effecting movement of the bass drum stick.
US08263847B2 Portable drum
A portable drum that includes a drum head and a detachable drum shell, where the drum head may include an upper drum head and a detachable lower drum head and the drum shell may include one or more detachable sections. Once assembled, the upper drum head, the detachable lower drum head, and the sections of the drum shell may be held in place by a tensioning system that may include vertical straps and a waist belt strap. The portable drum may be disassembled and placed in a travel mode by nesting the sections of the drum shell in the lower drum head, and then placing the lower drum head into the upper drum head.
US08263841B1 Inbred maize variety PH13JC
A novel maize variety designated PH13JC and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13JC with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13JC through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13JC or a locus conversion of PH13JC with another maize variety.
US08263835B1 Soybean variety XB50K10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB50K10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB50K10, cells from soybean variety XB50K10, plants of soybean XB50K10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB50K10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB50K10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB50K10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB50K10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB50K10 are further provided.
US08263832B2 Soybean variety A1016467
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016467. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016467. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016467 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016467 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08263830B2 Soybean variety A1015481
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015481. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015481. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015481 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015481 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08263829B2 Soybean variety A1015993
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015993. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015993. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015993 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015993 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08263824B2 Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08263821B2 Non-invasive real-time in vivo bioluminescence imaging of local CaÂ2+ dynamics in living organisms
The invention relates to a method for optical detection of the dynamics of Ca2+ in a biological system, said method comprising monitoring the photons emitted by a recombinant Ca2+-sensitive polypeptide, which comprises or consists of a chemiluminescent protein linked to a fluorescent protein, present in said biological system. In a particular embodiment, said recombinant polypeptide comprises or consists of the Aequorin and GFP linked by a linker allowing chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET), and optionally comprises a peptidic fragment capable of targeting said recombinant polypeptide into a specific cellular domain or compartment.The present invention also concerns a transgenic non-human animal expressing said recombinant polypeptide sensitive to calcium concentration, in conditions enabling the in vivo monitoring of Ca2+ dynamics. In a particular embodiment, the expression and/or localization of said recombinant polypeptide is restricted to a specific tissue, a single-cell type and/or in a particular cellular compartment or domain.
US08263820B2 Thin absorbent core substantially free of cellulose fibers
Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles. The core comprises a substrate layer and a non uniform layer of absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material and a first and second surface. The non uniform layer of absorbent material comprises a layer of a thermoplastic material comprising a layer of thermoplastic material first surface and a layer of thermoplastic material second surface. The non uniform layer of absorbent material second surface is in at least partial contact with the substrate layer. Portions of the layer of thermoplastic material second surface are in direct contact with the substrate layer first surface and portions of the layer of thermoplastic material second surface are in direct contact with the non uniform layer of absorbent material first surface. The substrate layer comprises a fibrous material substantially free of cellulose fibers, the substrate layer having a basis weight from about 25 g/m2 to 120 g/m2.
US08263818B2 Isomerization of 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
The present invention involves methods for isomerization of 1234zc. Also provided are methods for managing 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropene produced as a byproduct in a process for synthesizing trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene from 245fa, wherein 1234zc is converted into trans/cis-1234ze with the help of a catalyst in the absence of HF and in an isomerization reactor, or is converted into 1234zc and/or 245fa with the help of a catalyst in the presence of HF in a separate reactor or preferably in the same reactor of 245fa dehydrofluorination.
US08263817B2 Synthesis of 1234YF by selective dehydrochlorination of 244BB
Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene comprising: (a) contacting 1,1,1,2,tetrafluoro-2-chloropropane with a catalyst comprised of chromium (III) oxide, and at least 1% of an alkali metal, to produce a product mixture comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene; and (b) recovering said 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene from the product mixture produced in step (a) above.
US08263816B2 1,2,3,3,3-Pentafluoropropene production processes
A process is disclosed for making CF3CF═CHF. The process involves reacting CF3CClFCCl2F with H2 in a reaction zone in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product mixture comprising CF3CF═CHF. The catalyst has a catalytically effective amount of palladium supported on a support selected from the group consisting of alumina, fluorided alumina, aluminum fluoride and mixtures thereof and the mole ratio of H2 to CF3CClFCCl2F fed to the reaction zone is between about 1:1 and about 5:1.Also disclosed are azeotropic compositions of CF3CClFCCl2F and HF and azeotropic composition of CF3CHFCH2F and HF.
US08263811B2 Iodinated organic substances of low molecular mass and process for preparing them
Process for preparing one or more iodinated organic substances having a molecular mass of less than 2000 (substances (S)) using (A) at least one free-radical-generating substance chosen from peroxides, diazo compounds, dialkyldiphenylalkanes, substances derived from tetraphenylethane, boranes and iniferter substances comprising at least one thiuram disulphide group, (B) an ethylenically unsaturated substance capable of adding a free radical to its ethylenic double bond, (C) molecular iodine, which comprises the steps according to which at least a fraction of (A), at least a fraction of (B) and at least a fraction of (C) are introduced into a reactor, and then the contents of the reactor are caused to react, while introducing therein the possible remainder of (A), the possible remainder of (B) and the possible remainder of (C), until a moment is reached when the content of the reactor is a mixture comprising one or more substances (S). Iodinated organic substances for whose preparation the abovementioned process is particularly well suited.
US08263806B2 Method for producing sulfonamides
The invention relates to methods for producing sulfonamides of formula I, wherein the variables have the designations cited in the description, by reacting m-nitro-benzoic acid chlorides of formula II with aminosulfons of formula III, under the influence of B equivalents of base IV. Said method is characterized in that, during step a) the aminosulfon of formula III is reacted with B1 equivalents of base IV, and during step b), the reaction mixture resulting from step a) is reacted with m-nitro-benzoic acid chlorides of formula II and B2 equivalents of base IV; B, B1 and B2 having the designations cited in the description.