| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08565506B2 |
Integrating auxiliary detection and voting algorithms into clinical CAD workflow
Methods, systems, and related computer program products for computer-aided detection (CAD) of anatomical abnormalities in medical images are described. A preexisting CAD environment includes a review workstation and a primary CAD processor programmed with a primary CAD algorithm. Installed into the preexisting CAD environment is an auxiliary processing system programmed to receive a first CAD report from the primary CAD processor, apply an auxiliary CAD algorithm that is independent of the primary CAD algorithm to the underlying medical image, apply a voting algorithm to the primary and auxiliary CAD findings, and generate a second CAD report that includes the voting results. The second CAD report is configured to result in a rendering by the review workstation that is highly similar to a rendering that would result from the first CAD report except that the voted CAD findings are substituted in place of the primary CAD findings. |
| US08565505B2 |
Automated sequential planning of MR scans
A method of acquiring at least one clinical MRI image of a subject comprising the following steps: acquiring a first survey image with a first field of view, the first survey image having a first spatial resolution,—locating a first region of interest and at least one anatomical landmarks in the first survey image, determining the position and the orientation of the first region of interest using the anatomical landmarks, the position and the orientation of the first region being used for—planning a second survey image,—acquiring the second survey image with a second field of view, the second survey image having a second spatial resolution, the second spatial resolution being higher than the first spatial resolution, generating a geometry planning for the anatomical region of interest using the second survey image,—acquiring a diagnostic image of the anatomical region of interest using the geometry planning. |
| US08565504B2 |
Ultrasonic image processing apparatus and ultrasonic image processing method
Three slices, i.e., Basal, Mid, and Apical slices, which correspond to clinically useful ASE segmentation are designated, and the positions of the three slices are tracked through at least one cardiac cycle by performing three-dimensional speckle tracking in the remaining time phases. Three C-mode projection images concerning the tracked positions are reconstructed. In addition, arbitrary myocardial wall motion parameters at the tracked positions are computed and displayed upon being superimposed on C-mode images or projected/displayed on a polar map. As a C-mode projection image method, one of the following techniques can be used detecting and projecting only movement components perpendicular to slices determined in an initial time phase, detecting and projecting average movement components of the respective walls, and tracking and projecting each myocardial position. The obtained C-mode images are simultaneously displayed together with markers indicating the positions of long-axis images and C-mode images. |
| US08565503B2 |
System and method to determine slide quality of a digitized microscope slide
A system that determines the quality of a digital microscope slide by analyzing digital slide images based on complexity and spatial frequencies. An example embodiment detailed in the application may provide visual feedback on the whole slide quality by overlaying the image with a color coded “heat map” of local area quality. A user provided with the overlap image may obtain both an absolute quality measurement for the whole image and quickly identity the quality variability within the slide. |
| US08565500B2 |
Automatic patient and device recognition and association system
A system associates a patient and patient identifier with a medical device and includes an interface. The interface acquires data representing an image of a patient in a care setting and showing a medical device in the vicinity of the patient and acquires data identifying the patient. An image data processor analyzes the acquired data representing the image to identify the medical device type by, analyzing the acquired data to determine a shape of the medical device, comparing the determined shape of the medical device with predetermined template shapes of known device types and identifying the medical device type in response to the shape comparison indicating a shape match. A data processor associates the identified medical device type with the data identifying the patient. An output processor initiates generation of data indicating an association of the identified medical device type with the data identifying the patient. |
| US08565497B2 |
Biometric authentication device, biometric authentication method and computer program for biometric authentication, and biometric information registration device
A biometric authentication device including: a biometric information acquiring unit which generates a biometric input image representing user's biometric input information; and a processing unit. The processing unit extracts, for each block obtained by dividing the biometric input image, a local feature representing the geometric feature of the biometric input information; classifies the plurality of blocks into a plurality of groups by blocks with a similar local feature; extracts a second group feature representing feature of biometric input information for each group; calculates the degree of difference between each of registered biometric information and the biometric input information based on a first group feature for each group set for a registered biometric image representing the registered biometric information and the second group feature; selects a prescribed number of registered biometric information based on the degree of the difference; and matches the selected registered biometric information with the biometric input information. |
| US08565495B2 |
Iris deblurring method based on global and local iris image statistics
A method of identifying a living being includes using a camera to capture a blurred visual image of an iris of the living being. The blurred visual image is digitally unblurred based on a distribution of eye image gradients in an empirically-collected sample of eye images and characteristics of pupil region. The unblurred image is processed to determine an identity of the living being. |
| US08565490B2 |
Computerized imaging of sporting trophies and method of providing a replica
Methods are disclosed for providing replicas of a sporting trophy and for scoring the sporting trophy. The first method includes providing a sporting trophy to be scanned; scanning the sporting trophy to provide three-dimensional image data of the sporting trophy; and providing the three-dimensional image data of the sporting trophy to a replica generating system to provide a replica of the sporting trophy. The second method includes providing three-dimensional digital data of a sporting trophy having a volume and a surface area; providing at least one sporting-relevant measurement based on the three-dimensional data of the sporting trophy; and providing a score of the sporting trophy based on the at least one sporting-relevant measurement. |
| US08565489B2 |
Image analysis apparatus, image processing apparatus, and image analysis method
An image analysis apparatus includes a moving image input unit which accepts an input of a moving image of a subject irradiated with X-rays, a determination unit which analyzes the previous frame and current frame of the moving image, and determines based on the analysis result whether or not any of a change in relative position between an exposure field of the X-rays and an observation portion of the subject, a change in imaging condition of the moving image, and a change in observation portion of the subject is detected, and a feature amount setting unit which sets feature amounts extracted from the current frame in the current frame when the determination unit determines that any of the changes is detected, and sets feature amounts set in the previous frame in the current frame when the determination unit determines that no change is detected. |
| US08565487B2 |
Method and system for measuring motion
A system for determining a kinetic parameter of an object, the system includes: (a) a target, that includes a calibration facilitating pattern and which is connected to the object, so that a movement of the target correlates with a movement of the object; (b) an optical source, which is adapted to illuminate the target; (c) an optical sensor, adapted to generate detection signals in response to light received from the target; and (d) a processor, adapted to determine a calibration parameter and the kinetic parameter in response to the detection signals and to detection signals reference information. |
| US08565484B2 |
Forest fire smoke detection method using random forest classification
A forest fire smoke detection method using random forest classification is provided. In the method, a first reference value is set. For consecutively captured frames, images between the frames are compared, each block, in which a number of pixels, motions of which have been identified, is equal to or greater than the first reference value, is set as a candidate block, and a keyframe is selected. The selected keyframe is compared with at least one frame previous to the keyframe and then a plurality of feature vectors are extracted from the candidate blocks. The extracted feature vectors are learned using different random forest algorithms. Probabilities output to terminal nodes for classes are accumulated, and two first cumulative probability histograms are generated. The two first cumulative probability histograms are averaged, and then a second cumulative probability histogram is generated. A detected state of each candidate block is determined. |
| US08565483B2 |
Motion analyzing apparatus
A sensor unit is installed to a target object and detects a given physical amount. A data acquisition unit acquires output data of the sensor unit in a period including a first period for which a real value of a value of m time integrals of the physical amount is known and a second period that is a target for motion analysis. An error time function estimating unit performs m time integrals of the output data of the sensor unit and estimates a time function of an error of a value of the physical amount detected by the sensor unit with respect to the real value of the value of the physical amount detected by the sensor unit based on a difference between a value of m time integrals of the output data and the real value for the first period. |
| US08565482B2 |
Local difference pattern based local background modeling for object detection
Systems and methods for object detection that consider background information are presented. Embodiments of the present invention utilizing a feature called Local Difference Pattern (LDP), which is more discriminative for modeling local background image features. In embodiments, the LDP feature is used to train detection models. In embodiments, the LDP feature may be used in detection to differentiate different image background conditions and adaptively adjust classification to yield higher detection rates. |
| US08565475B2 |
Optical system and method for reading encoded microbeads
An optical system for reading encoded microbeads. The microbeads provide output light signals onto a Fourier plane when illuminated by an incident light. The system includes an input light source that is configured to illuminate the microbeads thereby providing the output light signals. The output light signals are configured to be projected onto the Fourier plane in a readable manner. The system also includes a reading device that is positioned to detect the output light signals from the Fourier plane. The system also includes a processor that is configured to perform Fourier plane analysis of the optical light signals to determine corresponding codes of the microbeads. |
| US08565473B2 |
Noise influenced watermarking methods and apparatus
The present disclosure describes, e.g., methods, system and apparatus for steganographically encoding information in image or video data. One claim recites a method including: determining one or more noise characteristics of a device; based at least on the one or more noise characteristics, influencing a steganographic embedding process associated with the device; and using a programmed electronic processor, steganographically embedding plural-bit auxiliary data in host content handled or processed by the device according to the influenced steganographic embedding process. Of course, other claims are provided too. |
| US08565470B2 |
Electroacoustic transducer
A frame has a diaphragm's edge attached thereto. An attachment member has a frame portion and a hook. The frame portion has a first plane to be bonded to a casing, and a second plane opposite to the first plane. The hook is supported by the frame portion and also opposite to the second plane with a gap interposed. The frame at the portion having the diaphragm's edge attached thereto is fitted into the gap. A securing member secures the edge and the second plane together. |
| US08565469B2 |
Apparatus pertaining to a cover-attachment assembly for use with an audio-annunciating housing
A cover-attachment assembly works in conjunction with an audio-annunciator housing that is configured to operationally mount to a wall. This audio-annunciator housing can have one or more arcuately-shaped tracks and one or more snap interfaces. The cover-attachment assembly comprises at least one arcuately-shaped guide surface that is shaped, sized, and positioned to fit within the arcuately-shaped track when pivotally attaching the cover-attachment assembly to the audio-annunciator housing. The snap interface, in turn, is shaped, sized, and positioned to lockingly mate with the audio-annunciator housing snap interface to hold the cover-attachment assembly in an installed position with respect to the audio-annunciator housing. |
| US08565467B1 |
Earphone
An earphone includes a front housing, a tuning element, a rear housing and a loudspeaker. The front housing has a hollow sound tube, a sealed cover and a sealed barrel. The sealed cover defines a tuning hole. The sealed barrel defines a leaking hole connecting between the tuning hole and an external space of the earphone. The tuning element rotatably mounted to the front housing has a tuning pillar inserted in the tuning hole. The tuning pillar defines a tuning fillister. The rear housing is assembled forward to the front housing for locating the loudspeaker between the front housing and the rear housing. A sound cavity is formed among the front housing, the rear housing and the loudspeaker, and is communicated with the tuning fillister. A relative position of the tuning fillister and the leaking hole is capable of being modulated by means of rotating the tuning element. |
| US08565460B2 |
Hearing aid device
A hearing aid used for a low tone frequency band, a hearing aid used for a high tone frequency band, and a controller that compares sound pressure of the high tone frequency band split by a frequency band analyzer of the hearing aid used for the high tone frequency band with sound pressure of the high tone frequency band split by a frequency band analyzer of the hearing aid used for the low tone frequency band. If the sound pressure of the high tone frequency band of the hearing aid used for the low tone frequency band is higher by at least a specific amount than the sound pressure of the high tone frequency band of the hearing aid used for the high tone frequency band, the sound pressure of the high tone frequency band of the hearing aid used for the high tone frequency band is raised. |
| US08565449B2 |
System and method for digital signal processing
The present invention provides for methods and systems for digitally processing an audio signal. In various embodiments, a method comprises receiving a profile comprising a plurality of filter equalizing coefficients, configuring a plurality of filters of a graphic equalizer with the plurality of filter equalizing coefficients from the profile, receiving a first signal for processing, adjusting the plurality of filters using a first gain, equalizing the first signal using the plurality of filters of the graphic equalizer, outputting the first signal, receiving a second signal for processing, adjusting the plurality of filters, previously configured with the filter equalizing coefficients from the profile, using a second gain, equalizing the second plurality of frequencies of the second signal with the plurality of filters of the graphic equalizer, and outputting the second signal. |
| US08565440B2 |
Processing audio input signals
A method of producing a plurality of broadband response files derived from empirical testing on at least one human subject, for convolving with an audio input signal represented as digital samples to produce a stereo output signal (having a left field and a right field) such that the stereo signal emulates the production of said audio signal from a specified audio source location relative to a listening source location. A reference signal is derived for each of a plurality of test positions. An originating signal is derived from at least one reference signal. Each reference signal is deconvolved with the originating signal to produce a broadband response file for each test position. A data storage facility having a plurality of broadband response files stored therein. |
| US08565437B2 |
Method and apparatus for remotely provisioning software-based security coprocessors
A virtual security coprocessor is created in a first processing system. The virtual security coprocessor is then transferred to a second processing system, for use by the second processing system. For instance, the second processing system may use the virtual security coprocessor to provide attestation for the second processing system. In an alternative embodiment, a virtual security coprocessor from a first processing system is received at a second processing system. After receiving the virtual security coprocessor from the first processing system, the second processing system uses the virtual security coprocessor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08565432B2 |
Communications system
A mobile communications system is proposed in which a two stage procedure is used for setting up Radio Bearers within a mobile communications device and UTRAN. In the first stage, both the mobile device and UTRAN perform ciphering based on an old Start value. In the second stage, the mobile device and UTRAN perform ciphering based on a new Start value. In this way, data communication using the Radio Bearers can start without waiting for the mobile device to confirm completion of the setup procedure. |
| US08565427B2 |
Enforcing software independent content protection in an electronic device
A Set Top Box (STB) or client computer includes a communication interface operable to receive digital messages and digital content, memory operable, and processing circuitry coupled to the communication interface and to the memory. The STB is operable to receive a digital message, extract a key portion from the digital message, decrypt the key portion, descramble the digital content using the decrypted key portion, extract a rights portion from the digital message, decrypt the rights portion, determine protected and unprotected digital content based upon the rights portion, write the unprotected digital content to an unprotected portion of the memory, and write the protected digital content to a protected portion of the memory. The decrypted key portion may include a plurality of Program IDs (PIDs) and the decrypted rights portion may include protection data for each PID. A security processor may prevent a central processing unit from accessing the protected portion of the memory. |
| US08565426B2 |
System and method for copy protection for digital signals
Embodiments of the present invention provide for the copy protection of distributed material after conditional access is applied, regardless of where the material is distributed. The solutions described provide the advantage of being sufficiently simple in implementation to qualify as “curb high” solutions. “Curb high” solutions provide a range of security from minimal security to a high level of security while requiring relatively fewer system resources to implement than prior approaches. |
| US08565425B2 |
Recording medium, method for manufacturing the same and apparatus for reproducing the same
There is disclosed a method for generating data for a recording medium. The method includes receiving original content data representing a plurality of still images and identifying a first subset of the still images to be recorded with copy-protection and a second subset of the still images to be recorded without copy-protection. The method also includes converting data representing the first subset into moving image data and copy-protecting the moving image data. The method also includes generating new content data, the new content data including the copy-protected moving image data and data representing the second subset. |
| US08565424B2 |
Secure non-invasive method and system for distribution of digital assets
A server computer system outputs a downloader component to a client computer. The downloader component enables the client computer to download an encrypted file. After outputting the downloader component, the server computer system cooperates with the downloader component to output the encrypted file to the client computer. The server computer system outputs a user profile to the client computer. The user profile contains a key to decrypt the encrypted file into a digital content item. The server computer system outputs a file management component to the client computer. The file management component is to manage usage of the encrypted file at the client computer based on one or more terms of usage associated with the encrypted file. |
| US08565423B2 |
Dynamic encryption
Systems and methods for encrypting a media file for streaming and/or downloading over a network are disclosed. These systems and methods may be part of a larger media servicing network that can be used to, among other things, process uploaded media content, provide it for streaming, and collect metric information regarding the streaming. The disclosed systems and methods provide for receiving requests for a media file or a chunk of a media file and responding to these requests by encrypting the requested chunks dynamically and providing the chunks to the requesting entity. These systems and methods, which can be utilized with a dynamic chunk generation and dynamic index file generation, enable a high degree of flexibility in streaming chunked media files and preclude the need to encrypt the chunks prior to streaming. The systems and methods may also be applied to encrypting files for continuous streaming protocols as well as for progressive download. |
| US08565421B1 |
Block cipher improvements
An apparatus includes an encryption module and a first key addition module. The encryption module generates a ciphertext block based on a cipher key and an input block. The encryption module includes a key module configured to provide Nr round keys based on the cipher key, and a cipher module configured to perform Nr cycles of encryption based on the input block and the Nr round keys. The cipher module includes an inversion module configured to generate first intermediate data by performing a matrix inversion operation on the input block, and a combined operation module configured to generate second intermediate data by performing, on the first intermediate data, an affine transformation operation and a mix columns operation. The first key addition module is configured to generate the input block based on the cipher key and a plaintext block. The first key addition module is external to the encryption module. |
| US08565413B2 |
Softphone
A remote agent call center is functional by providing a softphone and agent bridge that allows maintaining an open telephone line to the agent's phone with or without an incoming call being connected. Incoming calls are merged into the agent bridge to allow the agent to conference with the incoming call. The softphone provides call control to allow the agent to transfer, terminate, hold, record, or the like the active call. |
| US08565411B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing customer service across multiple channels
A method and apparatus for a computer-implemented technique for maximizing customer satisfaction and first call resolution, including converting telephone calls into online chats, while minimizing cost is provided. Techniques for incorporating analytics as applied to customer data into particular strategies for call deflection, targeting particular individuals to increase chat acceptance rate, and computing a customer's wait time are also provided. |
| US08565410B2 |
Call mapping systems and methods using variance algorithm (VA) and/or distribution compensation
Method, system and program product, comprising: obtaining agent parameter data; percentiling agents based on the agent parameter data, to obtain an agent distribution of agent percentiles; partitioning callers based on criteria into partitions; obtaining caller propensity data; percentiling the callers based on propensity for an outcome to obtain a caller distribution; performing distribution compensation using one algorithm selected from an edge compensation algorithm applied to the distribution of agent percentiles or the distribution of the caller percentiles, near at least one distribution edge to provide edge compensation, and a topology altering algorithm applied to either or both of the agent distribution and the caller distribution to change one or more of the distributions to a different topology; and matching an agent to a caller in one of the partitions with a closest respective percentile, where one of the caller percentile or the agent percentile has been distribution compensated. |
| US08565408B1 |
Call-routing system and method
A method, system, and medium are provided for more specifically routing a communications request in an environment where an intermediary facilitates the request. The method includes retrieving a set of preferences associated with an initiator of the request, retrieving profile data related to multiple facilitators who may respond to the communications request, and selecting a specific facilitator based on the set of preferences and profile data. The system includes a preferences database for storing information related to calling preferences of a caller; a profiles database for storing a set of attributes associated with a plurality of agents who facilitate calls between parties; and a set of embodied computer-useable instructions for referencing the preferences database and the profiles database incident to receiving the communications request to designate an order to one or more of agents to satisfy the communications request. |
| US08565406B2 |
Communication networks in which an application server and multiple directory numbers are used to provide internet protocol like features to time division multiplexed phone lines
A communication network includes a switching system, an application server, and a softswitch that communicatively couples the application server to the switching system. The switching system is configured to detect a first call to a primary directory number associated with a phone line and to forward the first call to the application server. The application server is configured to instruct the softswitch to generate a second call to a RingMaster directory number associated with the phone line. And the softswitch is configured to bridge the first and second calls responsive to detection of a communication path completion to the phone line. |
| US08565403B2 |
Telephone call screening and routing device and related method
A method for screening and routing incoming telephone calls includes extracting caller identification information from an incoming telephone call, providing a plurality of tables including a primary ring table, a secondary ring table, a voicemail table, a block call table, and a forward call table, and determining which one of the plurality of tables includes the caller identification information. The method further includes sending the incoming telephone call directly to voicemail without having a ring tone if the voicemail table includes the caller identification information, blocking the incoming telephone call if the block call table includes the caller identification information, and forwarding the incoming telephone call if the forward call table includes the caller identification information. |
| US08565400B2 |
Call management system for a mobile telephone
A call management system having a call monitor operable to identify an attempt, in use, by a user to call a predetermined number attributed to a first entity; a processor, configured to derive at least one alternative number, attributed to another entity, based on the predetermined number attributed to the first entity; and a router to provide a user with an opportunity to route a or the call to at least one of the derived at least one alternative numbers. |
| US08565399B2 |
System and method for modifying communication information (MCI)
A system for handling an outbound call from a call originator to a call target including a database storing a plurality of outgoing telephone numbers, each outgoing telephone number having one of two or more area codes; and an information processor controlled by the call originator. The information processor configured to process a trigger comprising at least an area code of a telephone number of the call target; select from the database a telephone number from the plurality of outgoing telephone numbers where the selected telephone number has at least an area code the same as the area code of the telephone number of the call target; set caller identification data of the outbound call to the selected telephone number; and transmit the caller identification data to the call target in connection with the outbound call. |
| US08565396B1 |
Systems and methods to detect a scam on a communications device
A computer-implemented method to detect scam on a communications device is described. An incoming communication is detected at the communications device. A determination is made as to whether a requested response message is detected. The requested response message is analyzed to determine whether the message is suspicious. A response message to the incoming communication is detected. The response message is blocked based on a determination that the requested response message is suspicious. |
| US08565394B2 |
Updating routing patterns in an enterprise network
The present disclosure is directed to updating routing patterns in an enterprise network. In some implementations, a method for routing sessions includes identifying information associated with call sessions in an enterprise network. The information includes costs to an enterprise for using carrier services during the call sessions. Routing patterns for call sessions are dynamically updated through at least a portion of the enterprise network based, at least in part, on the costs associated with the call sessions. |
| US08565391B1 |
Voice message intermediary
A method and system is provided for receiving a voice message from a first access device, storing said message and subsequently forwarding the voice message to a second access device. The system has a plurality of access devices which are coupled to each other over a network such as the Internet. These access devices may include computers, workstations, and the like. An access device is configured to operate as an intermediary access computer in which it receives a voice message from one access device over the network and subsequently re-transmits it over the network to another access device. |
| US08565387B1 |
Story delivery system and method for mobile entertainment
A method of delivering a story for engaging a user in an interactive, scripted, virtual reality story by generating calls from a group of actors or personalities called a clique, includes the steps of recording onto a memory device a series of calls by multiple persons who pretend to be friends of a user recipient; making calls using the recorded calls in a predetermined sequence to a user recipient and preferably displaying; telling a story in the first person perspective from multiple points of view by means of the calls; and doing everything real friends do when they communicate with each other, except these friends are fictional, rather than real. A system for engaging a user in an interactive, scripted, virtual reality story by generating calls from a group of actors or personalities called a clique, having a memory for storing a series of calls by multiple persons who pretend to be friends of a user recipient; a mechanism for communicating with the memory for making calls using the recorded calls in a predetermined sequence to the user recipient; a mechanism for receiving the series of calls, wherein the series of calls tell a story in the first person perspective from multiple points of view; and the calls simulate everything real friends do when they communicate with each other, except these friends are fictional, rather than real. |
| US08565381B2 |
Radiation source and method for the generation of X-radiation
In a radiation source and a method for the generation of X-radiation, a liquid is arranged in a liquid line, the liquid being completely surrounded by the liquid line in the direction of an evacuated chamber. A portion of the liquid line is permeable to an electron beam such that the electron beam extending through the chamber is able to enter via the liquid line so as to interact with the liquid in an interaction zone for the generation of X-radiation. The radiation source ensures a good dissipation of heat from the interaction zone and prevents liquid from entering the chamber. |
| US08565379B2 |
Combining X-ray and VUV analysis of thin film layers
Apparatus for inspection of a sample includes an X-ray source, which is configured to irradiate a location on the sample with a beam of X-rays. An X-ray detector is configured to receive the X-rays that are scattered from the sample and to output a first signal indicative of the received X-rays. A VUV source is configured to irradiate the location on the sample with a beam of VUV radiation. A VUV detector is configured to receive the VUV radiation that is reflected from the sample and to output a second signal indicative of the received VUV radiation. A processor is configured to process the first and second signals in order to measure a property of the sample. |
| US08565376B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring properties of a compound
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a collimator having at least one aperture and a fluorescence detector. The collimator can be positioned next to a compound. The compound can emit fluorescence X-rays when impacted by an X-ray beam generated by an X-ray source. The collimator can absorb at least a first portion of the fluorescence X-rays emitted by the compound and release at least a second portion of the fluorescence X-rays at the at least one aperture. The second portion of the fluorescence X-rays released by the at least one aperture have known directional information based on a position of the collimator. The fluorescence detector can detect the second portion of the fluorescence X-rays released by the at least one aperture. A three-dimensional (3-D) rendering of an elemental distribution of the compound can be determined from the fluorescence X-rays detected and the directional information. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08565371B2 |
Rotational X ray device for phase contrast imaging
The invention relates to a rotational X-ray device (100), for example a CT scanner, for generating phase contrast images of an object (1). In a particular embodiment of the device (100), a plurality of X-ray sources (11), an X-ray detector (30), and an analyzer grating (G2) are attached to a rotatable gantry (20), while a ring-shaped phase grating (G1) is stationary. The X-ray sources are disposed such that X-rays first pass an object under study before traversing the phase grating (G1) and subsequently the analyzer grating (G2). This is achieved by either shifting the X-ray sources axially with respect to the ring-shaped phase grating (G1) or by disposing the X-ray sources in the interior of the ring. Moreover, the phase grating (G1) and the analyzer (G2) shall have spatially varying relative phase (and/or periodicity), for example realized by line grids that are tilted with respect to each other. During the rotation of the gantry (20), the synchronized activation of X-ray sources (11) allows to generate projection images of an object (1) from the same viewing angle with different relative positions (and therefore phases) between the phase grating (G1) and the analyzer (G2). |
| US08565370B2 |
Method of driving a gate line and gate drive circuit for performing the method
A pull-up driving part maintains a signal of a first node at a high level by receiving a turn-on voltage in response to one of a previous stage or a vertical start signal. A pull-up part outputs a clock signal through an output terminal in response to the signal of the first node. A first holding part maintains a signal of a second node at a high level or a low level when the signal of the first node is respectively low or high. A second holding part maintains the signal of the first node and a signal of the output terminal at a ground voltage in response to the signal of the second node or a delayed and inverted clock signal. |
| US08565369B2 |
Scanning signal line drive circuit and display device having the same
A bistable circuit includes an input terminal (41) for a set signal, an input terminal (42) for a reset signal, an output terminal (48) for a state signal, a thin-film transistor (M2) for increasing a potential of the output terminal (48) based on a first clock, a thin-film transistor (M1) for increasing a potential of a first-node connected to a gate terminal of the thin-film transistor (M2) based on the set signal, a thin-film transistor (M5) for decreasing the potential of the first-node, a thin-film transistor (M7) for increasing a potential of a second-node connected to a gate terminal of the thin-film transistor (M5) based on the reset signal, a thin-film transistor (M6) for decreasing the potential of the output terminal (48) based on the potential of the second-node, a thin-film transistor (M3) for increasing the potential of the second-node based on the set signal, and a capacitor (CAP2) having one end connected to the second-node and the other end connected to the input terminal (41). |
| US08565366B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for operating and repairing nuclear reactors
Method of repairing nuclear reactors that include one or more submerged lines welded to one or more support brackets may include: removing a damaged section of one of the one or more submerged lines; and replacing the damaged section of the one of the one or more submerged lines without welding. Methods of operating nuclear reactors that include one or more submerged lines welded to one or more support brackets may include: shutting down the nuclear reactor; repairing damage to at least one of the one or more submerged lines without welding; and starting up the nuclear reactor. Methods of operating nuclear reactors that include one or more submerged lines welded to one or more support brackets may include: cooling down the nuclear reactor; repairing damage to at least one of the one or more submerged lines without welding; and heating up the nuclear reactor. |
| US08565364B2 |
Water based dispersions of boron or boron compounds for use in coating boron lined neutron detectors
A method for providing a boron-lined neutron detector. The method includes providing a boron-containing material and providing water. The method includes mixing the boron-containing material into the water to create a water-based liquid mixture and providing a substrate of a cathode of the neutron detector. The method includes applying the water-based liquid mixture to the substrate of the cathode and removing water from the water-based liquid applied to the substrate to leave a boron-containing layer upon the substrate that is sensitive to neutron impingement. The step of providing a boron-containing material may be to provide the material to include B-10. |
| US08565361B2 |
Synchronization distribution in microwave backhaul networks
In some embodiments, a system comprises a clock, a root node, a radio channel network, and first and second child nodes. The clock may be configured to generate a clock signal. The root node may be configured to generate a first frame including a first payload and a first overhead and generate a second frame including a second payload and a second overhead. The first and second overheads may comprise a synchronization value based on the clock signal. The radio channel network may be in communication with the root node for transmitting the first and second frames. Each first and second child nodes may be configured to perform clock recovery including frequency synchronization using the synchronization value and a respective phase-lock loop. |
| US08565356B2 |
Method and apparatus to detect a symbol in receiver including multiple receiving antennas
A receiver of a wireless communication system and method thereof include antennas configured to receive data, wherein the data comprises a preamble, a header, and a payload. The receiver also includes a synchronizer configured to perform time synchronization of the data received through corresponding paths of each antenna using corresponding preambles of the data. The receiver includes a header detector configured to detect a header from the data of each of the paths. A surviving path selector in the receiver is configured to select a signal of a surviving path from among the paths based on the header or the preamble. The receiver also includes combiner configured to combine the signal existing in the surviving path to demodulate the payload. |
| US08565354B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission/reception devices capable of improving a receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
Disclosed is a digital broadcasting transmission/reception system having an improved reception performance and in a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a TS stream generator for inputting robust and normal packets having stuff bytes in predetermined positions and generating dual TS stream by inserting the robust packets between the normal packets; a randomizer for randomizing the dual TS stream; a stuff byte exchanger for replacing the stuff bytes of a randomized data streams from the randomizer to a predetermined known data; and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels. |
| US08565351B2 |
Channel impulse response (CIR)/DC offset (DCO) joint estimation block and method
A channel impulse response (CIR)/DC offset (DCO) joint estimation for a time division synchronous code division multiple access (TDSCDMA) system includes generating from a basic midamble and received midamble an initial estimation of the CIR as a series of CIR taps; storing the initially estimated CIR taps; calculating a DC compensated CIR from the initially estimated CIR taps; filtering out the noise from the DC compensated CIR to produce the CIR estimation; and calculating the DC offset estimation from the CIR estimation. |
| US08565349B2 |
Frequency and Q-factor tunable filters using frequency translatable impedance structures
A system includes an input node, a frequency translatable impedance (FTI) filter, and a radio frequency (RF) downconverter module. The input receives an input signal having first and second components. The FTI filter filters the second components. The RF downconverter module receives the first components and downconverts the first components. Both the FTI filter and the RF downconverter module communicate with the input node. |
| US08565348B2 |
Radio transmitting apparatus
The radio transmitting apparatus includes a first initial phase value setting circuit that sets, in the first modulator, an initial value of the phase of the first modulated signal, which is a value at the start of the modulation according to the first modulation scheme. The radio transmitting apparatus includes a second initial phase value setting circuit that sets, in the second modulator, the phase stored in the phase storing circuit as an initial value of the phase of the second modulated signal, which is a value at the start of the modulation according to the second modulation scheme. The radio transmitting apparatus includes a signal gathering circuit that selects and outputs the first modulated signal output from the first modulator and then selects and outputs the second modulated signal output from the second modulator. |
| US08565344B2 |
Transmission circuit and communication device
Provided is a transmission circuit which allows smooth switching of the operation mode when switching the operation mode of the transmission circuit. A power amplifier 14 includes: a first input terminal to which a direct-current voltage or a voltage in accordance with an amplitude signal M is supplied; a second input terminal to which an output signal from a first variable gain amplifier 171 or an output signal from a second variable gain amplifier 172 is inputted; and a third input terminal to which an output signal from a first bias circuit 15 or an output signal from a second bias circuit 16 is inputted. A control section 11 switches the operation mode of the transmission circuit so that at least one of the first input terminal, the second input terminal, and the third input terminal of the power amplifier is prevented from being in a no input state. |
| US08565343B1 |
Transmit power control utilizing loopback error vector magnitude thresholds
A device and method for adjusting transmit power in a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device comprises a transmitter having a power amplifier, wherein the amplifier may introduce distortion into the transmit signal. The method may periodically determine an error vector magnitude (EVM) level in the transmitter of the wireless communication device. The EVM level may be determined based on differences between an ideal transmit signal without amplification, and an actual transmit signal with amplification. The method may then adjust one or more transmit gain settings of at least one gain stage of the wireless device based on the measured EVM level in the transmitter. In one embodiment, as the EVM increases, indicating that more distortion is being introduced, the method may reduce the gain settings of the gain stage(s) to reduce this distortion. If the EVM decreases, the method may increase the gain of the gain stage(s). |
| US08565342B2 |
Power amplification apparatus, OFDM modulation apparatus, wireless transmission apparatus, and distortion reduction method for power amplification apparatus
A power amplification apparatus that performs an inverse fast Fourier transformation on data allocated to a plurality of sub-carriers, converts time-domain data output in parallel from the inverse fast Fourier transformation into a time-domain analog signal, performs a power amplification on the time-domain analog signal, wherein a saturation output level of the power amplification is adjustable in accordance with a switching signal. The power amplification apparatus also compares an amplitude of a signal in each time slot of the time-domain analog signal with a predetermined threshold and switches the saturation output level of the power amplification based on an output of the comparing. |
| US08565340B2 |
Method and device for transmission of signals in a GSM system
Methods and devices for transmitting a burst of signals in a cellular radio system supporting data transmission using EGPRS/EGPRS2 are provided. The transmission involves providing additional symbols in the EGPRS/EGPRS2 burst thereby forming a long burst and pulse shaping the long burst to form a long baseband signal whose duration exceeds the duration of one EGPRS/EGPRS2 time slot. The long baseband signal is then shortened to a shortened burst having the duration of an EGPRS/EGPRS2 time slot wherein the shortened burst fulfills the same spectrum mask requirement as the EGPRS/EGPRS2 burst, which can be transmitted. |
| US08565336B2 |
Data transmission apparatus and method, and data reconstitution apparatus and method
Disclosed are data transmission/reception apparatus and method that may be applied to a case where additional data is to be transmitted in a CE-OFDM modulation/demodulation scheme that satisfies an OFDM feature which is robust against multipath fading and simultaneously has a feature that amplitude is constant. Service channel information, modulation parameter information of a physical layer, and the like, may be transmitted by using an additionally secured information channel. If using this, a service search time may be saved, and power of a receiver may be reduced. |
| US08565335B1 |
Method and apparatus for transmit beamforming
Based on a plurality of signals received via a plurality of single-input, multiple-output (SIMO) channels, a plurality of sets of rake coefficients in a multiple-antenna transceiver are adapted. Each signal of the plurality of signals corresponds to a single signal transmitted by a single-antenna transceiver, and each set of the adapted sets of rake coefficients corresponds to an estimate of a respective one of the plurality of SIMO channels. According to at least one selection criterion, one coefficient from each set of the plurality of sets of rake coefficients is selected. A transmit steering vector is generated based on the selected coefficients, and the transmit steering vector is applied to a signal to be transmitted by the multiple-antenna transceiver to the single-antenna transceiver. |
| US08565333B2 |
Precoding matrix design method for multiple base station using MIMO technique
Provided is a precoding matrix design method for a cooperative communication of multiple base stations in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system. A method of designing a precoding matrix in a base station of the MIMO communication system may include: determining whether to use a cooperative communication; verifying a cooperative base station when the cooperative communication is determined to be used; selecting a precoding matrix to be applied by a home base station and the cooperative base station; and requesting the home base station and the cooperative base station for the cooperative communication using the selected precoding matrix. |
| US08565329B2 |
Soft output M-algorithm receiver structures with generalized survivor selection criteria for MIMO systems
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for a modified soft output M-algorithm. In one embodiment, the soft output M-algorithm is employed by a receiver in a wireless communication system to receive information-bearing signals wirelessly transmitted from the transmitter wirelessly transmitted, the receiver comprising: an inner decoder structure having a multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) joint demapper to perform joint inner demapping over each tone, the joint demapper being operable to apply a soft-output M-type algorithm to identify survivor candidates at each depth in a detection tree being searched for each tone, including surviving full-length candidates, based on at least one metric and at least one other criterion, where a number of best alternatives from every level of the tree are expanded along with one or more alternatives selected meeting the at least one other criterion and where soft-output related information is collected and stored for each bit, and an outer decoder operable with the inner decoder to perform iterative decoding. |
| US08565328B2 |
Apparatus and method for feeding back channel quality information and scheduling apparatus and method using the same in a wireless communication system
An apparatus and method are provided for feeding back channel quality information and performing scheduling using the fed-back channel quality information in a wireless communication system based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). In the OFDMA wireless communication system, forward performance degradation due to a decrease in an amount of reverse channel quality information is reduced, and also an increase in the reverse load due to channel quality information feedback is suppressed. A base station controls power of a physical channel using information fed back from a mobile station. In a method for feeding back channel quality information from the mobile station, sub-band-by-sub-band channel quality information is measured and channel-by-channel quality information of a number of channels is transmitted in order of sub-bands of better channel quality information. Average channel quality information for a total band is measured and transmitted. |
| US08565327B2 |
Intersymbol interference removal method
An Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI) removing method for a received signal executed by a receiver in an Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system to estimate a frequency-domain data signal carried on the received signal is provided. The method comprises the steps of: removing the first interference of known signal of the received signal; estimating a first data signal according to the received signal; performing a hard decision operation on the first data signal to generate a first frequency-domain signal; performing an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform operation on the first frequency-domain signal to generate a first time-domain signal; creating a tailing signal according to the first time-domain signal; removing a preamble signal from the received signal to generate a second signal; combining the first time-domain signal and the second signal to estimate the frequency-domain data signal. |
| US08565326B2 |
System and method for bit allocation and interleaving
A method for transmitting data represented by a plurality of coded bits includes: allocating the coded bits to a plurality of groups; rearranging, for a retransmission of the coded bits, ones of the coded bits allocated to a first one of the plurality of groups to a second one of the plurality of groups, and ones of the coded bits allocated to the second one of the plurality of groups to the first one or a third one of the plurality of groups; and changing, for the retransmission, a sequence of coded bits allocated to each of the plurality of groups after the rearranging. |
| US08565325B1 |
Wireless device communication in the 60GHz band
In one or more embodiments, system(s), method(s), integrated circuit(s), physical layer(s), apparatus(es), System-on-Chip (SoC), various other hardware, computer-readable and/or executable instructions, and/or technique(s) are described that enable lower power consumption and/or maximize channel utilization for devices communicating wirelessly in the 60 GHz range. These embodiments enable handheld devices to use less power when communicating with wall-powered or other higher-powered devices while still enabling the wall-powered devices to communicate effectively with each other by maximizing channel utilization. |
| US08565324B2 |
Communications device using measured signal-to-noise ratio to adjust phase and frequency tracking
A communications device includes a phase and frequency tracking loop having a signal input and adjustable loop filter that establishes a predetermined tracking loop bandwidth for samples of communication signals received at the signal input and processed within the tracking loop. A tracking loop update circuit updates the loop filter operating parameters. It is operative with the loop filter for increasing or decreasing the tracking loop bandwidth of the phase and frequency tracking loop based on the measured signal-to-noise ratio in the received samples of communication signals at the signal output by the tracking loop and on the known or measured apriori tracking capabilities of demodulator based on the symbol rate of communication signal. |
| US08565319B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding/encoding a video signal
The present invention provides a method of decoding a video signal. The method includes the steps of checking an encoding scheme of the video signal, obtaining configuration information for the video signal according to the encoding scheme, recognizing a total number of views using the configuration information, recognizing inter-view reference information based on the total number of the views, and decoding the video signal based on the inter-view reference information, wherein the configuration information includes at least view information for identifying a view of the video signal. |
| US08565317B2 |
User interface system, scene description generating device and method, scene description converting device and method, recording medium, and sending medium
A user interface system comprises a server having a scene description converting device for converting scene description containing input user interaction into converted scene description while leaving parts containing the user interaction and a scene description decoding device for decoding converted scene description into decoded scene description, a remote terminal having a scene description decoding device for decoding scene description and converted scene description sent from the server and a display device for displaying decoded scenes and a user input device for receiving user input according to this display, and a display terminal for displaying decoded scenes sent from the server. Thus, decoding can be enabled at terminals having inferior decoding capabilities and display capabilities. |
| US08565316B2 |
Block error compensating apparatus of image frame and method thereof
An apparatus and method are provided for compensating a block error in an image frame. This may include a video codec decoder for decoding an inputted image frame, and outputting a decoded image frame. An error concealment block may detect an error-generated block in the decoded image frame and compensate the detected error block through a median filter, and output the compensated image frame. |
| US08565310B2 |
Hybrid memory compression scheme for decoder bandwidth reduction
A method for reducing memory bandwidth in a video decoder begins by performing a data reduction operation on a decoded first coded image to produce a second set of image data. The second set of image data stored and is selectively used for subsequent image decoding, thereby reducing the memory bandwidth. The data reduction operation can include image downsampling, wherein the pixel density is reduced by a factor of two in each of the vertical and horizontal directions. |
| US08565308B2 |
Interframe prediction processor with address management mechanism for motion vector storage
A device for processing variable-size macroblocks to achieve high-speed interframe prediction. A predictor calculator determines a motion vector predictor (MVP) for a current macroblock from motion vectors of other macroblocks adjacent to the current macroblock. To achieve this, the predictor calculator specifies adjacent macroblocks to an address calculator. The address calculator calculates a vector memory address for each specified adjacent macroblock, based on the block size of that specified macroblock. The predictor calculator reads out motion vectors from the received addresses and determines MVP for the current macroblock. |
| US08565306B2 |
Method of determining motion vectors for an image block
In the method of determining motion vectors for an image block, a motion vector of a co-located image block for a current image block is obtained, and then motion vectors of the current image block are determined based on a type of reference picture pointed to by the obtained motion vector. |
| US08565302B2 |
Video streaming apparatus with quantization and method thereof
A streaming appliance having an internal quantizer is disclosed so that the bit rate of a streamed video can be adjusted based on the current conditions of a link between the streaming appliance and one or more target devices. |
| US08565300B2 |
Transcoder, method and device for controlling code rate
A method and device for controlling a code rate are provided, and this application relates to a video communication technology. The method for controlling a code rate includes the following steps. An output target bit of a current frame is acquired, where the current frame is a currently processed input frame. A target quantization parameter is acquired according to the output target bit by utilizing a nonlinear code rate control model. The present invention is applicable to transcoding between compressed videos. |
| US08565299B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing audio/video bit-stream
A method for processing an audio/video bit-stream includes the steps of receiving an input bit-stream, detecting whether the input bit-stream has a startcode emulation prevention pattern, and removing the startcode emulation prevention pattern from the input bit-stream to generate an output bit-stream and setting a flag signal as a first designated flag value when the startcode emulation prevention pattern is detected. The method further includes the step of detecting whether the input bit-stream includes a startcode, and directly outputting the input bit-stream and setting the flag signal as a second designated flag value when the startcode is detected. |
| US08565295B1 |
Low-complexity channel noise reduction method and apparatus for multi-carrier mode in wireless LANS
Low-complexity channel noise reduction method and apparatus for multi-carrier mode in wireless LANs are disclosed. The method selects an optimal frequency domain channel impulse response by using a known long training sequence and a highly protected signaling sequence of the multi-carrier mode frame structure to ensure the receiver to have a good operation threshold in different time-delay spread environments at the cost of a low complexity. Instead of detecting time domain channel responses, the method directly performs noise reduction to a noise-containing frequency domain channel by using preset Wiener filtering coefficients to obtain multiple frequency domain channel responses, among which there must be a relatively optimal frequency domain channel response. The relatively optimal frequency domain channel response can be selected by using the highly protected signaling sequence to calculate the signaling frequency domain channel. |
| US08565292B2 |
Communication apparatus, integrated circuit, and communication method
In communication method for communicating via a transmission channel to which first communication apparatuses communicating based on a first communication system, second communication apparatuses communicating based on a second communication system, and third communication apparatuses communicating based on a third communication system are connected, a data transmission domain and a notification domain for notifying a data transmission within the data transmission domain are allocated to the first communication apparatuses, the second communication apparatuses, and the third communication apparatuses, respectively. In the communication method, notices of the data transmission for each of the first communication apparatuses, the second communication apparatuses and the third communication apparatuses are transmitted within the notification domain, and the data transmission domain is reallocated in accordance with the notices transmitted from the first, second and third communication apparatuses. |
| US08565289B2 |
Forward error correction media access control system
This disclosure is directed at a method, device and system for efficiently correcting errors in a communication system. An encoded signal is created from a source signal using a forward error correction technique. The encoded signal is split into a plurality of units. A first unit of the plurality of units is transmitted to a receiver through a first route. A second unit of the plurality of units is transmitted to the receiver through a second route. |
| US08565288B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing delay-locked loop operation on receiving signal
A method for performing delay locked looping upon a received signal which reduces the asymmetry of auto-correlation function resulting from sampling is provided. The received signal is a spread spectrum code signal, and the method includes: generating a plurality of replica spread spectrum code signals according to an estimated code phase delay and phase spacing, the replica spread spectrum code signals having phases respectively different from the phase of the received signal; calculating a spread spectrum code error statistics signal according to the replica spread spectrum code signals and the received signal; and adjusting the estimated code phase delay according to the spread spectrum code error statistics signal and a phase difference between a sampled point of at least one replica spread spectrum code signal and a corresponding signal transition point. |
| US08565287B2 |
Method and system for per-cell interference estimation for interference suppression
A wireless system may receive a plurality of multipath signals from a plurality of transmitters and allocate per-cell modules for generating an interference suppressed signal from the multipath signals. Data symbols may be sequentially processed in the received multipath signals utilizing the per-cell modules and subtracting the processed symbols from a residual buffer storing the received multipath signals. Desired information received from one or more of the transmitters may be recovered utilizing the interference suppressed signal. Timing of the data symbols may be correlated utilizing a cell chip combiner. The data symbols may be descrambled utilizing conjugated scrambling codes associated with one of the plurality of transmitters. Orthogonal variable spreading factor (OVSF) codes may be generated utilizing a Walsh transform on the data symbols. Power levels of the OVSF codes may be estimated and estimated signals may be generated based on the OVSF codes and the estimated power levels. |
| US08565284B2 |
Spread spectrum clock generator and method
A spread spectrum clock signal generator and an accompanying method provide a spread spectrum clock signal of a reduced electromagnetic interference. The spread spectrum clock signal generator includes (a) a state machine, which maintains a current state of the spread spectrum clock signal generator, receives as input value a next state of the spread spectrum clock signal generator and generates a clock phase selection signal based on the current and next states; (b) a random number generator for generating the next state; and (c) a waveform generation circuit for generating a spread spectrum clock signal based on the clock phase selection signal. |
| US08565271B2 |
Multiplexer lane alignment for high-speed data systems
Patterns detected by a low-speed receiver at the output of a high-speed multiplexer are used to determine when multiplexer input lanes are deskewed. |
| US08565269B2 |
Method and system for MAC and PHY synchronization for energy efficient networking
Aspects of a method and system for MAC and PHY synchronization for energy efficient networking are provided. In this regard, an interface that enables communication between a MAC controller and a PHY device may be configured to operate in an energy saving mode. While the interface is operating in an energy saving mode, synchronization between the MAC controller and the PHY device may be maintained by one or both of adjusting a clock generated for the interface and/or communicating dummy data via the interface. The clock may be adjusted by one or more of adjusting a frequency of the clock, adjusting an amplitude of the clock, and/or duty cycling the clock. The MAC controller and/or the PHY device may generate the dummy data. The PHY device and/or the MAC controller may discard the dummy data upon receiving the dummy data. |
| US08565265B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving in-band signaling information in a wireless broadcasting system
A method is provided for transmitting in-band signaling information in a wireless broadcasting system that transmits broadcast service data through a plurality of data Physical Layer Pipes (PLPs) constituting a frame. Non-PLP signaling information is included in a data PLP for a particular broadcast service and the data PLP is transmitted through a current frame, when no data PLP for the particular broadcast service is transmitted in at least one frame to be transmitted within a maximum schedulable period NMAX from a time the current frame is transmitted. The non-PLP signaling information indicates that no data PLP for the particular broadcast service is transmitted within the maximum schedulable period. |
| US08565259B2 |
Method and system for direction setting of a self-configurable asymmetric link
A network including two networking devices connected via a self-configurable asymmetric link. The networking devices connect multimedia sink and source devices. And the networking devices further set the direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link based on a function describing the desired connections between the multimedia sink and multimedia source devices. Also disclosed a network comprising two networking devices connected via a self-configurable asymmetric link. The networking devices configured to connect multimedia sink and source devices. And the networking devices set the direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link based on the usage statistics of the self-configurable asymmetric link. |
| US08565256B2 |
Protocol for allocating upstream slots over a link in a point-to-multipoint communication system
A system for controlling a contention state for a communication link between a base station controller and customer premises equipment in point-to-multipoint communication. The contention state is controlled using a state machine, which includes a grant pending absent state in which a unicast request slot is maintained open for use by the customer premises equipment. During the grant pending absent state, the customer premises equipment sends no upstream data to the base station controller but can use the unicast request slot to request a data slot for sending upstream data to the base station controller. In the grant pending state, the customer premises equipment preferably uses piggybacking to request grant of a next data slot while sending upstream data to the base station controller. |
| US08565253B2 |
Adaptive signaling in multiple antenna systems
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a wireless communication system may adaptively switch between a multiple input, multiple output mode and a spatial division, multiple access mode based at least in part on channel conditions and traffic conditions. |
| US08565252B2 |
Wireless transmission system, device and method for efficiently transmitting associated data
Provided is a wireless transmission system which can transmit data accompanying video/audio by a different transmission method depending on the characteristic of the data in a wireless transmission environment where the transmission band is narrow and a transmission error is easily caused. The wireless transmission system includes: a wireless receiver (3) connected to a sink device (4); and a wireless transmitter (2) connected to a source device (1). A wireless communication is performed between the wireless receiver (3) and the wireless transmitter (2) so that video and audio are outputted from the source device (1) to the sink device (4). The wireless receiver (3) and/or the wireless transmitter (2) categorizes the data accompanying the video and the audio in accordance with the characteristic thereof and transmits the accompanying data by using a different transmission method depending on the categorization. |
| US08565251B2 |
MAC address table collection in distributed switching systems
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a switch may include a processor and a plurality of line cards, each line card including a table of addresses. The processor may be configured to: (i) read, from a first line card of the plurality of line cards, addresses relating to all flooding domains present on the first line card; (ii) store the addresses read from the first line card on a memory accessible to the processor; (iii) determine a second line card of the plurality of line cards, the second line card having the presence of at least one flooding domain not present on the first line card; (iv) read, from the second line card, addresses relating to all flooding domains present on the second line card; and (v) store the addresses read from the second line card on the memory. |
| US08565246B2 |
Packet relay apparatus
When burst traffic causes a packet to overflow or to be ready to overflow from a queue, a packet relay apparatus mirrors only the packets to be accumulated in that queue. An outgoing queue management unit copies a packet into a queue in an outgoing queue list and then obtains the length of the queue (step 272). If the queue length is greater than a mirroring starting threshold, the value of the mirroring on/off flag in the corresponding queue entry is changed to ON (step 275). If the queue length is smaller than a mirroring stopping threshold, the value of the flag is changed to OFF (step 274). After the queue length exceeds the mirroring starting threshold until the queue length becomes smaller than the mirroring stopping threshold, only the packets to be output to that queue are mirrored. |
| US08565236B2 |
Relay apparatus for communication frames and relay method
A layer 2 switch (L2SW) includes (i) a learned information management unit for recording learned information that associates a receiving port, an address of another L2SW, and a source address specified in the original communication frame, when an encapsulated frame, in which a communication frame has been encapsulated by data containing the address of the another L2SW, is received from the backbone network and (ii) a status monitoring unit. The learned information management unit determines the update extent of the learned information, in accordance with a check result of the connection status and thus the occurrence of flooding transfer to a backbone networks side is suppressed. |
| US08565231B2 |
Ethernet extension for the data center
The present invention provides methods and devices for implementing a Low Latency Ethernet (“LLE”) solution, also referred to herein as a Data Center Ethernet (“DCE”) solution, which simplifies the connectivity of data centers and provides a high bandwidth, low latency network for carrying Ethernet and storage traffic. Some aspects of the invention involve transforming FC frames into a format suitable for transport on an Ethernet. Some preferred implementations of the invention implement multiple virtual lanes (“VLs”) in a single physical connection of a data center or similar network. Some VLs are “drop” VLs, with Ethernet-like behavior, and others are “no-drop” lanes with FC-like behavior. Some preferred implementations of the invention provide guaranteed bandwidth based on credits and VL. Active buffer management allows for both high reliability and low latency while using small frame buffers. Preferably, the rules for active buffer management are different for drop and no drop VLs. |
| US08565220B2 |
Signaling status information of an application service
There is provided a method of signaling status information of an application service. The method is performed by a signaling gateway which interconnects an internet protocol network and a signaling system 7 network. The method comprises collecting application server status information of application servers associated with the application service and generating the status information of the application service from the collected application server status information by use of a given set of rules. The status information is generated for signaling the status information to at least one peer. The at least one peer can be comprised in the internet protocol network or in the signaling system 7 network. |
| US08565218B2 |
Flow path discovery in network to guarantee multiple metric QoS constraints
Route discovery for an end-to-end path in a network is performed for a flow. A path is attempted to be discovered that satisfies QoS constraints for multiple metrics for the flow. The route discovery includes determining whether a path request for a path satisfying the QoS constraints is feasible, infeasible or undecideable based on information in a local QoS table. If the path request is determined to be undecideable, route discovery is performed with neighbors. |
| US08565217B2 |
Methods and apparatus for supporting tunneling related to wireless downlink signaling flows
Methods and apparatus for communicating packets from a remote access node assembly by way of a serving access node assembly are described. An inter-route tunneling protocol module which interfaces with a radio link protocol module is used to recover a tunneled route protocol packet. Information to be communicated to the access terminal from the remote access node assembly by way of the serving access node assembly is subject to two levels of radio link protocol (RLP) processing operations. The first level of RLP processing being performed by the remote access node assembly. The second level of RLP processing being performed by the serving access node assembly. The access terminal, in recovering information performs the inverse of the two levels of RLP processing. |
| US08565213B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating uplink transmission timing in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for estimating UpLink (UL) transmission timing in a Mobile Station (MS) of a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes tracking DL timing by using a DL preamble signal received for each frame; estimating a time offset between a previous frame and a current frame by using the DL timing tracked for each frame; and estimating the UL transmission timing by using the estimated time offset. |
| US08565212B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing an uplink random access channel in a singular carrier frequency division multiple access system
A method and apparatus for accessing a contention-based uplink random access channel (RACH) in a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) randomly selects a RACH subchannel and a signature among a plurality of available RACH subchannels and signatures. The WTRU transmits a preamble using the selected signature via the selected RACH subchannel at a predetermined or computed transmission power. A base station monitors the RACH to detect the preamble and sends an acquisition indicator (AI) to the WTRU when a signature is detected on the RACH. When receiving a positive acknowledgement, the WTRU sends a message part to the base station. If receiving a negative acknowledgement or no response, the WTRU retransmits the preamble. |
| US08565210B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting a signal in wireless communication system and method for same
A method for transmitting signal, at a mobile station, in a wireless communication system is provided. Inter-cell interference level control parameter information may be different for each frequency partition due to use of an FFR scheme. This method is advantageous in that, when uplink transmission is performed, system throughput and cell edge-user throughput are improved and inter-cell interference level control is efficiently performed, thereby improving a Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) at the receiving end. |
| US08565209B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication system, communication method and computer-readable storage medium
In a communication system adapted to MIMO transmission, a receiver may include a filter to filter signals received from a transmitter through the receiver antennas and having a weight matrix thereof updated by an adaptive algorithm with respect to each substream message symbol from the transmitter, and a code generator to feed back a part of the weight matrix updated by the filter, as an updated STF code, to the transmitter. The transmitter may make the transmission using the updated STF code which is optimized for a current channel state. |
| US08565206B2 |
Body communication system, media access control bridge, bridge apparatus, and operating method of bridge apparatus
A human body communication system is disclosed, which includes a plurality of intra-body communication apparatuses, a plurality of extra-body communication apparatuses, a bridge apparatus, and an access point. The bridge apparatus manages connections between the intra-body communication apparatuses and the extra-body communication apparatuses, and performs packet exchange. The access point performs packet exchange between a plurality of bridge apparatuses. The bridge apparatus performs negotiation with communication apparatuses to set up a connection, and manages a path based on the connection setup. |
| US08565203B2 |
Quiet period management for emergency ad hoc networks in TV white spaces
Technologies are generally described for quiet period management in secondary opportunistic networks. Access Points (APs) in close proximity may form an ad hoc network (e.g., IEEE 802.11af) and instead of sensing and detecting idle channels in TV white spaces, listen to the broadcast messages from a co-existence manager, which broadcasts periodic intraframe sensing (IRFS) and interframe sensing (IFS) information in Medium Access Control (MAC) packets. The APs may extract information regarding the operating channels of the active cognitive base stations and their scheduled IRFS and IFSs on these channels. According to one scheme, short IRFS intervals over active channels may be allocated in a dedicated manner using a unique access request packet (ARP) by emergency network APs. According to another scheme, contention-based access may be provided to longer IFS intervals on multiple channels. |
| US08565200B2 |
Method of exchanging message and devices in wireless network
A method of exchanging messages at a device in a wireless network comprises transmitting a change request message for requesting a change of a beacon position among configuration parameters of the wireless network to a coordinator; and receiving a response message in response to the request message from the coordinator. |
| US08565192B2 |
Method for switching radio resource control state, base station, and user equipment
The present invention provides: a method for switching an RRC state; an eNB; and a UE. The eNB (104) of the present invention includes: a sending/receiving unit (1040) for carrying out data communication with one or more MBMS•UEs in a cell; a calculation unit (1042) for calculating the number of RRC connections currently available in a system; an execution determination unit (1044) for determining whether or not a switchover of an RRC state of the one or more MBMS•UEs is necessary, on the basis of the number of RRC connections currently available in the system and a threshold value of the number of RRC connections; a request unit (1046) for transmitting, via the sending/receiving unit (1040), a measurement report request to all of the one or more MBMS•UEs in the cell, in a case where the execution determination unit (1044) determines that the switchover of the RRC state of the MBMS•UE(s) is necessary; and an accurate value determination unit (1048) for (i) determining an accurate reference measurement threshold value with respect to a parameter on the basis of the threshold value of the number of the RRC connections and data of a measured parameter, received via the sending/receiving unit (1040) from each of the one or more MBMS•UEs, and (ii) transmitting, via the sending/receiving unit (1040), the accurate reference measurement threshold value to all of the one or more MBMS•UEs in the cell. |
| US08565184B2 |
Method for allocating reference signals of a backhaul link in a relay communication system, and method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving data using same
The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for transmitting/receiving data in a relay communication system. The method comprises the steps of: setting, as a guard band, the first predetermined number of symbol transmission slots of a data transmission period in a subframe resource element of a downlink channel constituted by a control signal transmission period to which a control signal is allocated and the data transmission period to which downlink data is allocated; allocating reference signals to symbols of the data transmission period; puncturing the symbols corresponding to the guard band from among the symbols to which said reference signals are allocated; and transmitting signals to which said reference signals are allocated. |
| US08565183B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing interference between collocated transceivers
A network device including a first transceiver, a second transceiver, and a control module. The first transceiver communicates with a first network device on a first channel using a first wireless communication standard. The second transceiver communicates with a second network device on a second channel using a second wireless communication standard. The control module determines whether there is interference between the first and second channels, selects a third channel if there is interference, and transmits a request signal to the second network device. The request signal requests changing the second channel to the third channel. The control module receives an accept signal from the second network device indicating permission to change the second channel to the third channel. In response to the accept signal, the control module increases separation between transmission frequencies of the first and second transceivers by changing the second channel to the third channel. |
| US08565182B2 |
Method and apparatus for feeding back and receiving acknowledgement information of semi-persistent scheduling data packets
The application relates to radio communications and discloses a method and apparatus for feeding back and receiving acknowledgment (ACK) information of semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) data packets. The method includes receiving downlink data packets and an uplink data assignment indicator (UL DAI) from a base station (BS), wherein a value of the UL DAI indicates a number (N) of all scheduled downlink sub-frames which scheduled by the BS for the UE, the number N is greater than 1, and a number k (k |
| US08565179B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting sounding reference signal in radio communication system
Disclosed is a method for transmitting a sounding reference signal from a terminal to a base station in a radio communication system to which carrier aggregation is applied. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of: receiving information on a plurality of uplink component carriers for transmitting periodic sounding reference signals from a base station; allocating different time resources for said periodic sounding reference signal transmitted via said plurality of uplink component carriers; and transmitting said periodic sounding reference signals to said base station using said uplink component carriers and said allocated different time resources. |
| US08565178B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless communication on multiple spectrum bands
A method and apparatus for simultaneously communicating on at least two carrier frequencies, of which at least one carrier frequency is a licensed band and at least one carrier frequency is an unlicensed band are provided. The method includes broadcasting an operating status of the unlicensed band to a receiver device; collecting feedback data regarding channel conditions from the receiver device for both the licensed band and unlicensed band; determining, when a bandwidth request is received from the receiver device, whether to use the unlicensed band based on the channel conditions; transmitting an unlicensed band scheduling indication to the receiver device; and communicating with the receiver device using both the licensed band and the unlicensed band according to the transmitted unlicensed band scheduling indication. |
| US08565176B2 |
Wireless network
The present invention relates to a wireless network 30; 60 including at least two subnets 31-34; 61-63. Each subnet comprises a plurality of units 21, 22 configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. The wireless network is configured to select a local set of communication parameters CP1, CP3 for internal communication within each subnet in such a way that internal communication within neighboring subnets uses different local sets of communication parameters to prevent interference between neighboring subnets, and to select at least one common set of communication parameters CP2 for each subnet to be used when communicating between subnets in the wireless network 30; 60. The invention also relates to a method for adapting a wireless network, a method for forming a wireless network and a communication unit. |
| US08565173B2 |
Method and apparatus for resource allocation scheduling in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for resource allocation scheduling in a wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a scheduler for, if an UpLink (UL) scheduling for scheduling an allocation order of UL resources is performed prior to a DownLink (DL) scheduling for scheduling an allocation order of DL resources, setting a size α representing a size in which a DL burst region is maximally allocated in a DL sub frame, for, if the DL scheduling is performed prior to the UL scheduling, setting a size β representing a size in which the DL burst region is maximally allocated in the DL sub frame, for determining whether to discard a DL Medium Access Control (MAC) management message to be transmitted by using the size β, and for, if it is not determined to discard the DL MAC management message, determining a priority of a DL scheduling and a UL scheduling by using the size α and first performing one of the DL scheduling and the UL scheduling in accordance with the determined priority. |
| US08565172B2 |
Radio control apparatus and radio transmission timing determination method
In a CDMA communication system where each radio slot has a plurality of short slots, a radio control apparatus allows a plurality of mobile stations using a single channelization code for communication with a radio base station apparatus to share the same radio slot by allocating different short slots to the plurality of mobile stations in its cell. The radio control apparatus includes a short slot storage unit for storing the usage status of a short slot which has been allocated already; a short slot selection unit for selecting a single unoccupied short slot for a new radio link between a new mobile station and the radio base station apparatus, in accordance with the usage status; and a transmission timing determination unit for randomly determining the radio transmission timing of a radio frame used for communication in the new radio link, in accordance with the selected short slot, such that the timing does not overlap with the radio transmission timing used by an existing link. |
| US08565171B2 |
Method for dynamically setting the number of HS-SCCH channels to be used on a cell
Embodiments of the invention relate to dynamically setting the number N of HS-SCCH channels to be used as signaling channels of the HS-DSCH traffic channel in a cell served by a Node B, which comprises, at predefined periods of time: determining the number N of HS-SCCH channels as a function of one or more of the following: percentage of used downlink transmission power, used_DL_TX_power, with respect to the maximum downlink transmission power in the cell, Cell_Max_DL_TX_power; number of users in the scheduler of the HS-DSCH channel for PS data traffic; number of codes being used for the HS-DSCH channel; number of users for voice over HSPA in the scheduler of the HS-DSCH channel; and sending a message from a Radio Network Controller, RNC, that controls the Node B including the number N of HS-SCCH channels to be used in said cell. |
| US08565170B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling data transmission on multiple carriers
Techniques for scheduling data transmission on multiple carriers in a wireless communication system are described. In one design, a scheduler may receive requested power headrooms for multiple carriers from a user equipment (UE), one requested power headroom for each carrier. Each requested power headroom may be indicative of transmit power usable by the UE for transmission on an associated carrier. The scheduler may also receive queue information indicative of data to transmit by the UE. The scheduler may redistribute the requested power headrooms across the multiple carriers (e.g., based on water filling or greedy filling) to obtain redistributed power headrooms for the multiple carriers. The scheduler may schedule the UE for data transmission on the uplink based on the redistributed power headrooms and the queue information. The scheduler may obtain and send at least one granted power headroom for at least one carrier to the UE. |
| US08565169B2 |
Timing synchronization methods and apparatus
Various methods and apparatus are directed to achieving timing synchronization and propagating timing information pertaining to an external, e.g., non Wi-Fi, timing signal source. In some embodiments, a mobile communications device receives and processes a timing signal, e.g., a first Wi-Fi beacon, which is propagating timing information about an external timing signal from a device which directly received the external timing signal. Thus, a mobile wireless communications device achieves timing synchronization with respect to an external timing signal which it is unable to receive directly. In various embodiments, the mobile communications device may, and sometimes does, further propagate the timing information about the external timing signal, e.g., via a second Wi-Fi beacon signal which it generates and transmits. Synchronization with respect to an external signal source facilitates longer sleep states and decreased power consumption. |
| US08565168B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting transmission of sounding reference signals from multiple antennas
Methods and apparatuses, through the use of a Downlink Control Indication (DCI) format or through higher layer signaling, for dynamic activation and deactivation of Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) transmissions from User Equipments (UEs) in an UL Component Carrier (CC) with configured SRS transmissions, the dynamic configuration of SRS transmissions parameters, the dynamic activation and configuration of SRS transmissions in an UL CC without previously configured SRS transmissions for a reference UE, and the configuration of SRS transmissions from multiple UE transmitter antennas. |
| US08565167B2 |
System and methods for ACK/NAK feedback in TDD communications
Systems and methods for providing an efficient mechanism for transmitting encoded downlink assignment index (DAI) and for signaling the ACK/NAK information corresponding to downlink grant allocations in an over the air radio telecommunications network with time division duplex (TDD) capability, where aggregation of component carriers (CCs) is used. Downlink control messages containing encoded DAI information are transmitted with downlink allocation grants. A receiver observes the encoded DAI and the downlink allocation grants and forms corresponding ACK/NAK signals. Method embodiments for forming the ACK/NAK signals for CC groups and frames or subframes are provided. The ACK/NAK signals are then encoded using method embodiments and transmitted over parallel channels for each CC group to the transmitter. By using method embodiments for selecting resources for use in the transmission, the last observed DL grant can be identified by the transmitter and the transmitter can detect an error at the receiver. |
| US08565155B2 |
Mobile terminal, base station device and mobile communication system
A mobile communication system is provided with a base station device and a mobile terminal, which mutually perform radio communication. The system is also provided with a cell search part provided in the mobile terminal conducting a cell search, and an operation part configured to calculate a period for another cell search based on a period required for the cell search. The cell search part conducts the another cell search during the period calculated by the operation part. |
| US08565151B2 |
Method and arrangement relating to communications network
The present invention relates to a method and arrangements in a communications system enabled for transmission of several data streams to or from different receivers (120a-120c, 400) using a shared physical channel. The method comprises the step of masking control channel with different sequences corresponding to a receiver identity with respect to the number of simultaneously scheduled receivers. |
| US08565150B2 |
Architectural model for LTE (long term evolution) EPC (evolved packet core) deployment
A system and methodology that provides a new a deployment model for a seamless migration to LTE (long term evolution)/EPC (Evolved packet core) is disclosed. In addition, an intelligent edge gateway (IEG) that can support future distributed architecture and a converged network for service providers is provided. Specifically, the model supports existing data services (e.g. UMTS) and the delivery of LTE services does not affect the existing data services. Moreover, a distributed architecture is employed, such that, local traffic is optimally routed at the edge and backhaul is minimized. The system can also provide support for enhanced Femto cell 3GPP access to a home network. |
| US08565149B2 |
Multi-media messaging method, apparatus and applications for conducting real-time and time-shifted communications
A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations. |
| US08565143B2 |
Dynamic content distribution in mobile telecommunications network
A mobile telecommunications network is configured to dynamically adapt transmitted content according to the channel quality of the network link connecting a destination mobile device to the mobile telecommunications network. Channel quality indicators (CQIs) for the mobile devices associated with the mobile telecommunications network are cached at one or more support nodes of a core network. Components of the core network therefore can request the CQI of a mobile device from a corresponding support node rather than repeating a process of determining anew the condition of the network linking to a mobile device each time content is to be communicated to or from a mobile device. A service provider receiving the CQI for a mobile device from the cache of a support node can adapt the content to be provided to the mobile device to the particular conditions of the network represented by the CQI. |
| US08565142B1 |
Random access preamble transmission
A base station transmits control message(s) to assign a secondary cell to a cell group in a plurality of cell groups comprising a primary cell group and a secondary cell group. The base the base station transmits a control command to the wireless device. The control command is configurable to cause transmission of a first random access preamble on a secondary cell in the secondary cell group. The control command is unconfigurable to cause transmission of a second random access preamble on any secondary cell in the primary cell group. |
| US08565135B2 |
Power management of wireless protocol circuitry based on current state
Controlling power consumption in a wireless device. The wireless device may include first wireless protocol circuitry. The first wireless protocol circuitry may be configured to receive and process first signals according to a first wireless protocol. The wireless device may include a power controller coupled to the first wireless protocol circuitry. The power controller may be configured to control power consumption of elements of the first wireless protocol circuitry based on a current state. More specifically, in response to the first wireless protocol circuitry being in a listening state, the power controller may be configured to lower power consumption of one or more first elements of the first wireless protocol circuitry. Additionally, in response to the first wireless protocol circuitry being in a receiving state, the power controller may be configured to return power consumption of the one or more first elements to a higher power level. |
| US08565133B2 |
Synchronization-free station locator in wireless network
A method of providing synchronization-free station locating in a wireless network is provided. In this method, an AP having a known location sends a unicast packet to the station and notes its time of departure TOD(D). The station receives the unicast packet, notes its time of arrival TOA(D), sends an acknowledgement packet to the AP, and notes its time of departure TOD(D_ACK). The AP receives the acknowledgment packet and notes its time of arrival TOA(D_ACK). Notably, a distance between the AP and the station can be accurately determined using a first difference between the TOA(D_ACK) and the TOD(D) and a second difference between the TOD(D_ACK) and the TOA(D). A plurality of such computed distances between a plurality of APs and the station can be used to determine an accurate location of the station. |
| US08565131B2 |
Communication device and communication method
A communication device has a first communication section that supports a first communication mode having a low communication rate and a second communication section that supports a second communication mode having a higher communication rate than the first communication mode. The communication device includes a packet generation section and a communication control section. The packet generation section generates a first portion containing authentication information used for connection authentication for the second communication mode and a second portion other than the first portion. The communication control section performs control to cause the first communication section to transmit the first portion and to cause the second communication section to transmit the second portion after the connection authentication succeeds using the authentication information contained in the first portion. |
| US08565129B1 |
Supporting simple IP with address translation in a proxy mobile IP gateway
Methods and systems for supporting simple Internet Protocol (IP) with address translation in a proxy mobile IP (PMIP) gateway are presented. A PMIP gateway may be operable to serve wireless communication devices (WCDs) via either a PMIP mode or a simple IP with address translation mode. While the PMIP gateway is serving a given WCD in the simple IP with address translation mode, the PMIP gateway may determine that the given WCD is likely to be handed off to a network that requires the PMIP mode or a mobile IP mode. In response to making this determination, the PMIP gateway may switch to serve the given WCD with the PMIP mode. |
| US08565128B2 |
Method and apparatus of handling a timer for triggering buffer status report
A method of handling a timer for triggering buffer status report in a user equipment of a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes starting a timer used for triggering a buffer status report (BSR), and restarting the timer in a transmission time interval (TTI) for which a semi-persistent scheduling uplink grant has been configured. |
| US08565125B2 |
Services based two way voice service recording and logging
A method and apparatus are provided for recording an exchange between a central monitoring station and a protected premises. The method includes the steps of transmitting an alarm notification from a protected premises to an alarm routing service, the alarm routing service establishing a voice connection between the protected premises and a central monitoring station in response to the alarm notification and the alarm routing service recording audio on the voice connection between the protected premises and the central station. |
| US08565124B2 |
Node, network, correspondence relationship generation method and frame transfer program
Provided in the EoE technique are the node, the network, the correspondence relationship generating method and the frame transfer program to avoid traffic concentration on a specific link to improve throughput of the network as a whole by realizing optimum path transfer. The frame switching unit includes the frame analysis unit for analyzing an input frame kind and the like, the table search unit for obtaining frame rewriting information and output port information, the forwarding table storage unit for managing an output port of a frame, the MAC learning unit for executing MAC address learning, the EoE-MAC learning unit for learning a relationship between a MAC address and an EoE-MAC address, the STP control unit for executing processing of a spanning tree, and the like. |
| US08565122B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring and extracting proximity in networks
A method and apparatus for measuring and extracting proximity in networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method receives a network from a user for analysis and extraction of a smaller proximity sub-graph. The method computes a candidate sub-graph and determines at least one Cycle Free Escape Conductivity (CFEC) proximity of at least two nodes in accordance with the candidate sub-graph. The method then extracts and presents a proximity sub-graph that best captures the proximity. |
| US08565121B2 |
Low latency frequency switching
Techniques for improved low latency frequency switching are disclosed. In one embodiment, a controller receives a frequency switch command and generates a frequency switch signal at a time determined in accordance with a system timer. In another embodiment, gain calibration is initiated subsequent to the frequency switch signal delayed by the expected frequency synthesizer settling time. In yet another embodiment, DC cancellation control and gain control are iterated to perform gain calibration, with signaling to control the iterations without need for processor intervention. Various other embodiments are also presented. Aspects of the embodiments disclosed may yield the benefit of reducing latency during frequency switching, allowing for increased measurements at alternate frequencies, reduced time spent on alternate frequencies, and the capacity and throughput improvements that follow from minimization of disruption of an active communication session and improved neighbor selection. |
| US08565115B2 |
Adaptive load balancing
Methods and systems for performing load balancing within an Ethernet network are provided. According to one embodiment, a set of virtual networks, into which a network has been logically divided that can be used by a first component is maintained. Each of the virtual networks is a loop-free switching path, reverse path learning network and provides a path through the network between the first component and a second component. A packet destined for the second component is received by the first component. On a packet-by-packet basis or on a per flow basis, the first component dynamically selects a particular path by selecting a virtual network for transporting the received packet that tends to balance traffic load across the virtual networks. The first component causes the received packet to be transported through the network to the second component via the particular path. |
| US08565114B2 |
Cognitive radio resource utilization
The present document discloses a solution for utilizing guard time intervals of another wireless communication system. First, it is detected in a first wireless communication apparatus of a first wireless communication system a guard time interval following a transmission of a second wireless communication apparatus of a second wireless communication system. Thereafter, the first wireless communication apparatus is configured to schedule a transmission in the first wireless communication system to a transmission time interval starting on or after the beginning of the detected guard time interval and ending within the detected guard time interval of the second wireless communication system. |
| US08565113B2 |
Network emulation with varying bandwidth and/or error rate
Network emulation techniques are provided for dynamically varying network bandwidth and/or error rate. Network emulation can be performed by determining a bandwidth range, determining a plurality of specific bandwidth values distributed across the bandwidth range, and dynamically varying available bandwidth among the plurality of specific bandwidth values for a stream of network packets. Transitioning between specific bandwidth values can be performed using a probability jump matrix. Network emulation can also be performed by varying error rates, such as dropped packets, separately or in addition to dynamic bandwidth variation. |
| US08565112B2 |
Concurrent transmission of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals
A method and device for concurrently transmitting a Wi-Fi signal and a Bluetooth signal via a common power amplifier and antenna. A first set of values indicative of transmission power levels of a Wi-Fi signal and a corresponding set of values indicative of transmission power levels of a BT signal are stored in a table. Information about activities pertaining to the BT signal including a value of a transmission power level of the BT signal is received. Based on the received value of the transmission power level of the BT signal, a corresponding value of a transmission power level of the Wi-Fi signal may be looked up from the table. Transmission of one or more of the Wi-Fi or BT signals may be controlled, based on at least one of the received information or the looked-up value of the transmission power level of the Wi-Fi signal. |
| US08565110B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving data in communication system
An apparatus for receiving data in a communication system includes: a detection unit configured to calculate power values of a data packet and a ratio of the power values by using a preamble of the data packet in a received signal, and detect the data packet through the calculated ratio of the power values; a control unit configured to calculate a gain compensation value of the detected data packet, and perform an automatic gain control (AGC) on the detected data packet by using the gain compensation value; a compensation unit configured to calculate a DC offset in the received signal, and remove the DC offset from the received signal; and a demodulator configured to demodulate the AGCed data packet. |
| US08565109B1 |
Optimization of polling protocols in sensor networks
A communication-management method involves a recurring polling scheme, wherein network nodes are polled by a base station according to optimized and/or user-preferred polling intervals assigned to each network node. The polling interval assigned to a given node may be optimized to minimize and/or achieve user-preferred thresholds for energy consumption and latency associated with each network node in the sensor network. Optimized and/or user-preferred polling intervals may be constrained in accordance with various network performance considerations, for example, a recommended update interval for each network node, characteristics of the network nodes themselves, the duration of the timselots at which the network nodes are polled, and/or other network performance considerations. |
| US08565102B2 |
Method for adjusting the transmission outputs of two channels of a link station and communication system
The transmission output of two channels of a first link is adjusted so that data from the first link is simultaneously transmitted by two channels. The transmission outputs of the two channels are adjusted to a common value which is dependent upon the value of a quality parameter of the data transmission of the first channel and the value of a quality parameter of the data transmission of the second channel. |
| US08565100B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating machine-type communication
A method and apparatus are provided to facilitate communications with MTC devices. An apparatus may include processing circuitry configured at least to receive a broadcasted triggering message and to determine whether the triggering message identifies a machine-type communication (MTC) gateway or another device within a capillary network supported by the MTC gateway. The processing circuitry may cause at least a portion of the triggering message to be provided to a device within the capillary network in an instance in which the triggering message identifies the device within the capillary network. The processing circuitry may also be configured to determine an action requested by the triggering message in an instance in which the triggering message identifies the MTC gateway. |
| US08565099B2 |
Method and arrangement in a wireless communication network
A user equipment connection supervision method in a user equipment, of a network node initiated random access procedure to force a declaration of connection failure is provided. The user equipment is connected to a wireless communication network via a wireless connection to the network node. After receiving (401) one or more commands from the network node, to perform random access procedure, the user equipment performs one or more attempts to initiate random access procedure by sending (402) one or more access request messages to the network node as a response to the received command. When no response to the sent access request message is received from the network node within a predetermined threshold value, the user equipment declares (406) failure of the wireless connection. |
| US08565098B2 |
Method, device, and system for traffic switching in multi-protocol label switching traffic engineering
A method, device, and system for traffic switching in Multi-Protocol Label Switching Traffic Engineering (MPLS TE) are disclosed. The method includes: transmitting traffic over a standby Label Switching Path (LSP) after detecting fault of an active LSP; detecting that the forwarding entry on the active LSP is delivered completely after the fault of the active LSP is rectified; and switching the traffic to the active LSP, and transmitting the traffic over the active LSP. The present invention ensures that the forwarding entry on the active LSP is delivered completely, and prevents packet loss and traffic loss in the case of switching the traffic back from the standby LSP to the active LSP, thus improving the user experience and enhancing the network availability and stability. |
| US08565096B2 |
Method and system for analyzing radio performance during over-the-air operation
An apparatus for determining operating characteristics of radio-frequency (RF) transmitting devices while the devices are in normal operation transmitting over-the-air RF signals. The apparatus comprises at least one signal sensor for receiving the RF signals, each sensor responsive to the RF signals received at a plurality of antennas or received at a directional antenna, an analyzer for determining signal parameters of received RF signals and for determining operating characteristics of the transmitting devices from the signal parameters, wherein each RF signal includes an identifier of the transmitting device, the apparatus using the identifier to link operating characteristics determined from the RF signals to the transmitting device, and a graphical user interface for displaying the operating characteristics for each transmitting device. |
| US08565092B2 |
Dynamic flow redistribution for head of line blocking avoidance
An apparatus and related methods are provided to greatly reduce the negative impact of head of line (HOL) blocking. At a device (e.g., switch, router, etc.) configured to forward packets in a network, new packets that are to be forwarded from the device to other devices in the network are stored in a memory of the device. Entries are added to a queue link list for the at least one queue as new packets are added to the at least one queue. A detection is made when the at least one queue exceeds a threshold indicative of head of line blocking. For new packets that are to be added to the at least one queue, entries are added to a sub-queue link list for the plurality of sub-queues such that packets are assigned to different ones of a plurality of sub-queues when the at least one queue exceeds the threshold. Packets are output from the memory for the plurality of sub-queues according to the sub-queue link list. |
| US08565091B2 |
Dynamic control of air interface throughput
A system, method, and network node for dynamically controlling throughput over an air interface between a mobile terminal and a radio telecommunication system. A Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN) receives a plurality of traffic flows for the mobile terminal and uses a Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) module to determine a target delay class for each traffic flow. The GGSN signals the target delay class of each traffic flow to a Radio Network Controller (RNC) utilizing per-packet marking within a single radio access bearer (RAB). The RNC defines a separate virtual queue for each delay class on a per-RAB basis, and instructs a Node B serving the mobile terminal to do the same. The Node B services the queues according to packet transmission delays associated with each queue. A flow control mechanism in the Node B sets a packet queue length for each queue to optimize transmission performance. |
| US08565086B2 |
Method and apparatus for traffic shaping
A method and apparatus for a traffic shaper that uses a traffic shaping algorithm based on a sustained rate token bucket and a constant rate emitter. The sustained rate token bucket uses a plurality of tokens based on the sustained rate and the sustained burst size. The constant rate emitter allows transmission of traffic at an adjusted transmission rate, where the adjusted transmission rate is derived from the peak rate, peak burst size, sustained rate and sustained burst size. |
| US08565085B2 |
Link aggregation
A disclosed method and device relate to defining a link aggregation group (LAG) media access control (MAC) address and assigning the LAG MAC address to two or more links to define a LAG. The LAG MAC address does not duplicate physical MAC addresses associated with the links in the LAG. Datagrams associated with the links in the LAG are routed based on the LAG MAC address. |
| US08565081B1 |
Rate adaptation in a communication system
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for adapting data rate in a communication system. A receiving device receives a data transmission at an initial data rate. The device determines, based on an error rate of the data transmission at the initial data rate, that a first criterion is satisfied for requesting an increase in the data transmission. The device requests that a transmitting device increase the data transmission from the initial data rate to the first subsequent data rate. The device determines, based on an error rate of the data transmission at the first subsequent data rate, whether a second criterion is satisfied for maintaining the first subsequent data rate. The device maintains, if the second criterion is determined to be satisfied, a state of the device for receiving the data transmission at the first subsequent data rate. |
| US08565080B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing communications in a wireless communication system
The present technology provides a method and apparatus for managing communications in a wireless communication system. The method and apparatus evaluate one or more network traffic levels, each network traffic level associated with a respective network sector, and submit access-configuration messages in one or more network sectors when the evaluated network traffic level of a particular network sector has a predetermined relation to the traffic threshold for that particular network sector. The access-configuration messages are configured to shift one or more of wireless devices into one or more predetermined operational conditions. The present technology further provides corresponding wireless devices. |
| US08565076B2 |
Destination learning and mobility detection in transit network device in LTE and UMTS radio access networks
A method of learning and identifying two unidirectional GTP-U tunnels corresponding to a user equipment (UE) in a device placed in a LTE network, where the device acts as a transparent proxy intercepting user plane and control plane protocols on the S1 interface, is disclosed. Methods of pairing the two unidirectional tunnels that belong to same UE, when there is no control plane information or when there is Control Plane information, but the NAS portions of the S1 Control that contain bearer IP addresses are encrypted, are disclosed. Control plane and user plane methods for associating GTP-U tunnels and the corresponding bearer plane IP addresses are identified. Additionally, methods for detecting mobility of a UE, as it moves from the coverage area of one E-NodeB to another, are disclosed. Methods for constructing an eNodeB topology map are also disclosed. |
| US08565075B2 |
Method and system for determining alternate paths
An approach is provided for determining alternative paths. Information is stored specifying a set of available paths among network elements within a connection-oriented network. The available paths are sorted according to a predetermined criterion. The sorted paths are selectively filtered based on either a particular one of the network elements, a region associated with one or more of the network elements, or a combination thereof. |
| US08565073B2 |
Dynamic rerouting of data paths in a wireless communication network
A system and methodology that dynamically reroutes active communications sessions between a user equipment (UE) and a wireless network. In particular, the system can determine a current or impending fault condition and reroute a data path for network traffic to another service. Moreover, the system can identify a failed element in a wireless network and deny access and divert traffic until the element is restored. Further, the system can issue an alert to a user interface of the wireless network with information associated with a fault condition, a failed element, or a restored element. |
| US08565072B2 |
Method and a system for preventing a network storm from presenting in a multi-ring ethernet
A method and a system for preventing a network storm from presenting in a multi-ring Ethernet, the method comprises: when a link in the multi-ring Ethernet is failed, at most one ring protecting link is unblocked, the ring protecting link and the failed link being in a same logic area. Wherein each link in the multi-ring Ethernet belongs uniquely to one logic area, when a link in the multi-ring Ethernet is failed, a master node of a logic area to which the failed link belongs unblocks a ring protecting link; or each link in the multi-ring Ethernet respectively belongs to one or more logic areas, each logic area is set with a priority, when a link in the multi-ring Ethernet is failed, the ring protecting link of one logic area which contains the failed link and has a highest priority is unblocked by the master node of the logic area. |
| US08565071B2 |
Protection method, system, and device in packet transport network
A protection method in a packet transport network is provided. A protection path is established for a service data flow borne on a shared protection ring in the method, where the protection path includes a wrapping protection path and a steering protection path. Firstly, a first service data flow is sent through the wrapping protection path. Then, a service data flow node stops sending a second service data flow subsequent to the first service data flow to the wrapping protection path, and buffers the second service data flow. When the first service data flow completely passes by the service data flow node again, the buffered second service data flow is switched from the wrapping protection path to the steering protection path. |
| US08565063B2 |
Method and system for adaptive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing using precoded cyclic prefix
A method for adaptive signal communication on a wireless or wireline network is disclosed including detecting the communication environment or determining the communication requirements, for communication on the wireless or wireline network. The method may include determining system parameter information for adaptive Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based on the communication environment or communication requirements and encoding the system parameter information into at least one precoded cyclic prefix (PCP) sequence. The method further provides for generating an OFDM symbol transmission by combining at least one PCP, and an adaptive OFDM symbol, using the system parameters, then transmitting the signal from at least one OFDM transmitter to at least one OFDM receiver followed by demodulating the at least one PCP, and demodulate the OFDM signal using the system parameters recovered. A related OFDM system for implementing the method for a wireless or wireline network or platform is disclosed as are wireless or wireline devices operable with this method. |
| US08565060B2 |
Optical pickup device and method for manufacturing the same
The invention provides an optical pickup device that ensures complete curing of adhesive when a tilt adjusting holder is glued to an objective lens holder. The optical pickup device comprises: a light source; an objective lens for focusing light emitted from the light source onto an optical storage medium; a tilt adjusting holder to which to secure the objective lens; and an objective lens holder to which to glue the tilt adjusting holder. The objective lens holder includes: adhesive joint sections for securing the tilt adjusting holder to the objective lens holder using an adhesive; a seat section on which the tilt adjusting holder abuts; and adhesive anti-overflow pockets, located between the adhesive joint sections and the seat section, for receiving the adhesive when the adhesive flows from the adhesive joint sections. |
| US08565059B2 |
Optical pickup device and optical disc apparatus
An optical pickup device includes a laser diode for emitting a laser beam, an objective lens for collecting the light beam emitted from the laser diode and irradiating an optical disc with the collected light beam, a diffraction element for making the light beam reflected from the optical disc diverge, and a detector having a plurality of detection parts for receiving the diverging light beams caused by the diffraction element. The diffraction element has first, second, and third divided areas, wherein a 0th-order diffracted light from the first divided area, the second divided area, and the third divided area is detected by at least four divided detection parts; and at least two detection parts for detecting the light beam diffracted at the first divided area into first or higher diffraction order are aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the track of the optical disc. |
| US08565056B2 |
Method of generating tracking error signal, optical pickup device, and optical disc drive device adopting the method
A method of generating a 1-beam tracking error signal (TES), an optical pickup device, and an optical disc drive device adopting the method. A light-receiving element receives a single reflection beam and detects an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current (DC) component from each of areas formed on two sides of a data track. A servo unit generates a TES by adding and subtracting the AC component and the DC component. |
| US08565049B1 |
Method and system for reducing thermal protrusion of an NFT
A method and system provide a near-field transducer (NFT) for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducer. The method and system include forming an NFT having a disk and a pin. A dielectric layer that substantially covers the NFT is deposited. A portion of the dielectric layer is removed such that the dielectric layer has an aperture therein. The aperture exposes the pin of the NFT. The EAMR transducer is annealed at a temperature greater than the expected operating temperature of the EAMR transducer. |
| US08565046B2 |
Hammer for a watch striking mechanism
The hammer (2) forms part of a striking mechanism (1) of a mechanical watch, which includes at least one gong (11) that can be struck by said hammer. The hammer includes two metal parts (2′, 2″), which are secured to each other by welding or soldering. A first part is made of hard metal to form an impact part (2′) of the hammer against a gong (11) of the striking mechanism. A second part is a metal heel (2″), particularly made of steel, via which the hammer can be mounted on a plate of the striking mechanism. |
| US08565044B1 |
Timer for reserving occupancy of a communal item and method of use
A timer for reserving occupancy of a communal item has a communal item available indicator which is positionable to (1) a retracted position when the communal item is in use, and (2) to an extended position when the communal item is available for use. The timer also includes a service request indicator which indicates when as service is required. The timer can also include a reset control which can only be activated by a person other than the user of the communal item. |
| US08565043B2 |
Acoustic transducer
An acoustic transducer that enables acoustic radiation at a low frequency and that also improves efficiency of the acoustic radiation into liquid is provided. The acoustic transducer according to the present invention includes bending vibration module 7 that is formed by at least one bending oscillating body 1 that has at least one plate type piezoelectric resonator 2 and diaphragm 3, and supporting member 9 for supporting bending vibration module 7. A plurality of bending vibration modules 7 are cylindrically arranged, and supporting members 9 radially protrude from shaft 8 provided at the center of the cylindrically arranged bending vibration modules 7 and are joined with the ends of diaphragms 3 of adjoining bending vibration modules 7. |
| US08565042B2 |
System and method for reducing data reception error in acoustic communication in audible frequency range, and apparatus applied thereto
Provided is a data reception error reduction system and method in acoustic communication in audible frequency range, and an apparatus applied thereto. The data reception error reduction system in the acoustic communication in audible frequency range may be configured to reduce a data reception error in a receiver by taking into consideration that a sound signal is noisy and is significantly affected by a change in the ambient environment when the acoustic communication is performed in the audio frequency band through modification of an audio signal or adding of a predetermined signal to an audio signal. Accordingly, the data reception error may be reduced in the receiver even in an environment where a sound signal is noisy and is significantly affected by a change in the ambient environment, and reliability of data transmission may increase. |
| US08565041B2 |
Acquisition scheme for vibroseis marine sources
Control mechanisms, computer software and methods for driving vibrational source arrays underwater. An incoherent acquisition scheme drives individual source elements simultaneously and incoherently while a coherent acquisition scheme drives high-frequency individual source elements simultaneously and incoherently and low-frequency individual source elements simultaneously and coherently. Thus, denser coverage and an increased energy input is achieved for the source arrays. |
| US08565040B1 |
Voltage regulator circuit
A voltage regulator circuit for providing power management for a memory device is disclosed. The voltage regulator circuit comprises a voltage regulator and a switch circuit. The switch circuit includes a first oscillator to generate an oscillating signal, and a pulse generator to generate a pulse signal in response to the oscillating signal. The voltage regulator provides a current during standby mode of the memory device in response to the pulse signal. The current is smaller than one provided by the voltage regulator during normal mode of the memory device. |
| US08565038B2 |
Power line compensation for flash memory sense amplifiers
In one aspect, the invention concerns a memory system that compensates for power level variations in sense amplifiers for multilevel memory. For example, a compensation circuit can be employed to compensate for current or voltage variations in the power supplied to multilevel memory sense amplifiers. As another example, compensation can be accomplished by application of a bias voltage to the power supply. Another example is a sense amplifier configured with improved input common mode voltage range. Such sense amplifiers can be two-pair and three-pair sense amplifiers. Further examples of the invention include more simplified sense amplifier configurations, and sense amplifiers having reduced leakage current. |
| US08565035B2 |
Data retention kill function
Various data protection techniques are provided. In one embodiment, a memory device is provided. The memory device may initiate a security measure upon occurrence of one or more triggering events. The one or more triggering events may include receipt of a command signal. Various additional methods, devices, and systems are also provided. |
| US08565034B1 |
Variation compensation circuitry for memory interface
Integrated circuits may include memory interface circuitry operable to communicate with system memory. The memory interface circuitry may receive data and data strobe signals from system memory during read operations. The memory interface circuitry may include de-skew circuitry and dynamic variation compensation circuitry. The de-skew circuitry may be configured during calibration procedures to reduce skew between the data and data strobe signals. The dynamic variation compensation circuitry may be used in real time to compensate for variations in operating conditions. The dynamic variation compensation circuitry may include a phase generation circuit operable to generate data strobe signals having different phases, an edge detection circuit operable to detect leading/trailing edge failures, a control circuit operable to control a counter, and an adjustable delay circuit that is controlled by the counter and that is operable to properly position the data signal with respect to its corresponding data strobe signal. |
| US08565032B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a clock generator generating a first internal clock signal based on an external clock signal; a clock divider generating second and third internal clock signals based on the first internal clock signal and including an edge adjustor adjusting a timing of one of rising and falling edges of the third internal clock signal, an adjustment information holder supplying an edge adjustment signal to the edge adjustor, and a data strobe generator receiving the second and third internal clock signals to generate a first data strobe signal based on the second internal clock signal, and a second data strobe signal with a phase different from that of the first data strobe signal, based on the third internal clock signal. The edge adjustor adjusts the timing of at least one of the rising and falling edges of the third internal clock signal based on the edge adjustment signal. |
| US08565031B2 |
Method for reading phase change memory cells having a clamping circuit
A read circuit for reading at least one memory cell adapted to storing a logic value, the at least one memory cell including: a storage element made of a phase-change material; and an access element for coupling the storage element to the read circuit in response to a selection of the memory cell, the read circuit including: a sense current supply arrangement for supplying a sense current to the at least one memory cell; and at least one sense amplifier for determining the logic value stored in the memory cell on the basis of a voltage developing thereacross, the at least one sense amplifier comprising a voltage limiting circuit for limiting the voltage across the memory cell for preserving the stored logic value, wherein the voltage limiting circuit includes a current sinker for sinking a clamping current, which is subtracted from the sense current and depends on the stored logic value. |
| US08565030B2 |
Read boost circuit for memory device
A read boost circuit arranged to boost the voltage difference between a pair of complementary bit lines of a memory device during a read operation, the read boost circuit including: a first transistor adapted to be controlled by the voltage level on a first bit line of the pair of bit lines to couple a second bit line of the pair of bit lines to a first supply voltage; and a second transistor connected directly to ground and adapted to be controlled by the voltage level on the second bit line to couple the first bit line to ground. |
| US08565029B1 |
Supply adjustment in memory devices configured for stacked arrangements
Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, ReRAMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal. |
| US08565028B2 |
Semiconductor nonvolatile memory device
In a semiconductor nonvolatile memory device, nonvolatile memory cells are plurally arranged in a memory array portion. An output circuit outputs setting information selected from plural sets of setting information to generate reference currents with different current values. A reference current circuit generates a reference current with a current value according to the setting information outputted from the output circuit. An amplifier circuit compares a cell current outputted from a selected memory cell of the memory array portion with the reference current generated by the reference current circuit. |
| US08565026B2 |
Multi-level cell access buffer with dual function
An access buffer, such as page buffer, for writing to non-volatile memory, such as Flash, using a two-stage MLC (multi-level cell) operation is provided. The access buffer has a first latch for temporarily storing the data to be written. A second latch is provided for reading data from the memory as part of the two-stage write operation. The second latch has an inverter that participates in the latching function when reading from the memory. The same inverter is used to produce a complement of an input signal being written to the first latch with the result that a double ended input is used to write to the first latch. |
| US08565020B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A memory includes word lines, bit lines, memory cells each having a gate connected to one of the word lines, a word line driver configured to drive voltages of the word lines, and a sense amplifier configured to detect data of the memory cells via the bit lines. The memory cells are connected in series between the bit lines and a source to constitute cell string. The word line driver increases a verification voltage of any of non-selected word lines connected to non-selected memory cells in the cell string at a time of a verify operation in a certain writing loop of a writing stage. The writing stage includes a plurality of writing loops. The writing loops respectively includes a write operation to write data in a selected memory cell in the cell string and a verify operation to verify that the data are written in the selected memory cell. |
| US08565010B2 |
Magnetic random access memory with field compensating layer and multi-level cell
A spin toque transfer magnetic random access memory (STTMRAM) element comprises a reference layer formed on a substrate, with a fixed perpendicular magnetic component. A junction layer is formed on top of the reference layer and a free layer is formed on top of the junction layer with a perpendicular magnetic orientation, at substantially its center of the free layer and switchable. A spacer layer is formed on top of the free layer and a fixed layer is formed on top of the spacer layer, the fixed layer has a fixed perpendicular magnetic component opposite to that of the reference layer. The magnetic orientation of the free layer switches relative to that of the fixed layer. The perpendicular magnetic components of the fixed layer and the reference layer substantially cancel each other and the free layer has an in-plane edge magnetization field. |
| US08565007B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device in accordance with an embodiment includes a plurality of first word lines, a plurality of bit lines, a resistance varying material, a plurality of second word lines and an insulating film. The bit lines intersect the first word lines. The resistance varying material is disposed at respective intersections of the first word lines and the bit lines. The second word lines intersect the bit lines. The insulating film is disposed at respective intersections of the second word lines and the bit lines. One of the first word lines and one of the second word lines are disposed so as to sandwich the bit lines. The second word lines, the bit lines, and the insulating film configure a field-effect transistor at respective intersections of the second word lines and the bit lines. The field-effect transistor and the resistance varying material configure one memory cell. |
| US08565005B2 |
Nonvolatile memory element and nonvolatile memory device
A nonvolatile memory element includes: a first electrode layer; a second electrode layer; and a variable resistance layer which is placed between the electrode layers, and whose resistance state reversibly changes between a high resistance state and a low resistance state based on a polarity of a voltage applied between the electrode layers. The variable resistance layer is formed by stacking a first oxide layer including an oxide of a first transition metal and a second oxide layer including an oxide of a second transition metal which is different from the first transition metal. At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) a dielectric constant of the second oxide layer is larger than a dielectric constant of the first oxide layer; and (2) a band gap of the second oxide layer is smaller than a band gap of the first oxide layer. |
| US08565004B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method for programming the same
A method for programming a nonvolatile memory device according to the present invention includes a step of detecting an excessively low resistance cell from among a plurality of memory cells (11) (S101); a step of changing the resistance value of a load resistor (121) to a second resistance value smaller than a first resistance value (S103); and a step of causing, by applying a voltage pulse to a series circuit including the excessively low resistance cell and the load resistor (121) having the second resistance value, a variable resistance element (105) included in the excessively low resistance cell to shift to a second high resistance state having a resistance value greater than that of the first low resistance state (S104). |
| US08564993B2 |
Switch control circuit, switch control method, power converter, and power conversion method for controlling conducting statuses of switch elements in bridgeless switching circuit
A switch control circuit for controlling a first switch element and a second switch element within a bridgeless switching circuit is provided. The bridgeless switching circuit generates an output signal according to an alternating current signal. The switch control circuit includes a current generating element and a phase generating element. The current generating element is for sensing a first current flowing through the first switch element and a second current flowing through the second switch element, and generating a phase comparison result according to the first and the second currents. The phase generating element generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to a power factor correction signal and the phase comparison result to control conducting status of the first and the second switch elements, respectively. |
| US08564986B2 |
Regulated output current and slope control
A current mode output control can have a current mode (CM) region of the high voltage output curve (VI) slope controlled by component selection and arrangement in the construction of high voltage power supplies. The controlled CM current slope output, the tapped multiplier feedback network, and the subsequent output voltage correction network, yields a power supply with the desired VM and CM output characteristics that is significantly less expensive to construct and more efficient than a power supply built using conventional construction techniques. |
| US08564982B2 |
Interleaved power factor compensation circuit controller
A power supply circuit to detect whether or not abnormal current is generated in a power factor compensation circuit and forcibly stop an operation of an interleaved power factor compensation circuit controller if abnormal current is generated. The power supply circuit includes a rectifier, a power factor compensation circuit including a plurality of reactors, a plurality of switches and a plurality of current detectors, a power factor compensation circuit controller to control switching of the switches and to control a power factor compensation operation, and a power factor compensation circuit protection circuit to receive the voltages output from the plurality of current detectors and to stop the operation of the power factor compensation circuit controller if at least one of the voltages output from the plurality of current detectors is abnormal. Thus, it is possible to prevent failure of the switches and the current detectors due to abnormal current. |
| US08564981B2 |
Modular multi-level power converter with second and third order harmonics reduction filter
A device for converting a DC voltage into an AC voltage includes a passive electronic filter having a first and second energy storage element, a third energy storage element placed between the first and second energy storage elements, a fourth energy storage element connected between a junction of the first energy storage element and the third energy storage element and an AC terminal and a fifth energy storage element connected between a junction of the second energy storage element and the third energy storage element and the AC terminal. The energy storage elements are of two different types, capacitive and inductive, with values selected to provide reduction of frequency components at two times the fundamental frequency of the AC voltage and at three times the fundamental frequency of the AC voltage. |
| US08564980B2 |
Method and apparatus to control a power converter having a low loop bandwidth
An example controller includes a comparator coupled to receive a feedback signal representative of an output of the power converter. A counter is coupled to receive an output of the comparator and a feedback sampling signal. The counter is coupled to sample the output of the comparator in response to the feedback sampling signal. A state machine is coupled to receive a feedback time period signal. The state machine is coupled to control switching of the power converter according to one of a plurality of operating conditions in response to the counter and the feedback time period signal. A period of the feedback time period signal is substantially greater than a period of the feedback sampling signal. The state machine is coupled to be updated in response to the feedback time period signal. |
| US08564978B2 |
Apparatus for supplying isolated regulated DC power to electronics devices
Embodiments of the invention provide an off line DC-DC converter comprising a transformer (180) coupled to a monolithic integrated circuit (400). The transformer applies an input supply DC voltage (Vin) applied to a primary winding (181) of the transformer to produce an output supply DC voltage provided from a secondary winding (182). The monolithic integrated circuit (400) comprises a switching regulator including a switch (151) and a switch controller (100) on a first portion of the monolithic integrated circuit. A capacitive isolator (201) is provided on a second portion of the monolithic integrated circuit. The monolithic integrated circuit regulates the output supply DC voltage and isolates the output supply DC voltage from the input supply DC voltage with respect to electrical shock hazard. |
| US08564976B2 |
Interleaved LLC power converters and method of manufacture thereof
A system is provided having a first LLC power converter and a second LLC power converter. The first LLC power converter comprises a first LLC voltage source. The second LLC power converter also comprises a second LLC voltage source. The first LLC power converter also comprises a first resonant inductor, a first magnetic inductor, and a first resonant capacitor coupled to the first voltage source of the first LLC power converter. The second LLC power converter comprises a second resonant inductor, a second magnetic inductor, and a second resonant capacitor coupled to the second voltage source of the second LLC power converter. The first LLC power converter and the second LLC power converter are both magnetically couplable to a common load. A resonance of the first LLC power converter substantially matches a resonance of the second LLC power converter. |
| US08564973B2 |
Inverter topology circuit, inversion method and inverter
An inversion method and an inverter, in which a fifth switch tube, a sixth switch tube, a fifth diode, a sixth diode, and a first capacitor are added in the existing inverter circuit including a bridge arm, the fifth switch tube is connected in parallel to the fifth diode, and the sixth switch tube is connected in parallel to the sixth diode; wherein the positive pole of the fifth diode is connected to the negative pole of a direct current source, the negative pole of the fifth diode is connected to a connection circuit between a second inductor and an alternating current source, the positive pole of the sixth diode is connected to the negative pole of the direct current source, and the negative pole of the sixth diode is connected to a connection circuit between a first inductor and the alternating current source. |
| US08564972B2 |
Inverter control device and method with multiple switching circuit control methods
An inverter control device drives one of the two switching circuits with a fixed conduction width and changes the control method of the other switching circuit between pulse-width modulation, phase control method, and drive signal width control method by phase control method according to an output state, to implement highly accurate control at low output while suppressing heat generation of a switching element. |
| US08564969B2 |
Component arrangement and method for production thereof
The invention relates to a component arrangement with a first substrate and at least one second substrate arranged on the first substrate, wherein the first substrate has at least one first contact element and the at least one second substrate has at least one second contact element and the contact elements each has a contact surface connected such as to give an electrical contact and a protective layer connecting the first and second substrate together. During production the protective layer is structured such that a part surface of the first substrate and a part surface of the at least one second substrate are not covered, wherein the part surfaces include the contact surfaces of the at least one first and second contact elements and the contact generated between the contact surfaces is hence not contaminated by the protective layer. The contact surfaces are thus freely accessible without elements of the protective layer lying therebetween. An improved electrical conductivity with constant mechanical stability is thus generated. |
| US08564967B2 |
Device and method for reducing impedance
A printed wiring board semiconductor package or PWB power core comprising singulated capacitors embedded on multiple layers of the printed wiring board semiconductor package wherein at least a part of each embedded capacitor lies within the die shadow and wherein the embedded, singulated capacitors comprise at least a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrodes and second electrodes of the embedded singulated capacitors are interconnected to the Vcc (power) terminals and the Vss (ground) terminals respectively of a semiconductor device. The size of the embedded capacitors are varied to produce different self-resonant frequencies and their vertical placements within the PWB semiconductor package are used to control the inherent inductance of the capacitor-semiconductor electrical interconnections so that customized resonant frequencies of the embedded capacitors can be achieved with low impedance. |
| US08564963B2 |
Automated mechanical disconnection of an electrical converter module in a frequency converter arrangement
An arrangement is described for receiving an electrical converter module for converting a first frequency of an electrical input signal into a second frequency of an electrical output signal. A rack includes input terminals for receiving the electrical input signal and output terminals for providing the electrical output signal. A slot receives the converter module in a first and second positions where in first position the converter module is electrically connected both to the input and output terminals and in the second position the converter module is electrically disconnected both from the input and output terminals. An actuator, which is mounted to the rack and which, in response to a disconnect trigger signal, is adapted to move the electrical converter module from the first position to the second position. A frequency converter system equipped with such an arrangement and a method for disconnecting a converter module are provided. |
| US08564960B2 |
Fixing apparatus for storage device
An apparatus includes a board presenting a number of engaging portions and a post, and a matching casing containing a data storage device. The casing defines a number of engaging holes and a fixing member on one side. The fixing member includes a first sliding portion and a second sliding portion locating at opposite sides of the post which define a curving slot in which the post can slide. The fixing member is rotated to lock the casing to the board, and rotate back to unlock the casing from the board. |
| US08564955B2 |
Coupling heat sink to integrated circuit chip with thermal interface material
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for distributing a thermal interface material. The system includes: an integrated circuit chip; a heat sink; and a compliant thermal interface material (TIM) between the integrated circuit chip and the heat sink. During assembly of the system, a mating surface of the heat sink and a mating surface of the integrated circuit chip are shaped to distribute the TIM in the predetermined pattern as the TIM is pressed between the mating surface of heat sink and a corresponding mating surface of the integrated circuit chip. |
| US08564954B2 |
Thermally enhanced electronic package
A thermally enhanced electronic package comprises a driver chip, an insulator, a flexible carrier, and carbon nanocapsules. The flexible carrier includes a flexible substrate, a wiring layer formed on the substrate, and a resistant overlaying the wiring layer. The driver chip is connected to the wiring layer. The insulator is filled in the gap between the driver chip and the flexible carrier. The carbon nanocapsules are disposed on the driver chip, on the resistant, on the flexible carrier, or in the insulator to enhance heat dissipation of electronic packages. |
| US08564950B2 |
Housing encasing a device having a switch
This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for covering at least part of a mobile computing device having a touch screen display and a switch that is actuated by a motion that is at least in part lateral to a surface of a housing that houses the mobile computing device. The apparatus includes an encasement that enables operation of the touch screen display and covers at least part of the mobile computing device that includes the switch, the encasement having an outer surface and an inner surface. The apparatus further includes a switch mechanism including a switch actuator protruding from the outer surface of the encasement and covered by a flexible seal attached to the encasement. The switch mechanism includes a switch interface provided proximate the inner surface of the encasement to contact the switch, and is coupled with the switch actuator such that a movement of the switch actuator controls a movement of the switch interface to actuate the switch. |
| US08564949B2 |
Flip-type portable electronic device with automatic open angle adjusting function
A portable electronic device includes a main body, a flip cover, and a hinge assembly. The flip cover is rotatably fixed on the main body via the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a sensing module, a hinge mechanism, and a microcontroller. The sensing module is configured to detect control signals. The hinge mechanism is configured to control an angle between the flip cover and the main body. The microcontroller is electrically connected to the sensing module. The microcontroller receives the control signals from the sensing module, and controls the hinge mechanism to rotate to a specified angle according to the control signals. The angle between the flip cover and the main body is automatically adjusted correspondingly. |
| US08564948B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a display, a cover, and a blocking board. The display defines a rear side. A motherboard and a first cooling assembly are secured to the rear side of the display, and a second cooling assembly is secured to the motherboard. The cover is secured to the rear side for coving the rear side, and defines a number of air inlets and air outlets. The blocking board is secured to a side of the motherboard, and located between the first cooling assembly and the second cooling assembly. A first air path is defined by the air inlet, the display, the first cooling assembly, and the air outlet, and a second air path is defined by the air inlet, the motherboard, the second cooling assembly, and the air outlet. The first air path and the second air path are divided by the blocking board. |
| US08564947B2 |
Heat exhaustion structure for heat dissipating device
A heat exhaustion structure for a heat dissipating device is provided. The present invention relates to a heat exhaustion structure for a heat dissipating device, and more particularly, to a heat exhaustion structure that may effectively exhaust an internal heat generated by heat dissipating devices included in a semiconductor package and in a large number of electronic products. |
| US08564946B2 |
Computer including hot-pluggable disk storage drives that are mounted in an in-line arrangement
An electronic device includes a housing defining an enclosure, one or more processors in the enclosure, and one or more memory modules in the enclosure. Disk storage drives are provided in an in-line arrangement within the enclosure such that a rear portion of one disk storage drive is adjacent a front portion of another disk storage drive. |
| US08564944B2 |
Flux fountain
Flux fountain techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a cover configured to be disposed over at least a portion of a display device of a computing device that is configured as a tablet and a connection portion attached to the cover using a flexible hinge. The connection portion is configured to be physically coupled to the computing device using a magnetic coupling device. The magnetic coupling device includes a first magnet that is disposed in the connection portion such that a magnetic field is aligned along an axis and second and third magnets are disposed in the connection portion at opposing sides of the first magnet from each other. The second and third magnets have respective magnetic fields that are aligned along a respective axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field of the first magnet. |
| US08564939B2 |
Method and apparatus for bypassing the battery of a computer
A battery bypass assembly for a computer includes a battery housing which is configured to receive a battery in a battery receptacle. The assembly also includes a battery emulator which is designed to be installed in the battery receptacle of a computer motherboard. An electrical cable connects the electrical contacts of the battery receptacle in the battery housing to the corresponding terminals on the battery emulator. Once the battery emulator has been mounted in a battery receptacle of a computer motherboard, and a battery has been mounted in the battery receptacle of the battery housing, the battery will power circuits on the computer motherboard. The battery housing can be positioned in a location where it is easily accessible. As a result, the battery can be easily replaced without the need to open the housing of the computer. |
| US08564938B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a casing, a device attachment portion, a pointing device, an attachment member and a button member. The casing includes an outer surface, an inner surface and an opening. The device attachment portion is provided in the casing. The pointing device is attached to the device attachment portion from a side of the inner surface. The attachment member is removably fixed to the casing and covers a part of the pointing device from the side of the inner surface. The button member is attached to the attachment member and includes a base portion, a supporting portion and an operating portion. The base portion is fixed to the attachment member. The supporting portion extends from the base portion. The operating portion at a front end of the supporting portion is fitted in the opening, and exposed to the outside of the casing. |
| US08564935B2 |
High energy density storage material device using nanochannel structure
A capacitor includes a plurality of nanochannels formed in a dielectric material. A conductive film is formed over interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and a charge barrier is formed over the conductive film. An electrolytic solution is disposed in the nanochannels. An electrode is coupled to the electrolytic solution in the nanochannels to form the capacitor. |
| US08564934B2 |
Ultracapacitor with improved aging performance
An electric double layer capacitor contains first and second electrodes, each having respective first and second carbon materials with distinct pore size distributions. A pore volume ratio of the first carbon material is greater than a pore volume ratio of the second carbon material. The pore volume ratio R is defined as R=V1/V, where V1 is a total volume of pores having a pore size of less than 1 nm, and V is a total volume of pores having a pore size greater than 1 nm. |
| US08564929B2 |
Stacked film capacitor and method of producing the same
A stacked film capacitor including a resin protective film having excellent durability is provided which can stably secure desired properties. The stacked film capacitor includes a capacitor element including a plurality of dielectric layers, and a plurality of vapor-deposited metal film layers. Each dielectric layer and each vapor-deposited metal film layer are stacked with each other so as to be arranged alternately. The stacked film capacitor further includes a pair of external electrodes provided on opposing side surfaces of the capacitor element, and at least one resin protective film formed on at least one side surfaces other than the side surfaces on which the external electrodes are formed, in which the at least one resin protective film is provided by deposition polymerization. |
| US08564928B2 |
MEMS device having a movable structure
According to one embodiment, a MEMS device includes an electrode on a substrate, a movable structure which is supported in midair above the electrode by first and second anchor portions on the substrate, and moves toward the electrode, a first spring structure which connects the first anchor portion to the movable structure and uses a ductile material, and a second spring structure which connects the second anchor portion to the movable structure and uses a brittle material. |
| US08564919B2 |
Dimmer circuit with overcurrent detection
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting an overcurrent condition in a dimmer circuit having two switches, each for controlling power delivered to a load, each switch having a respective anti-parallel diode. The method comprises sensing a voltage drop across one of the anti-parallel diodes, comparing the sensed voltage drop with a reference voltage, and determining that an overcurrent condition exists if the sensed voltage drop exceeds the reference voltage. Also disclosed is a dimmer circuit embodying the method. |
| US08564915B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting arc flash events using light and time discrimination
A power equipment protection system includes a circuit breaker, a current sensor configured to measure a current through a circuit, a light sensor configured to detect a light event, and a controller communicatively coupled to the current sensor and to the light sensor, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the light event originated from operation of the circuit breaker. |
| US08564914B2 |
Fault clearing without a DC backup power source
An electrical power protection system, includes a generator configured for supplying Direct Current (DC) power to a load bus, the load bus in electrical communication with a bus circuit; a generator control unit being configured for regulating the output voltage supplied by the generator; a bus contactor in serial communication with the bus circuit, the bus contactor including logic circuits configured for detecting an overcurrent in the bus circuit, the overcurrent representative of a ground fault in the bus circuit; and a capacitor bank coupled to the generator for selectively supplying an excitation voltage through a diode switch to the generator during the ground fault in the bus circuit. |
| US08564908B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing unit and disk drive device including the same
A first sleeve rotatably extends around a shaft. First and second flanges are fixed to the shaft. A second sleeve extending around the first sleeve is fixed thereto. A first annular member fixed to the second sleeve surrounds the first flange. A second annular member fixed to the second flange surrounds a portion of the second sleeve. A first capillary seal includes a clearance between the first flange and the first annular member. A second capillary seal includes a clearance between the second annular member and the second sleeve. Lubricant is provided in the clearances in the first and second capillary seals. The second annular member and the second sleeve are designed so that the lubricant in the clearance in the second capillary seal can be viewed from a point in a radial position which is outward of the second sleeve as seen in an axial direction. |
| US08564903B2 |
Writer with an AFM write gap
A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with main pole and a trailing edge shield antiferromagnetically coupled across a write gap by either having the write gap layer formed as a synthetic antiferromagnetic tri-layer (SAF) or formed as a monolithic layer of antiferromagnetic material. The coupling improves the write performance of the writer by enhancing the perpendicular component of the write field and its gradient. Methods of fabricating the writer are provided. |
| US08564902B2 |
Magnetic head with components separated by insulative portions and electrically coupled together by connective element
A magnetic head in one embodiment includes a plurality of components separated from each other by insulative portions, one of the components being a substrate; at least one connective element electrically coupling the components together; and a chiplet having at least one of read transducers and write transducers. A magnetic head in another embodiment includes a plurality of components separated from each other by insulative portions; side bars flanking the substrate; and at least one connective element electrically coupling the components together. A magnetic head in another embodiment includes a plurality of components separated from each other by insulative portions; and at least one connective element electrically coupling the components together, wherein the at least one connective element is positioned in at least one of the insulative portions, the at least one connective element having no other function than to electrically connect the components adjacent thereto. |
| US08564901B2 |
Disk drive device and method of press-fitting with reduced hub deformation
In the brushless motor, a hub has a cylindrical separating wall in between a yoke and two magnetic recording disks. The yoke is affixed to the inner surface of the separating wall of the hub using both a press-fit and adhesion. A first convex portion and a second convex portion are formed on the inner surface of the separating wall, and the yoke is pressed against these convex portions in the case where the yoke is press-fit. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are formed in a ring shape around the rotational axis of the motor. The diameter of the first convex portion is less than the diameter of the second convex portion. |
| US08564899B2 |
Disk drive decreasing a settle delay based on speed that a settle parameter adapts
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of tracks, and control circuitry operable to seek the head to a target track and settle the head on the target track during a settle time, adapt a settle parameter used to settle the head on the target track, access the target track after an access delay, and decrease the access delay based on a speed that the settle parameter adapts. |
| US08564886B2 |
Zoom lens
A zoom lens includes a first lens group, a second lens group, an aperture, a third lens group, a fourth lens group, a fifth lens group, and an image surface in order along an optical axis from an object side to an image side. The first lens group has positive refractive power, and includes three lenses. The second lens group has negative refractive power, and includes fourth lenses. The third lens group has positive refractive power, and includes two lenses. The fourth lens group has positive refractive power, and includes five lenses. The fifth lens group has positive refractive power, and includes two lenses. Therefore, the zoom lens has a small size and high zoom ratio. |
| US08564884B2 |
Reconfigurable, non-oscillating liquid lens and imaging systems
A non-oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending through the substrate. A liquid lens drop is held within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and which includes a chamber. The liquid lens drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid lens drop, and an actuator which facilitates adjusting configuration of the liquid lens drop within the channel, and thus, a focal distance of the liquid lens. |
| US08564883B2 |
Virtual image display device
Image light reflected by a third reflective surface of a light incidence portion is propagated while being totally reflected by first and second reflective surfaces of a light guiding portion, is reflected by a fourth reflective surface of a light emission portion, and is incident to observer's eye as a virtual image. At this time, the number of times of reflection of first image light, which is emitted from a first partial region of an image display device, in the light guiding portion, and the number of times of reflection of second image light, which is emitted from a second partial region of the image display device in the light guiding portion are different from each other, such that it is possible to take in the image light beams from the different partial regions of the image display device with a relatively wide angle of view. |
| US08564882B2 |
Diffractive optical element and optical device
A diffractive optical element includes first and second optical members which are stacked. The first optical member includes a diffraction grating in which a plurality of raised portions each having a vertical surface and a surface inclined to the vertical surface are arranged. The second optical member includes a diffraction grating in which a plurality of recessed portions are arranged, to which the raised portions are fitted. The diffraction grating of the first optical member and the diffraction grating of the second optical member are in close contact with each other. A ridge portion of the raised portion defines a curved surface. A curvature radius R (μm) of the curved surface, a pitch P (mm) of the raised portions, and a refractive index difference Δnd between the first and second optical members satisfy a predetermined relationship. |
| US08564880B2 |
Zoom system for a microscope and method of operating such a zoom system
The present invention relates to an afocal zoom system for a microscope with a shutter for controlling the depth of focus of the microscopic image produced by an object, wherein at least one shutter is disposed in front of the first lens group of the zoom system, viewed from the object, in the direction of the beam path passing through the zoom system, and/or at least one shutter is disposed on a lens group of the zoom system, the diameter of which can be varied in order to control the depth of focus, without causing vignetting of the edge beams. |
| US08564879B1 |
Multispectral infrared simulation target array
A composite infrared target simulation display system for field testing of infrared (IR) search and track, guidance and general sensory systems. The system includes one or more tileable emitter arrays scalable without systemic size limitation. The emitter arrays are square faced tiles housing power and control electronics to autonomously display a stored infrared test image according to parameters distributed by a control host and a timing signal. A face of the emitter array is divided into regularly spaced pixel positions, each made up of multiple IR emitters operating in differing regions of the IR band to display an image. Multiple emitter array tiles are joined to form a complete system. Each emitter of each pixel position is individually addressable to be individually controllable with respect to emittance state for displaying an image. Multiple images may be sequentially displayed to replicate a simulated target signature in motion. |
| US08564878B2 |
Optical amplifier, control circuit, and optical amplifier control method
An optical amplifier includes a semiconductor optical amplifier, a power monitor configured to monitor an optical power of out-of-signal-band noise output from the semiconductor optical amplifier, and a corrector configured to correct a relationship between a driving current for the semiconductor optical amplifier and a noise optical power based on the out-of-signal-band noise optical power monitored by the first power monitor. |
| US08564872B2 |
Microstructure optical phase shifting film and lens
The present invention discloses a microstructure optical phase shifting film and lens. The optical phase shifting film is an integrated structure which includes a light-phase-shifting-film base and the convex surface positioned thereon. The convex surface has a plurality of semi-cylinder like protrusions which have the same height and are separated from a constant pitch with each other. A lens layer is covered on the surface of the optical phase shifting film to form a microstructure lens. The optical phase shift film exhibits different refractive index because of the light with different polarization angle. Therefore, the microstructure functions as a lenticular lens used in 2D/3D switching display. |
| US08564869B1 |
Voltage controlled tunable single sideband modulators and devices based on electro-optic optical whispering gallery mode resonators
Photonic devices and techniques based on tunable single sideband (SSB) modulation in whispering gallery mode resonators formed of different poled electro-optic domains and to support whispering gallery modes circulating in the optical resonator to effectuate a single sideband (SSB) on only one side of the laser frequency without having a mirror image sideband on the other side of the laser frequency. |
| US08564868B2 |
Light scanning apparatus
A light scanning apparatus includes: a light source configured to emit a light beam; a deflector configured to deflect and scan the light beam from the light source in a main scanning direction; a control substrate that is configured to control driving of the light source and includes a first connection part to which the light source is connected and a second connection part for connecting an external terminal; and a housing that supports the control substrate. The first connection part is arranged within the housing and the second connection part is exposed and arranged at the outside of the housing. |
| US08564861B2 |
Providing calibration data for printer
A method of providing calibration data for a printer includes printing a calibration target using the printer. The target includes a plurality of patch sets, each including a plurality of test patches, each patch having a respective color. Scanned patch data for one of the sets are received from a spot scanner. The scanned patch data values are compared to respective aims to determine a reproduction error value for the scanned patch set. A processor automatically determines which of the sets should be scanned next using the calculated reproduction error value. The process is repeated until all sets have been scanned, or until the reproduction error value is less than or equal to a selected threshold. Calibration data are automatically generated using the scanned patch data. |
| US08564860B2 |
Image processor for correcting image data
An image processor includes an identifying unit, a first correcting unit, and a second correcting unit. The identifying unit identifies a white point value of an image represented by first image data. The white point value indicates a first color temperature. The first correcting unit performs a white balance correction on the first image data such that the white point value approaches a target white point value. The target white point value indicates a second color temperature. The second correcting unit performs a brightness correction for correcting the first image data corrected by the first correcting unit into second image data such that an image corresponding to the second image data is brighter as the second color temperature is higher than the first color temperature and such that the image corresponding to the second image data is darker as the second color temperature is lower than the first color temperature. |
| US08564858B2 |
Pixel interpolating device, image reading apparatus, pixel interpolating method and computer-readable medium
A pixel interpolating device includes a cycle calculation unit and an interpolating unit. The cycle calculation unit calculates a cycle in change of pixel values of pixels in a document image obtained by reading a document by first and second photoelectric conversion element arrays each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. The interpolating unit extracts from the pixels such pixels that an interval between each pixel and an interpolated pixel corresponding to a position between the first and second photoelectric conversion element arrays corresponds to the cycle calculated by the cycle calculation unit. The interpolating unit interpolates a pixel value of the interpolated pixel based on pixel values of the extracted pixels. |
| US08564857B2 |
Image reading apparatus
In an image reading apparatus, cables may be used to connect reading units (e.g., scanning devices) to a controller or control circuit board configured to execute certain instructions and perform various functions. The cables may be routed between the reading units and the controller so as to reduce and/or eliminate noise. For example, the cables may be routed through contact prevention devices that may include ferrite cores. The cables may also be routed in a manner so as to maintain a predefined distance therebetween and to minimize interference. For example, the cables may extend downward from a corresponding reading portion, change course to a horizontal direction parallel to the rotation axis of an openable unit of the image reading apparatus and such that the cable extends toward the controller, and subsequently extend downward such that the flexible flat cable is insertable into a corresponding connector of the controller. |
| US08564853B2 |
Image-reading method and apparatus
An image-reading apparatus and method for controlling the image-reading apparatus including a document plate where an original document is placed, a line image sensor that reads an image on the document plate by scanning to obtain image data, a reference-setting image that is placed outside a region of the document plate at a position where the line image sensor is able to read the reference-setting image, and a control unit configured to set a reference position when the image sensor reads the image, wherein the control unit detects the reference-setting image from the image data and, depending on a power-on state of the image-reading apparatus, selects the manner in which the reference position is set based on the reference-setting image. |
| US08564850B2 |
Optical reading device, control method for an optical reading device, and storage medium
When optically scanning a medium, scanning can proceed immediately even if the size of the medium is unknown. Before or when an optical reading device starts scanning to read all of a recording medium, the CPU 40 sets a scan block of a size that can always be scanned based on the output of media edge sensors 47 and the distance from the scanning position of the optical reading device to the detection position of the media edge sensors 47, and then scans the set scan block. |
| US08564849B2 |
System, method, and computer readable medium for scanning a document having a raised image on it
A method and system include using a scanner to copy a document containing an original image and an embossment. The method includes first scanning a front face of the document from which the original image is visible to form a first image, wherein the first scanning is conducted with a sensitivity such that the embossment is essentially not visible in the first image; increasing a sensitivity of the scanner; second scanning the document to create a second image, wherein the embossment is visible in the second image; combining the first and second images so as to obtain a reproduction image of the original image containing the embossment. |
| US08564843B2 |
Image formation based on multiple images
An image forming apparatus including a scanning unit, an image data synthesizing unit, and a printing unit is described. The scanning unit reads a first image, generates first image data representing the first image, reads a second image and generates second image data representing the second image. The image data synthesizing unit generates, on the basis of the first and second image data, synthesized image data representing a synthesized image of the first and second images arranged in a contact state where a first side which is one of four sides constituting an outer edge of the first image and a second side which is one of four sides constituting an outer edge of the second image are disposed immediately adjacent to each other or in a close state in which these sides are disposed parallel to and close to each other. The printing unit prints the synthesized image. |
| US08564837B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and program product for generating a color image visible under ordinary light with a latent image region easily discriminated under infrared light
For a selected pixel value, amounts of color material used of respective color materials used to print a background region, and those of respective color materials used to print a latent image region are calculated. The calculated amounts of color material used are stored in a memory in association with the selected pixel value. Amounts of color material used corresponding to respective pixel values of a pixel value group are read out from the memory, and are output to a printing apparatus. |
| US08564836B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus is provided which associates specific folders, which are set for specific setting items, with a specific file, and performs operations on the specific file according to the settings of the specific folders. The image forming apparatus includes an associating unit that associates a file having setting on its own file with one of the specific folders, and a setting contents substituting unit that substitutes setting contents of the specific folder with setting contents of the own file. |
| US08564830B2 |
Sensitivity matrix determination via chain rule of differentiation
What is provided are a novel system and method for generating a sensitivity matrix for adaptive color control in a color marking device. In one embodiment, a first and second color space is identified. A total of N intermediate components are identified. Component sensitivity matrices are calculated and a sensitivity matrix is generated using a chain rule of differentiation over each successive component sensitivity matrix. The present method facilitates calibration of dynamically varying color reproduction devices. |
| US08564829B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for converting frames of image data to higher resolution image data
An image processing apparatus characterized by including; an area sensor unit that reads from an original document image a plurality of frames of image data having a shift of less than one pixel, an output resolution acquisition unit that obtains an output image resolution at which resolution the original document image read by the area sensor unit is output, an acquisition frame number control unit that controls a number of frames read by the area sensor unit according to a result of the output resolution acquisition unit, a correction unit that corrects an inclination of the frames of image data controlled by the acquisition frame number control unit, and a high resolution conversion unit that performs an interpolation processing using the plurality of frames of image data whose inclination is corrected by the correction unit to obtain image data in a resolution higher than a resolution during reading. |
| US08564821B2 |
Image processing apparatus for combining images
Joint images are end portions of respective read images and are portions to be joined together. The joint images are stored with a compression ratio lower than that with which the read images are stored. Then, the read images are joined together at relative positions determined on the basis of the joint images. |
| US08564819B2 |
Image printing system and image processing method
There are provided an image printing system and an image processing method which can perform printing control for a unit pixel without losing a positional relationship between a dot arrangement pattern and a mask pattern even when index processing and mask processing are executed independently from each other. For this purpose, an index start position command (901) is transmitted, and the mask pattern is arranged such that the top of the mask pattern matches a top raster of a received index processing start position when the mask processing is executed. Thereby, it becomes possible to securely execute the printing control for a unit pixel without losing the positional relationship between the dot arrangement pattern and the mask pattern which are generated in association with each other. |
| US08564815B2 |
Transmission device, communication system, image forming system, computer readable medium and transmission method
A transmission device including a detection unit, a processing unit and a transmission unit. The detection unit detects whether there are plural consecutive transmission elements in which absolute values of differences between lengths of the transmission elements are equal to or less than a pre-specified value. If intermission periods are not provided in the detected transmission elements, the processing unit performs processing that inserts at least one of an irregular signal and an intermission period into at least one of the transmission elements. If intermission periods are provided in the detected transmission elements, the processing unit performs at least one of processing that changes a length of the intermission period provided in at least one of the detected transmission elements and processing that inserts an irregular signal into at least one transmission element. The transmission unit transmits the processed transmission elements in an order of a transmission element group. |
| US08564805B2 |
Printing system and computer usable medium therefor
A printing system, comprising a detecting system, which detects from a content to be printed a link destination address as an address assigned to information being associated with the content, a code symbol generating system, which generates a code symbol representing the link destination address detected by the detecting system in a format recognizable to a code symbol reader, a print control system, which controls the code symbol generated by the code symbol generating system to be appended to the content and a printer unit included in the print control system to print the contents along with the appended code symbol. |
| US08564800B2 |
Printing system, printing apparatus, computer program, and storage medium
A time limit for a printer to be restored to a printable state after an occurrence of a print error that prevents the printer from printing is variably set. If the printer is not in a printable state when an elapsed time since the print error occurred in the printer reaches the time limit being set or exceeds the time limit, a print start command is transmitted to another printer, and a job assignment is switched to the other printer. |
| US08564798B2 |
Validation of print jobs using bitmapped image
A method and apparatus capture bitmapped images of pages of a print job that have been raster image processed by a digital front end of a printing device (while they are being printed by the printing device). The bitmapped images are captured from the printing device's buffer using a computerized device potentially positioned within the printing device. The computerized device collects image data from at least one predetermined area of the bitmapped images of the pages and performs optical character processing on the image data to identify characters and numbers within the bitmapped images. The computerized device processes the characters and numbers into accumulated data for the pages of the print job. Then the computerized device compares the accumulated data to expected data to validate whether the print job printed correctly. |
| US08564797B2 |
Setting changing device, method and program storage medium
A setting changing device includes a display controller, a receiver, and a changing section. The display controller displays a designation screen for at least one of a first designation that designates a first item and an initial value of the first item; a second designation that designates a second item that prohibits changing via the setting screen by a user; or a third designation that designates a third item that prohibits displaying on the setting screen for users. The changing section, on the basis of the at least one of the first designation, second designation and third designation, (a) changes respective settings of the target device drivers, or, (b) generates for each of changeable setting items of the target device drivers, setting data that is referenced by device drivers when the setting screen is displayed. |
| US08564794B2 |
Method and apparatus for continuous dual-feed simplex in an image production device
A method and apparatus for continuous dual-feed simplex in an image production device is disclosed. The image production device may include an image production section that includes a first media print path and a second media print path each of which produces simplex images on media, and a user interface that receives a request to print a first simplex print job and a second simplex print job, the first simplex print job being printed using the first media print path and the second simplex print job being printed using the second media print path, wherein the first simplex print job and the second simplex print job are printed at the same time. |
| US08564787B2 |
OCT apparatus and interference signal level control method for the same
An OCT measurement apparatus includes a level detection section which detects the signal level of a piece of signal intensity information in interference information outputted from an interference beam detection section, a variable optical attenuator (VOA) which adjusts the light quantity of a return beam of a reference beam, and a light quantity control section which controls the VOA on the basis of the signal level of the piece of signal intensity information in the interference information detected by the level detection section. Accordingly, an interference signal at an appropriate level can be detected without saturation of the interference signal and reduction of an S/N ratio, and optical structure information of an object to be measured can be generated using the interference signal. |
| US08564785B2 |
Comb-based spectroscopy with synchronous sampling for real-time averaging
A method of comb-based spectroscopy with synchronous sampling for real-time averaging includes measuring the full complex response of a sample in a configuration analogous to a dispersive Fourier transform spectrometer, infrared time domain spectrometer, or a multiheterodyne laser spectrometer. An alternate configuration of a comb-based spectrometer for rapid, high resolution, high accuracy measurements of an arbitrary cw waveform. |
| US08564783B2 |
Optical coherence tomography laser with integrated clock
A frequency swept laser source for TEFD-OCT imaging includes an integrated clock subsystem on the optical bench with the laser source. The clock subsystem generates frequency clock signals as the optical signal is tuned over the scan band. Preferably the laser source further includes a cavity extender in its optical cavity between a tunable filter and gain medium to increase an optical distance between the tunable filter and the gain medium in order to control the location of laser intensity pattern noise. The laser also includes a fiber stub that allows for control over the cavity length while also controlling birefringence in the cavity. |
| US08564782B2 |
Toner-density calculating method, reflective optical sensor, reflective optical sensor device, and image forming apparatus
A toner density is calculated from outputs of light-receiving elements based on a difference between a reflection property of a supporting member and a reflection property of a toner pattern. Light-emitting elements aligned in one direction that is inclined to a sub-direction emit a detection light in such a manner that a distance between adjacent spots falling on the supporting member in a second direction is equal to or smaller than a width of the toner pattern in the second direction. The light-receiving elements receive a reflected light reflected from the supporting member and/or the toner pattern. The light-receiving elements are aligned, opposed to the supporting member, in a one direction corresponding to the light-emitting elements. |
| US08564776B2 |
System and method for measuring particles in a sample stream of a flow cytometer using a low power laser source
A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals. |
| US08564761B2 |
Surface shape measuring apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A surface shape measuring apparatus includes an illumination system and a light receiving system. The illumination system splits wide-band light from a light source into measurement light and reference light, illuminates the measurement light to obliquely enter a surface of the film, and illuminates the reference light to obliquely enter a reference mirror. The light receiving system combines the measurement light reflected by the surface of the film and the reference light reflected by the reference mirror with each other and introduces the combined light to a photoelectric conversion element. An incident angle of the measurement light upon the surface of the film and an incident angle of the reference light upon the reference mirror are each larger than the Brewster's angle. S-polarized light and p-polarized light included in the measurement light entering a surface of the substrate have equal intensity on the photoelectric conversion element. |
| US08564757B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus
A method of cleaning an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed in which a cleaner is added to immersion liquid for use during exposure of a substrate. The cleaner may be a combination of a soap and a solvent. The cleaner maybe present at a concentration of less than 300 ppb. |
| US08564753B2 |
Display substrate having pixel electrode with branch electrode including bent portion, display device having the same and method of manufacturing the display substrate
A display substrate includes a base substrate and a unitary indivisible pixel electrode. The base substrate includes a gate line, a data line crossing the gate line and a thin-film transistor electrically connected to the gate line and the data line formed thereon. A pixel area is defined on the base substrate. The unitary indivisible pixel electrode includes a plurality of branch electrodes formed on the pixel area and a connection electrode connecting the branch electrodes to each other. Each of the branch electrodes includes a bent portion and the bent portions of adjacent branch electrodes are spaced apart from each other. |
| US08564752B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal disposed between the first substrate having first signal lines and second signal lines defining pixel regions and the second substrate. The pixel regions include a first transparent electrode, and a second transparent electrode which is overlapped with the first electrode through an insulating layer. The second transparent electrode is elongated so as to extend to plural pixel regions in overlapping relation with the first signal line which extends in plural pixel regions, and at least one strip-shaped opening portion is delimited between adjacent second transparent electrodes arranged in an extension direction of the first signal line, the at least one strip-shaped opening portion being formed in overlapping relation with the second signal line. A metal line is connected to the second transparent electrode, the metal line being elongated to extend to plural pixel regions. |
| US08564750B2 |
Liquid crystal alignment using inkjet printed polymers
A method of preparing liquid crystal alignment films using an inkjet printer to control liquid crystal alignment is disclosed. The alignment ink is formulated from a single alignment material or combination of alignment materials to realize desired pretilt angle. The alignment films can be applied with designed patterns of alignment films of different pretilt angle on at least one substrate to achieve pattern-aligned liquid crystal devices. |
| US08564749B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device capable of reducing damage due to drops and external impacts comprises a backlight unit (BLU), an LCD panel disposed opposite the BLU, and an adhesive member interposed between the BLU and the LCD panel. The adhesive member includes a first film bonded to the BLU, a second film bonded to the LCD panel, and a third film interposed between the first film and the second film. The third film includes a first portion bonded to the first film, a second portion bonded to the second film, and a third portion configured so as to connect the first portion and the second portion between the first and second portions. |
| US08564743B2 |
Reflective polymer dispersed liquid crystal display device
A reflective polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display device may include a plurality of first and second electrodes on the first and second substrates, the first and second substrates separate from each other, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer between the plurality of first and second electrodes, the PDLC layer including polymer, liquid crystal, and a chain transfer reagent, and a specular reflection plate on the first substrate. |
| US08564741B2 |
Display device
A cooling device is provided, where an LED backlight can be efficiently cooled in order to suppress display unevenness caused by heat generated from the LED backlight. In addition, a display device including the cooling device is also provided. A display device is provided, where the LED backlight can be cooled by arranging a coolant pipe on a back surface side of the LED backlight and supplying a coolant to a coolant pipe. Further, a display device is provided, where cooling efficiency of the LED backlight can be more improved by arranging a thermal conductor between the LED backlight and the cooling device. |
| US08564739B2 |
LED backlight system for LCD displays
A LCD system including multiple light sources optically coupled through different light entry regions to at least one waveguide element positioned to backlight a LCD panel. A LCD system including multiple light sources coupled to light entry regions of two or more waveguides comprising a waveguide system positioned to backlight a LCD panel. Waveguides of various configurations and promoting even lighting of associated LCD panels are provided. Resulting LCD systems enable uniformly lit panels having diagonal measurements in excess of 12 to 14 inches, but the invention is not limited to panels of any particular size. |
| US08564737B2 |
LED backlight system for LCD displays
A LCD system including multiple light sources optically coupled through different light entry regions to at least one waveguide element positioned to backlight a LCD panel. A LCD system including multiple light sources coupled to light entry regions of two or more waveguides comprising a waveguide system positioned to backlight a LCD panel. Waveguides of various configurations and promoting even lighting of associated LCD panels are provided. Resulting LCD systems enable uniformly lit panels having diagonal measurements in excess of 12 to 14 inches, but the invention is not limited to panels of any particular size. |
| US08564736B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal module
In a backlight unit, a plurality of linear light sources arranged in a first direction are accommodated in a case so that they are covered by the case from a side opposite to an illuminated object. In the case, a reflective sheet is disposed on the bottom surface of the case, and a pair of supporting members are disposed to be spaced from each other in the extending direction of the linear light sources. The supporting members support the diffuser plate and the illuminated object. The diffuser plate has, on the light exit surface thereof, a first light-controlling portion having a pattern of stripes parallel to the linear light sources, and a pair of second light-controlling portions extending in the arrangement direction at positions corresponding to the supporting members. |
| US08564735B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, the liquid crystal display device includes a transmissive type liquid crystal display panel. A backlight unit is arranged on a back side of the liquid crystal display panel, and includes a light source portion for radiating the liquid crystal display panel with plane light. An optical sheet is arranged between the liquid crystal display panel and the back light unit. A rear bezel having a counter surface portion is arranged opposing at least a portion of a back side of the light source portion. An elastic sheet having a plurality of slits is arranged between the back side of the back light unit and the counter surface portion for elastically supporting the back light unit. |
| US08564733B2 |
Electrical device having low voltage differential signaling cable and liquid crystal display module using the cable
An electrical device includes a circuit board and a metal shield. The circuit board includes an electric cable for transmitting LVDS signals. The metal shield covers the circuit board to shield electromagnetic interference occurring in the circuit board. The metal shield defines an opening facing the electric cable, with at least most of the electric cable exposed. |
| US08564732B2 |
Back cover of LCD, backlight module and LCD
A back cover of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for supporting a backlight module is disclosed. The back cover comprises a back cover body and an inset. The inset is inset into the back cover body and is of a hollow frame structure, and the inset is a sheet metal inset, a ceramic inset or a heat pipe inset. A backlight module supported by the back cover and an LCD comprising the backlight module and the back cover are also disclosed. According to the back cover of an LCD, the backlight module supported by the back cover and the LCD comprising the backlight module, the back cover is formed of a plastic material through injection molding, so it is simple to fabricate and can reduce the material cost. |
| US08564730B2 |
Display device
Provided is a display device. The display device comprises a receiving unit, a liquid crystal panel, and a backlight assembly. The receiving unit comprises a sidewall, a first support bent or curved to extend from the sidewall, a second support bent or curved to extend from the first support. The second support faces the sidewall. At least one of the liquid crystal panel and the backlight assembly is received in the receiving unit. The liquid crystal panel and the backlight assembly can be doubly protected by the sidewall and the second support, and a display device with improved mechanical strength can be realized. |
| US08564725B2 |
Video data processing apparatus and contrast correcting method
A video data processing apparatus includes: a contrast correction calculating section correcting the contrast of input luminance data by performing a calculation using a contrast correction value; an error diffusion section performing an error diffusion process on the luminance data whose contrast has been corrected; an error diffusion setting section setting whether to perform the error diffusion process at the error diffusion section; a correction value setting section detecting black and white peak values of an input luminance signal and setting the contrast correction value using the detected black and white peak values; and a correction amount adjusting section adjusting the contrast correction value set by the correction value setting section depending on whether the error diffusion process is performed at the error diffusion section according to an instruction from the error diffusion setting section and supplying the adjusted contrast correction value to the contrast correction calculating section. |
| US08564717B2 |
Assembling method for imaging apparatus and imaging apparatus
A method for assembling an imaging apparatus includes steps of: preparing an external cover, an image pickup device, and a tilt detection unit configured to output a tilt signal of the imaging apparatus, setting an orientation of the external cover to be a predetermined orientation, matching an orientation of the image pickup device with the orientation of the external cover in the state where the orientation of the external cover is the predetermined orientation, fixing the image pickup device in the imaging apparatus in a state where the orientation of the image pickup device is matched with the orientation of the external cover, storing a tilt signal output by the tilt detection unit in a state where the orientation of the external cover is set to be the predetermined orientation. |
| US08564715B2 |
System for stabilizing an optics assembly during translation
An optical module includes a first optics group, a second optics group, and an image sensor, wherein the first optics group and second optics group are configured to provide an image having a focus and a magnification to the image sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, a first optics assembly includes a first optics group coupled to a threaded portion of a first lead screw so that rotation of the first lead screw results in translation of the first optics group along an axis of the first lead screw, a first actuator for rotating the first lead screw; and a first sensing target configured to permit detection of rotation of the first lead screw. In some embodiments of the present invention a second optics assembly includes a second optics group coupled to a threaded portion of a second lead screw so that rotation of the second lead screw results in translation of the second optics group along an axis of the second lead screw, a second actuator for rotating the second lead screw, and second means for sensing configured to detect rotation of the second lead screw. |
| US08564707B2 |
Linear image sensor with multiple outputs
A Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor includes a linear array of photodetectors. The photodetectors in the linear array are arranged into distinct sub-arrays with each sub-array including two or more photodetectors. An output channel is connected to each sub-array of photodetectors. Each output channel includes a horizontal CCD shift register and an output structure connected to an end of the horizontal CCD shift register in a linear arrangement with respect to each other. Each successive output channel is disposed on an alternate side of the linear array. Every other output channel is disposed on an alternate side of the linear array. One or more dark reference pixels can be connected to one or more additional shift register elements in the horizontal CCD shift registers. |
| US08564701B2 |
Solid-state imaging device having a buried photodiode and a buried floating diffusion positioned for improved signal charge transfer, and electronic apparatus including the solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel including a buried photodiode formed inside a substrate, a buried floating diffusion formed at a depth equal to that of the buried photodiode in the substrate so as to face a bottom of a trench portion formed in the substrate, and a buried gate electrode formed at the bottom of the trench portion in order to transfer a signal charge from the buried photodiode to the buried floating diffusion. |
| US08564699B2 |
Digital image sensor, image capture and reconstruction method and system for implementing same
The invention aims to solve the problem of eliminating the trade-off between the complexity of the digital image capture device and captured image reconstruction and the quality of the image. For this purpose, the invention provides a digital image capture sensor (18) including an array (16) of color filters, which array comprises a plurality of identical basic patterns (70) which are replicated with no overlap, each basic pattern being formed by color filters (72, 82, 84) which are pseudo-randomly arranged, such that each basic pattern (70) contains a variable pitch between two consecutive same-type color filters in the horizontal and/or vertical directions of the basic pattern. |
| US08564697B2 |
Black level calibration method and system
Black level calibration methods and systems are generally disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of calibrating a black level signal in a frame includes performing an iteration of averaging a first set of digital values corresponding to a first set of adjusted black level signals associated with a first set of black pixels of the frame, determining whether an average value based on the first set of digital values has reached a target black level, determining a calibration offset based on a difference between the average value and the target black level and an accumulator step, converting the calibration offset to an analog signal, generating a calibration signal based on the analog signal for a second set of black pixels of the frame, and repeating the iteration for the frame until a predetermined condition is determined to have been met. |
| US08564690B2 |
Photographing apparatus of which image pickup area is divided, and image pickup device thereof
A photographing apparatus and an image pickup device thereof include an image pickup device of which an image pickup area includes a plurality of pixels and is divided into a plurality of sub-image pickup areas, and at least one pixel included in each of the sub-image pickup areas outputs image signals at a same time. |
| US08564689B2 |
Acquisition system for images having a high dynamic range
An image acquisition system comprises: a single set of focussing optics focussing an incident beam from a scene to be imaged on a first sensor and a second sensor exhibiting identical spectral response curves; followed by separation means separating the irradiance of the beam coming from the focussing optics into first and second predetermined fractions, the separation means orienting the first fraction towards the first sensor and the second fraction towards the second sensor; control means for controlling a first acquisition time of the scene to be imaged by the first sensor to obtain a first image and/or a second acquisition time of the scene to be imaged by the second sensor to obtain a second image; and merging means that merge the first image coming from the first sensor and the second image coming from the second sensor to generate a final image. |
| US08564688B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatuses for white balance calibration
Methods, systems and apparatuses for white balance calibration. A calibration correction matrix is specifically calibrated for each individual imager, thereby providing improved automatic white balance performance. The individual imager calibration corrects for variation of the spectral response among different imagers. The calibration correction matrix is placed before the gray checker module, which analyzes the chromaticity of the image pixels and supplies resulting statistics to the automatic white balance decision engine for use in automatic white balance operations. The calibration correction matrix may be implemented as a 3×3 matrix. |
| US08564687B2 |
Efficient determination of an illuminant of a scene
An aspect of the present invention reduces computational complexity in determining a illuminant of a scene of interest by selecting only a subset of illuminants from several more potential illuminants, and searching for a current illuminant for a present image frame in only the subset of illuminants. Computational complexity may be reduced due to the searching in fewer illuminants. The subset of illuminants are selected according to various aspects to enhance the probability that the closest matching potential illuminant is accurately determined. The features can be used in image capture devices (ICDs) such as video cameras. |
| US08564683B2 |
Digital camera device providing improved methodology for rapidly taking successive pictures
An in-camera two-stage compression implementation is described that reduces the latency between snapshots to a fraction of that otherwise required by other systems that either process complete compression following each snapshot or that incorporate heavy, bulky, and expensive RAM hardware capable of maintaining several raw luminosity records (unprocessed file containing a digital image). In the 1st stage compression the raw luminosity record is quickly, yet partially, compressed to available RAM buffer space to allow a user to expeditiously capture a succeeding image. When the higher-priority processes, the user shooting pictures, and stage one compression subside, a 2nd stage compression, which is slower but more effective, decompresses the earlier partially-compressed images, and re-compresses them for saving in flash memory until they are distributed to a remote platform to be finally converted to the JPEG2000 format. |
| US08564680B1 |
Method and apparatus for noise management for color data synthesis in digital image and video capture systems
Systems and methods for synthesizing color data. The method includes calculating gradients at a plurality of angles with respect to a generation point in a matrix of color data, performing a first-level edge test by comparing each of the gradients to a noise threshold, selecting an interpolation technique in response to the comparisons, and synthesizing missing color data at said generation point using the selected interpolation technique. |
| US08564672B2 |
Methods and systems for selecting image capturing devices
A method of selecting an image capturing device in communication with an information handling system (IHS) is disclosed wherein the method includes executing an imaging software application and loading first data corresponding to an image capturing device compatible with the imaging software application, wherein the image capturing device is in communication with the IHS. The method further includes automatically executing a compatible image capturing device corresponding to the imaging software application. An information handling system (IHS) is further disclosed including a storage medium operable to store an imaging software application. The system further includes memory coupled to a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the imaging software application. The system may further include a virtual driver installed on the storage medium, the virtual driver configured to automatically select a preferred image capturing device corresponding to the imaging software application and wherein the preferred image capturing device is in communication with the IHS. |
| US08564668B2 |
Dual mode display resolution thermal imager
A thermal imager comprises a thermal video detector for detecting thermal video images and generating a video signal representing those thermal video images. Often, imaging optics are used for imaging light onto the thermal video detector. A display mode selector is also provided for enabling a selection between different video display modes. A video controller then scales the video signal in response to the display mode of the selector for display on a visible video display, which receives the scaled video signal from the video controller and displays the thermal video images. In the typical application, the display mode selector is operated by a user to select between a hand-held mode or mode in which the imager is used with a non-magnifying gun weapon sight, on one hand, and a mode for use with a magnifying telescopic sight of a weapon, on the other. In these latter applications, possibly only a portion of output of the video display is imaged through the telescopic sight of the weapon. Here, the image is not upsampled into portions of the display that are not visible through the sight. |
| US08564665B2 |
Emergency vehicle video and lighting support
My idea either adds lights and cameras to existing lights and cameras, or in some cases it adds a whole new system. The idea can be used on any vehicle, but is designed for emergency vehicles in particular. The idea would be very beneficial in dark areas like in the country. The system could be very advantageous at night for accident scenes, crime scenes, etc. I know it will be a great asset. |
| US08564664B2 |
Surveillance system
A method for monitoring motor vehicle traffic wherein the motor vehicles being monitored have an onboard computer and an interlock system whereby the motor vehicle can be operated, fully, limited or not, after a driver identification has been entered into the computer, the method comprising the steps of providing GPS input into the computer, providing one emitter and a monitored zone wherein the emitter provides at least one traffic parameter to the computer such that the computer records any infraction of the parameter, and sending information about the infraction to a governmental authority and stores it on the driver's identification card. |
| US08564663B2 |
Vehicle-mountable imaging systems and methods
Imaging systems, methods, sensor pods, and vehicles having imaging systems. An imaging system can be coupled to a vehicle and can comprise: a plurality of imaging sensors with multiple spectrums; and a processing unit configured to generate an image model in substantially real-time by: warping, fusing, and stitching images; and two or more displays coupled to the processing unit such that the two or more displays can simultaneously each show a different portion of the image model, and such that a user can manually calibrate via the processing unit at least one of the warping, fusing, or stitching. In some imaging systems, imaging sensors are coupled at different elevations relative to a ground vehicle. The present sensor pods can comprise a housing; two or more first imaging sensors having a first spectrum; and two or more second imaging sensors having a second spectrum that is different than the first spectrum. |
| US08564658B2 |
NH3 distributor monitoring system and method
An anhydrous ammonia distribution system includes a portable nurse tank 12 powered by an operator cab 13. One or more distributors 22 receive anhydrous ammonia from the nurse tank, and a plurality of knife hoses 30 deliver anhydrous ammonia from a distributor to a selected number of knives 31 for delivery to the field. Pressure gauge 32, 34 is provided for monitoring pressure at one or more distributors, and a camera 42 positioned within enclosure 40 transmits a reading from the pressure gauge to the operator cab, thereby alerting the operator to a malfunction in the delivery system. |
| US08564656B2 |
Method for identifying surface characteristics of metallurgical products, especially continuously cast and rolled products, and a device for carrying out said method
The invention relates to a method for recognizing surface characteristics of metallurgical products, especially continuously cast products and rolled products. According to said method, a defined section of the product surface (12, 12′) is irradiated by at least two radiation sources of different wavelengths, from different directions, and the irradiated surface section is optoelectronically detected. Three light sources (21, 22, 23) are oriented towards the product surface (12, 12′), as radiation sources, under the same angle (a), the positions thereof being in three planes (E1, E2, E3) forming a 120 DEG angle and being perpendicular to the product surface (12, 12′). In this way, instructive information about metallurgical products can be determined and stored in a very short space of time such that the products can be determined in a perfectly identified manner for the reprocessing, in terms of the surface quality or surface structure thereof. |
| US08564653B2 |
Scaleable, compact, high resolution optical fingerprint reader
A fingerprint reader for acquiring a fingerprint image has a platen with a micro prism sheet on its underside. An arrangement of fold mirrors is used to receive light from the platen and fold the optical path twice before reaching the imagers. The reader has multiple imagers, each imager having at least an imaging lens and an image sensor. Each imager is configured so that the image plane of the image sensor is tilted relative to the optical axis of the imaging lens, such that keystone distortion in the fingerprint image is corrected. |
| US08564652B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
In an endoscope apparatus, inside an endoscope, color correction processing is performed that performs multiplication between a color correction coefficient that is set based on a plurality of numerical apertures with respect to a plurality of different wavelengths included in a wavelength band of illuminating light of a light guide that is mounted in the endoscope and that transmits light-source light from a light source apparatus, and at least one of B, G and R signals generated by the signal processing apparatus. |
| US08564650B2 |
Apparatus and method for changing an open period for right and left eye shutters of a pair of viewing glasses
An image displaying apparatus includes a signal control unit for receiving an input image signal and converting the signal into a signal for alternately displaying a right-eye image and a left-eye image, display panel into which the signal converted in the signal control unit is input for the right-eye image and the left-eye image, a surface light source for illuminating the display panel from its back, a shutter control unit for generating a timing signal indicating a period in which the right-eye and left-eye shutters are opened for a pair of viewing glasses with the right-eye and left-eye shutters, and for relatively changing the shutter-opened period for the emission timing of the surface light source, and a surface light source control unit for emitting the surface light source in a shorter period than the shutter-opened period in response to the switching between the right-eye image and the left-eye image. |
| US08564649B2 |
Shutter drive unit and three dimensional image display system
Disclosed herein is a shutter drive unit, including: at least one inductor; first and second drive paths; first and second shutter including first and second drive object capacitive loads, respectively; first and second clamping circuits adapted to clamp the first and second drive object capacitive loads either to a power source potential or to a reference potential through the first and second drive paths, respectively; a first switch adapted to switch connection and non-connection between the inductor and the first drive object capacitive load over to each other; a second switch adapted to switch connection and non-connection between the inductor and the second drive object capacitive load over to each other; and a power collecting portion having a function of applying an intermediate voltage between the power source potential and the reference potential to the inductor, and a power collecting function of collecting a power by the inductor. |
| US08564648B2 |
Image signal processing apparatus, image signal processing method, recording medium, and integrated circuit
An image signal processing apparatus outputs, alternately on a-per frame basis, a first image to be displayed to one of left and right eyes of a viewer and a second image to be displayed to the other eye, and transmits, to a pair of image viewer glasses, a synchronizing signal for controlling timing of opening and closing of optical filters so as to allow the viewer to see the output frames through corresponding eyes. Specifically, the apparatus includes: a persistence amount detecting unit which detects a persistence amount indicating an effect of a first frame in the first image on a second frame in the second image and immediately following the first frame; and an optical-filter adaptive control unit which generates the synchronizing signal indicating timing of opening and closing of the optical filter corresponding to the second frame. The timing is changed based on the persistence amount detected. |
| US08564645B2 |
Signal processing device, image display device, signal processing method, and computer program
There is provided a signal processing device including an image analysis portion that analyzes content of an input image, a distance information acquisition portion that acquires distance information between a viewer who views a screen on which the input image is displayed and the screen, and a stereoscopic image generation portion that generates a stereoscopic image from the original input image, using an analysis result of the input image analyzed by the image analysis portion, the distance information acquired by the distance information acquisition portion, and information about a specification of the screen in a horizontal direction. |
| US08564643B1 |
Camera image georeferencing systems
A method for constructing a georeferencing-enabled camera model and its deployment in georeferencing targets located in video sequences due to a single video camera. A video surveillance camera is modeled by a collection of rays converging at a virtual camera point and the retina resolution cell coordinates associated with those rays wherein the ray equations are first established, in the course of a calibration process, for a given camera view, with the aid of other views of the same video surveillance camera, as necessary, and using such a model for mapping image coordinates to terrain coordinates and vice versa in the intended view or its adaptation for use in other views of the same video surveillance camera. |
| US08564642B2 |
Communication method, communication system, transmission method, transmission apparatus, receiving method and receiving apparatus
A communication method of transmitting video data which may include a predetermined number of bits as a unit from a source device to a sink device in sync with pixel clock and using individual transmission lines for respective color data or the like, may include preparing video data for three-dimensional display including the video data for a left eye and the video data for a right eye; forming the data for the left eye and for the right eye including the predetermined number of bits per pixel respectively; adding one of the data for the left eye and data for the right eye to the other thereof per pixel; forming the data of one pixel including twice the predetermined number of bits and transmitting the data at a timing in sync with the pixel clock; and transmitting the data for three-dimensional display from the source device to the sink device. |
| US08564640B2 |
Systems and methods of creating a virtual window
The systems and methods described provide an imaging system that allows multiple sensors to record images at their respective best exposures values and adaptively altering the exposure of the images recorded to create a seamless 360-degree view. In particular, the systems and methods described herein include determining exposure values for each column of photosensitive elements in a sensor by interpolating between the best exposure values of adjacent sensors. |
| US08564639B2 |
Multimedia communication system, multimedia communication device and terminal
At one of the timings: during a period between the moment when one of terminals which performs transmission calls out a communication partner and the moment of response and at the timing after the communication between the terminals is complete; content data is read out from a database and the read out content data is converted according to conversion information based on reproduction at the terminal. The converted content data is transmitted to the terminal. |
| US08564637B2 |
Conference control method, and relevant apparatus and system
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a conference control method, and a relevant apparatus and system. A conference control method includes: receiving a first area floor request, where the first area floor request carries a first site identifier and a first area identifier, a site corresponding to the first site identifier includes multiple areas and belongs to a first conference, and the first area identifier is an area identifier of a floor requesting area at the site corresponding to the first site identifier; and if determining to give floor to the floor requesting area corresponding to the first area identifier, broadcasting a speaking video corresponding to the floor requesting area to a site terminal of at least one of sites except the site corresponding to the first site identifier in the first conference. |
| US08564636B2 |
Image forming appartus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying body, a driving unit which rotates the image carrying body in a medium supplying direction, a light scanning unit which comprises a light source and a beam deflecting unit to scan a light beam from the light source to and fro in a main scanning direction to form a scanning line having an image section and a non image section, and a controller which stops the driving unit if the light beam from the beam deflecting unit is on the image section, and drives the driving unit if the light beam is on the non image section. |
| US08564634B2 |
Aligning device for printing member in printer
An aligning device for a printing member in a printer in which it is presupposed to use a printer of a one-end supporting structure. The printing member, such as a thermal transfer ribbon 3, can be used by selecting one of center alignment and one-end alignment. A rack and pinion structure within a cylindrical shaft 22 includes a pinion 16 rotatably provided within the cylindrical shaft 22, a pair of racks 17 and 18, a push-in projection 19 configured to push one rack 17 toward the push-in end 22B of the cylindrical shaft 22. A positioning projection 20 is configured to detachably engage with any of a plurality of positioning engagement holes 26 defined in the cylindrical shaft 22 along an axial direction. The push-in projection 19 drives the racks 17 and 18 and the pinion 16 by the pushing of the core tube 21 to the cylindrical shaft 22, and the positioning projection 20 engages with one of the positioning engagement holes 26 in the cylindrical shaft 22, to position the core tube 21 at the central position across the width direction. |
| US08564632B2 |
Thermal printer
A thermal printer includes a thermal head and a control unit that controls energization of each of a plurality of heater elements based on printing data including a plurality of line data arrays corresponding to the plurality of heater elements respectively, for selectively heating up the plurality of heater elements, and performs printing according to an order at the printing data while taking a line data array as a basic unit, on each printing cycle including a heating period and a non-heating period. The control unit delays a start of a heating period in a printing cycle with respect to a start of the printing cycle for a predetermined time period when a predetermined condition with respect to the line data array is satisfied. |
| US08564629B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display device capable of performing image signal writing and display with a field-sequential method in parallel, with a simple pixel configuration. In the liquid crystal display device, image signal writing to pixels in a row can be followed by image signal writing to pixels in a row which is separate from the row by at least two rows. Therefore, in the liquid crystal display device, image signal writing and lighting of the backlights are not performed per pixel portion but can be performed per unit region of the pixel portion. Accordingly, image signal writing and lighting of the backlight can be performed in parallel in the liquid crystal display device. |
| US08564627B2 |
Image display device and method of driving image display device
An image display device includes: a display panel including gate lines extending in a horizontal direction, source lines extending in a vertical direction to intersect gate lines, and sub-pixel electrodes arranged in intersections of the gate lines and the source lines; and a drive control section performing a drive control of the display panel using first or second drive mode. In the first drive mode, the drive control section performs display drive such that two sub-pixel electrodes are driven based on different gray scale values and that a combination of adjacent two sub-pixel electrodes is treated as a single pixel, the sub-pixel electrodes being arranged along a gate line and arranged on two respective source lines. In the second drive mode, the drive control section performs display drive such that N sub-pixel electrodes consecutively arranged along a source line are treated as a unit pixel to be driven. |
| US08564624B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes: a drawing unit which draws one of a plurality of images arranged in an order specified on the basis of a predetermined rule as a reference image in an image memory and which arranges and draws the predetermined number of images located on either side of the reference image in the order and continuing from the reference image as near images of the reference image in the order with reference to the reference image in the image memory; a display controller which displays the images falling within a predetermined range among the images drawn in the image memory on a display unit; and a controller which changes the position of the predetermined range in accordance with an instruction operation of changing a display state of the images on the display unit, when the instruction operation is received. |
| US08564614B2 |
Display control apparatus, display control method and recording non-transitory medium
A display control apparatus controls an input unit that inputs pieces of captured image data, an acquisition control unit that controls consecutive acquisition of a plurality of pieces of image data, a memory control unit that buffers in the memory unit the plurality of pieces of image data consecutively acquired by the acquisition control unit, an image compositor that composites the latest buffered image data and other (non-latest) pieces of image data successively buffered in the memory control unit, and a display control unit that displays chronologically an image represented by a image data composited by the image compositor. |
| US08564613B2 |
Display modification based on measurement type
Systems and methods provide a measurement system that modifies the display format based on the type of measurements or and/or the value measured, and these modifications are automatically made based on the information stored within sensors, sensor pods and/or alarm limits. |
| US08564611B2 |
Automatic color adjustment of a template design
The present invention generates a color template design to format a presentation. According to one aspect, a plurality of template designs are provided on a visual display. A selection of one of the plurality of template designs is received from a user. A plurality of source images that are separate from the plurality of template designs are provided on the visual display. A selection of a color from one of the plurality of source images is received from the user. Colors of the selected template design are automatically adjusted to match the selected the color from the source image. The selected template design may include framing, mat, background, and foreground portions, at least one of which is adjusted. After automatically adjusting the colors, the selected template design may be displayed and/or stored for use as a template. |
| US08564610B2 |
In-vehicle device
An in-vehicle device for displaying a meter image in real time, wherein the processing load is reduced without deterioration of the appearance of the meter image. The in-vehicle device stores therein a plurality of basic images which can indicate a first measured value and a second measured value both of which are measured values relating to the vehicle. According to the acquired first and second measured values, the in-vehicle device selects a predetermined basic image out of the plurality of basic images, transmits a partial area of the selected basic image, and synthesizes these basic images, to thereby generate a meter image to be displayed. |
| US08564609B2 |
Full-scene anti-aliasing method and system
A method and system for performing full-scene anti-aliasing for an image through a technique of rotating and unrotating rasterization of a scene and rendering a resulting image. A scene is rasterized at a first angle relative to a first coordinate system to generate a plurality of pixels, which are then applied to a polygon surface that is rendered at a second angle equal to the inverse of the first angle. Thus, the resulting image is re-oriented with respect to the first coordinate system. |
| US08564607B2 |
Apparatus and method for creating textures of building
Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for creating textures of a building capable of storing textures of a three-dimensional building automatically extracted/obtained from spatial information convergence contents such as photographs, moving pictures, etc., including positional information and directional information, etc. together with a three-dimensional spatial information model. The apparatus for creating textures of a building, includes: an image processing apparatus that detects metadata from one or more image and creates an image topology using the metadata; and a texture processing apparatus that creates a virtual photographing environment based on geographical information and metadata detected in the image processing device, creates a building identifier list of a building model used in creating the virtual photographing environment, detects and groups images including each building based on the building identifier list and an image topology created in the image processing apparatus, and clips the textures of a building included in the grouped images. |
| US08564606B2 |
Texturing 3-dimensional computer graphic images
A method and apparatus are provided to generate automatically a mip-map chain of texture images from a portion of texture image data such that it may be used in texturing a computer graphic image. A portion of the texture image data is stored temporarily and is filtered to generate at least one lower level of mip-map data from the texture data. This lower level of mip-map texture image data is then stored for use in texturing. Preferably these are stored on a tile-by-tile basis where a tile is a rectangular area of the image being displayed. |
| US08564604B2 |
Systems and methods for improving throughput of a graphics processing unit
Systems and methods for improving throughput of a graphics processing unit are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a multithreaded execution unit capable of processing requests to access a constant cache, a vertex attribute cache, at least one common register file, and an execution unit data path substantially simultaneously. |
| US08564602B2 |
Method of implementing an accelerated graphics port for a multiple memory controller computer system
An architecture for storing, addressing and retrieving graphics data from one of multiple memory controllers. In a first embodiment of the invention, one of the memory controllers having an accelerated graphics port (AGP) includes a set of registers defining a range of addresses handled by the memory controller that are preferably to be used for all AGP transactions. The AGP uses a graphics address remapping table (GART) for mapping memory. The GART includes page table entries having translation information to remap virtual addresses falling within the GART range to their corresponding physical addresses. In a second embodiment of the invention, a plurality of the memory controllers have an AGP, wherein each of the plurality of the memory controllers supplies a set of registers defining a range of addresses that is preferably used for AGP transactions. In a third embodiment of the invention, a plurality of memory controllers implemented on a single chip each contain an AGP and a set of configuration registers identifying a range of addresses that are preferably used for AGP transactions. |
| US08564599B2 |
Policy-based switching between graphics-processing units
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that configures a computer system to switch between graphics-processing units (GPUs). In one embodiment, the system drives a display using a first graphics-processing unit (GPU) in the computer system. Next, the system detects one or more events associated with one or more dependencies on a second GPU in the computer system. Finally, in response to the event, the system prepares to switch from the first GPU to the second GPU as a signal source for driving the display. |
| US08564597B2 |
Automatic zoom for a display
A method, apparatus, computer program product, and user interface provide for determining a minimum and optimum font size for information displayed on a display based on a predetermined set of criteria, and automatically adjusting the displayed information on the display using a module such that a size of a smallest font of the information is not smaller than the minimum font size and that a size of a main font of the information is not smaller than the optimum font size. |
| US08564593B2 |
Electronic stool subtraction using quadratic regression and intelligent morphology
An improved method for processing image voxel data representative of 3-dimensional images of a colon to remove the effects of tagged stool. The method uses parabolic curve intensity-gradient models at a transition between two material types as a function of the fraction of the two materials for each of a plurality of two-material type classes, including a gas-tissue transition model, a gas-stool transition model and a stool-tissue transition model. The voxels are classified into one of a plurality of substance classes including tagged stool, gas, tissue and unknown classes. The unknown class voxels are processed to classify the unknown class voxels into one of the two-material type classes. The two-material type class voxels are processed to determine the fractions of materials in each voxel. The intensity of the two-material type class voxels is then adjusted as a function of the fraction of the materials in the voxels. |
| US08564591B2 |
Rendering of artifacts in a virtual universe environment in response to user tags
Methods, services, program products and devices are provided for user-defined configuration of a rendering of a virtual universe domain environment. A first user of a virtual universe domain environment selects or defines an artifact tag comprising rendering data and a protocol for applying the tag to an artifact of the virtual universe domain, the protocol comprising a compliance prerequisite for rendering the tag information to another second user of the virtual universe domain environment. A first user requesting application of a tag to an artifact item within the virtual universe domain, causes a setting or updating of a protocol compliance value. An avatar of another, second user engaging the artifact item causes a virtual universe client of the engaging second user avatar to render the item to the second user in compliance with the tag rendering data if a set or updated compliance value meets a compliance prerequisite. |
| US08564590B2 |
Imparting three-dimensional characteristics in a two-dimensional space
Processes and techniques for imparting three-dimensional visual characteristics to images in a two-dimensional space are described. In one implementation, a graphical image is received in a two-dimensional space (e.g., a user interface on a computing device). A shape palette is presented to a user, the shape palette comprising a visual representation of three-dimensional visual information. Based on user markup of the shape palette, three-dimensional visual information is extracted from the shape palette and correlated with the graphical image. The three-dimensional visual information is processed to render the graphical image with three-dimensional visual characteristics. |
| US08564589B1 |
System and method for accelerated ray-box intersection testing
A method for performing a ray-box intersection test includes forming a span extending between a first plane-ray intersection point and a second plane-ray intersection point, and increasing the span by relocating to a new position at least one of the first and second plane-ray intersection points. A box intersection span is constructed using the increased span, and the box intersection span, which corresponds to a node in a hierarchical acceleration structure, is tested for intersection with the ray. |
| US08564579B2 |
Ambient light sensing circuit and flat panel display including ambient light sensing circuit
An ambient light sensing circuit includes a photodiode that flows a current in proportion to ambient light, a first storage capacitor that is electrically coupled with the photodiode and is discharged after being charged with a voltage of a first power supply, a second storage capacitor that is electrically coupled with the first storage capacitor and provides a coupling voltage, and a transistor that outputs a current from the first power supply corresponding to the coupling voltage of the first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor after being electrically coupled with the second storage capacitor. |
| US08564578B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device capable of displaying a still image with low consumption power is provided. In the semiconductor device incorporated with a semiconductor display device capable of displaying the still image, a memory portion is mounted on a substrate on which a pixel portion is formed. As a mounting method, the memory portion is formed on the substrate on which the pixel portion is formed or a stick driver including the memory portion is used. When the still image is displayed using image data stored in such a memory portion, the still image can be displayed by inputting only simple control signals from the outside of the semiconductor device. Thus, there are provided the semiconductor display device capable of displaying the still image with low consumption power and the semiconductor device incorporated with the semiconductor display device. |
| US08564577B2 |
Display apparatus, drive control method of display apparatus and manufacturing method of display apparatus
Disclosed is a display apparatus including a plurality of display pixels formed of a plurality of first electrodes provided in one surface side of a substrate, a second electrode which faces each of the first electrodes and display functional layers which are provided between each of the first electrodes and the second electrode and a resistive film having a predetermined resistivity in which one surface side is provided so as to face the other surface side of the second electrode having a predetermined space above the upper surface of a partition wall layer to define a forming region for each of the display pixels and which is disposed so as to be conductive to the other surface side of the second electrode by a pressure applied from outside, and the second electrode constructing the display pixels is double used as an electrode for detecting a position where the pressure is applied. |
| US08564575B2 |
Electrooptical device and method of fabricating the same
There is disclosed an electrooptical device capable of achieving a large area display by making full use of the size of the substrate. An active matrix substrate acts as a driver portion for the reflection-type electrooptical device. A pixel matrix circuit and logic circuitry are formed on the active matrix substrate. At this time, the logic circuitry is disposed, by making use of a dead space in the pixel matrix circuit. The area occupied by the pixel matrix circuit, or image display region, can be enlarged without being limited by the area occupied by the logic circuitry. |
| US08564573B2 |
Method for detecting a flexion exerted on a flexible screen and device equipped with such a screen for implementing the method
Present day, technology allows flexible screens to be produced, particularly the OLED screen technology. The invention relates to a device equipped with a flexible screen emitting light. Part of the light rays emitted by the optical cells is imprisoned between the substrate layers and reflecting from one layer to the other exit at the side of the screen. Photoelectric detectors are arranged on the side of the screen in order to capture the incident light. Depending on the position of the cells emitting the light and the values supplied by the detectors, the central processing unit determines the areas of flexion applied to the screen. Hence, it is possible to introduce commands by exerting flexions on certain areas of the screen. The invention also relates to a device having a flexible screen and flexion sensors capable of executing the method for the introduction of commands. |
| US08564571B2 |
Birefringent lenslet camera
Embodiments of a display device with a vision system are disclosed. In one example, a display device comprises a plurality of pixels for displaying light in a first polarization state, a plurality of photodetectors, where each photodetector in the plurality of photodetectors includes a polarization filter configured to transmit light in a second polarization state to the photodetector and reject light in other polarization states, a plurality of lenslets, where each lenslet in the plurality of lenslets focuses light in the second polarization state onto at least one photodetector in the plurality of photodetectors, a material surrounding the plurality of lenslets, where, for each lenslet in the plurality of lenslets, indices of refraction of the lenslet and the material are substantially equal for light in the first polarization state, and where indices of refraction of the lenslet and the material are different for light in the second polarization state. |
| US08564569B2 |
Optical touch control systems
An optical touch control system. A monitor includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side sequentially connected to each other. A first light guide, a second light guide, and a third light guide are respectively disposed on the first, second, and third sides of the monitor. A first beam splitter is adjacent to the first and second light guides. A second beam splitter is adjacent to the second and third light guides. A first light source and a second light source are respectively adjacent to the first and second beam splitters. A first image sensor is disposed between the first and fourth sides of the monitor. A second image sensor is disposed between the third and fourth sides. The first and second image sensors receive light transmitted onto the monitor via the first, second, and third light guides, identifying touch control operations. |
| US08564565B2 |
Reduction of noise in touch sensors
Techniques are described for providing a cleaned signal in a capacitive touch sensor. A phase of periodic noise on an input of the capacitive touch sensor is determined, and a periodic excitation signal having a phase that is locked to the determined phase of the periodic noise is generated. The periodic excitation signal is applied to an excited conductor in a first array of the touch sensor. While the excitation signal is applied, a response signal on a responding conductor in a second array of the touch sensor is detected, and, based on the detected response signal, a value indicative of a measured capacitance between the excited conductor and the responding conductor is generated. A threshold value is accessed, and a determination is made whether the response signal corresponds to a touch based on a difference between the value and the threshold value. |
| US08564564B2 |
Method and device for position detection
A method and device for position detection are disclosed. A self-capacitance detection can be performed by a sensing device. According to the result of the self-capacitance detection, a first mutual-capacitance detection can be performed for determining one or more first 1-D positions. According to the result of the first mutual-capacitance detection, a second mutual-capacitance detection can be performed for determining one or more second 1-D positions corresponding to each first 1-D position. One or more 2-D positions can be provided according to the one or more second 1-D positions corresponding to each first 1-D position. Besides, during the self-capacitance detection, the first mutual-capacitance detection, and the second mutual-capacitance detection, a touch related sensing information corresponding to a touch that covers a wide area can be neglected for palm rejection. |
| US08564561B2 |
Method of detecting contact state of resistive touch panel device, touch panel device, and display device
A method of detecting a contact state includes measuring first, second, third and fourth potentials. The method further includes deriving distance information between two points when a first resistive film contacts a second resistive film at the two points, based on the first, second, third and fourth potentials. The first, second, third and fourth potentials are potentials at fourth, second, third and fourth end regions, respectively, in first, second, third and fourth states, respectively. A first end region is an end region, as viewed in a first direction, and the second end region is an end region opposite to the first end region of the first resistive film. The third end region is an end region, as viewed in a second direction, and the fourth end region is an end region opposite to the third end region of the second resistive film. |
| US08564560B2 |
Method for operating a control system for a vehicle and control system for a vehicle
A method for operating an operator control system (1) comprises presentation of at least one operator control panel (5-9) on a display unit (2), wherein the at least one operator control panel (5-9) is provided for a user to touch in order to operate a operator control function, detection of a touch (10-12) on a touch-sensitive interface (3) by the user, determination of whether the at least one operator control panel (5-9) has been hit during the touch (10-12) by virtue of coordinates of the touch (10-12) being compared with coordinates of the at least one operator control panel (5-9), and enlarged presentation of the at least one operator control panel (5-9) if no operator control panel (5-9) has been hit. |
| US08564555B2 |
Operating a touch screen control system according to a plurality of rule sets
An electronic device comprises a display screen configured for displaying images, a touch sensor configured to detect user input in a sensing region, a host processing system and a touch screen control system. The touch screen control system comprises control circuitry and a memory configured for holding rules. The control circuitry is configured for updating the display screen in response to image data from the host processing system and for operating according to a first set of rules held in the memory. The control circuitry is also configured, in response to receiving an indication from the host processing system, for switching from operating according to the first set of rules to operating according to a second set of rules. |
| US08564549B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal includes a display configured to display content, a projector configured to project at least a portion of the content onto a display surface which is externally located relative to the mobile terminal, and a control unit configured to detect user input to the mobile terminal, the user input causing the projector to project a cursor onto the display surface along with the projected content. |
| US08564535B2 |
Physical model based gesture recognition
A gesture recognition system for recognizing gestures on a mobile device receives sensor data in response to a sensed gesture on the mobile device. The sensor data includes a force or impulse. The force or impulse is applied to the simulated physical object and the state of the simulated physical object is then observed. Input is provided to an application based at least on the observed state of the simulated physical object. |
| US08564534B2 |
Human tracking system
An image such as a depth image of a scene may be received, observed, or captured by a device. A grid of voxels may then be generated based on the depth image such that the depth image may be downsampled. A background included in the grid of voxels may also be removed to isolate one or more voxels associated with a foreground object such as a human target. A location or position of one or more extremities of the isolated human target may be determined and a model may be adjusted based on the location or position of the one or more extremities. |
| US08564524B2 |
Signal controlling circuit, and flat panel display thereof
A flat panel display comprises a display panel, a scan driving circuit and a control unit, wherein the display panel includes a plurality of scan lines. The scan driving circuit generates the first and the second scan signals to enable a portion of the scan lines. Furthermore, the control unit may enable a control signal every a predetermined duration according to these scan lines. |
| US08564522B2 |
Reduced-power communications within an electronic display
A method for reducing power consumption of an electronic display is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting data packets over a data channel between a timing controller and a column driver of the display. Data transmission modes may be read from headers of the data packets, and image data of the packets may be processed at the column driver based on their respective data transmission modes. Further, the data channel may be intermittently deactivated during transmission of the data packets based on their respective data transmission modes. Additional methods, systems, and devices relating to electronic displays are also disclosed. |
| US08564521B2 |
Data processing device, method of driving the same and display device having the same
A display device having a data processing section includes a memory, a first compensation section and a second compensation section. The memory outputs first compensated data based on first frame data. The first compensation section generates second compensated data based on the first compensated data and second frame data, while storing the second compensated data in the memory after the memory outputs the first compensated data. The second compensation section generates third compensated data based on the second frame data and the first compensated data. In the display device, liquid crystals provide an improved response time. Also, a reduced number of memory elements can be embedded in the data processing section. |
| US08564520B2 |
Method for driving a display panel and display apparatus for performing the method
A method for driving a display panel, the display panel including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including a cholesteric liquid crystal capacitor, includes; applying a common voltage to the display panel, displaying a video on the display panel by applying a data voltage to at least one of the plurality of pixels, the data voltage having a phase which is one of inverted to and substantially the same as a phase of the common voltage with respect to a reference voltage. |
| US08564518B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with divisional-drive operation
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels each including a liquid crystal element of VA mode and a drive section. The drive section space-divisionally or time-divisionally performs a display drive operation so that the operation includes first and second divisional-drive operation groups. The drive section performs an operation in the first or second divisional-drive operation group, or both thereof. In the former, the output voltage exceeds the input voltage in the intermediate luminance range, whereas in a highlight luminance range, exceeds the input voltage but shows a tendency to be lower compared to in the intermediate luminance range. In the latter, the output voltage is lower than the input voltage in the intermediate luminance range, whereas in a lowermost luminance range, equal to or lower than the input voltage but shows a tendency to be higher compared to in the intermediate luminance range. |
| US08564517B2 |
Displaying method for field sequential color displays using two color fields
A displaying method for field sequential color displays using two color fields to produce a full color image is disclosed. The displaying method includes: providing a target full color image, displaying a first color field and displaying a second color field. The target full color image is formed by a first color image optical stimulus, a second color image optical stimulus and a third color image optical stimulus. The first color field displays the first color image optical stimulus and a first part of the third color image optical stimulus, while the second color field displays the second color image optical stimulus and a second part of the third color image optical stimulus, which compensates the shortage of the third color image optical stimulus in the first color field. The target full color image is generated by displaying the first and second color fields in sequence, so as to decrease the displaying frequency of field sequential color displays. |
| US08564515B2 |
Gate driver circuit and display device having the same
A gate driver circuit includes a driving section and a wiring section. The wiring section receives a plurality of signals from an external device. The driving section includes a plurality of stages providing a plurality of gate lines with a gate signal. The wiring section includes first and second signal wirings. The first signal wiring is disposed adjacent to a first side of the driving section, where the first side receives the signals from the wiring section. The second signal wiring is disposed adjacent to a portion that is disposed at an outer side of the driving section and the first signal wiring. Therefore, a signal applied to the first signal wiring is prevented from being delayed by the second signal wiring. Furthermore, a distortion of signal applied to the gate driver and a maloperation of the gate driver are prevented. |
| US08564514B2 |
Driving method of liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device that uses a liquid crystal material having spontaneous polarization and is actively driven by a TFT, a voltage corresponding to image data is applied twice by driving the TFT of each pixel electrode on a line by line basis of a liquid crystal panel, during writing in one frame. During erasure in one frame, voltage application to liquid crystal by batch selection of all the pixel electrodes is performed three times. With this three times of voltage application, it is possible to achieve a black display state in each pixel and make the stored charge amount at the liquid crystal in each pixel substantially zero. |
| US08564512B2 |
Pixel circuit for driving transistor threshold voltage compensation and organic electroluminescent display apparatus using the same
An improved pixel circuit including N-type transistors is provided. The pixel circuit includes a light emitting device driven by a driving current according to a gate voltage of a driving transistor. The pixel circuit also includes a first capacitor, a second transistor for transferring a data signal to a first terminal of the first capacitor in response to a scan control signal, a third transistor for diode-connecting the driving transistor in response to the scan control signal, a fourth transistor for applying a first power voltage to a first electrode of the driving transistor in response to an emission control signal, a fifth transistor for applying a sustain voltage to the first terminal of the first capacitor in response to the emission control signal, and a sixth transistor for applying the first power voltage to a second terminal of the first capacitor in response to an initialization control signal. |
| US08564510B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to a structure and a method of a pixel and a data driver to measure degradation of an organic light emitting element, and a threshold voltage and mobility of a driving transistor in an organic light emitting device such that degradation of the organic light emitting element and the threshold voltage and mobility of the driving transistor are measured in a turn-on interval of the display device and a data voltage applied to the pixel is amended, and thereby images of improved and uniform quality may be displayed. |
| US08564509B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device includes a light emitting element, a first driving transistor coupled to the light emitting element and supplied with a first driving voltage, and a second driving transistor coupled to the light emitting element and the first driving transistor and supplied with a second driving voltage having a magnitude different from the first driving voltage at least for a time. A method of driving the display device is also provided. |
| US08564507B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a backlight unit which emits a light, and a display panel which receives the light to display an image. The backlight unit includes a driving circuit which outputs a driving voltage and a reference voltage; and p light source blocks connected to the driving circuit, p being a natural number greater than or equal to 2, where each light source block of the p light source blocks receives the driving voltage through a first terminal thereof and the reference voltage through a second terminal thereof to generate the light, and the p light source blocks are divided into a plurality of groups, each group including at least two light source blocks. The driving circuit includes a first switching section which applies the driving voltage to first terminals of the p light source blocks, and a second switching section which applies the reference voltage to the second terminal of at least one of the p light source blocks. |
| US08564500B2 |
Spiral antenna
According to one embodiment, a spiral antenna includes an antenna element, a cavity, and a radio wave absorber. The spiral antenna is formed into a spiral shape on a dielectric substrate. The cavity is formed to have a space with the antenna element. The radio wave absorber is placed to cover a terminal end portion of the spiral. |
| US08564498B2 |
Variable angle mount for attaching a mast to a structure
Mounting systems and apparatus are provided for attaching a mast to a structure at a desired orientation. The mounting apparatus includes a base support and a ball mount. The base support can be rigidly attached to a portion of the structure. The ball mount receives a ball associated with the mast to thereby allow the mast to be positioned and maintained at the desired orientation. The mounting apparatus may be used, for example, for attaching a digital broadcast satellite (DBS) antenna to a fascia or other portion of a home or other structure. |
| US08564496B2 |
Broadband antenna
A broadband antenna includes a substrate having a first surface on which a first radiator arm, a second radiator arm, a first connecting conductor and a first grounding section are disposed, and a second surface on which a second connecting conductor and a second grounding section are disposed. The first connecting conductor has one end connected to a junction at which the first and second radiator arms are interconnected, and has another end connected to the first grounding section. The first connecting conductor has a feed-in point disposed thereon. The second connecting conductor has one end connected to the second grounding section. Moreover, at least a portion of the first connecting conductor overlaps with a projection of the second connecting conductor onto the first surface so that transmission directions of signals in the first and second connecting conductors are the same. |
| US08564491B2 |
Wideband high gain antenna
A radiator element for RF transmission and reception over a wide band of frequencies. The radiator element is formed of conductive material on a substrate surface of conductive material in the form of a pair of horns extending in opposite directions to distal tips defining the widest distance of a mouth of a cavity. The mouth reduces in cross section at different slope angles on opposite sides to a narrowest point in between said pair of horns. The resulting radiator element will radiate and receive frequencies. The distance of the widest point and narrowest point are sized to receive and enhance a mid range of said frequencies. |
| US08564489B2 |
Glass antenna and window glass for vehicle
A glass antenna for a vehicle that has a first element elongated in a first direction, a second element elongated in a second direction, a third element including first, second and third partial elements that are each elongated in specific directions, and a fourth element elongated in the second direction but detours the second element in the second direction. |
| US08564488B2 |
Glass antenna for vehicle
To receiving satellite broadcasting waves, it is provided an antenna comprising: a first element connected to a first feed point of a hot side; a ground element connected to a second feed point of a ground side; a second element; and a third element. The second element is arranged substantially in parallel with the first element so as to be coupled to the first element. The third element is arranged to define a predetermined angle with the first element, with a vertex of the predetermined angle set to a vicinity of the first feed point and the second feed point. The first element has a linear shape so as to have an inductive property at a resonance frequency. The third element has a linear shape so as to have a capacitive property at the resonance frequency. The third element is connected to a ground-side end portion of the second element. |
| US08564486B2 |
Holding device with an antenna and method for assembling the same
A holding device having a printed circuit board includes a base having a securing recess at a top surface thereof, a securing connector fixed in the securing recess and connected with the printed circuit board, a holding shell rotatably covered to the securing connector, and a flexible antenna of flat plate shape. The antenna has a rectangular radiating body, and a strip-shaped connecting portion extended outwards from a side of the radiating body. A free end of the connecting portion is held by the holding shell and rotated to connect with the securing connector electrically and detachably. An exposed portion of the connecting portion is bent so that the radiating body is attached to the top surface of the base. |
| US08564481B2 |
Systems and methods for using a satellite positioning system to detect moved WLAN access points
The disclosed subject matter generally relates to hybrid positioning systems and methods and, more specifically, systems and methods of detecting moved WLAN assess points using a wireless local area network based positioning system (WLAN-PS) and a satellite-based positioning system (SPS) with at least two satellites measurement. |
| US08564480B2 |
Satellite based augmentation system
A system for augmenting the availability and performance of a satellite geolocation system uses a behavior model of at least one of the satellites of the satellite geolocation system. The behavior model includes parameters with which to augment the nominal operating range of the geolocation system. The behavior model also includes an indicator of the deviation between the behavior model and the real behavior of the at least one satellite, to enable a receiver to continue to use at least one satellite to determine the position of the receiver using the behavior model outside the nominal operating range of the satellite geolocation system. The parameters of the behavior model include at least a model of distortion of code chips transmitted by the at least one satellite to the receiver, or a model of distortion of the phase of the signal transmitted by the at least one satellite to the receiver. |
| US08564478B2 |
High-frequency module and method of manufacturing the same, and transmitter, receiver, transceiver, and radar apparatus comprising the high-frequency module
A high-frequency module according to the present embodiment includes a substrate, a circuit board, and a resonator. The substrate has an input-output portion for high-frequency signals formed on one surface thereof. The circuit board includes a dielectric waveguide line with its end face exposed, and is placed on the one surface of the substrate such that a virtual plane extending beyond the end face is intersected by the one surface of the substrate. The resonator includes input-output end portions for high-frequency signals at ends thereof, in which one of the input-output end portions is connected to the end face of the dielectric waveguide line, and the other thereof is connected to the input-output portion of the substrate. |
| US08564477B2 |
High-frequency module and method of manufacturing the same, and transmitter, receiver, transceiver, and radar apparatus comprising the high-frequency module
A high-frequency module according to the present embodiment includes a substrate, a circuit board, and a waveguide. The substrate has an input-output portion for high-frequency signals on one surface thereof. The circuit board has a dielectric waveguide line with its end face exposed, and is placed on the one surface of the substrate such that a virtual plane extending beyond the end face is intersected by the one surface of the substrate. The waveguide has openings at ends thereof, in which one of the openings is connected to the end face of the dielectric waveguide line, and the other opening is connected to the input-output portion of the substrate. |
| US08564476B2 |
Radar apparatus with amplifier duplexer
An amplifier/duplexer for an antenna channel of a radar apparatus, comprises a first hybrid junction having two input/output ports for connection into the antenna channel, and two further ports each connected to a parallel combination comprising an amplifier and switching means switchable between a transmit condition in which it presents an open circuit and a receive condition in which it presents a short circuit so that a signal received in the antenna channel is applied to one of the input/output ports and reflected to the other input/output port each amplifier having an input connected to a respective output port of a further hybrid junction, an input port of the further hybrid junction being configured to receive a signal for transmission so that when the switching means is in the transmit condition the transmission signal is amplified by the amplifiers and delivered through the first hybrid junction to the antenna channel. |
| US08564475B2 |
Apparatus and method for ray-tracing in wideband Gbyte GBPS communication system
A method for ray-tracing in a wideband Gbyte Gbps communication system includes deriving scattering distribution characteristics of reflected signals reflected on a reflection plane, analyzing amplitude distribution of the scattering distribution characteristics to distinguish a specular signal and a diffuse signal, and comparing signal amplitudes of the specular signal and the diffuse signal to calculate received power of the reflected signals according to a result of the comparing. |
| US08564473B2 |
Method for constructing focused radar images
A method for constructing focused radar images includes chopping the radar illumination period into p sub-periods, two successive sub-periods overlapping temporally; choosing n successive sub-periods from among the p sub-periods, and for each of the n chosen sub-periods, performing radar acquisitions to generate an image IM_0x of resolution R0; and applying an autofocus processing to each of the n images IM_0x generated; combining the n images so as to generate at least one new focused radar image IM_1x. The method is applied notably to the production of high-resolution SAR images with the help of an aircraft equipped with a radar antenna. |
| US08564471B1 |
High resolution sampling-based time to digital converter
Disclosed is a time-to-digital (TDC) converter comprising an analog voltage source. An analog-to-digital converter quantizes two voltage samples in response to receiving a first input signal at a first time t1 and a second input signal at a second time t2. The first and second digital signals are combined to produce a digital signal that represents the difference (t2−t1). |
| US08564467B2 |
Generating an adjustable signal
A method and device for generating an adjustable signal includes a voltage generator configured to continuously adjust an output voltage and output the voltage, a ΣΔ modulator configured to output a digital signal of pre-determined-cycle based on the output voltage and a reference voltage, a counter configured to count the number of a target level in the digital signal of a pre-determined number of cycles, and a digital signal generator configured to generate a target signal based on the number of the target level. The method and device may improve the accuracy of the generated signal while remaining the same feel of continuous adjustment. |
| US08564465B2 |
Analog to digital conversion apparatus with a reduced number of ADCs
An analog to digital conversion includes a multiplexor circuit for receiving analog input signals and, responsive to a select input, an analog to digital converter circuit to convert a selected analog signal into a digital signal, a conversion starting device to send a conversion start signal on the basis of a trigger event, the conversion starting device being responsive to a select input, a sequencer to control the analog to digital converter circuitry to execute one sequence conversion on the basis of one conversion sequence instruction, and a FIFO register block to receive conversion sequence instructions and being able to queue each new received conversion sequence instruction if an actual conversion sequence is in progress and to control the sequencer to execute a new sequence conversion instruction after the conversion sequence is executed. |
| US08564463B2 |
Integrated Non-Linearity (INL) and Differential Non-Linearity (DNL) correction techniques for digital-to-analog converters (DACS)
INL values are determined for sub-segments of a DAC adapted to accept N bit digital input codes, and a first set of correction codes that can be used to reduce to a range of INL values (to improve linearity of the DAC) are determined and stored. Additionally, DNL values are determined for the sub-segments of the DAC, and a second set of correction codes that can be used to ensure that all values of DNL>−1 (to ensure that the DAC is monotonic) are determined and stored. This can include using one or more extra bits of resolution to remap at least some of the 2^N possible digital input codes (that can be accepted by the DAC) to more than 2^N possible digital output codes, to ensure that all values of DNL>−1. Such stored first and second sets are thereafter used when performing digital to analog conversions. |
| US08564459B2 |
Systems and methods for a notification system that enable user changes to purchase order information for delivery and/or pickup of goods and/or services
Automated notification systems and related methods are disclosed. One representative system (1) engages in a first one or more data transfers with a first party so that delivery or pickup information in connection with a good or service can be communicated; (2) during the first one or more data transfers, enables the first party to input or select at least (a) an identification of the good or service, (b) a quantity of the good or service, (c) a stop location for a delivery or pickup of the good or service, and (d) a communication method defining how to contact the first party; (3) analyzes timing information pertaining to when a mobile thing (MT) is to deliver or pickup the good or service at the stop location; (4) engages in a second one or more data transfers with the first party based upon the timing information; (5) during the second one or more data transfers, provides purchase order information to the first party, the purchase order information indicating at least one of the foregoing (a), (b), (c), or (d); (6) during the second one or more data transfers, enables the first party to change at least one of foregoing (a), (b), (c), or (d) of the purchase order information; (7) during the second one or more data transfers, produces a modified purchase order information reflecting the change made by the first party; and (8) during the second one or more data transfers, communicates the modified purchase order information to the first party. |
| US08564458B2 |
Communication method for monitoring location of construction equipment
The present disclosure relates to a communication method for monitoring the position of a construction machine. The communication method according to the present disclosure includes: generating positional information of the construction machine and at least one piece of state information and at least one piece of operation information associated with the construction machine in the construction machine; and transmitting the generated information to a remote management unit which is positioned in a remote area from the construction machine by using a communication means, wherein the remote management unit partitions an area where the construction machine is movable and previously determines the amount and transmission cycle of information to be transmitted from the construction machine in accordance with the partitioned area, and the amount of information to be transmitted other than the positional information from the construction machine is reduced as the construction machine is distant out of a boundary line of the movable area, on the basis of the positional information received from the construction machine. According to the present disclosure, by controlling the amount and communication cycle of information to be transmitted according to a distance between the boundary line of the movable area and the construction machine, the more accurate positional information can be provided in a theft danger state or a theft state while keeping power consumption. |
| US08564456B2 |
Sequenced vehicular traffic guiding system
A system for marking a route, path or boundary. The system may comprise a plurality of modules, each of which comprises a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and control circuitry. Such modules are positionable in an array which marks the route, path or boundary. When positioned in the array, the modules undergo radiofrequency communication with one another and the control circuitry causes the signaling devices of the modules to emit warning signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to a last-positioned module of the array. |
| US08564455B2 |
Generating visual information associated with traffic
Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler. |
| US08564453B1 |
Indicating errors in connection with devices
A method and system for use in indicating errors in connection with devices, wherein at least one of the devices comprises a display is disclosed. An error indicator suitable for indicating an error in connection with the device is stored. The error indicator is mapped to a potential error in connection with the device. An error is detected in connection with the device. The error in connection with the device is determined in response to detecting the error. Based on determining the error, the error indicator is displayed on the display for enabling determination of the error in connection with the device. |
| US08564450B2 |
Monitor apparatus and method for detecting movement behavior of object in cylinder
An object is set to move back and forth between a first position and a second position in a cylinder. A measurement point between the first position and the second position is preset. A counted period indicating a duration that the object moves from the first position to the first measurement point is obtained. Then a movement behavior parameter is obtained according to the counted period. Whether the movement behavior parameter of the object matches a specified condition is determined. If matching occurs, a warning message is generated. |
| US08564444B2 |
Mobile sanitizing devices and systems for dispensing sanitizer solution
A mobile sanitizing device may include a sanitizer solution dispenser module, a motorized wheel assembly, and a controller module. The sanitizer solution dispenser module may be operable to dispense the sanitizer solution. The motorized wheel includes at least one wheel and is coupled to the sanitizer solution dispenser module. The controller module includes a microcontroller and a memory, and is programmed to log a sanitization record into a sanitization history of at least one user, compare the sanitization history of the user with a sanitization standard, and control the motorized wheel assembly to cause the mobile sanitizing device to approach the user to dispense sanitizing solution to the user when the sanitization history does not meet the sanitization standard. |
| US08564434B2 |
Baby monitoring systems
There is provided a baby monitoring system comprising a baby unit and a parent unit, the baby unit being for use in the vicinity of a baby or child, the baby unit detecting noise and transmitting a corresponding stream of audio samples to the parent unit, the parent unit comprising a visual indicator; and a processor for analyzing the stream of audio samples to determine a noise history and for providing a first control signal to the visual indicator such that the visual indicator provides a visual indication of the noise history. |
| US08564433B2 |
Location and time-based action triggering notification system and method
A target receiver may receive a location-related specification and a time period-related specification, the time period-related specification specifying time period in which to check for the location-related specification. A location monitor may determine current location-related information. A time period monitor may determine current time-related information. An analyzer may determine whether a pair of the location-related specification and the time-period related specification is satisfied by the current-location information and the current time-related information. The analyzer may further provide notification as to whether the pair of the location-related specification and the time-period related specification is satisfied by the current-location information and the current time-related information. |
| US08564431B2 |
Wireless monitoring and communication for sanitizer dispenser systems
A monitoring and communication system for sanitizer compliance monitoring, comprises a plurality of sanitizer monitoring sensors for collecting sanitize compliance data at a respective plurality of sanitizer stations, each sensor located to monitor whether a person passing through a portal has undergone a sanitization procedure, at least one hub which wirelessly receives sanitizer compliance data transmitted from said plurality of sanitizer monitoring stations, a gateway which wirelessly receives sanitizer compliance data transmitted from the hub, and a wireless cellular telephone link for transmitting the sanitizer compliance data from the gateway to a central monitoring station. |
| US08564430B2 |
Device for detecting space objects
The present invention has the object of simplifying apparatus configuration and avoiding a requirement for calibration. The present invention achieves the above object by forming a detection sheet element that retains in a predetermined array pitch a plurality of conductive detection lines that are lead lines formed by etching or the like on a non-conductive thin film that can be exposed in a space environment. A detection circuit connected to each detection line of the detection sheet element is provided. When an object flying in space collides with the detection sheet body, since a detection line on the detection sheet element is ruptured, constant monitoring of the conductivity of the detection line by the detection circuit enables detection of the object flying in space that has collided with the detection sheet element when a detection line is ruptured. Furthermore a means of solution is adopted in which an effective diameter of a colliding object flying in space can be detected from the number of severed detection lines. |
| US08564429B2 |
Dual tire pressure monitor with equalizer apparatus and tire inflation system integration
A wireless dual tire pressure monitor and equalizer apparatus is adapted to install on a vehicle dual wheel and connect to the two tire valve stems. The apparatus includes capabilities of monitoring individual tire pressure and transmitting tire data to be received by a remote receiver, equalizing pressure in the two tires when pressure is above a selected level, isolating the two tires when pressure is below the selected level, and transmitting warning signals upon detection of low pressure and air leaks. The apparatus further includes capability to integrate with available tire inflation systems for providing tire pressure monitoring and equalizing functionalities. |
| US08564424B2 |
Steering wheel hand position sensing device
A system is provided for the detection of user hand position on a steering wheel, the system having: a sensor array disposed on the circumference of the wheel configured to detect contact of first and second user hands with the sensor array; a processor whereby data from the sensor array is received and processed generating user hand size, location and movement data; at least one feedback device whereby a user is alerted to an unsafe hand position. the processor being configured to detect conditions in the size, location, and movement data indicative of unsafe user hand position, allow a delay for correction of the condition and communicate existence of the condition for a period exceeding the delay to the at least one feedback device; a data logger configured to record the conditions in the size, location, and movement data indicative of the unsafe user hand position; a tamper indicator whereby unauthorized access to the sensor array, the processor, or the at least one feedback device is communicated to authorized noticees; a transceiver communicating with the processor whereby data relating to unsafe user hand positions is transmitted to the authorized noticees. |
| US08564413B2 |
Recharge of an active transponder
A method for configuring a terminal capable of emitting a radio-frequency field for a transponder including, in the presence of a transponder within the range of the terminal, at least one step of adaptation of the series resistance of an oscillating circuit of the terminal, according to an off-load value, which depends on an operation of the terminal while no transponder is in its field. |
| US08564411B2 |
Back-door data synchronization for a multiple remote measurement system
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for synchronizing data received at a central location that has been collected at plural remote locations and separately transmitted to the central location. A plurality of remote sensors is provided and configured to be simultaneously triggered to begin a data collection sequence and to subsequently transmit the collected data along with remote sensor identification data and timing information to the central location. Timing information may include a specifically transmitted time reference or may be derived based on successive transmissions from the individual remote sensors. |
| US08564410B2 |
Shipping container security process
A process for monitoring containers including use of a severable security lock with an radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna adapted sever upon dislocation of the lock. The process utilizes an electronic identification number to ensure security lock integrity. The process includes detecting the security lock in transit by the use of mobile and fixed transmission units at regional boundaries. Updates are provided to an event log associated with the security lock. |
| US08564408B2 |
Electronic Near Field Communication enabled multifunctional device and method of its operation
A computer program stored in a memory unit of an electronic near field communication (NFC) module for near field communication devices in environments with different data formats according to different protocols is able to carry out a first initiation operation using a first data format according to a protocol of a first standard, a second initiation operation using a second data format according to a protocol of a second standard, a delay operation, and is able to repeat these operations in a repetitive process. Such devices can search their environment periodically for available RFID tags, RFID readers, NFC multifunctional devices, or the like. The delay can be fixed, variable in length, or both fixed and variable delays can be used. The invention enables for instance a mobile phone to act as an RFID reader of multiple tag formats, to emulate a tag, or to communicate with other NFC devices. |
| US08564405B2 |
Remotely monitoring field assets
Disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses remotely monitor a plurality of field assets. Device discovery may be conducted to find a communication path through a personal area network (PAN) coordinator to an operations center. A plurality of states are monitored for individual field assets of the plurality of field assets. In response to trigger events, monitored states are selectively included in data sets that may be parsed, tokenized, encoded, encrypted, and forwarded through networks to an operations center. |
| US08564402B2 |
Lock system, unlock device, apparatus, portable terminal device, unlock method, unlock program, and circuit device
A lock system that unlocks a lock with an unlock signal, prevents malfunction of locking or unlocking, and reduces power consumption of a receiving unit side that receives the unlock signal. The lock system avoids radio wave interference of the unlock signal and prevents malfunction of locking or unlocking by providing irregularity in a transmission timing of the unlock signal to a device that unlocks a lock with the unlock signal. In regard to a reception of the unlock signal, the lock system sets a receiving window by setting a reception-ON time and a reception-OFF time, and by stopping an operation of the receiving unit except during the reception-ON time, reduction of power consumption can be achieved. |
| US08564396B2 |
Laminar transformer having double-face secondary winding
A laminar transformer having double-face secondary winding includes a primary winding part and a secondary winding part. The primary winding part further includes an isolating body seat and a plurality of coil sets. The secondary winding part further includes two plate-body set, each being positioned in the containing channel has a plurality of plate bodies and a plurality of insulating bodies. Each of the plate bodies has an opening for containing the central column and a guided channel that being positioned on a side of the opening has on both side thereof a pole lead respectively. The insulating bodies being a ring-shaped structure and being positioned in-between the plate bodies has a through hole for containing the central column. The plurality of plate bodies are laminated alternately and positioned in the central column making each of the plate-body sets form the one with four pole leads. |
| US08564395B2 |
Super high power transformer
A super high power transformer includes a base, a plurality of plate bodies, and a plurality of isolating bodies. The base further includes a main core part, a plurality of opening slots, and a plurality of side wing parts. The main core part has a penetrating hole at the center thereof. Each of the plate bodies has an open hole for slipping on the main core part and a guided slot that has a pole lead on both sides thereof. Each of the isolating bodies has a through hole for slipping on the main core part and a guided slot. There is also a pole lead positioned on both sides of the guided slot. To be slipped on the main core part, the plurality of plate bodies and the insulating bodies are alternately stacked up with the plate bodies staggering in turning a 90-degree angle apart sequentially. |
| US08564388B2 |
Relay, control circuit, and method for controlling control circuit
The relay (KM) has at least first and second contact points (a1, a2), the states of which are switched from an open state to a close state by the drive of an electromagnet (32). The first and second contact points (a1, a2) switch the states between the open state and the close state by enabling movable contact pieces (31) to move with respect to respective fixed contact pieces (30) by using a power transmission mechanism (21) movable by the drive of the electromagnet (32). The first and second contact points (a1, a2) are set so that the second contact point (a2) is switched to the close state after the first contact point (a1) is switched to the close state and the first contact point (a1) is switched to the open state after the second contact point (a2) is switched to the open state. |
| US08564386B2 |
Electrical switching device
An electrical switching device includes a switch housing and first and second circuit assemblies received in the switch housing. Each of the first and second circuit assemblies include a base terminal and a moveable terminal moveable between an open state and a closed state. The moveable terminal is electrically connected to the base terminal in the closed state. An actuator assembly is received in the switch housing. The actuator assembly includes a motor that has a drive coil generating a magnetic field. First and second pivots are arranged within the magnetic field of the drive coil. The first and second pivots are rotated when the drive coil is operated. First and second actuators are coupled to the first and second pivots and are slidable within the switch housing. The first and second actuators are operatively coupled to the moveable terminals of the first and second circuit assemblies, respectively. The first and second actuators move the moveable terminals between the open and closed states. |
| US08564378B2 |
Voltage-controlled oscillating circuit and crystal oscillator
A voltage-controlled oscillating circuit includes a differential amplifying circuit connected to a resonant element such as a quartz crystal element. The differential amplifying circuit includes first and second input terminals connected to the resonant element and also connected respectively to first and second voltage-controlled capacitors. The differential output terminals of the differential amplifying circuit are connected respectively to first and second emitter follower circuits. The output signal of the first emitter follower circuit is fed back to the second input terminal through a third capacitor and a third voltage-controlled capacitor, and the output signal of the second emitter follower circuit is fed back to the second input terminal through a fourth capacitor and a fourth voltage-controlled capacitor. A control voltage is applied to each of the voltage-controlled capacitors. |
| US08564372B2 |
Circuit for compensating base current of transistor and amplifier circuit provided with the same
According to one embodiment, a circuit for compensating fluctuation of a base current of a transistor is presented. The transistor has a base connected with an input terminal. The compensation circuit is provided with a first transistor, a current mirror circuit and a second transistor. The current mirror circuit mirrors a current which is supplied to a base of the first transistor. Further, the current mirror circuit supplies the obtained mirror current to the base of the transistor to be compensated. A base of the second transistor is connected with the input terminal electrically. The second transistor causes an early effect in the first transistor. |
| US08564371B2 |
Amplification circuit
An amplification circuit, which may be in a receive path of a communication device, includes an amplifier including at least a first amplification device and a switchable attenuation circuit. The switchable attenuation circuit includes one or more switches and a plurality of attenuation devices and is operable to provide different levels of attenuation to an input signal prior to input to the amplifier depending on the status of the one or more switches. The attenuation devices may be capacitors, wherein the capacitors may be arranged to form a capacitive divider with a level of attenuation dependent on the status of the switches. The switchable attenuation circuit may be a switched capacitive attenuation ladder of n stages, n being any integer, each ladder stage including a capacitive divider. The amplification circuit may also include a switch, which when closed provides an unattenuated path for the input signal to the amplifier input. |
| US08564370B2 |
Error amplifier and LED circuit comprising the same
An error amplifier and a LED circuit comprising the same are provided. The LED circuit comprises an inductor, a group of LEDs and a power MOS connected to the inductor, an error amplifier and a pulse width modulator controlling the gate of the power MOS according to an error amplifier output. The error amplifier comprises a differential input stage, an output stage having a NMOS, a PMOS and an adjusting current source connected to the gate of the PMOS. During a first operation mode, a control voltage makes the adjusting current source turn on, and during a second operation mode, the control voltage makes the adjusting current source turn off. |
| US08564368B1 |
Digital Predistorter (DPD) structure based on dynamic deviation reduction (DDR)-based volterra series
The present invention provides a method an apparatus for predistorting an input signal to compensate for non-linearities in an electronic device that operates on the input signal. The invention may be used, for example, to digitally predistort an input signal for a power amplifier in a wireless communication device. The predistorter uses a polynomial approach based on the well-known Volterra series to model the distortion function. A dynamic deviation reduction technique is used to reduce the number of terms in the distortion model and to facilitate implementation. The approach described herein eliminates square functions present in prior art designs and can be implemented using CORDIC circuits. |
| US08564357B2 |
Voltage level shifting circuit
A level shifter shifts the level of an input signal from a second voltage domain to a first voltage domain. To accommodate different input signal levels (e.g., including sub-threshold input signal levels) that may arise due to changes in the supply voltage for the second voltage domain, current for a latch circuit of the level shifter is limited based on the supply voltage for the second voltage domain. In this way, a drive circuit of the level shifter that controls the latch circuit based on the input signal is able to initiate a change of state of the latch circuit over a wide range of input signal levels. |
| US08564350B2 |
Hysteresis device
A hysteresis device produces an output signal in accordance with hysteresis characteristics that changes at a plurality of thresholds with respect to an input signal. The hysteresis apparatus includes an input signal adjusting section that outputs an adjustment signal in which an offset level corresponding to each of the plurality of thresholds is added to the input signal, a comparator that outputs a first signal based on the adjustment signal, the first signal being binarized, and a determining section that controls the input signal adjusting section to switch the offset level for each of the plurality of thresholds, that acquires the first signal for each switching of the offset level, and that produces a present output signal based on a previous output signal and the first signal corresponding to the threshold relating to a range to which the input signal is belonged. |
| US08564349B2 |
Square waveform shaping device
A data signal generation device comprising a microprocessor and a digital potential divider, in which the microprocessor is adapted to generate a square wave output signal, and in which the digital potential divider is adapted to receive said square wave output signal, and to ramp up and down an output signal voltage and/or current according to state transitions in said square wave output signal. |
| US08564347B2 |
Phase detector circuit for automatically detecting 270 and 540 degree phase shifts
Embodiments include implementing a phase detector for a delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit that is operable to detect substantially 270 degree and substantially 540 degree phase differences between two clock signals. In an embodiment, a DLL circuit comprises a delay line receiving a system clock signal and generating phase shifted clock signals, a phase detector receiving the system clock signal and phase shifted clock signal, and configured to generate corresponding up and down signals upon detection of a phase shift of substantially 270 degrees between the system clock signal and the phase shifted clock signal, a charge pump coupled to the phase detector, and configured to receive the up and down signals and generate a control signal responsive to thereto, and a regulator circuit to receive the control signal from the charge pump and generate a voltage control signal to the delay chain to control delay of the system clock signal. |
| US08564345B2 |
Digitally controlled delay lines with fine grain and coarse grain delay elements, and methods and systems to adjust in fine grain increments
Digitally controllable delay lines including fine grain and coarse grain delay elements, and methods and system to calibrate the delay lines in fine grain increments. Calibration may include calibrating a number of fine grain elements for which a combined delay is substantially equal to a delay of a coarse grain element, and calibrating numbers of fine grain and coarse grain elements which a combined delay corresponds to a period of a reference clock. A digitally controlled delay line may be implemented as part of a digital delay locked loop (DLL), and calibration parameters may be provided to a slave DLL having a similarly implemented delay line. A digitally controllable DLL may provide relatively low-power, high-resolution over a spectrum of process, voltage, and temperature variations, and may be implemented in relatively high-speed applications previously reserved for analog DLLs. |
| US08564343B2 |
Device of phase locked-loop and the method using the same
Nowadays, electronic product designs are aimed at saving, due to the trend to reduce energy consumption and carbon output. Ethernet technology has also been aimed specifically at saving energy; IEEE P802.3az standard (Energy Efficient Ethernet, EEE), for Ethernet released by Broadcom is one example. The disclosure turns off the phase-locked loop when the network communication stops, effectively saving the energy consumption of the network chip under the EEE standard. In the case of network reconnection, the disclosure turns on the phase-locked loop to start the network communication through adjusting the current of current source and the parameters of a low pass filter to increase the charging speed for the reference voltage generation of the low pass filter. The disclosure then shortens the start-up time to quickly output the standard output frequency and phase of the phase-locked loop. |
| US08564341B2 |
DLL circuit and method of controlling the same
A delayed lock loop (DLL) circuit includes: a phase conversion control unit configured to latch and drive a phase comparison signal in response to the input of a delay enable signal, and output the driven signal as a phase conversion control signal. A phase converting unit configured to control the phase of a delay clock on the basis of the phase conversion control signal, and transmit the controlled delay clock to a delay compensating unit. |
| US08564335B1 |
Low power pad
Aspects of the disclosure provide an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The IC chip includes core circuits having an operational mode and a power saving mode, and at least a pad module. The pad module includes a pad, a switchable pull-up module configured to pull up a voltage on the pad when the switchable pull-up module is switched on, a switchable pull-down module configured to pull down the voltage on the pad when the switchable pull-down module is switched on, and a control module configured to control the switchable pull-up module and the switchable pull-down module according to a detection of the voltage on the pad when the core circuits enter the power saving mode. |
| US08564333B2 |
Detection of bad clock conditions
There is provided a circuit and method for detecting a bad clock condition on a clock signal that includes sampling the value of the clock signal at a first plurality of time delays following a rising edge on the clock signal. This method also includes sampling the value of the clock signal at a second plurality of time delays following a falling edge on the clock signal. |
| US08564331B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device in which an input terminal is electrically connected to a first terminal of a first transmission gate; a second terminal of the first transmission gate is electrically connected to a first terminal of a first inverter and a second terminal of a functional circuit; a second terminal of the first inverter and a first terminal of the functional circuit are electrically connected to a first terminal of a second transmission gate; a second terminal of the second transmission gate is electrically connected to a first terminal of a second inverter and a second terminal of a clocked inverter; a second terminal of the second inverter and a first terminal of the clocked inverter are electrically connected to an output terminal; and the functional circuit includes a data holding portion between a transistor with small off-state current and a capacitor. |
| US08564327B2 |
USB isolator with advanced control features
A USB-based isolator system conveys USB signals between a pair of galvanically isolated circuit systems and supports controlled enumeration by a downstream device on upstream USB signal lines. The isolator system provides a multi-mode voltage regulator to support multiple voltage supply configurations. The isolator system further provides control systems for each of the isolated circuit systems and provides robust control in a variety of start up conditions. Additionally, the isolator system includes refresh timers and watchdog mechanisms to support persistent operation but manage possible communication errors that can arise between the isolated circuit systems. |
| US08564325B2 |
Voltage detection device and system
A voltage detection device including a multiplexer provided with a plurality of input channels connected to respective battery cells and an output channel connected to an analog-to-digital (AD) converter. The multiplexer is further provided with an additional input channel that is connected to a voltage source that supplies a fault detection voltage. A multiplexer controller is triggered by an input trigger signal to instruct the multiplexer to sequentially connect the input channels and the additional input channel to the output channel according to a predetermined voltage detection sequence. An abnormality detector determines that there exists an abnormality in the multiplexer controller on the basis of an output of the AD converter when the AD converter detects the fault detection voltage at a timing different from a normal timing defined by the voltage detection sequence. This enables the voltage detection device to self-diagnose the multiplexer controller. |
| US08564321B2 |
Ceramic substrate, functional ceramic substrate, probe card and method for manufacturing ceramic substrate
A ceramic substrate has a base material composed of an amorphous phase and particles composed of a crystalline phase and dispersed in the base material. Some of the particles are permitted to protrude from at least one surface of the base material. The amorphous phase can contain glass and the crystalline phase can contain a crystalline filler. |
| US08564318B2 |
Semiconductor device having CMOS transfer circuit and clamp element
A semiconductor device includes a power-supply circuit which produces a first voltage potential, a first terminal, a second terminal which receives a mode signal, an inverter which receives the mode signal and outputs an inverted mode signal, and a first transfer circuit which includes a first transistor of a first conductivity type and a second transistor of a second conductivity type, the first transistor coupled between the power-supply circuit and a first node, the second transistor coupled between the power-supply circuit and the first node in parallel with the first transistor, a control gate of the first transistor supplied with the inverted mode signal and a control gate of the second transistor supplied with the mode signal. |
| US08564314B2 |
Capacitive touch sensor for identifying a fingerprint
A capacitive sensor includes at least one substrate, a capacitive touch position sensor, and a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The capacitive touch position sensor is included on the at least one substrate and in a touch sensing area. The capacitive touch position sensor includes electrodes configured to enable detection of presence and position of a touch in the touch sensing area. The capacitive fingerprint sensor is included on the at least one substrate and in as fingerprint sensing area. The capacitive fingerprint sensor includes electrodes configured to enable identification of the fingerprint of a finger placed in the fingerprint sensing area. |
| US08564310B2 |
Capacitive oil quality monitoring sensor with fluorinated barrier coating
Methods and devices for evaluating the quality of oils are disclosed. The methods and devices can provide an indication of the oil quality based on the Total Polar Content of the oil. The methods rely on a reusable capacitive sensing element that comprises a fluorinated barrier coating, as disclosed herein. |
| US08564304B2 |
Integrated circuit device test apparatus
A carrier and a frame, movable relative to one another in both an x-y direction and a z direction provide a test bed for MEMS like integrated circuits. The carrier includes receptacles mounted on a test substrate. The frame includes pins projecting from a surface of a plate. The plate has open areas. In a test sequence, the frame and carrier are oriented so that the cavities are exposed by open areas of the plate; a tool is used to place a device to be tested in each cavity; the frame and carrier are moved into alignment and toward one another to bring the pin ends into contact with the devices in the cavities. Then a test cycle is carried out. Following the test cycle the process is reversed to expose the devices for a pick-and-place tool to remove and bin the tested devices. |
| US08564301B2 |
Device and method for determining capacitance as a function of voltage
A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage. |
| US08564298B2 |
Non-intrusive energy harvesting systems and methods
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy harvesting system is provided. The system comprises a coil wound about a generally cylindrical shaped magnetic core having a first end and a second end. The coil includes wires that are wound in such a manner that the wires are generally parallel to the cylindrical shaped magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core defines a core gap that extends parallel to the magnetic core axis. The cylindrical shaped magnetic core also defines an opening extending therethrough from the first end to the second end such that the cylindrical shaped magnetic core is configured to fit around current carrying conductor. |
| US08564294B2 |
Nuclear magnetic resonance probe comprising slit superconducting coil with normal-metal overlayer
A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe comprises a superconducting material formed in a spiral having a plurality of fingerlets separated by a plurality of slits, and a normal-metal overlayer formed on the spiral over the plurality of fingerlets and the plurality of slits. |
| US08564293B2 |
Method for changing spin relaxation, method for detecting spin current and spintronics device using spin relaxation
The invention relates to a method for changing spin relaxation, a method for detecting a spin current, and a spintronic device using spin relaxation, and spin relaxation is changed through injection of a spin current.A spin current 4 is injected into a material 1 in a certain spin state, so that the spin relaxation time can be controlled. |
| US08564292B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and gradient coil cooling control method
A feedforward control unit predicts the maximum value of the temperature of a gradient coil based on a power duty and a scan time of a pulse sequence, and a present temperature of the gradient coil. When the maximum value exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the feedforward control unit then instructs a temperature adjusting unit to start a water circulation in a chiller at the start of a prescan, and the temperature adjusting unit starts the water circulation based on the instruction. |
| US08564276B2 |
Method and measurement device for determining a condition of an electric igniter of a gas turbine burner and an ignition device for a gas turbine burner
A method for determining a condition of an electric igniter of a gas turbine burner and a measurement device for a gas turbine burner are provided. By means of the method and the measurement device it is possible to prevent false starts of gas turbines as a result of a nonfunctional igniter. The method provides for a time-dependent signal characterizing the ignition current of an igniter to be compared to an upper threshold value and a lower threshold value and at the same time to compare the characterizing signal to a mean target current value, by which the ignition current should fluctuate randomly when the igniter is functioning properly. |
| US08564274B2 |
Reference voltage generation for single-ended communication channels
An improved reference voltage (Vref) generator useable, for example, in sensing data on single-ended channels is disclosed. The Vref generator can be placed on the integrated circuit containing the receivers, or may be placed off chip. In one embodiment, the Vref generator comprises an adjustable-resistance voltage divider in combination with a current source. The voltage divider is referenced to I/O power supplies Vddq and Vssq, with Vref being generated at a node intervening between the adjustable resistances of the voltage divider. The current source injects a current into the Vref node and into a non-varying Thevenin equivalent resistance formed of the same resistors used in the voltage divider. So constructed, the voltage generated equals the sum of two terms: a first term comprising the slope between Vref and Vddq, and a second term comprising a Vref offset. Each of these terms can be independently adjusted in first and second modes: the slope term via the voltage divider, and the offset term by the magnitude of the injected current. Use of the disclosed Vref generator in one useful implementation allows Vref to be optimized at two different values for Vddq. |
| US08564273B2 |
Analog current limit adjustment for linear and switching regulators
Circuits and methods for dynamic adjustment of the current limit of a power management unit to avoid unwanted automatic interruption of the power flow have been disclosed. The invention can be applied to switched and linear DC-to-DC converters. The power management unit is automatically adjusted to the output resistance of a power source (including interconnect resistance). The invention maximizes the time and hence the power transferred from a power management unit to the system (including the battery, in case of battery operated systems). The input current is reduced, thus increasing the input voltage in case of a high voltage drop across the internal resistance including interconnections between power source and power management unit. |
| US08564272B2 |
Integrated soft start circuits
Various circuits, including DC/DC converters can include an integrated soft-start circuit. The integrated soft-start circuit includes a PMOS transistor configured to receive a reference signal and control the current to a bipolar junction transistor when the reference signal is in a first state. First and second NMOS transistors are included in the soft-start circuit, and receive the reference signal to turn off (to release from reset) when the reference signal is in the first state. A capacitor coupled in parallel with one of the NMOS transistors controls the soft-start signal. Various different transistors types can be used depending on the desired implementation. |
| US08564270B2 |
On-time compensation for switching power converters
An improved discontinuous current mode (DCM) switching power converter that compensates for the effect of dead time. The dead time of the switching power converter is measured during a switching cycle and a baseline on-time for a switch of the switching power converter is determined. The dead time and baseline on-time are used in calculating the desired on-time of the switch during a subsequent switching cycle of the power converter. The desired switch on-time regulates the output voltage to a desired voltage level. The desired switch on-time also maintains the average input current to the power converter in proportion to the input voltage, thereby improving the power factor of the switching power. |
| US08564268B2 |
Power supply controller having analog to digital converter
A power supply controller includes a switching circuit which, in response to a control signal, transfers an analog signal to an output node as an outputted analog signal, the output node being coupled to an inductor and a capacitor, an analog to digital (A/D) converter which converts an outputted analog signal to a digital signal, a pulse width modulation (PWM) generator circuit which produces a PWM signal based on the digital signal, a driver which produces the control signal in response to the PWM signal, and a conversion range setting unit which sets a range data for the A/D converter based on the digital signal during a first period, and which sets the range data based on the PWM signal during a second period. |
| US08564267B2 |
Multi-mode parameter analyzer for power supplies
A system includes an input selection module, a multiplier selection module, a multiplier module, an adding module, a plurality of accumulators, and an estimation module. The input selection module selects input signals including a duty cycle signal and current and voltage signals of a power supply. The multiplier selection module selects inputs from sine and cosine generator. The multiplier module multiplies the selected input signals by the inputs from the sine and cosine generator to generate products. The adding module adds the products to generate sums. The plurality of accumulators accumulates the sums. The estimation module estimates values of a plurality of components including an inductance, a capacitance, and a resistance of the power supply based on the sums accumulated in the plurality of accumulators. |
| US08564265B2 |
Driving circuit
A driving circuit includes a switching circuit, an acquiring circuit, an amplifying circuit, and an adjusting circuit. The switching circuit includes a driving chip and a switching unit. The switching unit is connected between a power source and a load, the driving chip is configured for controlling the connection and disconnection of the switching unit. The acquiring circuit is connected between the switching unit and the load, and is configured for providing a feedback to the amplifying circuit. The amplifying circuit includes two amplifying input terminals connected to two terminals of the acquiring circuit and an amplifying output terminal outputting an amplified voltage. The adjusting circuit is connected to the amplifying output terminal and is configured for outputting different control voltages to the driving chip according to the amplified voltage. The driving chip outputs different driving voltages to the switching unit according to the control voltages. |
| US08564264B2 |
Current control system and method for controlling a current
A current control system comprising at least one series arm including a linear series regulator for generating a manipulated variable signal, wherein the linear series regulator is connected to a semiconductor control element which is connected to a supply voltage referenced to a ground potential, and the semiconductor control element includes an output voltage at its output side relative to the ground potential. A reference signal fed to the series regulator, a current measurement signal, and the manipulated variable signal are referenced to the ground potential, where the manipulated variable signal is fed to a subtractor which subtracts the difference of the feed voltage minus the output voltage from the manipulated variable signal, and the generated output signal of the subtractor is fed to the semiconductor control element as a corrected manipulated variable signal. |
| US08564262B2 |
Voltage regulator module with power gating and bypass
Mechanisms are provided for either power gating or bypassing a voltage regulator. Responsive to receiving an asserted power gate signal to power gate the output voltage of the voltage regulator, at least one of first control circuitry power gates the output voltage of a first circuit or second control circuitry power gates the output voltage of a second circuit such that substantially no voltage to is output by the first circuit to a primary output node. Responsive to receiving an asserted bypass signal to bypass the output voltage of the voltage regulator, at least one of the first control circuitry bypasses the output voltage of the first circuit or the second control circuitry bypasses the output voltage of a second circuit such that substantially the voltage of a voltage source is output by the first circuit to the primary output node. |
| US08564258B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and method of controlling MEMS-type variable capacitance capacitor
A first pump circuit generates a first voltage for decreasing the distance between primary electrodes. The first voltage is limited to a predetermined limit by a first limiter circuit. A second pump circuit generates a second voltage for keeping the distance between the primary electrodes constant. A third pump circuit generates the second voltage and has a supplying capacity smaller than the first one. The second voltage is limited by second and third limiter circuits. A ripple capacitor is charged up to the second voltage by the second pump circuit and the second limiter circuit within a period of time the first voltage is being generated. When a supplying voltage of the first pump circuit reaches to the first voltage, and a deformation stops, the second voltage is supplied by the third pump circuit and the third limiter circuit instead of the second pump circuit and the second limiter circuit. |
| US08564256B2 |
Circuit devices and methods of providing a regulated power supply
In an embodiment, a circuit includes a regulated power supply terminal, a processing circuit coupled to the regulated power supply terminal, and a low frequency responsive circuit having a first transistor adapted to be coupled to a power source and having first circuitry configured to control current flow from the power source through the first transistor to supply a low frequency current to the regulated power supply terminal. The circuit device further includes a high frequency responsive circuit having a second transistor coupled to the regulated power supply terminal and having second circuitry configured to control the second transistor to selectively modulate high frequency current components at the regulated power supply terminal to reduce voltage variations on the regulated power supply. |
| US08564253B2 |
City electric bus powered by ultracapacitors
Described are a method and apparatus for charging an electric vehicle powered by ultracapacitors. The vehicle includes a current collector device for collecting power from an external power source, an electric motor module for providing a driving force to the vehicle, an ultracapacitor module, and a charger device. The ultracapacitor module includes one or more ultracapacitors. The ultracapacitor module is coupled to the current collector device for receiving power and is coupled to the electric motor module for providing power. The charger device is connected to the current collector, the ultracapacitor module, and to a temperature signal associated with one or more of the one or more ultracapacitors. The charger device is configured to adjust power supplied to the ultracapacitor module based on the temperature signal. |
| US08564250B2 |
Current sensor
Disclosed is a current sensor including magnetic sensors disposed on a conductor having at least two separated current-carrying areas with different current magnitudes and detecting a magnetic field generated according to currents flowing through the conductor and a controller controlling outputs of the magnetic sensors, wherein the magnetic sensors are disposed in at least two respective areas having different current magnitudes and the controller switches outputs of the magnetic sensors. |
| US08564243B2 |
Charging module
A charging module comprises a power supply device and at least one adapter, wherein a first and second magnetic attraction components, which are attracted to each other, are respectively disposed to a coupling place between the adapter and the power supply device. While in use, the power supply device is electrically connected to an electronic product through the adapter. Power from the power supply device is delivered to the electronic product, and attraction of the first and second magnetic attraction components is utilized to retain the junction effect between the adapter and the power supply device. The electronic product can be separated from the power supply device by slightly imposing forces. The electronic product can be quickly taken by a user without influencing the operation of the electronic product. |
| US08564242B2 |
Battery charger capable of performing a full or partial state of health evaluation of the battery based on the history of the battery
A rechargable battery with an internal microcontroller. The microcontroller contains a memory in which data regarding the environment to which the battery is exposed are stored. These data are read by a processor integral with the charger used to charge the battery. If these data indicates the battery may have been subjected to a harsh environment, such as being exposed to an excessive temperature, the charger performs a fulle state of health evaluation of the battery. |
| US08564241B2 |
Battery temperature control system
A battery temperature control system, in temperature rise control, sets a maximum chargeable current and a maximum dischargeable current based on detection values of current, voltage, and temperature of a high-voltage battery, and controls charging/discharging power so that the current of the high-voltage battery does not exceed the maximum chargeable current or the maximum dischargeable current. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the high-voltage battery from abnormal heating and promptly raise its temperature according to change in the internal state of the high-voltage battery. In this control, a plurality of electrical equipment is selectively used. The amplitude of charging/discharging is controlled to reduce vibration noise and driving force fluctuation. |
| US08564225B1 |
Accelerator on a chip having a grid and plate cell
An accelerator assembly includes an acceleration channel that passes in a straight line through a plurality of accelerator cells. Each cell includes an acceleration region and a drift region. The drift region includes a high voltage plate and a grid electrode, where the grid electrode is disposed between the high voltage plate and the channel. In each cell, a large DC voltage is present on the high voltage plate. A voltage on the grid electrode is controlled such that at a first time an ion in the channel is attracted toward the high voltage plate, and such that at a second time the ion is shielded and is not attracted toward the high voltage plate. In one specific example, the assembly is part of a Direct Write On Wafer (DWOW) printing system that can direct write an image onto a 300 mm diameter wafer in one minute. |
| US08564221B2 |
Driving circuit system for gas discharge lamp and the control method thereof
A driving circuit system for a gas discharge lamp includes a power circuit having a switch for converting an input voltage into a lamp voltage for driving the gas discharge lamp, a lamp current detecting circuit connected to the power circuit or the gas discharge lamp for detecting a lamp current, a feedback circuit connected to the lamp current detecting circuit for generating a lamp current feedback signal, a constant power control circuit for generating a corrected current reference signal, and a power control circuit connected to the feedback circuit, the constant power control circuit, and the switch of the power circuit for generating a first modulating signal in accordance with the lamp current feedback signal and the corrected current reference signal for driving the switch to turn on or off, thereby substantially maintaining a lamp power of the gas discharge lamp at a constant value. |
| US08564214B2 |
Circuits for sensing current levels within lighting apparatus
Circuits for sensing current levels within an apparatus are disclosed. In specific cases, a constant voltage power supply is used to power an LED lighting apparatus in which there are uncertainties within the forward voltages of the LEDs, which in turn creates uncertainty with respect to the current level flowing through the LEDs. To manage these uncertainties, the current flowing through the LEDs is measured by determining a voltage level across a known resistor and calculating the current level. To prevent the known resistor from causing a significant reduction in the efficiency of the overall light engine, the circuit includes one or more transistors in parallel with the known resistor to reduce the effective resistance in the LED circuit during times that the current is not being sensed. |
| US08564213B2 |
Switching power circuit, and lighting device for semiconductor light-emitting element and illumination apparatus using same
A switching power circuit includes a first switching element having one end connected to a positive electrode of a first capacitor, a second switching element having one end connected to a negative electrode of the first capacitor, an inductive element having one end connected to the other ends of the first and the second switching element, a semiconductor switching element connected in parallel to the current limiting resistor, and a second capacitor connected to a control electrode of the semiconductor switching element. The second capacitor is charged by using a voltage induced to the inductive element when the first or the second switching element is off. |
| US08564211B2 |
Method of driving a light source and light source apparatus for performing the method
A light source apparatus includes a light source disposed adjacent to a side portion of a light guide plate and a light source driver driving the light source. The light source driver includes a booster and a protecting circuit. The booster boosts an input voltage to a driving voltage for driving the light source. The protecting circuit selectively cuts off the input voltage applied to the booster according to an output current of the booster, reducing the risk of damage to the driver due to shorts, overcurrents, or the like. |
| US08564210B2 |
Light source module and lighting apparatus, and illumination apparatus using same
A light source module includes a substrate unit for mounting multiple light emitting diodes thereon to electrically connecting them; first and second electrical connecting terminals for supplying a current to the light emitting diodes based on a voltage applied from outside the substrate unit; and a characteristic setting unit for presetting characteristic information corresponding to a electrical characteristic of the light emitting diodes. Further, the light source module includes a third electrical connecting terminal for outputting a setting signal based on the characteristic information preset in the characteristic setting unit, and the characteristic setting unit is connected at least between the third and first electrical connecting terminals or between the third and second electrical connecting terminals, and the characteristic setting unit responds to a set-up power inputted from the third electrical connecting terminal to generate the setting signal. |
| US08564209B2 |
Circuit for controlling a lighting unit with light-emitting diodes
A circuit capable of receiving, in series with at least one light-emitting diode, a rectified A.C. voltage, comprising: a first gate turn-off thyristor connected to first and second terminals of the circuit; and a control circuit for turning off the first thyristor when the voltage between the first and second terminals exceeds a threshold. |
| US08564206B2 |
LED lighting device and illumination apparatus including same
An LED lighting device includes a step-up chopper which includes a first switching element and increases an output voltage applied from a DC power supply, a step-down chopper which includes a second switching element and decreases the output voltage from the step-up chopper to apply the decreased output voltage to a light source unit having light emitting diodes, a controller which controls operations of the first and the second switching element, a current limiter which includes a current limiting element and a switch; and a voltage detection unit. The controller stops an operation of the first switching element when the voltage detection unit detects the voltage applied to the light source unit exceeding a predetermined voltage value, and the switch allows a current to flow through the path passing through the current limiting element when the operation of the first switching element is stopped. |
| US08564195B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and an emitting material layer which is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the emitting material layer being doped with an electric charge transport material of which content varies along a thickness direction and comprising a plurality of sub-layers staked in sequence. |
| US08564194B2 |
Organic light emitting diode device and method for fabricating the same
An organic light emitting diode device includes a gate electrode of a first transistor on a substrate; a gate insulation film on the gate electrode of the first transistor; a source electrode of a second transistor on the gate insulation film and overlapping with the gate electrode of the first transistor; a contact hole exposing the gate electrode of the first transistor and the source electrode of the second transistor; a conductive wiring in the contact hole, for electrically connecting the gate electrode of the first transistor and the source electrode of the second transistor. |
| US08564190B2 |
Light-emitting element and lighting device
To provide a light-emitting element whose power efficiency is improved and which emits light of natural color like light bulb color. In the light-emitting element, at least three light-emitting units are stacked. The emission spectrum of the light-emitting element has two peaks. One of the two peaks is obtained by combining spectra of light emitted from two light-emitting units. The peak is in the yellow to orange wavelength range and has a wavelength greater than or equal to 560 nm and less than 580 nm. Thus, a wavelength range of high luminosity can be used and the power efficiency can be improved. The color of light emitted from the light-emitting element is close to a blackbody locus in a chromaticity diagram, and light of natural color like light bulb color can be achieved. |
| US08564187B2 |
Color organic light-emitting diode display device
A color display device that increases the efficiency of use of white light emitted from an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in producing an improved color display. The device includes a plurality of color OLED display pixels, which include an OLED, a color filter layer, and a color conversion matrix sandwiched between the OLED and the color filter layer. The color filter layer has a plurality of color filter elements including a red, green and blue color filter element. The array of subpixels comprised in the color conversion matrix is composed of semiconductor nanocrystals uniformly dispersed in an organic binding material, which may be employed in either down-emitting or up-emitting color OLED display devices. |
| US08564186B2 |
Light source apparatus having a solid light source element and a phosphor
Provided is a light source apparatus having a phosphor layer which is subjected to a light beam of a predefined wavelength emitted from a solid light source element as an excitation light beam and which generates fluorescent beam by being excited by the incident excitation light beam and emits the fluorescence beam to outside, and a metal layer which is joined to a predefined surface among outer surfaces of the phosphor layer except an incident surface of the excitation light beam and an outgoing surface of the fluorescence beam for converting excitons excited from a section of the phosphor layer close to the predefined surface into a light beam via surface plasmon polaritons. The light beam converted from the excitons via the surface plasmon polaritons is emitted out of the outgoing surface of the phosphor layer together with the fluorescence beam. |
| US08564181B2 |
Electroactive polymer actuator and method of manufacturing the same
A multilayered electroactive polymer (EAP) device and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. The multilayered EAP device includes a plurality of unit layers. Each unit layer includes an EAP layer formed of an electroactive polymer (EAP), a protecting layer configured to prevent a material from penetrating into the EAP layer, and an active electrode formed using a conductive material. The protecting layer may be formed below the active layer or above the active layer. The active electrode may be interposed between two protecting layers. |
| US08564179B2 |
Apparatus and method for downhole energy conversion
An apparatus for generating electrical energy in downhole tool is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, such apparatus includes a tubular configured to flow a fluid within the tubular and an energy conversion device at a selected location inside the tubular, wherein the energy conversion device comprises an active material configured to convert received pressure pulses in the fluid into electrical energy. |
| US08564178B2 |
Micro electric generator, method of providing the same, and electric generating device
A micro electric generator is disclosed, which comprises: at least one electrically conductive fiber, and at least one piezoelectric ceramic layer covering on the surface of that at least one electrically conductive fiber. When a mechanical force is applied to deform the electrically conductive fiber covered with the piezoelectric ceramic layer, electric energy is generated. Also, a method of fabricating the said micro electric generator and an electric generating device are disclosed. |
| US08564177B2 |
Piezopolymer transducer with matching layer
Matching layers improve the performance of ultrasonic transducers. Such layers have traditionally required significant effort and expense to be added to ultrasonic transducers. The present invention discloses a method of producing ultrasonic transducers with a matching layer, specifically for ultrasonic transducers utilizing piezopolymer transducer materials. Rather than the conventional method of forming the piezopolymer on a substrate and then attaching a matching layer through which the transducer emits its ultrasound energy, we teach depositing the piezopolymer on a substrate that also serves as a matching layer through which the ultrasound is emitted. Methods of how to select materials and modify their ultrasonic characteristics are also discussed. |
| US08564175B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a layered piezoelectric element and a driven member. The driven member is bonded to the top surface of the layered piezoelectric element by means of an epoxy resin adhesive. The piezoelectric element includes a side electrode on one side surface of the element, which is one of the outer surfaces of the element. The piezoelectric element includes, in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the side surface, a dam portion formed of a material for preventing epoxy bleed out of the adhesive. Therefore, even when the epoxy bleed out of the adhesive occurs, a bled-out portion of the components of the adhesive does not reach the side electrode. Thus, when the side electrode is connected to an external circuit by, for example, soldering, reduction in the connection strength or similar problems are avoided. |
| US08564174B2 |
Integrated acoustic bandgap devices for energy confinement and methods of fabricating same
The present invention is directed to monolithic integrated circuits incorporating an oscillator element that is particularly suited for use in timing applications. The oscillator element includes a resonator element having a piezoelectric material disposed between a pair of electrodes. The oscillator element also includes an acoustic confinement structure that may be disposed on either side of the resonator element. The acoustic confinement element includes alternating sets of low and high acoustic impedance materials. A temperature compensation layer may be disposed between the piezoelectric material and at least one of the electrodes. The oscillator element is monolithically integrated with an integrated circuit element through an interconnection. The oscillator element and the integrated circuit element may be fabricated sequentially or concurrently. |
| US08564171B2 |
Acoustic wave element and electronic device including the same
An acoustic wave element includes a piezoelectric substrate, an IDT electrode, a sidewall, a lid, and an adhesive layer. The IDT electrode is provided on the piezoelectric substrate. The sidewall is provided around the IDT electrode above the piezoelectric substrate. The lid is provided above the sidewall so as to cover a space above the IDT electrode. The adhesive layer is made of an adhesive provided between the lid and the sidewall. The top surface of the sidewall has a groove. The groove is filled with an adhesive, which reduces the protrusion amount of the adhesive. |
| US08564170B2 |
Vibration power generator, vibration power generation apparatus, and electric device and communication device with vibration power generation apparatus mounted thereon
A power generator comprises a first substrate 102, a second substrate 103 opposed to the first substrate, first electrodes 104L and 104R and a first electrode 106 which are formed on the first substrate, second electrodes 105L and 105R and a second electrode 107 which are formed on the second substrate, wherein electric charge of the same polarity is held by the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first substrate vibrates such that an angle formed between a segment connecting a centroid of the first electrode 104L (104R) and a centroid of the second electrode 105L (105R), and a half line extending from the centroid of the second electrode 105L (105R) toward the first electrode 104L (104R) in a stationary state in parallel to the main surface of the second substrate does not exceed 55 degrees while the first substrate 102 is stationary and vibrates. |
| US08564167B2 |
3T-Y winding connection for three phase multiple-speed motor
A three-phase, multi-speed electric induction motor assembly is configured to include a controller to change motor speeds. The motor assembly includes a stator core assembly, a pair of main winding coil groups corresponding with each phase, and a pair of selectable extra winding coil groups corresponding with each phase. During the lower-speed operation, the controller connects a first set of three leads to a power source such that only the main coil groups are energized. During the higher-speed operation, the controller connects a second set of three leads to the power source such that both the main coil groups and the selectable extra coil groups are energized. |
| US08564164B2 |
Motor
A motor includes a rotating member including a first magnet, and a fixed member supporting the rotating member and including a second magnet configuring a magnetic bearing part together with the first magnet. A gap between the first and second magnets is larger than at least one of a contact prevention gap between the rotating member and the fixed member and a clearance between a shaft and a sleeve supporting the shaft. |
| US08564162B2 |
Actuator for operating a sliding curtain
This electro-mechanical actuator is used to operate a curtain mounted to slide along an axis. It comprises a motor (24), a power supply unit (22) for powering the motor and a box (20), the motor (24) and the power supply unit (22) being received in a first housing (L1) that is internal to the box (20). The box (20) forms at least one second internal housing (L2, L′2), separated from the first internal housing by a wall (35, 43) of the box, and in which an electrical or electronic component (28, 50) of the actuator is received that is distinct from the motor (24) and from the power supply unit (22). A removable cover (33, 41) isolates the or each second housing (L2, L′2) from the outside of the box (20). |
| US08564161B1 |
Motorized equipment
A power module, a control board and a heat sink are provided on one axial side of a shaft of an electric motor, which consists of a motor case, a stator, a rotor, the shaft and the like. The power module is electrically connected with extraction lines, which extend from a coil wound around the stator, and supplies a drive current to the coil. The control board for controlling switching of the power module is provided on a motor case side of the power module. The heat sink is provided on a side of the control board opposite to the motor case. Thus, when setting of an output of the electric motor is changed, a body size of the heat sink can be changed without changing a positional relationship between the control board and the electric motor and a positional relationship between the power module and the electric motor. |
| US08564160B2 |
Linear actuating drive, in particular for adjusting the flaps in motor vehicle turbochargers
A linear actuator, in particular for adjusting the flaps in motor vehicle turbochargers. The linear actuator has an adjusting element that can be linearly displaced by an electric motor. The electric motor is a two-phase transverse flux machine. A rotor is arranged between two opposite single-phase stators, and the rotor is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a rotatable and linearly stationary rotational element that engages with the linearly movable adjusting element in order to cause a linear movement of the adjusting element when the rotational element is rotated. |
| US08564159B2 |
Transformer inrush current suppression apparatus
Inrush current suppression apparatus for suppressing a transformer inrush current including a transformer side voltage measurement unit which measures a voltage at a side of a transformer, a residual magnetic flux calculation unit which calculates three line-to-line residual magnetic fluxes, a power supply side voltage measurement unit which measures a voltage at a side of a power supply, a stable-state magnetic flux calculation unit which calculates three line-to-line stable-state magnetic fluxes, based on the voltage at the side of the power supply, a phase determination unit which determines a phase in which phases of the three line-to-line stable-state magnetic fluxes are respectively the same in polarity as phases of the three line-to-line residual magnetic fluxes, and a closing unit which closes the circuit breaker in the phase determined by the phase determination unit. |
| US08564155B2 |
Multiple output power supply
A method is provided for supplying power to multiple output channels. Channel control signals are monitored to determine a state for each of the output channels. Each channel control signal is associated with one of the output channels. The energy in a storage element is directed to output channels according to the state of the channel control signals. |
| US08564150B2 |
Wave power plant
A wave power plant is disclosed. The wave power plant is designed for converting the energy of the disturbed water surface into the energy of the output shaft. The wave power plant can include a displacement body floating on the water surface, the displacement body having an internal installation of a technological working machine that is driven by the tension force of a cable connecting the body to a diving, floating anchor. The force of the cable tension rises each time the displacement body moves upward. An anchor suspended beneath the displacement body allows for utilizing the wave power plant on floating facilities (e.g., safe rafts and boats, floating data centers, boats, and floating platforms) found within the offshore areas of the oceans in the large open sea areas with great depth. |
| US08564149B2 |
Wave power plant and method for operating the same
A method for operating a wave power plant, where the method supplying, using a electrical generator, electrical power to a power grid, which is averaged over a plurality of flow oscillation periods using a generator side converter, a direct current link and a network side converter, where an electrical energy storage is connected to the direct current link using a DC converter, and maintaining the voltage value of the direct current link between a lower limiting voltage and an upper limiting voltage by at least one of a closed-loop and an open-loop control of a power input and a power output, wherein an air turbine is speed guided, depending on a variable, which characterises the flow in at least one of the flow channel and the pressure in the wave chamber, wherein the rotational speed is guided continuously during a flow oscillation period. |
| US08564147B1 |
System for solar and wind energy collection with advanced blade design
A solar and wind energy collection system includes a solar energy collecting structure and a wind turbine disposed on a common supporting surface. The solar energy collecting structure includes a frame that defines the lateral surfaces of a frustum and one or more photovoltaic cells that collect energy from sun light to generate electricity. The wind turbine includes a tower affixed to the supporting surface and extending therefrom within the lateral surfaces defined by said frame while elevating past said frame through an opening on the apex of the frame. The wind turbine also includes a nacelle mounted on said tower and a rotor coupled to the nacelle. The rotor includes a rotatable hub and at least one blade. In one embodiment, the blade has one or more air conduits that provide a fluid connection between opposite high-pressure and low-pressure faces of the blade. |
| US08564141B2 |
Chip unit and stack package having the same
A chip unit includes: a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip disposed such that their surfaces for forming first bonding pads and second bonding pads face each other; first and second connection members disposed on the surfaces of the first and second semiconductor chips for forming the first and second bonding pads, and having redistribution lines which have one ends connected with the first and second bonding pads and the other ends projecting beyond one edges of the first and second semiconductor chips and films; an adhesive member interposed between the first connection members and the second connection members; and via patterns passing through the adhesive member and connecting projecting portions of the redistribution lines of the first and second connection members with each other. |
| US08564135B2 |
Backside illuminated sensor and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is a backside illuminated image sensor including a light receiving element formed in a first substrate, an interlayer insulation layer formed on the first substrate including the light receiving element, a via hole formed through the interlayer insulation layer and the first substrate while being spaced apart from the light receiving element, a spacer formed on an inner sidewall of the via hole, an alignment key to fill the via hole, interconnection layers formed on the interlayer insulation layer in a multilayer structure in which a backside of a lowermost layer of the interconnection layers is connected to the alignment key, a passivation layer covering the interconnection layers, a pad locally formed on a backside of the first substrate and connected to a backside of the alignment key, and a color filter and a microlens formed on the backside of the first substrate corresponding to the light receiving element. |
| US08564134B2 |
Semiconductor substrate, semiconductor device, and manufacturing methods thereof
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a gallium nitride (GaN) substrate on a heterogeneous substrate at low cost while realizing performance improvement and long operational lifespan of semiconductor devices, such as LEDs or laser diodes, which are manufactured using the GaN substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes a substrate, a first semiconductor layer arranged on the substrate, a mask arranged on a first region of the first semiconductor layer, a metallic material layer arranged on the first semiconductor layer and the mask, the metallic material layer being arranged in a direction intersecting the mask, a second semiconductor layer arranged on the first semiconductor layer and the metallic material layer, and a cavity in the first semiconductor layer and arranged under the metallic material layer. |
| US08564133B2 |
Chip package and method for forming the same
According to an embodiment of the invention, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor substrate having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a through-hole penetrating the upper surface and the lower surface of the semiconductor substrate, a chip disposed overlying the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, a conducting layer overlying a sidewall of the through-hole and electrically connecting the chip, a first insulating layer overlying the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second insulating layer overlying the lower surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a bonding structure disposed overlying the lower surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein a material of the second insulating layer is different from that of the first insulating layer. |
| US08564132B2 |
Tungsten metallization: structure and fabrication of same
A local interconnect structure is provided in which a tungsten region, i.e., tungsten stud, that is formed within a middle-of-the-line (MOL) dielectric material is not damaged and/or contaminated during a multiple interconnect patterning process. This is achieved in the present disclosure by forming a self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer within a topmost surface and upper sidewalls portions of the tungsten region that extend above a MOL dielectric material which includes a first interconnect pattern formed therein. During the formation of the self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer, a nitrogen enriched dielectric surface also forms within exposed surface of the MOL dielectric material. A second interconnect pattern is then formed adjacent to, but not connect with, the first interconnect pattern. Because of the presence of the self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer on the tungsten region, no damaging and/or contamination of the tungsten region can occur. |
| US08564131B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
The invention is characterized in including interconnect layer formed on surface of a substrate forming desired element region, inter layer dielectric covering surface of said interconnect layer, silicon nitride film formed so as covering whole surface of said inter layer dielectric, metal interconnect layer consisting of gold layer as the uppermost lay metal formed on the upper layer of said silicon nitride film, and planarized dielectric formed on said metal interconnect layer. |
| US08564125B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with embedded thermal heat shield and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: mounting a bottom integrated circuit on a bottom substrate having a peripheral thermal via connected to a peripheral thermal interconnect; mounting an inner heat shield, having a top planar portion, over the bottom integrated circuit with the inner heat shield connected to the peripheral thermal via; mounting a top integrated circuit over the inner heat shield; and forming a package encapsulation over the bottom integrated circuit, the inner heat shield, and the top integrated circuit with the top planar portion exposed only at each corners of a package topside of the package encapsulation. |
| US08564117B2 |
Compliant spring interposer for wafer level three dimensional (3D) integration and method of manufacturing
The present invention is an apparatus for integrating multiple devices. The apparatus includes a substrate having a first via and a second via, a semiconductor chip positioned on a top portion of the substrate and positioned between the first via and the second via, first and second bumps positioned on the semiconductor chip, and an interposer wafer having a first interposer spring assembly and a second interposer spring assembly, the first interposer spring assembly having a first interposer spring and a first electrical connection attached to the first interposer spring, and the second interposer spring assembly having a second interposer spring and a second electrical connection attached to the second interposer spring. |
| US08564116B2 |
Semiconductor device with reinforcement plate and method of forming same
A semiconductor device includes a reinforcement plate having an accommodating hole and a through hole extending from a first surface to a second surface, a semiconductor chip including a chip core and a pad formed on a pad surface of the chip core, the semiconductor chip disposed in the accommodating hole with the pad surface flush with the first surface, the chip core having substantially the same thickness as the reinforcement plate and including a semiconductor substrate, a through-hole electrode disposed in the through hole, resin sealing the semiconductor chip and the reinforcement plate, a interconnection pattern disposed on the first-surface side of the reinforcement plate to connect between the through-hole electrode and the pad, and a interconnection pattern disposed on the second-surface side of the reinforcement plate to be connected to the through-hole electrode, wherein the reinforcement plate is made of the same material as the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08564114B1 |
Semiconductor package thermal tape window frame for heat sink attachment
The present invention is directed to a semiconductor packaging solution wherein a high K thermal material such as a grease or gel is placed in a controlled thin bond line between the semiconductor die of the package and a heat sink in a direct manner using a thermal tape window frame as a low cost mechanical attachment mechanism. As the main thermal dissipation path is between the backside of the semiconductor die and the heat sink, a high K TIM material can be used to maximize thermal dissipation in a manner that does not require expensive mechanical attachment methods. |
| US08564110B2 |
Power device with bottom source electrode
A power semiconductor package has an ultra thin chip with front side molding to reduce substrate resistance; a lead frame unit with grooves located on both side leads provides precise positioning for connecting numerous bridge-shaped metal clips to the front side of the side leads. The bridge-shaped metal clips are provided with bridge structure and half or fully etched through holes for relieving superfluous solder during manufacturing process. |
| US08564108B2 |
Semiconductor device with heat spreader
A BGA type semiconductor device includes: a substrate having wirings and electrodes; a semiconductor element disposed on the substrate, having a rectangular plan shape, and a plurality of electrodes disposed along each side of the semiconductor element; a plurality of wires connecting the electrodes on the semiconductor element with the electrodes on the substrate; a heat dissipation member disposed on the substrate, covering the semiconductor element, and having openings formed in areas facing apex portions of the plurality of wires connected to the electrodes formed along each side of the semiconductor element; and a sealing resin member for covering and sealing the semiconductor element and heat dissipation member. |
| US08564106B2 |
Wafer level packaging
Through vias in a substrate are formed by creating a trench in a top side of the substrate and at least one trench in the back side of the substrate. The sum of the depths of the trenches at least equals the height of the substrate. The trenches cross at intersections, which accordingly form the through vias from the top side to the back side. The through vias are filled with a conductor to form contacts on both sides and the edge of the substrate. Contacts on the backside are formed at each of the trench. The through vias from the edge contacts. Traces connect bond pads to the conductor in the through via. Some traces are parallel to the back side traces. Some traces are skew to the back side traces. The substrate is diced to form individual die. |
| US08564101B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus having a through-hole interconnection
A semiconductor apparatus having a through-hole interconnection in a semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. A via hole is formed through the semiconductor substrate and the insulating layer. The through-hole interconnection has another insulating layer formed in the via hole and a conductive layer formed thereon. The insulating layer formed in the via hole is formed such as to substantially planarize an inner surface of the via hole. |
| US08564098B2 |
Controlling the recombination rate in a bipolar semiconductor component
Disclosed is a method for controlling the recombination rate in the base region of a bipolar semiconductor component, and a bipolar semiconductor component. |
| US08564097B2 |
Reverse conducting IGBT
An insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is provided comprising a semiconductor substrate having the following regions in sequence: (i) a first region of a first conductive type having opposing surfaces, a column region of a second conductive type within the first region extending from a first of said opposing surfaces; (ii) a drift region of the second conductive type; (iii) a second region of the first conductive type, and (iv) a third region of the second conductive type. There is provided a gate electrode disposed to form a channel between the third region and the drift region, a first electrode operatively connected to the second region and the third region, a second electrode operatively connected to the first region and the column region. The arrangement of the IGBT is such that the column region is spaced from a second surface of the opposing surfaces of the first region, whereby a forward conduction path extends sequentially through the third region, the second region, the drift region, and the first region, and whereby a reverse conduction path extends sequentially through the second region, the drift region, the first region and the column region. Reverse conduction of the IGBT occurs through a thyristor structure which is embedded in the IGBT. Such an IGBT structure is advantageous over a reverse conducting IGBT structure in which an anti-parallel diode is integrated or embedded because it provides improved reverse conduction and snapback performance. |
| US08564094B2 |
Capacitors including at least two portions of a metal nitride material, methods of forming such structures, and semiconductor devices including such structures
Metal-insulator-metal capacitors with a bottom electrode including at least two portions of a metal nitride material. At least one of the portions of the metal nitride material includes a different material than another portion. Interconnects including at least two portions of a metal nitride material are also disclosed, at least one of the portions of the metal nitride material are formed from a different material than another portion of the metal nitride material. Methods for fabricating such MIM capacitors and interconnects are also disclosed, as are semiconductor devices including such MIM capacitors and interconnects. |
| US08564091B2 |
Die-to-die electrical isolation in a semiconductor package
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a semiconductor package comprising a first die; a second die; and an inductor arrangement configured to inductively couple the first die and the second die while maintaining electrical isolation between active circuit components of the first die and active circuit components of the second die. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08564086B2 |
Apparatus for reducing photodiode thermal gain coefficient
An apparatus for reducing photodiode thermal gain coefficient includes a bulk semiconductor material having a light-illumination side. The bulk semiconductor material includes a minority charge carrier diffusion length property configured to substantially match a predetermined hole diffusion length value and a thickness configured to substantially match a predetermined photodiode layer thickness. The apparatus also includes a dead layer coupled to the light-illumination side of the bulk semiconductor material, the dead layer having a thickness configured to substantially match a predetermined thickness value and wherein an absolute value of a thermal coefficient of gain due to the minority carrier diffusion length property of the bulk semiconductor material is configured to substantially match an absolute value of a thermal coefficient of gain due to the thickness of the dead layer. |
| US08564085B2 |
CMOS image sensor structure
Provided is a method of fabricating an image sensor device. The method includes providing a first substrate having a radiation-sensing region disposed therein. The method includes providing a second substrate having a hydrogen implant layer, the hydrogen implant layer dividing the second substrate into a first portion and a second portion. The method includes bonding the first portion of the second substrate to the first substrate. The method includes after the bonding, removing the second portion of the second substrate. The method includes after the removing, forming one or more microelectronic devices in the first portion of the second substrate. The method includes forming an interconnect structure over the first portion of the second substrate, the interconnect structure containing interconnect features that are electrically coupled to the microelectronic devices. |
| US08564078B2 |
Method for producing a micromechanical component having a trench structure for backside contact
A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is proposed. In this context, at least one trench structure having a depth less than the substrate thickness is to be produced in a substrate. In addition, an insulating layer and a filler layer are produced or applied on a first side of the substrate. The filler layer comprises a filler material that substantially fills up the trench structure. A planar first side of the substrate is produced by way of a subsequent planarization within a plane of the filler layer or of the insulating layer or of the substrate. A further planarization of the second side of the substrate is then accomplished. A micromechanical component that is manufactured in accordance with the method is also described. |
| US08564075B1 |
Package tolerate design and method
An improved MEMS transducer apparatus and method. The apparatus has a movable base structure including an outer surface region and an inner surface region. At least one central anchor structure can be spatially disposed within a vicinity of the inner surface region and at least one peripheral anchor structure can be spatially disposed within a vicinity of the outer surface region. Additionally, the apparatus can have at least one peripheral spring structure. The peripheral spring structure(s) can be coupled to the peripheral anchor structure(s) and at least one portion of the outer surface region. The apparatus can also have at least one central spring structure. The central spring structure(s) can be operably coupled to the central anchor structure(s) and at least one portion of the inner surface region. |
| US08564064B2 |
Controlled fin-merging for fin type FET devices
A placement of non-planar FET devices is disclosed, which includes non-planar devices that have electrodes, and the electrodes contain fins and an epitaxial layer which merges the fins together. The non-planar devices are so placed that their gate structures are in a parallel configuration separated from one another by a first distance, and the fins of differing non-planar devices line up in essentially straight lines. The electrodes of differing FET devices are separated from one another by a cut defined by opposing facets of the electrodes, with the opposing facets also defining the width of the cut. The width of the cut is smaller than one fifth of the first distance which separates the gate structures. |
| US08564063B2 |
Semiconductor device having metal gate and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having metal gate includes providing a substrate having at least a dummy gate, a sacrificial layer covering sidewalls of the dummy gate and a dielectric layer exposing a top of the dummy gate formed thereon, forming a sacrificial layer covering sidewalls of the dummy gate on the substrate, forming a dielectric layer exposing a top of the dummy gate on the substrate, performing a first etching process to remove a portion of the sacrificial layer surrounding the top of the dummy gate to form at least a first recess, and performing a second etching process to remove the dummy gate to form a second recess. The first recess and the second recess construct a T-shaped gate trench. |
| US08564061B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has elongate plug structures extending in the lateral direction. The plug structures serve as electrical lines in order to enable locally defined lateral current flows within the cell array, within edge regions or logic regions of the semiconductor device. |
| US08564058B1 |
Super-junction trench MOSFET with multiple trenched gates in unit cell
A super-junction trench MOSEET is disclosed for high voltage device by applying a first doped column region of first conductivity type between a pair of second doped column regions of second conductivity type adjacent to sidewalls of a pair of deep trenches in each unit cell for super-junction. Meanwhile, at least one trenched gate and multiple trenched source-body contacts are formed in each unit cell between the pair of deep trenches. |
| US08564054B2 |
Trench semiconductor power device having active cells under gate metal pad
A trench semiconductor power device having active cells under gate metal pad to increase total active area for lowering on-resistance is disclosed. The gate metal pad is not only for gate wire bonding but also for active cells disposition. Therefore, the device die can be shrunk so that the number of devices per wafer is increased for die cost reduction. Moreover, the device can be packaged into smaller type package for further cost reduction. |
| US08564047B2 |
Semiconductor power devices integrated with a trenched clamp diode
A semiconductor power device having shielded gate structure integrated with a trenched clamp diode formed in a semiconductor silicon layer, wherein the shielded gate structure comprises a shielded electrode formed by a first poly-silicon layer and a gate electrode formed by a second poly-silicon layer. The trenched clamp diode is formed by the first poly-silicon layer. A shielded gate mask used to define the shielded gate is also used to define the trenched clamp diode. Therefore, one poly-silicon layer and a mask for the trenched clamp diode are saved. |
| US08564046B2 |
Vertical semiconductor devices
A vertical semiconductor device and a method of making a vertical semiconductor device include a first semiconductor pattern formed on a substrate and a first gate structure formed on a sidewall of the first semiconductor pattern. A second semiconductor pattern is formed on the first semiconductor pattern. A plurality of insulating interlayer patterns is formed on sidewalls of the second semiconductor pattern. The insulating interlayer patterns are spaced apart from each other to define grooves between the insulating interlayer patterns. The plurality of second gate structures is disposed in the grooves, respectively. |
| US08564045B2 |
Memory arrays having substantially vertical, adjacent semiconductor structures and the formation thereof
Memory arrays and methods of their formation are disclosed. One such memory array has memory-cell strings are formed adjacent to separated substantially vertical, adjacent semiconductor structures, where the separated semiconductor structures couple the memory cells of the respective strings in series. For some embodiments, two dielectric pillars may be formed from a dielectric formed in a single opening, where each of the dielectric pillars has a pair of memory-cell strings adjacent thereto and where at least one memory cell of one of the strings on one of the pillars and at least one memory cell of one of the strings on the other pillar are commonly coupled to an access line. |
| US08564043B2 |
EEPROM cell structure and a method of fabricating the same
An electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cell structure and a method of fabricating the same. The EEPROM cell comprising a substrate comprising two shallow trench isolation (STI) structures separated by a substrate portion; an intermediate patterned layer formed on the substrate such that the patterned layer covers respective portions of each STI structure; a floating gate bridging between the STI structures such that the floating gate extends over the intermediate patterned layer; a dielectric layer formed over the floating gate; and a control gate formed over the dielectric layer. |
| US08564041B2 |
Contacts for semiconductor devices
A memory device includes a number of memory cells and a dielectric layer formed over the memory cells. The memory device also includes contacts formed in the dielectric layer and spacers formed adjacent the side surfaces of the contacts. The spacers may inhibit leakage currents from the contacts. |
| US08564040B1 |
Inversion mode varactor
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes: providing an inversion mode varactor having a substrate, a backgate layer overlying the substrate, an insulating layer overlying the backgate layer, a semiconductor layer overlying the insulating layer and at least one metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) device disposed upon the semiconductor layer, where the semiconductor layer includes a source region and a drain region, where the at least one MOSFET device includes a gate stack defining a channel between the source region and the drain region, where the gate stack has a gate dielectric layer overlying the semiconductor layer and a conductive layer overlying the gate dielectric layer; and applying a bias voltage to the backgate layer to form an inversion region in the semiconductor layer at an interface between the semiconductor layer and the insulating layer. |
| US08564039B2 |
Semiconductor devices including gate structures comprising colossal magnetocapacitive materials
Semiconductor devices include a transistor having a gate structure located close to a channel region that comprises a colossal magnetocapacitive material. The gate structure is configured to affect electrical current flow through the channel region between a source and a drain. The colossal magnetocapacitive material optionally may be disposed between two structures, one or both of which may be electrically conductive, magnetic, or both electrically conductive and magnetic. Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices include forming a colossal magnetocapacitive material close to a channel region between a source and a drain of a transistor, and configuring the colossal magnetocapacitive material to exhibit colossal magnetocapacitance for generating an electrical field in the channel region. Methods of affecting current flow through a transistor include causing a colossal magnetocapacitive material to exhibit colossal magnetocapacitance and generate an electrical field in a channel region of a transistor. |
| US08564035B2 |
Image sensor and image sensor integrated type active matrix type display device
To fabricate an active matrix type display device integrated with an image sensor at a low cost and without complicating process, the image sensor includes a thin film transistor is in a pixel of a plurality of pixels, an insulating layer is over the thin film transistor, a plurality of first electrodes, which is a shielding layer, is over the insulating layer, a photoelectric conversion layer including a semiconductor film is over the plurality of the first electrodes, and a second electrode over the photoelectric conversion layer. The thin film transistor can include polycrystal silicon. The semiconductor film can include amorphous silicon. |
| US08564032B2 |
Photo detector device, photo sensor and spectrum sensor
A photodetector device includes: a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type electrically connected to a first external electrode: a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type formed on the first semiconductor region; a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type formed on the second semiconductor region; and a plurality of fourth semiconductor regions of the second conductivity type formed on the second semiconductor region, each of the plurality of fourth semiconductor regions being surrounded by the third semiconductor region, including a second conductivity type impurity having a concentration higher than a concentration of the second semiconductor region, and electrically connected to a second external electrode. |
| US08564030B2 |
Self-aligned trench contact and local interconnect with replacement gate process
A semiconductor device fabrication process includes forming insulating mandrels over one or more replacement metal gates on a semiconductor substrate. The mandrels include a first insulating material. Each mandrel has approximately the same width as its underlying gate with each mandrel being at least as wide as its underlying gate. Mandrel spacers are formed around each insulating mandrel. The mandrel spacers include the first insulating material. Each mandrel spacer has a profile that slopes from being wider at the bottom to narrower at the top. A second insulating layer of the second insulating material is formed over the transistor. Trenches to the sources and drains of the gates are formed by removing the second insulating material from portions of the transistor between the mandrels. Trench contacts to the sources and drains of the gates are formed by depositing conductive material in the first trenches. |
| US08564029B2 |
Transistor and method for forming the same
The present invention relates to a transistor and the method for forming the same. The transistor of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate; a gate dielectric layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; a gate formed on the gate dielectric layer; a channel region under the gate dielectric layer; and a source region and a drain region located in the semiconductor substrate and on respective sides of the channel region, wherein at least one of the source and drain regions comprises a set of dislocations that are adjacent to the channel region and arranged in the direction perpendicular to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the set of dislocations comprises at least two dislocations. |
| US08564028B2 |
Low on-resistance wide band gap semiconductor device and method for producing the same
A wide band gap semiconductor device is disclosed. A first trench in a gate electrode part and a second trench in a source electrode part (Schottky diode part) are disposed so that the first and second trenches are close to each other while and the second trench is deeper than the first trench. A metal electrode is formed in the second trench to form a Schottky junction on a surface of an n-type drift layer in the bottom of the second trench. Further, a p+-type region is provided in part of the built-in Schottky diode part being in contact with the surface of the n-type drift layer, preferably in the bottom of the second trench. The result is a wide band gap semiconductor device which is small in size and low in on-resistance and loss, and in which electric field concentration applied on a gate insulating film is relaxed to suppress lowering of withstand voltage to thereby increase avalanche breakdown tolerance at turning-off time. |
| US08564026B2 |
Chip, method for producing a chip and device for laser ablation
In various embodiments, a chip may include a substrate; a coating, the coating covering the substrate at least partially and the coating being designed for being stripped at least partially by means of laser ablation; wherein between the substrate and the coating, a laser detector layer is arranged at least partially, the laser detector layer being designed for generating a detector signal for ending the laser ablation. |