Document Document Title
US08644564B1 Safe illumination for computerized facial recognition
In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes setting an IR (infrared) level to a first predetermined level. The method also includes reading an image and determining if a face is detected. If a face is not detected, the method sets the IR level to zero and waits a first predetermined amount of time. The method further includes repeating the setting the IR level to the first predetermined level and the reading an image. The method also includes determining a face is detected. The method further includes setting the IR level to a second predetermined level. The method also includes reading an image and determining if a face is recognized. The method may further include setting the IR level to zero and waiting a second predetermined amount of time. The method may also include setting the IR level to the first predetermined level, reading an image and determining if a face is detected.
US08644561B2 License plate optical character recognition method and system
A method and system for recognizing a license plate character utilizing a machine learning classifier. A license plate image with respect to a vehicle can be captured by an image capturing unit and the license plate image can be segmented into license plate character images. The character image can be preprocessed to remove a local background variation in the image and to define a local feature utilizing a quantization transformation. A classification margin for each character image can be identified utilizing a set of machine learning classifiers each binary in nature, for the character image. Each binary classifier can be trained utilizing a character sample as a positive class and all other characters as well as non-character images as a negative class. The character type associated with the classifier with a largest classification margin can be determined and the OCR result can be declared.
US08644560B2 Image processing apparatus and method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a depth image obtaining unit configured to obtain a depth image including information on distances from an image-capturing position to a subject in a two-dimensional image to be captured; a local tip portion detection unit configured to detect a portion of the subject at a depth and a position close from the image-capturing position as a local tip portion; a projecting portion detection unit configured to detect, in a case where, when each of the blocks is set as a block of interest, the local tip portion of the block of interest in an area formed of the plurality of blocks adjacent to the block of interest, becomes a local tip portion closest from the image-capturing position, the local tip portion as a projecting portion; and a tracking unit configured to continuously track the position of the projecting portion.
US08644558B2 Passenger detector
A passenger detector includes an image taker, an image processor and a storage unit. The image taker is used for taking an image of a passenger sitting on a seat. The image processor is connected to the image taker. The image processor is used to learn and identify features of the image and possibilities of states of the passenger and integrate the possibilities to select the most likely state of the passenger. The storage unit is connected to the image processor. The storage unit is used to store image data before and after taking the image.
US08644557B2 Method and apparatus for estimating position of moving vehicle such as mobile robot
An apparatus of estimating a position of a moving vehicle such as a robot includes a feature point matching unit which generates vectors connecting feature points of a previous image frame and feature points of a current image frame, corresponding to the feature points of the previous image frame, and determines spatial correlations between the feature points of the current image frame, a clustering unit which configures at least one motion cluster by grouping at least one vector among the vectors based on the spatial correlations in a feature space, and a noise removal unit removing noise from each motion cluster, wherein the position of the moving vehicle is estimated based on the at least one motion cluster.
US08644554B2 Method, device, and computer-readable medium for detecting object in display area
Disclosed are a method and a device for detecting an object in a display area. The method comprises a step of generating a first image prepared to be displayed; a step of displaying the generated first image on a screen; a step of capturing a second image of the screen including the display area; and a step of comparing the generated first image with the captured second image so as to detect the object in the display area.
US08644547B2 Image analysis platform for identifying artifacts in samples and laboratory consumables
A High-resolution Image Acquisition and Processing Instrument (HIAPI) performs at least five simultaneous measurements in a noninvasive fashion, namely: (a) determining the volume of a liquid sample in well (or microtubes) containing liquid sample, (b) detection of precipitate, objects or artifacts within microliter plate wells, (c) classification of colored samples in microliter plate wells or microtubes; (dl determination of contaminant (e.g. wafer concentration}; (e) air bubbles; (f) problems with the actual plate. Remediation of contaminant is also possible.
US08644546B2 Method and systems for processing text found in images
An image containing text (e.g., a surveillance camera photo that includes a vehicle license plate) is analyzed to determine the text (e.g., by an OCR technique). The recognized text is then stored in a database. The image is digitally watermarked with an identifier that associates the image with the database location where the text is stored. In addition to surveillance contexts, this technology can be employed in indexing the World Wide Web. Images used in web pages can be watermarked to link to associated text or other data. When the web page is crawled by an indexer, the watermark can be decoded and the associated data repository accessed to obtain information that can augment the web index for that page.
US08644527B2 Piezoelectric acoustic transducer
A piezoelectric acoustic transducer achieves both space-saving and high sound quality without increasing the number of parts. In order to achieve this, the transducer includes a piezoelectric element constructed of a piezoelectric material interposed between two surface electrodes and a diaphragm of which at least one principal surface is provided with a print wiring and at least one principal surface is bonded to the piezoelectric element. The diaphragm includes a frame section, a vibrating section which is bonded with the piezoelectric element and which vibrates, and at least one supporting section which connects the frame section and the vibrating section and which supports the vibrating section. Either the frame section or the at least one supporting section includes at least one electrical resistance which is integrally formed to the print wiring and which constructs, in combination with the piezoelectric element, a series-RC circuit.
US08644526B2 Audio signal decoding device and balance adjustment method for audio signal decoding device
Fluctuation in decoded signal localization is suppressed to maintain the feel of stereo. A selection unit selects balance parameters when the balance parameters are input from a gain coefficient decoding unit, or selects balance parameters input from a gain coefficient calculation unit when there is no balance parameter input from the gain coefficient decoding unit, and outputs the selected balance parameters to a multiplication unit. The multiplication unit multiplies a gain coefficient input from the selection unit with a decoded monaural signal input from a monaural decoding unit to perform balance adjustment processing.
US08644524B1 Noise reduction in electronic systems
Methods and systems for reducing noise relating to an electronic system are disclosed. The methods and systems determine a noise signature, which characterizes a targeted noise of the electronic system. A cancellation signal is then generated based on this noise signature, so that if the cancellation signal is transmitted, the targeted noise is at least partially reduced.
US08644523B2 Digital circuit arrangements for ambient noise-reduction
A digital circuit arrangement for an ambient noise-reduction system affording a higher degree of noise reduction than has hitherto been possible. The arrangement converts the analog signals into N-bit digital signals at sample rate f0, and then subjects the converted signals to digital filtering. The value of N in some embodiments is 1 but, in any event, is no greater than 8, and f0 may be 64 times the Nyquist sampling rate but, in any event, is substantially greater than the Nyquist sampling rate. This permits digital processing to be used without incurring group delay problems that rule out the use of conventional digital processing in this context. Furthermore, adjustment of the group delay can readily be achieved, in units of a fraction of a micro-second, providing the ability to fine tune the group delay for feed forward applications.
US08644521B2 Adaptive noise control system with secondary path estimation
An active noise cancellation system includes an adaptive filter, a signal source, an acoustic actuator, a microphone, a secondary path and an estimation unit. The adaptive filter receives a reference signal representing noise, and provides a compensation signal in response to the received reference signal. The signal source provides a measurement signal. The acoustic actuator radiates the compensation signal and the measurement signal to the listening position. The microphone receives a first signal that is a superposition of the radiated compensation signal, the radiated measurement signal, and the noise signal at the listening position, and provides a microphone signal in response to the received first signal. The secondary path includes a secondary path system that represents a signal transmission path between an output of the adaptive filter and an output of the microphone. The estimation unit estimates a transfer characteristic of the secondary path system in response to the measurement signal and the microphone signal.
US08644520B2 Morphing of aural impulse response signatures to obtain intermediate aural impulse response signals
A system and method include obtaining an aural impulse signature at a first location in a simulated space. An aural impulse signature at a second location in a simulated space is also obtained. Aural impulse signature morphing is applied via a computer to aural impulse signatures of the first and second locations to provide an intermediate aural impulse signature between the first and second locations.
US08644516B1 Universal secure messaging for cryptographic modules
An anonymous secure messaging method and system for securely exchanging information between a host computer system and a functionally connected cryptographic module. The invention comprises a Host Security Manager application in processing communications with a security executive program installed inside the cryptographic module. An SSL-like communications pathway is established between the host computer system and the cryptographic module. The initial session keys are generated by the host and securely exchanged using a PKI key pair associated with the cryptographic module. The secure communications pathway allows presentation of critical security parameter (CSP) without clear text disclosure of the CSP and further allows use of the generated session keys as temporary substitutes of the CSP for the session in which the session keys were created.
US08644514B2 Security model for a relay network system
According to one general aspect, a method may include acquiring a message. In some embodiments, the method may also include determining if a relay station (RS) is allowed to manipulate portions of the message. In some embodiments, the method may also include, if so, generating a message authentication code (MsgAC) based upon a MsgAC key (MsgACK) known to the RS. In some embodiments, the method may also include combining the message with the MsgAC. In some embodiments, the method may also include wirelessly transmitting the combined message to the RS.
US08644513B2 Database processing on externally encrypted data
Various techniques are described for processing externally encrypted data by database management system. Specifically, techniques are described for incorporating encrypted data stored in a first database that was encrypted by a first database management system into a second database where the encrypted data is accessed by a second database management system. When accessing externally encrypted data incorporated into the second database, the second database management system can decrypt portions of the data as needed. Because of the manner of incorporation of externally encrypted data into the second database, specifically because the externally encrypted data need not be decrypted before being incorporated into the second database, the computational overhead and security concerns associated with conventional approaches for migrating encrypted data from one database management system to another are avoided.
US08644510B2 Discovery of security associations for key management relying on public keys
Techniques are disclosed for forming a discoverable security association in communication environments and for lawfully discovering security associations formed in communication environments. For example, a method for forming a discoverable security association between a first computing device and a second computing device comprises the following steps. The first computing device obtains from a key management entity: (i) a first private key assigned to the first computing device, which is computationally associative with a first public key associated with the first computing device; and (ii) a first root key assigned to the first computing device. The first computing device chooses a first random value and generating a first nonce, wherein the first nonce is a result of an encryption of the first random value using the first root key. The first computing device generates a first key component based on the first random value. The first computing device encrypts the first nonce and the first key component with a second public key associated with the second computing device using an identity-based encryption process and sends the encrypted first nonce and the encrypted first key component to the second computing device so as to establish a security association with the second computing device. The security association is discoverable by a third computing device unbeknownst to the first computing device and the second computing device.
US08644509B2 Data providing process based on an IBPE scheme
The present invention is a method to ensure a secure exchange of crypted numeric data between two entities, where their decryption depends to the approval of a third entity. The solution uses a combination of Identity Based Encryption scheme, and transcription trap use.
US08644508B2 Trusted communications between untrusting parties
A system and method is disclosed for assuring that networked communications between parties playing a game on a network (e.g., the Internet) are not tampered with by either of the parties for illicitly gaining an advantage over the other party. An initial sequence of tokens (e.g., card representations) for playing the game are doubly encrypted using an encryption key from each of the parties. Accordingly, during play of the game neither party can modify the initial sequence of game tokens during the game. At termination of the game, at least one of the parties can fully decrypt the initial sequence of tokens, and thereby, if desired, compare the played token sequence with the corresponding the initial token sequence.
US08644507B2 Game apparatus, system and method for improving in-game communications during a game
The present invention is directed to a game apparatus, system and method for improving in-game communications, more specifically a game apparatus, system and method for allowing players to dynamically transmit and receive communications in real-time from their coaches and/or other players on or off the field concerning game play instructions to be effected on the field or court. The system and method of the invention includes a headgear being provided to at least one player, where the headgear includes a game apparatus equipped with a circuit board, electrical wiring, battery, antennae, microprocessor, communications means and displaying means all enclosed within a housing that is affixed to the headgear. The communication means receives in real-time an encrypted signal containing a game play instruction intended for execution on the field during a game. The game apparatus' microprocessor decrypts the received encrypted signal containing the game play instruction intended for execution on the field during the game, which is converted to a viewable game play instruction that is displayed via displaying means on a visor, which is in mating engagement with said headgear. The visor may be permanently affixed to the headgear or detachable and may be color treated with a tint to enhance a player's ability to view the converted viewable game play instruction displayed thereon.
US08644499B2 Method and system for securely protecting a semiconductor chip without compromising test and debug capabilities
A semiconductor chip may be operable to block the debug interfaces when the semiconductor chip boots up from the boot read-only memory (ROM). The semiconductor chip may be operable to authenticate a debug certificate received by the semiconductor chip and enable one or more debug interfaces in the semiconductor chip based on the information resulting from the authentication of the debug certificate. The debug certificate may be in a form of a cryptographic public key certificate. A unique device ID which may be generated at boot and stored in the memory may be used by the semiconductor chip to authenticate the debug certificate. The device ID may be generated using the cryptographic public key that is stored in the one-time programmable (OTP) memory in the semiconductor chip and a cryptographic hash algorithm.
US08644497B2 Method and apparatus for adding a communication connection to a vectored group
Methods for adding a communication connection to a vectored group of communication connections and corresponding apparatuses are disclosed.
US08644494B2 Echo canceler
An echo canceler 10 generates an echo elimination signal by filtering through adaptive filters 101 and 102 reference signals input from sound sources causing echoes. It includes a sound source number detecting unit 103 for detecting the number of the sound sources causing echoes from the reference signals, and a control unit 105 for making the number of taps of the adaptive filters 101 and 102 variable in accordance with the number of the sound sources detected by the sound source number detecting unit 103.
US08644492B1 Real time feedback of script logic
A system, method, and computer readable medium for real time feedback of script logic that comprises counting at least one agent utilizing at least one panel associated with at least one caller, establishing an average length of time required to utilize the at least one panel associated with the at least one caller, tallying a number of callers terminating interaction during utilization of the at least one panel, calculating statistics associated with the counted agents per panel, the established average length of time required per panel and the tallied number of callers terminating interaction per panel, and displaying the calculated statistics.
US08644489B1 Forced schedule adherence for contact center agents
Various embodiments of the invention force a contact center agent to adhere to taking a scheduled break from handling communications for a contact center. In particular, a time corresponding to a start time for a scheduled break is detected and, upon detection, a current state is determined for the agent that indicates whether the agent is available to handle communications. In response to the state indicating the agent is available, the agent's state is automatically set without the agent's intervention to indicate the agent is unavailable to handle communications so that no communications are routed to the agent. At this point, the agent is to take his scheduled break. Accordingly, after a period of time, the agent's state is then automatically set to indicate the agent is available so that the agent's break is over and at least one communication is routed to the agent.
US08644487B2 Routing of contacts based on predicted escalation time
Systems and methods that employ contact escalation periods as criterion for managing routing procedures of a contact center. A prediction component can predict when a customer is likely to escalate a contact that is forwarded to a contact center, and hence facilitate resource matching based on such prediction. Accordingly, proactive and anticipatory contact interaction is enabled, wherein routing of contacts occur in-part based on predicted likelihood of escalations.
US08644478B2 System and method for providing telephonic access to an audio stream
System for providing telephonic access to an audio stream comprises an audio transmitting apparatus for transmitting the audio stream from its audio source output to a telephone network, and providing more and more control signals for operating more and more audio source controls. A system for providing telephonic access to an audio stream comprises a computer connected to or integral with a first telephone modem, an internet connection, an accessor, an audio stream generator, an audio source output, a controller, and a DTMF interface device for passing the audio stream from the audio connection to a telephone network. System for providing telephonic access to an audio stream comprises one or more audio transmitting apparatuses, a multi switch, a telephone switch, and an audio stream server.
US08644475B1 Telephony usage derived presence information
The present invention relates to a mechanism for providing state information, which bears on the presence of a telephone user, to a presence system. The state information is derived by monitoring events relating to telephony use. Once derived, the state information is directly or indirectly sent to a presence service, which provides presence information to applications requiring such information about the telephone user. The state information preferably bears on the presence, absence, or availability of the telephone user based on their interaction with a telephony device or function. In one embodiment, a telephony switching system is configured to monitor events associated with a telephony device or function and send messages to a presence service over a packet-switched network when the state of the telephony device or function changes. In another embodiment, an IP telephone system is configured to provide state information to the presence service.
US08644468B2 Carrying out predictive analysis relating to nodes of a communication network
Predictive analysis relating to nodes of a communication network is carried out by providing communication event information for a first set of nodes and a second set of nodes of the communication network, providing a set of attributes for the nodes of the first set, using the attributes and the communication event information for determining a set of groups among the first set of nodes, assigning each node of the second set to at least one group of the set of groups based at least on the communication event information available for the second group, the assigning resulting in membership information of the nodes of the second set, and deriving or applying a prediction model for the second set of nodes based on the communication event information for the second set and the membership information.
US08644467B2 Video conferencing system, method, and computer program storage device
A video-conferencing device for presenting augmented images that includes at least one interface, a network and a computer processor programmed to receive first information identifying a scene via the at least one interface. The computer processor also detects whether the scene contains at least one marker and identifies a location of each detected marker within the scene. In response to determining that the scene contains a first marker and based on the location of the first marker, the computer processor then augments the portion of the scene containing the first marker with second information. The computer processor then transmits the augmented scene to at least one external device via the network.
US08644465B2 Method for processing audio data on a network and device therefor
A method of processing a data stream comprising audio data exchanged over a network between a server (SERV) and at least one telephone terminal, the data stream corresponding to a telephone call from said terminal during which a user has produced at least one event. The method comprises a step a) consisting in extracting from the stream audio data (INST2) corresponding to each event, and a step b) consisting in executing at least one task relating to the extracted audio data (INST2) and executable by a software application (AL), the software application being designed to interact with the network by using a data transmission protocol that is not specifically audio. The method further comprises a step c) of introducing into said software application (AL) at least one instruction (INST2′) relating to the extracted audio data (INST2) and adapted to activate the step b).
US08644464B1 Method and system for creating a customized audio snippet
The disclosed embodiments related to a method and system for creating an audio snippet. The method includes receiving a call from a calling party on a communication device. The method further includes recording a first audio of the calling party at the communication device. The method further includes creating the audio snippet by using the first audio of the calling party and, one or more pre-stored second audio on the communication device on the basis of one or more techniques.
US08644461B2 Unified rules for voice and messaging
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates managing an incoming data communication in connection with unified communications. A unified communications component can employ unified communications for a data communication with at least the following data communication modes: an email data communication mode, a voice data communication mode, and a voicemail data communication mode. A unified rules component can automatically redirect the data communication to a delegate for receipt based upon a universal rule, the universal rule is uniformly applicable to at least two of the email data communication mode, the voice data communication mode, or the voicemail data communication mode.
US08644456B2 Improper connection determination method and communication apparatus
An improper connection determination method includes a closed circuit forming step, a current detection step and a determination step. In the closed circuit forming step, a closed circuit from one of at least two contacts in a telephone connection terminal of a communication apparatus to another one of the at least two contacts in the telephone connection terminal is formed. In the current detection step, a current flowing in the closed circuit, when the closed circuit is formed in the closed circuit forming step, is detected. In the determination step, it is determined that the telephone line is improperly connected to the telephone connection terminal when the current is detected in the current detection step.
US08644451B2 X-ray generating apparatus and inspection apparatus using the same therein
An X-ray generating apparatus is disclosed which includes a tube body having a vacuum interior, an electron source provided within the tube body to generate an electron beam, a target, within the tube body that is irradiated with the electron beam to generate an X-ray, and an X-ray window for taking out the X-ray generated outside of the tube body. A plurality of grooves are formed on a surface of a member building up the target. The grooves each have a fine width and are inclined by a predetermined angle (α), from a direction perpendicular to an elongating direction of the grooves, so that they bridge over the plural numbers of grooves. The X-ray generating apparatus is configured such that a multi-line X-ray generating from the plural numbers of multi-line targets, which are formed between the grooves, emits at a predetermined extraction angle (β), passing through the X-ray window. An inspection apparatus which includes the X-ray generating apparatus is also disclosed.
US08644450B2 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and X-ray fluorescence analyzing method
The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer of the present invention includes a sample table (8) for a sample (S) having a crystalline structure, an X-ray source (1), a detecting unit (7) for detecting secondary X-rays (4) from the sample (S), a rotating unit (11) for rotating the sample table (8), a parallel translating unit (12) for causing the sample table (8) to undergo a parallel translational movement, a selecting unit (17) for selecting three of circumvent angles, at which diffracted X-rays can be circumvented, based on a diffraction profile obtained from the angle of rotation of the sample (S) and the intensity of secondary X-rays (4), the interval between the neighboring circumvent angles being smaller than 180°, and a control unit (15) for controlling the rotating unit (11) so as to set the sample (S) at the circumvent angle at which the sample table (8) will not interfere with any other structures.
US08644448B2 Method for collimating to an off-center examination sub-object
A method is proposed for collimating an off-center sub-object of an examination subject by a collimator of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus has a computed tomography imaging system having a first X-ray source and a computed tomography X-ray detector disposed opposite the first X-ray source having a number of individual detectors and an angiographic imaging system having a second X-ray source offset to the first X-ray source and a flat panel X-ray detector disposed opposite the second X-ray source with matrix shaped pixel elements. A 3D image of the subject is taken by the CT imaging system. The off-center sub-object is selected based on the 3D image. The position of the sub-object is determined for a shooting position of the angiographic imaging system according to the fixed relative disposition between the angiographic imaging system and the CT imaging system. The collimator is adjusted accordingly for collimating the off-center section.
US08644447B2 System and a method for generating time bases in low power domain
A digital frequency divider including a parallel output register, a presettable asynchronous counter and a decoder. The parallel output register contains a desired count value. The presettable asynchronous counter has its preset data inputs coupled to the output of the parallel output register. The decoder receives its input from the data outputs of the presettable asynchronous divider and its output coupled to the load input of the presettable asynchronous counter.
US08644442B2 Radioisotope production and treatment of solution of target material
The invention provides methods for the production of radioisotopes or for the treatment of nuclear waste. In methods of the invention, a solution of heavy water and target material including fissile material present in subcritical amounts is provided in a shielded irradiation vessel. Bremsstrahlung photons are introduced into the solution, and have an energy sufficient to generate photoneutrons by interacting with the nucleus of the deuterons present in the heavy water and the resulting photoneutrons in turn cause fission of the fissile material. The bremsstrahlung photons can be generated with an electron beam and an x-ray converter. Devices of the invention can be small and generate radioisotopes on site, such as at medical facilities and industrial facilities. Solution can be recycled for continued use after recovery of products.
US08644438B2 Method and apparatus for providing a synthetic system
A method and apparatus of providing a configurable computer system capable of being modeled are disclosed. The system, in one embodiment, includes a configurable component and a clock distributor. The configurable component includes multiple programmable devices arranged in a predefined configuration. The predefined configuration, for example, is a cubical shape having multiple neighboring nodes. The configurable component is capable of being modeled in accordance with policies from a system program for data transmission. The clock distributor further includes a first clock element, which provides long-term accuracy, and a second clock element, which provides short-term accuracy.
US08644437B2 Digital compensation of a nonlinear system
A method for digital compensation of a nonlinear system comprises identifying a plurality of circuit parameters of a nonlinear system. Each circuit parameter determines a nonlinear response of the nonlinear system. A first circuit parameter is chosen from the plurality of circuit parameters. The first circuit parameter determines a first effect on the nonlinear response. The first effect is at least as large a second effect from a second circuit parameter from the plurality of circuit parameters. At least one stimulus is applied to the nonlinear system. The nonlinear response of the nonlinear system is measured in response to the at least one stimulus. A compensation architecture is synthesized to substantially linearize the nonlinear response. The compensation architecture receives the nonlinear response of the nonlinear system and provides a substantially linear response.
US08644436B2 Method and apparatus for enhanced uplink general rake channel estimation
In one embodiment, an apparatus for channel estimation includes a first receiver configured to obtain a first channel estimate associated with a communication channel between the apparatus and a user equipment. The apparatus also includes a second receiver. The second receiver includes a channel estimation unit and a normal receiver processing unit. The channel estimation unit is configured to compute a second channel estimate of channel conditions associated with the communication channel. The normal receiver processing unit is configured to compute weights using the second channel estimation unit. The channel estimation unit is further configured to obtain a delay between the obtaining of the first channel estimate and the computing of the weights, and to compute the second channel estimate using the delay and the first channel estimate.
US08644432B2 Viterbi decoder for decoding convolutionally encoded data stream
A method for operating a Viterbi decoder uses few data move operations to improve efficiency. The Viterbi decoder predicts a state in which the convolution encoder might have operated while generating a convolutionally encoded data stream. The Viterbi decoder maintains a first set of states and based on the received convolutionally encoded data stream, predicts second and third sets of states. The Viterbi decoder then calculates first and second sets of decision bits based on the transitions to the second and third sets of states. Path metric values associated with the third set of states are stored in a memory buffer. Thereafter, during trace-back, the Viterbi decoder extracts first and second decoded bits from first and second sets of decision bits respectively.
US08644428B2 System and method for channel interpolation
A system and method for channel interpolation in a wireless device. In one embodiment a wireless device includes a channel estimator. The channel estimator is configured to generate estimated channel coefficients for a wireless channel over which the wireless device receives a packet. The channel estimator includes an interpolation filter. The interpolation filter is configured to provide interpolated channel coefficients for a plurality of non-pilot sub-carriers. The interpolated channel coefficients are based on pilot sub-carriers of non-preamble symbols.
US08644426B1 Robust differential receiver for frequency modulated system
A robust differential receiver is described that may be used in any frequency modulated system, including short-range radio frequency (RF) communication devices. The differential receiver provides a preamble detection approach that reduces false preamble detection, a fine carrier frequency (CFO) estimation approach that provides an extended estimation range, and robust in-band and out-of-band interference detection. The described differential receiver assures that preamble detections are not falsely triggered, and that CFO estimates are based on accurately modeled preamble waveforms that have not been distorted by phase ambiguities or in-band distortion. In this manner, the described robust differential receiver assures that CFO estimates used to compensate remaining portions of detected signals are accurate, thereby reducing the likelihood that remaining portions of the detected signal will be affected by phase ambiguity distortions, thereby enhancing the differential receiver's ability to lock onto an otherwise unavailable communication channel, and/or reducing transmission errors and/or packet loss.
US08644421B2 Digital broadcast transmission and receiving system having an improved receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcast transmitter comprising: a randomizer to receive a data stream of which stuff bytes are inserted into a specified position and to randomize the received data stream; a stuff-byte exchange unit to generate known data having a predefined pattern and to insert the known data into the specified position of the data stream into which the stuff bytes are inserted; an encoder to encode the data stream output from the stuff-byte exchange unit for an error correction; and a modulator and RF converter to modulate the encoded data stream, RF-convert the modulated data stream and transmit the RF-converted data.
US08644416B1 Method and system for accurately converging a timing recovery mechanism and an equalizer at a receiver
A transmitter transmits to a receiver a training sequence having symbols belonging to a single modulation scheme. At least 90% of symbols have low symbol amplitude, and at most 10% of the symbols have high symbol amplitude. A first symbol estimator estimates the symbols using substantially only the sign of the received symbols, and substantially disregarding symbol amplitudes. A timing recovery mechanism estimates the received symbols in order to continuously reduce a frequency drift between the receiver and the transmitter. The first symbol estimator is switched off and a second symbol estimator is switched on according to a certain criterion. The second symbol estimator estimates symbols belonging to the training sequence. Each of the symbols is estimated to either the low symbol amplitude or the high symbol amplitude. An equalizer uses the symbols estimated by the second symbol estimator to converge, achieve signal equalization, and eliminate inter-symbol interference.
US08644411B2 Generalized reference signaling scheme for multi-user multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) using arbitrarily precoded reference signals
A multi-user MIMO downlink beamforming system (200) is provided to enable transmit beamforming vectors to be efficiently provided to a subset of user equipment devices (201.i), where spatial separation or zero-forcing transmit beamformers (wi) are computed at the base station (210) and used to generate precoded reference signals (216). The precoded reference signals (216) are fed forward to the user equipment devices (201.i) which apply one or more hypothesis tests (207.i, 208.i) to the precoded reference signals to extract the precoding matrix (W), including the specific transmit beamforming vector (wUE) designed for the user equipment, and this extracted information is used to generate receive beamformers (vi).
US08644406B2 Apparatus for transmitting and receiving a signal and method of transmitting and receiving a signal
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting and receiving signals and a corresponding apparatus. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of extracting PLP from data slices.
US08644403B2 Operation of user equipment when control and data information are supplied by different radio units
An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol for transmission from a non-reference transceiver to a user equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system is generated by ascertaining a general timing for transmission of OFDM symbols, in which the general timing is associated with a reference transceiver. A UE timing relative to the general timing is ascertained. An initial resource element (RE) value is adjusted by a pre-compensating amount to obtain a pre-compensated RE value, in which the pre-compensating amount is based on the UE timing relative to the general timing. The pre-compensated resource element value is supplied as one of a plurality of values to be transmitted. An IFFT is performed on the plurality of values to be transmitted to obtain pre-compensated initial signal information. A cyclic prefix is appended to the pre-compensated initial signal information to form an OFDM symbol for transmission from the non-reference transceiver to the UE.
US08644395B2 Method for temporal error concealment
A method for performing temporal error concealment is provided. The method includes the following steps: detecting a damaged macroblock having four 8×8 damaged blocks; obtaining motion vectors of a plurality of 4×4 neighboring blocks surrounding the damaged macroblock; and for each of the 8×8 damaged blocks, determining a predicted motion vector according to motion vectors of six of the plurality of 4×4 neighboring blocks which are closest to the 8×8 damaged block.
US08644394B2 Deblocking filter
The invention is related to decoding of block wise coded video pictures. The determination of using de-blocking filtering between coded blocks is based on alternative characteristics compared to the characteristics used in H.264/AVC.
US08644390B2 H.264 to VC-1 and VC-1 to H.264 transcoding
A method for transcoding from an H.264 format to a VC-1 format. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) decoding an input video stream in the H.264 format to generate a picture having a plurality of macroblock pairs that used an H.264 macroblock adaptive field/frame coding; (B) determining a mode indicator for each of the macroblock pairs; and (C) coding the macroblock pairs into an output video stream in the VC-1 format using one of (i) a VC-1 field motion compensation mode coding and (ii) a VC-1 frame motion compensation mode coding as determined from the mode indicator.
US08644388B2 Method and device for approximating a DC coefficient of a block of pixels of a frame
A method and a device for approximating a DC coefficient of a first block of pixels of a first frame are proposed. The method comprises: calculating a luminance DC average value based on DC coefficients of first frame's macro-blocks without an approximation error; and determining the DC coefficient of the first block based on the DC coefficient of a second block, wherein the second block is a part of a second frame, which is a reference frame of the first frame, the second block overlapping with a reference block of the first block and having the closest DC coefficient to the luminance DC average value.
US08644386B2 Method of estimating disparity vector, and method and apparatus for encoding and decoding multi-view moving picture using the disparity vector estimation method
A method and apparatus are provided for encoding and decoding a multi-view moving picture. A method of estimating a disparity vector to encode a multi-view moving picture includes: estimating disparity vectors for a predetermined number of encoded macroblocks; and calculating disparity vectors of macroblocks adjacent to the encoded macroblocks using the estimated disparity vectors. Therefore, it is possible to quickly perform encoding of a multi-view moving picture and enhance compressibility of the multi-view moving picture.
US08644384B2 Video coding reference picture prediction using information available at a decoder
A video coder includes a forward coder and a reconstruction module determining a motion compensated predicted picture from one or more previously decoded pictures in a multi-picture store. The reconstruction module includes a reference picture predictor that uses only previously decoded pictures to determine one or more predicted reference pictures. The predicted reference picture(s) are used for motion compensated prediction. The reference picture predictor may include optical flow analysis that uses a current decoded picture and that may use one or more previously decoded pictures together with affine motion analysis and image warping to determine at least a portion of at least one of the reference pictures.
US08644379B2 De-interlacing method and method of compensating a de-interlaced pixel
A luminance compensating method of compensating a de-interlaced pixel in a current block of a current frame with reference to a reference block of a reference frame is provided. First, calculate an average luminance of the current block and an average luminance of the reference block. Next, adjust the luminance of the de-interlaced pixel by a luminance difference between the average luminance of the current block and the average luminance of the reference block, such that the luminance of the de-interlaced pixel is more appropriate and the display quality is improved.
US08644378B2 Method and apparatus for de-spreading a spread-spectrum audio/video signal
A digital video communication device is provided. The digital video communication device includes a transmitter providing a spread-spectrum video signal including a predetermined frequency spread value and a frequency ratio and a receiver receiving the spread-spectrum video signal. The receiver includes a frequency synthesizer, a free-running clock generator configured to generate a free-running clock signal, wherein the free-running clock signal is used as a reference clock signal input to the frequency synthesizer. The receiver further includes a digital control logic circuit configured to separate the frequency ratio from the spread-spectrum video signal, and a line buffer coupled to the digital control logic circuit and the frequency synthesizer, the line buffer adjusting the frequency ratio and sending the adjusted frequency ratio to the frequency synthesizer, wherein the frequency synthesizer combines the free-running clock signal and the adjusted frequency ratio, and outputs a de-spread clock signal.
US08644376B2 Apparatus and method for generating compressive measurements of video using spatial and temporal integration
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating compressive measurements of video using spatial-temporal integration. The apparatus includes a detector configured to detect luminance values of a temporal video structure over a period of time based on optical data. The temporal video structure has pixels with a horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension with corresponding luminance values over the period of time. The apparatus also includes a spatial-temporal integrator unit configured to receive a plurality of measurement bases. Also, the spatial-temporal integrator unit is configured to apply each measurement basis to the temporal video structure and to sum resulting values for each measurement basis over the period of time to obtain a set of measurements. The summed values for each measurement basis is the set of measurements.
US08644374B2 Multiple description coding with spatial shifting
Techniques are provided herein to shift at an encoding device a portion of a video sequence by a first predetermined number of pixels horizontally and by a first predetermined number of pixels vertically to produce a shifted first portion of the video sequence. The shifted first portion of the video sequence is encoded to produce a first video description. The portion of the video sequence is shifted by a second predetermined number of pixels horizontally and by a second predetermined number of pixels vertically to produce a shifted second portion of the video sequence. The shifted second portion of the video sequence is encoded to produce a second video description, and the first video description and the second video description are transmitted. The techniques are scalable to shift and encode the portion of the video sequence a plurality of times to produce any number of video descriptions. Similarly, techniques are provided herein to perform such functions in reverse at a decoder.
US08644372B1 Method and apparatus for detecting modulation symbols in a communication system
In a method for detecting symbols in a signal received via a communication channel, the signal including a plurality of signal points, each signal point in the plurality of signal points is processed using a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) to produce a DFE decision. Reliability of the DFE decision is assessed to determine whether the DFE decision is at least one of i) reliable or ii) not reliable. When it is determined that the DFE decision is not reliable, a block of signal points of the plurality of signal points is processed using a Viterbi Detector (VD) to generate a block of VD decisions. The block of VD decisions is selected to be used in place of a block of DFE decisions.
US08644370B2 Providing slope values for a demapper
In one embodiment, a method can provide for dynamic updating of slope values used in determining a soft decision for a demodulated signal obtained in a receiver from a broadcast signal received by the receiver. The method includes generating a channel estimate for a channel traversed by the signal, computing channel state information from the channel estimate, computing statistical information from the channel state information, determining a slope value based at least in part on the statistical information, calculating a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) value for the signal, and applying the slope value to the LLR value to obtain a weighted LLR value.
US08644365B2 Providing voltage isolation on a single semiconductor die
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an input signal in transmitter circuitry of a first semiconductor die and processing the input signal, sending the processed input signal to an isolation circuit of the die to generate a voltage isolated signal, and outputting the voltage isolated signal from the isolation circuit to a second semiconductor die coupled to the first semiconductor die via a bonding mechanism. Note that this second semiconductor die may not include isolation circuitry.
US08644361B2 Terminal apparatus, base station apparatus, pilot transmitting method, and propagation path estimating method
Provided is a terminal apparatus that can suppress the increase in interference between pilot signals in the same slot, while also suppressing the degradation of the flexibility to design cell cluster structures. When hopping information indicates an inter-slot hopping, a mapping unit (212) arranges a first pilot sequences in which a group to which the sequences used in respective slots belong varies on a slot-by-slot basis. When the hopping information indicates an inter-subframe hopping, the mapping unit (212) arranges a second pilot sequences in which a group to which the sequences used in respective slots belong varies on a subframe-by-subframe basis. The sequence group to which the sequences used in any one of the subframes in the second pilot sequences belong is identical with the sequence group to which the sequence used in any one of the slots included in that one subframe in the first pilot sequences belongs.
US08644358B2 Highly power-efficient and broadband quantum cascade lasers
The present invention relates generally to highly power-efficient quantum cascade sources, such as highly power-efficient quantum cascade lasers having ultra-strong coupling between injector and active regions which may be configured to provide broadband quantum cascade lasers.
US08644357B2 High reliability laser emitter modules
Embodiments are directed to laser emitter modules, or subassemblies thereof, and methods and devices for making or using the modules. Some module embodiments are configured to provide hermetically sealed enclosures that are thermally stable during use, highly reliable in adverse environments, convenient and cost effective to manufacture or any combination of the foregoing.
US08644356B2 Femtosecond laser processing system with process parameters controls and feedback
A femtosecond laser based laser processing system having a femtosecond laser, frequency conversion optics, beam manipulation optics, target motion control, processing chamber, diagnostic systems and system control modules. The femtosecond laser based laser processing system allows for the utilization of the unique heat control in micromachining, and the system has greater output beam stability, continuously variable repetition rate and unique temporal beam shaping capabilities.
US08644349B2 Clock recovery in a system which transports TDM data over a packet-switched network
An ingress TDM network segment (101) and an egress TDM network segment (102) are connected by a packet-switched network (40). An ingress inter-working function (20) receives a TDM traffic flow (11) and an ingress data clock (12). A first mapping function (21) maps the TDM data (11) into first data containers using an ingress reference clock (22). The first mapping function conveys a difference between the ingress data clock (12) and the ingress reference clock (22) by a rate of justification operations to the mapped data within the first data containers. A second mapping function (23) maps the first data containers into second data containers using an ingress line clock (24). The mapping conveys a difference between the ingress reference clock (22) and the ingress line clock (24) by a rate of justification operations to the mapped data within the second data containers. Re-mapping is performed at boundaries between packet sub-networks (41, 42, 43).
US08644347B2 Transporting optical data units in an optical transport network
According to one embodiment, transporting Optical Data Units in an Optical Transport Network comprises receiving a first frame of a first type that includes second frames of a second type. Each second frame is associated with a signal having a client clock rate, and at least two second frames are associated with at least two signals with different client clock rates. The following is repeated for each second frame: determining a client clock rate of the signal associated with the second frame; and inserting clock justification information into the second frame. The clock justification information indicates how to justify the client clock rate of the second frame to synchronize the client clock rate with a system reference clock rate.
US08644345B2 Multi-carrier signal transmitter and multi-carrier signal receiver
A multi-carrier signal transmission apparatus transmits a transmission stream including at least preamble information necessary for synchronizing a transmission signal and data information as a multi-carrier signal. A modulator generates a transmission symbol stream by modulating an arrangement of the preamble information and the data information. A symbol expanding portion expands the transmission symbol stream on a frequency axis by generating a complex conjugate value of at least one part of the preamble information symmetrically on the frequency axis.
US08644343B2 Method for establishing a path, having a certain QOS-class and a related access multiplexer
The present invention relates to a method for establishing a path, having a certain QOS-class, between a modem and an edge node over a communications network. The communications network comprises an Access Multiplexer and an Ethernet aggregation network, where the Access Multiplexer couples the modem to the Ethernet aggregation network. The modem is coupled to the Access Multiplexer over at least one ATM connection. The modem forwards an ARP request, that is received from a host terminal, for an address of the edge Node over an ATM having a certain QOS-class. The Access Multiplexer intercepts the ARP request that is forwarded by the modem and assigns a chosen address for the edge node based on information on the edge node that is contained in the ARP request. Subsequently, the Access Multiplexer includes this chosen address in an ARP reply. The modem receives the ARP reply that contains the address of the edge node on the ATM connection having the certain QOS class and the modem retrieves the address and subsequently stores this address together with an identification of the connection.
US08644342B2 Apparatus method and medium for detecting payload anomaly using N-gram distribution of normal data
A method, apparatus and medium are provided for detecting anomalous payloads transmitted through a network. The system receives payloads within the network and determines a length for data contained in each payload. A statistical distribution is generated for data contained in each payload received within the network, and compared to a selected model distribution representative of normal payloads transmitted through the network. The model payload can be selected such that it has a predetermined length range that encompasses the length for data contained in the received payload. Anomalous payloads are then identified based on differences detected between the statistical distribution of received payloads and the model distribution. The system can also provide for automatic training and incremental updating of models.
US08644340B2 Multiplexing in an optical transport network (OTN)
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a plurality of signals at a plurality of ports, each of the signals having a protocol type; mapping each of the signals to one or more time slots of one of a plurality of Low Order Optical Transport Network (OTN) containers; mapping the Low Order OTN containers to a High Order OTN container; mapping the High Order OTN container to a High Order OTN envelope for communication over an OTN; and, in connection with the mapping of the High Order OTN container to the High Order OTN envelope, for each of the signals, inserting into the High Order OTN envelope information identifying the port that the signal was received at, the protocol type of the signal, the Low Order OTN container that the signal was mapped to, and one or more of the time slots that the signal was mapped to.
US08644334B2 Messaging to provide data link integrity
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to messaging to provide data link integrity. An embodiment of a method includes transmitting a data stream over a data link from a first device to a second device, the data stream including multiple frames, the data stream being transmitted in a first mode. The method further includes determining a data transmission mode change from the first mode to a second mode for the transmission of the data stream from the first device to the second device, generating mode packets, each mode packet including fields to define a plurality of mode elements, the fields of the mode packet being set to indicate the data transmission mode change, and transmitting the mode packets to the second device prior to implementing the data transmission mode change.
US08644330B2 Architecture and method of channel estimation for wireless communication system
An apparatus may comprise a channel estimation architecture for wireless communications. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08644328B2 Methods for intelligent NIC bonding and load-balancing
Methods, devices, and media for intelligent NIC bonding and load-balancing including the steps of: providing a packet at an incoming-packet port of a gateway; attaching an incoming-port identification, associated with the incoming-packet port, to the packet; routing the packet to a processing core; passing the packet through a gateway processing; sending the packet, by the core, to the operating system of a host system; and routing the packet to an outgoing-packet port of the gateway based on the incoming-port identification. Preferably, the gateway processing includes security processing of the packets. Preferably, the step of routing the packet to the outgoing-packet port is based solely on the incoming-port identification. Preferably, an outgoing-port identification, associated with the outgoing-packet port, has an identical bond-index to the incoming-port identification. Preferably, the gateway includes a plurality of incoming-packet ports, a plurality of respective incoming-port identifications, a plurality of processing cores, and a plurality of outgoing-packet ports.
US08644325B2 Method and apparatus for path computation element and routing controller cooperation
A system, method, and node for a Routing Controller (RC) to obtain from a Path Computation Element (PCE), network resource path metrics across a plurality of domains in a communication network in which each domain includes a plurality of Border Nodes (BNs). The RC sends to the PCE, a first message requesting a first path computation between each pair of BNs. The first message contains a maximum metric-value that a path computation must not exceed for a Path Computation Client (PCC) to consider the path computation acceptable. The RC then sends a second message requesting the PCE to compute a subsequent path computation for each BN pair for which the first path computation did not exceed the maximum metric-value. The second message contains a minimum metric-value that a path metric must exceed for the PCC to consider the path metric acceptable. The RC then receives the computed subsequent path computation.
US08644315B2 Label distribution protocol label filtering
In one embodiment, a device of a particular non-backbone routing domain in a computer network determines whether each of one or more routes is reachable within the particular non-backbone domain. The device may then generate a filtered set of label mappings having only those of the one or more routes reachable within the particular non-backbone domain. Accordingly, the device may advertise label mappings only of the filtered set to one or more neighboring devices.
US08644305B2 Method and system for modeling a bus for a system design incorporating one or more programmable processors
Systems and methods for modeling a bus for a system design are provided. In an embodiment, the method operates by accepting a virtual bus model, wherein the model simulates behavior for a bus master and slave device, such that the model accurately simulates the timing and behavior of the transfer of data from master to slave, and, from slave to master devices. The method routes a transaction issued by the master device to the slave device. The transaction has storage for transaction data, or a pointer to transaction data, to be transferred through the transaction. The transaction data is transferred in one or more data payloads and the sender of data sets the length of data payloads to be returned. The data payloads are sent from the sender of data to the receiver of data and may contain one or more bus data beats. This method accurately models the bus timing and behavior of the delivery of one or more data beats as one data payload.
US08644303B2 Systems and methods for multiple mode voice and data communications using intelligently bridged TDM and packet buses
In a communications system, a first packet network is provided. Packetized data is transferred between the system and one or more packet-based devices. A TDM network is provided, and data is transmitted in frames having slots. Data transmitted via the TDM network includes data for voice communications for telephony devices. The TDM network is selectively coupled to the first packet network and a WAN. A processor and a control bus interface circuit control transfer of packetized data and transmittal of data for voice communications. The processor controls processing of packetized data and data for voice communications. A switch/multiplexer selectively controls providing data to/from particular slots. The processor selectively controls voice communications from telephony devices over the TDM network and packet-based communications over the packet network. Voice communications that stay in a circuit-switched form occur over the TDM network and the WAN.
US08644302B2 Temporary ENUM gateway
A temporary ENUM architecture assigns a temporary ENUM at call time. For an originated communication requiring routing to a party which needs a particular callback format not supported, the TempENUM provides consistency with the specific format required by the receiving party. The TempENUM is assigned for the duration of the call or communication, or for a given amount of time thereafter. The TempENUM service gateway includes a TempENUM database, a module that assigns a suitable TempENUM at the time of call routing, and a module that handles a lookup in the TempENUM database, and maps the assigned TempENUM to a calling party identifier (CgPID). The TempENUM database stores a TempENUM from a coordinator system and relates the actual calling party identifier (CgPID) for use in callback attempts. Either during the initial call or communication, or shortly thereafter, the receiving party uses the TempENUM number to return communication the initial caller.
US08644299B2 Method and apparatus for efficiently routing packets across disparate networks
A method, a system and a computer readable medium for routing packets across disparate networks are disclosed. For example, the method receives, via a media gateway controller (MGC), an external request from an external requestor for a reservation of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunk on a media gateway (MGW) for a communication session between a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network and a PSTN network, sends, via the MGC, a H.248 request to the MGW to make the reservation, establishes via the MGW, a communication path and sending a message to the MGC, retrieves, via the MGC, an assigned Internet protocol (IP) address and IP port on the MGW from the message from the MGW, sends, via the MGC, an allocation request to a media terminating session border controller (SBC) and allocates, via the media terminating SBC, a public IP address and a public IP port from an available pool of IP addresses and IP ports at the media terminating SBC.
US08644297B2 Communicating device and method of peer to peer communication between VOIP devices
The present invention provides a communicating device and a method for peer to peer communication between voice over IP (VOIP) devices by means of transmitting IP address to remote site by Call ID method and establishing a data structure. The data structure stated above may record the Internet IP address corresponding to the outgoing and incoming VOIP phone number. When a user dials or receives the phone number recorded in the data structure, the communicating device with this data structure will find the Internet IP address corresponding to this VOIP phone number and using this IP address for peer to peer communication. It is unnecessary to register to SIP proxy or Call Agent which provided by service provider.
US08644295B2 Methods for fade detection and fade recovery in a wireless communication system
Methods are provided for fade protection at infrastructure equipment in a wireless communication network. The disclosed fade protection methods quantify signal quality, and based on the signal quality can detect fade conditions and/or recovery from such fade conditions. In one implementation, the disclosed fade protection methods can be implemented at Fixed Network Equipment (FNE) in an Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Project 25 (P25) compliant system.
US08644293B2 Apparatus and method of controlling transmission in reverse direction
Briefly, a wireless communication system that includes an Initiator and a Responder to transmit an aggregation of data units in a reverse direction is provided. The Initiator includes a medium access controller capable of allocating a time slot for exchanging one or more transmissions of aggregation of data units with the Responder. The medium access controller includes a channel access scheme, which is able to allocate the time slot for the Responder to transmit the aggregation of data units in the reverse direction, and to grant Originator rights of the Initiator to the Responder within said time slot.
US08644292B2 Varied transmission time intervals for wireless communication system
Embodiments describe a varied transmission time interval in wireless communication system. According to some embodiments is a method for assigning a transmission time interval. The method can include measuring a channel condition and/or a data rate of packet communicated by at least one wireless device. Based in part on the data rate and/or channel condition information, a determination can be made whether to schedule a long transmission time interval or a short transmission time interval to the packet. A long transmission time interval can be scheduled if the channel condition is poor and/or there is a low data rate. A short transmission time interval can be scheduled if the channel condition is good and/or the data rate is high or fast. The method can be repeated for multiple wireless devices. Also included is an alternative interlacing structure that supports both long transmission time intervals and short transmission time intervals.
US08644289B2 Enhanced node B and method for precoding with reduced quantization error
Embodiments of an enhanced Node B (eNB) and method for precoding with reduced quantization error are generally described herein. In some embodiments, first and second precoding-matrix indicator (PMI) reports may be received on an uplink channel and a single subband precoder matrix may be interpolated from precoding matrices indicated by both the PMI reports. Symbols for multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) beamforming may be precoded using the interpolated precoder matrix computed for single subband for a multiple user (MU)-MIMO downlink orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission. In some embodiments, each of the first and second PMI reports includes a PMI associated with a same subband that jointly describes a recommended precoder.
US08644288B2 Uplink spatial division multiple access (SDMA) user pairing and scheduling
A method, system and communication network for transmitting information signals via uplink (UL) collaborative SDMA, in a wireless communication system. Base station receiver estimates a channel gain associated with the transmission path(s) of each user and keeps a matrix of normalized covariance, between users. Based on the estimated channel gain and the normalized covariance, ULS utility is able to compute channel capacity. Based on capacity estimates of (1) the multiplexed user signals and (2) the individual user signals, signals are either multiplexed for UL SDMA or are transmitted individually. An optimal selection of multiplexed signals may be based upon: (1) a cross user interface measurement; and (2) a selection mechanism based on eigen-decomposition techniques. The ULS utility enables a UL scheduler to pair information signals with clear spatial distinction and minimal correlation, based on capacity evaluations.
US08644285B2 System and method for inter-radio access technology signal measurement
A multi-mode user equipment is provided. The multi-mode user equipment includes a processor configured to promote measurement of a signal strength of a microtechnology based communication during a portion of a macrotechnology based communication, wherein the portion is assigned by a macrotechnology based network component.
US08644284B2 Dual mode operation in a wireless network
Provided is dual mode operation by a communicating device in wireless network. The communicating device selects a radio frequency (RF) channel and a physical layer type. The communicating device processes signals received via the selected RF channel based on the selected physical layer type. The communicating device may determine whether a beacon frame has been detected base on the signals that were received via the selected RF channel and processed based on the selected physical layer type. When a frame is not detected, the communicating device may determine a signal energy level for the received signals. The communicating device may establish an association with an existing network based on detection of the beacon frame or the communicating device may transmit an originating beacon frame based on the determined signal energy level.
US08644283B2 Femtocell base station, network resource allocation method, and non-transitory tangible machine-readable medium thereof
A femtocell Base Station (femto-BS), a network resource allocation method, and a non-transitory tangible machine-readable medium thereof are provided. There are a plurality of available network resource units. The femto-BS determines an expected value that is related to the available network resource units being used by the femto-BS and its neighboring femto-BSs without having interferences. The expected value is related to a number of the available network resource units and a number of the neighboring femto-BSs. Based on the expected value, the femto-BS calculates a plurality of strategy probability values that are related to different numbers of the available network resource units used by the femto-BS. The femto-BS calculates an assigned number according to the strategy probability values. Among the available network resource units, the femto-BS can use the assigned number of them.
US08644280B2 Method of establishing an HRPD signal link
A method (10) of establishing an alternate HRPD signaling link between and HRPD access network and an access terminal over a non-HRPD access is disclosed. It includes: providing (12) a signal forwarding function (SFF) (22) between an access terminal (AT) (24) and a high rate packet data (HRPD) access network (AN) (26); establishing (14) a data tunnel (28) between the access terminal (24) and the SFF (22); exchanging (16) HRPD signaling messages and HRPD data via the data tunnel (28); identifying (18) the HRPD access network (26) and the access terminal (24) over non-HRPD access by the SFF (22), by reading a header with certain identifiers and mapping the header to an address of the access terminal or network; and forwarding (20) the HRPD signaling messages and the HRPD data that arrive at the SFF (22) from the access terminal (24) and the HRPD access network (26) to the HRPD access network (26) and the access terminal (24), respectively. The method (10) performs an initiation and session establishment procedure, minimizes the time, disruption and packet loss during handoff to a HRPD access network and enables seamless mobility.
US08644278B2 System and method for simultaneous infrastructure and ad hoc networked communications
Maintaining a simultaneous communication between a first wireless station and both an access point and a second wireless station includes the first wireless station gaining an instance of medium access by using applicable medium access protocols. Once the first wireless station gains an instance of medium access, it transmits frames to the access point on an infrastructure network and to the second wireless station on the same infrastructure network or an ad hoc network.
US08644277B2 Dynamic selection of random access channel configurations
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate dynamic selection of a random access channel configuration. Typically, a single random access channel configuration is utilized throughout a cell; however, the configuration employed, while appropriate for some mobile devices within the cell, can introduce unnecessary overhead for other mobile devices. A mobile device can measure a characteristic of a radio link between the mobile device and a base station. The measurement can be compared to a set of thresholds provided by the base station. Based upon the comparison, a random access channel configuration can be selected from a set of formats. The selected configuration can be utilized to initiate random access procedures.
US08644263B2 Method and arrangement for SINR feedback in MIMO based wireless communication systems
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement to enhance the communication performance in wireless communication systems. The method of the invention provides better adjustment of reported SINR in MIMO, and PARC-MIMO based communication systems. According to the method information relating to signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio is determined by the user equipment and reported to the base station. The base station adjust reported SINRs using a model of the SINR dependences of power and code allocation. The dependences is modeled by a function comprising a first parameter relating only to power allocation and a second parameter relating only to code allocation. The first parameter has a power allocation exponent and the second parameter has a code allocation exponent. Both the power allocation exponent and the code allocation exponent are data stream dependent.
US08644253B2 Picocell system with local voice media support
A methodology includes servicing a voice call between mobile User Equipment and an Enterprise Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Services Environment using, at least in part, Voice over Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (VoIMS), detecting that the User Equipment is moving out of range of Radio Access Point (RAP) infrastructure servicing the User Equipment, and in response to detecting, initiating a procedure to hand out the voice call and anchor the voice call in a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) of a macro service provider.
US08644248B2 Terminal having SCTP-based handover function and SCTP-based handover method of the terminal
A terminal having a stream control transmission protocol (SCTP)-based handover function and an SCTP-based handover method, the terminal including: a session management unit to initiate an SCTP session with a second terminal; a link layer information collection unit to store beacon signals in a link layer state information database; a signal intensity extraction unit to, if the terminal enters an overlapping area of first and second communication areas, extract an intensity of a beacon signal transmitted by a second base station managing the second communication area from the link layer state information database; and a handover unit to, if the intensity is greater than a critical value, add an IP address received from the second base station to the SCTP session, and to, if the intensity is greater than a second critical value, requests the second terminal to communicate with the terminal using the received IP address.
US08644246B2 Scheduling information at serving cell change
The invention provides, according to one aspect, a method of scheduling information in a communication system at serving cell change. When a serving cell changes for a user equipment (UE), it is determined whether the new serving cell belonged to the previous serving enhanced data channel (EDCH) radio link set (RLS). The user equipment then sends scheduling information (SI) in the first MAC-e protocol data unit (PDU) sent in uplink after completion of the serving cell change only when it is determined that the new serving cell did not belong to the previous serving EDCH RLS. In other words, the UE sends the SI at serving cell change only when the base station (node B) has also changed.
US08644245B2 Method of signaling control information in wireless communication system with multiple frequency blocks
A method for performing communication in a user equipment of a wireless communication system comprises receiving a control region through a specific frequency block of a plurality of frequency blocks, the control region including a plurality of control channels; identifying a first control channel for the user equipment in the control region; and performing an operation in accordance with information included in the first control channel, wherein the specific frequency block through which the first control channel is transmitted is changed according to a certain pattern with the lapse of time.
US08644244B2 Sensor-based wireless communication systems using compressive sampling
Methods, devices and systems for sensor-based wireless communication systems using compressive sampling are provided. In one embodiment, the method for sampling signals comprises receiving, over a wireless channel, a user equipment transmission based on an S-sparse combination of a set of vectors; down converting and discretizing the received transmission to create a discretized signal; correlating the discretized signal with a set of sense waveforms to create a set of samples, wherein a total number of samples in the set is equal to a total number of sense waveforms in the set, wherein the set of sense waveforms does not match the set of vectors, and wherein the total number of sense waveforms in the set of sense waveforms is fewer than a total number of vectors in the set of vectors; and transmitting at least one sample of the set of samples to a remote central processor.
US08644240B2 User equipment and mobile communication method
A user equipment 100n according to the present invention includes a broadcast information reception unit 112 configured to receive broadcast information in a downlink, wherein the broadcast information reception unit 112 is configured to regard the corresponding cell as a restricted cell when information included in the broadcast information is an unsupported value.
US08644236B2 Balancing capacity between link directions using variable feedback rates
A method for communication includes providing a first transceiver configured to communicate with a second transceiver over a bi-directional link having a first aggregation of frequencies that are assigned to carry first communication traffic in a first link direction from the first transceiver to the second transceiver and a second aggregation of frequencies that are assigned to carry second communication traffic in a second link direction from the second transceiver to the first transceiver. Communication feedback is transmitted from the first transceiver to the second transceiver communication feedback at an adaptive feedback rate. The feedback rate is determined so as to achieve a desired balance between the information carrying capacities of the first and second aggregations. An information carrying capacity of the second aggregation is controlled responsively to the communication feedback.
US08644235B2 Radio transmitting apparatus, radio receiving apparatus and preamble sequence allocating method
A radio transmitting apparatus wherein even if a preamble sequence transmitted via any one of the antennas of the radio transmitting apparatus is detected, the order of the space diversity can be determined with reliability and data signals can be normally decoded. In this apparatus, a deciding unit (101) decides preamble sequences the number of which is equal to the order of the space diversity and further decides transmission block intervals the number of which is equal to or greater than the order of the space diversity. An allocating unit (102) sequentially allocates the preamble sequences, the number of which is equal to the order of the space diversity, to the respective antennas, the number of which is equal to the order of the space diversity, within the respective transmission block intervals. The allocating unit (102) allocates different ones of the preamble sequences to the respective antennas at the respective same transmission timings that are within the respective transmission block intervals.
US08644234B2 Wireless device for selecting connection target based on signal quality, system and method thereof
A wireless device for selecting a connection target based on signal quality, a system and a method thereof are provided. The invention selects a candidate device having the best signal quality and duration of the signal quality is not less than a threshold reaching a certain time. If the selected candidate device also selects the wireless device, a unique connection is established between the wireless device and the candidate device. In a dynamical and complicated environment, the disclosed system and the method can build up a stable linear topology through automatic negotiation among wireless devices. The invention then achieves the effect of updating topology in time to adapt to environment changes.
US08644232B2 Method for allocating uplink ACK/NACK channels
A method for impliedly binding CCE indexes in one sub-frame to ACK/NACK channel indexes in one uplink sub-frame, and a method for impliedly binding CCE indexes in a plurality of sub-frames to ACK/NACK channel indexes in one uplink sub-frame, are provided.
US08644230B2 Method and apparatus for providing communication over a white space channel without causing interference to digital television systems
A method and an apparatus for determining an availability of at least one space channel are disclosed. For example, the method generates a first request to identify at least one available white space channel, and encodes the first request to obtain a second request, wherein the second request comprises one or more bursts of data, wherein each of said bursts of data has a duration less than or equal to a pre-determined maximum signal duration that is based on one or more error tolerance standards associated with a digital television receiver. The method then transmits the second request wirelessly to other devices to solicit a response as to the availability of at least one space channel.
US08644226B2 Resource block candidate selection technique employing packet scheduling in wireless communication systems
A method of transmitting data packets over a plurality of dynamically allocated resource blocks in at least one or a combination of a time, code or frequency domain on a shared channel of a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of selecting a number of resource block candidates for potential transmission of data packets destined for a receiver and transmitting the data packet to the receiver using at least one allocated resource block from the selected resource block candidates. The invention also relates to a corresponding method of decoding data packets, a transmitter, receiver and communication system.
US08644223B2 Enterprise mobile network for providing cellular wireless service using licensed radio frequency spectrum and the session initiation protocol
Support for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) devices is provided in an enterprise mobile network that provides wireless service within a coverage area associated with an enterprise using licensed radio frequency spectrum. In various embodiments, support SIP devices is provided by, for example, incorporating SIP user agent in a mobile switching subsystem or in a base station subsystem or by incorporating SIP server functionality into a mobile switching subsystem.
US08644218B1 Reconnecting dropped calls using an internet protocol multimedia subsystem
A call session control function (CSCF) controls a communication session between a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device detects a loss of signal and transmits a modified session initiation protocol (SIP) bye message. The modified SIP bye message includes a code that indicates a loss of the communication session and an identifier for the second communication device. The CSCF receives the modified SIP bye message and in response to the code, subscribes with a home subscriber server (HSS) for a registration notification for the second communication device. The second communication device subsequently transfers a SIP registration request and the CSCF responsively receives the registration notification for the second communication device from the HSS that indicates a network address for the second communication device. In response to the registration notification, the CSCF transfers SIP invite messages to the first and second communication devices to re-establish the communication session.
US08644215B2 Generic wireless services discovery
Embodiments of the invention relate to wireless communications. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to generic discovery mechanisms that may be utilized in wireless communications.
US08644212B2 Method and apparatus for automatic gain control in a TD-LTE system
This invention describes method and apparatus for automatic gain control (AGC) for a TD-LTE system, taking into consideration the TD-LTE frame structure. In one embodiment, an AGC method comprises: adjusting RF gain for subframe j (where 0<=j<=9) in a radio frame according to an average peak signal power of subframe j in previous radio frames when a terminal is lack of information in downlink timing and in uplink/downlink configuration; computing a first average signal power in one or more downlink subframes as received from at least one base station when the terminal has information in downlink timing but is lack of information in uplink/downlink configuration; and computing a second average signal power in one or more downlink subframes as received from at least one base station when the terminal has information in downlink timing and in uplink/downlink configuration.
US08644211B2 Energy-efficient content retrieval in content-centric networks
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system including a mobile device and a content-retrieving agent for facilitating energy-efficient content retrieval. During operation, the mobile device receives a request for a piece of content from a user. In response to the request, the mobile device forwards the request to the content-retrieving agent which is configured to obtain the requested content from a remote device on behalf of the mobile device. The system allows the mobile device's receiver to be placed in an energy-saving sleep mode when the content-retrieving agent is obtaining the requested content for the mobile device and is not transmitting the content to the mobile device. The system allows the mobile device's receiver to wake up when the content-retrieving agent is transmitting the content to the mobile device. The mobile device receives the content from the content-retrieving agent.
US08644202B2 Techniques for management of shared resources in wireless multi-communication devices
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a network adapter configured for wireless communication using more than one technology, and wherein the network adapter is configured to share a plurality of shared hardware components by limiting access to the air to one comm only at given time by designating one comm that owns the shared hardware components as a primary comm and all other comms are secondary comms, wherein the primary comm allows the secondary comms to use the shared hardware components when it is in an idle-state but when the primary comm returns from the idle state, it claims ownership of the shared resources and the secondary comms release the shared resources.
US08644201B2 Transmitting system and method of transmitting digital broadcast signal in transmitting system
A transmitting system and a method of transmitting digital broadcast signal are disclosed. The method of transmitting digital broadcasting signal in a transmitter includes multiplexing mobile data and main data, transmitting a transmission frame including the multiplexed mobile and main data, wherein a parade of data group is transmitted during slots, wherein each slot includes specified number of mobile data packets, a first scalable number of mobile data packets, and a second scalable number of main data packets, wherein the data group including a plurality of regions and the fifth region of the plurality of regions includes the first scalable number of mobile data packets, wherein the data group is assigned to one of the slots in such a manner that slots of consecutive slot number carry data groups of inconsecutive group number.
US08644200B2 Time multiplexing of unicast and multicast signals on a downlink carrier frequency in a wireless communication system
A remote station, for a wireless communication system, includes a receiver configured to receive on a first downlink a synchronization control channel on a first carrier frequency and on a second downlink a shared physical channel on a second carrier frequency different than the first carrier frequency. The shared physical channel includes a first physical shared channel having a unicast signal and a second physical shared channel having a multicast or broadcast signal, the unicast signal being multiplexed in time with the multicast or broadcast signal. The remote station includes a control processor configured to generate an acknowledgement signal on an uplink based on the unicast signal.
US08644197B2 RF front-end module and antenna systems
Architectures and implementations of a transceiver system for wireless communications are presented, the system including one or more antennas supporting a single frequency band or multiple frequency bands, a transmit circuit, a receive circuit, and an isolation circuit that is coupled to the one or more antennas and the transmit and receive circuits and provides adequate isolation between the transmit circuit and the receive circuit.
US08644195B2 Ring-based network and construction thereof
A ring-based network and a construction method thereof, comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of links. In an initial status, each node compares each first link-up packet and fills a priority value in the first link-up packet with the higher priority value to form a second link-up packet. The priority value of each node and the highest priority value of each adjacent node recorded in each node are compared with each second link-up packet. When the priority value of the node and the highest priority values of adjacent nodes recorded in the node are smaller than the second link-up packet, the ring port of the node is situated at a forward status. According to the forward status or a blocked status of the ring port, these links form a plurality of forward links and a blocked link respectively.
US08644189B1 Wireless communication device that transmits geographic location information in router advertisement acknowledgement messages
A wireless communication device receives a router advertisement message transferred by a packet network node. The wireless communication device determines location information that corresponds to its geographic location. In response to the router advertisement message, the wireless communication device generates an acknowledgement message having a header extension that includes the location information. The wireless communication device wirelessly transmits the acknowledgement message for delivery to the packet network node.
US08644186B1 System and method for detecting loops for routing in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a label-mapping message at a first router. The first router does not record the label-mapping message. The method further includes sending the label mapping message toward a root router of a Multipoint Label Switched Path (MPLSP) in a network and, further, evaluating a path vector sent from the root router to identify whether a first router's address is part of the path vector. If the first router's address is present in the path vector then a label mapping associated with the path vector is not installed by the first router. In more detailed embodiments, the first router identifies that if the first router's address is part of the path vector, a loop is present in the network. If the first router's address is not part of the path vector, the label mapping associated with the path vector is recorded.
US08644181B2 Method and apparatus for estimation of channel temporal correlation and MIMO mode selection in LTE system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for channel temporal correlation estimation and MIMO mode selection. An embodiment of the invention under LTE system utilizes SRS symbols for temporal correlation estimation and performs MIMO mode selection based on the said temporal correlation estimation.
US08644179B2 Control system, control device, composite switch device, and control method
A control system and method thereof is provided. The control system includes switch devices that operate on supplied power, each switch device includes multiple switch-side ports and a communication processing unit for relaying data, input to any of the switch-side ports on a basis of destination information set for the data, a relay device that includes first ports coupled to corresponding switch-side ports of the switch devices and second ports selectively coupled to the first ports and that relays the data, input to any of the second ports, to any of the first ports, and a control device that controls the switch devices and the relay device, where the control device includes a port monitoring unit, a port-assignment control unit, and a power control unit.
US08644173B1 Managing requests in a wireless system
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing location-based requests in a wireless system are provided. In embodiments, a request includes or is associated with a source identifier. A position determining entity (PDE) is configured to receive a request at a designated port based on the associated source identifier. A counting component counts the number of requests communicated for a particular source identifier while a timer times predetermined units of time. A usage policy determines the maximum threshold of requests that may be communicated for a source identifier in a predetermined time period. The request may be granted if the number of requests communicated is below the maximum threshold. The request may be denied or granted if the number of requests communicated is above the maximum threshold.
US08644171B2 Method and computer program product for compressing time-multiplexed data and for estimating a frame structure of time-multiplexed data
A method and computer program product are provided for compressing and, in turn, for estimating the frame structure of time-multiplexed data. The time-multiplexed data may be received without an indication of the frame structure for the time-multiplexed data. As such, the frame structure of the time-multiplexed data may be estimated and the time-multiplexed data may be compressed at least partially in accordance with the estimation of the frame structure. The frame structure may be estimated by representing an estimation of frame structure with a tree structure. The tree structure may include a plurality of leaf nodes associated with a respective estimated signal sequence with a respective sampling rate and interleave location. The tree structure may include a plurality of tree branches with the estimation of the frame structure including at least one of splitting or merging tree branches.
US08644169B2 Methods and apparatus to perform line testing at customer premises
A data analyzer operative to be located at a customer premises, causes the transmission of a probing signal into at least one telephone line. The data analyzer computes a parameter that represents a characteristic of at least one telephone line based upon at least a measured reflected probing signal.
US08644167B2 Combining network endpoint policy results
An endpoint integrity system controls access to resources of a protected network for endpoint devices attempting to access the protected network. The system may include a number of evaluation modules that communicate with an endpoint device. The evaluation modules generate policy results for the endpoint device, in which each of the policy results assume one of three or more states, called a multi-state policy result. The multi-state policy results are combined to produce a combined Boolean policy result.
US08644162B2 Network performance assessment apparatus, systems, and methods
Various embodiments of network performance assessment apparatus, systems and processes collect performance information pertaining to a current capacity utilization of a network, identify an occurrence of a capacity constraint on a portion of the network that is communicating the program to at least one presentation device, select one of a plurality of paths coupling the receiving device and the presentation device, and modify the program to a format compatible with the selected path.
US08644158B2 Method and apparatus for selecting network access provider
Example embodiments of the present invention provide systems, method, and apparatuses for selecting a network access provider (NAP). In one embodiment, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) femtocell access point (WFAP) sends an NAP request message to a network service provider (NSP). The WFAP receives an NAP response message returned by the NSP, where the NAP response message carries NAP information determined by the NSP. Thereafter, the WFAP can establish a connection with the NAP according to the received NAP information. In other words, independently of the macro network, the WFAP can determine the NAP providing a radio resource for the WFAP and provide radio access service for users of multiple NSP.
US08644146B1 Enabling user defined network change leveraging as-built data
A system is provided that receives a first change request from a first enterprise network device to a first configuration used by the first device, identifies components of the first configuration impacted by the first request, and receives a second change request from a second network device to a second configuration used by the second device. The system identifies second configuration components impacted by the second request, filters second device information from the second request and components impacted by the request, and analyzes the unimplemented first request impacting at least one component impacted by the second request. The system presents the as-built configuration of the second configuration, describes the first request impact to the component, approves all or some of the second request based on analysis of filtering results and a commitment regarding the first request, and processes the approved portion of the second request based on second device response.
US08644144B2 Method for measuring IP network performance and controlling QoS, and apparatus and system thereof
The present invention discloses a method for measuring IP network performance and controlling IP network QoS, and apparatus and system thereof. In embodiments of the present invention, the information about the measurement contents, the data stream to be measured, and the measurement modes is sent to the IP network performance measurement peer end, and the end-to-end IP network performance measurement of the measurement contents of the data stream to be measured is started according to the measurement modes.
US08644139B2 Priority based flow control within a virtual distributed bridge environment
Systems and methods to communicate data frames are provided. A particular apparatus may include a first adapter having a first queue configured to store a data frame associated with a first priority. The adapter is configured to generate a first priority pause frame. A distributed virtual bridge may be coupled to the first adapter. The distributed virtual bridge may include an integrated switch router and a first transport layer module configured to provide a frame-based interface to the integrated switch router. The transport layer module may include a first buffer associated with the first priority. A first bridge element of the distributed virtual bridge may be coupled to the first adapter queue and to the first transport layer module. The first bridge element is configured to receive the first priority pause frame from the adapter and to communicate an interrupt signal to the first transport layer module to interrupt delivery of the data frame to the first queue.
US08644138B2 Method, computer program product, and apparatus for deriving intelligence from format change requests
Data indicating a problem in a network is derived by collecting reformatting requests from devices in the network. The reformatting requests are generated by the devices in response to problems the devices experience in communicating using the network. The reformatting requests are correlated to determine a pattern in the reformatting requests over a period of time, and data indicating a problem in the network is derived based on the pattern.
US08644130B2 System and method for subcarrier allocation in a wireless multihop relay network
The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method for use in a communications network. In one example, the method includes dividing a total available frequency band of a first node into a multiple subcarriers using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). A first portion of subcarriers is allocated to a first link coupling the first node with a second node and a second portion of the subcarriers is allocated to a second link coupling the first node to a third node.
US08644127B2 Systems and methods for mitigating self-induced far-end crosstalk
Systems and methods for partial self-FEXT (far-end crosstalk) are described. One method, among others, comprises determining one or more instantaneous characteristics of an input signal, wherein the one or more instantaneous characteristics comprise one or more of amplitude of the input signal and an energy level of the input signal. The method further comprises selecting one or more disturbers to cancel according to the one or more instantaneous characteristics, wherein selecting one or more disturbers is performed on a per-DMT (discrete multi-tone) symbol basis.
US08644119B2 Record carrier and apparatus for scanning the record carrier
A record carrier has a servo track indicating an information track intended for recording information blocks, which servo track has a variation of a physical parameter, referred to as wobble. The wobble is modulated for encoding record carrier information, such as addresses. The servo track is subdivided in non-modulated and parts modulated parts in which the frequency and/or phase of the variation deviates from the wobble frequency. The slope of the wobble is substantially continuous at transitions between the modulated and non-modulated parts by using wobbles starting at the maxima or minima of the wobble.
US08644118B2 Information carrier comprising access information
An apparatus for accessing an information carrier for holding user information includes access information for accessing the user information, the access information being stored in a pre-determined first region on the information carrier. The information carrier further includes at least one further region different from the first region, the further region comprising dummy information.
US08644116B2 Calendar mechanism
Calendar mechanism for a timepiece, includes: at least one mobile (22; 23) for driving an indicator, a wheel (1) which, during normal operation of the timepiece, is driven in a first direction (S1), a lever (16) for actuating the mobile (22; 23), and first and second cams (2, 3) driven by the wheel (1) and controlling the movements of the actuating lever (16), these first and second cams (2, 3) being arranged so that their relative angular position differs depending on the direction of rotation of the wheel (1) so that the movements of the actuating lever (16) cause the mobile (22; 23) to advance periodically during normal operation of the timepiece and do not permit the mobile to advance during backwards time setting of the timepiece causing the wheel to rotate in a second direction (S2) opposite to the first direction (S1).
US08644115B2 Hydrophone and pressure balancing device for using for hydrophone
A sound sensor, a hydrophone including the sound sensor, and a pressure balancing device for using for the hydrophone are provided. The hydrophone includes: a sensor including a sensing part and a pressure balancing part; a printed circuit board (PCB) that is electrically connected to the sensor; a case that houses the sensor and the PCB and that has an opening at one side thereof; an elastic membrane that covers the opening of the case; and a signal line that is electrically connected to the PCB to be extended to the outside of the case. The pressure balancing part includes a diaphragm of a thin film and a support that supports the diaphragm. A pressure balancing hole is formed at one side of the pressure balancing part, and at the inside of the pressure balancing part, a channel that is connected to the pressure balancing hole is formed, and a compressible gas is filled in the channel.
US08644114B2 Signal transmitter device comprising an electrical acoustic signal transmitter
A signal transmitter device comprises an electrical acoustic signal transmitter signal, which has a piezoceramic disk on a metal membrane, on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has an opening in the region of the piezoceramic disk or the metal membrane, wherein the metal membrane extends over the opening for the purpose of bearing on the printed circuit board in an edge region of the opening. The piezoceramic disk arranged on the metal membrane is arranged towards the opening and substantially in the region of the opening, wherein a contact projection as part of the printed circuit board for electrical contact-connection to the signal transmitter is provided at the edge region of the opening. Separate parts can thus be obviated.
US08644113B2 Sound-based positioning
A receiving device captures sounds signals (e.g., ultrasonic) from multiple sound signal sources, selects the sound signals satisfying a reliability condition for use in determining an initial position of the receiving device relative to the corresponding sound signal sources, determines the initial position of the receiving device using multilateration of the selected sound signals, and updates the current position of the receiving device as the reliability of individual sound signals varies in the presence of dynamically changing environmental interference, multipathing, and movement between the receiving device and the sound signal sources.
US08644110B2 Methods and systems for spurious cancellation in seismic signal detection
Methods and systems utilizing seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection are provided so as to reduce the occurrence of spurious responses of the sensors. A method of seismic surveying using a seismic sensor may include the steps of deploying the seismic sensor at a location for seismic signal detection and acquiring seismic signals. The seismic signals may include high frequency response signals containing spurious response signals at an identifiable bandwith. The method may further include applying spurious response cancellation based on the bandwidth location of the spurious response signals and generating modified seismic waveforms having extended frequency bandwidth.
US08644109B2 Seismic streamer formed of sections comprising a main sheath covered with an external sheath formed using a thermoplastic material loaded with a biocide material
System and method for providing an anti-fouling function to a streamer to be towed under water for seismic survey data collection. The method includes mixing a thermoplastic material with a biocide material to form an external sheath material; and forming an external sheath over a main sheath of the streamer to provide the anti-fouling function. The external sheath is formed from the external sheath material such that the biocide material is distributed throughout the external sheath.
US08644093B2 Writing circuit, semiconductor integrated circuit and writing method
A writing circuit includes storage to store writing data to be written to an OTP macro; a controller to apply a first signal that causes the OTP macro to execute writing of the writing data, and apply a second signal that causes the OTP macro to execute reading of data the OTP macro stores; and a comparator to compare the data read from the OTP macro in response to the second signal with the data stored in the storage and output a comparison result, wherein the controller ends a process associated with the writing data if the comparison result indicates a match, and applies the first and second signals again if the comparison result indicates a mismatch.
US08644091B2 Low voltage sensing scheme having reduced active power down standby current
A low voltage sensing scheme reduces active power down standby leakage current in a memory device. A clamping device or diode is used between a Psense amplifier control line (e.g. ACT) and Vcc and/or between an Nsense amplifier control line (e.g. RNL*) and Vss (ground potential). The clamping diode is not enabled during normal memory operations, but is turned on during active power down mode to reduce leakage current through ACT and/or RNL* nodes. The clamping device connected to the ACT node may reduce the voltage on the ACT line during power down mode, whereas the clamping device connected to the RNL* node may increase the voltage on the RNL* line during power down mode to reduce sense amplifier leakage current through these nodes. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US08644089B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device selecting a half page based on a particular bit of a row address includes: an input unit for receiving the particular bit; a control signal generation unit for outputting a mode control signal in response to a signal related to a mode for selecting a whole page; first and second mode control units for transferring first and second output signals of the input unit corresponding to the particular bit and its inverse signal; a row precharge pulse generation unit for generating a row precharge pulse enabled in an initial period of a precharge duration; a first driving unit for pull-up/pull-down driving an output terminal corresponding to a first pre-decoding signal; a second driving unit for pull-up/pull-down driving an output terminal corresponding to a second pre-decoding signal; and first and second latch units for latching output signals of the first and second driving units.
US08644085B2 Duty cycle distortion correction
Correction of duty cycle distortion of DQ and DQS signals between a memory controller and a memory is corrected by determining a duty cycle correction factor. The duty cycle distortion is corrected by applying the duty cycle correction factor to the plurality of differential DQS signals. The duty cycle distortion is corrected across a plurality of differential DQS signals between the memory controller and the bursting memory.
US08644084B2 Memory system supporting input/output path swap
A memory system includes a controller having first and second input/output terminals, and first and second memory devices each having first and second input/output terminals. The system includes a path selection mechanism for selectively employing one of the first and second terminals of either the controller or the first memory device for communicating a first input/output signal between the controller and the first memory device, and employing the other one of the first and second terminals for communicating a second input/output signal between the controller and the first memory device. The path selection mechanism selectively employs the first and second terminals in accordance with data indicating which of the first and second terminals of the first memory device is connected to the first terminal of the controller and which of the first and second terminals of the first memory device is connected to the second terminal of the controller.
US08644080B1 Incremental memory refresh
A method of operating a memory system, including charge storage cells arranged into blocks, includes receiving a read request from a host that designates a location to be read within a first block. The method includes, in response to the read request, making measurements on the location to be read and responding to the host based on the measurements. The method includes receiving a write request from the host that designates a location to be written within the first block. The method includes, in response to the write request, selectively erasing the first block and resetting a timer. The method includes, in response to either the timer exceeding a predetermined time, or the measurements being outside of a predetermined range, refreshing the first block and resetting the timer. Refreshing the first block comprises adjusting charge levels in the charge storage cells of the first block without erasing the first block.
US08644076B2 Programmable memory device and memory access method
A programmable memory device includes a plurality of one-time programmable (OTP) memory units, a search unit, a writing unit, and a reading unit. Each OTP memory unit is assigned an address. The search unit searches for the first writable OTP memory unit from the plurality of OTP memory units in a writing operation, or searches for the last programmed OTP memory unit from the plurality of OTP memory units in a reading operation. The writing unit writes data to be written and the bit length of the data to the first writable OTP memory unit. The reading unit sequentially reads data from the last programmed OTP memory unit.
US08644074B2 Nonvolatile memory device, programming method thereof and memory system including the same
A nonvolatile memory device preventing a program disturb, a program method thereof and a memory system including the nonvolatile memory device and the program method. The nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array; first and second word lines connected to a NAND string in the memory cell array; a third word line connected to the NAND string, the third word line being disposed between the first and second word lines; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the nonvolatile memory device; and a voltage generator configured to generate first and second pass voltages and a program voltage, and the voltage level of at least one of the first and second pass voltages is controlled according to the measured temperature. When a program operation is performed, the program voltage is applied to the third word line, the first pass voltage is applied to the first word line, the second pass voltage is applied to the second word line.
US08644072B2 Three dimensionally stacked memory and the isolation of memory cell layer
There is provided a semiconductor memory device having a plurality of memory cell layers which can be used even if part of the memory cell layers is determined as defective. The semiconductor memory device includes a stacked memory cell array having a laminated plurality of memory cell layers, each of which has a plurality of blocks; a layer quality information storing circuit (10) which can store layer quality information indicating whether the individual memory cell layer is a normal memory cell layer or a defective memory cell layer so as to identify a memory cell layer in which the number of defective blocks found is equal to or greater than a predetermined number as a defective memory cell layer and the other memory cell layers as normal memory cell layers; and address converting circuit (11) in which if an externally input address input from outside corresponds to the block in the defective memory cell layer, the externally input address is address-converted so as to correspond to the block of the normal memory cell layer.
US08644071B2 Flash memory apparatus capable of extending data retention and improving data reliability, and method for controlling the same
The invention provides a flash memory apparatus. In one embodiment, the flash memory apparatus comprises a flash memory and a flash memory controller. The flash memory comprises a write circuit and a memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory cells, wherein the write circuit is coupled to the memory cell array to write data in the memory cells. The flash memory controller is coupled to the write circuit, obtains a total capacity and a used data amount of the flash memory, and directs the write circuit to perform data writing in a one-bit mode when a ratio of the user data amount to the total capacity is less than a first predetermined value.
US08644068B1 Method and system for programming multi-state memory
In a multi-level memory cell, when data to be programmed arrives, the cell is programmed to the lowest-charge state in which any bit position that is being programmed or has already been programmed has the correct value, regardless of the value in that state of any bit position that has not yet been programmed and is not being programmed. The programming of other bit positions based on subsequently arriving data should not then require a transition to an impermissible lower energy state. Although this may result in a transient condition in which some bits have the wrong value, by the time programming is complete, all bits would be expected to have the correct value. A cell may contain any number of bits equal to or greater than two, and programming may be performed cyclically (e.g., from LSB to MSB), anticyclically (e.g., from MSB to LSB), or in any random order.
US08644064B2 Memory semiconductor device and method of operating the same
In a read step or a program (write) verification step of a semiconductor memory device, read voltages different from one another are applied to a pair of word lines respectively disposed on both sides of a selected word line to suppress the enlargement of program distribution.
US08644061B2 Variable resistance memory device performing program and verification operation
A variable resistance memory device includes; a memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory cells, a pulse shifter shifting a plurality of program pulses to generate a plurality of shifted program pulses, a write and verification driver receiving the plurality of shifted program pulses to provide a program current that varies with the plurality of shifted program pulses to the plurality of memory cells, and control logic providing the plurality of program pulses to the pulse shifter and the write and verification driver during a program/verification operation, such at least two write data bits are programmed to the memory cell array in parallel during the program/verification operation.
US08644059B2 Semiconductor storage device
A memory includes MTJ elements. Active areas are separated to correspond to cell transistors, respectively, and extend in a first direction substantially orthogonal to an extending direction of gates of the cell transistors. The active areas are arranged in the first direction and constitute a plurality of active area columns. Two active area columns adjacent in a second direction are arranged to be half-pitch staggered in the first direction. As viewed from above surfaces of the active areas, each MTJ element is arranged to overlap with one end of each of the active areas. The first and second wirings extend while being folded back in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions in order to overlap with the MTJ elements alternately in the adjacent active area columns.
US08644053B2 Resistor thin film MTP memory
An integrated circuit is formed having an array of memory cells located in the dielectric stack above a semiconductor substrate. Each memory cell has two adjustable resistors and two heating elements. A dielectric material separates the heating elements from the adjustable resistors. One heating element alters the resistance of one of the resistors by applying heat thereto to write data to the memory cell. The other heating element alters the resistance of the other resistor by applying heat thereto to erase data from the memory cell.
US08644052B2 Phase change memory adaptive programming
Some embodiments include methods and apparatus having a module configured to program a memory cell using a signal to cause the memory cell to have a programmed resistance value, to adjust a programming parameter value of the signal if the programmed resistance value is outside a target resistance value range, and to repeat at least one of the programming and the adjusting if the programmed resistance value is outside the target resistance value range, the signal including a different programming parameter value each time the programming is repeated.
US08644047B2 Semiconductor device having data bus
A semiconductor device is disclosed which comprises a first wiring layer, a second wiring layer formed over the first wiring layer, data input/output terminals, and a data bus formed in the first and second wiring layers. The data bus includes N data lines transmitting data between a predetermined circuit and the input/output terminals. M first data lines among the N data lines have a length shorter than a predetermined length and residual N-M second data lines have a length longer than the predetermined length. Shield lines adjacent to the N data lines are formed in the first and second layers. The N data lines are arranged at positions at which the data lines do not overlap one another in a stacking direction of the first and second wiring layers.
US08644044B2 Power electronics and integration system for providing a common high current inverter for use with a traction inverter and an auxiliary inverter
A system for using an IGBT module, electrically rated for use in a traction inverter used with a powered system, in an auxiliary inverter used with the powered system which requires a different electrically rated IGBT module than the traction inverter, the system including an IGBT module, including plurality of IGBTs as part of the IGBT module, electrically rated for use with a traction inverter, and a plurality of gate drives each configured to singularly connect to a respective one of the plurality of IGBTs within the IGBT module. All three phases of three-phase electrical power of the auxiliary inverter are associated with the IGBT module.
US08644040B2 Power supply having a charge pump circuit
Exemplary embodiments of a power supply can be provided. The exemplary power supply can include a voltage source which supplies a supply voltage; and a charge pump circuit supplied by the voltage source and configured to generate an output voltage at an output. The charge pump can include alternating first and second clock states. In the first clock state, a first charge pump capacitor can be disposed between the supply voltage and ground and can be charged to the supply voltage by the voltage source, and a second charge pump capacitor can be coupled in series between the voltage source and the output. In the second clock state, the first charge pump capacitor and the second charge pump capacitor can be connected in series such that the charged connection of the first charge pump capacitor the first clock state can be grounded and the second charge pump capacitor can be charged by the voltage source.
US08644037B2 AC-AC converter with high frequency link
An AC-AC Converter for an AC source which in one embodiment has a first rectifier section rectifying the AC source into a first pulsed DC link voltage signal and a high frequency modulating section coupled to the first pulsed DC link voltage signal and producing a high frequency AC voltage signal. A high frequency transformer is coupled to the high frequency AC voltage signal producing a transformed high frequency AC signal. There is a second rectifier section coupled to the transformed high frequency AC signal and producing a second pulsed DC voltage signal and an unfolder section coupled to the second pulsed DC voltage signal and producing an output AC signal.
US08644023B2 Heat dissipation device and electronic device using the same
A heat dissipation device is disposed in an electronic device. The electronic device has an opening and an upper wall and a lower wall at the position where the opening is formed. The heat dissipation device includes an air passage and a pair of air deflectors disposed on two opposite sides of the air passage. A distance between the pair of air deflectors is smaller than a distance between the upper wall and the lower wall. The pair of air deflectors is located between the upper wall and the lower wall. The hot air inside the electronic device after passing through the air passage will not be obstructed by a barrier but is directly discharged outside the electronic device through the opening.
US08644021B2 Cooling module
A cooling module applicable in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of first heat sources and a plurality of second heat sources. The cooling module includes a cooling loop and a plurality of heat pipes. The cooling loop includes a plurality of cooling units. The cooling units are connected in series through a plurality of connection tube and each cooling unit is thermally coupled to one of the first heat source. The heat pipes are thermally coupled to the second heat sources and the cooling units. When the cooling unit is in failure, the cooling units can be directly removed and replaced. Also, the second heat sources of the electronic device are capable of exchanging heat with the cooling unit through the heat pipe.
US08644020B2 Cooling heat-generating electronics
A server rack sub-assembly includes at least one motherboard having a perimeter; a plurality of heat-generating electronic devices mounted on the motherboard in an area of the motherboard thermally decoupled from the motherboard perimeter; one or more brackets including heat transfer surfaces and attached to the motherboard along at least a portion of the motherboard perimeter; and a heat transfer device thermally coupled to the area of the motherboard that is thermally decoupled from the motherboard perimeter and the one or more brackets. The one or more brackets are adapted to receive a cooling airflow circulated over the bracket and to convectively transfer heat into the cooling airflow and are further adapted to couple the motherboard to a server rack assembly. The heat transfer device is arranged to conductively transfer heat from the one or more electronic devices to the brackets.
US08644017B2 Storage device carriers for adapting a storage device of a first size to a slot for a storage device of a second size
Apparatus and devices for carrying a storage device and adapting it to a slot for a storage device having a different form factor. The system comprises an opening means for elastically deforming a shape of the system from an original shape so that the carrier may receive the storage device. The system also comprises restraining means for constraining the motion of the storage device within the system when the system returns to the original shape. Furthermore, the system comprises a spacing means for aligning the storage device with the slot while the storage device is restrained within the system.
US08644016B2 Hard disk drive module
A hard disk drive (HDD) module includes a bracket with two opposite sidewalls, an HDD, and a positioning element rotatably mounted between the sidewalls of the bracket. Each sidewall defines a leading slot and a latching slot communicating with the leading slot. Two blocks extend from opposite sides of the HDD. When the blocks enter the corresponding leading slots, the latching element is rotated to push the HDD to move, with the blocks moving into engagement with the corresponding latching slots, to assemble the HDD in the bracket.
US08644015B2 Mounting apparatus for data storage device
A mounting apparatus includes a bracket for fixing a data storage device, a handle pivotably mounted to the bracket, and a resisting member movably attached to an outer surface of the bracket. The handle includes a pressing portion. The resisting member includes a resisting portion and a connecting portion formed from one end of the resisting portion. When the handle is operated to pivot toward the bracket, the pressing portion resists against the connecting portion to bias the resisting portion to be deformed away from the outer surface of the bracket.
US08644014B2 Server system with heat dissipation device
An exemplary server system includes a server cabinet, a number of racks received in the server cabinet, a number of servers mounted in the racks, and a heat dissipation device. The server cabinet includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and two end plates between the top and bottom plates. Each end plate defines an opening at a top end thereof and a plurality of apertures at a bottom end thereof. The servers are stacked between the end plates of the server cabinet with a channel defined therebetween. The heat dissipation device includes an intake fan arranged under the racks with air intakes thereof facing the apertures and air outlets thereof facing the channel, and two drawing fans respectively arranged at the openings of the two end plates for exhausting heated air of the server cabinet to the exterior.
US08644011B2 Electronic device cover and method of making same
A water-resistant cover consisting of three components: a soft, form-fitting shell, a plastic slider and a plastic end cap. The shell does not inhibit the functionality of peripheral controls and includes fully integrated polycarbonate windows that are thermally and mechanically bonded to the shell in the molding process, the windows being adapted to the specific contour and profile of the device and to protect the device's screen while not inhibiting the functionality of a touch-screen, keypad or acoustic devices. The slider is slidably connected to the cover for closing the audio jack aperture in the shell with a double closure to maintain a water-resistant seal when not in use. The end cap closes the cover with reciprocal seals that are molded into both components and the cap is easily removed for access to a data port or charger and is enhanced with water-resistant acoustic vents that provide sound clarity to speakers or microphones.
US08644006B2 Composite cathode foils and solid electrolytic capacitors comprising the same
A composite cathode foil is provided. The composite cathode foil includes an aluminum substrate, a metal layer formed thereon, a metal carbide layer formed on the metal layer, and a carbon layer formed on the metal carbide layer, wherein the metal of the metal layer is selected from the group consisting of IVB, VB and VIB groups. The invention also provides a solid electrolytic capacitor including the composite cathode foil.
US08644003B2 Electrolytic capacitor element and process for producing the same
A process is provided for producing an electrolytic capacitor element that can uniformly form a highly electrically conductive polymer having a nano thickness level on a nano porous anode element substrate and suitable for use in high-capacitance electrolytic capacitors used in emergency power supplies and backup power supplies in electronic equipment. An oxide film and an electrically conductive polymer film are formed by pulsed constant current electrolysis of a monomer for an electrically conductive polymer and a nanoporous valve action metal in an electrolysis solution comprising an ionic liquid.
US08644001B2 Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus fixes a level to a level set by a level setting member when a detection unit detects that a lock member is operated to be brought into a lock state, and invalidates setting of the level made by the level setting member. After the detection unit detects that the lock member is operated to release the lock state, at the time the level setting member is operated, releases the fixation of the level.
US08643994B2 Power supply controller
If a power supply path is in an abnormal state, a power-supply-path protection circuit of a power supply controller inhibits a switching circuit that switches on/off power supply from a power source to a load from power supply, using data related to a protection-current temperature characteristic line set by a characteristic setting circuit. The protection-current temperature characteristic line has a characteristic in which a protection current value is constant corresponding to increase in an ambient temperature or a negative characteristic in which the protection current value reduces corresponding to increase in the ambient temperature. Within a temperature range equal to or lower than an supposed maximum ambient temperature around the power-supply-path, the protection-current temperature characteristic line and a power-supply-path temperature characteristic line have a relation that the protection-current value is equal to or lower than an allowable current value at an identical ambient temperature.
US08643991B2 System for monitoring over voltage protection of battery pack and method thereof
An over voltage protection (OVP) monitoring system and a method thereof. The OVP monitoring system includes a battery pack connected to an external system, the battery pack including a battery, a first memory to store a voltage value of the battery, a second memory comprising a first sub-memory and a second sub-memory to store numbers of OVP operations of the battery, a controller to store the voltage value of the battery in the first memory upon an occurrence of an OVP operation and to increment a number of OVP operations stored in either the first sub-memory or the second sub-memory according to the voltage value of the battery stored in the first memory and a signal generator to generate either a first alarm signal or a second alarm signal based on the contents of the first and second sub-memories.
US08643990B2 Protection circuit
A protection circuit includes a controllable discharge element having a load path coupled between a first second circuit nodes. The discharge element provides a discharge path between the first and the second circuit nodes when in an on state. A trigger circuit has a first connection coupled to the first circuit node and a second connections coupled to the second circuit node. The trigger circuit is configured to produce a drive signal that switches the discharge element to its on state when the voltage between the first and the second circuit nodes reaches a trigger value. A setting circuit coupled to the trigger circuit is configured to change the trigger value from a first trigger value to a second trigger value depending on a voltage between the first and the second circuit nodes and/or on the drive signal.
US08643984B2 Engine system in which transformer is arranged in independent ventilation path
According to the present invention, even in the case of addition of a transformer for using an engine system with an AC power supply different from the expected voltage of an electrical device, there is substantially no change in the thermal balance in a package due to the presence or absence of the transformer. In the present invention, an engine 2 and an electrical device for driving the engine system are housed in a package 1. In order for a transformer 20 whose primary side is an AC power supply and whose secondary side is the expected voltage of the electrical device for driving the engine system to be housed in the package, an intake port, an exhaust port, and a ventilation fan for cooling the transformer are provided in a ventilation path that is independent from other devices.
US08643983B2 Adjacent terminal fault detection
This relates to detecting unwanted couplings between a protected terminal and other terminals in an integrated controller of a power supply. Offset and clamp circuitry may apply a positive or negative offset voltage and clamp current to one or more terminals of the controller. In the event that a terminal having the offset voltage and clamp current is accidentally coupled to the protected terminal, the offset voltage and clamp current may be applied to the protected terminal. The protected terminal may be coupled to a fault detection circuitry operable to detect a fault signal at the protected terminal. The fault detection circuitry of the controller may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of the fault signal at the protected terminal or may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of a predefined threshold number of cycles in which the fault signal is detected.
US08643975B2 Method and apparatus for operating a storage device
Method for operating a storage device with a tape and a head which is operable to read and/or write data from and respectively to the tape. The tape is moveable in a predetermined longitudinal direction. At least two consecutive current lateral tape positions of the tape with respect to a predetermined reference point are determined at a predetermined longitudinal capture position. A tape skew of the tape is determined dependent on the at least two determined lateral positions. The tape skew represents an angle between a current tape motion direction of the tape and the longitudinal direction. A skew control signal is determined dependent on the determined tape skew. A rotational head position of the head is controlled dependent on the skew control signal to align the head to the current tape motion direction in such a way that the head is operable to read and/or write data.
US08643971B1 Methods utilizing supplemental module for backward and/or cross-platform compatibility
In one general embodiment, a method includes detecting a format in which data on a tape is written; using a module configured for writing and/or reading data to and from the tape in a first format when the format detected is the first format; and using a supplemental module coupled to the module for reading data from the tape in a second format when the format detected is the second format, wherein the first format has a higher data density than the second format. Additional products and processes are also presented.
US08643969B2 Voltage-mode driver
A method is provided. A first CMOS switch is deactivated while activating a second CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from a first direct current (DC) voltage to a first peak voltage. After a first interval, the second CMOS switch is deactivated while activating a third CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from the first peak voltage to a second DC voltage. After a second interval, the third CMOS switch is deactivated while activating a fourth CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from the second DC voltage to a second peak voltage After a third interval, the fourth CMOS switch is deactivated while activating the first CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from the second peak voltage to the first DC voltage.
US08643968B2 Methods and systems for magnetic media servo writing
A method comprises generating first and second magnetic field components in a magnetic medium, the second magnetic field component substantially opposite the first. A pattern is written onto the magnetic medium, and a signal is generated by reading the pattern. The magnitude of the second magnetic field component is controlled based on an asymmetry of the signal.
US08643963B2 Permanent magnet electric motor
A permanent magnet electric motor includes a rotor and a stator magnetically coupled to the rotor. The rotor includes a shaft, a rotor core fixed to the shaft and having n teeth, n being an integer, a commutator fixed to the shaft adjacent the rotor core and having m segments, m being an even number less than n. Rotor windings are wound about the teeth and connected to the segments. The stator includes a plurality of permanent magnets surrounding the rotor core and brushes in sliding electrical contact with the commutator.
US08643961B2 Optical device
An optical device includes a lens module, a case structure and an optical adjusting mechanism. The optical adjusting mechanism includes a first adjusting member, a second adjusting member and an elastic element. The first adjusting member includes a first interference transmission structure. The second adjusting member is movably connected with the case structure, and includes a second interference transmission structure. In response to the movement of the lens module, the elastic element elastically urges against the second adjusting member so that the second adjusting member is movable within a predetermined distance range, and the second interference transmission structure presses against and engages with the first interference transmission structure. Once the second adjusting member is moved, the first adjusting member is synchronously moved so that optical parameters of the lens module are adjusted through the first adjusting member.
US08643956B2 Lens apparatus and image pickup system including the same
A lens apparatus includes a fixed lens barrel, a cam ring provided inside the barrel, lens units, and a holder for holding the lens units movable in optical-axis direction, the holder including a driver for driving at least one of the lens units in the optical-axis direction, the holder supported movably in the optical-axis direction inside the cam ring, in which the holder includes cam followers, and the cam followers slidably engage with a cam groove of the cam ring and a straight groove of the barrel to determine a position of the holder in the optical-axis direction by rotation of the cam ring about optical axis, the holder includes a slide connector for electrically connecting to a contact provided slidably on the barrel through an opening penetrating the cam ring radially, and the driver is fed with power from the barrel side through the slide connector.
US08643948B2 Collimating optical device and system
There is provided a light-guide, compact collimating optical device, including a light-guide having a light-waves entrance surface, a light-waves exit surface and a plurality of external surfaces, a light-waves reflecting surface carried by the light-guide at one of the external surfaces, two retardation plates carried by light-guides on a portion of the external surfaces, a light-waves polarizing beamsplitter disposed at an angle to one of the light-waves entrance or exit surfaces, and a light-waves collimating component covering a portion of one of the retardation plates. A system including the optical device and a substrate, is also provided.
US08643946B2 Autofocus device for microscopy
A microscope including an objective, which images a sample along a microscope beam path, and an autofocus device, which is coupled into the microscope beam path via a beam splitter at a location behind the objective. A light modulator for generating a two-dimensional, intensity-modulated modulation object, is located in the autofocus beam path in a plane conjugated to the focal plane of the objective or intersects the latter and is imaged into the focal plane of the objective. A camera records a two-dimensional image onto which the modulation object's image is imaged. The image plane of the camera intersects a plane that is conjugated to the modulation object or is located in the plane and the camera detecting the contrast of the modulation object's image located in the sample.
US08643945B2 Infrared light reflector
An infrared light reflector having an infrared light reflective layer formed by polymerizing an infrared light reflective layer composition that contains a polyfunctional polymerizable compound, a cholesteric liquid crystal compound and a fluorine-containing alignment controlling agent in an amount of at least 60 ppm relative to the liquid crystal compound, wherein when a functional layer composition is applied onto at least one surface of the infrared light reflective layer, the number of the coating liquid cissing defects having a diameter of at least 5 μm is at most 10/m2.
US08643941B2 Automatic measurement and gain control of distributed Raman amplifiers
Apparatus and method for gain measurement and control of a Distributed Raman Amplifier (DRA). Various embodiments of the apparatus include a detection unit operative to measure, during operation of the DRA, the optical power of a filtered component of the light entering the DRA from the transmission fiber and a gain calculation and control unit coupled to the detection unit and operative to calculate a signal Raman gain property from the measured optical power. The filtered component may exemplarily be a result of passing the light through a band pass filter, a spectral filter with a given spectral shape or a notch filter. The signal Raman gain property may be an average on-off signal Raman gain, an average net signal Raman gain or a signal Raman gain tilt within a communication band. The apparatus and method may be used to operate the DRA in Automatic Gain Control, i.e. to maintain a required constant signal Raman gain and/or signal Raman gain tilt.
US08643936B2 Devices and methods for achieving non-contacting white state in interferometric modulators
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing white light color output from an electromechanical systems (EMS) device with reduced likelihood of stiction. In one aspect, interferometric modulators are configured to provide a white color output while having a non-zero modulator gap dimension. Such a feature can reduce problems associated with zero modulator gap dimensions such as stiction. Various methodologies can be used to yield such a non-zero modulator gap and a white color output. In some implementations, for example, an optical element that introduced wavelength dependent phase shift is used. In some implementations this wavelength dependent phase shifting optical element includes a stack of color filters, a hologram, a diffraction grating, or layers of material having specific thicknesses and wavelength dependent indices of refraction.
US08643935B2 Photonic MEMS and structures
An interference modulator (IMod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on continuous web fed process. IMods can be used as test structures for evaluation of residual stress in deposited materials.
US08643930B2 Thin film lithium-based batteries and electrochromic devices fabricated with nanocomposite electrode materials
Thin-film lithium-based batteries and electrochromic devices (10) are fabricated with positive electrodes (12) comprising a nanocomposite material composed of lithiated metal oxide nanoparticles (40) dispersed in a matrix composed of lithium tungsten oxide.
US08643926B2 Image forming apparatus
There is provided an image forming apparatus that is configured so as to continuously display a plurality of images in a drawing area by scanning light for the drawing area formed on a display surface. The image forming apparatus includes a light emitting unit that emits the light, an optical scanning unit that two-dimensionally scans the light emitted from the light emitting unit for the drawing area, and a driving control unit that controls driving of the optical scanning unit such that the number of the images displayed in the drawing area in a unit of time is changed by changing a range in which the light is scanned on the drawing area at the time of displaying the images based on a shape and a size of each of the images, which are displayed in the drawing area, on the drawing area.
US08643924B2 Two-dimensional optical scanner and light stimulus apparatus
Two-dimensional optical scanner includes: a first acousto-optical deflector (AOD) and a second AOD that deflects light according to a signal; a first driving unit that rotates the first AOD around axis perpendicular to a first plane including the light on and light from the first AOD; a first prism that is arranged adjacent to an emission end of the first AOD and compensates angular dispersion of the light; a second driving unit that rotates the second AOD around axis perpendicular to a second plane including the light on and light from the second AOD and perpendicular to the first plane; a second prism that is arranged adjacent to an emission end of the second AOD and compensates angular dispersion of the light; and a relay lens that allows the emission end of the first AOD and an incident end of the second AOD to be optically conjugate.
US08643923B2 Optical scanning device, optical scanning method, program, and image display device
An optical scanning device includes: a first scanning; a first scanning mirror driving unit; a light emission signal output unit; a light receiving unit; and a phase control unit which controls the first scanning mirror driving unit so as to delay a phase of the oscillation of the first scanning mirror when the light receiving unit outputs the detection signal before intermediate time in a case where the light receiving unit does not output the detection signal during a predetermined period of time, the phase control unit controlling the first scanning mirror driving unit so as to advance a phase of the oscillation of the first scanning mirror when the light receiving unit outputs the detection signal after the intermediate time in the case where the light receiving unit does not output the detection signal during the predetermined period of time.
US08643921B2 Image reader
An image reader is provided, which includes a light-emitting-timing setting unit configured to divide a non-light-emitting time during which none of light sources emits light in a predetermined reading period into a plurality of segmental non-light-emitting times and set a light-emitting moment separately for each light source as a moment to emit the light in the predetermined reading period, such that the segmental non-light-emitting times are arranged in a dispersed manner in the predetermined reading period, and a controller configured to control each light source to emit the light during a light-emitting time determined separately for each light source at the light-emitting moment set by the light-emitting-timing setting unit.
US08643920B2 Gray balance calibration in an image printing system
A computer-implemented method for gray balance calibration in an image printing system is provided. The method includes printing, using a print engine, a reference test pattern consisting essentially of black marking medium; sensing, using a sensor, the reference test pattern to obtain a reference image data, the reference image data being a function of the black marking medium; printing, using the print engine, a second test pattern comprising a combination of marking mediums of different colors, other than the color black, available on the image printing system to simulate the black marking medium; sensing, using the sensor, the second test pattern to obtain a second image data, the second image data being a function of the combination of marking mediums; and determining a difference between the reference image data and the second image data to obtain a correction offset for gray balance calibration in the image printing system.
US08643919B2 Image scanning apparatus
A aspect of the invention is an image scanning apparatus including: a document feeder configured to sequentially feed document sheets stacked in the document feeder; an image scanning unit configured to scan the document sheets fed by the document feeder and to output image data thereof; a memory configured to store therein the image data; a detector configured to detect a failure of feeding the document sheets by the document feeder; a notifier configured to report the feeding failure when the detector detects the feeding failure; and a display unit configured to display the image data stored in the memory, upon detection of the feeding failure.
US08643918B2 Image reading device and image reading method used therein
An image reading device, which has an image sensor having a plurality of sensor chips therein and being capable of outputting data in parallel through a plurality of output channels, includes an image reading section configured to perform reading of images in either of two outputting modes, one being a parallel outputting mode in which start signals are simultaneously inputted to the plurality of sensor chips so that pieces of data in the plurality of the sensor chips are outputted in parallel through the plurality of output channels, respectively, the other one being an interval outputting mode in which start signals are sequentially inputted to the plurality of sensor chips at intervals of time between any two successive inputs of the start signals, respectively, so that respective pieces of data in the plurality of sensor chips are sequentially outputted through any one of the plurality of output channels, and a mode selection section configured to select either of the two outputting modes in accordance with a set resolution.
US08643916B2 Reading device
A reading device includes a first illuminating section that illuminates a reading area with first illumination light of a first direction; a second illuminating section that illuminates the reading area with second illumination light of a second direction; a light-receiving section that receives reflection light of the first illumination light and reflection light of the second illumination light reflected from the reading area, the first illumination light being applied from the first illuminating section and the second illumination light being applied from the second illuminating section; and reflecting members that are disposed side by side in the reading area in a widthwise direction thereof, and that have first and second reflecting surfaces.
US08643915B2 Image sensor unit, and image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
An image sensor unit includes: a light guide reflecting light rays entering through a first light entering surface and a second light entering surface provided at both ends thereof, by a reflection surface to make the light rays exit through a light exiting surface and illuminates an original; a first light source provided near the first light entering surface; a second light source provided near the second light entering surface and different in wavelength from the first light source; and a first reflection part and a second reflection part provided on the reflection surface and composed of dot patterns constituted of two kinds of dots different in spectral reflectance.
US08643914B2 Image-reading device and manufacturing method thereof
A first light intensity curve is defined as a relationship between a first light intensity and a distance from a first reading unit. The first light intensity represents intensity of light that is part of a reflected light reflected off a first irradiated subject positioned at a distance from the first reading unit and is received by a first light-receiving unit. The first light intensity curve has a first intensity value at a first distance and a second intensity value at a second distance. The first intensity value is equivalent to the second intensity value. The first distance is different from the second distance. A distance between the first reading unit and a first read position is set to the first distance. A distance between the first reading unit and a first reference member is set to the second distance.
US08643913B2 Image forming apparatus for storing read image data in different storage devices
An image forming apparatus includes: an internal storage device; an attachment portion to which an external storage device can be attached; an image reading unit that reads contents of an original as an image and converts the image into an electronic signal; a first image processing unit that generates image data from the electronic signal; and a second image processing unit that separates the image data thus generated into character data that is recognized as characters and data that is recognized as different data from the character data and, when the external storage device is attached to the attachment portion, stores data composed of an entirety or a part of the character data that is recognized as characters as first data in the external storage device and the data that is recognized as different data from the character data as second data in the internal storage device.
US08643912B2 Driving mechanism, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A driving mechanism includes: a first contacting member that comes into contact with a contacted member; a supporting member that supports the first contacting member and is reciprocatably provided, the supporting member moving the first contacting member into contact with or retracts from the contacted member; a cam that reciprocates the supporting member; and a driving force transmission member that is provided to transmit a driving force to the cam, the driving force transmission member is engaged with the cam by transmit a first driving force, and is disengaged from the cam by a second driving force. In the driving mechanism, the second driving force is applied to the driving force transmission member after the cam is stopped in a state where the cam comes into contact with the supporting member on a small radius end of the cam.
US08643907B2 Image processing apparatus and program therefor
In the case of a text mode, a text LUT is stored by using the number Nt1 of first text grid cells so that the storage size does not exceed the amount of free space of an integrated RAM. In the case of a photograph mode, or in the case of a mixed text-and-photograph mode and special paper being used as paper, a photograph LUT is stored by using the number Np1 of first photograph grid cells so that the storage size does not exceed the amount of free space of the integrated RAM. In the case of a mixed text-and-photograph mode and plain paper being used as paper, the photograph LUT is stored so that the total of storage sizes of the photograph LUT and the text LUT does not exceed the amount of free space of the integrated RAM.
US08643906B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
The present invention suppresses data processing load and processing time when generating density data for the same color that corresponds to a plurality of printing scans (or plurality of printing element groups) of a printing head and printing medium. In order to accomplish this, input image data is converted to a plurality of density data by referencing a three-dimensional lookup table that performs one-to-one correlation of input image data with a plurality of density data that corresponds to a plurality of relative movements (or plurality of printing element groups). By doing so, it is possible to perform a process of generating density data (CMYK) that corresponds to a plurality of relative movements (or plurality of printing element groups) from input image data at once, and thus it is possible to suppress an increase in data processing load and processing time.
US08643904B2 Image processing device selecting halftone method for each set of pixel data of image data
An image processing device converts original image data to converted image data by performing a scaling process and a color conversion process on the original image data; determines, for each pixel in the converted image data, whether or not at least one set of original pixel data corresponding to the converted pixel includes predetermined data; and produces output image data based on the converted image data. The image processing device selects, for each pixel in the converted image data, a first halftone method when no set of original pixel data corresponding to the converted pixel includes the predetermined data, and a second halftone method when the at least one set of original pixel data corresponding to the converted pixel includes the predetermined data. The image processing device produces output pixel data for each converted pixel in the selected halftone method.
US08643901B2 Detection apparatus and method, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A detection apparatus includes the following elements. A first measuring unit measures, from a binary image, density levels of first and second regions which are alternately arranged in a first direction in the binary image, the binary image being disposed on a second surface of a holding member which includes a first surface and the second surface. A storage unit stores therein information indicating an association between a distance from the first measuring unit to the second surface and a contrast between the adjacent first and second regions. A calculator calculates a contrast between the adjacent first and second regions. A detector specifies a distance corresponding to the calculated contrast by using the stored information, and detects a deflection of the holding member in the first direction by using the specified distance as the distance from the second surface to the adjacent first and second regions.
US08643898B2 Device, method, system, and computer program product for determining amount of ink to be formed in a region of a medium based on a computed deformation ratio
A plurality of grid points for forming a quadrangle, and an internal point included within the quadrangle, are quasi-formed on a medium prior to deformation, and position information is acquired that relates to the positions of the quasi-formed grid points and internal point moved in conjunction with the deformation of the medium. A triangle deformation ratio is acquired from the areas of triangles formed by the grid points and internal point before and after deformation, and a discharge amount of ink formed on the medium is computed in accordance with the deformation ratio after deformation, with respect to the triangles before deformation.
US08643897B2 Image processing device, image processing method, and image processing program
A plurality of grid points for forming a quadrangle is quasi-formed on a medium prior to deformation, after which position information is acquired that relates to the positions of the grid points moved in conjunction with deformation of the medium. The area difference of two triangles divided by a first diagonal is computed in a quadrangle formed by the grid points after deformation of the medium, and the area difference of two triangles divided by a second diagonal different from the first diagonal is computed in the quadrangle. The quadrangle quasi-formed on the medium prior to deformation is divided using one of the first and second diagonals that yields the larger area difference, and the formation amount of colorant formed on the medium is corrected according to the deformation ratio after deformation for the triangles formed by the division.
US08643896B2 Image processing apparatus for outputting raster image using a plurality of processors
The first processor element (PE) interprets a display list, generates pieces of edge information of objects contained in one line, sorts the pieces of edge information for each line, and transfers the level data containing link information linking to width information of between the edges of the objects, the pieces of edge information and overlapping information of the objects. When the level data corresponding to the pixel count in the sub-scanning direction is stored in a memory, a DMAC controls the readout order of the level data to read out the level data from the memory and transfers the readout level data to the second processor.
US08643892B2 User configured page chromaticity determination and splitting method
A method and system for determining chromatic content of a page of an electronic document. Object level color analysis is performed on a page of the electronic document to determine whether the page is chromatic, achromatic or has highlight color, based on the object level color analysis. The page is then classified as chromatic, achromatic or highlight color, based on the results of the determination.
US08643887B2 Image processing device that performs image processing for various functions and method for performing image processing for various functions
Image processing restriction information that defines time of day restrictions of a first function and time of day restrictions of a second function is stored in a memory unit. An image processing request for image processing of one of the first and second functions is received. Based on time managed by a time management unit, a time of the image processing request and the image processing restriction information, an image processing restriction corresponding to the first function or the second function is determined based on the received image processing request for image processing of the corresponding function. An image processing restriction is performed based on the determining of the image processing restriction corresponding to the first function and the determining of the image processing restriction corresponding to the second function.
US08643884B2 Image forming system, information processing device, image forming device, data transmission method and memory product
A region of a predetermined range including a location of the image forming device is determined based on location data representing a location of the image forming device stored in the print server. If the print server obtains positional data concerning the position of a mobile phone, the print server transmits data to the image forming device if, for example, the mobile phone is within the region, based on the positional data, the location data and the region, and the image forming device performs image forming based on the data.
US08643883B2 Image reading system, image reading apparatus, control methods and programs thereof
The present invention provides an image reading system and an image reading apparatus with which an environment for performing a specific scan mode can be constructed with ease according to the functions of connected information processing apparatuses and the scan environment can be changed with ease, and control methods and programs thereof. To accomplish this, the image reading apparatus selects an information processing apparatus to which image data read from an original is to be transmitted, transmits identification information for identifying the image reading apparatus stored in advance in a memory and an instruction to construct an environment for performing the specific scan mode to the selected information processing apparatus, receives a response to the transmitted instruction, and, when the response is received, displays a setting screen in which settings regarding the environment for performing the specific scan mode can be changed on a display.
US08643881B2 Apparatus and method of controlling an image forming apparatus based on the print speed of print jobs
An apparatus and method of controlling data to be processed by an image forming system encode image data to be printed to generate code data, and code information regarding encoding processing or the code data. The code information is used to obtain a predicted decode time, and a print speed level at which decoded data is to be printed. A plurality of print jobs to be processed are re-arranged by the print speed level to generate a print job sequence.
US08643874B2 Method and system for generating a workflow to produce a dimensional document
A method and system generate a workflow for the production of a three-dimensional document. A knowledge base contains production rules for several dimensional documents. The production rules relate to a plurality of jobs, i.e., units of work involved in the production of a dimensional document. The rules also identify human and/or mechanical resources required to complete each job. The system receives, from multiple service providers, capability information corresponding to each service provider's available resources. The capability information is associated with the production rules and stored in the knowledge base. When a user selects a dimensional document to be produced, the system selects appropriate production rules for the document, accesses the associated capability information, and automatically generates a workflow for the document. The system distributes various jobs in the workflow among at least two different service providers.
US08643873B2 Image forming apparatus, and control method and storage medium therefor
An image forming apparatus capable of preventing unauthorized printing while reducing manager's work load. IP addresses of host computers for which printing should be permitted are registered beforehand in a print permission list. When a print job is received, whether the IP address of a host computer from which the print job has been transmitted is present in the list is determined. If the IP address is not present, the received print job is not printed but stored. Subsequently, when the print job is selected and a print instruction is given, printing is executed. If the print instruction has once been given to the stored print job, the IP address of the host computer is added to the list. Subsequently, printing is executed without any print instruction when a print job is transmitted.
US08643872B2 Method and system for generating unique object identifiers for derived objects
A print control unit coupled with a printer, the print control unit electronically connected to the host to provide one or more base resources to a unique Object Identifier (OID) generator, the one or more base resources including printing instructions. The unique OID generator generates a unique OID relating to a derived resource via a unique OID generation module. The unique OID includes the printing instructions of the one or more base resources. A resource generator internally generates the derived resource.
US08643870B2 Printing control apparatus, printing control method, program, and storage medium
A printing control apparatus includes a spooler which spools a received print job in a print queue and outputs the print job, a print job management unit which holds a print job output from the spooler, and manages transmission of a print job to a printing apparatus and whether a print job is complete in the printing apparatus, and a display control unit which displays the processing status of a print job that is spooled in the print queue and managed by the print job management unit.
US08643869B2 Printing of color print data as color image or as black-and-white image
System, apparatus and method for printing color image print data selectably as a color image or as a black-and-white image are described.
US08643868B2 Image transmission apparatus, image data acquiring apparatus, image data transmission method, program for implementing the method, and storage medium for the program
An image data transmission apparatus which are capable of improving reliability of log files by ensuring proper storing of log information about transferred image data. A preceding log, which includes information about the transmission of image data, is transmitted to a log file server connected with a scanner via a network. In the scanner, it is determined whether the log file server has succeeded in receiving or storing the preceding log. If the log file server has succeeded in receiving or storing the preceding log, the image data is transmitted to a designated destination of image data transmission.
US08643865B2 Maintenance system and maintenance method for image processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, a management apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires any one of simple data or detailed data including the simple data from a plurality of image processing apparatuses. If the detailed data is acquired, the determination unit determines maintenance data to be applied to the image processing apparatus which is an output source of the detailed data. The storage unit stores the maintenance data in association with related data included in the detailed data. If the acquisition unit acquires the simple data, the selection unit selects the maintenance data associated with the related data similar to the acquired simple data. The output unit outputs the maintenance data as the data for update with respect to the image processing apparatus which is an output source of the simple data.
US08643864B2 Image forming apparatus and error guide offering method thereof
An error guide offering method of an image forming apparatus which includes a display unit to display a user interface (UI) offering an error guide to an error, the method including: detecting the error from the image forming apparatus; determining whether the error occurs from a plurality of locations; determining whether error guides to the error occurring from the plurality of locations have a common procedure; displaying a first error guide to a first error; displaying a second error guide to a second error instead of returning to a standby mode upon a completion of the processing of the error according to the first error guide; processing the second error according to the second error guide, the displaying the second error guide including displaying a common procedure in the first and second error guides. With this, an error guide integrating a common procedure to a plurality of errors occurring from the image forming apparatus efficiently processes the error and reduces waste of time.
US08643862B2 Determining between a handwriting and a soft key input mode for an image forming apparatus
An input recognizer performs a processing of recognizing handwriting input or soft key input, and a processing of calculating a length of a trajectory which a depressing coordinate has moved by repeating acquisition of the depressing coordinate on an input screen in response to an interruption command requesting input recognition. An interruption commander selectively performs a handwriting input mode and a soft key input mode. An input mode switcher sets a mode of the interruption commander to the soft key input mode when a depressing start of a touch panel portion is detected, and switches the mode of the interruption commander from the soft key input mode to the handwriting input mode when the input recognizer recognizes that the length of the trajectory which the depressing coordinate has moved from detection of the depressing start reaches a predetermined value.
US08643861B2 Image processing apparatus, data processing method of image processing apparatus, and storage medium for performing multitask processing and single task processing while interpreting PDL data
An image processing apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine whether a predetermined communication protocol is a type of communication protocol that requires a response to an inquiry command, and a control unit configured not to switch a multitask mode setting if the determination unit determines that the predetermined communication protocol is not a type that requires a response, and to switch, if the determination unit determines that the predetermined communication protocol is a type that requires a response, a multitasking mode setting on the interpretation unit to a single-tasking mode setting to cause the interpretation unit to interpret PDL data by performing single-task processing.
US08643853B2 Rendering control method in which a processor and a hardware accelerator can be used efficiently
An image forming apparatus includes a parsing part parsing printing data; plural rendering process parts carrying out a rendering process on the parsed printing data; a band memory to which each of the plural rendering process parts carries out the rendering; a rendering control part carrying out rendering control, based on a parsing result of the parsing part, to cause a predetermined one of the plural rendering process parts to generate intermediate data or carry out the rendering to the band memory; and a data memory storing the intermediate data generated by the predetermined one of the plural rendering process parts. Another of the plural rendering process parts carries out the rendering to the band memory using the intermediate data stored in the data memory.
US08643852B2 Model based detection and compensation of glitches in color measurement systems
A color sensor monitors the output of a color producing process and produces a signal representative of a color produced by the color producing process. The signal can be used as feedback signal to control the process. Occasionally, the color sensor signal includes a component representing a transient error. A system model of the color producing process is used to predict reasonable sensor signals. A comparison of the sensor signal with the predicted sensor signals is used to determine if the sensor signal is reasonable. If the sensor signal is unreasonable, a substitute signal is used as the feedback signal to the control process. The substitute signal can be a predicted sensor signal or a signal based on historical system performance data.
US08643851B2 Scanning device
The present invention relates to a scanning device for determining at least partial cross-sectional profiles of food products to be sliced in accordance with the light cutting process, having at least one illumination device for generating a light line on the surface of a product and having at least one detection device for taking images of the product surface including the light line, wherein the illumination device includes at least one light source which is configured to generate a light beam propagating in the direction of a scanning region for the product in a scanning plane and widening in so doing and includes an optically effective device which is arranged in the propagation path of the widening light beam and which is configured to counter the divergence of at least some of the incident light.
US08643849B2 Measurement systems and methods
A measurement system comprising a light source unit, a projection unit and an optics unit is disclosed. The light source unit is configured to generate a plurality of modulated phase shifted light beams. The projection unit is configured to reflect the modulated phase shifted light beams onto an object surface. The optics unit is configured to capture the modulated phase shifted light beams from the object surface. The measurement system further comprises a photodetector and a processor. The photodetector is configured to receive the modulated phase shifted light beams from the optics unit to generate electrical signals. The processor is configured to retrieve position information of the object surface based on the electrical signals from the photodetector. A measurement method is also presented.
US08643848B2 Method and apparatus for measuring shape
A surface to be inspected is step-scanned in multiple steps. In each step, the phase corresponding to a shape measurement region in an interference fringe pattern, and the wavelength of light are measured. After defining a distance between any point on the surface to be inspected and the center of curvature of a reference spherical surface as a function of wavenumber (integer) including the measured phase and wavelength as parameters, the wavenumber in each step is calculated from the relationship of the function between adjacent steps, and the moving distance between each step is calculated. A measurement value of the distance is calculated from the wavenumber and the function thereof, a design value of the distance is calculated using the calculated moving distance, and the shape error of the surface to be inspected is calculated from the difference between the measurement value and the design value.
US08643837B2 Methods and materials for calibration of a reader
The present disclosure relates generally to devices that may be used to calibrate a reader. Such devices may comprise an electrical memory chip, a calibration device comprising an optical check, and an interface that allows interaction with the reader.
US08643836B1 Inspection method for inspecting defects of wafer surface
The present invention provides an inspection method for inspecting defects of wafer surface. The method includes: encircling peripheral region of the wafer surface by a first light source set and a second light source set; using a control module to control the first light source set and the second light source set to irradiate the light alternately from different directions; using an image pick-up module to receive a scattered light image during each time when the first light source set or the second light source set irradiates the light on the wafer surface; and then using a process module to obtain an enhanced and clear defect image of wafer surface by processing each of the scattered light images.
US08643833B1 System for inspecting surface defects of a specimen and a method thereof
An inspection system and method for inspecting the surface defects of the specimen is provided. The inspection system includes a laser focus module, a microscope objective module, an image pick-up module, and a process module. The laser focus module configured to emit laser beam on the specimen by a predetermined angle relative to a surface of the specimen, and to generate scattered light and reflected light when the laser beam irradiates on the surface defects of the specimen. The process module can calculate the real size of the defects by using the intensity information obtained from the image pick-up module and the microscope objective module or using the diameter information obtained from the reflected light image while the reflected light projects on a screen.
US08643832B2 Inclination detector and laser marker
An inclination detector includes: a casing; a light source installed in the casing; a reflector being suspended with a suspender to be at a certain position in the casing and reflecting a light beam from the light source to a direction different from a light axis direction; and a detector that outputs a signal corresponding to a projected position of the light beam, and an inclination of the casing is detected based on the projected position of the light beam reflected by the reflector.
US08643831B1 Distance to angle metrology system (DAMS) and method
A system for measuring movement of an object includes a source of light for emitting a beam; an object for receiving the beam from the source and reflecting the beam; and a reflective optic for receiving the beam reflected from the object and again reflecting the beam at a first angle. The system also includes a receiver for receiving the reflected beam from the reflective optic. When the object moves in distance, the reflective optic reflects the beam at a second angle. The reflective optic may be replaced by an equivalent refractive optic(s). The receiver measures movement of the object, based on a difference between the first angle and the second angle. The reflective optic may include a cylindrical reflective optic, or a spherical reflective optic. The refractive optic(s) may include a plano hemispheric refractive optic, or a meniscus refractive optic. The receiver may include a quad-cell imaging system, or a focal plane array (FPA). The source of light may include a laser, or any collimated beam source.
US08643825B2 Microlithography illumination systems, components and methods
The disclosure relates to microlithography systems, such as EUV micro-lithography illumination systems, as well as related components, systems and methods.
US08643822B2 Non-etched flat polarization-selective diffractive optical elements
A method of fabricating an optical element including a liquid crystal layer having a spatially-varying tilt angle includes coating a substrate with a linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer, irradiating the linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer with linearly polarized ultra-violet light at a oblique angle, and coating a layer of liquid crystal material on a surface of the irradiated linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer. The liquid crystal material has a predetermined relationship between its tilt angle and a total dose of the linearly polarized ultra-violet light. The linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer is irradiated with at least one dose of linearly polarized ultra-violet light that is sufficient to induce formation of a plurality of discrete regions within the liquid crystal layer having a larger in-plane birefringence than an adjacent or surrounding region.
US08643821B2 3D display panel and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a 3D display panel and a method for manufacturing the same. The method comprises the following steps: forming a liquid crystal layer between a first substrate and a second substrate; arranging a polarizer at an outer side of the second substrate; providing a 3D display plate; and arranging the 3D display plate at an outer side of the first substrate. The present invention can improve the viewing angle problem existing in the conventional 3D display.
US08643820B2 Electronic device having liquid crystal display device
A display device of the present invention includes a thin film transistor in a pixel region formed over a substrate, the thin film transistor including an active layer and a gate electrode with a gate insulating film interposed between the active layer and the gate electrode, a silicon nitride film formed over the thin film transistor, a resin film formed over the silicon nitride film, an inorganic insulating film formed over the resin film; a metal layer formed over the substrate; and a sealing material formed over the metal layer, wherein the sealing material covers a region where the resin film is not formed over the silicon nitride film.
US08643819B2 Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device in which liquid crystal is sealed by a one drop fill method, the gap between a TFT substrate and a counter substrate is defined by a columnar spacer in a display region, and the gap between them is defined by a columnar spacer also in a seal portion. In the display region, one layer of a color filter is formed below the columnar spacer. In the seal portion, two layers of island-shaped color filters are formed. With this configuration, the gap between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate can be maintained equal between the display region and the seal portion. Even when the process for forming the columnar spacer varies, it is possible to eliminate a change in difference between the gap between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate in the display region and the gap in the seal portion.
US08643816B2 Liquid crystal display including subpixel electrodes having fine protruding patterns
Provided is a liquid crystal display (LCD), the LCD includes: an insulating substrate; a first gate line and a second gate line which are formed on the insulating substrate and extend parallel to each other; a data line formed on the insulating substrate, insulated from the first and second gate lines, and crosses the first and second gate lines; a first subpixel electrode connected to the first gate line and the data line by a first switching device and includes a plurality of first fine protruding patterns at an edge thereof; and a second subpixel electrode connected to the second gate line and the data line by a second switching device and includes a plurality of second fine protruding patterns at an edge thereof, wherein the first fine protruding patterns are separated from each other by a first gap, and the second fine protruding patterns are separated from each other by a second gap, wherein the sum of a width of the first gap and a width of each of the first fine protruding patterns is greater than the sum of a width of the second gap and a width of each of the second protruding patterns.
US08643815B2 Array substrate and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same
An array substrate includes a substrate, a switching element, a pixel electrode, and a common electrode. The substrate includes a plurality of gate lines, data lines insulated from the gate lines, and the data lines extend in a direction crossing the gate lines. The switching element is connected to the gate lines and data lines. The pixel electrode is arranged in a pixel area which is defined on the substrate, and is connected to an output electrode of the switching element. The common electrode corresponds to the pixel area and is insulated from the pixel electrode, and the common electrode has at least one first slit corresponding to the data line.
US08643814B2 Liquid crystal device and projection-type display apparatus
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a liquid crystal device comprises a plurality of conductive patterns formed of a conductive film in a peripheral region between an image display region and a sealing member. The conductive patterns are formed at a same layer as a plurality of pixel electrodes. An insulation film is formed on a side facing a counter substrate so as to correspond to the plurality of conductive patterns and a plurality of pixel electrodes. Peripheral electrodes are formed in a region overlapping the plurality of conductive patterns in a plan view on a side on which the counter substrate is located so as to correspond to the insulation film in the peripheral region.
US08643809B2 Azo compound and salt thereof, and dye-containing polarizing film comprising the compound or salt
Disclosed is an azo compound represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxy group; and n represents 1 or 2. Also disclosed are a dye-containing polarizing film and a dye-containing polarizing plate, each of which comprises a polarizing film base material and the azo compound contained in the base material.
US08643807B2 Back light unit and liquid crystal display including the same
A backlight unit having improved luminance and reduced profile, and a liquid crystal display including the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the backlight unit includes: i) a light source, ii) a light guiding plate including an incoming surface on which light generated from the light source is incident, an upper surface substantially perpendicularly extended with respect to the incoming surface, and a bottom surface arranged facing the upper surface and iii) an optical sheet formed on the light guiding plate. The upper surface of the light guiding plate includes a guiding surface, an incoming surface, and an emission surface sequentially arranged close to the incoming surface of the light guiding plate, and the optical sheet may be formed to cover the inclined surface and the guiding surface.
US08643805B2 Backlight and liquid crystal display device
A backlight includes a case having plural apertures in a main face thereof and a light source disposed in the case. A total area of the plural apertures is not less than 8% and not more than 15% of an area of the main face.
US08643802B2 Pixel array, polymer stablized alignment liquid crystal display panel, and pixel array driving method
A pixel array including a plurality of scan lines, data lines, and sub-pixels is provided. Each of the sub-pixels arranged in the nth row includes a first switch, a first pixel electrode, a second switch, a third switch, and a second pixel electrode. The first switch and the second switch are electrically connected to the nth scan line and the mth data line. The first switch and the first pixel electrode are electrically connected. The second switch has a first signal output terminal. The third switch is electrically connected to the (n+i)th scan line. The third switch has a signal input terminal electrically connected to the first signal output terminal and a second signal output terminal. The first signal output terminal is electrically insulated from the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. The first signal output terminal extends to the underneath of the second pixel electrode.
US08643797B2 Liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a scan line, a data line intersects the scan line, an active device, a pixel electrode, an insulating layer covering the pixel electrode, an auxiliary electrode, a shielding electrode, and a first polymer stabilized alignment (PSA) layer is provided.The liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate includes liquid crystal molecules and a monomer material. The active device includes three terminals coupled to the scan line, the data line, and the pixel electrode. The auxiliary electrode on the insulating layer is electrically connected to the pixel electrode. The shielding electrode on the insulating layer located at peripheries of the pixel electrode surrounds the auxiliary electrode. The first PSA layer between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer is polymerized from the monomer material in the liquid crystal layer.
US08643795B2 Thermally switched optical filter incorporating a refractive optical structure
A thermochromic, thermotropic, or thermoreflective filter relies on a mismatch between the index of refraction of a thermotropic material (e.g., a liquid crystal) and a substrate material that includes refractive or diffractive features. At colder operating temperatures, the refraction mismatches are eliminated or minimized such that the filter becomes transparent, whereas at high operating temperatures the refraction mismatches are increased such that for light at appropriate incidence angles, the structure becomes highly reflective. This filter has particular but not exclusive application as a temperature-controlled “smart mirror” for use in windows, walls, roofing, and other building materials.
US08643794B2 Heat-insulating film
Disclosed herein is a heat-insulating film (window solar film) including an absorbing layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The absorbing layer is used to absorb ultraviolet light and infrared light. The pitch of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is configured in a way such that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer reflects the infrared light.
US08643793B2 Projector
A projector includes: an illumination optical system which emits first light (green light); a reflection type first liquid crystal panel which modulates the first light emitted from the illumination optical system; a first wire grid element which is disposed at a position at which the first light modulated and reflected by the first liquid crystal panel is incident, which includes a plurality of metal wires extending so as to be almost parallel to a light-exit surface of the first liquid crystal panel, and in which the surface on which the first light is incident is inclined by an angle equal to or greater than 37° and less than 45° with respect to a normal direction of the light-exit surface of the first liquid crystal panel; a projection optical system which projects the first light modulated by the first liquid crystal panel and reflected from the first wire grid element.
US08643791B2 Information communication system, information processing apparatus, information communication program, and information communication method
An information communication system includes: a communication line which connects a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus to each other; a transmission unit which is included in the first information processing apparatus and transmits identity information of the first information processing apparatus without passing through the communication line; a reception unit which is included in the second information processing apparatus and receives the identity information of the first information processing apparatus transmitted from the transmission unit without passing through the communication line; and an information transmission unit which is included in the second information processing apparatus and transmits information to the first information processing apparatus via the communication line by using the identity information received by the reception unit.
US08643787B2 Mechanism for memory reduction in picture-in-picture video generation
A mechanism for memory reduction in picture-in-picture video generation is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes receiving, from a transmitting device, a plurality of video streams at a receiving device coupled to the transmitting device, wherein a first video stream of the plurality of video streams is designated to be displayed as a main video and one or more other video streams of the plurality of video streams are designated to be displayed as one or more sub videos to the main video. The method further includes transforming the one or more other video streams into the one or more sub videos, temporarily holding the one or more sub videos in a compressed frame buffer, and merging, via pixel replacement, the main video and the one or more sub videos into a final video image capable of being displayed on a single screen utilizing a display device, wherein pixel replacement is performed such that the one or more sub videos occupy one or more sections of pixels of screen space pixels occupied by the main video.
US08643785B2 Video processing apparatus and method for controlling the same
A video processing apparatus determines whether a video signal of a predetermined resolution is a pseudo-resolution video signal generated from a video signal of resolution lower than the predetermined resolution. The video processing apparatus generates a first frequency histogram relating to a video signal of a first resolution among a plurality of video signals which are identical in contents and different from one another in resolution and a second frequency histogram relating to a video signal of a second resolution which is lower than the first resolution, compares the first frequency histogram with the second frequency histogram, compares a similarity between the first frequency histogram and the second frequency histogram with a predetermined threshold value, and determines, if the similarity is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, that the video signal of the first resolution is a pseudo-resolution video signal.
US08643779B2 Live audio track additions to digital streams
Audio tracks may be added to a live video stream using one or more mixers that may decode the audio from a video stream, mix an additional audio stream, and encode the mixed audio stream. The system may make the new audio stream available for live download by consumers. The mixers may include a video playback mechanism to view the live video stream, as well as an audio capture and mixing system that may create a new audio track that may be synchronized with the video stream using timestamps. A consumer device may download and consume the video with the new audio track on a slight delay from the live video stream.
US08643777B2 Pixel interpolation with edge detection based on cross-correlation
A pixel interpolation process is based on detection of a potential edge in proximity to a pixel being estimated, and the angle thereof. The potential edge and its angle is determined based on filtering of offset or overlapping sets of lines from a pixel window centered around the pixel being estimated and then cross-correlating the filter results. The highest value in the correlation result values represents a potential edge in proximity to the pixel being estimated and the index of the highest value represents the angle of the potential edge. This information is used in conjunction with other information from the cross-correlation and analysis of the differences between pixels in proximity to verify the validity of the potential edge. If determined to be valid, a diagonal interpolation based on the edge and its angle is used to estimate the pixel value of the pixel. Otherwise, an alternate interpolation process, such as vertical interpolation, is used to estimate the pixel value for the pixel.
US08643776B2 Video processing method capable of performing predetermined data processing operation upon output of frame rate conversion with reduced storage device bandwidth usage and related video processing apparatus thereof
An exemplary video processing method for processing a plurality of input frames includes storing the input frames successively, performing a frame rate conversion upon the successively stored input frames by utilizing a frame rate conversion circuit, and performing a predetermined data processing operation upon an output of the frame rate conversion. The step of performing the frame rate conversion includes generating and outputting a plurality of first output frames concurrently by referring to image data of at least one input frame. The step of performing the predetermined data processing operation includes receiving image data of the first output frames concurrently, wherein the first output frames contain image data of temporally adjacent output frames required by the predetermined data processing operation; and performing the predetermined data processing operation upon the image data of the concurrently received first output frames.
US08643774B2 Mobile terminal device having camera system
The present invention is a camera system which is usable with a mobile terminal. The camera system includes a lens module and at least one mechanism for changing optical properties by interacting with the lens module. The camera system may be built into the mobile terminal or attached thereto as an external module.
US08643772B2 Electromagnetically shielded video camera and shielded enclosure for image capture devices
Camera arrangements that can include electromagnetic protection, such as from EMP/IEMI events, is disclosed. One example camera arrangement includes a camera including a viewfinder having a lens, and an electromagnetically shielded enclosure defining an interior volume containing the camera and configured to include at least one opening aligned with the lens. The camera arrangement includes a waveguide beyond cutoff disposed across the at least one opening, the waveguide beyond cutoff including a plurality of cells sized and oriented to shield the interior volume of the enclosure from electromagnetic signals while exposing an optical path between the lens and objects external to the enclosure.
US08643771B2 Electronic device and control method for controlling powering-saving state of electronic device
An electronic device includes an image capturing unit and a processor. The processor controls the image capturing unit to periodically capture an image in front of the electronic device, and analyzes the captured image to determine whether a user is using the electronic device, and further controls the electronic device to be in a working state if a user is using the electronic device. A method for controlling an electronic device is also provided.
US08643770B2 Flash synchronization using image sensor interface timing signal
Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an image signal processing system that includes a flash controller that is configured to activate a flash device prior to the start of a target image frame by using a sensor timing signal. In one embodiment, the flash controller receives a delayed sensor timing signal and determines a flash activation start time by using the delayed sensor timing signal to identify a time corresponding to the end of the previous frame, increasing that time by a vertical blanking time, and then subtracting a first offset to compensate for delay between the sensor timing signal and the delayed sensor timing signal. Then, the flash controller subtracts a second offset to determine the flash activation time, thus ensuring that the flash is activated prior to receiving the first pixel of the target frame.
US08643762B2 Optical device, solid-state image apparatus, portable information terminal, and display apparatus
An optical element according to an embodiment includes: a lens array including a plurality of convex shaped lenses provided on a first surface thereof and taking a flat shape at a second surface which is opposite from the first surface; a lens holder comprising concave portions formed to correspond to respective lenses in the lens array, at a surface opposed to the lens array, each of the concave portions having a size which makes it possible for one of the convex shaped lenses corresponding to the concave portion to fit therein; and a drive unit configured to drive at least one of the lens array and the lens holder to bring the convex shaped lenses in the lens array and the concave portions in the lens holder into an isolation state or a contact state.
US08643760B2 Image processing methods and systems for handheld devices
Image processing methods and systems for handheld devices are provided. First, an image effect is determined. Then, a plurality of preview images is continuously captured by an image capture unit of an electronic device. After the respective preview image is captured, the image effect is applied to the preview image, and the preview image applied with the image effect is displayed in a display unit of the electronic device.
US08643757B2 Method of producing solid state imaging device with optimized locations of internal electrical components
A solid state imaging device improving and stabilizing imaging characteristic by optimizing a location of a positive hole accumulation layer to an electrode at the periphery of a light receiving portion, and having light receiving portions formed on a substrate and electrodes formed on the substrate at the periphery of the light receiving portion, each electrode including at least a first electrode to which a positive voltage is applied and a second electrode to which only 0 volt or a negative polarity voltage is applied, each light receiving portion having a signal charge accumulation region formed on the substrate and a positive hole accumulation region formed in a surface layer portion of the signal charge accumulation region, each positive hole accumulation region arranged at a distance from the first electrode and arranged so as to overlap the second electrode, and method of producing the same and a camera.
US08643751B2 Method for detecting dead pixels and computer program product thereof
A method for detecting dead pixels obtains a downsampling set formed by a plurality of sample pixels by downsampling a to-be-tested image, and computes a moving average for each sample pixel to determine whether the sample pixel is a dead pixel candidate. If so, all pixels in a neighborhood of the dead pixel candidate are determined as to-be-detected pixels. For each to-be-detected pixel, a compensated value and a weighted average under a mask are estimated. A hypothetic dead pixel value is obtained by comparing an original pixel value of each to-be-detected pixel and the moving average of the dead pixel candidate. Whether the to-be-detected pixel is a dead pixel is determined by using the original pixel value, the compensated value, the weighted average and the hypothetic dead pixel value.
US08643748B2 Compact stationary lens optical zoom image capture system
An electronic optical zoom system (100) includes a first lens assembly (101) and a second lens assembly (102). The first lens assembly (101) and the second lens assembly (102) may be adjacently disposed or concentrically disposed. The first lens assembly (101) and second lens assembly (102), in one embodiment, have different magnification configurations. An image sensor (103) captures electronic images of a subject (109). Optical zoom capability is achieved by an alterable electronic optical device (851), such as a switchable mirror (105). The alterable electronic optical device (851) selectively redirects received light between a first optical path (107) from a reflective surface (106) to a second optical path (117) from the alterable electronic optical device (851) depending upon the state of the alterable electronic optical device (851). The electronic optical zoom system (100) thereby provides optical zoom capabilities in a compact package without the need for physically moving lens assemblies.
US08643747B2 Image capturing device and image correction method thereof
An image capturing apparatus and an image correction method thereof are provided. The image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing module, a sensing module, a storage module, and a processing module. The image capturing module captures an image. The sensing module senses an included angle between the image capturing apparatus and a horizontal plane. The storage module stores a rotation compensation data table containing a plurality of offset angles and a plurality of rotation compensation values for pixels corresponding to each offset angle. According to a difference value between the angle and a preset angle, the processing module finds out the appropriate rotation compensation values in the rotation compensation data table for rotating and correcting the image. A calibrated image is then generated, and the calibrated image matches the image captured by the image capturing device at the preset angle.
US08643744B2 Image processing apparatus and image file management method
An image processing apparatus capable of storing as many number of image files as possible, while adding file names conforming to a file storage standard, and capable of making it easy for a user to browse the desired image file among a vast number of continuously photographed image files. When one or plural representative images are selected from among continuously photographed images, a control unit of a digital camera as the image processing apparatus stores the one or more selected representative images into a memory card after a file name conforming to the file storage standard is added to each representative image, and stores continuously photographed images other than the one or more representative images into the memory card after file names not conforming to the file storage standard are added to these images.
US08643742B2 Crosstalk filter in a digital image processing pipeline
A technique for applying a crosstalk filter to raw image sensor data in a digital image processing pipeline is disclosed. Raw image sensor data generated by an image sensor, where each pixel in the raw image sensor data includes an intensity value for only a single color channel of a plurality of possible color channels, is processed in the digital image processing pipeline. For each pixel of the raw image sensor data, a corrected intensity value is computed based on intensity values associated with one or more additional pixels of the raw image sensor data that neighbor the pixel.
US08643737B2 Mobile terminal and method for correcting a captured image
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling a mobile terminal are provided. The method includes displaying a camera preview image; detecting a face area from the camera preview image; if a button for capturing an image is manipulated, correcting an image captured by a camera using the detected face area and displaying the corrected captured image; and storing the corrected captured image.
US08643734B2 Automatic engagement of image stabilization
An image stabilized digital image capture device, comprising an image sensor for capturing a digital image; an optical system for imaging a scene onto the image sensor; an image stabilization system; an exposure control system; a memory system; and a processor. The processor is used to perform the steps of determining exposure settings using the exposure control system; selectively engaging the image stabilization system responsive to whether the determined exposure settings satisfy a predefined condition; capturing a digital image of a scene using the image sensor and the selectively engaged image stabilization system; and storing the captured digital image in the memory system.
US08643732B2 Image blur compensation device and imaging apparatus
An image blur compensation device detects the shake of an apparatus and compensates image blur by means of a mechanism for rotating an image sensor about an axis perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor. A rotary member for holding the image sensor is rotatably held by a base member. The rotary member and the base member are urged by a tension spring in a direction closer to each other, and a ball provided between the rotary member and the base member rotatably supports the rotary member in a state where the ball abuts against both the rotary member and the base member. The ball is arranged within a ball-receiving groove formed in the base member. The ball is brought into abutment against the abutment surface provided on the rotary member by an urging force of a tension spring.
US08643729B2 Image search device, image search method, and image search program
An image search device includes: a shooting unit configured to photographically shoot a subject; a display unit; a control unit configured to display a search key for image search on the display unit according to a shooting situation at the time of a shooting mode whereby the subject can photographically be shot by the shooting unit; a specifying unit which is used for specifying the search key displayed on the display unit; and a searching unit configured to search, in the event of the search key being specified via the specifying unit, an image based on the search key thus specified; with the control unit displaying, in the event of the image being searched by the searching unit, this search result on the display unit.
US08643727B2 Electronic device related to automatic time setting
An electronic device having a clock portion for counting time and having the time on the clock portion set based on time information acquired from outside has a notification portion that communicates information of the time counted by the clock portion to an external device via a physical line. Alternatively, an electronic device has a first clock portion counting time and an acquisition portion that acquires, from an external device having a second clock portion for counting time and having the time on the second clock portion set based on time information acquired from outside, information of the time counted by the second clock portion via a physical line, and the time on the first clock portion is set based on the information acquired by the acquisition portion.
US08643726B2 Test system and method for testing camera module having voice coil motor
A test system for testing a camera module is provided. The camera module includes a voice coil motor and a lens received in the voice coil motor. The test system includes a first focus activating unit, a second focus activating unit, and a timing unit. The first focus activating unit controls the voice coil motor to drive the lens to move from the initial position to the focusing position for achieving a first time focus and obtains a control signal. The second focus activating unit controls the voice coil motor to drive the lens to replace to the initial position and then move the lens from the initial position to the focusing position again for achieving a second time focus. The timing unit records a first moment when the lens is replaced to the initial position and a second moment when the lens is at the focusing position again.
US08643725B1 Method and system for validating video apparatus in an active environment
Method and system for validating video monitors, gauges, indicators and controls within their installed environment is disclosed. The methods do not require access to the electronic signals that control or stimulate those devices. Direct visual capture of the instruments under test is provided along with a novel sequence of operations to compare the present visual presentation to a known-good reference image and optionally, to known-bad reference images. When the method is applied to complex and interconnected systems, such as aircraft cockpits, tangible benefits are realized, including minimizing equipment removal and quicker fault isolation.
US08643716B1 Method and system for mobile steam leak detection
A method and system for steam leak detection. The method comprises obtaining real-time temperature data representing a heat dissipation of a steam pipe along a steam pipe route, processing the real-time temperature data in real-time to determine at least one indication of a potential steam leak based on the real-time temperature data and to generate a processed image for display, and displaying the processed image to depict the heat dissipation of the steam pipe.
US08643712B2 Image capturing device with waterproofing
An image capturing device with waterproofing, comprising a main body, a first sensing unit, and a pressure control module. The main body has a containing space for containing an electronic component set. The first sensing unit is disposed at the outside of the main body and used for sensing the pressure where the main body is located to obtain a first pressure value. The pressure control module is disposed in the containing space of the main body and electrically connected to the first sensing unit. By using a second pressure sensing unit to sense the pressure of the containing space, the pressure control module obtains a second pressure value and compares the relative deviation of the first pressure value and the second pressure value through a processing unit to adjust the inner pressure of the image capturing devices.
US08643711B2 Microscope comprising a camera connection and a camera adapter
A microscope comprising a camera connection in a image beam path is suggested. A camera adapter and a camera can be adapted to the camera connection, and the microscope can be used to reproduce the image of a sample on a sensor of the camera. Imaging of the beam path in the camera adapter comprises an intermediate imaging with a pupil plane having reduced beam diameter next to the pupil plane, and at least one optical means can be inserted into the reproduction beam path in the region of the reduced beam cross-section. An optical means or an interchangeable device comprising a plurality of optical means, such as filters, plane-parallel plates or wedge plate, is integrated into the pupil plane in the camera adapter.
US08643705B1 Multileveled television
A video or other kind of screen device form of multiple layers of pixels. The pixels in the different layers may be modified in order to form a 3-D effect. According to another embodiment, the lenses may be associated with different whalers of zoom in order to simulate a 3-D effect. The different layers may also be used as an additive with one another to reduce their output level. The different layers may also be used as backup layers, so that one layer can be used when another player fails.
US08643702B2 Camera arrangement, camera system and method
A camera arrangement comprising a 3 dimensional image capture portion arranged to capture a first stereoscopic image composed of a first and a second image and a further camera element spaced apart from the 3 dimensional capture portion, the further camera element arranged to capture a third image, whereby the third image, when viewed with either the first or second image forms a second stereoscopic image is described. A corresponding method and camera system is also described.
US08643701B2 System for executing 3D propagation for depth image-based rendering
A system is disclosed for executing depth image-based rendering of a 3D image by a computer having a processor and that is coupled with one or more color cameras and at least one depth camera. The color cameras and the depth camera are positionable at different arbitrary locations relative to a scene to be rendered. In some examples, the depth camera is a low resolution camera and the color cameras are high resolution. The processor is programmed to propagate depth information from the depth camera to an image plane of each color camera to produce a propagated depth image at each respective color camera, to enhance the propagated depth image at each color camera with the color and propagated depth information thereof to produce corresponding enhanced depth images, and to render a complete, viewable image from one or more enhanced depth images from the color cameras. The processor may be a graphics processing unit.
US08643700B2 3D content adjustment system
A 3D content adjustment system includes a processor. A camera is coupled to the processor. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium is coupled to the processor and the camera. The computer-readable medium includes a content adjustment engine including instructions that when executed by the processor receive viewer information from the camera, modify a plurality of original stereoscopic images using the viewer information to create a plurality of modified stereoscopic images, and output the plurality of modified stereoscopic images.
US08643696B2 Synchronizing media streams using time signal(s) from an independent time source
Techniques are described herein that synchronize media streams using time signal(s) from an independent time source. An independent time source is a time source that is independent from (i.e., that is not connected to) an asynchronous data network via which the media streams are transferred. In accordance with the techniques described herein, media server(s) transfer the media streams to client(s) via an asynchronous data network. The independent time source provides the time signal(s) to the media server(s) and/or the client(s). If the time signal(s) are provided to the media server(s), the media server(s) may provide timing information that is based on the timing signal(s) to the client(s). The client(s) use the timing information from the media server(s) and/or the timing signal(s) from the timing source to synchronize the media streams.
US08643695B2 Videoconferencing endpoint extension
In some embodiments, a primary endpoint may receive a request from an endpoint to begin a videoconference and/or may be managing a videoconference with an endpoint. The primary endpoint may determine whether to switch or direct conference communications from one or more endpoints in the videoconference or attempting to connect to the videoconference to a secondary endpoint and may communicate the instructions to the endpoint and/or secondary endpoint. In some embodiments, the primary endpoint may seamlessly pass one or more of the endpoints to the secondary endpoint such that participants in the videoconference may not be aware that a switch has been performed. In some embodiments, the primary endpoint may contact the secondary endpoint and may then pass endpoints to the secondary endpoint. The primary endpoint may also pass configuration information for the endpoints to the secondary endpoint.
US08643693B2 System and method for providing television video conferencing using a computing device
A system and method for providing television video conferencing using a remote computing device is disclosed. The system may comprise an input module of a media manager configured to receive an invite message from a video hub office (VHO) server to enter a video conferencing session with a remote computing device communicatively coupled to at least one of a set-top box and a television. The input module may also be configured to receive video data and audio data from a local input device. The system may comprise a processor module of a media manager configured to convert the video data into a video stream and the audio data into an audio stream and to combine the video stream and the audio stream to form at least one multimedia transport stream. The system may also comprise an output module of a media manager configured to transmit an acceptance of the invite message to the video hub office (VHO) server, and to transmit the multimedia transport stream to the remote computing device to establish the video conferencing session.
US08643692B2 Video conferencing utilizing a cable set-top box
Video conferencing using a set-top box in a cable television services system is provided. A video call may be received over a network connection from a calling party device at a receiving set-top box in the cable television services system. The video call may be displayed on a display device connected to the receiving set-top box.
US08643686B2 Variable rate fuser release fluid application
According to various illustrative embodiments, an apparatus, method, and system for variable rate fuser release fluid application are described. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a supply of release agent material. The apparatus also comprises a release agent metering roller supported for contact with the supply of the release agent material. The apparatus also comprises a variable speed drive arranged to effect movement of the release agent metering roller in an endless path at different surface velocities. The apparatus also comprises a donor roller supported in contact with the release agent metering roller and a fuser roller of a contact fuser, the donor roller arranged to convey release agent material from the release agent metering roller to the fuser roller at various rates depending on a surface velocity of the release agent metering roller, wherein the variable speed drive is operative independently of the fuser roller.
US08643685B2 Photoreceptor with a TFT backplane for xerography without a ROS system
Systems and methods are described that facilitate eliminating a need for a raster output scanner (ROS) or laser when generating a latent image on a photoreceptor. An addressable backplane is employed, comprising an array of field effect transistors (e.g., silicon or organic thin film transistors, or TFTs), wherein each TFT corresponds to a single pixel on a charge transport layer on the photoreceptor surface. Latent image formation is performed by forming a surface potential using corona charging, and then directing free charge carriers toward the photoreceptor surface to reduce electrostatic potential in areas that need to be toned. TFTs in the array are individually addressed, or selected, to connect to a common ground, which allows photodischarge to occur only in selected areas (e.g., pixels associated with the selected TFTs). Once the array of TFTs is addressed, an LED light source emits light over the surface of the photoreceptor, and only the selected (grounded) TFTs permit their associated pixels to discharge. In this manner, a latent image is formed without a need for a bulky and expensive ROS.
US08643684B2 Multi-layer plenoptic displays that combine multiple emissive and light modulating planes
A multi-planar plenoptic display assembly is provided that includes multiple spatially-varying light emitting and light modulating planes. The display assembly includes at least one light emitting device and may include, but does not require, a modulating device used in conjunction according to display methods taught herein to display light field data. A display assembly controller may be used to render a light field with depth into a multi-planar plenoptic display assembly by assigning decomposed portions of the light field to the display assembly for display or presentation by differing ones of the emitting elements and by operating a modulating device to provide a parallax barrier. In one embodiment, a dynamic parallax barrier and a number of bi-state screens. Another embodiment uses a beam splitter to co-locate two pairs of autostereoscopic displays each including a projector projecting 3D content, a parallax barrier, and an emissive/projector element.
US08643681B2 Color display system
A color display device including: at least one spatial light modulation element forming a display picture by modulated light obtained by modulating illumination light, a color sequential light generation device changing in a time series the illumination light or the modulated light into multiple groups of different color lights in one frame of a display period of the display picture, a control device controlling the spatial light modulator, and a color sequential light generation device based on the input picture data. The control device controls the spatial light modulator and the color sequential light generation device to change the ratio of the display time of each color of the reflected light time-shared in the display period of the frame depending on the character and/or the set value of the input picture data.
US08643680B2 Gaze-based content display
A user interface can enable a user to control the display of content in a way that is natural for the user and requires little physical interaction. The gaze direction and/or viewing location of a user can be determined using any of a variety of imaging or other such technologies. By determining the location at which the user is gazing, an electronic device can control aspects such as the scroll rate or page turns of displayed content. In many cases, a device utilizes the natural reading or viewing style of a user to determine appropriate aspects for that user, and can update automatically as conditions change based at least in part upon the change in gaze location and/or viewing patterns.
US08643675B2 Method and a system for interactive probing and annotating medical images using profile flags
A method (100) of and a system (800) for probing a data of interest on the basis of an object comprised in a related image data, includes an instantiating step (105) for instantiating a probe, an applying step (115) for applying the probe to a location on a surface of the object, and a determining step (120) for determining a profile from the data of interest on the basis of the location of the probe. The probe is a virtual tool for extracting information from the data of interest. This tool is navigated on the basis of a view rendered from the related image data. The probe further determines the scope of probing. Thus, the method (100) and the system (800) enable the user to extract the desired information from the data of interest.
US08643672B2 Instant message analytics of historical conversations in relation to present communication
Evaluating a delivered video using a marker. A marker can be generated to be superimposed and displayed on an evaluation range from coordinate values specifying the evaluation range input to evaluate the video and that adds the marker to the video and causing the video with the marker to be deliver. An image can be generated in the evaluation range at predetermined intervals starting from the input time of the coordinate values. A similarity between two images arranged in the order of time from the input time by comparing the two images can be calculated, and a determination can be made whether the similarity is within an allowable range. The time of one of the two images generated as an extinction time of the displayed marker can be selected when the similarity is determined to be not within the allowable range.
US08643671B2 Information processing apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium
In one example embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display device which displays a first image associated with a first observation target object. The first image has a first display range. In one example embodiment, the display device displays a second image associated with a second observation target object. The second image has a second display range. In one example embodiment, the information processing apparatus enables a user to change the first display range of the first image. In response to the first display range being changed, the information processing apparatus simultaneously changes the second display range of the second image.
US08643670B2 Collaborative mapboard system
The present invention provides a system for sharing mapped information between multiple maps, including maps in different media states, in an accurate fashion. The system comprises a transparent overlay for transferring the mapped information, an alignment device for consistently aligning the displayed maps relative to the transparent overlay, and a fastening mechanism for securing the transparent overlay to a mapboard. The system may also include a mapboard, an electronic mapboard, and a computer. The system enables a user to accurately share information added to a map, possibly a digital or paper map, by recording the information onto the transparent overlay. The transparent overlay may then be transferred to a different map, possibly displayed in a different media, where the transparent overlay accurately reflects the recorded information. The use of an alignment device for consistently aligning the displayed maps relative to the transparent overlay, both when the mapped information is being recorded and reflected, ensures the information transferred between the maps is reflected accurately.
US08643666B2 Stenciled layer peeling graphics processing
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for rendering an artwork comprising a plurality of surfaces, wherein the plurality of surfaces comprises a plurality of semi-transparent surfaces unsorted in depth. An identifier of the nearest semi-transparent surface may be determined and stored in a stencil count of a stencil buffer. The depth of the second nearest semi-transparent surface may be determined using a stencil test based on the stencil count to bypass the nearest semi-transparent surface. The second nearest semi-transparent surface may be rendered to an image buffer, and the nearest semi-transparent surface may be rendered to the image buffer.
US08643664B2 Gamut converting device and gamut converting method
A gamut converting device that applies gamut conversion to image data includes a signal converting unit that performs, when a negative value is included in an image signal value forming the image data, processing for converting the image signal value forming the image data to eliminate the negative value from the image signal value and a gamut converting unit that applies the gamut conversion to the image data, the image signal value of which is converted by the signal converting unit.
US08643663B2 Efficient radial gradient fills
Disclosed is a method of rendering a radial gradient blend defined by a gradient function. The method identifies respective first and second radial limits for a point of the radial gradient blend, the respective first and second radial limits having known blend values and receives an estimated value of the gradient function for the point. The method determines a direction from the estimated value to an ideal value, wherein the ideal value is a value of the gradient function for the point and modifies the estimated value, based on the direction of the ideal value. The method checks the ideal value is within a predetermined threshold of the estimated value and stores a determined blend value for the point by interpolating between the known blend values of the respective first and second radial limits on the basis of the modified estimated value of the gradient function, to render the radial gradient blend.
US08643658B2 Techniques for aligning frame data
Techniques are described that can used to synchronize the start of frames from multiple sources so that when a display is to output a frame to a next source, boundaries of current and next source are aligned. Techniques attempt to avoid visible glitches when switching from displaying a frame from a first source to displaying frames from a second source even though alignment is achieved by switching if frames that are to be displayed from the second source are similar to those displayed from the first source.
US08643656B2 Energy-aware task consolidation on graphics processing unit (GPU)
A method includes configuring a shared library, stored in a memory, to be loaded into applications to intercept graphics processing unit (GPU) computation requests for different types of workload kernals corresponding to the applications. The method further includes generating a power prediction and a performance prediction for at least one candidate kernel combination for execution on a GPU responsive to the GPU computations requests. The at least one candidate kernel combination pertains to at least two of the workload kernals. The method also includes rendering a decision of whether to execute the at least one candidate kernel combination or to execute the at least two of the workload kernals pertaining thereto separately, based on the power prediction and the performance prediction.
US08643652B2 Dynamic augmentation of extensible font subsets
A font subset is received that includes one or more glyphs of a master font which has a master ordering that establishes an order of precedence on the glyphs of the master font. When the font subset is received, one or more glyphs already exist in a consecutive sequence in an extensible data structure. In response to receiving the font subset, at least one existing glyph is repositioned in the extensible data structure and each received glyph of the received font subset is positioned in the extensible data structure. The repositioning of the at least one existing glyph and the positioning of each received glyph jointly establish a new consecutive sequential ordering on the glyphs in the extensible data structure, such that the new consecutive sequential ordering preserves on the glyphs in the extensible data structure the order of precedence established by the master ordering.
US08643650B1 System and method for approximating parametric curves using optimal number of segments
A system and method for approximating parametric curves may subdivide curves using a minimum number of subdivisions while meeting a given error tolerance. The method may include determining a subdivision point such that the maximum chord error on one side of the point is equal to the maximum chord error on the other side of the point, the chord error being the distance between the curve and a linear approximation thereof. These techniques may be applied recursively to sub-portions defined by the subdivision point if the maximum error is greater than a pre-determined error tolerance. The pre-determined error tolerance may be a default tolerance, or may be application-specific or user-configurable, in various embodiments. By subdividing a curve into fewer segments than conventional methods, the system and methods described herein may allow an alternate representation of the curve to be generated that includes less data than one generated using conventional methods.
US08643646B2 Constructing a cell-based cluster of data records of a scatter plot
To construct at least one cluster of data records of a scatter plot, cells representing the data records are placed in a visualization screen according to values of a first attribute and a second attribute of the data records. Visual indicators are assigned to the cells according to values of a third attribute of the data records. In response to detecting data records having a particular pair of first attribute and second attribute values, cells representing the data records having the particular pair of first attribute and second attribute values are placed in nearby positions according to similarity of values of the third attribute to form the at least one cluster of cells having similar visual indicators.
US08643641B2 System and method for periodic body scan differencing
System and method for periodic body scan differencing for detecting changes in surface and subsurface body scans over time. May include use of a scanner and a computer system configured to scan a portion of body at first point in time to yield first scan, scan the portion of the body at second point in time to yield second scan, difference the two scans to produce a morphological difference image, and display the morphological difference image. May utilize surface or subsurface scans. Any type of scanner may be utilized that scans to the desired resolution of morphological testing. Can morph scan(s), geometrically, visually or both, to account for age, weight or color differences that have occurred between scans. Can display morphological surface or subsurface differences between scans in multiple images or atlas view. Differences can be displayed independently or overlaid onto scan(s). Differences may be highlighted to make more readily viewable.
US08643635B2 Display device
A display device is driven through no wire cable such as an FPC, and a display image is continuously held for a certain period of time by storing an image signal received from a wireless communication device so that the display image can be held even when the display device is out of communication range with the wireless communication device. A display device includes at least a pixel circuit having an SRAM (static random access memory) circuit, a circuit which controls the pixel circuit, an antenna circuit, a circuit which generates a demodulation signal, a circuit which rectifies a wireless signal, a circuit which generates first voltage, a charge circuit which stores second voltage, a charge control circuit, a voltage supply control circuit, and a circuit which controls the charge control circuit and the voltage supply control circuit.
US08643634B2 Control apparatus and panel assembly comprising said control apparatus
A control apparatus and a panel assembly are provided. The panel assembly comprises a panel device and a control apparatus. The panel device includes a plurality of organic light emitting diodes and a power system. The control apparatus is configured to control the panel device and includes a drive circuit and an interface. The drive circuit is electrically connected to the panel and is configured to retrieve a parameter of the panel device. The interface is configured to transmit a signal comprising the parameter to the power system so that the power system drives the organic light emitting diodes of the panel under a voltage level determined by the parameter.
US08643633B2 Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, computer program, and storage medium
One frame period of image data is divided into a plurality of subframes and driven. A first subframe included in one frame and a second subframe following the first subframe are output at opposite polarities. The image data is output while switching a phase mode between a first mode of driving the first subframe at positive polarity and the second subframe at negative polarity and a second mode of driving the first subframe at negative polarity and the second subframe at positive polarity.
US08643632B2 Display device
A display device includes a display panel having an active area in which sub-pixels formed at crossing regions of data lines extending in a first direction and gate lines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction are arranged, and a non-active area outside of the active area. A driver supplies a drive signal to the gate and data lines in the display panel. Data links are extended in the first direction from the driver to supply a data signal to the data lines. Gate links are extended out from the driver and extended up to the active area in the first direction from the non-active area between the driver and the active area so as to supply a gate signal to the gate lines extending in the second direction. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or minimize the area of the non-active area and/or to improve an aperture ratio.
US08643628B1 Light-based proximity detection system and user interface
An electronic device, including a housing, a display mounted in the housing, a plurality of proximity sensors mounted in the housing near the edges of the display and directed outward from the display, for detecting presence of an object outside the display and near the edges of the display, and a processor mounted in the housing and coupled with the display and with the proximity sensors, for operating the device responsive to user activation of elements of a graphical user interface (GUI), the GUI including a displayed portion that is rendered by the processor on the display, and a virtual non-displayed portion that extends beyond the edges of the display, wherein the processor operates the device responsive to user activation of elements of the virtual portion of the GUI, based on the proximity sensors detecting presence of an object in the non-displayed portion of the GUI.
US08643626B2 Closed path capacitive position sensor
A capacitive position sensor for detecting the position of an object relative to a resistive sensing element. The sensing element comprises a sensing path that has terminals connected along it that subdivide the sensing path into multiple sections. Each terminal is coupled to its own sensing channel, each of which generates a signal that is sensitive to the capacitance between its terminal and a system ground. The signals are fed to a processor for analysis. The processor determines over which section the object is positioned by comparing the signals from the sensing channels, and determines the position of the object within that section by comparing the signals from the terminals spanning that section. The sensing path can be formed in a closed loop, such as a circle for a scroll dial, in which the operator's finger position and movement can be uniquely determined in a straightforward manner.
US08643620B2 Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes: a main module disposed in a main housing; a keyboard mounted on a mounting surface of the main housing and connected electrically to the main module; and a touch input unit mounted to the main housing and connected electrically to the main module. The touch input unit has first, second and third operating areas spaced apart from each other and exposed from the mounting surface of the main housing. The touch input unit generates an input signal corresponding to one touch point on any one of the first, second and third operating areas, and outputs the input signal to the main module such that the main module performs an operation corresponding to the input signal.
US08643619B2 Continuous time correlator architecture
An analog front end circuit utilizes coherent detection within a capacitance measurement application. The analog front end circuit uses coherent detection to measure capacitance of a touch screen display. An analog excitation signal is modulated by a capacitor to be measured. The modulated signal is synchronously demodulated using a correlator, which includes an integrated mixing and integration circuit. The correlator includes a programmable impedance element that generates a time-varying conductance according to a controlling digitized waveform.
US08643614B2 Touch-sensitive device and touch-sensitive display device
A touch-sensitive device includes a transparent substrate, a touch-sensing structure, a decorative layer, a trace layer, a passivation layer and a sheltering layer. The touch-sensing structure is disposed on the transparent substrate and located in a touch-sensitive region. The decorative layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and located in a non-touch-sensitive region, and the trace layer is disposed on the decorative layer. The passivation layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and at least covers the touch-sensing structure and the trace layer. The sheltering layer is disposed at least on the passivation layer and located in the non-touch-sensitive region.
US08643613B2 Method and device for dual-differential sensing
A method and device for dual-differential sensing is disclosed. The sensing information can be generated from signals provided by a sensing device with a plurality of sensors. Each value of the sensing information corresponds to signals of three sensors, respectively. The sensing device is flexible and configured on a display. The noise effect of the display on the signal of each sensor corresponds to the distance between the display and the sensor. Besides, the noise effect of the display on each value of the sensing information corresponds to the distances between the display and the three sensors, respectively.
US08643611B2 Mobile terminal and method for controlling operation of the same
A mobile terminal including at least two display regions is provided. A moving image that is being reproduced on a first display region of the mobile terminal or a still image that is being displayed on the first display region can be enlarged and reproduced or displayed on a second display region. Accordingly, the user can easily check (or view) moving or still images included in a webpage screen displayed on the first display region.
US08643609B2 Multi-touch sensing circuit
A multi-touch sensing includes a voltage-current converter converting an input voltage into a current. A touch sensing block senses touch of an object. An amplifier includes a first input terminal connected to an output terminal of the voltage-current converter and to a first terminal of the touch sensing block. A second input terminal of the amplifier is grounded. An output terminal of the amplifier is connected to a second terminal of the touch sensing block.
US08643607B2 Touch panel and manufacturing method of the same
A touch panel includes a first support, a second support, a first resistive layer formed on the first support, a second resistive layer formed on the second support, a first conductor pattern including a first electrode portion that extends in a first direction, and a first end portion and a second end portion opposite thereto, a second conductor pattern including a second electrode portion that extends in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and a first end portion and a second end portion opposite thereto, a first structure layer that is formed on the first resistive layer adjacently to the first end portion of the first conductor pattern, and has a thickness that is gradually reduced in proportion to a distance from the first end portion, and a bonding layer including a first bonding surface and a second bonding surface.
US08643605B2 Gesture based document editor
A method for editing objects on a device comprising forming a first path on a touch screen with a pointing device. The first path at least partially encloses an object. The at least partially enclosed object is automatically selected. A second path is formed at a predetermined area on the touch screen with the pointing device. The second path activates an editing operation.
US08643603B2 Key pad and key pad assembly
Disclosed are a keypad and a keypad assembly for providing increased flexibility. The disclosed keypad includes a base film having button parts formed on the base film, a light guide layer into which light is guided, and electronic paper which is illuminated by light emitted from the light guide layer, and displays at least one symbol, wherein the electronic paper includes metal areas corresponding to the button parts and non-metal areas disposed between the metal areas so as to provide flexibility for the electronic paper. The flexibility of the electronic paper, which can be achieved by the keypad and the keypad assembly, improves the click-feeling to a user when the button parts are pressed.
US08643602B2 Device and method for performing optical navigation without using lenses
An optical navigation device and method for performing optical navigation uses an optically transparent flexible film, which is positioned over a sensor that includes an image sensor array, to allow the image sensor array to receive imaging light from a target surface that is produced in response to illumination light emitted into the target surface from a light source. The imaging light from the target surface is received at the image sensor array of the sensor to capture frames of image data of the target surface. The frames of image data are then compared to estimate relative displacements between the target surface and the image sensor array.
US08643600B2 Computer mouse having illuminating function
A mouse includes a casing, a light, a switch, and a supporting device. The casing includes a base plate and a top cover covering the base plate. The top cover defines a receiving hole. The switch is electrically connected to the light and used to turn the light on and off. The supporting device is movably accommodated in the receiving hole and supports the light. The supporting device is capable of moving out of the receiving hole.
US08643598B2 Image processing apparatus and method, and program therefor
An image processing apparatus includes an extracting unit configured to extract a feature point from a captured image; a recognizing unit configured to recognize a position of the feature point; a display control unit configured to perform control, based on the position of the feature point, to display a feature-point pointer indicating the feature point; and an issuing unit configured to issue, based on the position of the feature point, a command corresponding to the position of the feature point or a motion of the feature point.
US08643597B2 Display apparatus, control method thereof, and display system with automatic image orientation adjustment
A display apparatus including a communication port to communicate with an external source, an on screen display (OSD) generator to generate an OSD menu, and a display panel to display the OSD menu thereon, the display apparatus further including a pivot sensor to sense a pivoting angle of the display panel, and output data corresponding to the pivoting angle when the display panel is pivoted, and a controller to set an OSD displaying direction of the OSD generator according to the data about the pivoting angle from the pivot sensor, and transmit the data relating to the pivoting angle to the external source through the communication port.
US08643594B2 Display device
A display device with a touch pad function is provided which reduces the elements required to form a photo sensor while still accurately detecting input coordinate positions. The display device includes a display part on which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix array, a plurality of photo detection circuits which are arranged in a matrix array in the inside of the display part, wherein each photo detection circuit of the plurality of photo detection circuits includes: a photo sensor which converts an incident light into a optical current corresponding to intensity of the incident light, an integral capacitance which integrates the optical current converted by the photo sensor, and a comparator to which a voltage of the integral capacitance is inputted, and the comparator includes a transistor of an open drain output type with a grounded source.
US08643593B2 Method and apparatus of compensating image in a backlight local dimming system
An apparatus compensates image in a backlight local dimming system for estimating pixels of the image after backlight spreading of a plurality of backlight sources in the backlight local dimming system. The apparatus includes a block dimming value decision unit, a quality/power-saving priority decision unit, a temporal filter, a backlight spread approximation unit, and an image compensation unit. The block dimming value decision unit calculates an average value, a maximum value and a initial value for each image block. The quality/power-saving priority decision unit generates a backlight control signal based on the average value, the initial value, and two thresholds. The temporal filter adaptively generates a backlight pulse width modulation signal based on the backlight control signal. The backlight spread approximation unit generates a backlight spread image based on the backlight pulse width modulation signal. The image compensation unit compensates the image based on the backlight spread image.
US08643592B2 Light sensing circuit, backlight control apparatus having the same, and liquid crystal display device having the same
A light sensing circuit capable of enhancing a reliability by lowering a dependency on a temperature change without using a resistor, a backlight control apparatus having the same, and an LCD device having the same. The light sensing circuit includes a first MOS-transistor; and a second MOS-transistor serially connected to the first MOS-transistor between a first power terminal and a ground terminal, in which a second power terminal is connected to each gate terminal of the first MOS-transistor and the second MOS-transistor, and an optical amount detecting terminal is connected to a common connection point between a drain terminal of the first MOS-transistor and a source terminal of the second MOS-transistor.
US08643591B2 Display device and driving method thereof
In the respect of an electrical characteristic of a transistor, a channel size W/L of a transistor is preferably designed small in order to decrease an effect of a variation in threshold voltage, while the channel size W/L is preferably designed large in order to widen a saturation region as an operation region of the transistor in the respect of characteristic of a light emitting element. Thus, decreasing an effect of a variation in threshold voltage and widening a saturation region in order not to reduce luminance due to a degradation of the light emitting element are in the relation of trade-off. According to the invention, a current capacity of a driving transistor is increased so as to operate in a wide saturation region. A lighting period control circuit is provided in each pixel for changing a lighting period of each pixel separately. Another configuration of the invention includes a plurality of transistors, for example a first driving transistor and a second driving transistor, and a lighting period control circuit for controlling a lighting period of the light emitting element in each pixel.
US08643585B2 Data driver including a front-stage and post-stage level shifter
A data driver includes two data processing circuits for respectively providing positive and negative pixel voltages according to first and second pixel data, and a multiplexer circuit including multiplexer units. Each multiplexer unit has first and second input terminals respectively receiving the positive and negative pixel voltages, and an output terminal coupled to a data line. A first switching device has first and second switches serially coupled between the first input and output terminals. A node between the first and second switches is selectively grounded via a third switch. A second switching device has fourth and fifth switches serially coupled between the second input and output terminals. A node between the fourth and fifth switches is selectively grounded via a sixth switch. When the first and second switches turn on, the sixth switch turns on. When the fourth and fifth switches turn on, the third switch turns on.
US08643584B2 Gate drive circuit and display apparatus having the same
A gate drive circuit includes a plurality of stages connected one after another to each other. Each of the stages includes a charging section, a driving section, a discharging section, a holding section and a holding control section. The driving section pulls up a high level of a first clock signal to output a gate signal. The discharging section discharges a voltage potential of a first node to a first off-voltage. The holding section holds a voltage potential of the first node to the first off-voltage. The holding control section receives the first clock signal and a second clock signal. The holding control section holds a voltage potential of the holding section to a second off-voltage through a second node in accordance with the second clock signal to prevent floating of the holding section.
US08643583B2 Display device
To provide an active matrix display device in which power consumption of a signal line driver circuit can be suppressed, so that power consumption of the entire memory can be suppressed. A plurality of memory circuits which can write data of a video signal input to a pixel in one line period and can hold the data are provided in a signal line driver circuit of a display device. Then, the data held in each memory circuit is input to a pixel of a corresponding line as a video signal. By providing two or more memory circuits in a driver circuit, pieces of data of video signals corresponding to two or more line periods can be concurrently held in the memory circuits.
US08643582B2 Driving apparatus for liquid crystal display
A driving apparatus for a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided. The driving apparatus includes a plurality of data driving ICs and a control board. The data driving ICs are used for receiving and transmitting a clock signal, a plurality of data signals and a first reference voltage from the 1st data driving IC to the last data driving IC in series. The control board is used for providing the clock signal, the data signals and the first reference voltage, and changing the first reference voltage received by each data driving IC according to a variation of the clock signal and the data signals transmitted between the data driving ICs, so that the operation frequency of the data driving ICs is unrestricted.
US08643577B2 Repairing method and structure of display electrode
A display electrode structure and the repairing method thereof are described. The display electrode structure includes a display electrode and at least one opening formed on the display electrode and extending toward the inside of the display electrode so as to easily repair a display electrode defect thereon. The display electrode repairing method uses a laser beam to cut a display electrode from the opening and along the metal line to separate the display electrode from an adjacent display electrode so as to remove a short circuit between the display electrode and the adjacent display electrode.
US08643576B2 Pixel circuit driving method, light emitting device, and electronic apparatus
A method of driving a plurality of pixel circuits. The pixel circuits are disposed corresponding to intersections between a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of signal lines. Each of the pixel circuits includes: a light emitting element; a driving transistor; a holding capacitor; and a selection switch electrically interconnecting the signal line and the gate of the driving transistor at the time of the selection of the scanning line. The method includes: supplying a gradation potential to each signal line during a first period, selecting the scanning line during a second period, and supplying the gradation potential to the gate of the driving transistor; controlling the driving transistor of each of the pixel circuits to be in an ON state, supplying a reference potential to the gate of the corresponding driving transistor, and executing a first compensation operation and supplying driving current to the light emitting element.
US08643574B2 Imaging device
To determine a deterioration and maintain a high-quality image without unevenness of brightness by performing a precise correction, a detection scanning line for selecting a pixel which detects a deterioration of a pixel, a detection line for informing the outside of the display area of the property of a pixel selected for detecting the deterioration, a deterioration determination means for determining a deterioration amount based on a voltage corresponding to a current detected by the detection line, and a deterioration correction means (computation circuit) for reflecting the determination result of the deterioration determination means in image data supplied to the pixel, are provided.
US08643573B2 Electro-optical apparatus and method of driving the electro-optical apparatus
The invention provides an electro-optical apparatus that can prevent a shift in a threshold voltage of an amorphous silicon transistor while driving an organic EL device in a pixel circuit including the amorphous silicon transistor. A characteristic-adjustment circuit can be provided, which has a function of returning a shift in the threshold voltage of the amorphous silicon transistor included in the pixel circuit to the original state.
US08643569B2 Tools for use within a three dimensional scene
Tools for use within a 3D scene. The 3D scene may be presented by at least one display, which includes displaying at least one stereoscopic image of the 3D scene by the display(s). The 3D scene may be presented according to a first viewpoint. User input may be received to the 3D scene using one or more tools. The 3D scene may be updated in response to the use of the one or more tools.
US08643566B2 Broadband multi-tap antenna
An antenna system comprises a plurality of conductors, a combiner, and a plurality of loads. The combiner has an output port. The plurality of loads connects the plurality of conductors to each other in line. The plurality of loads has an impedance equal to a desired impedance for the output port. The combiner combines power received by the plurality of loads at the output port of the combiner.
US08643565B2 Low-profile antenna and feed structure
An antenna subsystem includes an antenna and a radio frequency (RF) feed structure. The antenna subsystem includes a signal layer, a ground plane layer, and a middle layer arranged therebetween. The RF feed includes a substrate, a port, and a conductive layer. The port is arranged and configured for selective coupling with a transmission line. A conductive layer includes a first portion electrically connected to the port, which transfers an RF signal between the transmission line and a signal layer. The conductive layer also includes a second portion electrically connected to the port, which electrically couples a ground conductor of the transmission line to the ground plane.
US08643563B2 Antenna with EMI shelter
An antenna with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shelter is disclosed, which comprises: an EMI shelter, mounted on a substrate while covering the same; a radiation unit; an induction current steering unit, disposed at a position between the EMI shelter and the radiation unit; and a signal feed-in unit, electrically connected with the radiation unit; wherein, the induction current generated by the radiation unit when it is activating is guided to the EMI shelter through the guidance of the induction current steering unit, and then to be feed into a ground connection (GND), thereby, preventing the operation of radio circuit elements that are mounted on the substrate from being interfered by the electric wave resulting from the induction current. With the aforesaid configuration, not only the EMI effect can be significantly suppressed and the overall manufacturing cost of the antenna can be effectively reduced, but also the signal transmission efficiency is improved.
US08643557B2 Antenna apparatus and radio communication apparatus
An antenna apparatus and a radio communication apparatus are capable of separately controlling a resonance frequency in a basic mode and a resonance frequency in a higher mode and have a wide bandwidth in which the resonance frequency in the basic mode is variable. The antenna apparatus includes a feeding electrode 2, a loop-shaped radiation electrode 3, a capacitance portion 4, and inductors 5 and 6. The capacitance portion 4 is formed by a gap between an open end 3a of the loop-shaped radiation electrode 3 and the feeding electrode 2. The inductor 5 is disposed at a position where a large current is obtained in the basic mode and a small current is obtained in the higher mode. The inductor 6 is disposed at a position where a large current is obtained in the higher mode and a small current is obtained in the basic mode.
US08643556B2 Receiving aerial for circularly polarized radio signals
Aerial for the reception of circularly polarized satellite radio signals comprising at least one substantially horizontally oriented conductor loop arranged over a conductive base surface, having an assembly for electromagnetic excitation of the conductor loop connected to an aerial connection. The conductor loop is designed as a loop emitter by a polygonal or circularly closed loop extending in a horizontal plane of height h above the conductive base surface. The loop emitter forms a resonant structure and is electrically excited by the electromagnetic exciter in such a way that on the loop the current distribution of a travelling line wave occurs in one direction of rotation only, of which the phase difference over one revolution is M*2π, where M is an integer and has at least a value of M=2. To facilitate the vertically oriented fractions of the electromagnetic field, there is at least one emitter which extends vertically at the circumference of the loop emitter and to the conductive base surface and which is electromagnetically coupled to both the loop emitter and the electrically conductive base surface. The height h is lower than ⅕ of the free-space wavelength λ.
US08643552B2 Receiver with plurality of antenna
The receiver diversity-receives radio wave with a plurality of antennas. The receiver includes a conductive case having a receiving section for executing diversity-receiving processing, a first through hole and a second through hole that are disposed on the surface of the same side of the case and penetrate the case from the outside to the inside, a first antenna and a second antenna for supplying a received signal to the receiving section, and a first hinge and a second hinge that are fixed to the inside of the case, pass the first through hole and the second through hole, directly or indirectly support the first antenna and the second antenna, and are movable, respectively. A partition is disposed between the first through hole and the second through hole.
US08643549B2 Multi-resonant antenna
A multi-resonant antenna having three independent resonance characteristics for three frequency bands includes a first electrode having an open end formed on the top surface of a dielectric substrate of a rectangular plate shape so as to extend from a feeding portion in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) along the periphery of the rectangular area; a second electrode having an open end and extending from the feeding portion in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) along the periphery of the rectangular area; and a third electrode positioned such that an open end of the third electrode is closer to the open end of the first electrode than to the open end of the second electrode, and such that the open end of the third electrode is closer to the open end of the first electrode than to a midsection (i.e., half the length) of the first electrode in the longitudinal direction thereof.
US08643547B2 Antenna pattern frame, method and mold for manufacturing the same, electronic device case having antenna pattern frame embedded therein, and method for manufacturing the same
An antenna pattern frame includes an antenna radiator receiving an external signal and transmitting the received external signal to an electronic device, a radiator frame having the antenna radiator on a surface thereof, and a guide boss protruding from the radiator frame and preventing the radiator frame from moving vertically in a mold for manufacturing an electronic device case having an inner space having a shape corresponding to that of an electronic device case.
US08643544B2 Location obtained by combining last known reliable position with position changes
Location of a wireless communication device is determined by a combination of geolocation and a detection of augmenting data such as acceleration and/or speed over time measurements. A last known terrestrial navigation fix is established based on reliable terrestrial navigation or GPS data. A zone of valid location fixes based on the last known terrestrial navigation fix and an output of a rate detection circuit can be established. A weighted average is taken of using independent location measurement and detected location using last known reliable position plus change in position by integrating position changes over time.
US08643542B2 Method for self-calibration of frequency offsets
A method for self-calibration of frequency offsets in a measurement equipment of an interference monitoring system is provided. The method involves sampling I/Q data using the interference monitoring system measurement equipment and acquiring satellite navigation signals from the I/Q data. A carrier frequency of the satellite navigation signal is estimated and an expected carrier frequency of the satellite navigation signal is calculated. The expected carrier frequency of the satellite navigation signal is compared with the estimated carrier frequency of the satellite navigation signal and a frequency offset value is calculated as the difference between the expected and estimated carrier frequencies of the satellite navigation signal. The frequency offset value is stored in a memory and used to compensate the frequency offset of at least one subsequent measurement.
US08643539B2 Advance manufacturing monitoring and diagnostic tool
The current invention relates to a monitoring and analysis device and a method for monitoring and analysis that utilizes the unintended electromagnetic emissions of electrically powered systems. The present invention monitors electrical devices by taking detailed measurements of the electromagnetic fields emitted by any component or system utilizing electricity. The measurements will be analyzed to both record a baseline score for future measurements and to be used in detailed analysis to determine the status of the analyzed system or component.
US08643538B2 Near field electromagnetic location system and method
A system and method for determining a position of a locus comprising a locator device for disposition at the locus; the locator device configured for receiving an electromagnetic signal from a beacon device, the locator device receiving at a distance from the beacon device within near field range of the electromagnetic signal; the locator device configured for distinguishing at least two characteristics of the electromagnetic signal sensed at the locus; the system employing the at least two characteristics to effect the determining of the position of the locus.
US08643535B2 Radar device
A radar device capable of removing noise signals before digital conversion and detecting an object with high precision by a simple configuration is provided. In a transmitting RF unit 110, a signal switch 141 is switched so that the noise signal generated by the operation of a first switch 111 passes through a signal delaying device 142. The signal switch 141 is switched so that the noise signal generated by the operation of a second switch 112 passes through a signal delaying device 143. Furthermore, the signal switch 141 is switched so that a baseband pulse signal obtained when the first switch 111 and the second switch 112 are operated at the same time passes through a signal delaying device 144. In a signal synthesizer 145, synthesizing is carried out so that the noise signals mixed in pulse signals are cancelled out.
US08643530B2 Apparatus for radar target cloaking using polyhedral conducting mesh
An apparatus for interfering with and canceling electromagnetic reflections from a conducting object such as a solid or hollow conducting sphere. The reflection of an incident electromagnetic wave from a conducting sphere can be reduced or cancelled by placing a polyhedral conducting mesh (PCM) around the conducting sphere. The incident EM wave induces electric fields in the region between the conducting mesh and the internal conducting sphere. These induced electric fields may interfere with and in some cases may completely cancel the incident EM wave and thus reduce reflection. The PCM can be tuned to reduce or cancel reflection of incident EM waves at one or more specific frequencies.
US08643528B1 Analog-to-digital converter
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) comprises a plurality of time-interleaved integrating ADCs having feedback from an integrated output signal. In variations, the time-interleaved integrating ADCs have feedback compensation from at least one measure of quantization error. The time-interleaved integrating ADCs may also share a single comparator and may also share a single current source.
US08643523B1 Sharing embedded ADC resources across hardware and software sample-conversion queues with improved availability of the resources
An apparatus for sharing embedded analog-to-digital conversion resources across multiple hardware and software sample conversation queues includes an analog front end, a least one FIFO buffer, a plurality of configuration registers and a sequencer. The sequencer admits a higher priority hardware stepping sequence until the higher priority stepping sequence is completed. After completion, the apparatus reverts to completing pending conversions.
US08643522B2 Multichannel analog to digital converter apparatus and method for using
A system including a sample-and-hold circuit for receiving a plurality of analog input signals; an analog-to-digital converter for converting each of the analog inputs to a digital signal; and a processor configured for implementing fractional delay recovery for the analog-to-digital converter. In some embodiments, the fractional delay recovery includes converting each of the plurality of analog input signals to a digital version in the predetermined order; upsampling each digital version in the predetermined order; digitally filtering each upsampled value in the predetermined order; and downsampling each filtered value in the predetermined order.
US08643520B1 Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) current cell with shadow differential transistors for output impedance compensation
An equalized-impedance shadowed current cell can be arrayed in a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) or other converters or applications. The Equalized-impedance shadowed current cell has primary differential transistors in parallel with shadow differential transistors that have gates driven inversely to gates of the primary differential transistors. A shadow current from the shadow differential transistors is much smaller than a primary current switched by the primary differential transistors. Cell current is not switched off to zero but to the shadow current. The ON state and OFF state impedances of the current cell may be matched during circuit design so that the impedance is the same regardless of digital input values. The Width and Length of the shadow differential transistors are adjusted so that overall output impedances for the ON and OFF states of the current cell are matched. Since output impedance is input code independent, high-speed performance is improved.
US08643518B2 Calibration of time constants in a continuous-time delta-sigma converter
A circuit for calibrating selective coefficients of a delta-sigma modulator is provided. The circuit includes a calibration logic module that is coupled to one of a plurality of stages of the delta-sigma modulator. The calibration logic module measures the oscillating frequency of a respective stage and compares it to a reference frequency. The calibration logic adjusts a selective circuit component associated with the respective stage so that the reference frequency and the oscillating frequency match.
US08643516B1 Parallel-to-serial converter
A method for converting parallel data having a certain word size to serial data, comprises the steps of: loading a first segment of a word of the parallel data into a shift register having a first size, and inputting remaining segments of the word into two or more multiplexers connected in series for selecting a next segment of the word; selecting the next segment of the word to load into the shift register; shifting out the loaded segment of the word in the shift register as serial data output; loading the selected next segment of the word into the shift register; and repeating the selecting, shifting, and loading the next segment steps until all the remaining segments of the word have been shifted as serial data output.
US08643515B2 Compressing data using an encoding table
A method for compressing a data stream includes transforming a data stream into a transformed data stream of referencing symbols and other data elements, the referencing symbols representing a data sequence identical to a data sequence in a reference data block; and encoding the referencing symbols by replacing them with codewords according to an encoding scheme, the transformed stream includes at least one control symbol indicating a change between a portion of the transformed data stream containing a sequence of the other data elements and a portion of the transformed data stream containing a sequence of the codewords for the referencing symbols, the location of the control symbol within the transformed data stream defines the end of the respective portion of the transformed data stream, the encoding scheme providing at least one codeword associated to one of the referencing symbols is longer than a codeword representing the control symbol.
US08643512B2 Electronic device and method for managing bus services
An electronic device and method for managing bus services includes a determination of a target bus route according to destination information input by a passenger, and a generation of riding information. A bus of the target bus route approaching a current bus stop where the passenger is located is determined to be a target bus. The riding information is sent to the target bus, and carrying information is received from the target bus. If the target bus has available passenger capacity to carry the passenger, a request message is sent to the target bus, to request a driver of the target bus to stop at the current bus stop. A notification is outputted to notify the passenger that the target bus is approaching the current bus stop.
US08643510B2 Vehicle key
A vehicle key for radio communication with a vehicle. The vehicle key has a radio transmitter for transmitting radio signals to the vehicle. The vehicle key has a radio receiver and/or audio receiver to be able to locate the vehicle within close range. A bidirectional communication with a transceiver of the vehicle is set up by the radio receiver and/or the audio receiver and the radio transmitter. Furthermore, a corresponding method for locating the vehicle by using the vehicle key is described.
US08643509B1 Methods and systems for providing sloshing alerts and advisories
A method is described for providing an alert when the motion of a ship indicates a potential of sloshing damage from liquid cargo being transported by the ship. The method includes calculating, with a processing device, a natural period for the tanks holding the liquid cargo based on the configuration and fill levels of the tanks, receiving, at the processing device, data describing the actual or predicted motion of the ship with respect to three orthogonal axes, determining, with the processing device, a proximity of the natural period of the tanks to a period defined by the actual or predicted motion of the ship, and providing an alert to a user if the proximity in periods is within a threshold value.
US08643508B2 Avionics device, systems and methods of display
The present general inventive concept relates to methods and systems to select and display information on an avionics display screen. The systems and methods allow for the selection and display of information using knobs to highlight and select the desired information for display, eliminating the need for a cursor function. The systems and methods also provide for multiple pages and/or multiple windows or “tiles” within these pages and/or windows simultaneously on a single screen of a display, with each window, page, and/or tile being fully controlled independently when selected. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to provide multiple cues on an electronic display system altitude tape to a pilot in advance and impending approach to a predefined altitude. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to employ variable resolution topographical data based on display range for an avionics navigation display.
US08643507B2 Vehicle-based threat detection system
A vehicle-based threat detection system (10) for detecting weapons in a vehicle includes at least one sensor (12) in a cargo holding area of the vehicle. The sensor (12) is connected to at least one detector (14) that detects presence of a weapon in the cargo holding area. A warning system (16) is capable of communicating detection of a weapon to a location remote from the cargo holding area.
US08643505B2 Host vehicle with externally perceivable cruise control indicating device
A host vehicle includes a cruise control system and an externally perceivable indicating device. The cruise control system is configured to selectively synchronize speed control of the host vehicle with at least one other vehicle. The cruise control system includes a relative position detecting device configured to determine position of the at least one second vehicle relative to the host vehicle, a vehicle speed control device, and a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device. The externally perceivable indicating device is configured to provide an indication of the operating status of the cruise control system.
US08643504B2 Power distribution unit
A power distribution device includes a chassis, a power input, and power brick bays for receiving, and delivering power to, power bricks. Each power brick bay includes a power adapter for providing power to a power brick.
US08643502B2 Connector capable of showing charging status
The present invention is a novel connector capable of showing charging status without turning on the device under charge. The connector contains a casing, a connection element, and a status indication member. The connection element is configured at a lateral side of the casing for connecting a device to be charged. The status indication member contains a current measurement unit, a first indication element, and a second indication element. The current measurement unit is electrically connected to the connection element and a cable. The first and second indication elements are electrically connected to the current measurement unit and exposed out of a front side of the casing. By the indication elements' lighting pattern, the user can determine how much full the device under charge is.
US08643492B2 Encapsulated RFID tags and methods of making same
Encapsulated radio frequency identification (RFID) articles having enhanced break strength and/or temperature resistance and methods of making these articles. The RFID articles include an RFID tag embedded within a thermoplastic substrate to form the RFID article. In one embodiment, the RFID article includes an over-molded barrier material that enables the RFID article to have enhanced temperature resistance such that the articles are able top sustain repeated exposure to high temperatures and/or sterilization procedures, thereby enabling the RFID articles to be utilized in applications heretofore unavailable. In other embodiments, the RFID articles are made using an injection molding process that provides very thin encapsulated RFID tags that also exhibit an increased level of temperature resistance.
US08643491B2 Articles containing chipless radio frequency identification elements
A container comprising a body having embedded therein a plurality of chipless radio frequency identification elements. The chipless radio frequency identification elements comprises a plurality of categories of resonant elements. The resonant elements can be utilized in a system having a binary code feature. The combination of different resonant elements can be read and translated to identify the features of a particular product. The container can be prepared by compounding moldable compositions with the resonant elements and molding the moldable compositions containing the resonant elements into the final product. The invention also provides a system and a method for reading the binary code provided by the chipless radio frequency identification elements.
US08643488B2 Physical finite element model
A plurality of RFIDs is installed on aircraft or other structure. The RFIDs can query one another upon original installation and in response to predetermined event detection, and determine their relative locations within a mesh. The determined location data and other information are stored within the respect memories of the RFIDs. The stored data can be later accessed and used in analyzing damage or structural failure of the aircraft. Corrective measures are thus expedited because before-and-after structural comparisons can be readily made, with or without reference to original engineering data for the aircraft.
US08643485B2 Method and apparatus for suppressing duplicate alarms
A method and apparatus for ignoring a duplicated alarm in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, at least one alarm message associated with at least one event is received. A determination of whether the at least one event exists in a database is subsequently made. The at least one event is recorded in the database if the at least one event does not exist in the database. Conversely, the at least one alarm message is suppressed if the at least one event exists in the database.
US08643479B1 Wearable charms for use with a wireless client device and method of using the same
The disclosure relates to a tactile messaging system configured to send tactile messages between users. The system may be configured so a first user may input tactile information into a first wearable tactile user device and a second user may receive sensory output from a second tactile user device that corresponds to the tactile information entered by the first user into the first tactile user device. This may allow users to communicate by touch, without having to manually enter electronic input information into the system.
US08643477B2 Programming a universal remote control via direct interaction
A method and system for programming a universal remote control (URC) to operate with a remote-controlled device is disclosed. A user may be instructed to operate a control element of an original remote control (ORC) of the remote-controlled device. The control element of the ORC may be operated with consumer-premises equipment of the MCDN, which receives a code associated with the control element. The code may be used to identify the remote-controlled device and obtain corresponding programming codes. The URC may be configured to use at least one of the programming codes to remotely control the remote-controlled device.
US08643475B1 Radio frequency identification secret handshakes
An approach for defending radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and other contactless cards against ghost-and-leech (a.k.a. proxying, relay, or man-in-the-middle) attacks incorporates gesture recognition techniques directly implemented with the RFID tags or contactless cards. These tags or cards will only engage in wireless communications when they internally detect “secret handshakes.” A secret handshake recognition system is implemented on a passive WISP RFID tag having a built-in accelerometer. This approach is backward compatible with existing deployments of RFID tag and contactless card readers and is also designed to minimize the changes to the existing usage model of certain classes of RFID and contactless cards, such as access cards that are kept in a wallet or purse, by enabling execution of secret handshakes without removing the card. This novel approach can also improve the security and privacy properties in other uses of RFID tags, e.g., contactless payment cards.
US08643474B2 Computer with RFID interrogator
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for a computer with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. A system includes a processor, a store of codes representing goods and services cross-referenced to supplemental information, a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator, an input/output tag (IO), and a memory including a process that matches a received code from the RFID interrogator to a code in the store of codes and to display supplemental information of a good or service on the IO tag.
US08643473B2 Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method
There is provided a signal processing apparatus, including a first antenna to perform non-contact communication with a reader writer, a second antenna installed adjacent to the first antenna to perform the non-contact communication with a non-contact communication apparatus, a metal body that is arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna and blocks a magnetic field between the first antenna and the second antenna, an amplification unit that amplifies a carrier wave by using at least external power supplied from an external power supply, a modulation unit that modulates the carrier wave, and a load modulation unit that changes an impedance of the first antenna.
US08643472B2 Locating a backscatter-based transponder
A method and apparatus for locating a transponder is provided. A carrier signal is transmitted by a base station and a transponder transmits a locating signal that is generated through phase modulation and backscattering of the carrier signal sent by the base station when the transponder is within a transmission range of the base station, whereby the transponder is located on the basis of the locating signal.
US08643464B2 Liquid-cooled resistor device
A liquid-cooled resistor device including a block having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a cavity. The cavity is provided with a liquid flow path between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. The cavity can have an open side which is closed by a thermally conductive, electrically insulating flat layer. The flat layer can further support a flat resistor, the main plane of each being in parallel. The device can further include an electrically insulating blocking plate, fastenable to the block. The blocking plate can face the resistor to block the resistor on the flat layer. The device can also include a elastic pressing device positioned and configured to force the flat layer against the resistor.
US08643455B2 Coil component
As an embodiment, a pair of first conductive films 12, 13 are formed from the side face to the bottom face of the sheet part 11a of a magnetic core 11, and one end 14b of the conductive wire of the coil 14 and the other end 14c of the conductive wire are joined to the side faces 12a, 13a of the first conductive films 12, 13, respectively. Also, as an embodiment, the joined parts 14b1, 14c1 are sandwiched by the side faces 12a, 13a of the first conductive films 12, 13 and the part 15a of the magnetic sheath 15 covering the side face of the sheet part 11a of the magnetic core 11, wherein the parts of the magnetic sheath 15 covering the joined parts 14b1, 14c1 are sandwiched by the side faces 12a, 13a of the first conductive films 12, 13 and the side faces 16a, 17a of second conductive films 16, 17 as well as the side faces 18a, 19a of third conductive films 18, 19.
US08643453B2 Cylindrical bonded magnet, method for producing a cylindrical bonded magnet, and rod-shaped magnet device
A cylindrical bonded magnet is provided which is multipolar-magnetized in the axial direction and can be produced with high productivity. The cylindrical bonded magnet includes magnetic powder and resin. The cylindrical bond magnet is an integrally formed member. The cylindrical bond magnet is magnetized so that a plurality of N and S poles are alternately provided in the axial direction. In the cylindrical bonded magnet, a totally even number of at least four N and S poles are alternately provided. The surface magnetic flux density distribution has a substantially sinusoidal wave with the both ends of the sinusoidal wave corresponding to nodes when the surface magnetic flux of the cylindrical bonded magnet is measured as viewed from the side surface of the cylindrical bond magnet along the axial direction.
US08643446B2 Electro-magnetic interference reduction using opposing field transmitter
An electronic system that partially or perhaps even fully mitigates the effects of EMI by having a dedicated antenna circuit for carrying an antenna signal that is not used for signal processing in the functional circuit, but is instead used to emit electromagnetic radiation that at least partially offsets EMI emitted by the operation signal of a functional circuit. An antenna signal generation circuit generates the antenna signal and asserts the antenna signal on the antenna circuit. The ante a signal has the characteristic such that when the antenna signal is applied to the antenna circuit, the resultant emitted electromagnetic radiation at least partially offsets electromagnetic interference emitted by the functional circuit.
US08643444B2 Common reference crystal systems
One embodiment of communication system comprises a crystal oscillator configured to output a reference clock; cellular radio frequency (RF) and baseband phase locked loops configured to receive the reference clock within a cellular module and compensate for calculated frequency errors between a received cellular downlink signal and a cellular local oscillator signal during operation of the cellular module; global positioning system (GPS) frequency compensation circuitry configured to receive the reference clock within a GPS module and compensate for calculated frequency errors during operation of the GPS module; and a temperature sensing circuit which includes a plurality of sensing resistors and is configured to output a signal corresponding to a temperature of a reference crystal which is translated to a frequency deviation, wherein the (GPS) frequency compensation circuitry is configured to offset the frequency deviation and output a temperate compensated signal to meet GPS clock frequency requirements.
US08643432B1 Op-Amp sharing by swapping trans-conductance cells
A two-stage op amp has a transconductance cell in a second stage modified to match a transconductance cell in a first stage. A transconductance swap network is inserted between transconductance cells and trans-impedance cells, such as current-steering networks, current mirrors, or drivers connected to the transconductance cells. The transconductance swap network directly connects the first transconductance cell to the first stage trans-impedance cell during a second clock phase, but crosses-over the first transconductance cell to the second-stage trans-impedance cell during a first clock phase. A first switched-capacitor network drives the gates of differential transistors in the first transconductance cell by alternately sampling an input and feedback, and equalizing to reset inputs. A second first switched-capacitor network drives differential transistors in the second transconductance cell, but during opposite clock phases. Two independent inputs are sampled by the switched-capacitor networks and alternately amplified by swapping connections within the shared op amp.
US08643431B2 On-chip millimeter wave lange coupler
A Lange coupler having a first plurality of lines on a first level and a second plurality of lines on a second level. At least one line on the first level is cross-coupled to a respective line on the second level via electromagnetic waves traveling through the first and second plurality of lines. The first and second plurality of lines may be made of metal, and the first level may be higher than the second level. A substrate may be provided into which the first and second plurality of lines are etched so as to define an on-chip Lange coupler.
US08643423B2 One-wire communication circuit and one-wire communication method
A communication circuit facilitating communication between a first equipment and a second equipment including a conversion circuit, an input port, an output port, and a communication port is disclosed. The conversion circuit converts an input signal to a first intermediate signal, and converts a second intermediate signal to an output signal. The input port inputs the input signal to the first conversion circuit. The output port outputs the output signal to the control unit. The communication port inputs the second intermediate signal to the conversion circuit, and outputs the first intermediate signal to the second equipment. A voltage of the first intermediate signal is determined based on a voltage of a power source if the first intermediate signal is logic high, and a voltage of the second intermediate signal is determined based on the voltage of the power source if the second intermediate signal is logic high.
US08643420B2 Integrated circuit pulse generators
An integrated circuit device includes a clock delay circuit configured to receive a clock signal and a pulse signal and to produce an output signal therefrom. The clock delay circuit is configured to transition the output signal to a first state responsive to a first state of the clock signal and to transition the output signal to a second state responsive to a first state transition of the pulse signal. The integrated circuit device further includes a pulse generator circuit configured to receive the clock signal and the output signal and to produce the pulse signal therefrom. The pulse generator circuit is configured to generate the first state transition in the pulse signal responsive to a transition of the clock signal to a second state and to generate a second state transition in the pulse signal responsive to the transition of the output signal to the second state.
US08643418B2 Apparatus and methods for altering the timing of a clock signal
Clock signal timing cells, clock signal timing circuits, clock circuits, memory devices, systems, and method for altering the timing of a clock signal are disclosed. An example method for altering the timing of an output signal provided responsive to an input clock signal includes adjusting a transition of an edge of the output signal from one voltage level to another based at least in part on a bias signal. An example clock signal timing cell includes an inverter and a bias controlled inverter coupled in parallel to the inverter. The bias controlled circuit is configured to provide an output signal wherein a transition of a clock edge of the output signal between first and second voltage levels is based at least in part on a bias signal.
US08643415B1 Phase-locked loop having a constant damping ratio
A filter circuit in a phase-locked loop circuit includes a capacitor coupled between a control voltage node and a first node; and a variable resistive element coupled between the first node and a ground potential. The variable resistive element has a resistance value modulated by a current proportional to the charge pump current of the charge pump. In one embodiment, the variable resistive element is a MOS transistor biased in the linear region and having a drain-to-source resistance modulated by the current proportional to the charge pump current.
US08643411B1 System for generating gated clock signals
A system for generating a gated clock signal includes an AND gate and a clock gating cell. The AND gate receives a reset signal and an input clock signal and generates a clock signal that is provided to a clock input terminal of the clock gating cell. The clock gating cell generates a gated clock signal based on an input signal and the clock signal. Gating the clock input to a latch allows a means for conserving power.
US08643409B2 Wide-range clock multiplier
A variable-frequency input clock signal and a reference clock signal are compared during a frequency-compare interval to generate a value that indicates a ratio of their frequencies. The frequency-ratio value is then applied to configure a wide-range frequency-locking oscillator for operation with a narrowed input frequency range. Because the narrowed input frequency range is targeted to the input clock frequency, the wide-range oscillator is able to rapidly lock to a frequency multiple of the input clock frequency. Because the frequency-compare interval is also brief, an extremely fast-locking, clock-multiplying operation may be effected over a relatively wide range of input clock frequencies.
US08643408B2 Flip-flop circuit, frequency divider and frequency dividing method
In response to a first level of the clock signal, an inverting output of a flip-flop circuit is connected, via a non-inverting input thereof, to a first intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit and a non-inverting output of the flip-flop circuit is connected, via an inverting input thereof, to a second intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit. In response to a second level of the clock signal, the first intermediate node is connected, via a third intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit, to the non-inverting output and the second intermediate node is connected, via a fourth intermediate node of the flip-flop circuit, to the inverting output. A first cross-coupled gates arrangement of the flip-flop circuit is coupled between the first and second intermediate nodes. A second cross-coupled gates arrangement of the flip-flop circuit is coupled between the third and fourth intermediate nodes.
US08643403B2 Sampling
There is disclosed current-mode time-interleaved sampling circuitry configured to be driven by substantially sinusoidal clock signals. Such circuitry may be incorporated in ADC circuitry, for example as integrated circuitry on an IC chip. The disclosed circuitry is capable of calibrating itself without being taken off-line.
US08643401B2 Integrated circuit communication system with differential signal and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit communication system including providing a semiconductor wafer; and fabricating a cross-over current mirror driver on the semiconductor wafer for generating a crossing point at a reference voltage.
US08643398B1 Placing integrated circuits into low voltage mode for standby purposes
In one embodiment, a core logic section of an integrated circuit is switched to be powered by a standby mode power voltage lower than a normal mode power voltage when the circuit is switched into a standby mode. The standby mode power voltage, however, is too low relative to normal ground to drive a transition logic section of the circuit. A special ground bus is provided in the transition logic section. The special ground bus is pulled down to a voltage below normal ground (i.e., a negative voltage) when the circuit is switched to the standby mode.
US08643395B2 Crosstalk suppression in wireless testing of semiconductor devices
An integrated circuit integrated on a semiconductor material die and adapted to be at least partly tested wirelessly, wherein circuitry for setting a selected radio communication frequencies to be used for the wireless test of the integrated circuit are integrated on the semiconductor material die.
US08643391B2 RC calibration using chopping
A method and apparatus for determining an RC (resistive-capacitive) time constant is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises determining a first period of oscillation when an oscillator is operating in a first configuration. The method further comprises determining a second period of oscillation when the oscillator is operating in a second configuration. A measurement circuit is configured to determine a resistive-capacitive (RC) time constant of the oscillator by determining a mean of the first and second periods.
US08643390B2 Corrosion sensors
Corrosion sensor apparatus for detection of contamination affecting metal based components and devices. For example, an apparatus includes: a set of corrosion sensor elements, wherein a width of a first corrosion sensor element is different than a width of a second corrosion sensor element, wherein each corrosion sensor element is susceptible to corrosion caused by an operating environment of the corrosion sensor elements; and a set of reference elements wherein a width of a first reference sensor element is substantially equal to the width of the first corrosion sensor element and a width of a second reference sensor element is substantially equal to the width of the second corrosion sensor element, wherein each reference sensor element is not substantially susceptible to corrosion caused by the operating environment of the corrosion sensor elements.
US08643388B2 Detection of fuel contamination in lubricating oil
A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.
US08643387B2 Moisture sensor
A novel and useful sensor and sensing system employs a transmission electrode which provides a length of transmission electrode that is greater than the physical length of the sensor, allowing for the effective and accurate determination of the moisture content of a volume of material using high-frequency measurement methods. The construction of the sensor allows the sensor to be directly inserted into the material, without requiring excavation or backfilling of the sensors in the material. The sensor can be employed as part of a sensing system, with one or more sensors preferably being managed by a field node, which in turn, interoperates with a system master node.
US08643384B2 Method and device for checking the electrical insulation as well as a method and system for producing photovoltaic modules
An electrical insulation test as well as the production of photovoltaic modules, especially of thin-film photovoltaic modules, provides a current-conducting component disposed on a panel-shaped substrate, which are insulated electrically in the area of the module edge. In order to simplify testing of the insulation of such photovoltaic modules, it is proposed that, during the production of the photovoltaic module, testing of the electrical insulation takes place, for which, through the use of a mechanical contacting device a test voltage is applied between the module edge on the one hand and the electrical connections of the photovoltaic module, which are remote from the module edge, lead to the outside, on the other hand.
US08643383B2 Drive failure protection
The present techniques include methods and systems for detecting a failure in a capacitor bank of an electrical drive system. Embodiments include using discharge resistors to discharge capacitors in the capacitor bank, forming a neutral node of the capacitor bank. In different capacitor configurations, the neutral node is measured, and the voltage is analyzed to determine whether a capacitor bank unbalance has occurred. In some embodiments, the node is a neutral-to-neutral node between the discharged side of the discharge resistors and a neutral side of the capacitor bank, or between the discharged side of the discharge resistors and a discharged side of a second set of discharge resistors. In some embodiments, the node is a neutral-to-ground node between the discharged side of the discharge resistors and a ground potential.
US08643382B2 Apparatus and method for testing a capacitive transducer and/or associated electronic circuitry
A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
US08643377B2 Method of detecting impurities in high temperature aqueous solution and apparatus of detecting impurities for the same
A method of detecting impurities in a high-temperature aqueous solution and an apparatus of detecting impurities for the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of detecting impurities in a high-temperature aqueous solution comprising a reducing agent using an electrochemical water chemistry technology detecting the electrochemical current varied according to the degree in which the impurities in the high-temperature aqueous solution hinder the formation of an oxide film that is formed on a noble metal electrode, and an impurity detecting apparatus comprising a noble metal electrode, a counter electrode, and a device of applying the electrochemical potential and measuring the electrochemical current for the method of detecting impurities.
US08643374B2 Electrode structure for marine electromagnetic geophysical survey transducer cables
A marine electromagnetic geophysical survey transducer cable includes a tow cable configured to couple to a tow vessel. A first electrode cable is coupled at a forward end to the tow cable. A second electrode cable is disposed aft of the first electrode cable and configured to indirectly couple to the tow vessel. At least one of the first and second electrode cables includes a cable core comprising a first core material having a first density selected to provide the transducer cable with a selected overall density, and at least one layer of electrically conductive strands disposed exterior to the cable core.
US08643372B2 RF safe transformer-coupled transmission line for MRI with reduced artifacts
An electrically conductive transmission line is configured for use in the magnet bore of a magnetic resonance system and includes at least one inductive coupling element for coupling at least two lead segments of the line. The coupling element includes a paramagnetic and/or ferromagnetic material.
US08643369B2 Anisotropic diffusion phantom for calibration of diffusion tensor imaging pulse sequences used in MRI
The subject matter of the invention concerns the anisotropic diffusion phantom for the calibration of any diffusion MR-DTI imaging sequence and a method for the calibration of all the MRI scanners by using anisotropic diffusion models based on the “b” matrix, which is a quantity specific for every magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequence and the MRI scanner used. It has application in the study of solids, amorphous materials, liquids and biological tissues. The anisotropic diffusion phantom for the calibration of any MR imaging sequence is any anisotropic diffusion model of any shape for the hydrogen H2 contained in H2O or LC, for example. The diffusion standard according to the invention is preferably a pipe with a bundle of capillaries filled with H2O, hydrogel or any other substance that contains hydrogen nuclei or any volume, preferably cylindrical, filled with H2O, hydrogel or any other substance that contains hydrogen nuclei or densely filled with non-magnetic cylindrical rods free of hydrogen nuclei.
US08643368B2 Systems and methods for design and construction of NMR transceiver circuits
The Rabi frequency of oscillation of the nuclear magnetization vector of a sample in an NMR system may be controlled by modifying only the duty cycle of RF pulses delivered to the sample, without modifying the amplitude of the RF pulses, until the energy delivered at the Larmor frequency is adjusted to a desired amount. An impedance matching network between an NMR transceiver and an NMR coil may perform both power matching and noise matching simultaneously. During a transmission mode, the impedance matching network is connected to a transmitter portion of the transceiver, and the impedance of the coil is matched to the driver resistance. During a receiver mode, the impedance matching network is disconnected from the transmitter portion so that the impedance matching network remains connected only to the receiver portion, and signal-to-noise ratio in received NMR signals is maximized.
US08643365B2 Method and magnetic resonance system to generate magnetic resonance images
In a method to create magnetic resonance (MR) images of a predetermined volume segment within an examination subject by operation of an MR system with continuous table displacement, at least one slice with a respective, predetermined thickness is defined, and for each slice, a partial region of the slice is selected, the respective partial region being bounded in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the corresponding slice, and measurement signals are acquired from the slice, the acquired measurement signals originating from only the respective partial region of the slice.
US08643361B2 Needle head
The present idea refers to a needle head, its use in a probe arrangement, and a method for electrically contacting multiple electronic components. The needle head comprises a body with a lower surface, needle electrodes emerging from the lower surface, and multiple outlets arranged in the lower surface. A channel is arranged between an inlet in the body and the outlets for conveying a medium from the inlet to the outlets. By this means, electronic components arranged in close distance under the lower surface of the needle head are directly exposed to the medium which provides a test environment during a test of the electronic components.
US08643358B2 Oscillator
An oscillator includes a reference voltage generator configured to generate a reference voltage varying according a change in temperature and an external voltage, a first comparison voltage generator configured to output a first comparison voltage to a first node in response to the reference voltage, a second comparison voltage generator configured to output a second comparison voltage to a second node in response to the reference voltage, a first comparison circuit configured to compare the reference voltage and the first comparison voltage and to generate a first input voltage as a result of the comparison, a second comparison circuit configured to compare the reference voltage and the second comparison voltage and to generate a second input voltage as a result of the comparison, and a clock generator configured to output a clock signal that oscillates in response to the first and second input voltages.
US08643352B2 Switching power supply control with reduced harmonic frequency fluctuations
According to embodiments, a switching power supply control apparatus causes a switching element to perform an ON/OFF once in each period of a clock signal, when an output voltage of a switching power supply formed by charging a capacitor with a current of a choke coil that stores/releases current energy in conjunction with the ON/OFF operation of the switching element is adjusted by exercising ON/OFF control of the switching element based on comparator output that compares the output voltage with a reference voltage.
US08643351B2 Switching mode power supply and the method thereof
The present disclosure discloses a switching mode power supply with bi-direction buck and boost control. The switching mode power supply enters boost mode when an input signal is higher than a preset threshold to pump the input signal to a higher level; and the switching mode power supply enters buck mode when the input signal breaks down to release the stored energy.
US08643344B2 Condensive load protection device of self-excited generator
In a self-excited generator 1 including an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) 10, a condensive load protection device includes: a field current control driver 21 which is connected to the field winding 6 in series and controlled to be ON/OFF by a drive circuit 23 of the AVR 10 to supply a field current to the field winding 6; and a condensive load protecting rotor short-circuit driver 22 which is connected in parallel to the field winding 6, and supplies a short-circuit current to the field winding 6 by being turned ON, and a bootstrap circuit 30 is connected as a drive power supply of the field current control driver and the condensive load protecting rotor short-circuit driver, and the bootstrap circuit 30 includes a capacitance portion 32 in which charges are accumulated when the field current control driver 21 is ON.
US08643342B2 Fast charging with negative ramped current profile
A battery cell charging system, including a charger and a controller, for rapidly charging a lithium ion battery cell, the battery cell charging system having a circuit for charging the battery cell using an adjustable voltage charging-profile to apply a charging voltage and a charging current to the battery cell wherein the adjustable voltage charging-profile includes: a first charging stage with a constant first stage charging current and an increasing battery cell voltage with the first stage charging current provided until the first stage charging voltage is about equal to a first stage complete voltage less than a maximum battery cell voltage; an intermediate ramped charging stage, the intermediate ramped charging stage including both an increasing ramped voltage and a decreasing ramped iBat current for the battery cell for the voltage charging range of the first stage complete voltage to about the maximum battery cell voltage; and a final charging stage with a constant final stage charging voltage about equal to the maximum battery cell voltage and a decreasing final stage charging current with the final stage charging voltage provided until the final stage charging current reaches a desired charge complete level.
US08643340B1 Powering a circuit by alternating power supply connections in series and parallel with a storage capacitor
An integrated circuit (IC) having an internal power supply voltage step down circuit provides efficiency while requiring a minimum of external terminals. In a first operating mode, a storage capacitor is charged from the power supply return of a group of circuits, while the group of circuits is powered from an input power supply voltage provided to the IC. In a second operating mode, the group of circuits is powered from the storage capacitor. The step-down circuit provides for halving the input power supply voltage, but multiple storage capacitors and additional operating modes can be provided for voltage division by greater factors. A sensing circuit can be employed to sense the voltage across the storage capacitor(s) and in response, select the operating mode, providing hysteretic control of the voltage supplied to the group of circuits.
US08643338B2 Power supply circuit using rechargeable battery
A power supply circuit uses a rechargeable battery that if a connection switching unit changes to a circuit connected state, a current starts to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to an over-discharge protection circuit, a logic circuit, and a power supply control circuit, and if the connection switching unit changes to a circuit non-connected state during this current supply, the current supplied to the over-discharge protection circuit, the logic circuit, and the power supply control circuit is maintained, and a current supplied from the rechargeable battery to the load circuit is started by supplying the current from the power supply control circuit to the load circuit, and if a voltage of the rechargeable battery drops while the current is supplied to the load circuit, and the over-discharge protection circuit stops the current supplied from the rechargeable battery to the load circuit, the over-discharge protection circuit maintains the stopped state.
US08643329B2 Overhead mobile charger system for reaching and charging electric vehicles parked in a pair of adjacent and spaced-part rows of side-by-side parking spaces
An overhead mobile charger system for mounting between a pair of adjacent and spaced-apart rows of side-by-side parking spaces and exhibiting full circle traversing so as to reach and charge electric vehicles parked in the pair of adjacent and spaced-apart rows of side-by-side parking spaces. The system includes a single EV battery charger, a boom, and apparatus for rotatably mounting the boom over, and between, the pair of adjacent and spaced-apart rows of side-by-side parking spaces. The single EV battery charger has a power cable terminating in an EV connector. The power cable of the single EV battery charger runs along, and depends from, the boom, and together with the boom being rotatably mounted via the apparatus so as to allow the boom to exhibit full circle traversing, the electric vehicles parked in the pair of adjacent and spaced-apart rows of side-by-side parking spaces are reached and charged by the EV connector of the single EV battery charger.
US08643324B2 Portable auxiliary power-source device for a vehicle
The present invention relates to a portable auxiliary power-source device for a vehicle, and more specifically to a portable auxiliary power-source device which incorporates a rechargeable battery and is able to temporarily charge while the vehicle's battery is discharging, and is able to effect ignition of the vehicle and charge portable, personal digital devices.
US08643322B2 Power supply with adapted output voltage
A home automation actuator (100) comprising a motor (101) for maneuvering a mobile element in a building, a command receiver (108), a control unit (110), a single output converter (120), at least one switching member (104) intended to supply power to the motor, characterized in that the switching member and the input of a regulator (150) are directly connected to the output of the converter whereas the control unit and the command receiver are connected to the output of the regulator and that it comprises a control means (139) for controlling a first reduced level of the output voltage of the converter, which can be activated by the control unit, this first reduced level being lower than a minimum voltage for activating the switching member.
US08643319B2 Control of a brushless motor
A method of controlling a brushless motor that includes rectifying an alternating voltage to provide a rectified voltage, and exciting a winding of the motor with the rectified voltage. The winding is excited in advance of predetermined rotor positions by an advance period and is excited for a conduction period over each electrical half-cycle of the motor. The length the advance period and/or the conduction period is defined by a waveform that varies periodically with time. The method then includes adjusting the phase of the waveform relative to the alternating voltage in response to a change in one of motor speed and RMS value of the alternating voltage. Additionally, a control system that implements the method, and a motor system that incorporates the control system.
US08643317B2 Single phase DC brushless motor controller and method for controlling rotation speed and direction of single phase DC brushless motor
A single phase DC brushless motor controller, including: a micro control unit including: a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) pin for receiving a PWM signal from a system; and a commutation logic unit for controlling the speed and rotation of a single phase DC brushless motor according to the PWM signal.
US08643316B2 Power conversion device
Based on rotation information of a synchronous machine detected by a rotation information detector, a controller causes a converter to boost a charge voltage of a capacitor so as to be higher than an induced voltage generated by the synchronous machine at a time of shifting to a coasting operation, maintains the charge voltage during the coasting operation, and performs weak field control so that the induced voltage generated by the synchronous machine becomes lower than a DC voltage at the time of shifting from the coasting operation to a power running operation or to a regenerative operation.
US08643315B2 Universal apparatus and method for configurably controlling a heating or cooling system
A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.
US08643312B2 Method for feeding electric power to a planar light-emitting element
A method for feeding electric power to a planar light-emitting element which includes a planar anode electrode, a planar cathode electrode, a light-emitting layer provided between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, two or more anode terminal portions protruding from the anode electrode and one or more cathode terminal portions protruding from the cathode electrode. The method includes sequentially providing the electric power to the anode terminal portions.
US08643311B2 Daylight tracking simulator and/or phototherapy device
A fluorescent or light emitting diode-based system for generating light flux. The system comprises a lamp comprising at least one light source for illuminating an area. At least one of the at least one light source is selected from the group comprising at least one of a fluorescent light source or an LED light source. The lamp also comprises a light source controller electrically coupled with the light source and arranged to control the spectral output of the light source. The lamp also comprises a power supply and a switch electrically coupled between the lamp and the power supply and arranged to control the supply of power from the power supply to the lamp.
US08643309B2 Lighting device and method for adjusting sensing region thereof
A lighting device and a method for adjusting the sensing region thereof are provided. The lighting device includes a sensing device and an illumination unit. The sensing device is configure to detect whether an object is located at a first manipulating region or a second manipulating region so as to correspondingly emit a control signal, in which the first manipulating region and the second manipulating region are not overlapped by each other and are disposed in the sensing region along a sensing direction of the sensing device. The sensing device adjusts a shortest distance between the sensing region and the sensing device and a sensing range of the sensing region according to a first adjustment signal and a second adjustment signal. The illumination unit is coupled to the sensing device and adjusts the optical characteristic according to the control signal.
US08643297B2 Control circuit and control method for dimming LED lighting circuit
The present invention provides a control circuit for dimming LED lighting. The control circuit comprises a voltage divider, a controller and an adaptive bleeder. The voltage divider receives an input voltage from an input terminal to generate a dimming signal. The controller generates a switching signal in response to the dimming signal. The controller further generates a control signal in response to the input voltage. The adaptive bleeder receives the control signal and draws a bleeder current from the input terminal in response to the control signal.
US08643293B2 Circuit device for controlling a plurality of light-emitting devices in a sequence
The invention provides a circuit device, embedded in an object, which includes a plurality of light-emitting devices, a motion-actuated switch, a controller and a selector. The motion-actuated switch senses a first motion of the object and generates a first controlling signal. The controller selectively drives the plurality of light-emitting devices to emit lights in a first period in a first sequence and a first flashing frequency according to the first controlling signal. After the first period, the motion-actuated switch senses a second motion of the object and generates a second controlling signal. The controller selectively drives the plurality of light-emitting devices to emit lights in a second period in the first sequence and a second flashing frequency according to the second controlling signal. The selector generates a selecting signal and the controller selectively controls the number of lighting light-emitting devices according to the selecting signal.
US08643291B2 High-voltage AC LED structure
The present invention provides a high-voltage alternating current light-emitting diode (AC LED) structure. The high-voltage AC LED structure includes a circuit substrate and a plurality of AC LED chips. The AC LED chips each include an insulated substrate, an LED set, a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The AC LED chips manufactured by a wafer level process are coupled to the low-cost circuit substrate to produce the downsized high-voltage AC LED structure.
US08643288B2 Light-emitting device and illumination apparatus
A light-emitting device and an illumination apparatus are disclosed. A plurality of LED elements are connected in series between positive and negative lines, and first bypass capacitor is connected in parallel to the LED elements respectively. Each series circuit of a predetermined number of LED elements is connected in parallel to second bypass capacitors. As a result, with the negative power line set as a grounding point, the AC impedance at connection points of the series circuit of the LED elements against the ground is reduced. Thus, the erroneous lighting or “flicker” of each LED which otherwise might be caused by an external noise is prevented.
US08643287B2 Lighting device with switchable day/night illumination mode
The present invention relates to a lighting device with switchable day/night illumination mode, comprising: a main controlling unit, a driving unit, a lighting unit, a light filtering unit, an illumination mode switching unit, and a power management unit, wherein the lighting unit is coupled to the driving unit and has a plurality of light-emitting devices. Moreover, the main controlling unit is used for controlling the driving unit, so as to drive the lighting unit output a visible light. In addition, the illumination mode switching unit is used for controlling the light filtering unit to show and cover the light-emitting surface of the lighting unit, so as to filter the visible light and make the visible light become a visible light with a specific wavelength; wherein the visible light with specific wavelength causes the smallest excitation to human sympathetic. Thus, using the visible light with specific wavelength as illumination light at night can not only assist users in reading, but also avoid from exciting users' sympathetic and causing melatonin suppression.
US08643286B2 Illumination system and method for processing light
Proposed is an illumination system (100) comprising a plurality of light sources (10) provided with encoders (20) arranged to enable light emitted from the light sources to comprise light source identification codes. In order to enable light effect commissioning, i.e. correlating the light sources (10) with their illumination footprints (11), the system further comprises a camera (40) arranged to register images of illumination spots (11), and a signal processor (111) arranged to derive the light source identification codes from registered images. Arranging the encoders (20) to modulate the light emitted at a frequency above a predefined high level to comprise fast codes (12) and at a frequency below a predefined low level to comprise slow codes (13), beneficially allows for the use of simple low cost camera systems.
US08643283B2 Electronic device including circuitry comprising open failure-susceptible components, and open failure-actuated anti-fuse pathway
An electronic device including series-connected open failure-susceptible components and re-routing assemblies for directing current through an ancillary current path to maintain operability of the series array despite an open-failed component therein. The re-routing assembly can be constituted as an ancillary circuit containing a bypass control element arranged to maintain the ancillary circuit in a non-current flow condition when none of the open failure-susceptible components has experienced open failure, and to re-route current from a main circuit around an open-failed component therein and through the ancillary circuit and back to the main circuit, to bypass the open-failed component so that all non-failed series components of the main circuit remain operative when electrically energized.
US08643282B2 Driving device for lighting fixture
Disclosed is a driving device for driving a plurality of lighting fixtures, including a power converter for converting an input voltage into a DC output voltage; a plurality of lighting fixture bases connected in series with each other and each connected to a corresponding lighting fixture for outputting an operating voltage and an operating current to the lighting fixture. The operating voltage is derived by dividing the DC output voltage, and each operating current is identical with each other. The driving device further includes a plurality of output protection circuits respectively connected in parallel with a lighting fixture base for selectively bypass the lighting fixture base to stop the lighting fixture base from outputting current, and a control circuit connected to the output protection circuits for manipulating the output protection circuit to bypass the lighting fixture bases, thereby regulating the number of the lighting fixtures that illuminate.
US08643271B2 LED lamp module
The present invention provides a LED lamp module including a metal base, a flexible board mounted on the metal base and having a through hole, a surface mounted type LED lamp including a ceramic package having a projection portion on a back of the ceramic package, a LED chip mounted on the ceramic package, and a light output surface. The projection part is thermally connected with the metal base through the through hole, and the LED lamp is electrically connected with the flexible board through an electric conductive member at a portion other than the projection portion. The LED lamp module includes a cover covering a part of the LED lamp other than the light output surface and the flexible board and pressing the LED lamp.
US08643270B2 Light-emitting element and display device
When a light-emitting element having an intermediate conductive layer between a plurality of light-emitting layers is formed, the intermediate conductive layer can have transparency; and thus, materials are largely limited and the manufacturing process of an element becomes complicated by a conventional method. A light-emitting element according to the present invention is formed by sequentially stacking a pixel electrode, a first light-emitting layer, an intermediate conductive layer (including an electron injecting layer and a hole-injecting layer, one of which is island-like), a second light-emitting layer and an opposite electrode. Therefore, the present invention can provide a light-emitting element typified by an organic EL element in which a range of choice of materials that can be used as the intermediate conductive layer is broadened extremely, and which can realize a high light-emitting efficiency, a low power consumption and a high reliability, and further a display device using the light-emitting element.
US08643267B2 Organic electroluminescence display device with upper electrode including a thin silver film
In an organic electroluminescence display device which includes: a display region DR in which a plurality of pixels are arranged; and a power source part CC which is arranged outside the display region, each of the plurality of pixels includes: a lower electrode An; a light emitting layer stacked above the lower electrode; and an upper electrode which includes a thin silver film AG and is formed by a layer shared in common by other pixels above the light emitting layer, the upper electrode extends to the power source part for electrically connection, the thin silver film has a portion arranged between the display region and the power source part, and a background layer containing an electron pair donor is arranged as a background of at least a portion of the thin silver film between the display region and the power source part.
US08643265B2 Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same
In a backlight assembly, a light emitting module is divided into a plurality of light generating blocks each sequentially outputting a plurality of primary colors of light having different wavelengths. The light emitting module includes first and second base substrates, and a plurality of electroluminescent units disposed between the first and second base substrates and arranged in each of the light generating blocks. The light emitting module includes a barrier arranged corresponding to a boundary between two adjacent light generating blocks between the first and second base substrates to prevent the primary colors of light from traveling an adjacent light generating block. Thus, a mixture of colored light from the light generating blocks is prevented, thereby improving color reproducibility of the display apparatus.
US08643262B2 Spark ignition device and ground electrode therefor and methods of construction thereof
A spark ignition device, ground electrode therefor, and methods of construction thereof are provided. The spark ignition device includes a generally annular ceramic insulator with a metal shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A center electrode is received at least in part in the ceramic insulator and a ground electrode extends from the shell to a free end portion. A firing tip is attached adjacent the free end portion of the ground electrode to provide a spark gap between the center electrode and the firing tip. The free end portion is at least partially bounded by at least one “as laser cut” peripheral side extending adjacent the firing tip.
US08643261B2 Spark plug with undercut insulator and one piece shell
A spark plug for an internal combustion engine, the spark plug having: an elongated center electrode having a center electrode tip at one end and a terminal proximate the other end; an insulator substantially surrounding the center electrode, the insulator having a channel formed in an exterior surface of the insulator; an outer shell surrounding the insulator having: a jamb nut portion with a distal end extending thereform, the distal end being aligned with the channel such that the distal end of the outer shell is received within and engages the channel; a motor seat portion proximate to the jamb nut portion; and a threaded portion proximate to the motor seat portion, wherein the jamb nut portion, the motor seat portion, and the threaded portion are all integrally formed with the outer shell as a single component.
US08643259B2 Optical sheet and surface light source apparatus
An optical sheet comprising: a transparent substrate having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2; a first light diffusion layer provided on a first surface S1 side of the transparent substrate; and a second light diffusion layer provided on a second surface S2 side of the transparent substrate, wherein a haze x1 (%) of the first light diffusion layer and a haze x2 (%) of the second light diffusion layer satisfy f(x1)/(f(x1)+f(x2))≦2/3 (where when x≦88, a function f(x)=1.9×(ln(1−x/90))2, and when x>88, the function f(x)=22.5x−1952.5) and (f(x1)+f(x2))≧12; and a surface light source device having the same.
US08643256B2 Electric motors
Electric motors are disclosed with coils which induce a magnetic flux field which by its relationship with ferromagnetic poles provide the motoring force without use of an auxiliary magnetic field. The motors may be employed with fixed or pivotably mounted brushes. Pivotable brushes for electric motor brushes are disclosed.
US08643254B2 Piezoelectric device with a package including a convex part
A piezoelectric device includes: a piezoelectric vibrating reed; and a package, wherein the piezoelectric vibrating reed has a vibrating part and first and second supporting arms extending from a base end part, the package has a base, a lid, a cavity defined by the base and the lid, a convex part projecting from the base or the lid into the cavity, a length of the first supporting arm is shorter than a length of the second supporting arm, and the convex part is provided in a range ahead of a leading end of the first vibrating arm in an extension direction of the first supporting arm and at least partially overlapping with the second supporting arm in a length direction of the piezoelectric vibrating reed so as not to overlap with the piezoelectric vibrating reed in a plan view.
US08643243B2 Apparatus and method for electrically insulating end turns of a stator assembly
An apparatus and method for providing electrical insulation between adjacent end turns at different phases within a stator assembly. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a stator assembly comprising: a stator core having a plurality of slots; at least two coils of different phases wound on the stator core through the slots and having an end turn that extends from the stator core; and one or more separator members positioned between adjacent end turns of the coils.
US08643241B2 End ring assembly and method of forming same
An end ring assembly for a rotor, wherein the rotor is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis, includes a plurality of annular sheets stacked adjacent one another. Each of the plurality of annular sheets has a first surface and a second surface spaced opposite the first surface. The end ring assembly also includes a braze material sandwiched between and joining only a first portion of the first surface of each of the plurality of annular sheets, and a corresponding second portion of the second surface of a respective adjacent one of the plurality of annular sheets without joining an entirety of the first surface of each of the plurality of annular sheets and the second surface of the respective adjacent one of the plurality of annular sheets. A method of forming the end ring assembly is also disclosed.
US08643240B2 Superconducting rotating electrical machine and stator for use with superconducting rotating electrical machine
A superconducting rotating electrical machine has a rotor with superconducting windings and a stator disposed around the rotor. The stator has a number of teeth disposed at a regular interval about a rotational axis of the rotor to define slots each between adjacent teeth and a plurality of windings, each winding having a strip-like wire member, the wire member having a plurality of rectangular cross-section wires in which said rectangular wires are arranged in parallel to each other and electrically insulated away from each other, the winding being constructed by winding the strip-like wire member a plurality of times to have first and second winding portions having a cross section in which the rectangular wires are positioned in matrix.
US08643238B2 Intelligent cascaded synchronous electric motor-generator tandems of cumulative compound excitation
A intelligent cascaded synchronous electric motor-generator tandem of cumulative compound excitation comprises at least a synchronous electric motor-generator tandem (namely MG tandem), a storage battery cluster and an autotransformer. Each MG tandem comprises at least a pair of motor and generator having a common stator and a common rotor shaft. The storage battery cluster, which provides a DC power to general loads and motor, serves as a DC power reservoir to be recharged by generator. The autotransformer serves to regulate the AC voltage output from generator via multiple output taps thereon for supplying various AC voltages to different external loads. By integrating all components aforesaid with common magnetic flux interacted mutually, upon being energized by DC power from storage battery cluster, the motor will transfer rotational torque to drive the generator in enhanced synergistic manner.
US08643234B2 Electrical rotating machine
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical rotating machine capable of securing safety against collision. Included are a rotor having a field winding and cooling fans, and a stator having a stator winding, arranged so as to surround the rotor. A bracket 1 is fixed to a load side end of the stator, and a heat sink is disposed inside the bracket. On the anti-load side of the heat sink, a field circuit unit and power circuit units for controlling the field winding and the stator winding, respectively, are mounted, whereas on the load side thereof, cooling fins are disposed. The anti-load side and lateral side of the field circuit unit and the power circuit units are surrounded by the bracket. Accordingly, a whole of the field circuit unit and the power circuit units is surrounded by the bracket and the heat sink.
US08643233B2 Multi-path liquid cooling arrangement for electric machines
A multi-path liquid cooling arrangement for electric machines includes a heat storing element provided with channels having a generally C-shaped cross-section and cooling tubes so configured and sized as to be insertable in the channels is described herein. The cooling tubes, once inserted in the channels, are deformed to conform thereto, whereby heat stored in the heat storing element is extracted by circulating cooling fluid inside the cooling tubes.
US08643223B2 Feeding device with solar cells, working with artificial light sources, for electronic equipments
A power supply device with solar cells, working with artificial light sources, for electronic equipment, includes a structure (1) internally covered with one or more solar cells (2), and a light source (3) such as LED arrays or lamps, which are provided power by the main line voltage directly, or through a stabilization circuit.
US08643222B2 Power adapter employing a power reducer
A power adapter including a power reducer for no-load or light load applications and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a capacitor coupled to an input of the power adapter, and a bleeder switch coupled in parallel with the capacitor. The power adapter also includes a detection circuit configured to sense an ac mains voltage at the input of the power adapter and turn on the bleeder switch upon detection of a loss of the ac mains voltage. In addition to or in lieu of, the power adapter may include a power converter, and a disconnect switch configured to disconnect the ac mains voltage from the power converter in response to a signal from a load.
US08643216B2 Electrical storage element control system for a vehicle
An electrical storage element control system for a vehicle. The control system includes electrical storage elements electrically coupled to each other in parallel, switch devices, and a controller. Each of the electrical storage elements defines a total storage capacity and having a state of charge cooperatively defining a total stored charge, and is adapted to be in electrical communication with an electrical load and a power source. The switch devices are electrically coupled to the electrical storage elements such that each switch device is associated with a corresponding electrical storage element and is operable between connected and disconnected states. The controller is in electrical communication with the switch devices to selectively vary each of the switch devices between the connected state and the disconnected state to connect and disconnect one or more of the electrical storage elements relative to the load based on the total stored charges and relative to the power source based on the total storage capacities of the electrical storage elements.
US08643212B2 Power supply apparatus for vehicle and method of controlling power supply apparatus for vehicle
A subsidiary power supply, which is an electric power storage device, is connected in parallel to a circuit that connects a main power supply to a motor drive circuit. A power supply control portion controls a boosted voltage of a voltage-boosting circuit so that an actual amount of charge in the subsidiary power supply is equal to a target amount of charge. The target amount of charge is set to increase as deceleration of a vehicle increases.
US08643208B2 Method of determining a magnet arrangement
A method for arranging magnets of a rotor or stator of an electrical machine is provided. In this method a number of performance parameters of the electrical machine are identified. A plurality of neighboring magnets are assigned to a magnet group. The magnet group includes a reference magnet and at least one further magnet. Further, a number of distinct magnet arrangement variables for the magnet group are identified, such that the number of arrangement variables is equal to the number of performance parameters. A value of an arrangement variable is calculated according to a desired adjustment of a performance parameter. Based on the calculated arrangement variable, an arrangement is determined for one of the at least one further magnet of the magnet group relative to the reference magnet of that magnet group.
US08643207B2 Wind turbine with improved yaw control
A wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle mounted on top of the tower. The turbine further includes a bearing for a yaw motion of the nacelle in relation to the tower, and a drive assembly for the yaw motion. The device assembly includes at least one power unit fixedly connected to the nacelle. The power unit has a motor and a wheel adapted to be driven by the motor and in engagement with a ring fixedly connected to the tower for effecting the yaw motion, wherein a region of engagement of the ring with the wheel is located separate from the bearing, characterized in that the motor is located below the wheel. Preferably, the bearing is a friction bearing comprising an insert portion fixedly connected to the nacelle, and a clamp portion fixedly connected to the tower and in clamping engagement with the insert portion.
US08643202B2 Air condition system capable of converting waste heat into electricity
An air conditioning system includes an air conditioning unit and an electricity generating unit. The air conditioning unit includes an expansion valve, an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser that cooperate to form a first coolant circulating loop for circulation of a first coolant. The electricity generating unit includes a heat radiator disposed adjacent to the evaporator, a heat absorber coupled to the heat radiator and disposed adjacent to the condenser, a turbine coupled between the heat radiator and the heat absorber, and an electricity generator coupled to the turbine. The heat radiator, the heat absorber and the turbine cooperate to form a second coolant circulating loop for circulation of a second coolant. The electricity generator converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electricity.
US08643199B2 Thermoset polyimides for microelectronic applications
Dendrimer/hyperbranched materials are combined with polyimide to form a low CTE material for use as a dielectric substrate layer or an underfill. In the alternative, ruthenium carbene complexes are used to catalyze ROMP cross-linking reactions in polyimides to produce a class of cross-linkable, thermal and mechanical stable material for use as a dielectric substrate or underfill. In another alternative, dendrimers/hyperbranched materials are synthesized by different methods to produce low viscosity, high Tg, fast curing, mechanically and chemically stable materials for imprinting applications.
US08643195B2 Nickel tin bonding system for semiconductor wafers and devices
A semiconductor wafer, substrate, and bonding structure is disclosed that includes a device wafer that includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting diodes, a contact metal layer (or layers) on one side of the device wafer opposite the light emitting diodes, and a bonding metal system on the contact metal layer that predominates by weight in nickel and tin.
US08643191B2 On-chip radial cavity power divider/combiner
Disclosed is a chip with a power divider/combiner, a module incorporating the chip and associated methods. The divider/combiner comprises first and second metal layers on opposite sides of a substrate. Interconnects extend through the substrate and comprise: a first interconnect, second interconnects annularly arranged about the first interconnect and third interconnects annularly arranged about the second interconnects. Each interconnect comprises one or more through silicon vias lined/filled with a conductor. For a power divider, an opening in the first metal layer at the first interconnect comprises an input port for receiving power and openings in the first or second metal layer at the second interconnects comprise output ports for applying power to other devices. For a power combiner, openings in the first or second metal layer at the second interconnects comprise the input ports and an opening in the first metal layer at the first interconnect comprises an output port.
US08643189B1 Packaged semiconductor die with power rail pads
A packaged semiconductor die has a die support mounting surface mounted to a die support having external connectors. A die connection pad surface opposite to die supporting mount surface has associated die connection pads that are circuit nodes of the semiconductor die. The die connection pad surface also has a power rail pad. The power rail pad has a surface area larger than surface areas of the die connection pads. Bond wires electrically couple the power rail pad to two or more of the die connection pads.
US08643188B2 Connecting system for electrically connecting electronic devices and method for connecting an electrically conductive first connector and electrically conductive second connector
A semiconductor module system includes a substrate, at least one semiconductor chip, and a number of at least two electrically conductive first connecting elements. The substrate has a bottom side and a top side spaced apart from the bottom side in a vertical direction. The at least one semiconductor chip is arranged on the top side. Each one of the first connecting elements has a first end which protrudes away from an insulation carrier of the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The semiconductor system further includes a connecting system with a number of N≧1 connectors. A first one of the connectors includes at least two electrically conductive second connecting elements. Each one of the second connecting elements has a first end. The first end of each one of the first connecting elements is electrically conductively connectable to the first end of one of the second connecting elements.
US08643183B2 Long-term heat-treated integrated circuit arrangements and methods for producing the same
An explanation is given of, inter alia, methods in which the barrier material is removed at a via bottom or at a via top area by long-term heat treatment. Concurrently or alternatively, interconnects are coated with barrier material in a simple and uncomplicated manner by means of the long-term heat treatment.
US08643178B2 Semiconductor chips having redistributed power/ground lines directly connected to power/ground lines of internal circuits and methods of fabricating the same
Provided are embodiments of semiconductor chips having a redistributed metal interconnection directly connected to power/ground lines of an internal circuit are provided. Embodiments of the semiconductor chips include an internal circuit formed on a semiconductor substrate. A chip pad is disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The chip pad is electrically connected to the internal circuit through an internal interconnection. A passivation layer is provided over the chip pad. A redistributed metal interconnection is provided on the passivation layer. The redistributed metal interconnection directly connects the internal interconnection to the chip pad through a via-hole and a chip pad opening, which penetrate at least the passivation layer. Methods of fabricating the semiconductor chip are also provided.
US08643177B2 Wafers including patterned back side layers thereon
A method of processing a wafer including a plurality of integrated circuit devices on a front side of the wafer, may include thinning the wafer from a back side opposite the front side. After thinning the wafer, a back side layer may be provided on the back side of the thinned wafer opposite the front side, and the back side layer may be configured to counter stress on the front side of the wafer including the plurality of integrated circuit devices thereon. After providing the back side layer, the plurality of integrated circuit devices may be separated. Related structures are also discussed.
US08643176B2 Power semiconductor chip having two metal layers on one face
A semiconductor chip includes a power transistor circuit with a plurality of active transistor cells. A first load electrode and a control electrode are arranged on a first face of the semiconductor chip, wherein the first load electrode includes a first metal layer. A second load electrode is arranged on a second face of the semiconductor chip. A second metal layer is arranged over the first metal layer, wherein the second metal layer is electrically insulated from the power transistor circuit and the second metal layer is arranged over an area of the power transistor circuit that comprises at least one of the plurality of active transistor cells.
US08643173B1 Cooling apparatuses and power electronics modules with single-phase and two-phase surface enhancement features
Jet-impingement, two-phase cooling apparatuses and power electronics modules having a target surface with single- and two-phase surface enhancement features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes a jet plate surface and a target layer. The jet plate surface includes a jet orifice having a jet orifice geometry, wherein the jet orifice is configured to generate an impingement jet of a coolant fluid. The target layer has a target surface, single-phase surface enhancement features, and two-phase surface enhancement features. The target surface is configured to receive the impingement jet, and the single-phase surface enhancement features and the two-phase enhancement features are arranged on the target surface according to the jet orifice geometry. The single-phase surface enhancement features are positioned on the target surface at regions associated with high fluid velocity, and the two-phase surface enhancement features are positioned on the target surface at regions associated with low fluid velocity.
US08643168B1 Integrated circuit package with input capacitance compensation
A ball-grid-array (BGA) package is disclosed that includes traces within a BGA substrate. At least one of the traces is configured to match a low-impedance load presented by a BGA substrate pad and associated circuitry on a flip-chip die to an impedance of a circuit board trace. Each configured trace includes a relatively narrow section coupling to a tapered section that widens from the relatively narrow section to join a relatively wider trace section.
US08643159B2 Lead frame with grooved lead finger
A lead finger of a lead frame has a number of channels or grooves in a portion of its top surface that provide a locking mechanism for securing a bond wire to the lead finger. The bond wire may be attached to the lead finger by stitch bonding.
US08643157B2 Integrated circuit package system having perimeter paddle
An integrated circuit package system comprising: forming a paddle having a hole and an external interconnect; mounting an integrated circuit device having an active side to the paddle with the active side facing the paddle and the hole; connecting a first internal interconnect between the active side and the external interconnect through the hole; and encapsulating the integrated circuit device, the paddle, the first internal interconnect, and the external interconnect with the external interconnect partially exposed.
US08643154B2 Semiconductor mounting device having multiple substrates connected via bumps
A semiconductor mounting device including a first substrate having first insulation layers, first conductor layers formed on the first insulation layers and via conductors connecting the first conductor layers, a second substrate having a core substrate, second conductor layers, through-hole conductors and buildup layers having second insulation layers and third conductor layers, first bumps connecting the first and second substrates and formed on the outermost first conductor layer on the outermost first insulation layer, and second bumps positioned to connect a semiconductor element and formed on the outermost third conductor layer on the outermost second insulation layer. The second substrate has greater thickness than the first substrate, the second conductor layers are formed on surfaces of the core substrate, respectively, the through-hole conductors are formed through the core substrate and connecting the second conductor layers, and the buildup layers are formed on the core substrate and second conductor layers, respectively.
US08643145B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including a substrate, an insulation film being embedded into the substrate and having multiple openings, multiple dummy diffusion layers formed in the substrate and located in the openings, multiple resistance elements being formed over the insulation film so as not to overlap the dummy diffusion layers in a plan view in a resistance element forming region and extending in a first direction, and multiple dummy resistance elements being formed over the insulation film and the dummy diffusion layers and extending in the first direction in the resistance element forming region, in which each of the dummy resistance elements overlaps at least two dummy diffusion layers aligning in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a plane horizontal to the substrate in a plan view.
US08643143B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
Provided is a semiconductor device including a metal dummy pattern and a thin film resistor. In detail, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a thin film resistor, and a metal dummy pattern. The thin film resistor disposed over the semiconductor substrate and extending in a first direction relative to the semiconductor substrate. The metal dummy pattern disposed between the semiconductor substrate and the thin film resistor, the metal dummy pattern including a reflective pattern extending in the first direction semiconductor substrate and spatially corresponding to a periphery of the thin film resistor.
US08643142B2 Passive devices for 3D non-volatile memory
Passive devices such as resistors and capacitors are provided for a 3D non-volatile memory device. In a peripheral area of a substrate, a passive device includes alternating layers of a dielectric such as oxide and a conductive material such as heavily doped polysilicon or metal silicide in a stack. The substrate includes one or more lower metal layers connected to circuitry. One or more upper metal layers are provided above the stack. Contact structures extend from the layers of conductive material to portions of the one or more upper metal layers so that the layers of conductive material are connected to one another in parallel, for a capacitor, or serially, for a resistor, by the contact structures and the at least one upper metal layer. Additional contact structures can connect the circuitry to the one or more upper metal layers.
US08643133B2 Thermal detector, thermal detection device, and electronic instrument
A thermal detector includes a substrate, a thermal detection element and a support member. The substrate has a recess part with a bottom surface of the recess part being a curved light-reflecting surface. The thermal detection element has a light-absorbing film. The support member supports the thermal detection element. The substrate and the support member are arranged to form a hollow part therebetween. The support member includes a light-absorbing part in which impurities are dispersed in polycrystalline silicon with the light-absorbing part being arranged in at least a part of a surface of the support member facing toward the hollow part so that the light-absorbing part being irradiated by light.
US08643129B2 MEMS device
A micro-electrical-mechanical device comprises: a transducer arrangement having at least a membrane being mounted with respect to a substrate; and electrical interface means for relating electrical signals to movement of the membrane; in which the transducer arrangement comprises stress alleviating formations which at least partially decouple the membrane from expansion or contraction of the substrate.
US08643128B2 Micro-electro-mechanical-system sensor and method for making same
The present invention discloses an MEMS sensor and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes: a substrate including an opening; a suspended structure located above the opening; and an upper structure, a portion of which is at least partially separated from a portion of the suspended structure; wherein the suspended structure and the upper structure are separated from each other by a step including metal etch.
US08643124B2 Oxide-nitride-oxide stack having multiple oxynitride layers
A semiconductor device including a silicon-oxide-oxynitride-oxide-silicon structure and methods of forming the same are provided. Generally, the structure comprises: a tunnel oxide layer on a surface of a substrate including silicon; a multi-layer charge storing layer including an oxygen-rich, first oxynitride layer on the tunnel oxide layer in which the stoichiometric composition of the first oxynitride layer results in it being substantially trap free, and an oxygen-lean, second oxynitride layer on the first oxynitride layer in which the stoichiometric composition of the second oxynitride layer results in it being trap dense; a blocking oxide layer on the second oxynitride layer; and a silicon containing gate layer on the blocking oxide layer. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08643123B2 Method of making a semiconductor structure useful in making a split gate non-volatile memory cell
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate and a select gate structure over a first portion of the semiconductor substrate. The select gate structure comprises a sidewall forming a corner with a second portion of the semiconductor substrate and a charge storage stack over an area comprising the second portion of the semiconductor substrate, the sidewall, and the corner. A corner portion of a top surface of the charge storage stack is non-conformal with the corner, and the corner portion of the top surface of the charge storage stack has a radius of curvature measuring approximately one-third of a thickness of the charge storage stack over the second portion of the substrate or greater. A control gate layer is formed over the charge storage stack. A portion of the control gate layer conforms to the corner portion of the top surface of the charge storage stack.
US08643114B2 Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a p-type organic transistor including an organic semiconductor layer arranged on or above the substrate; and an n-type inorganic transistor including an inorganic semiconductor layer arranged on or above the organic transistor, wherein a channel region of the inorganic transistor overlaps a channel region of the organic transistor at least partially in a plan view.
US08643107B2 Body-tied asymmetric N-type field effect transistor
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an asymmetric N-type field effect transistor includes: a source region coupled to a drain region via a channel; a gate structure overlying at least a portion of the channel; a halo implant disposed at least partially in the channel, where the halo implant is disposed closer to the source region than the drain region; and a body-tie coupled to the channel. In a further exemplary embodiment, the asymmetric N-type field effect transistor is operable to act as a symmetric N-type field effect transistor.
US08643104B1 Lateral diffusion metal oxide semiconductor transistor structure
A lateral diffusion metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor structure comprises a barrier layer, a semiconductor layer, a source, a first drain and a guard ring. The barrier layer with a first polarity is disposed in a substrate. The semiconductor layer with a second polarity is disposed on the barrier layer. The source has a first polarity region and a second polarity region both formed in the semiconductor layer. The first drain is disposed in the semiconductor layer and has a drift region with the second polarity. The guard ring with the first polarity extends downward from a surface of the semiconductor layer in a manner of getting in touch with the barrier layer and to surround the source and the drain, and is electrically connected to the source.
US08643102B2 Control device of semiconductor device
A control device of a semiconductor device is provided. The control device of a semiconductor device is capable of reducing both ON resistance and feedback capacitance in a hollow-gate type planar MOSFET to which a second gate electrode is provided or a trench MOSFET to which a second gate electrode is provided. In the control device controlling driving of a hollow-gate type planar MOSFET to which a second gate electrode is provided or a trench MOSFET to which a second gate electrode is provided, a signal of tuning ON or OFF is outputted to a gate electrode in a state of outputting a signal of turning OFF to the second gate electrode.
US08643098B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device with side contact
A semiconductor device includes an active region having a side contact region in a sidewall thereof, wherein the side contact has a bulb shape, an ohmic contact region formed over a surface of the side contact region, and a bitline connected to the active region through the ohmic contact.
US08643094B2 Method of forming a self-aligned contact opening in MOSFET
A method of forming a contact opening in a semiconductor substrate is presented. A plurality of trench gates each having a projecting portion are formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a stop layer is deposited over the semiconductor substrate extending over the projecting portions, wherein each portion of the stop layer along each of the sidewalls of the projecting portions is covered by a spacer. By removing the portions of the stop layer not covered by the spacers by utilizing a relatively higher etching selectivity of the stop layer to the spacers, the openings between adjacent projecting portions with an L-type shape on each sidewall can be formed, and a lithography process can be performed to form self-aligned contact openings thereafter.
US08643087B2 Reduced leakage memory cells
Methods and structures are described for reducing leakage currents in semiconductor memory storage cells. Vertically oriented nanorods may be used in the channel region of an access transistor. The nanorod diameter can be made small enough to cause an increase in the electronic band gap energy in the channel region of the access transistor, which may serve to limit channel leakage currents in its off-state. In various embodiments, the access transistor may be electrically coupled to a double-sided capacitor. Memory devices according to embodiments of the invention, and systems including such devices are also disclosed.
US08643082B2 Thickened sidewall dielectric for memory cell
Methods and devices are disclosed, such as those involving memory cell devices with improved charge retention characteristics. In one or more embodiments, a memory cell is provided having an active area defined by sidewalls of neighboring trenches. A layer of dielectric material is blanket deposited over the memory cell, and etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the active area. Dielectric material is formed over the active area, a charge trapping structure is formed over the dielectric material over the active area, and a control gate is formed over the charge trapping structure. In some embodiments, the charge trapping structure includes nanodots. In some embodiments, the width of the spacers is between about 130% and about 170% of the thickness of the dielectric material separating the charge trapping material and an upper surface of the active area.
US08643076B2 Non-volatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate including a cell region and a peripheral circuit region, a first insulation layer formed over the substrate to cover the peripheral circuit region thereof, and interlayer dielectric patterns and first conductive patterns alternately formed over the substrate of the cell region. Each of the interlayer dielectric patterns and the first conductive patterns includes a horizontal part extending along a surface of the substrate and a vertical part extending along a sidewall of the first insulation layer.
US08643073B2 Solid state imaging device
A plurality of pixels PX include effective pixels and optical black pixels. Signal lines VL are provided corresponding to each column of the pixels PX and supplied with output signals of the pixels PX of the corresponding column. Clip transistors CL are provided corresponding to the respective signal lines VL and limit a potential of the corresponding vertical signal lines VL based on a gate potential. At least in a predetermined operating mode, a potential Vclip_dark is supplied to a gate of one of the clip transistors CL corresponding to at least one pixel column formed of the optical black pixels when reading a noise level from the pixels PX corresponding to the clip transistors CL and when reading a data level from the pixels PX corresponding to the clip transistors CL.
US08643071B2 Integrated snubber in a single poly MOSFET
A MOSFET device includes one or more active device structures and one or more dummy structures formed from semiconductor drift region and body regions. The dummy structures are electrically connected in parallel to the active device structures. Each dummy structure includes an electrically insulated snubber electrode formed proximate the body region and the drift region, an insulator portion formed over the snubber electrode and a top surface of the body region, and one or more electrical connections between the snubber electrode and portions of the body region and a source electrode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08643070B2 Chip package and method for forming the same
An embodiment of the invention provides a chip package which includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface; a drain region located in the semiconductor substrate; a source region located in the semiconductor substrate; a gate located on the semiconductor substrate or at least partially buried in the semiconductor substrate, wherein a gate dielectric layer is between the gate and the semiconductor substrate; a drain conducting structure disposed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the drain region; a source conducting structure disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the source region; and a gate conducting structure disposed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the gate.
US08643067B2 Strapped dual-gate VDMOS device
Semiconductor devices are described that include a dual-gate configuration. In one or more implementations, the semiconductor devices include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate includes a first and a second body region formed proximal to the first surface. Moreover, each body region includes a source region formed therein. The substrate further includes a drain region formed proximal to the second surface and an epitaxial region that is configured to function as a drift region between the drain region and the source regions. A dual-gate is formed over the first surface of the substrate. The dual-gate includes a first gate region and a second gate region that define a gap there between to reduce the gate to drain capacitance. A conductive layer may be formed over the first gate region and the second gate region to lower the effective resistance of the dual-gate.
US08643063B2 Multidirectional two-phase charge-coupled device
A charge transfer device formed in a semiconductor substrate and including an array of electrodes distributed in rows and columns, wherein: each electrode is formed in a cavity with insulated walls formed of a groove which generally extends in the row direction, having a first end closer to an upper row and a second end closer to a lower row; and the electrodes of two adjacent rows are symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the sensor and comprising the direction of a row.
US08643062B2 III-N device structures and methods
A III-N device is described with a III-N layer, an electrode thereon, a passivation layer adjacent the III-N layer and electrode, a thick insulating layer adjacent the passivation layer and electrode, a high thermal conductivity carrier capable of transferring substantial heat away from the III-N device, and a bonding layer between the thick insulating layer and the carrier. The bonding layer attaches the thick insulating layer to the carrier. The thick insulating layer can have a precisely controlled thickness and be thermally conductive.
US08643061B2 Structure of high-K metal gate semiconductor transistor
A semiconductor structure is provided. The structure includes an n-type field-effect-transistor (NFET) being formed directly on top of a strained silicon layer, and a p-type field-effect-transistor (PFET) being formed on top of the same stained silicon layer but via a layer of silicon-germanium (SiGe). The strained silicon layer may be formed on top of a layer of insulating material or a silicon-germanium layer with graded Ge content variation. Furthermore, the NFET and PFET are formed next to each other and are separated by a shallow trench isolation (STI) formed inside the strained silicon layer. Methods of forming the semiconductor structure are also provided.
US08643055B2 Series current limiter device
Semiconductor protection devices, and related methods and systems, especially devices for providing series current limiting. The device typically comprises two regenerative building blocks and/or MOSFETs connected back-to-back in series, where one of the MOSFETs/Regenerative Building Blocks has an extra voltage probe electrode that provides a regenerative signal with self-limited voltage to the other via coupling to its gate electrode.
US08643054B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device includes a semiconductor light-emitting stack; a current injected portion formed on the semiconductor light-emitting stack; an extension portion having a first branch radiating from the current injected portion and a second branch extending from the first branch; an electrical contact structure between the second branch and the semiconductor light-emitting stack and having a first width; and a current blocking structure located right beneath the electrical contact structure and having a second width larger than the first width.
US08643053B2 Light emitting device
Disclosed is a light emitting device including a substrate, a light emitting structure arranged on the substrate, the light emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and an active layer arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer, wherein the light emitting structure has a top surface including a first side and a second side which face each other, and a third side and a fourth side which face each other.
US08643050B2 Light emitting element and image display apparatus using the light emitting element
A light emitting element which can emit light in a uniform polarization state at a high efficiency and a higher luminance level is realized. The light emitting element of the present invention is a light emitting element including an active layer for generating light, the light emitting element including: a polarizer layer including a first region that transmits polarized light in a first direction and reflects other light from among the light generated at the active layer, and a second region that transmits polarized light in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and reflects other light; a wave plate layer including a third region and a fourth region that allow the lights exited from the first region and the second region to enter, and to exit as light in the same polarization state; and a reflection layer that reflects the lights reflected at the first region and the second region.
US08643046B2 Semiconductor light-emitting element, method for producing the same, lamp, lighting device, electronic equipment, mechanical device and electrode
Disclosed is a semiconductor light-emitting element including a substrate; a laminated semiconductor layer in which an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer are laminated on the substrate in this order; one electrode joined with the p-type semiconductor layer; and another electrode joined with the n-type semiconductor layer, wherein one or both of the one and other electrodes has a structure such that an ohmic contact layer, a metal reflection layer, a first anti-diffusion layer and a first adhesion layer are laminated in this order, and the first adhesion layer has an outer peripheral portion which extends so as to be in contact with the laminated semiconductor layer, so as to completely cover the first anti-diffusion layer.
US08643043B2 LED lighting device
An LED lighting device A1 includes a plurality of LED chips 32, an LED unit 2 in which the LED chips 32 are mounted, and a mount 1 holding the LED unit 2. This arrangement allows the appearance or structure of the LED lighting device to be adapted for various applications. For instance, the LED lighting device may be mounted on an indoor ceiling to illuminate the floor surface or an upper part of a wall surface.